Mele Kyari: NNPC will Raise Bar on Transparency Promises to fix nation’s refineries by 2023 To unveil new roadmap in couple of weeks Kasim Sumaina in Abuja Corporation (NNPC) with Kyari, who promised to He spoke in Abuja at a join me to unveil the NNPC short and long term growth a pledge to continuously make the nation’s refineries valedictory ceremony for his Roadmap towards global objectives of the corporation as Mallam Mele Kyari assumed entrench transparency, functional by 2023, said in a predecessor, Dr. Maikanti Baru. excellence and the roadmap we transit to a national energy duty yesterday as the Group accountability and performance few weeks he would unveil Kyari said: “In the next will guide our aspirations to champion.” Managing Director of the excellence across all the oil his agenda for the nation’s couple of weeks, the COOs achieve sustained outstanding Nigerian National Petroleum corporation’s operations. oil sector. (chief operating officers) will performance to meet the Continued on page 8

Osinbajo: Ethno-Religious Suspicion Nigeria’s Greatest Problem... Page 6

Tuesday 9 July, 2019 Vol 24. No 8856. Price: N250

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EIGHTY HEART CHEERS... L-R: Chief Bisi Akande, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, a guest, Governor Dapo Abiodun, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, another guest, Mrs Derinola Osoba, Chief Olusegun Osoba, a guest and Senator Bola Tinubu, during the presentation of Osoba’s book: Battlelines: Adventures into Journalism and Politics, to mark his 80th birthday in Lagos...yesterday KOLA OLASUPO Election Results Transmitted to Server, INEC Ad-hoc Officers Tell Tribunal Atiku, PDP call witnesses, tender more documents Alex Enumah in Abuja Two of the six witnesses called by the petitioners said Some witnesses in the hearing they served as ad-hoc staff of of the petition filed by the INEC and testified that results Peoples Democratic Party were transmitted electronically (PDP) and its presidential to the commission’s server. candidate, Alhaji Atiku One of them, Mr. Peter Abubakar, against the election Obi, an Information, of President Muhammadu Communication and Buhari yesterday told the panel Technology (ICT) expert, hearing the complaint that said emphatically that election results from the presidential results were transmitted from poll were transmitted into polling units to INEC’s server. a server belonging to the Obi told the tribunal that Independent National Electoral he was trained by INEC as a Commission (INEC). Continued on page 6 Mustapha: My Reappointment as L-R: Governors Godwin Obaseki (Edo State), Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta State) and Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto State), during Okowa's SGF a Humbling Experience... Page 8 60th birthday reception in Asaba, Delta

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THISDAY NEWS Mustapha: My Reappointment as SGF a Humbling Experience Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja that he was the least qualified things that the country is going commitment and dedication their office, to the protocol person to be made the SGF. through. from the workers of the OSGF. people, to the security, we are The Secretary to the Government He added that he believed “All that calls to question is a He tasked them to exhibit the expected to exhibit the spirit of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss truly that the hand of God rededication and recommitment spirit of excellence in what they of excellence in what we do,” Mustapha, has described his was upon everything that has to the cause of the Nigerian do that will provide the hope he stated. reappointment as a humbling happened in his life. nationhood. And I will bring for the government. Mustapha, who described experience. He also said he was destined to bear everything that I need to “So, much has been thrown the OSGF as the nerve centre President Muhammadu Buhari to be returned and expressed do, work harder than I worked upon us -every staff of this office, of the administration that is last week reappointed Mustapha gratitude to the president for in the last one-and-half years that from the guys that operate the responsible for the co-ordination almost two years after he was reposing confidence in him. I have served in this office, be lift, if they don’t do their job of policies and implementation made the SGF following the Mustapha said: “What that more committed and be more properly- I receive visitors, some of programmes and projects, removal of Mr. Babachir Lawal. (the re-appointment) does is zealous for the things of Nigeria of them international visitors tasked the workers to redouble He said yesterday in Abuja that I am not about to take and to help Mr. President achieve here, the first impression they their efforts and exert themselves at a reception organised in this confidence lightly. It is his desire of transforming this will go back with to their own in such a way that they will his honour by the staff of the an onerous task that has been country and taking it to the next countries is that nothing works. excel and provide an enabling Office of the Secretary to the placed on my shoulders and level.” So, everybody, to the gateman, environment to enable them to Government of the Federation, going forward, I reflect on the The SGF also asked for to the gardener, to the staff in achieve the desired objectives. Mustapha INEC: 2019 Elections Most Acrimonious in Nigeria’s History Nseobong Okon-Ekong and he said. saying their attempts to change evidence that Section 87 was election and adjust it; jettison some governorship race. Chiemelie Ezeobi Earlier reports by the European the names of candidates who complied with, you cannot of the issues and processes that After reeling out the figures, Union Election Observation duly won in the primaries was plead Section 31. We have played did not work or did not work Olumekun however lamented Independent National Electoral Mission and the joint Nigeria first noticed in the conduct of such activist roles to advance the well. that INEC was being treated as Commission (INEC) Chairman, International Election Observation primaries of two political parties electoral and legal framework in “While it is right and rational a "solve-all” organisation. Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Mission of the National in Anambra State. our country," he added. to alter the constitution and He said: “lt is therefore yesterday passed a damning Democratic Institute (NDI) and the He alleged that as the parties Earlier, INEC National amend the laws to take care of not uncommon to blame verdict on the 2019 general International Republican Institute were bringing the list from Awka Commissioner and Chairman, new, emerging and novel issues the commission for every election, describing it as the most (IRI) had identified flaws in to Abuja, they changed the names Information and Voter Education that may arise or have arisen, inconceivable fault during acrimonious in the history of the the elections and called on the of those who won. Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye, we must be careful not to fall elections. It is surprising to hear country. federal government and INEC Explaining how the political had said constitutional and legal into the trap of believing that people blaming the commission Yakubu, at the 'Review of to address them. parties were able to perpetrate alterations and amendments alone every electoral challenge must for issues such as vote buying, the 2019 General Election- The EU EOM had slammed the such injustice for a long time, could not solve the challenges be solved through constitutional political violence and nomination Commission's Debriefing of leading parties for not preventing Yakubu said the commission in in conducting elections. or electoral act amendment.” of candidates. the Media' in Lagos, identified violence and intimidation of voters the past held the impression that He said: "Reforms in The Resident Electoral “It is imperative for the media hostilities in the conduct of by their supporters. Section 31 of the Electoral Act, the electoral process must Commissioner, Lagos State, Mr. not only to interrogate the 2019 primaries among the political It also called for the which states that once a party include improvements in the Sam Olumekun, in his address, elections but to also ask where parties as the highest singular strengthening of INEC procedures submits the name of a candidate, administration and management said in Lagos where there are we were in 1999 and where are cause of creating an atmosphere for the collation of results to INEC could not reject it under of elections, as well as a change 6,570,290 registered voters, 245 we today. If there have been of distrust, leading to enmity. improve integrity and confidence any condition whatsoever, was in attitude of major stakeholders. registration areas and 13,423 improvements since 1999, I He said the acrimony that in electoral results. sacrosanct. “There is no doubt that the voting points, the commission think these ones also should marred the electoral process The NDI/IRI team, in its report, "That was until we discovered conclusion of the 2019 general had to recruit 60,560 ad-hoc staff be mentioned.” had forced the commission, while said the 2019 election did not that Section 87 provides certain election offers the commission for the conduct of the elections. Briefly tackling the obeying various court rulings, meet the expectations of many conditions be met for Section and the major stakeholders in the In terms of the contest, he phenomenon of fake news, to issue 87 certificates of return. Nigerians just as it criticised the 31 to apply. A political party electoral process an opportunity said there were 73 presidential which often thrives during "We have also been taken to parties and INEC for undermining must conduct direct or indirect for reflection and appraisal of the candidates, 54 senatorial electioneering, he said faults court in 809 cases relating to the confidence in the electoral process primaries. I am happy that issues constitutional, legal, administrative contestants, 276 for House of should be put in proper conduct of party primaries. That Yakubu who also blamed were joined and we went all the and logistic issues. Representatives and 640 for state perspectives. is more than the number of cases the parties for the poor outing way to the Supreme Court. Now, “It offers us an opportunity House of Assembly candidates, arising from the elections itself," the electoral commission had, it is clear that where there is no to appraise the challenges in the while 45 contestants entered the Continued on page 42

ELECTION RESULTS TRANSMITTED TO SERVER, INEC AD-HOC OFFICERS TELL TRIBUNAL admitted transmitting election Adeoye, who claimed to be a whole. candidate, who is educated, mainly election result sheets the final result of the election results to INEC server, saying an Assistant Presiding Officer of He said he was deployed to God-fearing and capable of from Kano and Zamfara States, signed by Professor Mahmood that the INEC server is automatic INEC, told the tribunal that he cover elections in a polling unit providing good governance were tendered and admitted as Yakubu, which the tribunal and is embedded in the smart also transmitted election results within Jigawa State, saying no in the country. exhibits by the tribunal. admitted as exhibit. card reader. to the INEC server. election took place in his unit, He denied parting ways with The respondents equally Also tendered and admitted as "I personally transmitted He could not answer the but a concocted result announced Buhari because he was not indicated their objection to exhibit are documents containing election results to INEC server question posed to him on by INEC. favoured by the administration. their admissibility. total number of voters in the through the code provided by whether as an Assistant Presiding "I am a true Moslem, I believe According to him, he Among the documents INEC register and the number INEC," he said, adding: ‘’There Officer (1) he was authorised to in destiny, I am not bothered withdrew his support from objected to by Olanipekun is of collected Permanent Voters was no instruction from INEC conduct elections and transmit with who wins the poll, whether Buhari because the president the president's form CF001 Card (PVC) for the elections. to us to allow election manually results personally to server. APC or PDP; all I want in my failed to protect life and property submitted to INEC for the The petitioners in addition in case the card reader refuses He, however, said the INEC country is justice. I am not of citizens and did not allow purpose of contesting the tendered six newspapers to function." guidelines did not show him happy with what happened. the rule of law to prevail. presidential election. publications and 10 press Olalekan, however, said the anything to that effect. There was no election in my Under cross-examination The form CF001 contains statements issued by INEC in card reader in his area worked Also, he was unable to give area", he added. by Fagbemi, Galadima told personal and educational respect of the election. perfectly and he transmitted the code number and the server Similarly, the sixth witness, the tribunal that he was not qualification of Buhari as Meanwhile, hearing in the results to it. from which the results were Mr. Mustapha Bello, also a a member of the PDP and supplied. petition continues today with Reacting to a question, the transmitted to. PDP agent in Jigawa State, that his party - Reformed The documents form part of the petitioners calling more witness said the INEC server Away from the server issue, alleged voter intimidation and All Progressives Congress evidence the petitioners seek to witnesses from the 400 lined was connected to the card reader. the fifth petitioners' witness, one harassment amongst others. (RAPC), had a memorandum prove that Buhari did not possess up to prove their case against Under cross-examination by Mohammed Tata, in his own However, under cross- of understanding with Atiku requisite academic qualification the outcome of the presidential Fagbemi, the witness admitted evidence alleged that elections examination, he confirmed and PDP on how to make life for the last presidential election election. not serving as presiding were not conducted in his polling that he voted during the poll. bearable for Nigerians, ensure However, when the lead Present at yesterday's hearing officer for INEC but only was unit. Earlier, the first witness to be security of lives and property counsel to the petitioners, Dr. were the National Chairman shortlisted by the electoral body. Tata, an agent of the PDP in called by the petitioners, Alhaji and allow the rule of law to Levy Uzoukwu (SAN), sought to of the APC, Mr. Adams Mr. Adedokun Adeoye, the the February 23 presidential Buba Galadima, adopted his prevail. tender them before the tribunal, Oshiomhole; the National fourth witness in his testimony election, said he was pained statement on oath in the petition. Apart from the witnesses the respondents indicated their Publicity Secretary of the PDP, also alluded to the fact that and unhappy with what he Galadima said he supported called by the petitioners at objections. Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, and election results were transmitted described as a great injustice Atiku in the 2019 election yesterday's proceedings, more However, the respondents did other party chieftains from to INEC server. to the people and country as because he was a better documents numbering 6,806 not object to the tendering of both sides.

MELE KYARI: NNPC WILL RAISE BAR ON TRANSPARENCY He said it was painful that the upstream sector where we River II early this year. diversification in clean energy. a means of sharing best practices to take the NNPC and the oil and nearly all the country’s petroleum will continue to work towards “We will particularly focus This is aimed at transforming and improving disclosure of gas industry to the next level. products’ requirements were resolutions of issues around on the growth of NPDC and the corporation from oil and gas information on the management He also wished Baru and the being imported despite the stability of the fiscal regimes, to make it among the top three entity to an energy corporation. of the nation’s oil and gas outgoing chief operating officers existence of three refineries passage of the outstanding crude oil producing companies “Under my leadership, NNPC revenues. of NNPC subsidiaries a blissful and the numerous attempts petroleum laws and engage in the country within three will strive to be more credible, He said for NNPC to maintain retirement. by successive governments to partners to sustain the current years. On the gas sector, our competent and accountable positive image, there must be Speaking earlier, Baru thanked encourage the establishment of self-funding model and improve strategic aspiration is to open institution that manages the oil transparency, shared values of his COOs who were retiring along private refineries, adding that this production. the domestic market further resources on behalf of the citizens integrity and professionalism with him, saying together they has to stop. "This we believe will help in to support improved power of Nigeria in accordance with its among its members of staff. had achieved lofty heights for He said: “We will see to the making our nation a net exporter generation and the growth of mandate and the core persuasions “My dear colleagues, we the corporation. successful completion of the of petroleum products within the gas-based industries,” he stated. of President Muhammadu know that corruption cannot He said they had built the ongoing rehabilitation of our life of this administration.” Kyari also expressed the Buhari.” thrive without discretion. We foundation for a transparent refineries within record time Kyari said in line with the readiness of NNPC to partner and He said he had a strong will ensure all avenues for organisation, adding that he had and we will further encourage country’s aspiration to grow support stakeholders along the foundation to build on and discretion are eliminated by no doubt that his successor and the establishment of private its hydrocarbon reserve base power value chain to guarantee willing partners to work with, continuously improving our his team would build on it. refineries either as independents to 40 billion barrels by 2020, he improved power generation and adding that building on his systems and processes. Where Baru expressed the confidence or in some form of public private would sustain the tempo of the transmission and boost industrial experience in EITI, reporting serious infraction occurs, we will that Kyari would take the collaboration before 2023. ongoing exploration campaign growth. and close collaboration with ensure the full weight of the law corporation forward, explaining “We will also provide every in the frontier basins, especially He said: "NNPC will seek to NEITI, NNPC would be is applied,” Kyari said. that working with his successor necessary support to the Dangote the Gongola Basin, President exploit the untapped opportunities committed to joining the EITI’s The new GMD thanked in the last three years gave him Refinery in order to achieve Muhammadu Buhari had flagged in renewable energy value targeted effort on state-owned the president for his trust and the assurance that Buhari made timely start-up. This will be in off the spudding of the Kolmani chain to promote investment enterprise (SOE) transparency as confidence in him and his team an appropriate choice. TUESDAY JULY 9, 2019 ˾
THISDAY 9

Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike NEWS Email [email protected], 08066066268 RUGA Easy Way to Destabilse Nigeria, Clark Insists

Chuks Okocha in Abuja agriculture, which we have First Republic established When they were bringing “Government is not everybody is now coming been known for in the past. ranching. There was ranch their cows, they would wave interested in checkmating out to say that they were The leader of the Pan “Agriculture covers at Obudu, Cross River State, their sticks and everybody the arm-bearing herdsmen not party to the decision. Niger Delta Elders Forum animal husbandry and in Ondo State and in the would give way but today, that came from Niger We will not accept it. (PANDEF), Chief Edwin cropping. But the recent north. we see herdsmen armed Republic, Libya and other Whether they suspend it Clark, has described the introduction of RUGA is “Nobody kicked against with Ak-47 all over the places. They want those for another 10 years or so, if suspended RUGA settlement an abomination to the entire it; but for you to introduce country, moving around, people to settle in our it comes back, Nigeria will programme for herdsmen people of Nigeria. settlement as a way of killing people, raping midst. It is not the Fulani not survive as a country. across the states of the “It is obnoxious, it is resolving the problem women, killing children and that go around with cattle It is good they withdraw, country as obnoxious, unacceptable, we cannot between herdsmen and so forth, destroying farms that they want to settle. So, if they say they have just unacceptable and a way to remain in a country where farmers is unthinkable. Let and today, not one single I disagree with that project. suspended it and they easily destabilise Nigeria various group of people us go back, we have been one has been arrested, no I was very happy that are bringing it back, no as a country. live to make Nigeria since living with Fulani and their single one has been caught the vice president for the Nigerian will agree to it and Clark also said that 1914 and today you are herds for a very long time and his gun removed, and first time disagreed with that may be the beginning it was unthinkable that introducing some sort of even when I was young; that is the country we the presidency. of the disintegration of this anyone should suggest settlement of a particular they lived with us. belong. Clark further said: “And country”. such a policy at this age in group of the country in Nigeria, insisting that RUGA every part of the 36 states settlement for herdsmen simply because you believe should finally be discarded you are solving the problem and not suspended. of herdsmen and farmers. The elder statesmen, That is not the issue. who spoke to journalists “You are not solving it. If yesterday in Abuja, said: you want to maintain cattle “Nigeria belongs to all rearing, it is ranching. That of us. It is true that this is what operates everywhere country has been depending in the world. Even in less- on one resource alone and civilised countries in Africa. that is oil and gas. So, one If you go to Brazil, East appreciates the efforts of Africa, ranching is what the federal government they are doing. Even our to diversify into areas of founding fathers in the Tribunal Affirms Wike’s Re-election, Dismisses AAC, Awara’s Petitions Ernest Chinwo in Port Earlier, the tribunal struck Harcourt out applications by the AAC’s governorship candidate, seeking The Rivers State Governorship that he be separated from all joint Election Tribunal has dismissed the applications previously made with petition filed by the African Action the party. Congress (AAC) governorship The AAC recently adopted Mr. candidate in the 2019 general Henry Bello to represent it at the election, Biokpomabo Awara, tribunal after the former counsel, TAKE HEART... against the Independent National Tawo Tawo (SAN), withdrew from Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left), condoling with former Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu, over the demise of his Electoral Commission (INEC), the matter, with a notice of change father, Pa Manson Odubu, at Odubu’s residence in Benin City, Edo State. Governor Nyesom Wike and of counsel filed at the tribunal. the Peoples Democratic Party This application came in after (PDP). the AAC brought in another Boko Haram Releases Corps Member, Four Others from The tribunal presided over counsel to handle its matter at by Justice KA Orjiako dismissed the tribunal. Captivity the petition on the ground that The three-man panel, after it was deemed abandoned due to going through arguments in Michael Olugbode in facilitated on Sunday released without the Shoyode who was Paragraph 4 of the First Schedule the Awara, AAC’s suit against Maiduguri by Hajiya Aisha Wakil, payment of any ransom. unhappy with the of the Electoral Act. Wike, ruled that all applications popularly known as Mama “It was the sister of treatment melted out on According to the tribunal, filed by the 1st Petitioner (Tawo Members of the Boko Boko Haram. the corper; her name the released females, said: the petition was deemed to be Tawo, former AAC counsel) are Haram have set free According to the media is Halima. She called “They were sexually technically abandoned because the struck out. a female youth corps aide of Mama Boko Haram mama (Hajiya Wakil) and abused; they passed them AAC and its candidate failed to Ojiako noted that the member, Halima Umaru, and the Country Director mama said that she should round to one another for meet key procedural requirements application by the petitioner, held hostage since January of her Non-Governmental send her the picture of her sexual satisfaction”. as to applying for pre-hearing counsel for Awara, Mustafa 2019. Organisation (NGO), abducted sister. She then He added that Mama information. Ibrahim, has been found to Also released are four Complete Care Foundation, sent her picture to Boko Boko Haram has however The three-man panel led by be an abuse of court process. other females - Falmata, Prince Lawal Shoyode, Haram pleading for her appealed to them to release Ojiako declared that the petition The panel also struck out 22 years; Dorcas,14 years; Hajiya Wakil swung release. other female captives, number EPT/RS/GOV/03/2019 the application filed by the Ummi, 15 years; and into action following an “The Boko Haram then especially Leah Sharibu. was incompetent and therefore, petitioner for pre-hearing of Fatima, 21 years; who appeal from the sister of released her with four She also asked them dismissed it. the matter. were all held in captivity the youth corps member, others about six hours to drop their arms and since 2017. Hadiza Umaru. after they received appeal surrender to the Nigerian Police Arraign Senator Abbo Their release was Shoyode said they were from Mama.” Army. for Assaulting Woman Buhari Returns to Abuja after Signing AfCFTA Agreement Alex Enumah in Abuja Nigerians in their numbers in Niamey condemned the act and called on As exclusively reported by the Police to investigate the matter Omololu Ogunmade in delegates and representatives a month later following of factors, which aided the THISDAY on Monday, the Police and ensure Abbo is punished in Abuja from the private sector, civil agitations from the private committee’s recommendation yesterday arraigned Senator Elisha line with the law if found guilty. society and the media, sector that the agreement and the benefits accruable Abbo before a Zuba Magistrate At the end of investigation, President Muhammadu which attended the 12th would make Nigeria a from it. Court in the Federal Capital the Police yesterday arraigned Buhari yesterday returned Extraordinary Summit of dumping ground for goods Acting on the committee’s Territory (FCT) for assaulting a Abbo before Senior Magistrate to Abuja three days after he the African Union on the and services in Africa. advice, Buhari signed the woman at an adult shop in Abuja. Abdullahi Ilellah. left the country for Niamey, Launch of the Operational Consequently, the president agreement on Sunday, saying Abbo, who represents Dressed in a blue attire with the Niger Republic capital, Phase of the AfCFTA. set up a committee to Nigeria’s commitment to Adamawa North senatorial a pair of black shoes and native where he signed the African The phase one of the make wider consultations trade and African integration district in the upper chamber of cap, the accused was brought to Continental Free Trade Area agreement was adopted by on the agreement with a had never been in doubt the legislature, however pleaded the court where he took his plea (AfCFTA) agreement at the African Union (AU) Heads of view to coming up with neither had it ever been not guilty to the one-count charge in the dock. opening session of African States and Governments at its recommendations on whether under any threat. preferred against him by the He was subsequently granted Union (AU) summit. 10th Extraordinary Summit Nigeria should join the He assured the summit police. bail in the sum of N5million and Buhari reportedly signed in Kigali, Rwanda, on March AfCFTA or not. that Nigeria would build The Police had invited the two sureties in like sum. the treaty on Sunday 21, 2018. The committee, while on the signing of the treaty senator for interrogation after a The sureties, according to the morning in the presence But Nigeria pulled out submitting its report on June by promptly commencing video in which the senator was bail condition must have verifiable of other African heads of of the agreement signing 27, asked Buhari to sign the moves to ratify the caught in the act went viral. addresses within the FCT. states and governments, ceremony at the last minute agreement, listing a number agreement. 10 TUESDAY JULY 9, 2019 • THISDAY TUESDAY JULY 9, 2019 • THISDAY 11 12 TUESDAY JULY 9, 2019 • THISDAY TUESDAY JULY 9, 2019 • THISDAY 13 14 THISDAY ˾
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Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA COMMENT Email [email protected] OF RUGA, COZA AND ABBO Tayo Ogunbiyi writes that the Ruga controversy provides lessons for Nigeria

igeria is a nation of unending drama. Insecurity, right, they, nevertheless, opine it is possible he had consensual sex with unemployment, corruption, decayed infrastructure, his accuser. This is not the first time the Abuja-based pastor will be ethnicity, tribalism are some of our recurring challenges. immersed in sex scandals. In 2013, Ese Walter, a member of his church But we have learnt to live with them. Drama gives us a alleged she had a sexual relationship with the pastor in London. Just huge comic relief from our many troubles. a few days ago, another lady accused the pastor of rape. What will be For some time, herders/ farmers’ clashes have the outcome of this new drama series? Ncontinued to pose serious security threats in the country. In the last few What is, however, not in doubt is that we are in a season of drama. months, the crisis, which was initially widespread in the northern part of Senator representing Adamawa North, Mr. Elisha Abbo, is in the centre the country, is curiously heading southward like wild fire. of yet another blockbuster. In a now viral CCTV footage clips, Abbo In a bid to stem the tide, the federal government came up with the was alleged to have assaulted a shop attendant at a sex toy shop in Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) settlements plan for herdsmen. According Abuja last May. Details of the gory event were published in Premium to the government, the scheme is meant to curb open grazing of animals Times and it prompted national indignation. as it seeks to settle animal farmers, not just cattle herders, in an organized Initially, Abbo’s wife denied the allegation, saying that her husband, place with the provision of basic and adequate amenities such as schools, a ‘distinguished’ senator of the Federal Republic is too decent to stoop hospitals, road networks, vet clinics, markets and so on. so low. However, the senator was to later rubbish her wife’s claim However, the Ruga scheme was widely criticized by a cross section of when he opened up to committing the alleged crime. In an emotion Nigerians. Some state governors insisted that there is no land for ranches laden press conference, the senator apologized for his heinous conduct. and cattle in their domains while several socio-cultural groups and He equally apologized to his victim and her family. traditional authorities openly opposed the initiative. As we were taught in Didactic Literature, for the discerning, we The last straw, however, seemed to be a comment made by Professor could learn vital lessons from our current national dramas. The first is Wole Soyinka on the perceived danger of Ruga. A few days after that we cannot wish away our national problems. As much as people the Nobel Laureate made the Ruga remarks, the federal government might disdain the government Ruga plan, the fact remains that we still announced that it had suspended the controversial programme. have a monster to contend with in the herdsmen/farmers’ crisis. While addressing State House correspondents on the suspension, If we choose to sweep it under the carpet as we often do, we are Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, disclosed that the scheme was not merely postponing the evil day. On its part, the federal government consistent with the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NTLP). He must consult widely in order to find a generally acceptable solution to insisted that the NLTP approved by the National Economic Council this issue. We cannot continue to witness unnecessary killings of our (NEC) is a voluntary programme for interested states. compatriots in avoidable circumstances. Meanwhile, in the middle of the Ruga hullabaloo, the social media The COZA affair is a reflection of moral decadence in our society. was equally buzzing with yet another thriller. Wife of popular Nigerian While randy charges against the trendy pastor remain mere allegation, musician, Busola Dakolo, had accused the Senior Pastor of Com- it is a wake-up call to clerics who indulge in despicable sexual acts that monwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, of rape. WE COULD LEARN VITAL LESSONS FROM their sins will, one day, catch up with them. According to Mrs. Dakolo, Pastor Fatoyinbo raped her twice in a week. OUR CURRENT NATIONAL DRAMAS. THE As for Abbo, as bad as his act was, for me, the apology is disarming She alleged that both incidents occurred before she turned 18. FIRST IS THAT WE CANNOT WISH AWAY OUR enough, it demonstrates penitence. With the resources at his disposal, Nigerians quickly shoved the Ruga controversy to the background, he could have gone to court, hire a crafty lawyer that would use and COZA became the trendy news. In the midst of it all, Pastor NATIONAL PROBLEMS. AS MUCH AS PEOPLE legal technicalities to drag the case for long, but he chose to follow a Fatoyinbo vehemently denied the allegation. In a post on his Instagram MIGHT DISDAIN THE GOVERNMENT RUGA more honorable path. He said sorry. In our clime, it is not usual to see page, the pastor declared: “I have never in my life raped anybody even PLAN, THE FACT REMAINS THAT WE STILL ‘powerful’ figures make an apology. as an unbeliever and I am absolutely innocent of this”. HAVE A MONSTER TO CONTEND WITH IN THE Ogunbiyi, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja Well, while many analysts seem to agree that Fatoyinbo might be HERDSMEN/FARMERS’ CRISIS

CHRISTIANITY IN NIGERIA: IRRELEVANCE LOOMS

The church should rise and confront the prevailing corruption and injustice in the system, writes Zikeyi John

hristianity in Nigeria, on the per cent of the world’s Muslim population by Progressives Congress (APC) which, from all problems through adequate mobilization of evidence of filled church pews and 2060 will be Nigerians. Four years ago, accord- indications, appears to be religiously insensi- Christians to demand social justice. A view, mega-crusades, each heaving with ing to the fact tank, Nigeria was home to 5.1 tive. which I agree with, is that the church has millions of worshippers at any per cent of the global Muslim population. It is, I project that by 2023, Islam in Nigeria aligned itself with the oppressors of the masses. given time, appear to be in rude therefore, projected that the Muslim population would have disappeared into the horizon that Politicians, sadly including people of other health. The perception of the faith in Nigeria would have leapt from a little over Christianity would require a pair of binoculars religious persuasions, are routinely permitted Cbeing in robust health finds expression in state- 90million (50 per cent) in 2015 to 283.1million to catch a glimpse of it. That projection is based to use Christian gatherings for speaking and ments such as “the Devil is a liar”, “the gates (60.5 per cent) by 2060. The number of on what I think leaders of the Christian faith photo opportunities in pursuit of their political of Hell shall not prevail” and “the Kingdom Christians in the country, 86.6million as at 2015 in the country place the accent on: Lush life-on agenda, while private sector criminals, such as of Christ is marching on”. That church leaders (48.1 per cent of local population), is expected the sweat of millions of Christians they claim bankers, are given front-row seats in Christian in Nigeria have grown in influence, often to rise to 174.2million (37.2 per cent of local to lead. The country’s Pentecostal landscape, gatherings. These steps of the church make it provoking the type of adulation reserved population) by 2060. As at 2015, Nigeria had which currently stands as the face of Christian- less credible as a moral voice in achieving the for pop stars, is taken as confirmation of the 3.8 per cent of the global Christian population. ity, is teeming with preachers, who seem to desired socio-political and economic liberation belief that, indeed, “the Kingdom of Christ is This figure, according to the US fact tank, will think that ownership of private jets, gleaming in Nigeria. marching on”. climb to 5.7 per cent by 2060. In any language, cathedrals, establishment of educational institu- There is no need sugar-coating Christianity’s But looked at very closely, Christianity in this spells a reduction in the local Christian tions their members cannot afford and, most outlook in Nigeria. Despite the long and loud Nigeria is everything but in rude health. It population from 48.1 per cent to 37.2 per sadly, using their privileged position to obtain claim that “the Kingdom of Christ is marching is actually ailing and may find itself in the cent and a steady march of Islam around the patronage from the same people oppressing on”, the faith is in a bad place. For Christianity intensive care unit sooner than later. The world, including in Nigeria. By that projection, Christians are the equivalent of providing to regain its fast-dissipating influence, its signs of ill-health are bold, but are confused, there would be 108millon more Muslims than leadership. The hollow prosperity theology, leaders need to act and very fast, too. First, sometimes wilfully, with something else. Christians in 2060 with dire consequences for which teaches that financial well-being of there must be robust and consistent prophetic There is a need to make a clarification. This Christians in the political space. adherents is directly linked to seed sowing and denunciation of the oppressive mechanism. The writer has no intention to scare. What this piece Islam has remained the world’s fastest tithing, is bereft of Christianity’s transcendental prophetic stance of the church obligates her to seeks to do is show that the trumpeted robust growing religion and is expected to continue goal, which teaches believers that there is confront and challenge the systems of corrup- health of Christianity in the country is actu- growing in the number of adherents and, more to life than the satisfaction of immediate tion and injustice, which exploit and deprive ally a prelude to the erosion of its status and naturally, in influence. Its encouragement of material needs of hunger and poverty. Christians by criticizing and judging them by influence, a development that will be marked polygamy puts it at an advantage, locally and Rather than this noble goal, it has commodi- Christian standards. by huge reduction in the country’s Christian globally, at having far more adherents in the fied Christ and showing its exponents in the In addition, the church needs to understand population and by extension a sharp dip in near future. Between 2010 and 2015, it was same light as the grasping political elite. The the context in which it operates in Nigeria and Christian influence on socio-political affairs. estimated that 31 per cent of babies born all commodification of Christianity has had the to encourage its members to participate actively There is a temptation to view this as over the world were of Muslim parentage. eminently unfortunate effect of sowing disunity and fully in the political process, being not alarmist. After all, the pews are still filled for The projection is that by 2035, children born to among Christians, who are supposed to speak ashamed to use their faith as bargaining chips services; crusades continue to draw more Muslim parents will comfortably outnumber with one voice against the dangers to their for 2023. worshippers and church coffers brimming those born to Christians worldwide. spiritual and material well-being. The Pente- Very importantly, the conversion of the with seed and tithes. Church leaders have also The projected reduction in local Christian costal explosion has seen those who lost their ordinary man must run along with the become some of the country’s most influential population portends, as earlier stated, the dimi- jobs or excommunicated from other churches aforesaid. The church’s mission in Nigeria celebrities. nution in the influence of Christianity in the announce themselves as “General Overseers” goes beyond commitment to philanthropic Take a step back and you may begin to see country’s socio-political sphere. With religion and begin a scramble for relevance. This activism, protesting against social injustice and that the bullish claim that “the Kingdom of a huge determinant in national politics, Islam category, desperate to thrive, targets members mobilizing people for active participation in Christ is marching on” is made by rote and will be at massive advantage. It is currently of the mainline churches by calumniating their social transformation. While the church seeks certainly not founded on proper analysis or enjoying that and stands to continue doing so doctrines. And when they begin to thrive, socio-political and economic liberation, it must introspection. by the time the next elections come around. In the newly-minted General Overseers fish be relentless in seeking the spiritual liberation First, as a religion, Christianity is endangered view of this, the idea that a Christian president for members in older evangelical ministries, of the people. Conversion will fight depletion and looks more likely to lose its influence as is a possibility by 2023, when Nigerians vote leaving a long trail of bad blood. in Christian ranks as well as ensure that social time goes on. According to a recent report by next, is a little more than implausible. This is Less important, if at all, to the leaders of the change bears lasting fruits. the Pew Research Centre, the US fact tank, 9.5 especially so on the platform of the ruling All faith in Nigeria is the need to address societal John wrote from Abraka, Delta State THISDAY TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2019 15 EDITORIAL Nigerian Navy And The Detained Suspects The Navy should work within the laws of the country

o prohibit the illegal arrest and the authorities initially denied holding any of the detention of the Nigerian people detainees in its custody. But when Falana revealed the constitution has decreed that the names of 40 of the detainees and their places any person detained and not of detention the naval authorities recanted and granted bail by the Nigeria Police admitted that they were detaining an undisclosed Force or any other security agency number of criminal suspects involved in maritime shall be arraigned in a competent offences. A week later, the navy paraded 22 suspects court of law within a maximum and announced that the Economic and Financial period of 48 hours. In many instances, the courts Crimes Commission (EFCC) had taken over the Thave condemned the indiscriminate arrest and de- investigation. tention of citizens and awarded damages to victims in deserving cases. But such judicial indictment n order to ensure that Nigerian citizens are not and administrative interventions have not ended detained without trial by the police and other law the reckless violation of the fundamental rights of enforcement agencies, section 34 of the Admin- citizens to personal liberty and dignity guaranteed istration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 has by the nation’s constitution and other international Imandated all Chief Judges to designate Chief Magistrates human rights instruments which have been ratified and Judges to visit all detention facilities in Nigeria. by the federal government. During such visits the judge or magistrate shall order the For the past two months, renowned legal prac- immediate release of those who are illegally detained, titioner, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, has been having a grant bail or recommend the trial of indicted suspects. running battle with Based on the request of the human rights community, THE CONTEMPTUOUS the authorities of the the Chief Justice of Nigeria has had cause to direct all DISREGARD OF THE COURT Nigerian Navy over chief judges to appoint chief magistrates and judges to FOR THE RELEASE OF the alleged detention conduct a monthly inspection of all detention facilities in SOME OF THE DETAINEES of about 150 Nigeri- the country. But in spite of the directive, it is sad to note IS CONDEMNABLE ans and foreigners. that some chief judges have refused to designate judges According to Falana, THISDAY and magistrates to visit police stations and other deten- EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI some of the suspects have been held incommuni- DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI AJAYI, DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN, tion centres. Hence, the incessant arrest and detention of cado without trial for more than two years. As if that MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO citizens has not ceased. DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE is not enough, the orders of two competent courts CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI However, we are not unaware that the Nigerian for the release of some of these suspects have been EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN navy has alleged that the detained suspects were treated with disdain and ignored by the Nigerian MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE arrested for engaging in various acts of economic navy. A few of the detainees are military personnel and financial crimes. But that is not a legal justifica- while the rest are civilians who ordinarily are not tion for detaining them indefinitely without trial. THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED subject to the provisions of the Armed Forces Act. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA In fact, the investigation of such grave allegations Apart from 10 of the detainees that are said to GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ought to have been carried out speedily to facilitate have been held inside a vessel in Marina, Lagos, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI the prosecution of the suspects by the EFCC. The DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, the rest are detained in military detention facilities ANTHONY OGEDENGBE contemptuous disregard of the court for the release in Lagos, Abuja, Warri, Port Harcourt and Calabar. DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI of some of the detainees is therefore condemnable. SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH All the detainees are alleged to have been denied ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO We call on the authorities of the Nigerian navy to access to their family members, lawyers and doctors. CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI either admit the suspects to administrative bail or Apparently embarrassed by Falana’s disclosure, DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO arraign them in competent courts. TO SEND EMAIL: first [email protected]

TO OUR READERS Letters to the Editor Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to [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. LOKOGOMA FLOOD: THE NEED FOR ACTION

ver the last few weeks the issue of recurring flood- washed away. support this policy based on reactions garnered from media ing at the Lokogoma District of Abuja has gained Following the 2017 flooding incident in which a man and his feedbacks, some others have some reservations which can be media attention. Videos of rapidly flowing water children were swept away in rapidly flowing flood water, the summarised as follows: what happens to off-takers who bought or wreaking havoc on properties in that area are former Minister of the FCT Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello rented properties from developers? Two weeks is too short a notice awash on both the social and mainstream media. directed that some immediate remedial measures be taken to for evacuation. Also featuring prominently in news reports are prevent a future occurrence. While this might have provided As to what happens to residents who purchased or leased Othe incidences of loss of lives due to drowning as the waters swept some respite, it became quite apparent that a permanent solution houses from developers that violated development control laws away those unfortunate enough to be caught in its path. would have to be implemented if the residents of that district are the permanent secretary responded that while their predicament is Incidences of flooding across different parts of Nigeria are not to be freed from the dangers posed by annual flooding. deserving of sympathy, they should have done their due diligence new especially during the rainy season. However, until about a That solution came down to the removal of all illegal and before purchasing or renting those properties. couple of years ago, the FCT has largely been spared the devasta- encroaching structures erected on water courses. It must be Indeed, the FCT, like other states of the federation has some tion of flooding as witnessed in some other parts of the country. mentioned at this point that Rivers Kabusa and Wumba have unscrupulous property developers who have their sights fixed The reason for this is not difficult to deduce. Abuja is a well- their natural courses running through the district. Some estate squarely on the bottom line and will not leave any line uncrossed planned city with an equally well laid-out master plan that has developers however decided to either attempt to divert the natural as long as it will fetch some money as any discerning property taken into consideration all natural occurring phenomena includ- waterway or worse still erect structures on flood plains. This buyer should know. ing and especially flooding. A functional central drainage system resulted in the substantial constriction of these natural water ways Potential property buyers should ask questions and confirm evacuates rain water almost as soon as they fall, thereby making and narrowed the right of water way and the result is severe the status of the properties they wish to purchase or rent from the flooding a non-issue. flooding. relevant bodies of the FCTA before doing so. This will certainly In planning the city, certain areas were identified as flood plains The Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administra- put minds at ease and save properties and even lives. and natural water courses on which development of any kind tion, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa paid an unscheduled visit to the The developers who have violated the laws are liable for are prohibited. Also prohibited are constructions of any kind on Lokogoma district to assess the situation for himself. After a whatever losses their clients may incur from this removal exercise designated water and sewer lines. These prohibitions are for very thorough examination of all the issues and recognising the dangers and victims possess the right to seek redress. obvious reasons. Construction on these areas can lead to property of not taking immediate action he directed that all illegal structures As to whether two weeks is enough notice for those affected? damage and loss of lives. blocking natural waterways and flood plains should be removed The answer to that is rather simple. Nature gives no notice. In That is the case of the Lokogoma district of Abuja where at and gave all those affected by this removal order two weeks to the event of another heavy downpour and lives or properties least five persons are reported to have lost their lives over the last remove the illegal structures. destroyed (God forbid) the two weeks’ notice would have proven couple of years due to flooding. This is in addition to properties This directive as expected elicited mixed reactions from to be too long indeed for those affected. worth millions of naira either rendered useless or completely members of the public. While a good majority of FCT residents Anthony Ogunleye, Chief Press Secretary, FCTA 16 TUESDAY JULY 9, 2019 • THISDAY EMERE NKIKEN ELEME/ELEME REGENT Emeren Nkiken Agbonchia/ Acting Oneh Eh Eta Agbonchia 15, School Road Nmakani Aluejor Agbonchia Eleme, Rivers State +234 (0) 806289167 “The Cradle of Eleme Ethnic Nationality” Your Highness, AN OPEN LETTER TO HIS HIGHNESS PHILIP OBELE, EMERE ALETO ELEME, THE ACTING KING OF ELEME

There have been rumours of a secret approach, championed by you, in the sacred shrine, so as not to attract any calamity to myself or my family. There are selection of a new Oneh-Eh Eleme. They say that you have instigated the sale judges in our country but only the Chief Judge of the federation or state can of nomination forms for candidates wishing to vie for the throne of the Oneh- legitimately swear in a president or governor. Anything outside that is illegal. Eh Eleme. Such approach is totally against the custom and tradition of Eleme I am aware that there may be a few land-priests from the other Eleme clans and is capable of leading Eleme into crises. According to Eleme custom and who would be willing to subvert the custom and crown a candidate that isn’t tradition: the product of due process, but the Land-priest of Agbonchia (as the superior land-priest) is traditionally mandated to crown the legitimate king of Eleme. 1. There should be proper publicity and awareness for selection of the Any person crowned by any other land priest in Eleme is illegitimate in the king among the sons and daughters of Eleme. eyes of our custom and tradition. Any person who wishes to do otherwise is 2. The Chiefs, elders, men, women, youth and stakeholders would then free to do so, but should understand it is their personal business and drama. gather at the town square on the date scheduled for the selection, where, after due interactions and deliberations, the people would nominate the candidates Let me restate it again that anyone who occupies the throne of Oneh-Eh of their choice. Eleme without following due customary process is an usurper and no matter 3. The Chiefs and stakeholders, who constitute the jury, would then take how long such a person remains on the throne, eventually the custom and the names of the candidates for consultation and evaluation while everyone tradition of our land will prevail. else remains seated in the hall with the Land-priest awaiting the outcome of the evaluation process. The chiefs and stakeholders eventually return with one That is why you, a traditional ruler in Eleme, ought to have declined when name – the name of their preferred candidate. you were named the acting King of Eleme. There is no acting king in Eleme 4. The Land-priest of Agbonchia, who is the most superior of the Land- custom and tradition. When a king dies or is dethroned, the land-priest takes priests in Eleme kingdom, is by our custom and tradition the only one who can charge and conducts the process of electing a new king. You know that very crown the king of Eleme in our sacred shrine. well but you chose to take up that mantle contrary to the dictates of Eleme 5. According to Eleme custom and tradition, forms are never sold for custom and tradition. Now you are using that office to set up a selection nomination of candidates for the throne. It is the people themselves who put process that will favour you. Having accepted the position of acting king, good forward the candidates they want. Anyone who buys a form to be a candidate conscience demands that you exempt yourself from the race for a substantive for the throne is simply nominating himself. king. Instead, you are not only vying for the throne, but also using your acting capacity in setting up a committee and drawing up strategies that will give This process is applicable to all levels of paramount rulers in Eleme land. The you undue advantage over others who are contesting with you for the same selection of the Oneh-Eh Eleme, Oneh-Eh Eta and the heads of the different throne. That is not proper. sub-communities follow this same process. Eleme custom is one. If there is any need for amendment of the custom, it is the Eleme people themselves who It is to maintain the neutrality of contestants and impartiality of the selection would so decide after a referendum. People shouldn’t take advantage of their process that our forefathers directed that the land-priest should take up the closeness to the government of the day to manipulate the process and ruin our mantle of leadership upon the death of an incumbent king and oversee the custom and tradition. What happens when another administration comes on selection and enthronement of a successor. How can you be a judge in a board that favours someone else for the throne? We should not allow politics matter that concerns you? That is not right. I urge you therefore to abstain from to destroy our custom and tradition. giving room to or fuelling anything that could cause division and rancour in the kingdom. Put your personal interest aside and work for the common good of Not only is the traditional ruler the custodian of the customs and tradition the land. I urge you to shun desperation by allowing the custom and tradition of any people; his very office is sustained by tradition and custom. For such of the land to prevail in this matter. Above all, I urge you to do the right thing a person to subvert the tradition and culture would be tantamount to a by exempting yourself from the contest and to willingly accept anyone (other man stripping himself naked in the market square. Like the president of a than yourself) who emerges as the rightful Oneh-Eh Eleme. country who swears to protect and defend the constitution of the country, the traditional ruler swears to protect the customs and traditions of the people. If May the spirits of our ancestors guide you to make the right decision and do that same traditional ruler turns around to destroy the customs and tradition the right thing for the betterment of our beloved kingdom! of the people, what would be left for him to protect? For a king to rubbish the custom and tradition of his people would be to take away the people’s custom and traditions. A people without custom and tradition are no people. As a matter of fact, such a people do not exist. Signed:

I urge you not to cause any damage to our kingdom so that it won’t be used against us tomorrow. Eleme Land Priest, If the selection process for the Oneh-Eh Eleme does not follow the laid down EMERE ABBEY PRINCE OLUKA custom and tradition of our people, I will not be able to crown anyone in the TUESDAY JULY 9, 2019 • THISDAY 17

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Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG POLITICS Email [email protected] (08114495324 SMS ONLY) TRENDING NEWS Still Wrapped in a Haze of Controversy Nseobong Okon-Ekong, Chuks Okocha and Ojo Maduekwe write that the smouldering fire ignited by disagreement trailing the controversial idea by the federal government to establish a community for the nomadic Fulani herdsmen across the country through the Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) Settlement initiative may not have been quenched totally with its suspension

Buhari Osinbajo Soyinka Ortom

raditionally, herdsmen were in 1951 by one M. McCaughley, a Scot for the pilot scheme.” completion period of four (4) weeks known to graze the arid and who first explored the mountain ranges Admitting that the federal govern- with effect from the date on the letter.” Sahel regions. As a result of in 1949. He camped on the mountaintop ment had indeed gazetted lands in all the environmental conditions of the Oshie Ridge on the Sankwala states of the federation, however, Shehu Vice President Osinbajo’s Involve- that limit the amount of land Mountains for a month before returning said it wasn’t the government’s plan ment Tavailable for agriculture, they were not with Mr. Hugh Jones, a fellow rancher, to force the initiative on anyone, and Though Vice President Yemi Osinbajo known to have competitors for land. in 1951. Together with Dr Crawfeild, so was limiting take-off to states that has distanced his office from the RUGA This is according to a paper by the they developed the Obudu Cattle Ranch. had requested for it. controversy, a letter signed by his Deputy National Institute of Policy and Strategic The ranch is still in existence. Ranches Chief of Staff, Ade Ipaye, with reference Studies (NIPSS). were also established in different loca- RUGA vs. Fulani Cattle Colonies SH/OVP/DCOS/Misc/1913334, and Also, due to recurrent droughts in the tions in Western Nigeria by the Chief Sources say the President Buhari dated Match 13, 2019, gives an insight arid and Sahel regions, which led to Obafemi Awolowo government in the administration has commenced con- into the level of the Vice President’s unfavourable environmental development First Republic. struction RUGA Settlements in the involvement in the RUGA Settlement in the Sahel and Chad Basin, over time, 36 States of Nigeria. The project has scheme. the herdsmen began to move from place The Idea of RUGA Settlement started in Kotongora, Niger State on a As it turns out, the Rule of Law to place. Reduction in the Lake Chad The federal government claims that 31,000-hectare piece of land, and will Advisory Team in Mr. Osinbajo’s of- Basin as a result of climate change, led it conceived the idea of Rural Grazing be initially replicated in 12 States with fice is implementing the Justice and to southern migration of the herders to Area (RUGA) settlement initiative to six of such colonies to be constructed Conflict Resolution Pillars of the National the Guinea savannah and the rain forest address the incessant clashes between in each state. Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP). in search of pasture. Advertently, their farmers and herders in the country. In Hausa language, there is the word The NLTP (2019 - 2028) was recently movement led to trespass on farmland The news of the idea was first dropped Zagon as well as RUGA, which means unveiled by the federal government and reverse-aggression between them by the Permanent Secretary of the resting place while on a journey, or Cattle as part of its strategy for tackling the (herders) and farmers. Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Herder Settlement for herdsmen, their farmer-herder crises, and was also History has it that Fulani herdsmen Rural Development. However, the families and livestock. Such settlements recently approved by the National migrated from Senegambia to Nigeria Senior Special Assistant to President as presently planned by government Economic Council (NEC). in the 13th to 14th century and became Muhammadu Buhari, Garba Shehu, will contain 8 brick blocks building and Addressed to the traditional ruler, the ingrained into the Hausa culture of would later expatiate on the idea. sanitary facilities, and will cost over N16 Aku Uka of Wukari in Taraba state, the Northern Nigeria by the Uthman dan Describing opposing comments to the million each. With a complete range of letter stated, among other things, that Fodio movement. With the reduction idea as “unhelpful”, he said what RUGA infrastructure required to support and the RUGA project was supported by the of Tsetse fly in the dry season, the sought to achieve was “settle migrant sustain a local government area, each Open Society Initiative for West Africa herdsmen moved their cattle into the pastoral families”, and “stop roaming of settlement will also contain ranches, (OSIWA), and seeks to “substantially Middle-belt, South-west, South-east and cattle herders with the attendant clashes grass or feed farms, abattoirs, dairy, reduce and ultimately eliminate inter- South-south. Incidentally, these areas are with farmers.” Shehu said that it was meat and skin/leather processing plants, community crises in Zamfara, Kaduna, dominated by non-Hausas and differ not just cattle herders that would be housing, religious houses, schools, roads, Benue, Taraba, Plateau, Nasarawa and in language and culture, thus leading settled, but everyone who is into animal power and water supplies. Adamawa States.” The letter was to to trespass on lands owned legally or farming. The government would equip Despite the ongoing controversy introduce Dr. Kyantirimam Ukwen, ancestrally by the affected farmers. each Settlement with schools, hospitals, surrounding the idea, the federal govern- who will be responsible for conducting Dr. Umar Ardo, a onetime aide to road networks, vet clinics, markets and ment is undeterred and has commenced mapping assessment in the state. former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, meat processing factories; this was, curb the building of RUGA Settlements in When the General Secretary of the considered one of the Fulani intelligen- the open grazing of cattle. some states. THISDAY gathered that Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association tsias, concluded that the herdsmen and According to Shehu the government contracts have been awarded in several of Nigeria (MACBAN), Baba Uthman farmers clash happened as a result of hoped that aside from a reduction in states. According to a letter of one of Ngelzarma, had alleged that the Vice the drying up of the River Benue, as conflict between herders and farmers, such contracts dated May 21, 2019, (name President’s office was helping the well as, its tributaries. Specifically, he other benefits would be “a boost in of contractor withheld) and signed by herdsmen to create RUGA settlements faulted the dam at the Cameroonian animal protection complete with a value the Director of Procurement, Federal across the country, Mr. Osinbajo’s Senior side of River Lado as contributing to chain that will increase the quality and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Special Assistant on Media and Public- the drying up. Ardo said that even hygiene of livestock in terms of beef Developments, Hussani Adamu, one ity, Laolu Akande, reacted through a the River Gongola and other rivers and milk production, increased quality contractor was mobilised to site and signed statement that the scheme was supplying water to River Benue are of feeding and access to animal care, asked to deliver within four weeks and not under the supervision of his boss. gradually drying up due to the negative private sector investment in commercial according to specifications. “Contrary to claims reported in sections effects of climate change. His extensive pasture production, job creation, access Part of the contract letter reads, “I am of the media, the establishment of RUGA studies blamed the construction of the to credit facilities, security for pastoral directed to inform you that the Federal Settlements is not being supervised by dam starting from the Cameroonian side, families and curtailment of cattle rustling. Executive Council (FEC) at its meeting the Office of the Vice President. The explaining that it was done against an Reassuring Nigerians that the govern- held on March 8, 2019, approves the RUGA initiative is different from the agreement reached between the German ment had no plans to seize lands to give award of contract for the construction of National Livestock Transformation and British colonial masters that there to the Fulani tribe, colonise territories 8 Nos. Ruga Infrastructure with Sanitary Plan approved by state governors should be no dam on the River Lado. or impose RUGA on any part of the facilities (Red brick Structure) each in under the auspices of the National country, Shehu said the programme was Taraba State as detailed in the attached Economic Council (NEC) chaired by Brief History of Ranching In Nigeria voluntary. According to him, “So far, to your company at the total sum of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. NEC on With a history that dates back to pre- 12 states have applied to the Federal N166,336,380.00 (One hundred and sixty January 17, 2019, approved the plan Independence, the Obudu Cattle Ranch Ministry of Agriculture, making lands six million, three hundred and thirty based on the recommendations of a was the first ranch to be established in available for the take-off of the scheme six thousand, three hundred and eighty Technical Committee of the Council Nigeria. To be exact, it was developed in their states. This number is sufficient naira) only inclusive of VAT with a chaired by Governor Dave Umahi of THISDAY ˾TUESDAY JULY 9, 2019 19 TRENDING NEWS

Wike Shehu Ardo Umahi

Ebonyi State. Other state governors on size of an average Local Government reserve, where all the cattle breeders in given an ultimatum to Igbo residing the committee and Working Group of Area (LGA) in many states in Nigeria. the South will take their cattle to and in the North to vacate the region, this NEC are those from Adamawa, Kaduna, Anti-RUGA proponents argue that the rely on the grass grown in the South. time, said that at the expiration of the Benue, Taraba, Edo, Plateau, Oyo and average size of an LGA in the South Further expatiating, Umahi said, “the ultimatum, if the government failed to Zamfara – mostly the frontline States in East is 331 square km and in the South way it works is that the herdsmen will “completely stop this raging madness the farmer-herder crises,” Akande said. West, 574 sqkm. Lagos has the least bring down their cows to the South-east within 30 days beginning from today, Akande said that the NLTP would average LGA size at 179 square km, Imo and sell to us as meat while they will Wednesday July 3, 2019”, and restart be implemented in the seven pilot has average LGA size of 205square km, load the grass which are grown here the RUGA project, that they would have states of Adamawa, Benue, Kaduna, Akwa Ibom 229square km, Anambra in the same trailer with which they “no option than to consider resorting Plateau, Nasarawa, Taraba and Zamfara 231sqkm and Osun 308 square km, transported their cows to feed their to our decisive line of action.” (as decided by NEC in January), being to mention a few. At 310 square km cattle in those grazing reserve which Reacting to the ultimatum and threat states in the frontlines of the farmer- in size, a RUGA Settlement or Fulani should be made comfortable for them. by the CNG, the Igbo socio-cultural herder crises; followed by six other states Cattle Colony is the size of a Local By this, the herdsmen are expected to group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, through its that have indicated readiness to also Government Area in Nigeria. embrace anti open grazing by returning President-General, Chief Nnia Nwodo, implement the plan. According to him, One RUGA Settlement will comprise of to the ranches in the North can do their said, “This irresponsible, unlawful and they are Katsina, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, six Fulani settlements in each of the 36 business on the trade by barter basis of provocative outburst reminds me of Ondo, and Edo. states in Nigeria. At completion, there selling cows to the South and buying the northern youths’ notice to quit the He also said that the plan had six will be 216 new exclusive Fulani LGAs grass to feed their cows in the North.” North to southerners two years ago.” pillars through which it aims to trans- in Nigeria. Bearing in mind that Nigeria Describing RUGA as an Islamisation form the livestock production system has 774 LGAs, and a population of about Other Ethnic Nationalities React and a Fulanisation policy, Nwodo said in Nigeria along market-oriented value two hundred million people, the average Representatives from the Southern that Ohanaeze would resist it, add- chain while ensuring an atmosphere population of an LGA is roughly two and Middle Belt Leaders Forum also ing, “The threat to evict law-abiding of peace and justice. “The six key hundred and sixty thousand people. weighed in on the matter. The groups Nigerians from their places of abode pillars include: economic investment, Presently, and according to the CIA said after reviewing all the arguments in northern Nigeria is treasonable conflict resolution, justice and peace, Factbook on Nigeria, there are about for and against the RUGA Settlements, and obviously like the gun-trotting humanitarian relief and early recovery, 13 million Fulanis in Nigeria, which is it concluded that the plan was “repug- herdsmen will go unnoticed by our human capital development and cross- 6.3% of the country’s total population. nant, repulsive and provocative”, and federally-controlled law enforcement cutting issues such as gender, youth, According to Elekwachi, the RUGA went ahead to allege that the RUGA agencies.” He called on all Igbo to be research and information and strategic programme on completion is projected Settlement project was a subtle attempt ready to defend themselves. communication,” Akande said. to increase the Fulani population in to “colonize the rest of Nigeria under Adding his voice to the increasing Nigeria by over 69 million. the guise of promoting cattle rearing.” opposition to RUGA, Nobel Laureate, Buhari’s Aide Contradict Osinbajo Elekwachi said that the implication of In a joint statement issued by Yinka Prof. Wole Soyinka said, the scheme There have been insinuations that the above was that at the completion Odumakin (South West), Chigozie will set Nigeria on fire. the RUGA controversy was pitting the of the RUGA Settlement project, the Ogbu (South East), Bassey Henshaw The Rivers State Government has Vice President against the President. If Fulani tribe would have become the (South South) and Isuwa Dogo (Middle expressly said it will not to participate Nigerians still doubted this, the reaction most populous nationality in Nigeria Belt), the Forum said cattle rearing was in the project, conceived to find a lasting by the Senior Special Assistant to the (in today’s population figure) having “private business” that does not require solution to the perennial problem of President on Media and Publicity, Garba outgrown the Hausa (25.1% or about government’s involvement, arguing that farmers-herders clashes. Shehu, contradicting the Vice President’s 50.4 million), the Yoruba (21% or about “a government interested in the unity At a recent launch of United Nations’ claim on RUGA, was a pointer that all 42.2 million) and the Igbo (18% or about of the country should not dabble into Solutions 17 SDG Programme, Soyinka may not be well. 32.2 million). “In one fell swoop the such business which tends to promote berated the federal government for the Speaking on The News at 10 on Chan- Fulani becomes the majority nationality one ethnic group over another.” idea, which he said could cause Nigeria nels Television last week, Shehu, when in Nigeria. The tripod balance in Nigeria While also saying that in the last four to explode. asked about the difference between the becomes quad-legged,” he said. years, herdsmen had turned non-Fulani He said, “Ruga is going to be an RUGA project and NLTP, said, “It is just He, like others, argued why the federal communities into killing fields “with the explosion if not handled with care. a matter of semantics. These herders who government was so much invested in government turning a blind eye to all But why do we not take our policies roam the entire country and overrun settling the Fulani herdsmen when even their crimes”, the Forum challenged the from good models? This is not the way farmlands cause disaffection and the President Buhari, and Governor Nasir government to name any court where people and countries deal with issues government wants to stop this.” el-Rufai of Kaduna State, have on record defaulting criminal herdsmen were being of cattle. stated that the Fulani herdsmen engaged tried for their crimes. “I travel everywhere. It has to be Issues Stoking the RUGA Con- in the massacre and pillage of farming The Forum concluded by saying, “We handled in a way that is logical, com- troversy communities across the country are not therefore reject any attempt to establish prehensible to the environment. When Most opposition to the RUGA Nigerians. Like both men, Nigerians any Fulani colony within our space a cattle walks up to the window of Settlement are borne out of the fear agree that the Fulani herders and in Southern Nigeria and the Middle my house in Abeokuta, a house which of ‘Fulanisation’ as enunciated by terrorists engaged in land grab and Belt. We warn all our governors not is located in a residential area, then former President Olusegun Obasanjo. terrorist activities are non-Nigerians to succumb to any pressure to cede an there’s a problem. Delivering the keynote address at the from West and Central Africa. inch of our land for this awful project “When cattle go to Ijebu Ode and 2019 Synod of the Church of Nigeria, as any governor who does so would eat up their plant seedlings and so on Anglican Communion, held in Oleh, Response by South-east Governors be seen as an enemy of the people he and you expect people to be quiet?” Isoko South Local Government Area The South-east Governors Forum governs. Our people will defend their According to him, the handling of the of Delta State, sometime in May this have weighed in on the controversial land against colonization under the herdsmen issue by President Muham- year, Chief Obasanjo said the Boko RUGA Settlement. Chairman of the conquest policy the Federal Government madu Buhari could have cost him his Haram insurgency was no longer an forum and Governor of Ebonyi State, is mindlessly pushing.” re-election. issue of lack of education and lack David Umahi, in a statement by his He said, “President Buhari deserved of employment for Nigerian youths, spokesman, Emmanuel Uzor, said there Ultimatum, Threats and Impending to have lost the last election for the which it began as, but now about “West was no plan for a RUGA Settlement in Conflict lackadaisical attitude he took to the African Fulanisation, African Islamisation any part of the South-east and South- When it seemed that the federal issue of cattle rearing in the country. and global organised crimes of human south. According to him, the South-east government had quelled the controversy “People have been killed in hundreds trafficking, money laundering, drug is purely agrarian with limited land with the suspension of the RUGA Settle- just because of the failure of leadership trafficking, illegal mining and regime mass for farming and therefore cannot ment project, a Coalition of Northern at a critical time. And the cattle herders change.” accommodate RUGA, what could happen Groups (CNG) at a news conference have been given a sense of impunity. A public issue commentator and is that members of the MACBAN and in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), They kill without any compunction; analyst, Nnamdi Elekwachi, shares the South-east region would engage Abuja, threatened the government they drive away the farmers who have the same view as Obasanjo. He al- in symbiotic trade of cows and grass. with a 30-day ultimatum to resume been contributing to the food solutions leges that there’s a grand scheme by “Umahi was the Chairman of Na- implementing the project, alleging that in the country; the cattle eat their crops the Fulani to dominate other tribes tional Economic Council sub-technical those against it and the entire Southern and then you come up with Ruga. and their ancestral lands through the committee on farmers and herdsmen side of the country in “connivance” “I think that there is going to be trouble RUGA project. According to him, the clash and he toured the states of Benue, with some leaders from their region, in this country if this Ruga thing is size of the first RUGA Settlement, the Taraba, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Zamfara had conspired to weaken the North. not handled imaginatively and with one in Kotongora, Niger State, with a and two other states where he made Speaking through one Abdul-Azeez humanity as priority. Any country where landmass of at least 31,000 hectares of one recommendation to the federal Suleiman, the group which had two cattle take priority over human life is land or 310 square kilometers was the government for revamping of grazing years ago at the Kaduna Declaration, definitely at an elementary stage.” 20 THISDAY ˾

 
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Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi FEATURES Email [email protected], 08152252325 Unearthing the Massive Crude Oil Theft in the Niger Delta Chiemelie Ezeobi who was recently embedded in a four-day highly specialised operation in the heart of the Niger Delta, reports on the massive scale of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft, and the efforts of the Operation Swamp Buggy of the Nigerian Navy in tackling the menace

t was highly secretive operation which explained the number of gun-toting personnel of the Nigerian Navy (NN). If those were well armed, then the operatives of the Special Boat Services (SBS), which are easily likened to the highly specialised IIsraeli navy seals, were doubly armed, which came in handy much later in the operation. The operation wasn’t for sight seeing, rather it was targeted at exposing defence journalists to some of the daily routines of the navy and the terrain its personnel work in. Noting that the armed forces were being funded by tax payers, the Director Naval Information (DINFO), Commodore Suleiman Dahun, said the navy understands the need to make people understand the complexities of what the service does towards security and safety in the maritime domain and on land. So as the entourage approached the areas of operation, it became clearer about the extra security the navy had; it was the den of militants, pipeline vandals and crude oil thieves- a brigand that carries out their illegal activities, crushing anything on its path.

Massive Scale of Illegalities in Delta After a short briefing on the operational activities of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA, the team left the jetty at 10.03am in a convoy of five patrol boats. Soon after, we crossed the Chanomi The swamp buggy crushing the vandal’s equipment found at the site of one of the illegal refineries at Yeye Creek in Delta State River, a journey that took over 30minutes from the NNS Delta jetty, the first port of call was Gbaramatu community, then Igbafa creek, as well as Nana creek, which connects to Sapele, Koko, Gele Gele in Ondo State and even connects to Lagos too, which perhaps explains why there are two houseboats performing as choke points to prevent illegal passage of illegal products siphoned from vandalised pipelines. The next rendezvous was at Escravos then onward to Yeye creeks characterised by crude oil spillage. Here, the oil pollution was denser, thicker and blacker. The massive devastation caused by the spillage was heartbreaking. From Yeye creeks to an illegal refinery site, but this time around, we left the comfort of the covered patrol boats and boarded the open speed boat. Then the heavens opened, but that was not a deterrent. At 2.50pm, we got to the site and it was then the real journey began. The dirty swamp soaked in crude oil, burnt wood and dirt clogged our feet as we watched the swamp buggy destroy one of the illegal refineries. At 3.32pm, we got out of the creeks but on our way out, the tide had risen and the stressful journey became more tortuous. Some fell into the mud water mixed with crude. At a point, the naval men had to go ahead and use sticks to poke the water to guide our footsteps. On The arrested 19 suspects and the stolen crude at Bakana Creeks in Rivers State getting back to the houseboat, another walk to the Focardos pipeline was embarked on before Like Delta, Like Rivers period under review. Similarly, 70 illegal refinery their heat ovens through hoses and metal pipes. all rendezvoused at the jetty of the houseboat Moving on to Rivers State from Delta, the sites with several storage tanks and dugout pits for onward journey back to the base, signaling destination was NNS PATHFINDER. It was laden with over 4,300 litres of suspected stolen Consequences on the Environment the end of a stressful, yet revealing day. even worse in Rivers as a visit to Bakana creeks crude oil as well as over 2,191 litres of illegally Man is often a product of his environment. The second day saw the entourage move to revealed hundreds of metal tanks of about 10,000 refined AGO were destroyed. Additionally, 21 In both states visited, it was miles and miles Benet Island, where a massive illegal refinery litre-capacity each. On ground also were tents fibre boats, three trucks and tankers, 18 outboard of deforestation caused by the illegal disposal running into millions of naira, was situated. At with makeshift beds and kitchen utensils, owned engines, 16 generators, 12 welding machines and of distilled crude remnants. Also synonymous the different creeks where the defence journalists by the vandals. On sighting the navy gunboats 36 pumping machines were recovered within with both states were crude oil on the surface were taken to by the Executive Officer, NNS advancing towards the murky waters, they the same period." of the rivers, polluting the entire environment. DELTA, Captain Festus Adewuyi, a massive and abandoned their refineries and fled into the This was reminiscent of the 2011 Ogoniland well coordinated operation of crude distillation thick mangroves. Modus Operandi report by the United Nations Environmental processes were being carried out. Despite continu- NNS PATHFINDER CO, Commodore Sam There have been allegations that these criminals Programme (UNEP), which revealed an unprec- ous efforts by the navy to destroy such illegal Bora said there were 700 identified illegal refinery work in cohorts with top staffers of indigenous edented concentration of benzene, a carcinogen refineries, more keeps sprouting up especially camps, which the base was also destroying with and multinational companies, political elites, and hydrocarbons occasioned by oil spillage that at Benet Island, where over 50 of 10,000 litre swamp buggies. He said this became a necessary community leaders and traditional rulers thus has polluted air and water in the Niger Delta. metal tanks were found. approach giving the resilience of the operators of making it almost impossible for security agencies In some instances, UNEP's study showed In sites visited, the destruction of the illegal these illegal sites to regroup. To aid the operation, to contain the situation. benzene concentrate in outdoor air were 900 refineries were being done with the use of swamp two new swamp buggies were acquired for the From what was observed, these illegal refineries times higher than Wolrd Health Organisation's buggies, an excavator used in swampy areas base by the naval headquarters. have pipes running through the backyards of (WHO) benchmark, while the contamination to crush metallic substances and render them Prior to the patrol, Bora said: "Operations against some houses close to the jetties from where the of drinking and ground water, it noted, posed unusable, thereby avoiding further pollution of crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime criminals load these products into waiting boats. serious threat to human health and distortion the land and surrounding water. criminalities in the last six months has witnessed There were underground pipes connecting crude of the ecosystem and would take up to three Already, the navy has identified over 900 il- the deployment of an average of 10 gunboats and oil reservoirs suspected to have been siphoned decades to clear. legal refinery camps within NNS DELTA's area 18 private maritime logistics support company from wellheads along Trans-Forcados by the Although the federal government had approved of operation (AOO) with the bulk of it located vessels for sustained patrols monthly. criminals, who run other pipes to various tanks the establishment of modula refineries as a way to around Ughelli and Warri South. "This led to the arrest of eight vessels, 18 barges, and dugout pits, such that diesel, kerosene and checkmate crude oil theft, the syndicates involved 42 wooden boats and 38 suspects within the the waste products go into different channels from in the crime have continued. THISDAY ˾

 
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In one of the reports done by Shell, a multina- tional oil company, they said: "Oil spills due to crude oil theft and sabotage of facilities (referred to as third party interference), as well as illegal refining, cause the most environmental damage from oil and gas operations in the Niger Delta. The number of sabotage-related spills of more than 100kgs. In 2018, the volume increased to 111 compared to 62 in 2017.”

Swamp Buggy Operation To bring this menace to an end, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, with the approval of President Muham- madu Buhari has commenced the swamp buggy operation to consolidate the gains recorded by the chokepoint regime. This operation, according to the Commanding Officer, NNS DELTA, Commodore Ibrahim Dewu involved the deployment of armed personnel to dislodge the militants, station armed personnel on the recovered site and then ferrying swamp buggies to the location to crush, bury all the equipment used by the criminals. He said this strategy was adopted instead of setting fire on the camps to avoid a further pollution of the environment and also because the metals used by the criminals were fire resistant. “The criminals know that fire will not destroy The swamp buggy at work their tanks and so, sometimes, they even set traps for our personnel. They will spray the place with petrol and once they sight our personnel advancing, they will light fire and then jump inside the water to prevent the navy from destroying their camps. "So, what we do now if ensure that men are stationed in advance before the swamp buggy is deployed. In a camp, you can have more than 50 structures of illegal refineries. "This is one of the menace the navy has been fighting in our back waters. In April 2019, we carried out an operation in this very Bennet Island and we destroyed most of the illegal refineries with the swamp buggy. Just three months after the criminals have reconstructed and commenced their nefarious activity again."

Arrests Although some of the suspects jumped into the polluted rivers and swam to the comfort of the thick mangroves, upon sighting the naval formation, many more were caught right in action. In Delta, the navy had destroyed 50 illegal refineries, seized 85 wooden boats used by criminal elements for alleged illegal bunkering of petroleum products siphoned from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipelines and crude oil well heads, as well as six ships- MT AYSU, MY INTERIM, MV MAMA ELIZABETH, MT MIRACLE, MV NIPAL and SD WATERMAN-in Lieutenant Commander Benjamin Braimah (second left), Captain Festus Adewuyi (third left), Commodore Suleiman Dahun (fourth left) just 32 days around Yeye, Burutu and Ibafa creeks. and others during the Swamp Buggy Operation At NNS PATHFINDER, the arrests were real time as the entourage patrolled the creeks and joined up, the total cost of hiring such equipment other equipments recovered from the suspects than six ships apprehended by his command over rivers. Leading a convoy of five boats to the creek is mind bugling and this amount does not take or sites were littering the base. alleged stolen oil in the last six months were yet for on-the-spot assessment of an illegal refinery into cognisance the payment for the drivers, the In NNS PATHFINDER, the commanding of- to be resolved in court, noting that the criminals camp destroyed by the navy last December, cost of feeding of personnel at the respective ficer said one of the challenges facing the base were being emboldened as a result of the slow the DINFO and Base Operation Officer (BOO) houseboats, the cost of diesel and allowances for was the prolonged stay of arrested vessels in its pace of justice. Commander Muritala Rogo patrolled adjoining the local support on ground. From reports gotten jetty which poses threat to mariners along that The navy also believes one of the solutions is channels of the river where some of the boats by THISDAY, to ameliorate the cost of renting the channel, adding that Department of Petroleum partnership. According to the CO NNS DELTA, were recovered. swamp buggies, they need at least a minimum Resources (DPR) had been contacted to evacuate “we understand that it is not a fight for the navy In that singular patrol, the navy arrested 19 of 10. This is also expected to reduce time spent products from some of the vessels arrested since alone. It is something that requires all hands to suspects, recovered five boats and 168 drums at the creeks because sometimes they spend as 2015 to no avail. be on deck. We are currently partnering sister of 250 litres of AGO, just as it destroyed illegal much as 35 days or even more, which is not just security agencies in the state in order to deploy refineries in Bakana Creeks. The operation which time consuming, but also money consuming. Alarming Statistics more hands and have more stations closer to lasted well over six hours saw the crew plunge Another major challenge they experience is the The Nigeria Natural Resource Charter (NNRC) such illegal camps so that the criminals will be through the deluge of wasted crude to access the intimidation by these militants and vandals on those commissioned a report on Crude Oil Theft in prevented from coming in. large scale illegal refinery sited at a secluded area that they rent the buggies from. It was gathered Nigeria and at the end, its findings revealed that "We have brought the issue up at the state of the creek. After destroying the refineries, the that often times, when navy goes aborrowing, the country lost about N3.8 trillion within the last security council meeting and approached the crew began patrol of the channel and successfully the owners often refuse on the premise that the two years – 2016 and 2017 to the phenomenon. local and state governments to hold meeting intercepted several boats conveying the stolen vandals had promised retribution. Painting a graphic image of the quantum of loss with traditional rulers and community leaders crude with the perpetrators, including two women. On whether the navy has the manpower to through crude oil theft, the report pointed out that in order to bring an end to this problem.” Among the suspects were Okechuwkwu address the situation, Dewu said the service was the estimated financial value of what Nigeria lost Recently, he said the Flag Officer Commanding Echelonu, Gift Emmanuel, Justina Patani, Moses collaborating with sister agencies. through crude oil theft in the Niger Delta was (FOC), Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Elijah, Emmanuel Manase, Joshua Ahi, Lucky "If you say the navy should station personnel higher than the current combined allocations of David Adeniran, visited the Olu of Warri and Sam and Iliyasu Ibrahim. Although three of the on all the sites how many will we do? This is the country to health and education in the 2018 other monarchs in Delta and advised them to suspects in two different boats dived into the river just one camp site and you have over 50 illegal federal budget. Breaking it down, it stressed that talk their youths and community members on unclad, abandoning their boats and cargo upon refineries scattered across this over seven acre. the combined allocations for health and education the dangers of illegal refining of crude oil. sighting the naval gunboats, others surrendered Then, across the state, we have identified 900 amounted to N189.4 billion, which translates to He added, "there is no way such things can without a fuss. of such. So, how many men are we going to a mere 8.4 per cent of the estimated value of go on in communities and the members of that In an interview with the suspects, 14 of them deploy? Another thing is that once you discover losses from oil theft two years ago. community will not know. We need people to including the two women claimed that they were and destroy it, they move to new locations. This understand the danger these activities pose to working for one ‘madam’ based in Port Harcourt, is what is happening these days. We will continue Way Forward their health and those of their loved ones. They whose identity they only know as Madam Joy. to do our best,” he stated. At the end of the respective operations, it was the should also understand that these criminals rob According to Dewu, several persons have general consensus that the solution to the myriad the country of resources that would have been Challenges been arrested for various maritime offences and menance of crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism used for development for the good of everyone.” As expected in such operations, the challenges handed over to prosecutorial agencies, while the and illegal refinery requires the collaboration of Corroborating, NNS PATHFINDER CO said the were inherent- from funds to rent the necessary vessels were being kept in trust for the agencies all stakeholders. menace cannot be completely eradicated without work tools to safety of personnel, intimidation in line with the Harmonised Standard Operation Also, there was continuous call for speedy the traditional rulers, community leaders, state and of local support by the communities. Procedure (HSOP). dispensation of justice and forfeiture of vessels local governments and traditional rulers. THIDAY gathered that it cost the navy N250,000 Lamenting the delays in prosecuting the cases, used in committing such acts. To this Dewu ap- Will the navy and other agencies be able to curb to rent the swamp buggies each day. It also cost the commander noted that it was costing the NN pealed to the judiciary and prosecuting agencies this ugly practice of crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism them N100,000 to rent the barge and N200,000 so much money to maintain the vessels to avoid to fast-track the trials to save the service the cost and militancy in the Niger Delta? Although only to rent the tugboat. In the instance of the recent their going aground. He said some of the vessels of maintaining, securing the vessels and other time will tell, the end of these vices can only be Operation Swamp Buggy, which they had spent as have been in the jetty for up to seven years, while exhibits the prosecution agencies do not have near if all the aforementioned challenges are tackled much as 35 days before the journalist’s entourage the recovered 185 outboard engines, hoses and facilities to keep. He added that the cases of more and the solutions listed, embraced. 22 TUESDAY JULY 9, 2019 • THISDAY RE: SUSPENSION OF MINORITY PRINCIPAL OFFICERS AND OTHER MEMBERS: LETTERS OF APPEAL A WEEKLY PULL-OUT 09.07.2019 NBA-SBL PROFFERS ECONOMIC ROADMAP FOR THE NATION

L-R: Chairman, NBA-SBL 2019 Conference Planning Committee, Dr Adeoye Adefulu; NBA President, Paul Usoro, SAN, Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chairman, NBA-SBL, Seni Adio, SAN; Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Femi Gbajabiamila and Supreme Court Justice, Hon. Olabode Rhodes-Vivour at the opening ceremony of the 2019 Nigerian Bar Asso- ciation Section on Business Law Conference 2/DASHBOARD 09.07.2019

Constitutional and Statutory Status of Magisterial Appointment PAGE 4

Gov. AbdulRazaq Hails Kwara's 34-year-old SAN, Oyetola Atoyebi PAGE 5

Drug War: Sanusi Hails Legal Aid Scheme, Commends FG for Ban on Codeine PAGE 5

Aelex Lecture: Looking for Strong Men and Strong QUOTABLES Institutions ‘Every State, will not have a ranch. Only States that desire ranches will have them, because under the Land PAGE 6 Use Act, President Buhari does not have control over any land outside the Federal Capital Territory. In all the States, the entire land is vested in the Governors. So, if the Governor does not give land to the Federal ‘Patience, Government, you cannot establish a ranch.’ – Femi Falana, SAN, Human Rights Activist Sacrifice and Hard Work make a Good Lawyer’ ‘Justice must not be dispensed by somebody who is unjust, because sitting on the fountain of justice to PAGE 6 dispense it, if somebody is polluted, the entire system will be polluted.’ – Monday Ubani, Legal Practitioner, former 2nd Vice President, Nigerian Bar Association

COLUMNIST

DR. MIKE OZEKHOME, SAN, OFR, FCIARB, PH.D, LL.D Constitutional Democracy, means a system of government, in which political and governmental power, is defined, limited and shared by a grundnorm called the Constitution, which provides inbuilt checks and balances. This column seeks to fiercely discuss constitutional, legal and po- litical issues, with a view to strengthening, deepening and widen- ing the plenitude and amplitude of democracy and good governance, without fear or favour. The writer of this column, Dr. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, is a Constitutional Lawyer, Human Rights Activist, Pro-Democracy Campaigner, Notary Public and Motiva- tional Speaker. He co-founded the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Nigeria's pi- oneer human rights league, on October 15,1987, the Universal Defenders of Democ- racy (UDD), in 1992, and with Chief Gani Fawehinmi and others in 1998, the Joint Action Committee of Nigeria (JACON), to push out the military. In his early days, he lectured at the University of Ife. Dr. Ozekhome is an author of many books. He is also a Special Counsel at the International Criminal Court (ICC), at The Hague.

ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE EDITOR JUDE IGBANOI DEPUTY EDITOR AKINWALE AKINTUNDE REPORTER TUNDE BUSARI GROUP HEAD OCHI OGBUAKU II ART DIRECTOR /3 The Trials of Senathug Abbo What Message will Nigeria send to insecurity that has pervaded Nigeria, the instead of arresting Senator Abbo, who the World? AIG is still so jobless and idle, that he actually committed assault in their can imagine the fear that I would has time to attend to nonsensical calls presence. Using the Police to violate have felt, if I was assaulted in a from uncouth, violent people, who the rights of Biba especially, and Kemi, shop by some man, and dragged have inflated opinions of themselves?” is yet another infraction committed by off by the Police (who are meant to Obviously, if even high ranking Police Senator Abbo, which he is answerable for. protect me from the likes of such a Officers spend what should be useful ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE violent man), to God knows where! man-hours, pandering to the whims Assault If Senator Elisha Abbo, representing and caprices of ‘spoilt brats’, because Senator Abbo clearly assaulted Biba, Adamawa North Senatorial District, they are so-called ‘big men’, deploying and Kemi, who he pushed and threatened THE Iis allowed to get away with his police men who should be out fighting with a slap, a threat which she had every deplorable criminal act against Biba crime, to clean up their messes, how reason to believe would be carried out, and Kemi, which took place at Pleasure will we ever muster the strength and since he had slapped Biba several times ADVOCATE Chest Store, Banex Plaza, Abuja, it will wherewithal, to overcome insecurity in in her presence. In the video, we clearly not only send the worst message to the this country? see that, Senator Abbo committed several world about our law enforcement agen- For the avoidance of doubt, Section 4 offences, ranging from voluntarily causing [email protected] cies, but also about Nigeria’s stand on of the Police Act provides for the general hurt, the use of criminal force against [email protected] the equality of all in the eyes of the law, duties of the Police, which include, another, threat of assault, assault, and protection of fundamental human rights, prevention and detection of crime, the criminal force against a woman, contrary gender-based violence, and the rule of apprehension of offenders, preservation to the provisions Chapter XVIII of the law. Senator Abbo’s lack lustre apology of law and order, protection of life and Penal Code Act 2006 (PCA) (Offences “....SENATOR ABBO IS (extremely insincere if you ask me - he property, and enforcement of all laws and Affecting the Human Body) (applicable AN ‘UNDISTINGUISHED’ said something like “no matter what she regulations. So far, I am unaware of any in Abuja), specifically, Sections 240, 242, did to me”, which means he still felt some law which provides that an offence has 262, 263, 264, 265, 268 and 270 of the SENATOR....THERE IS sense of justification for his actions), goes been committed, if one makes utterances PCA, punishable by various terms of to absolutely no issue. I am sure that, that do not go down well with a Senator imprisonment ranging from one to NOTHING DISTINGUISHED most prisoners are sorry for the crimes or anyone else, for that matter! So what, three years, with options of fine, or OR NOTEWORTHY, ABOUT which they have committed (probably if Kemi said Senator Abbo was drunk? both (Sections 246, 265(a), 268 and 270 only because they have been caught, like If they have been acquainted for five of the PCA). THE BRUTAL, FRENZIED Senator Abbo). Should the Controller of years as the Senator himself claimed, Senator Abbo was arrested, and has Prisons then fling open the prison gates, should she not be able to tell if her been granted bail. The war against cor- AND INTEMPERATE and free them all, especially if they are friend is drunk? ruption, must go hand in hand with genuinely remorseful? I think not. It is trite that, no law enforcement the war against impunity and abuse ACTIONS OF SENATOR Isn’t it funny that, when one wants to agency can act outside the purview of of power. ABBO, THAT COMMANDS open a bank account, two people have to the provisions of its establishing statute. Unfortunately, Senator Abbo is not a attest that the applicant is fit and proper In Skye Bank Plc v Emerson Njoku government official, who can simply be ANYTHING OTHER to maintain a relationship with the bank. 2016 LPELR-40447 (CA), the Court of relieved of his job. He was elected, into Similarly, when I applied to become a appeal held inter alia that, Complainants office. However, by virtue of Section 69 THAN CONDEMNATION, Notary Public, 10 High Court Judges, had who wrongly use agencies such as the of the Constitution, he can be recalled AND CRIMINAL to endorse me. Yet, a Senator, a member Police or the EFCC to violate the rights by his constituents (which I do not think of the highest lawmaking body in Nigeria, of people, must be made to pay for their is likely to happen). Section 66(1)(c) of PROSECUTION....” only has to meet the very low criteria set actions. Not only should the AIG who the Constitution can also be invoked out in Section 65 of the 1999 Constitution deployed police men to go on a foolish against him, and render him disqualified of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as mission for Senator Abbo, be immediately from holding the office of a Senator, if amended)(the Constitution) to be eligible issued with a query, the police personnel he is found guilty and convicted for the to be elected, and it is does not seem to who were actually on the scene should assault of Biba and Kemi, and sentenced matter, if such a person is nothing more be punished for rough handling Biba, to any term of imprisonment. than a motorpark tout! Mrs Abbo As for the ‘loyal’ Mrs Abbo, it would The Altercation have been better for her to remain silent, Last week, when I viewed the shocking unless she was tendering an apology to video of the gender-based violence meted Biba and Kemi, on behalf of her out-of- out by Senator Abbo against a lady who control husband, instead of publicising has now been identified as Biba, while her imbecilic declaration of her husband’s he was simultaneously warning another innocence, injudiciously absolving his lady, Kemi (said to be the owner of reprehensible behaviour. For one, I would Pleasure Chest Store), not to interfere, I be ashamed, if my husband was sighted was disgusted. It was indeed, a show of at a sex shop in the company of other shame, as the Senator threw all sense of ladies, beating up women. decorum and caution to the wind, and gave Biba at least three resounding ‘hot’ slaps, Stop this Bad Trend complaining that he had been insulted by This indefensible violence against women, Kemi, his friend of five years, who had must stop. The other day, someone sent me now referred to him as “drunk, stupid, a video of four people who were arrested and mad”. by a crowd, for some ‘one chance’ criminal I was appalled that a man could treat activities in Abuja - three women and a a woman in such a terrible, degrading man. The three women were stripped manner. I must say that, Senator Abbo is completely naked on the road, while an ‘Undistinguished’ Senator. As we are the man was only stripped of his shirt. all aware, the definition of ‘Distinguished’, This habit of debasing and humiliating the prefix of Senator, is “very successful, women when they are accused of com- authoritative, and commanding great mitting crimes, is disgraceful, deplorable, respect....dignified”. There is nothing intolerable and offensive, and it should distinguished or noteworthy, about the be criminalised. Surely, there are better brutal, frenzied and intemperate actions ways to be deprecatory. If a woman has of Senator Abbo, that commands anything committed an offence, take her to the other than condemnation, and criminal police station. Nigeria is fast develop- prosecution, which will send a message ing a culture, where it is becoming the to his fellow female- beaters, that such norm for women to be shamed publicly, behaviour is not just reprehensible and when they are facing criminal or even unacceptable, but will be punished under allegations of adulterous relationships the law. with other women’s husbands. It is indeed, a troubling trend. Would Senator Functions of the Police Abbo have even thought of behaving so During the nasty incident, Senator Abbo poorly in public, if such violence against said in hausa language, among other things women, was unheard of in our society? that, he had spoken to the AIG (Assistant Could he have behaved so abominably Inspector General of Police). The first in Australia or the UK, where he is said thought that crossed my mind when I to have previously resided, or even in heard that statement, was, “with all the Senator Elisha Abbo Accra? Certainly not. 4/LAW REPORT 09.07.2019 Constitutional and Statutory Status of Magisterial Appointment

Facts 1999 (as amended), by virtue of which the 1st Appel- he Respondent was employed by the lant is imbued with power to appoint, dismiss and 1st Appellant, as a Magistrate Grade II exercise disciplinary control over its staff, including on Grade Level 10. Soon thereafter, the Magistrates. Appellants received a Petition from a Pursuant to the powers conferred on the 1st Appellant certain Abdul-Rasaq Tunde Raji, alleging by Paragraph 6(c) of Part II of the Third Schedule to the that the Respondent misrepresented her 1999 Constitution, it made the Kwara State Judicial Service marital status. The Respondent and her Regulations, 1980 which regulates the appointments, father vehemently refuted the allegation in promotion, dismissal and disciplinary measures against Tthe Petition, but the Appellants adjudged employees of the 1st Appellant. The Respondent herein, the response as unsatisfactory; hence, her was appointed as a Magistrate Grade II on Grade appointment was “withdrawn”. The Respondent pleaded Level 10 by the 1st Appellant, and the position of a with the Appellants for a review of the withdrawal of her Magistrate is a creation of the 197(1)(c) of the 1999 appointment, without success-. She therefore, filed an action Constitution, Part II of the Third Schedule thereto, at the High Court of Kwara State, challenging the termina- and Sections 4 and 8 of the Criminal Procedure Code tion and/or withdrawal of her appointment. Law of Kwara State, 1994. The office of a Magistrate At the hearing, the Secretary of the 1st Appellant testified is of a permanent nature, with prescribed functions, that, the marital status of the Respondent is not a factor for duties and powers as defined under the Criminal consideration for an appointment as a Magistrate, and that Procedure Code Law of Kwara State. Given the above, the termination of her appointment was not based on the the Respondent is a Senior Staff of the Appellants and misrepresentation of her marital status, but on the ground by the creation of the Constitution, a Magistrate is a that she lied on oath by stating in her form that she is Public Officer as defined in Section 318 thereof. “single”, which form was attested to by a Commissioner Going by the exposition above, the relationship between for Oaths. The anonymous Petitioner was not called to tes- the Appellants and the Respondent is neither one of master tify in proof of his assertion; hence, the court held that, the and servant under Common Law, nor employment where allegation of perjury, which is a criminal offence, required M.U Peter-Odili, JSC office is held at pleasure. The relationship comes within proof beyond reasonable doubt. The trial court found in an employment protected by Statute – E.P. IDERIMA favour of the Respondent, and directed that she should be v RIVERS STATE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION paid for the period of two months she legitimately worked (2005) 7 SC (Pt. II) 135 at 151. Where the procedure before her appointment was wrongfully terminated, in In the Supreme Court of Nigeria for employment and discipline is clearly spelt out addition to one month salary in lieu of notice, being the Holden at Abuja in the relevant Statute, the employer must comply expected length of notice she would have been entitled to On Friday, the 1st day of February, 2019 strictly with its provisions in dismissing its employee, for termination of her employment. or terminating his employment – COMPTROLLER- The appeal by the Appellants to the Court of Appeal was Before Their Lordships GENERAL OF CUSTOMS & ORS. v GUSAU (2017) also found to be unmeritorious; the learned Justices of the Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili 4 SC (Pt. II) 128. The appointment of the Respondent as appellate court held that, the removal of the Respondent Kumai Bayang Akaa’hs a Magistrate was terminated on the ground that she lied on on an unsubstantiated ground was not only wrongful, but oath in her application Form (Exhibit 9) ,wherein she stated unlawful. Contrary to the finding of the trial court that the Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun in relation to her marital status that she was “SINGLE”. employment relationship was that of master and servant, Amiru Sanusi The only basis for the finding by the Appellants, that the the appellate court posited that, the employment enjoyed Ejembi Eko declaration in the form was false, is the unfounded rumour statutory flavour and the termination which was not in Justices, Supreme Court peddled by an anonymous Petitioner, who stated that she accordance with laid down procedure, was unlawful. SC.63/2010 misrepresented her marital status. At the trial, the Secretary to the 1st Appellant admitted that the marital status of Issue for Determination Between the Respondent for the position of a Magistrate, was not a The Appellants formulated three issues for determination material fact for consideration for such appointment. This of the appeal, while the Respondent identified two issues. 1. Kwara State Judicial Service Commission notwithstanding, the Appellants relied on such irrelevancy The Supreme Court, however, adopted and utilised the to terminate the appointment of the Respondent, as a third issue formulated by the Appellant, as the sole issue 2. Hon. Justice Timothy Oyeyepo Magistrate. for determination of the appeal thus: (Chairman, Kwara State Judicial Service Commission Going by the numerous decisions of the Supreme Court, Whether the learned Justices of the Court of Appeal were right 3. Mrs. Olalere, Secretary Judicial Service Commission where an employee’s service is protected by Statute to have reinstated the Respondent, in the circumstances of this 4. Attorney-General of Kwara State...... Appellants and such appointment is wrongfully terminated, case. such employee should be entitled to re-instatement And – C.B.N. v IGWILLO (2007) 4-5 SC 154 at 172. The Arguments Miss Yetunde Zainab Tolani ...... Respondent Respondent’s marital status, having not been shown to be Counsel for the Appellants argued strenuously that, (Lead Judgement delivered by Hon. Mary Ukaego a precondition for her employment under Regulation 72 of the evidence before the trial court showed that the Peter-Odili, JSC) the Kwara State Judicial Service Commission Regulation appointment of the Respondent was temporary, and the of 1980, the withdrawal or termination of her employment peculiar circumstances of the nature of the employment, on the ground that she lied about same, was ultra vires, does not clothe it with statutory flavour. He argued null and void. More so, the complaint against the Respondent further that, the fact that an organisation or authority cannot be that of a master and servant. (lying on oath) is a commission of a criminal offence which must which is an employer like the 1st Appellant, is a statutory be dealt with according to law, properly ventilated in public, body, does not necessarily translate to the fact that, the Court’s Judgement and Rationale wherein the Respondent would be assured of a fair trial and the conditions of service of its employees must be of a special Deciding the issue in contention, the Supreme Court necessity of prior judicial determination, before the termination character, ruling out the incidence of mere master/servant elucidated on the vital elements which must co-exist, of her employment. She is therefore, entitled to an Order of relationship, as the court must confine itself to the terms for a contract to enjoy statutory flavour thus: (i) the re-instatement, as found by the Court of Appeal. and contract of service between the parties. ADEGBITE employer must be a body set up by the Constitution On the invitation of the Supreme Court by the Appel- v COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, UNILAG (1973) 5 SC or Statute; and (ii) the Statute or Regulations made lants, to interfere with the decision of the Court of Appeal, 149. Counsel posited further that, the burden to establish pursuant to the Constitution or principal Statute/Law, on the ground that the lower court made reference to the nature of employment and the terms of notice required must make provisions regulating the employment of International Treaties in reaching its decision, the Supreme for termination, are placed on the Respondent, and this, she the staff of the category of the employee concerned, Court reasoned that the references in the lead judgement failed to do. Counsel maintained the stance that, the lower especially in the matter of discipline. From the facts to International Treaties and Instruments, are mistakes court was wrong to have held that the appointment of the before the court, the two factors above are present in or errors, and for such to vitiate the decision of court, it Respondent was withdrawn because of her marital status, the employment. The 1st Appellant is a creation of must be shown to have materially or substantially affected and that the appointment enjoys statutory flavour, so as to Section 197(1)(c) and Part II of the Third Schedule to the decision - OWHONDA v EKPECHI (2003) 9-10 order reinstatement of the Respondent. the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, SC 1 at 21. The law is that, an appellate court will For the Respondent, it was argued that, the appointment not reverse the decision of a lower court, solely on was neither temporary nor probationary, as same was the ground that the conclusion and decision were clothed with statutory flavour. Counsel submitted that, the reached from a wrong reason. This is so, because, once Court of Appeal was right in holding that the termination the decision is correct, the wrong channel or route of the Respondent’s appointment with the 1st Appellant through which that decision was arrived at, would was not only wrongful, but unlawful, and in contravention not scuttle the said conclusion – THE STATE v JOHN of the Judicial Service Commission Regulations, 1980. “....THE POSITION OF A OGBUBUNJO (supra). Counsel submitted further that, the Court of Appeal having Appeal Dismissed. found that the termination of the Respondent’s appoint- MAGISTRATE IS A CREATION OF ment which was based on her marital status was unlawful, THE 197(1)(C) OF THE 1999 Representation the Supreme Court will not reverse the decision on the J.A. Mumini (DPP, Kwara State) with A.B. Daramola Esq. for ground that the reasons are not correct, once the conclu- CONSTITUTION, PART II OF THE the Appellants. sion/decision reached is correct – STATE v OGBUBUNJO (2001) 1 SCNJ 86 at 106. Counsel relied on the decision THIRD SCHEDULE THERETO, Salman Jawando with Abdulwasiu Lawal and Andrew Apeh of IMOALOME v WEST AFRICAN EXAMINATIONS for the Respondent. COUNCIL (1999) 9 NWLR (Pt. 265) 303 to submit AND SECTIONS 4 AND 8 OF THE that, given the correct meaning of employment with CRIMINAL PROCEDURE CODE LAW Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited statutory flavour, the 1st Appellant is a creation of the (Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports Constitution; therefore, the employment of the Respondent, OF KWARA STATE, 1994” (NMLR)) 09.07.2019 NEWS/5

COURTESY CALL

VALEDICTORY COURT SESSION L-R: Head, Legal Department, Lagos State Law Reform Commission, Mrs. Tomi Bodude, Special Adviser to the Anambra State Governor on Legal Matters and Secretary of the Anambra Law Revision Committee, Mrs. Patricia Mrs. Doyin Rhodes-Vivour and her husband, Hon Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour of the Supreme Court Igwebuike, Lagos State Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Funlola Odunlami, at the special Valedictory Court Session organsied by the Lagos State Judiciary in honour of the im- some members of the Anambra Law Revision Committee, Hon. Justice Fidelis Aniukwu and Ms Uju Ikenga Metuh, mediate past Lagos State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Opeyemi Oke held at the Foyer, Lagos High Court, Executive Secretary Lagos State Law Reform Commission, Mrs. Ade Adeyemo during a courtesy call by the Anam- Igbosere, last week bra State Law Revision Committee on their working visit to Lagos State Law Reform Commission, last week

Gov. AbdulRazaq Hails Lagos Courts to Begin Long Kwara's 34-year-old Vacation on July 22 SAN, Oyetola Atoyebi Hammed Shittu in Ilorin admitted into the inner Akinwale Akintunde divisions. in Ikeja and Lagos, will sit is urgent or a Judge, at the bar, established in 1975. For Ikeja division are throughout the vacation. request of all the parties Kwara State Governor, "The Governor con- Lagos State High Court will Justice Ganiyu Safari, July “Notwithstanding the concerned, agree to hear it. Alhaji AbdulRahaman Ab- gratulated the learned be on long vacation, from July 22 to August 2; Justice long vacation, the Crimi- “Any application for an dulRazaq, on Sunday, held a silk, for making Kwara 22 to September 10. Beatrice Adesuwa Oke- nal Division of the High urgent hearing during the telephone conversation with proud. He prayed that A statement by the Chief Lawal, August 5 to 16; Court of Lagos State, may vacation, may be made by 34-year-old Tola Atoyebi, God will continue to Registrar, Mrs. D.T. Olatokun, Justice Hakeem Oshodi, sit throughout the period summons in chambers, who was recently elevated to guide him”, according stated that, the Acting Chief August 19 to 30; and of the vacation. Where before the vacation Judge the rank of Senior Advocate to a statement by the Judge, Hon. Justice Kazeem Justice Abiola Soladoye, a Judge of the criminal or the Judge before whom of Nigeria (SAN). Chief Press Secretary, Alogba, approved the vaca- September 2 to 10. division is on vacation, the substantive case is Atoyebi, who hails from Rafiu Ajakaye. tion. In Lagos division, Justice a vacation Judge may be pending”, it stated. Igosun Community of "The Governor believes Justice Alogba approved the Lateefa Okunnu will sit assigned, to deal with all The statement said the Kwara State, was among the that, Mr Atoyebi is a good break pursuant to Order 49 from July 22 to August urgent pending criminal long vacation will end on Lawyers recently inducted example of what young Rule 4 (d) of the High Court 2; Justice Olukayode cases in the court. September 10, while the into the exclusive club of people should aspire to. of Lagos State Civil Procedure Ogunjobi, August 5 to “Notwithstanding the new legal year 2019/2020 eminent legal practitioners. He urges the youth to Rules, 2019. 16; Justice Mariam Emeya, long vacation, any cause will begin, the next day. The 34-year-old is the emulate him, and be the The Chief Judge also ap- August 19 to 30; and Justice or matter may be heard by “Notice is further given youngest Nigerian to be best at whatever they do. proved the appointment of Kudirat Jose, September 2 a Judge during the period that, the new legal year eight Judges to hear urgent to 10, 2019. of the vacation (except on services will hold on causes during the vacation, According to the state- Sunday or public holiday), Monday, the 23rd day of in the Ikeja and Lagos ment, the criminal division where such cause or matter September, 2019”, it added. Lawyer Drags CCB, NIC Commissioner, Deputies to Court for Alleged Non- Drug War: Sanusi Hails Legal Aid Scheme, Declaration of Assets Commends FG for Ban on Codeine Akinwale Akintunde The Plaintiff further prayed for, “an order directing the Emeka Nwadioke a big role. We assure you of drugs, but substances like (UNODC), adding that, its The Commissioner/Chief fifth Defendant (AGF) to our support, and goodwill. We Codeine and Benylin, among members are spread across Executive Officer of the Na- prefer a charge against the Former Central Bank Governor wish you happy celebrations, others.” the 36 States and the Federal tional Insurance Commission, second, third and fourth and Emir of Kano, Muhammadu as you celebrate the World On how to contain the Capital Territory. The organ- Mohammed Kari and his Defendants before the CCT Sanusi II, has applauded Law- Drug Day. We will continue, menace in a sustainable isation recently embarked on deputies, have been dragged for prosecution, having failed yers under the aegis of Legal to do our best. If there are any manner, Emir Sanusi said: advocacy visits to several before a Federal High Court to declare their assets, as and Advocacy Response to Drugs ideas you have for how we “We need to go to the root States where it interacted with sitting in Lagos, for allegedly when due”. Initiative (LARDI), for offering can address this problem, we cause of the problem, which key stakeholders, including not declaring their assets. In an affidavit in support, free legal services to indigent will be very happy to listen is to go back to our families the Federal High Court, Na- Joined as Defendants in the which he personally deposed drug arrestees. to you, and to take them on and our family values, child tional Drug Law Enforcement suit filed by Mr. Tope Alabi, a to, Alabi recalled that the Receiving LARDI members board”. spacing, focus on education, Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Lagos-based Lawyer, are the CCB had invited the 2nd in his palace during the “In- On the drug ban, he said: and so on. The business Prisons Service, Legal Aid Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), to 4th Defendants to appear ternational Day Against Drug “I would like to commend community, should invest in Council of Nigeria, Nigeria Deputy Commissioner for before it on April 11, 2019, Abuse and Illicit Trafficking,” the Federal Government for rehabilitation centres. After Police, and State Attorneys- Insurance (Technical), Sunday to respond to allegations of the highly influential Emir taking the step of banning rehabilitation, we have to General. Thomas, Deputy Commissioner non-declaration of assets, as also commended the Federal Benylin-with-Codeine, find employment for them, United Nations Secretary for Insurance (Financial and required of public office Government, for banning some which for a long time we otherwise they go back to the General, António Guterres, Administration), George holders. drugs linked to drug abuse in thought would go a long way very same situation they were, had in a statement to mark Onekhena, and the Attorney- He said the alleged non- the country. in reducing the spread, and before rehabilitation. Parental the day, said: “The world General of the Federation and declaration of assets by the Sanusi applauded LARDI to also commend the State upbringing, guidance counsel- drug problem, is one of Minister of Justice. Defendants, “is in the public members for the free legal Government for setting up ling, family structures – all of the most challenging issues In the suit with the No: domain and media”. representation of indigent drug a special task force to deal these have to be looked at”. we face. It has wide-ranging FHC/L/SC/1043/19, the According to the Lawyer, arrestees, saying that every with drugs”. Speaking earlier, LARDI’s impacts on the health and Plaintiff is praying the court, he wrote to the CCB, Presi- suspect deserves fair hearing A statement by Emeka National Coordinator, Chinelo well-being of individuals, to declare that the failure of dent Muhammadu Buhari, in our courts. His words: Nwadioke, LARDI’s Secretary Uchendu, commended families and communities, Kari, Thomas and Onokhena the National Insurance Com- “Organisations like yours are General & Head of Public- Emir Sanusi for his “strong as well as on the security to declare their assets, amounts mission Board of Directors important, for giving legal as- ity, noted that, Emir Sanusi advocacy” against drug abuse. and sustainable development to a breach of Section 172 of Chairman, and the Minister sistance to those who are under singled out Kano and Jigawa The former CBN Chief had of nations. the 1999 Constitution and of Finance on May 10, 2019, trial, because even if you are a States, as the “nerve centre or demanded a law to compel “Therefore, preventing and provisions of its Fifth Schedule. urging them to suspend Kari, suspected criminal, you deserve the centre of gravity” of drug Nigerian political and religious addressing drug challenges Alabi is asking the court, to Thomas and Onokhena, for legal representation. People can menace, in Nigeria, adding leaders, to undergo drug test. in all their complexity, is give an order directing the CCB failing to declare their assets, be unfairly or inappropriately that, the drug problem is Uchendu noted that, LARDI essential to delivering on a to refer them to the Code of and to recommend them for convicted, because they do not “widespread, with a very was established with the sup- fundamental global pledge, Conduct Tribunal (CCT) for prosecution. have legal support. large number of young people, port of the European Union enshrined in the Sustainable prosecution, having failed to The Plaintiff said, he also “It is a complex, and multi- including married women, (EU) and United Nations Development Goals: to leave declare their assets, as and faceted problem. You are playing, now abusing not just hard Office on Drugs and Crime no one behind”. when due. CONTINUED ON PAGE 15 6/ 09.07.2019 Aelex Lecture: Looking for Strong Men and Strong Institutions

This year’s guest speaker at the Annual Aelex Lecture, Professor Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, wowed the audience with his postulations on Africa’s peculiar democracy, and how strong democratic institutions can be built around strong men. The theme for this year’s lecture was ‘STRONG MEN vs STRONG INSTITU- TIONS: Strengthening Democracy in Africa’. The Muson Centre venue of the event, was filled to the brim, and it was chaired by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar (rtd). Panelists were former Director General, Bureau of Public Reform, Dr. Joe Abbah, and former Managing Director, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Mr. Fola Arthur Worrey. In her opening remarks, Aloma Muhktar CJN (rtd) raised the posers rhetorically, ‘Who are the strong men? Which are the strong institutions?’ she concluded that, there cannot be strong institutions, without strong men. She further posited that, a strong man is one who is able to assert himself, in the face of adverse criticisms. The keynote speaker, Prof Lumumba, former Director of Kenya’s Anti-corruption Commission, approached the topic in L-R: Mr. Moyo Onigbanjo, SAN, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Mariam Aloma-Mukhtar, Aelex Partner, Mrs. Funke Adekoya, SAN, Guest Speaker, his characteristic audacious manner. Professor Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba and Aelex Partner, Mr. Theophilus Emuwa at the Annual Aelex Lecture Lumumba admitted that, though the subject-matter of the lecture is important, that relationship must be governed by not defined democracy to suit its own strong institutions; that the constitution it is equally controversial. He argued law. He attacked the idea of democracy, way. According to him, there is no One- of a nation is very important, because that, contrary to misconceptions by many, as dictated by the West. He urged African Size-Fits-All meaning of democracy, for our institutions must be strengthened by Africa is not in any way a homogeneous countries to evolve, develop and defend the African continent. it. These strong men and women must entity, but, rather, a diverse community their own concepts of democracy, with “We define democracy the way Abraham be subject to the law, hence the need for of over 400 ethnic nationalities, with the greater good of the people at heart. Lincoln defined it, but in the African strong institutions to put them in check, over 6,000 languages. That Africa had He concluded that, strong institutions society, where is the people? The people stressing that, we should know that the well organised societies and systems live long and outlive strong men. are nowhere to be found, because we Westerners, still treat us as inferiors. of governance, before the advent of He also said that, the danger with have not defined democracy to suit Prof Lumumba holds an LL.D on the colonization. That the Berlin Conference of strong men, is that they forget themselves, our own way. Democracy meaning a Law of the Sea from the University of 1888 only succeeded in carving up Africa they eventually become rogues. They Multi-party politics, was defined this Ghent, Belgium, and he is an Advocate of into artificial territories, undermining start well; have a clear vision, clarity way for us by the West, and they made the High Courts of Kenya and Tangayinka, the orderly traditional institutions that of purpose, which is why a strong us accept this meaning. and founding Dean, Kabarak University existed. He noted sadly that, the project institution is important to checkmate “There is no One-Size-Fits-All meaning of Law. to colonise and gain complete control of them when they become rogues. There of democracy, for the African continent. The Aelex Annual Lecture, which is in Africa, is still very much alive and well. may be tendencies of dictatorship, but It should be practiced in a manner that its 14th year, has had highly distinguished On the subject-matter, Prof Lumumba the strong man is what we need. He suits the people of that region, so each international legal personalities as keynote held the view that, institutions don’t further said that, the strong man that has country must define theirs. When we have speakers including Prof Don Wallace, exist in vacuum, submitting that, strong become too strong, will likely prevent strong men, and weak, or no institutions, Prof Fredric Jenny, Judge Mervyn King, institutions must be presided over by the establishment of strong institutions, it eventually leads to a collapse, just Dele Olojede, Dr. Kwabena Donkor, Dr. strong men, who must be subject to because they will check his excesses. like the Soviet Union”, he added. Kalu Idika Kalu, John Githongo, Prof Ali the rule of law. That there must be a Even the ones with strong institutions, Furthermore, he emphasised that the Mazrui, Prof Timothy Shah, Prof Bolaji symbiotic relationship between strong have made them weak or subordinate. African continent needs strong men and Akinyemi, Mr Donald Duke, and Prof men and strong institutions, and that He also said that, African Society has women, as they are useful, including Ibidapo Obe.

Legal Personality of the Week Andrew Mwajim Malgwi ‘Patience, Sacrifice and Hard Work make a Good Lawyer’

Please, give a brief introduction far. Every day presents its peculiar read law and was a Magistrate. I was of yourself challenges, and I approach each with always intrigued by the profession, the My name is Andrew Mwajim Malgwi, maximum determination and the best dress code. and the role Lawyers play. I am a Legal Practitioner and Notary of my professional abilities. Public. I have been practicing law for What would be your advice to 24 years now, and I am currently a What is your most memorable anyone wanting a career in law? Partner in the Law Firm of Rickey Tarfa experience, as a Lawyer? Go into the practice of law, with & Co. I specialise in commercial litiga- It was a day, early in my career; I service at the back of your mind. Be tion and dispute resolution, although was in court, and I had the privilege prepared to sacrifice, to work very I have also done one or two things, in of witnessing a case in which the late hard, be patient, and above all, be other areas of the law. I am married, Chief Rotimi Williams, SAN and late honourable. and we are blessed with two children. Chief GOK Ajayi, SAN were involved in, on opposing sides. If you had not become a Lawyer, Have you had any challenges in what other career would you have your career as a Lawyer, and if so, Who has been most influential chosen? what were the main challenges? in your life? I would have become an Architect, Well yes, I have had challenges, as My late father has been the most I love to create things. with all aspects of our daily lives, influential person in my life. I have there are challenges we face. My major always tried to emulate him. Profes- Where do you see yourself in ten challenge in the course of my career, Andrew Mwajim Malgwi sionally, it has been my boss and years? has been the difficulty in concluding mentor - Mr. Rickey Tarfa, SAN. I hope to have reached, the pinnacle on my clients’ matters timeously, due What was your worst day as a of my career. I hope to be in a position to the extremely long periods of time it Lawyer? Why did you become a Lawyer? to give more to my profession, and takes to conclude litigation, in Nigeria. I have not had any worst day, so Growing up, I had an Aunty who the younger Lawyers. 09.07.2019 /7 TALKING CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY

DR. MIKE OZEKHOME, SAN SMS only to 08098898888 Democracy and Autocracy: The Missing Link (Part 4) Introduction achieved power by competition. It is not obvious which of ast week, we saw that autocracy is not just them is better, from the standpoint of the average citizen. a mere form of government, but one that “The Prince” is largely devoted to advice to a sovereign conquers the mind, and subjects the people ruler, on how to retain power. Napoleon liked to keep to being underlings and minions. The his generals, quarrelling. Machiavelli would surely have people are helpless against an autocrat, approved. Mussolini moved his higher officials around, who dominates them with power and and put some of them out of government for lengthy might. Today, we shall dissect this form of periods. He called this, “changing of the guard”. Once government in such a way, and to show its again, he would have met the approval of the author of Llimitation vis a vis democracy. “The Prince”. Indeed, most rulers do rotate the armed men Types of Autocracy (Continues) who provide physical security. In Stalin's time, the secret Normally such a dictator has the best interest of his police officers who guarded him and his higher officials, country and his citizens in mind, but it must necessarily would not know where they were to serve on a given day, take second-place to protecting his power. In this sense, nor with whom they would be serving. These two things he is like a democratic President. The President normally were determined by random draws, so that they could not aims at the good of his country, but he normally is more conspire in advance to admit dangerous persons. concerned with winning the next election. The two Precautions like this, are more frequently encountered objectives do not necessarily conflict, but when they do, among non- hereditary autocracies, than among hereditary the President is apt to give winning the election, priority. monarchies. Nevertheless, crown prince’s have killed their Similarly, a dictator will give preventing a coup or revolu- fathers, and dynasties have been overthrown. So, at least, tion priority, over simply benefiting his subjects. some precautions are always necessary. It is not obvious One thing that should be kept in mind, dealing with that, the cost of guarding an autocrat, is greater than the either hereditary or non-hereditary autocrats, is that their cost of guarding presidents and legislatures. Indeed, it attitude to what are commonly called public goods, is seems likely that, the total cost in terms of office space, radically different from that of the ordinary person. For living space when that is provided, and guards in Wash- them, many public goods, are actually private goods. An ington, is greater than the equivalent cost in Berlin during improved road can be regarded as a public good from the the Third Reich. The guards serve a different purpose, standpoint of the citizens or the economic analysis, but, it of course. The President does not fear assassination by may increase the wealth or security of the autocrat, and a Senator, but by a conspiracy of low ranking people. hence, is a private good from his standpoint. This is, of President Muhammadu Buhari Nevertheless, he requires guards, and so do the Senators, course, one of the reasons why autocrats, in fact, provide Congressman, and high level civil servants. so much in the way of public goods. that, certain dictators; specifically Stalin and Mao Zedong, This should not be oversimplified, however. The provided very much better governments than capitalist Differences between Autocracy and Democracy autocrat like a democratic politician, is aware of the fact democracies. Many intellectuals genuinely believed that The decision processes in democracies and in autocra- that, the road will benefit the country as a whole, but Ho Chi Min would give a better government, than would cies, are quite different. In general, policy debates are also special-interest groups in it. Thus, like a democratic any elected alternative. Yet, all such favoured autocrats conducted rather quietly in autocracies, whereas, they politician, he selects the public goods in part, in terms were mass murderers, and all of them favoured an make a lot of noise in democracies. Further, although au- of what they will do in benefiting influential individuals economic system which, if at the time was fashionable, is tocrats sometimes tell their cabinet to vote on policies, the and groups, who may repay that benefit by support. It now realised to be seriously defective. Ho's rivals in the final decision is theirs. There is a myth that, when Lincoln is doubtful that, by simply examining the road network South, were victimised by street riots in the United States, proposed the emancipation proclamation, his cabinet all or other collections of government expenditure on public that eventually led successive American governments to voted against. Lincoln then said, “Passed unanimously.” goods, one would be able to tell whether the government abandon them. In the case of one of them, Diem, President This is a myth, but it does show the power that a central was a dictatorship or a democracy. If the democracy is Kennedy actually organised a coup, to get rid of him. single person can have, even in so-called democracies. not particularly corrupt, one could tell by examining such Altogether, ‘uneasy lies the head that wears the crown’. That the common man has little influence on policies things as, the Swiss bank accounts of the “President.” in autocracies, is normally regarded as a disadvantage of Examining the personal life of the ruler, is usually one Hereditary Monarchy that form of government. There are, however, a number way of telling whether he is a president or dictator. The We now turn to the more common type autocracy, of cases in which democracies have been overthrown by dictator has far more facilities to keep things secret, than the hereditary monarchy. It should be kept in mind that, autocrats, with popular support. Both of the Napoleons, does an elected president. He can have a spectacular hereditary monarchies, if more stable than dictatorships, carried off such an operation. So did Mussolini. Normally, mistress or even a harem; palaces much more elaborate are by no means free of risk. Most of the readers of this however, autocracies are established by well entrenched than the White House, and take long vacations without encyclopaedia, will be more familiar with English history and armed minorities that displace democracies, by means the public finding out about them. Of course, if he wishes than other monarchies, and, as it happens, the English of coups d'etat. to stay in power he will find that leaving his government throne was one of the least stable in Europe. It was The view that democracy is better than autocracy, is to take care of itself for any length of time, is likely to decidedly uncommon in England, for a great-grandson to a current orthodoxy. There are cases, where everyone lead to his being replaced by one of his high-ranking succeed to the throne peacefully. Most monarchies have favours the autocracy. The citizens of Rome and modern subordinates. been able to pass on their power with less difficulty, so historians, think that Augustus Caesar provided a better The Oriental myth in which the ruler sits under a bare that three generations after the founder, are reasonably government than the late Republic. Gibbon lists the sword supported only by a thread, is not a bad description common. period of the adoptive emperors, as the happiest time of the life of such an autocrat. Many autocrats, Stalin and The hereditary king, is in personality and ability, in the history of the human race. Not everyone is as Mao Zedong, are examples, died naturally. Many others quite different from the man who fought his way up enthusiastic, but it must be admitted that, they gave very died either by assassination, or as the result of a successful the slippery pole to dictatorship. In the first place, the good government. One of them was also a philosopher of coup. Finding it necessary to retire and live on their illicit accidents of human heredity mean that the son of an such importance, that his work is still taught in modern gains in some place safer than their own country, is also extraordinarily capable and ambitious person, may well be universities. quite common. Trying to arrange a peaceful succession quite stupid and lazy. Louis XVI seems to have been not There appears to have been three comparatively short followed by a luxurious retirement, is difficult. very much above a moron, in intellectual ability. He used periods, in which democracy was common before modern The conventional wisdom assumes that, dictators to fall asleep, at cabinet meetings. Since the United States times. It is not clear, but it looks as if the first civilisation, provide bad government. In the earlier part of my life, was given its independence by his support, I suppose Sumer, had democratic aspects; but these were quickly particularly during the 1960s, however, the orthodoxy held we should refrain from criticisms, though he was quickly extinguished. The second, was a classical period of Greece abandoned by Thomas Jefferson, once his purpose had Rome and Phoenicia. This ended, when the Roman Re- been served. From the standpoint of France, however, public conquered the bulk of the other democratic systems. Louis XVI was a disaster. It was replaced, by emperors. The third case, is a large Of course, some hereditary monarchs are of outstanding collection of democratically governed city-states, in the “THE DECISION PROCESSES capacity. Alexander the Great, is an excellent example. But, Middle Ages. Most, but not all of these, were replaced by on the average, hereditary monarchs do not have intellec- 1600 or earlier. Altogether, autocracies were the dominant IN DEMOCRACIES AND IN tual or character capacity, greater than that of the average form of government, until very recently. Whether they will citizen. Typically, they receive special training as children, continue to account for about half of all governments, or AUTOCRACIES, ARE QUITE intended to prepare them for royal careers. Unfortunately, rise to complete dominance, or fall back to a minority form DIFFERENT. IN GENERAL, POLICY this special training may educate them in expensive and of government, is uncertain. I have my own preferences; entertaining ways of spending leisure time, as well as in but there is no evidence that, these preferences will prevail. DEBATES ARE CONDUCTED RATHER how to govern. In some cases, in fact, training in luxury (To be continued). takes full priority over training intended to increase the QUIETLY IN AUTOCRACIES, competence of the future monarch. All this is rather similar THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK WHEREAS, THEY MAKE A LOT OF to the training of the only son of a wealthy and powerful “Aside from the occasional genocide, evil and torture, man, in an open society. Altogether, the hereditary mon- etc., it is inarguable that public policy could be imple- NOISE IN DEMOCRACIES” arch, is quite a different person from the dictator who has mented more rapidly in an autocracy.” (David Harsanyi). 8/COVER 09.07.2019 09.07.2019 COVER/9 NBA-SBL Proffers Economic Roadmap for the Nation Address by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, at the 13th Annual Business Law Conference of NB the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) held its 13th Annual Business Law Conference from the 26th to 28th am deeply honoured to speak or employment, as they feed off each readily identify the issue of security at this, the 13th Annual other. or more appropriately described, The Organised Private Sector of June, 2019, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Business Law Conference of In the last four years, government insecurity, as the single most impor- However, rather than pursue a the Nigerian Bar Association – has pursued a program of increased tant challenge we face in our country. programme of government diktats Island, Lagos and THISDAY LAWYER was at Section on Business Law. investment, in transportation and However I dare say, if you turn imposed without consideration for I thank the organisers of the power infrastructure. around our economic situation, that the concerns of business, we will the three-day event, to report the proceeding conference, for the gracious We have worked to increase, year alone will have a transformational work through a process that allows invitation to deliver the on year, the amount of money set effect in curbing the insurgencies, and the organised private sector to be Ikeynote address on the theme: aside in the federal budget for con- bring about some measure of peace in equal partners, in seeking the solu- “Growth, Investment and struction of new roads and bridges, the country. tions we need. he bespoke A-Class Confer- underfunded health system, ineffective insurance Employment: Beyond Rhetoric”. train lines and port maintenance. Insecurity manifested through Ladies and gentlemen, I believe, ence was well attended by law, low health insurance coverage, vertical That you have chosen this Many of the projects thus far a concerning rate of banditry and and history has shown that, business Lawyers, policy makers, in- health program, broken building blocks within the primary health care system – poor health particular theme, is evidence that invested in, are ongoing, and, as such, insurgency, has made entire swathes and not government will always dustry players and high-level you recognise, as I do, that our most have not yet started to positively of our country inhabitable to profit- be the primary generator of jobs government functionaries. infrastructure, poor services, inadequate or lack serious challenge as a nation at this affect economic output. Laudable as able commercial enterprise. We know with incomes that lift people out of The Section noted at the of competent human resource for health are time, is the challenge of building an they are, these investments are still that capital is cowardly, and capital poverty into the middle class, and end of proceedings thus: ‘Since some of the identified challenges. economy that is sufficiently robust insufficient to address our present is not going to go anyplace that is keep them there. the 12th Annual Business Law r
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to spur innovation, create jobs, and and pressing infrastructure needs. unfriendly. Yet, government in Nigeria, has TConference of the Nigerian lack of continuum in government policies and ensure that all our citizens can live Too many years of under- We also know that, so long as in- for too long, been in the business of Bar Association Section on reform, lack of a proper national plan, that is full lives of achievement and accom- investment in essential infrastructure vestment and innovation are concen- picking economic winners and losers. Business Law (NBA-SBL) held in Abuja, Ni- aligned with the aspirations of people in the plishment. has left us with significant deficits, trated in a selected number of States This over-involvement has contrib- geria has suffered low gross domestic product extractive sector, and lack of certainty create estimated in some quarters to be in or regions, we cannot achieve our uted greatly to public cynicism about (GDP) growth, sharp decline in foreign direct challenges. The Course to Take excess of $900 billion. goals of sustained national economic government, and has made it ever investments, increased youth unemployment r
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The challenges we face are This, coupled with the fact of growth, innovation, investment and more so difficult, to achieve public rate (36.5%), amidst a geometrically growing distrust between government and private sector significant, but not insurmountable. reduced government income, due to rapid reduction in unemployment. unity on critical issues of nation population. The country has also witnessed the hinders the ease of doing business. We cannot be overwhelmed by them. the global collapse in oil prices, and Communities are the most valuable building. inauguration of a new government, accentuating r
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OPUXJUITUBOE- Our best course, is to be critical of the need to service other obligations, crime fighting group, available to In this 9th Assembly, we will the necessity for the Nigerian government at ing an installed capacity of 4000MW, only about established thinking, of shibboleths means that even the increased alloca- the policing agencies. They are the begin the process of dismantling an all levels, to take stock and plan for the future 1500MW is nationally available. that have outlived their utility and tions to infrastructure development, real experts on crime, not the police, overbearing regulatory system that of the Nigerian economy. r
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bold in seeking out and implementing still fall far short of what is required because they know who the criminals encourages unnecessary government In the effort to support the economic reform perpetrators in the workplaces, and while these new ideas. to build up to where we need to be, are. interference in all areas of the econo- agenda, the NBA-SBL organised its 13th An- perpetrators are predominantly male, they are For too long, we have been required and to prepare for the future. Our communities are not hostile my, discourages investments, hinders nual Business Law Conference with the theme sometimes female. to accept that only slow incremental A more robust framework for territories to be subdued by policing innovation and stifles growth. “Growth, Investment and Employment: r
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change, is possible. I dare to differ. I public-private sector partnership in efforts, they are partners in the crime We will make the organised private Beyond Rhetoric.” transparency in the mining sector. believe that our present circumstances funding infrastructure development fighting process. sector a more equal partner in the r
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impose on us, a mission of radical, across the country, is needed. The The legislature will encourage policy process, and put an end to Opening Ceremony: Dinner chain, the gap in practical knowledge, equipment rapid change, of impossible things statutory and policy framework efforts to establish a new community generations of top down regulation. The Conference opening ceremony, which scarcity, and financial exclusion of the youth made possible. currently in place, has proved unfit policing paradigm within the federal We will, with confidence and was a dinner, was held on the 26th of June. informal sector. At this time in our history, we are to drive cooperation and private police structure, so that policemen vision, exercise the convening The event was graced by the Hon. Justice Bode r
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called to work at doing the hard sector investment, to the extent that is and women, police the places they power of government to bring people Rhodes-Vivour, representing the Chairman, fuelled by capacity issues within the private things, the big deeds and we cannot required. know and the communities where together, to jointly consider and Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, CFR, acting Chief sector. fail. Too much depends on us, too Therefore, we will, in this 9th they are not strangers or considered implement solutions to our most Justice of Nigeria, distinguished guest speakers: r
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many lives, too many hopes, dreams National Assembly, seek to review an occupying force, but partners pressing concerns of infrastructure, Rt. Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker, the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement and aspirations are at risk, if we take existing statutes and policies, with a in peace and prosperity. This, is in healthcare, security, climate change House of Representatives (who delivered the (ACFTA), and lack of an enabling environment too lightly, the awesome responsibili- view to ensuring that what we have addition to our increased allocations and unemployment. keynote address), and His Excellency, Babajide for trade and investment. ties to which we have been called. in place works for the purposes for for training, salaries and wages and Broken promises taint all politics, Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, r
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which they were intended. enhanced security equipment and so, we have made it our guiding rule as well as other delegates from various parts social contacts which puts an undue burden The Role of Government A critical concern of mine, borne Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila logistics for the Nigeria Police, the in this 9th assembly, not to promise of the country. on tax payers, conflicts in judgement at the This period in our history calls out by my interactions with many Armed Forces, and other security what we cannot deliver, and to tax appeal tribunals, because of the ambiguity for nothing short of a new covenant leaders in the private sector, is that collective detriment. This needs to Federal Government procurement agencies of the Federal Government. deliver what we promised. The Sessions of the taxation law, among other challenges of public service based on public we have a regulatory process that is change, as it amounts to closing the process. A just society cannot, and should Between the 27th and 28th of June, the Confer- relating to the Nigerian taxation framework. interest, rather than private ambition. so burdensome, it has become a bane stable, after the horse has bolted. We will level the playing field Climate Change not, seek to guarantee equal ence encompassed fourteen sessions (six plenary r
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It is to this ideal, that we must now to businesses. between these SMEs and the larger Ladies and gentlemen, we have outcomes for its citizens. Our sessions and eight breakout sessions), in which delays in settlement of commercial disputes, commit ourselves. The regulatory function of govern- Proposal for a Legislative Work- companies, as it is to these SMEs that not begun, in government or in the responsibility is to ensure that, all intellectual panels of speakers dissected the corrupt practices in institutions, delayed judge- We cannot look to government ment is essential, but it should ing Group we often rely on, to create jobs and private sector, to thoroughly consider our citizens are afforded an equal knotty matters vis-à-vis the Nigerian economy. ments, lack of modernised IT systems for easier alone, for solutions to unemployment not hinder innovation, or hinder So, let me propose to you, a economic opportunity for our citizens. how the emerging crisis of climate opportunity to succeed or fail on The topics discussed comprised - Triage on processes, absence of facilities, defaulting Lawyers. and slow economic growth. The investment. Its primary purpose, is permanent Legislative Working Group We will consider a number of change, will affect the ways we do their own. the Nigerian economy; Health, Security and private sector, from which many of to promote best practices, so that our on Investment, Business and Regula- options, including a mandate that a business in our country. Our job is to protect those who Education - Building a Foundation for Inclusive Recommendations from the Conference you come, will always be the primary companies can be competitive in a tion. This working group, will be minimum percentage of government Credible scientific evidence suggests need us to shield them, to empower Growth; Moving from Crude Export to Value Extensive deliberations and discussions from driver of economic growth. global market place. composed of legislators and business contracts, determined either as a that, climate change is one of the through opportunity, to decide what Addition; Leading the Charge – The Private Sector participants resulted in the following resolutions/ Our job in government, particularly We want to be a more balanced leaders, supported by professional portion of total contract values or gravest threats we face, and that future we want for all our nation’s and the Nigerian Economy; Smarter Regulation; recommendations: in the legislature, is to use the instru- economy, where we are not so depen- policy staff in the House of Represen- absolute numbers, should be awarded urgent action at home and abroad, is children and to build it, in the full Making Mining Work in Nigeria; Improving ments of legislation and policy to dent on a narrow range of economic tatives. to small and medium-sized busi- required to prevent the worst possible knowledge that society is a con- Financial Services as a Catalyst for Growing Government create a more enabling environment, sectors, and we need to take urgent The working group will provide nesses. impacts on our national security, tinuum, and the decisions we take Micro, Small And Medium Scale Enterprises r
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to use the appropriations process action, to boost enterprise and a platform, for ongoing interaction When you grow and encourage public health and socio-economic today will have consequences for us, (MSMEs); #MeToo – Sexual Harassment in the made in the five critical points in the agricultural to make investments in critical develop a more responsible economic between the legislature and the SME’s, you grow the economy, When potential. for our children and for generations Workplace; and The New Era of Taxation in value chain, i.e. production, transportation, infrastructure, and ensure that in the model. private sector, a forum where we can you grow the economy, you create There are understandable concerns yet unborn. Nigeria. storage, processing and export. capital expenditure, priority is given A systematic audit of government look ahead at the challenges on the employment. This is a no brainer. that, any attempts by government None of what we have set out to r
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to projects that have the potential regulations, particularly as it relates horizon, be made aware of potential to engage fully with the emerging achieve, will be achieved without NBA-SBL Communiqué locally- produced LPG, and impose tariffs on to open new markets and transform to taxation, environmental standards, policy failures before they become Insecurity dangers of climate change, will only the support of the private sector, In a communiqué issued at the end of the imported LPG instead, in order to encourage communities, by making them more employee protections, will allow intractable challenges, and an arena I am sure if asked, many would result in imposing new obligations on with the cooperation of many of you proceedings, NBA-SBL further noted key issues local production, availability and domestic attractive to foreign and local inves- us the opportunity to end tick box where we can jointly develop new the private sector, that will ultimately present here. identified by panelists and other delegates: utilisation of gas. tors. regulation, and cut red tape in the ideas and implement effective solu- increase the costs of doing business, The partnership I envision and r
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HPWFSO- Our role is to renew public faith in Federal Government. tions. and make our enterprises even less have sought to articulate here today, knowledge on what makes economies prosper, ment should allow more flexibility in terms of government, by making a limited set We will reform the corporate tax Recent reforms to the contracting competitive than they already are. requires that we deal with each other as well as a perceived lack of political will to pricing, to encourage investment in the sector. of important promises and achieving system, by simplifying the process for process of the Federal Government These concerns are valid, but they honestly, that we set aside vested structure the economy along the path that creates r
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them, by governing in the interest of reliefs, tax breaks and allowances, and have been implemented, to make “WE WANT TO BE A MORE are not a sufficient argument for interests, and embrace the fact that, jobs, remain huge challenges facing the country commercial infrastructure which is financeable the vast majority of our people who more aggressively tackling avoidance. the processes more transparent, and doing nothing, especially when we we are all members of one universal and this government. by the private sector, and instead, work on live their lives well, contributing to And, we will consider the possibility ensure that only qualified companies BALANCED ECONOMY, WHERE WE consider that doing nothing leaves community, and we need to work r
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improving transparency and encourage market their communities, and feel under- of a ‘one in – one out’ rule, whereby bid for, and are awarded contracts by us at the mercy of global policy together to help our community of tax rules and incentives to attract investment; determination of pricing. standably, cynical, about a political for every new government regulation the government. ARE NOT SO DEPENDENT ON A directions that all too often are crafted survive and thrive in the new global the infrastructural deficit, alongside unchecked r
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system that too often feels as if it is implemented, another existing one These reforms became necessary, without consideration for our con- economy. population growth; insecurity and insurgencies confidence by moving away from a negative intended to serve only the interests of will be exited to remove bureaucratic to curb the proliferation of briefcase NARROW RANGE OF ECONOMIC cerns, our imperatives and peculiar Let me once more extend my fuelled by socio- economic issues, such as lack narrative, to providing an enabling environment, the few at the expense of the many. bottlenecks. companies abandoning contracts, they circumstances. appreciation to the organisers of the of education, unemployment and inequality. transparent, fair, and an inclusive tax regime to Investment is a sine qua non of Nobody knows what business should never have received in the SECTORS, AND WE NEED TO In this 9th assembly, we will seek conference, for the opportunity to r
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all the stakeholders to promote ease of doing employment, and they both enjoy needs, more than business itself. first place. A consequence of these TAKE URGENT ACTION, TO BOOST to use the legislative policy process, speak here today. low proficiency literacy level among school-aged business. such symbiosis, that one cannot Often in the public sector we are well-intentioned reforms, is that a to articulate a new set of ideas and I congratulate you all on this oc- children, out-of-school issues, poor quality of r
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be without the other. Whether the playing catch up; reacting to events significant number of qualified small ENTERPRISE AND DEVELOP A MORE actions to help us build resilience casion of your 13th Annual Business teachers, lack of funding and lack of vision for development and investments across health, investment is government or private, after the worst effects of statute or and medium scale companies (SMEs), against the dire consequences of a Law Conference, and I wish you a education as a nation. it must exist, for there to be growth policy have gone into effect, to our have now been locked out of the RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC MODEL” rapidly changing earth. successful conference. r
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CONTINUED ON PAGE 15 10/NBA-SBL CONFERENCE IMAGES 09.07.2019

L-R: Hon Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, JSC, SBL Chairman, Mr. Seni Adio, SAN and Speaker, House of L-R: Former Chairman of the NBA-SBL, Gbenga Oyebode, Pioneer Chair, George Etomi, his wife, Efe and Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila Immediate Past Chairman of the Section, Olumide Akpata

L-R: Fola Akande of Cadbury, Mia Essien, SAN and Mena Ajakpovi L-R: NBA-SBL Vice Chair, Ayuli Jemide, Editor, THISDAY LAWYER, Onikepo Braithwaite and Dele Belgore, SAN

L-R: Mrs. Layi-Babatunde, Hon. Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, JSC and Mr. Layi Babatunde, SAN L-R: Osahon Uhumuavbi, Osose Aziba and Seni Adio, SAN

L-R: Ayo Akintunde, SAN, and Dele Belgore, SAN L-R; Council Members, Sam Aiboni, Conference Vice Chair, Mrs Ozofu Ogiemudia and Mena Ajakpovi 09.07.2019 NBA-SBL CONFERENCE IMAGES/11

Senior Partner, Control Risks, Tom Griffin Hon Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, JSC Ayuli Jemide

Kingsley Moghalu Independent Director, FBN Holdings, Cecilia Akinkugbe President, Nigeria Stock Exchange, Bimbo Ogunbano

MD, AIICO Multishield Limited, Dr. LekeOsunniyi Toyin Sanni CEO Flying Doctors, Ola Brown

CEO, Nextier Advisory, Patrick Okigbo Mrs. Oyinkan Badejo-Okusanya Senior Programm Officer, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Rodio Diallo

Discussants from the Variety Night Session, themed, 'Tales Beyond the Bar CEO, Teach for Nigeria, Folawe Omikunle 12/ 09.07.2019 DISCO The Damsel, Her

It is unlikely that, the dust raised by the allegation of rape made by Mrs. Busola Dakolo against the General Overseer of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, will settle any time soon, in view of the fact that, not only are there other allegations of sexual indiscretion against the so-called Man of God, but because other Pastors have also been accused of sexually violating young women, in their flock. There have been mass protests by concerned Nigerians in Abuja and Lagos, over this dastardly act. Chidi Odinkalu, Bukky Shonibare, and Ossai Ojigo write about the COZA saga, vis a vis Nigeria’s outdated rape laws, positing that, the laws should not only be upgraded and modernised in line with current world standards, but must be crafted in such a way, as not to be seen to protect the interest of perpetrators of this heinous crime, to the detriment of victims, who face more than uphill task, proving their cases under the present legal regime. The COZA scandal will certainly set a much needed precedent, and test the integrity of a ‘Man of God’ When #MeToo Came to Church in Nigeria

Chidi Anselm Odinkalu Pastor of COZA. This case raises sundry questions about the state of both law and procedure concerning sexual assaults in Nigeria, especially, one reported so Mrs Busola Dakolo’s Allegations many years after it happened. t the end of June 2019, #MeToo became #ChurchToo, in Nigeria. Issues Busola Dakolo, a mother of three, As a preliminary point of principle, there is no who grew up a gifted child, was limitation on prosecution for rape or sexual violence. the unlikely heroine in this script. The fact that the allegations in this case happened In an interview with Chude long ago, does not preclude an investigation, or, if Jideonwo, Lawyer and co-founder evidence of rape is in fact unearthed, of prosecution. of the digital platform, YNaija, Mrs. Achieving such an outcome, however, would be ADakolo unfolded quite harrowing dependent on overcoming some legal and practical and detailed allegations of rape constraints. It will be necessary, to explain some of perpetrated against her by Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, these. best known as the Senior Pastor of the Common- Let us begin with the broad regime of laws affect- wealth of Zion Assembly (COZA). To be clear, this ing rape and sexual violence, in Nigeria. At present, was not the first time allegations of predatory sexual Nigeria has a multiplicity of sources of laws about conduct or sexual violence, had been made against rape and sexual violence. There are, at least five. In this Pastor. Mrs. Dakolo’s allegations, however, felt the Federal Capital Territory, the Violence Against different. They were detailed; as a married mother, Persons (Prohibition) Act of 2015 (VAPP Act), applies. she had very little to gain from making these al- It has a robust definition of rape, as a crime that legations public, and an awful blowback was both can be committed by men or women, and involves predictable and to be expected from partisans and penetration of any bodily orifice. In 16 States of propagandists of the alleged perpetrator. Southern Nigeria, rape is regulated by the Criminal The first incident of sexual assault, allegedly took Code. Lagos State enacted a Criminal Law in 2011, place when she was 17, in her parents’ house in Ilo- which defined rape in terms that both anticipated and rin, Kwara State. Neither parent was at home, and the resemble the VAPP Act. The 12 States of Northern Pastor knew this. She had never experienced sexual Biodun Fatoyinbo Nigeria who have adopted Sharia, also recognise a intimacy, before then. She looked up to the Pastor, as Huddud crime of rape. Apart from these States, rape her “Spiritual Father”. The facts would suggest that, initially was unable to confide in anyone about these in the 19 States of Northern Nigeria, is governed by the alleged perpetrator groomed her for this moment. crimes. the Penal Code. After the sexual act, he gave her a bottle of “Krest”, Both the Criminal and Penal Codes are Victorian a lemonade-flavoured soda, and forced her to drink Pastor Fatoyinbo’s Reaction pieces of legislation, the gist of whose prescriptions it. There was a second incident which reportedly took Expectedly, these allegations have set off a firestorm on sexual violence, were defined in the last quarter of place, in or on a car. As a young Christian girl from across Nigeria, and beyond. The alleged perpetrator, the 19th century during the reign of Queen Victoria. a polygamous home, Busola Amupitan, as she was initially issued a statement offering a general denial In the terms alleged, the crimes against Mrs. Dakolo when these sexual assaults reportedly took place, of the allegations, and threatening both civil and took place in Kwara State, where the Penal Code is criminal proceedings. There was evidence in his state- applicable. Section 282 of the Penal Code defines the ment to show that, Mrs. Dakolo’s allegations were crime of rape. The crime has four essential elements: different. For the first time, Pastor Fatoyinbo found (a) penetration of female genitals with the male himself issuing a public response, to such allegations. phallus; “MRS. DAKOLO’S ALLEGATIONS, In the past, he had not dignified similar allegations (b) the act of penetration achieved without the with an acknowledgement. While civil proceedings consent of the woman or the consent – if one is HOWEVER, FELT DIFFERENT. THEY against Mrs. Dakolo sounded plausible, Pastor Fa- alleged – was obtained by fraud, force, threat, intimi- toyinbo’s threat of criminal proceedings sounded like dation, deceit or impersonation; WERE DETAILED; AS A MARRIED bluster. He did not have a plausible path, to criminal (c) the woman is not the wife of the perpetrator; proceedings against her. This time also, the premises and MOTHER, SHE HAD VERY LITTLE of his COZA Church in both Abuja and Lagos were (d) the perpetrator intended to achieve penetration besieged by protesters, who wanted the criminal of the woman without her consent or acted recklessly TO GAIN FROM MAKING THESE justice system to show that it had the will to act on without regard to whether or not she consented. these allegations. In the end, these allegations have ALLEGATIONS PUBLIC....” forced Pastor Fatoyinbo, to stand aside as the Senior CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 09.07.2019 /13 URSE Pastor and Krest ‘Rape is a Crime, not a Scandal’

Bukky Shonibare The Nigerian Church, is deservedly, in the eye of the storm. The fact that places of worship, especially the church, has increasingly been made The Pain unsafe for women, youths and vulnerably poor y heart still bleeds with people, should not only outrage Christians and pain, when I see the the society, but should trigger a radical inquisition visuals of the Busola that will pave the way, for a new era of social Dakolo and Lady X’s accountability and a disciplined culture. Citing interviews, with Ynaija’s Apostle Paul’s admonitions in 1 Corinthians 6, are Chude Jideonwo. I grieved not enough. They are not absolute. because, I know what it The same Holy Book, was unequivocal in takes to come public with Proverbs 31:8-9. The church must be made safe, Mdetails of your rape as a for all. There are paedophiles and sex predators, woman, in a country with on our pulpits. The task of weeding them out, a culture of cold misogyny and mean patriarchy. is now more compelling than ever. We have had I write as a survivor of rape, and repeated sexual Church Leaders, who had adulterous relationships harassment. The pain for me, is not just about the with married congregants. We have had defile- judgement of the poorly informed public; it is ments of minors. A Pastor was recently jailed, not just about the dumbness of cold commenta- for a similar crime. Tales of financial impropriety, tors, neither is it just about the mockery and also abound. I know not a few, who dread doing doubts, that the security agencies that should business with fellow church members. One thing protect women against the rape epidemic, have is clear, to whom so much is entrusted anywhere, imbibed. It has a lot to do, with a society that the bar of morality must be steep. Such standard, sides with perpetrators; through a culture of sup- must be deliberate. The Nigerian Church is poorly pression of allegations and abuses made against coordinated, and not organised enough, to take powerful men, through a culture that stonewalls ownership of its plethora of disturbing problems, the criminal processes that should ordinarily lead and fix the mess. I hope this crisis will be seen, as to prosecution and subsequent conviction, and an opportunity window. Time will tell. a society that treats the psychological fallouts of But, back to the alleged Biodun Fatoyinbo rape. Busola Dakolo rape with reckless levity. More qualified authorities, must still weigh in on the inherent pattern of abuse allegedly deployed “EVERY COUNTRY, MUST CREATE Rape Allegations by Busola Dakolo by the man. The jury is still out, on potential legal The rape allegations made by popular pho- options available for his alleged victims. It is so A CULTURE OF PUNISHMENT, tographer, Busola Dakolo, and a former worker undignifying for a Church to have, not one of its in COZA, who preferred anonymity, against the own, but its Leader, in a trail of tens of allega- FOR BAD AND PREDATORY charismatic Abuja based Pentecostal preacher, tions of abuse, improper relationships and serial Biodun Fatoyinbo, and the recent video of assault rapes, for nearly two decades. To add salt to this BEHAVIOUR BY POWERFUL perpetrated by a serving Nigerian Senator, Elisha injury, the criminal escapades do not seem to have MEN TOWARDS WOMEN, AND Abbo, against a nursing mother at an adult toy been a secret to most in the church community, shop, should never be viewed from the media lens and among its leaders. Even if rape and sexual ALL THAT ARE VULNERABLE of a scandal, as it is being done now by many, but impropriety are not considered a sin by this con- from the social angle of a crime. gregation, are they so removed from the society, TO THEM, WHETHER THE The particular allegations against the Pastor, not to understand its criminal and abusive context, ACTIONS WERE IN THE PAST, OR should also never be viewed as a religious matter especially in the #MeToo age? How could one or some strange spiritual infraction, requiring reso- man, be so brazen? How could a culture of silence, PRESENT” lution through the intervention of certain anointed be so deeply entrenched in a church? Something faith leaders.There is a place for repentance, by the is wrong. Something is fishy. I am still outraged perpetrator of a sex crime. There is also a place and shocked. Many women across Nigeria, feel the for rehabilitation, by the Church. But, the place of same way. It is the reason, why we are resolved to whichever you might consider as the lowest. justice through the legal instruments of the society, to fight this battle. Women are not toys. We are The hurts are deep. Some are doomed to haunt must not be derailed, while repentance and humans with emotions. We are now off mute. The the victims, in their silence, everyday of their rehabilitation are sought. It is when these steps are battle-line is drawn against sexual predators and lives. But, we shall continue to shake this ‘table’, achieved, that the path to recovery for the victims molesters, wherever they are, and whoever they until a new culture of mutual respect and decency can commence. We must no longer take the mental are. is instilled in this country, and across the world health of victims, for granted. We must also see One of the high points of last week, of my towards women. Every country, must create a the prosecution of sex offenders, as a civic obliga- involvement with the team of brilliant ladies who culture of punishment, for bad and predatory be- tion, whose abdication must be justiciable against birthed our new Movement called #ChurchToo, is haviour by powerful men towards women, and all defaulting authorities. Any society that cannot the number of women who have stepped out of that are vulnerable to them, whether the actions protect the weak against its strong, will sooner their closets to speak to us, in tears, shaky voices were in the past, or present. The days and weeks than later, unfold into lawlessness. and morbid fear for their lives. The allegations ahead, will be very interesting. Our gloves are off, of harassments, molestations, rapes and abuse of against all the perpetrators and their enablers. The Nigerian Church: In the Eye of the office by strong men, from the past to the present, Bukky Shonibare Storm spread to as far as the highest offices in the land,

WHEN #METOO CAME TO CHURCH IN NIGERIA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

venues, in many cases, are remote. Overcome invari- Unsurprisingly, many victims, unwilling to subject Proving Rape ably by personal feelings of guilt and filth, victims themselves to such ordeals, would rather nurse their The two most important of these four elements, are are often too ashamed in the immediate aftermath of violations, and not report rape nor press any charges the physical act of penetration and the communicative the crime, to confide in anyone. As a result, rape kits for it. act of lack of consent. Every investigation of rape are often not performed, until after loss of biological This is the context, for assessing what could happen invariable turns on these, making rape, in effect a trial material. By the time a rape kit is performed, essential to the present allegations against Pastor Fatoyinbo. of the body of the woman or victim. biological evidence would have been lost, making There is no suggestion, that there was a rape kit in The odds of achieving a successful investigation or the likelihood of effective investigation or successful this case. In all likelihood, there was none. The victim prosecution of rape are invariably good, if the perpe- prosecution, rather low or non-existent. Criminal was too young and too adversely affected at the trator is caught in the act (in flagrante delicto), and an proceedings, if one were to take place in such cases, time, to be able to procure one. Biological evidence admissible rape kit is performed as soon as possible become a trial not of the alleged perpetrator, but of either penetration or sexual activity, is unlikely to after the act. The likelihood of achieving a coincidence an ordeal for the victim, in which her intimate life exist. Any other evidence, would be circumstantial of these two contingencies, is very rare indeed. is subjected to humiliating micro-examination, for Most rape cases, take place outside public view. The the purpose of granting the perpetrator a free pass. CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 14/ 09.07.2019 The Time is Now Osai Ojigho that to cynically ask, ‘why now?’ to a rape survivor who picked up courage to speak her story, is missing the Why wait so long? significance of this moment, to address hen Busola pervasive rape culture in Nigeria. Dakolo shared Rape is a serious offence. In Nigeria, her story about the punishment is life imprisonment. her alleged There are different criminal justice rape by Pas- regimes in Nigeria, and this has led to tor Biodun different applications at Federal and Fatoyinbo as State level. In the first place, the defini- a teenager tion of rape in the Nigerian criminal Wmany years justice system, is based on the archaic ago, one issue Criminal Code (Section 357) and Penal that kept coming up in discussions, Code (Section 282), applicable in was her decision to raise the incident the Southern and Northern States, now in 2019. The doubters ask, why respectively. However, more up to date did she not speak after it happened? laws exist - Section 352 of the Criminal Why now? Indirectly, questioning the Law of Lagos State 2011, and Section intent behind the revelation. It seemed 1 of the Violence Against Persons that, she must want something. The Prohibition Act 2015. doubters appeared not to understand Rape is also, a serious human rights what it was, and why she was calling violation. It violates a person’s rights out an influential pastor. It was clear to integrity and dignity. It also impairs to many of us who have been working the enjoyment of a range of human on sexual and gender-based violence rights, including the rights to life, (SGBV) and its eradication for several freedom from torture, equality and years, that if she wants anything, it is non-discrimination; equal protection closure and justice. before the law and the right to the highest standard attainable of physical Rape and mental health. (CEDAW General SGBV takes many forms, the most Recommendation 19) survivors and offenders. The shame “RAPE IS A SERIOUS recognisable is rape. Rape is considered that is often poured on the survivor, one of the most heinous crimes, yet it Proving Rape: Amend the Laws will shift to the offender. Until we OFFENCE. IN NIGERIA, is the most difficult to prosecute and So, why is the law so difficult to have a cultural shift, sexual offenders convict. In many conservative countries enforce? Evidence. To prove rape, the who have escaped the law will repeat THE PUNISHMENT IS like Nigeria, women’s sexuality is often burden in criminal cases is beyond and continue to re- offend, as there discussed along cultural or religious reasonable doubt. Where there are no are no social consequences for their LIFE IMPRISONMENT” lines, which links a girl or woman’s witnesses, medical evidence of the actions. NGOs and women’s groups reputation to her ‘sexual purity’. As acts, it becomes a daunting task. The have been campaigning for an end to a result, there is a collective family lack of proof, does not mean it did SGBV for a long time, the government or community interest to project a not happen. The government has a needs to put more resources in sensi- reputation of decency for females, as responsibility to correct this gap in the tising the public about gender-based a hallmark of a decent family. This law, that is preventing survivors from discrimination and SGBV. interest has unfortunately, allowed getting justice. An amendment to the In a gender unequal world, a see a twitter user: @_busayomi post sexual offenders and predators to thrive provisions of the law on rape, will woman calling out a powerful man, a thread: https:// twitter.com/_bu- and escape justice, because when there go a long way in making convictions is seen as challenging the power sayomi/status/1145037180324196352 is rape, sexual abuse of children, incest possible, and changing attitudes that relations in a patriarchal society that that provided a simple way to encour- and the like, the benefit of keeping strengthen the survivors, while offend- views men’s domination as a privilege. age others to understand the point of silent gives the false impression that ers are made to face justice. Until that Doubters who question a rape view of the survivor, who waited for the girl or woman’s decency has not is done, rape survivors who face social survivor’s story, are uncomfortable to some time to talk about the violation. been violated, and protects the family stigma, will continue to find it difficult address the status quo. Some of them, The twitter user shared a conversation from bearing the shame. to report the crime and seek help, are, in fact, victims themselves, and she had with her own mother: Moreover, it has not helped that, especially medical and psychosocial may also feel that they have overcome Me: Have you ever been sexually when cases of rape are known, the support. A change in the laws, should their experiences, and everyone should assaulted? Mum: Yes survivors are the ones attacked. Their be supported with comprehensive just get on with theirs. This distancing Me: Who did you tell about it? dressing, intelligence and any prior training and skills building for all from the situation and acceptance that Mum: Hmmm... No one. relationship with the violator, are officials involved in documenting, nothing can be done, makes them This provided the ground to share questioned. It becomes an interrogation investigating and prosecuting rape and inadvertently incredulous to an asser- her own experience of sexual assault for the rape survivor, which is equally other SGBVs. tion by someone else, because they are as a child, which until then, she had traumatising. If the survivor is a girl, not yet ready to confront their own never shared with her mother. This the society and law enforcement, in Change of Attitude and Cultural truth. It is almost like the very thing was an enlightenment moment for two addition, will blame the mother for Shift that will help you, is what you are women, different generations. failing to protect her child, even if the Public awareness about the physical, fighting against. Whether a woman or girl speaks abuser is the girls’ father or relative. psychological and mental trauma of immediately the rape happens, or later, The environment is so unfavourable rape survivors, will also challenge rape Share Experiences or many years later, or it comes out and unsupportive of rape survivors, myths and public attitudes towards It was especially encouraging to after she has grown old and is dead, there will still be people asking why now? In the case of death, they would say, she has died now, so it will not WHEN #METOO CAME TO CHURCH IN NIGERIA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 help her. Those asking the questions, miss the point. The silence demanded and oral. In the absence of any wit- however, must be the possibility of civil achieve this, VAPP Act needs to be of women and girls by our society and nesses, any investigation would turn on proceedings, either against the Pastor taken to the States, and made routine institutions, have enabled the predators her word against his. The Police could by himself, or against the trustees of in all the States. Second, at present, the and violators. Women and girls are be decidedly reluctant, to launch a rape his faith community, on allegations law allows evidence of the sexual or taking their voices back, and rising and prosecution on such basis. Even if they of failure of pastoral duty of care. intimate histories of victims from the saying, “no more”. Even if the law has chose to do so, the odds would be high Whether such a case can be made out, proceedings, but mostly precludes such failed us, even if family has not helped that, any such proceedings under the would be fact and evidence-dependent. evidence on the part of alleged perpe- us, we are going to speak our truth Penal Code, could fail on a no-case One clear difference between civil trators. This incidence of the laws of and expose those who are causing submission. In that event, the alleged and criminal proceedings, however, is evidence in rape proceedings in most us pain, and warn others, so that we perpetrator would, and his supporters, the standard of proof: while criminal jurisdictions in Nigeria, can be reversed are wary of such people, and prevent in this case, will feel “vindicated”. Vic- proceedings are settled on the standard by amending the relevant laws in all further abuse. tims will feel crushed, and an important of “beyond reasonable doubt”, civil the States, other than Lagos where this Yet, the most appropriate question opening in accountability for crimes of proceedings are decided on “balance has already been achieved. Third, it should have been to get the facts: “Did sexual violence, would have been lost. of probabilities”, i.e. whether her story should be possible to harmonise the it happen or not?” And then: “What Unsurprisingly, the most ardent voices is more likely than his to be true, or laws of sexual offences across the coun- are we going to do about it?” We in support of police investigation in this believable. The chances of meeting that try, so that the confusion over what should no longer, keep quiet. When case, appear to be partisan or propagan- standard in this kind of case, are better rape means in Nigeria, can be reduced. a woman or girl is abused, we all are dists for the alleged perpetrator. for the victim. The Conference of Attorneys-General, abused. We need to heal, and we need This does not mean that, there are Whatever the difficulties of proof, in concert with the Inspector-General justice. Today is a good time. The time no remedies in this case. I am simply cases like the present, remind us of the of Police, can commit to legislating to is now. saying that, any suggestions of criminal need to popularise rape law reform make this possible. Osai Ojigho, Lawyer and Human investigation or proceeding, must be in Nigeria. Three things, can easily be Dr Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, Rights Expert, Director, Amnesty made in the full knowledge that they done. First, the definition of rape in former Chairman, National Human International Nigeria. Opinions will confront quite impossible odds. both the Criminal and Penal Codes, Rights Commission (Nigeria) expressed are that of the author, Possible Remedies is clearly very outdated. It makes the and not necessarily that of the Among possible remedies, surely crime, near impossible to prove. To organisation she works with 09.07.2019 THE LIGHTER SIDE/15

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funding should be improved, illegal mining activities and security sponsored by the NBA-SBL. An anonymous help desk should tackle insecurity, professionalise the Nigerian security apparatus, issues should be addressed, in order to protect local investors and be created in the NBA, to help address the issues of sexual demarcate and exercise more control of Nigeria’s borders. attract their foreign counterparts. State and Local Governments harassment in law firms in Nigeria. Female Lawyers should r
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wrote to the CCB on June 6, urging it to refer these Defendants Defendants to the CCT, and for the fifth Defendant to prefer Nigerian market, to be able to better support non- Lawyers to the CCT for prosecution, but, the “CCB never responded charges for their prosecution”, Alabi said. and render free legal education to MSMEs and indigents. to the letter to date”. The Plaintiff argued that, the AGF is constitutionally r
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“It is in the interest of justice, that the defaulters, notwith- mandated to prosecute willful violators of the law. capacity building and investing in knowledge to enhance standing the calibre of personalities they are, be brought to Alabi said he believes in the Buhari administration’s com- trade and investment. book before the Code of Conduct Tribunal. mitment to transparency in government, anti-corruption war, r
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“It is in the interest of justice to grant this motion to and determination to bring violators of the law to book. capacity, increase domestic arbitration, and help review compel the first Defendant to refer the second to fourth No date has been fixed, for hearing. existing laws, to meet the needs of the changing world. 16 TUESDAY JULY 9, 2019 • THISDAY

STRONG MEN Vs. STRONG INSTITUTIONS ˰/(;/HJDO3UDFWLWLRQHUVDQG$UELWUDWRUVRQ:HGQHVGD\-XO\UGKHOGWKHHGLWLRQRILWV$QQXDO/HFWXUHWKHPHG´6WURQJ 0HQ9V6WURQJ,QVWLWXWLRQV²6WUHQJWKHQLQJ'HPRFUDF\,Q1LJHULDµDWWKH$JLS5HFLWDO+DOORI0XVRQ&HQWUH/DJRV1LJHULD 7KHOHFWXUHIHDWXUHGGLVFXVVDQWVDQGSDUWLFLSDQWVIURPWKHSULYDWHDQGSXEOLFVHFWRUDVZHOODVWKHFLYLOVRFLHW\ZKRDOODGYRFDWHGIRU VWURQJDQGWUDQVSDUHQWLQVWLWXWLRQVZLWKVWURQJPHQDYLDEOHOHJLVODWXUHDQLQGHSHQGHQWMXGLFLDU\DQLQGHSHQZGHQWSUHVVDYLEUDQW SULYDWHVHFWRUDQGDFRQVFLHQWLRXVFLYLOVRFLHW\WRJLYHOLIHWR$IULFDҋVYLVLRQRIGHPRFUDF\6((3+2726%(/2:

(L-R) Dr. Joe Abah (Panelist), Hon. Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar (L-R) Former Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Lagos State, Mr. Fola Prof. Patrick L.O. Lumumba during the (Chairperson) and Professor Patrick L.O. Lumumba (Guest Arthur-Worrey, Dr. Joe Abah, Professor Patrick L.O. Lumumba, Hon. Justice plenary session Speaker). Aloma Mariam Mukhtar and Mr. Theophilus Emuwa (AELEX Managing Partner).

(L-R) Plenary Session; Mr. Fola Arthur-Worrey, Dr. Joe Abah, Prof. Patrick Dr. Joe Abah during the plenary Mr. Fola Arthur-Worrey during the Audience member during question Lumumba and Hon. Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar. session plenary session. and answer session.

L-R) Mr. Fola Arthur-Worrey being presented with an award (L-R) Dr. Joe Abah being presented with an award by Mr. (L-R) Prof. Patrick L.O. Lumumba being presented with an by Mr. Lawrence Fubara Anga (AELEX Partner). Lawrence Fubara Anga (AELEX Partner). award by Mr. Lawrence Fubara Anga (AELEX Partner).

(L-R) Mr. Lawrence Fubara Anga, Partner, Aelex, Mr. Fola Arthur-Worrey, Dr. Joe Abah, Hon. Justice Some members of Lecture Planning Committee Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, Aelex Partners, Mr. Theophilus Emuwa, Mrs. Funke Adekoya SAN and Mr. Olanipekun Orewale THISDAY ˾

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Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Email [email protected] BUSINESSWORLD 08152447875 RATES AS ATJULY5, 2019 MONEY MARKET REPO S & P INDEX S & P INDEX EXCHANGE RATE OVERNIGHT 4.57% CALL 2.50% INDEX LEVEL 401.98% 1/4 TO DATE 0.43% N306.95/1US DOLLAR* OBB 3.86% 1-MONTH 5.50% 1-DAY -0.12% YEAR TO DATE 12.61% *AS AT LAST FRIDAY 3-MONTH 6.75% MONTH-TO-DATE 0.43% Quick Takes AAAN to Hold AGM, Congress The Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) will hold its 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM)/Congress in Asaba, Delta State. This was made known in a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary of the Association, Jenkins Alumona. According to the statement, the AGM/Congress, which has as theme “The War Within: Solutions for Survival,” will be declared open by the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State. Captains of the industry, top business leaders and policy makers within and outside the marketing communication industry are expected at the AGM. AAAN President, Ikechi Odigbo, said the association aims to use the AGM as a platform to engage in intellectual and critical discourse on the challenges facing the business and practice of Advertising in Nigeria and advocate unorthodox solutions in rebuilding and rebranding the industry. The Chairman of the Events Planning Committee, Doyin Adewumi, stated that the association has decided to invite senior members to lead the discourse on the theme, adding that the discourse would be beneficial to delegates and members of the Association. CEO OUTLOOK REPORT To underscore the importance of the AGM, the statement disclosed, L-R: Founder/CEO, BMW Group, Coscharis Motors Limited, Dr, Cosmas Maduka; Chief Executive Officer, Nestoil Group, Nigeria, Mrs. Nnenna the association has invited Jimi Awosika, Vice Chairman, Troyka Holdings. Obiejesi; Senior Partner, KPMG Nigeria / Chairman, KPMG Africa, Mr. Kunle Elebute; CEO, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Yinka Sanni; Managing Other panellists include Mr. Steve Babaeko, Group CEO, X3M Ideas, Director/CEO, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Limited (NAHCO), Mrs. Tokunbo Fagbemi, and Managing Director, Frontier Oil Limited, Chizor Malize, CEO, Brandzone LLC and Igbo Amadi-Obi, CEO, BBDO. Mr. Dada Thomas, presenting the 2019 KPMG CEO Outlook Report at the KPMG CEO Roundtable held in Lagos…recently It equally revealed that some senior members would be honoured with special recognition awards for meritorious service at the AGM/ Congress. AfCFTA May Boost Inter-African OPEC’s Output Hits New Low OPEC oil output sank to a new five-year low in June as a rise in Saudi supply did not offset losses in Iran and Venezuela due to United States Trade by 25%, Says UN Chief sanctions and other outages elsewhere in the group, a Reuters survey found. The 14-member Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Peter Uzoho ECONOMY AfCFTA or not. This should be of concern to us Countries pumped 29.60 million barrels per day (bpd) last month, the The committee, while sub- all,” the WTO Director-General, survey showed, down 170,000 bpd from May’s revised figure and the The United Nations (UN) Eco- finally signed the agreement at mitting its report on June 27, Roberto Azevêdo said at the lowest OPEC total since 2014, the survey showed. nomic Commission for Africa, the opening of the AU Summit. had advised Buhari to sign the plenary. The Reuters survey suggested that even though Saudi Arabia is Stephen Karingi, has said the The president’s spokes- agreement, listing a number of “Depleted stocks mean raising output following pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump new African Continental Free man, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a factors, which aided the com- depleted economic activity to bring down prices, the kingdom is still voluntarily pumping less than Trade Area (AfCFTA) agree- statement, said Buhari signed mittee’s recommendations and for coastal communities, and an OPEC-led supply deal allows it to. OPEC renewed the supply pact at ment, which entered into force the treaty in the presence of the benefits accruable from it. millions around the world will meetings this week. Despite lower supplies, crude oil has fallen from on May 30th has the capacity other African heads of state Meanwhile, economic diver- lose their livelihoods. There is an a six-month high above $75 a barrel in April to below $63 on Friday, to increase inter-African trade and governments, delegates sification and empowerment urgent need to ensure sustain- pressured by concern about slowing economic growth. by between 15 and 25 per cent, and representatives from the of women were identified as able use of oceans resources “The decision of OPEC+ at the beginning of the week to extend its with two-thirds of gains in private sector, civil society and being essential in achieving a for future generations.” production cuts has done nothing to change this,” Carsten Fritsch, industrial goods trade. the media, which attended the fairer and more efficient trading WTO members could make analyst at Commerzbank, said of this week’s drop in prices. Karingi, said this during one 12th Extraordinary Summit of environment, speakers at various an important contribution The United States re-imposed sanctions on Iran in November after of the sessions at the Aid for the African Union on the launch sessions at WTO forum stated. by successfully concluding pulling out of a 2015 nuclear accord between Tehran and six world Trade Global Review organised of the Operational Phase of the According to the panellists, negotiations for new global powers. Aiming to cut Iran’s sales to zero, Washington this month ended recently by the World Trade AfCFTA. even though the global economy rules that will curb harmful sanctions waivers for importers of Iranian oil. Iran’s crude exports have Organisation (WTO). The phase one of the agree- offers many opportunities for fisheries subsidies, Azevêdo declined to less than 400,000 bpd from more than 2.5 million bpd in According to him, the po- ment was adopted by AU Heads enterprises to grow, much added, emphasising the end- April 2018. In Venezuela, supply fell slightly in June due to the impact tential growth in inter-African of State and Governments at remained to be done in areas 2019 deadline for an agreement. of U.S. sanctions on state oil company PDVSA and a long-term decline trade figure was important for its 10th Extraordinary Summit such as fisheries subsidies to Negotiators are currently in production, according to the survey. African countries seeking to in Kigali, Rwanda, on March safeguard resources and to under intense pressure amid reduce their dependence on 21, 2018. But Nigeria pulled ensure that the benefits of the complex issues linked to VW Partners Battery Suppliers raw commodities and provides out of the agreement signing trade can reach more people. fisheries management and Volkswagen will create joint ventures and help finance battery a good incentive for policies ceremony at the last minute, They noted that more must be sustainable development, he production to persuade sceptical cell suppliers to back its aggres- promoting industrialisation and following agitations from the done to ensure that the global said, adding that complexities sive push for mass producing electric vehicles, board member Stefan diversification. private sector that the agreement economy better meet the needs would surely re-emerge after Sommer told Reuters. VW has said it will buy 50 billion euros ($56.57 Panellists further discussed would make Nigeria a dumping of underserved stakeholders, new subsidy rules are finally billion) worth of battery cells and has identified Sweden’s Northvolt, the foreseen impact of the ground for goods and services including vulnerable countries, agreed as members grapple South Korea’s SKI, LG Chem and Samsung SDI as well as China’s CATL AfCFTA and its potential to in Africa. women traders and the youth. with enforcement challenges. as strategic partners. “Not every supplier is convinced that electric facilitate economic diversification Consequently, the president “Global fish stocks are being “This is an important oc- mobility will come on such a large scale. You need to spend more time and empowerment. set up a committee to make depleted. According to the FAO casion to take stock of the convincing them to invest in the auto industry,” Sommer told Reuters. Nigeria at the weekend in wider consultations on the agree- (Food and Agriculture Organi- fisheries assistance already Volkswagen said that by 2025, it needs 150 gigawatt hours worth Niamey, Niger Republic, of- ment with a view to coming zation), 33 per cent of global being provided bilaterally of battery production capacity in Europe and another 150 in Asia. By ficially joined the AfCFTA as up with recommendations on stocks are overfished, and most 2030 this figure will double. President Muhammadu Buhari whether Nigeria should join of the rest are at their limits. Continued on page 24 “These producers need to prioritise between making a new smartphone or building a new battery factory. So even the battery cell producers are asking: will production volumes scale up quickly?” he said. BPE: Nigeria’s Power Sector Can Still Be Salvaged Chineme Okafor in Abuja ENERGY jeopardised the initiative by “It is important to restate cancelling it in 2015. that all hope is not lost in The Bureau of Public Enterpris- In a rebuttal to claims made bringing the implementation es (BPE) has said that Nigeria’s fully implemented, the reform by a former chairman of the of the reform back on track,” “Airtel Africa’s listing on the NSE will electricity sector reform that could get back on track. NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi, of how the BPE stated in a rebuttal not only showcase the company as an established player in the African saw the privatisation of the The BPE also gave reasons the BPE changed the terms made available to THISDAY. telecommunication industry, but will generation and distribution why it adopted the Aggregate of engagement during the According to the agency, enable the firm to actualise its strategic companies of defunct Power Technical, Commercial and power privatisation exercise “It would be recalled that vision” Holding Company of Nigeria Collection (ATC&C) losses to accommodate unqualified the federal government of (PHCN) but now facing dif- framework for the sale of interests – a reason Amadi Nigeria and the World Bank ficulties can still be revived. PHCN successor distribution had said was responsible had in December 2016 set up To the agency, if the Power companies (Discos), and noted for the challenges with the a joint committee to examine Sector Recovery Programme the approach failed to yield power sector reform - the the challenges facing the (PSRP) initiated by the federal results because the Nigerian BPE stressed that there was privatised power sector and government in 2016 with sup- Electricity Regulatory Com- still hope making the exercise CEO, NSE, port from the World Bank is mission (NERC) allegedly achieve its objective. Continued on page 24 Mr. Oscar Onyema 24 THISDAY ˾

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Ͱͮͯͷ BUSINESSWORLD NEWS

AFCFTA MAY BOOST INTER- AFRICAN TRADE BY 25%, SAYS UN CHIEF FG Targets $1bn Revenue from New Gas Flare Policy and through international Chineme Okafor in Abuja the climate change action plans potential GDP impact is “The programme could range of $10 to 40 million were institutions and to consider anticipated in the Paris Climate estimated at plus US$1 billion also bring inflow of new executed, the NGFCP has a what else would be needed The federal government has Change Accords which could per annum. infrastructure players to en- potential of triggering around to help with implementation said its new gas flare out be replicable in many other “It could potentially unlock able gas uptake and usage in 70 to 90 projects. of new rules,” Azevêdo said. plan – the Nigeria Gas Flare gas flaring countries around 2 - 3 LNG trains, or around previously unreachable regions “And over a 1.5 – 2-year “Of course, a new WTO Commercialisation Programme the world with Nigeria setting 3000MW electricity genera- and business development from period, the NGFCP could agreement on fisheries subsidies (NGFCP) - has the capacity to the pace. tion as well as generate circa gas companies to unlock new generate approximately 26,000 by itself cannot address the improve the country’s Gross “Overall, the NGFCP has 600,000MT of LPG per year domestic markets for gas,” it direct jobs (assuming an average whole spectrum of problems Domestic Product (GDP) by the potential of generating giving 6 million households explained. direct labour force of 300 people related to long-term fisheries $1 billion annually. approximately US$3.5 billion access to clean energy through Going further, it stated that per project) and approximately sustainability but we can make It also has the capacity to of inward investment. The LPG. assuming project sizes in the 300,000 direct and indirect jobs. an important contribution. cut down greenhouse gas “So, let’s be ambitious with emission by 13 tons within the that contribution,” he said. same period. The government United Nations Special Envoy disclosed this in a statement for the Oceans, Peter Thomson, sent to THISDAY recently, by likewise underlined the urgency the Programme Manager of the of delivering a WTO fisheries NGFCP, Mr. Justice Derefaka. subsidies agreement. The statement provided an New rules are essential to update on the government’s have healthy fisheries, which in implementation of the pro- turn are essential for a sustain- gramme and explained that able “blue” economy, he said. some target milestones had A panel of speakers went been achieved. on to discuss the needs of Amongst the milestones developing and least-developed achieved, it noted were the countries and the technical as- submission of the evaluation sistance that could be made report by the NGFCP Proposal available to enhance the Evaluation Committee (PEC) of implementation of a future the Statement of Qualification WTO agreement on fisheries (SOQ) exercise in response to subsidies. Representatives from the Request for Qualification Myanmar, Liberia and Samoa (RfQ) package of the NGFCP gave their perspective on the as well as submission of a challenges their countries face report by the Independent in combatting harmful fishing Observers Group (IOG). The practices and the special and statement added “The design differential treatment they desire of the NGFCP according to in the ongoing negotiations. our development partners is an innovative, robust and BPE: NIGERIA’S POWER scalable approach to gas flare CAPACITY BUILDING SECTOR CAN STILL BE reduction – a “game changer” L-R: Head Start-Ups and Youth Enterprise, FATE Foundation, Oge Nnaife; Executive Director, Adenike Oke Adeyemi; Edo State Governor, SALVAGED (first of a kind) consistent with Godwin Obaseki, and SSA Skills Development and Edo Jobs, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, at a programme for entrepreneurs held in Benin City...recently proffer solutions. “After four months of Fidelity Bank to Empower SMEs intensive work, the commit- tee submitted its report. The Hamid Ayodeji the initiative tagged, ‘SME reason we have mentorship funds; which is why we have share more insight about their report was approved by the Funding Connect,’ to deepen programmes to groom and introduced this initiative to businesses,” he added. Federal Executive Council in Small Medium Enterprises funding, which remained the sensitise them on how to bring them together in one Also speaking, the Di- March 2017 and the board (SMEs) are the engine to biggest headache of SMEs. grow a business from a forum so as to transact visional Head, Managed of the World Bank in April, any economy that intend Okonkwo, who was small scale to a large scale business together. SMEs, Fidelity Bank, Mr 2017. The implementation to experience sustainable represented by the bank’s and sustain it. “We have start-ups that Osaigbovo Omorogbe, said of the recommendations is economic growth, the Chief Executive Director, Lagos “We have been helping benefited from such initiative events for the funding of the on-going, even if slow. Executive Officer of Fidel- & Southwest, Mrs. Nneka them access funds from in the past. When we are SMEs would be carried out in “However, it is cheering to ity Bank Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Onyeali-Ikpe, said the initia- financial institutions such done with the Lagos edition, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano note that in recent months Okonkwo has said. tive was aimed at providing as the Bank of Industry we are going to move it to and one other location to the implementation has Owing to this, Fidelity funding for SMEs through and other institutions from Abuja, Port Harcourt and be determined by the bank. picked up pace. The BPE Bank has announced its the bank’s funding partners, outside the country. then Kano. By the time we Omorogbe said the Lagos event is of the firm belief that the collaboration with Price- venture capital and Angel “They also face problems are done with the editions, titled ‘Entrepreneurship Meets faithful implementation of the waterhouseCoopers (PwC) investor, among others. of multiple taxation as well we expect the SMEs to have Capital,’ would take place on Power Sector Recovery Plan to provide funding for “We have 40 million as issues of infrastructure, met with investors that would August 7. He said the funding will return the power sector SMEs operating in Nigeria. registered SMEs in Nigeria. such as inefficient electricity fund their start-ups. partners would provide equity reform back on track which it The Fidelity Bank SMEs This tells us that this is a supply, so we intend solve “In addition we have done capital for SMEs to strengthen lost when Dr. Amadi carried Funding Connect has 3,000 sector we cannot ignore, and the issues we are capable programs to educate them growth and development. out his ill-advised removal participants, 60 providers, from our research we have of solving as a bank,” the on management and how Also, the Chief Economist of collection losses from the 60 founders, N12 million discovered that funding is Fidelity Bank boss explained. to manage their finances. and Partner, PwC, Mr Andrew contract with investors,” it in grant, six breakout ses- one of the biggest challenges Explaining further, he said, Hopefully it would be a Nevin, said the programme added. sions and three networking SMEs in Nigeria face. “Venture Capital as well as successful project, we would could develop more SMEs, cocktails. “We also know that they private equity firms would have networking sessions which would in turn con- Okonkwo, said in Lagos face challenges of techni- provide the SMEs with longer where they would meet tribute to the development that the bank came up with cal know -how, hence the term funds and more stable various fund providers and of the economy.

Oforiokuma Appointed Head of Strategy, Investor

Relations at Africa50

Group Business Editor Solomon Elusoji Americas, Asia, and Africa. This followed on from holds a BSc in Accounting grow,” Africa50 CEO, Alain Obinna Chima In a wide-ranging career, his six years as Managing and Financial Management Ebobisse said. The Africa50, the pan-African he has worked in business Director/CEO of Lekki from the University of Buck- “I greatly look forward Capital Market Editor Goddy Egene infrastructure investment strategy, operations and Concession Company, a ingham. He speaks English, to using my experience in Comms/e-Business Editor platform capitalised by financial management, Nigerian toll road infra- French, and Spanish. various infrastructure sec- Emma Okonji the African Development fundraising, investor and structure provider. Prior “Opuiyo is taking over one tors and investor relations Senior Correspondent Bank (AfDB), 27 African media relations, project to this he worked for two of our key units, Strategy to further the important work Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) countries and two African development and financ- years as a Vice President at and Investor Relations, where of Africa50 by increasing its Correspondents central banks, has announced ing, and mergers and American Water, two years he will lead fundraising reach across the continent and Chinedu Eze (Aviation) the appointment of Opuiyo acquisitions. as Thames Water’s Business and development of inves- beyond,” Oforiokuma said. Eromosele Abiodun (Maritime) James Emejo (Finance) Oforiokuma as its Head Prior to joining Africa50, Performance Director for tor relations with public Africa50 is an infrastructure Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) of Strategy and Investor he was Managing Direc- Latin America, and over and private partners and investment platform that Chineme Okafor ((Energy) Relations. He assumed his tor/CEO of the ARM- twelve years in various shareholders worldwide. contributes to Africa’s growth

Reporters position on July 1, 2019. Harith Infrastructure roles, including as Finance With his extensive experience by developing and investing Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Oforiokuma, a Nigerian Fund for seven years, Director of the International across finance, management, in bankable projects, catalys- Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT) and British national, is an leading and overseeing Division, at Thames Water, and project development, he ing public sector capital, and infrastructure specialist with equity investments in West the UK’s largest privatized has the skills to assure that mobilising private sector over 30 years of experience African transport, energy, water utility. Oforiokuma is our pool of shareholders and funding, with differentiated in the UK and Europe, the and utilities projects. a Chartered Accountant and investors will continue to financial returns and impact. THISDAY ˾

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BUSINESSWORLD ENERGY NNPC Supports Displaced School Children with N500m Chineme Okafor in Abuja financial support in. called on the corporate world “What I have seen today is to lend support to the project. The Nigerian National Petro- even worth much more than The statement noted that leum Corporation (NNPC) has that. There are more equipment in his interaction with the said it spent over N500 million that will be installed. We are children, Baru said all he saw supporting an initiative to get happy with what we met on in their young faces was hope back to school children that ground and it would spur us and determination to become were displaced by the Boko to do more,” he stated, while successful members of the Haram sect in Borno State. indicating the corporation will society in the future. Its immediate past Group continue its support for good “If you work hard, you Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti causes across the country, espe- could grow and be like me Baru, disclosed this in a state- cially those aimed at assisting in the future. It is my belief ment sent to THISDAY, by the children to become responsible that each and every one of you Group General Manager, Public citizens in the future.” here will be a future leader,” he Affairs of the corporation, Mr. Further justifying NNPC’s reportedly said to the students. Ndu Ughamadu. N500 million investment in the Also in the statement, the According to Baru, the NNPC NECT project, Baru, said the Head of Strategy for the NECT, in line with its Corporate Social corporation thought it fit to Dupe Killa-Kafidipe, was Responsibility (CSR) policy, support the project the moment quoted to have said that the supported the Learning Centre it was approached by the Trust aim of the projects was to give of the North East Children’s three years ago to lend a hand hope to the vulnerable children Trust (NECT) in Maiduguri, in the project. affected by the insurgency in Borno State, three years ago He commended the Vice the north east. with over N500 million. President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, She said the plan of Osinbajo He said: “We undertook for conceiving the project to was to build 10 similar centres to support the project with provide an all-in-one home across the north east, adding everything related to modern and school facility for children that the NNPC and other education. These include equip- orphaned by the Boko Haram corporate organisations were ping the laboratories, providing insurgency, to reintegrate them key to the accomplishment of an e-library and a hybrid into the society. the plan. solar power supply system, Baru, also called on Osinbajo Killa-Kafidipe, said with the vocational training equipment to extend the project to other NNPC’s intervention at the and even constructing e-library cities affected by the insurgency, centre, many of the students and block of classrooms.” to ensure that over 40, 000 would be better educated than Baru, who visited the facility registered orphans in Borno children who went to private with his successor, Mallam and other neighbouring states schools. Melee Kyari, explained it would be accommodated. “The NNPC is doing a lot was fulfilling for the NNPC He thanked other donors for here and we appreciate their to physically inspect what it their gracious support for the efforts to sustain this project,” had committed such huge construction of the edifice, and she said. Sterling Bank Named among Top Best Place to Work

Nume Ekeghe derive a sense of meaning women who have distinguished from their work and take pride themselves in various industries Sterling Bank Plc has been in the overall success of their and top management levels adjudged the third best place organisation.” received certification and awards to work in Nigeria, at the 2019 According to her, “ At at the ceremony after a rigorous edition of the annual Great Place Sterling, creating a workplace selection process. The organizers To Work (GPTW) awards which where our employees do said the event attracted entries held in Lagos recently. not want to escape from is from more than six African The bank also clinched the Best always on the front burner of countries including Kenya, Cote in Leadership (Large corporate) our people strategy. We pride D’Ivoire, Senegal, South Africa, and Best Workplace for millennial ourselves in our culture as Namibia and Egypt. generation. This indeed was a we keep improving on our Also speaking at the event, significant improvement as the employee experience through Kunle Malomo, Group Managing bank won the workplace with bespoke employee offerings Director/CEO, GPTW, said Best Quality of Life at the 2018 and engagements. Our agile the awards were not aimed at edition of the awards. way of working which includes recognizing only winners, but The Chief Human Resources Flexi-time and Flexi-place, ac- also to instill best practices Officer, Sterling Bank, Temi Dal- celerated career routes, bespoke in work places, adding that ley, while receiving the award, reward systems and deliberate the company’s vision entails was quoted in a statement to investment in capacity building expanding the good workplace have described a, “great place of our workforce, has helped in culture across Africa and that to work as an enabling environ- keeping not just the Millennials the coming editions will feature ment, where employees trust but our entire workforce mix.’’ about 300 companies and more the people they work with, Overall, about 96 firms and than 100 persons. Firm Launches Dessert Kits in Nigeria Raheem Akingbolu of the partners’ commitment to a Tunji Olaniyi, spoke on the comprehensive training process importance of the partnership Cosmos Africa, a supplier in using the equipment. with Carpigiani, ISA and Mec3, of ice cream, coffee and tea “We are not here to flood saying, “One of the things we equipment and consumables, the market with equipment are introducing is small scale has introduced a new dessert and then run away,” he stated. machinery to start a gelato kits to the Nigerian market. “I reassure you all that you business at a very low cost The innovative machines, will not be left alone in any with a small cabinet and small which were recently displayed aspect, be it fixing machines, ice cream machinery and then in Abuja at the commencement buying spare parts, and getting grow as the business grows. of a three-day training workshop you trained. We are here for “Our partners place impor- on innovative recipes for gelato, the long term. This workshop tance on the Nigerian market ice cream and coffee production, means a lot to us and we hope it and are therefore committed was organised by Ice Cream means a lot to you all as well.” to support us in providing and Coffee University, an The Ice Cream and Coffee world-class service.” arm of Cosmos Trade Nigeria University aims at introduc- He explained that service Limited, which was said to have ing the latest equipment and to Cosmos is not just about been in the upstream of the ice technology to local ice cream selling machines but also, cream and coffee business in vendors at a subsidised cost “to keep our trade partners the last 22 years. The Italian and providing expert training in business in terms of the Ambassador to Nigeria, Stefano on best practices and techniques. technical know-how, technical Pontesilli, who was the Special Managing Director of Cosmos service and availability of spare Guest, assured the participants Trade Nigeria Limited, Mr parts.” 26 THISDAY ˾

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 TCN, Discos Renewed Squabble The Transmission Company of Nigeria and the electricity distribution companies are always at daggers drawn over electricity load management without essentially looking to find a middle ground, writes Chineme Okafor

For any electricity consumer in Nigeria, the sector records system trip offs, stated that 75MX-reactor in its Benin Substation, Sapele on the grid. This, they added causes lots of satisfactory service is never about the volume the Discos frequently reject allocated electricity Road in Benin City, Edo State, adding that it led commercial and technical problems to them. of electricity that was generated on a given day loads from it because they lack the capacity to high voltage in the system, which shattered These alleged deficiencies of the TCN, they by the power generation companies (Gencos) to take increased power demands from their the lightning arrester in close proximity to noted were captured in a July 2017 System in the country, or the volume the Transmission consumers, and that when such happened the 75MX-reactor in Benin. Adequacy Report published by the SO of the Company of Nigeria (TCN) could not get to the national grid would be impacted, hence, “The shattered lightning arrester porcelain hit TCN. the national grid, but only about how much the trip offs. the reactor bushing causing further explosion ANED said a properly protected transmission electricity hour their Discos supply to them. In defence of their actions, the Discos however, on the reactor resulting in fire outbreak,” said system will isolate faults, but, “unfortunately, Sadly, for the duo of the TCN and Discos, explained that when they request for loads the TCN, which disclosed that restoration of the resultant effect is that we have experienced this straightforward reality is mostly lost on from the TCN, it often sends to parts of their the grid however commenced immediately. the ninth total black out in Nigeria this year them as they constantly disagree over whose network that could not withstand the allocated Furthermore, on the development, it said (five times in January, once in April, twice in failures is most spectacular, and which of the load, or do not have a need for them, hence it has commenced the movement of another May and once in June), a rate of transmission entities hasn’t played its part well in the value their rejection of such. reactor to Benin to replace the burnt reactor failure that is in excess of one blackout per chain, as against finding a united front to end This thus suggest that both entities have for and ensure voltage stability in the city as well month - far beyond any international standard.” their endlessly connected failures. years failed to communicate clearly to each as prevent a re-occurrence. It also noted that over 100 partial and total As it is, Gencos produce the power the other, especially on electricity load management. It noted that it would also review the transmission system collapses have been recorded TCN transmit to the Discos who eventually entire protection and earthing system on its since the sector was privatised in 2013, adding, distribute to homes and offices. Reports from A quarrel reignited sub-stations and transmission infrastructure “This magnitude of system collapses should the System Operations (SO) department of the On the back of their communication failures, across the country, while upgrading its network not be a regular reality of our country.” TCN however indicated that while Nigeria has the TCN and Discos recently reignited their through the Transmission Rehabilitation and They further suggested that rather than an installed generation capacity of 12,910.40 quarrel over load management when the Expansion Programme (TREP) which is financed trading blames, the TCN should focus on megawatts (MW), the Gencos can at the moment national grid tripped off again in 2019. by multilateral donors. realising actual delivery of its acclaimed generate 7,652.6MW, but cannot do that much Announcing the system collapse, the TCN in However, in a reaction akin to what has 8100MW wheeling capacity. They said: “The because the Discos and TCN are allegedly a statement from its General Manager, Public defined their relationship in a long time now, the current figure is based on nothing more than unable to take all of that if generated. Affairs, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, had stated that Discos alleged that the frequent collapses of the a computer simulation.” Similarly, the SO records claimed that the the grid experienced a system collapse on country’s national grid have remained because They also urged the TCN to address its TCN has a wheeling capacity of 8,100MW, yet account of high voltage from a massive drop the TCN lacked standard power protection radial transmission network for better power it has only been able to transmit a one-time of load by the Discos. equipment at its transmission substations. delivery, and procure the Supervisory Control 5,375MW capacity which happened in Febru- It explained that the high voltage from the The Discos in a statement sent by ANED, and Data Acquisition (SCADA) to monitor the ary 2019. The Discos capacities as stated by load drop also caused a fire incident in the had blamed the TCN for the poor showings grid and trace system collapse faults. their association – the Association of Nigerian of the grid, stating that, “poor transmission According to ANED, the Managing Director Electricity Distributors (ANED) is 6,288.96MW, network protection” were responsible for the of the TCN, Mr. Usman Mohammed in 2018, but they still quarrel over load management nine system collapses they said have been equally agreed that a functional SCADA system with the TCN. recorded so far in 2019. will show clearly activities on the grid. Bone of contention They further explained that they, “remain Over the years, the TCN and Discos have Both entities have available to offer their technical assistance to Ending the blame game blamed each other for the poor power services TCN, to ensure that our valued customers Considering that their continued quarrel has to consumers in Nigeria. At a point, the TCN indicated that they do not remain in darkness,” adding that the been felt mostly by electricity consumers whom was regarded as the weakest link in the value have done poorly failure of the TCN Benin substation was the the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission chain, but today, it said it has upgraded its second of such occurrence in the same city (NERC) has a mandate to protect, industry capacity and could no longer be regarded in communicating within a year. According to the Discos, they experts have suggested that the regulator takes as that. how to manage load have records of the trend in burnt transmission up a proactive interest in the quarrel between Instead, the TCN has turned to blame the allocation, and as such stations and failed transmission substations both entities and address their challenges. Discos for reportedly failing to upgrade their of the TCN in Lagos; Calabar; Abuja; Enugu; According to the experts, both entities have networks to enable them take more electricity to an intervention from the and Onitsha as at May 8, 2019, which they indicated that they have done poorly in com- consumers. Often, it would call out the Discos NERC would be the best alleged were caused by inadequate transmission municating how to manage load allocation, for system trip offs, claiming their rejection protection mechanisms and procedures. and as such an intervention from the NERC of allocated loads was mostly responsible for alternative to getting They also expressed displeasure over TCN’s would be the best alternative to getting them such trip offs. them improve on their practice of arbitrary load dumping on them improve on their communications with each The TCN in its explanation of reasons why communication whenever it had challenges managing energy other. THISDAY ˾

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Patterson: Nigeria Must Fix Power Sector to Drive Growth H. Pierson Associates, is a boutique-consulting firm with seasoned professionals with varied experiences in both the private and public sectors. The firm has been in operation for over 28 years, playing a leading role in providing consulting and capacity building solutions in various sectors of the economy. In this interview, Cathy Patterson, who is a Director in the firm advises President Muhammadu Buhari to focus on the power sector and technology in the next four years. Obinna Chima presents the excerpts:

What is your take on the trade war between US and China and how best best practices and by being on the cutting do you think it can it be resolved? edge of their industries. Well, I think there is truly an issue with the theft of intellectual property by China I know there are several other firms and I believe that the United States is tak- in your sector offering similar services ing a dangerous position in escalating this like Hpierson. What are those unique potential trade war. I think that there hasn’t selling points that distinguishes HPierson been given sufficient thought to the global from others? effect and I think that it could easily spiral Each person has continuing being at the out of control and could cause a worldwide top of the league tables in the industry. It recession. In resolving, I think we need to also by the very near fact that it has been return to traditional routes of resolving trade 29 years in the market and has excelled dispute. We have established channels and consistently. It produces a consistently protocols in international bodies which this superior product; it has excellent relation- matter can go and be resolved in equitable ships with its clients. It goes to the next way without risking the economies of some level and anticipates its needs because it many countries. is very client centric oriented. And it has diversified itself into expanding industry. We have seen the first six months of So it has stayed close to the virgin growth 2019, if you look back what will you say market in Nigeria. And it also been equally were the key trends that have shaped good at providing high quality advise not the global capital market during that only to the private sector but to the public period? sector, both at the state and at the federal I think there is a lot of anxiety in the government level. market particularly Iran, Brexit and around this potential of trade wars. And so I think What are the medium-term plans for that there is a lot of there is a lot of capital your firm in Nigeria, especially in terms on the sidelines and there is an anticipation of expansion? of a global slowdown. So I think it has I think one of the challenges is to make been a cautious six months. sure that on the technology side, that both private and public sector take the neces- You just said there is a lot of capital sary steps to make sure that they operate on the sideline for the remaining six effectively as the impact of this information months of the year how best do you technology age continues to transform not think investors should play to take only the Nigerian economy but the world advantage of the opportunities in the economy. And it is not just having access to market? data is about how do you use the various I think one should remain cautious at this Patterson emerging technology to project yourselves point because I think the China situation into the market and to make a significant should resolve itself or at least show the list, what is your take on that? years now? What do you think should long lasting effect. direction it is going within the next 90 days. Well, MTN is such a large player not just be done to boost economic growth in Meaning that it is going to either escalate or in telecoms but also as part of the family, Nigeria? What message do you have for your be prolonged or something will be worked I think that it will have a large impact on We know that power has always been the clients in Nigeria? out. With Brexit, no one knows. the market. key, so once we get issues in the power sector I think bright days are here and Nigeria sorted the economy will take off. I think that is clearly the economic engine of Africa. It What is your take on the Nigerian There has been this debate about expansion of mid-range access to capital will continue to dominate and its future is capital market? Nigeria’s debt being too high, that we flow, midterm debt will help companies in so bright. Sometimes it is hard to see that I think that the Nigerian capital market are borrowing too much, some even said terms of their stability in growth, having you are emerging from a severe recession. has continued to mature and expand in we are in a debt trapped. What is your access to the capital market as opposed to I have been visiting here since 1983 and terms of their depth of products. And the opinion about Nigeria’s debt profile? the short term debt at reasonable rate. sometimes when someone doesn’t live in the development of their depth of training and There has always been a debate among environment every day, they can’t see the trading knowledge. I am very excited about the various school of thought economically Hpierson I learnt is 29 years this year, dramatic changes that are occurring. And fact that the medium term is expanding and over how do you work ones’ self out of a can you just share some of the success I think that Nigeria has come a long way there is less reliance on short term debt recession. Is it based on aggressive borrowing stories with us? in the last 40 years but that it’s futures is and that the array of offerings has become to fill the market or with that weight of I think the key to each person success so bright. Because it is pulling together more divers. I think it is a maturing capital the debt press the country? I believe that is in mind set, it not only has recreated all the elements that it needs to succeed. market. a stimulus is required when the when the itself over and over again but its helps its capital market is not operating at its peak. clients to really think through the disruptive If you are to advise President Muham- Talking about maturity, we recently saw elements that they face in their individual madu on key areas he should focus on a major listing on that market, MTN, How best do you think Nigeria can markets and how to properly assess the in the next four years, what will those one of the biggest telcos in Nigeria and stimulate growth, we have been growing risk that they face in the proper mindset areas be? another telco has also indicated plan to now at about two per cent for some to ensure future growth by establishing the The economy and technology Fed Faces Tough Rate Cut Decision United States employers are difficult, setting up a possible sending fairly optimistic a strengthening jobs market Thursday, has repeatedly said all but inevitable,” said Luke hiring workers, but that is only standoff with markets at their economic signals after open- and described recent weak the Fed makes decisions inde- Bartholomew, investment strat- making the Federal Reserve’s July 30-31 meeting. ing up the possibility of cuts inflation as due to “transitory pendently from markets and egist for Aberdeen Standard job harder. “They are in a bit of a last month, when they cited influences.” the White House, but failing Investments. “Employment On Friday, the Labor Depart- bind,” said Karim Basta, muted inflation pressures Markets are overwhelm- to deliver a cut could cause growth remains a bright spot ment said non-farm employers chief economist at III Capital and an economic outlook ingly betting the Fed’s next a stock and short-term bond amid a fairly mixed bag of added 224,000 jobs last month Management. clouded by a U.S. trade war move will be its first rate cut selloff and hurt the economy. U.S. data and yet markets have - the most in five months, and “On the surface, the data, and slower global growth. since the financial crisis a US rates futures fell after come to expect a cut now so not the kind of labor market in my opinion, doesn’t really In its semi-annual report to decade ago. President Donald the jobs report. Markets still (they) will fall out of bed if that would normally cause the support an imminent cut, but Congress, the Fed on Friday Trump on Friday renewed see a rate cut this month as they don’t get one.” US central bank to cut interest markets are expecting it, and I repeated its pledge to “act as demands for lower rates to a near-certainty, though they The US has not resolved its rates. Continuing jobs gains do think there’s a risk at this appropriate” to sustain the strengthen the economy. largely priced out chances for trade dispute with China, but make Fed policymakers’ debate stage that they disappoint,” economic expansion, with Fed Chairman Jerome an aggressive half-percentage- the two countries agreed last over whether the economy he told Reuters. possible rate cuts in coming Powell, who will testify before point cut. FFQ9 weekend to resume trade talks, needs stimulus even more Meanwhile, the Fed is months, but they notably cited Congress on Wednesday and “A rate cut in July is still putting off new tariffs. 28 THISDAY ˾

TUESDAY JULY 9, 2019 PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT Work, Live, Play at The Pacific Lagos by Global Property Partners Stories by Bennett Oghifo Lagos Lagoon and the At- was in line with the Cavalli event last week was the period for The Pacific Lagos Alongside the ground- lantic Ocean from its upper Group’s vision of helping Pacific Mutual Investment is 36 months (2022), and a breaking, GPP opened the n exquisite floors, and that it would be to reduce Nigeria’s severe Plan, a product GPP said it Director of the Cavalli Group, Showroom for The Pacific 14-floor mixed- equipped with a suspended housing deficit through the introduced to offer flexible Mr. Tunde Adaramaja, as- Lagos where potential in- use facility, mosaic-tiled swimming pool; development of real estate investment options for The sured investors that the GPP vestors can access relevant known as The round-the-clock security and conceived on international Pacific Lagos from as low had financial arrangements information on the mixed-use Pacific Lagos, is facility management. The standards. as N10 million. to ensure it would meet this development, as well as make Aset to adorn the high-profile design has a recreational Also launched at the The projected completion target date. enquiries on the property. Ozumba Mbadiwe Road in floor with Gym, Spa/Mas- Victoria Island, Lagos. sage Facilities, Game room, The Pacific Lagos, which Shopping Mart, as well as foundation laying ceremony Restaurant and Bar. took place at the weekend, is The Chief Executive Of- a project of Global Property ficer of Cavalli Group, Mr. Partners (GPP), a commercial Emmanuel Odemayowa, and residential real estate The Pacific Lagos would development firm promoted provide a “Work, Live by Cavalli Business and and Play” environment Investment Group. “comparable with the best The Chairman/CEO of the internationally,” explaining Nigerians in Diaspora Com- that its concept came from mission, Mrs. Abike Dabiri- mixed-use developments in Erewa, who was scheduled some of the world’s leading to lay the foundation, sent a economies. representative, Mrs. Yemisi He said the Group had Ibrahim. Also present, were completed various real estate other dignitaries from the projects across Lagos, and public and private sectors, as that The Pacific Lagos was well as prospective investors. a product of many years of According to the Chairman research, brainstorming and of Cavalli Group, Architect planning towards building Gbenga Onabanjo, The Pacific “a vertical mixed high-rise Lagos comprises commercial structure” that would meet and residential 1- and 2-bed- the diverse lifestyle needs room apartments, penthouse of its residents in terms of suites and recreational spaces convenience, access to the on 14 floors. commercial nerve centres of L-R: Head, Operations, Global Property Partners (GPP), Mr. Laolu Oluwarinde; Director, GPP, Mr. Tunde Adaramaja; Mrs He said the building Lagos and premium facilities. Yemisi Ibrahim, representative of NIDCOM Chairman/CEO, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; MD/CEO, Cavalli Business & Invest- was designed to offer Odemayowa also said the ment Group, Mr. Emmanuel Odemayowa; and Chairman, GPP, Arc. Gbenga Onabanjo, at the foundation laying ceremony/ breathtaking views of the proposed high-rise project showroom unveiling of The Pacific Lagos... recently Student Accommod8 Raises Debt Fund for Hostels Student Accommod8, Ni- savings such as pension and standards, providing value plans to develop and/or we intend to serve them the develops and operates geria’s leading developer, retirement assets to be safely added services including acquire 15,000 bed spaces best way possible.” Purpose Built Student Ac- owner and manager of channeled into productive minimarts, cafeterias, laundry in the next 3-5 years.” The CEO, Nigeria Infra- commodation (PBSA) that high-quality and Purpose- infrastructure assets in the services and many more to On the transaction, the structure Deft Fund, Anshul provides an affordable and Built Student Accommoda- country. While supporting not only the residents but Founder/CEO of Student Rai said: secure environment focused tion (PBSA), has raised an commercially attractive also to the wider student Accommod8, Abayomi Financing of social on providing a quality home undisclosed amount of debt projects, NIDF enables its community in the respective Onasanya, said: “We are infrastructure, particularly and community experience funding from the Nigeria investors to benefit from the universities. very excited to have a in education and healthcare, for all students to meet their Infrastructure Debt Fund predictable returns available “In the last decade, there partner in the caliber of is central to NIDF’s invest- academic potential in Nigeria (NIDF), managed by Chapel from long dated infrastruc- has been a 12% annual NIDF come on board and we ment objective as well as and West Africa. Hill Denham. ture debt investments. average growth of student look forward to a long and our broader mission to “Student Accommod8 The company said this in “The debt financing is enrolment in Nigerian ter- mutually beneficial relation- drive positive development hostels are strategically a statement, which described being used for expansion of tiary institutions however the ship which will impact the outcomes. SA8 is operating placed close to universities the Nigeria Infrastructure SA8’s two existing PBSAs, provision of purpose-built lives of Nigerian students in a sector with substantial or within the university’s Debt Fund as Africa’s serving Pan Atlantic Univer- student accommodation is positively.Our goal is simply unmet demand and its PBSAs campus and each hostel and Nigeria’s first listed sity and Olabisi Onabanjo less than 30% of the demand. to continuously deliver the will contribute to meaning- comes equipped with all infrastructure debt fund. University. These PBSAs With the ever-growing de- best experience for students ful improvement in student the necessary facilities every “The fund is structured to have been designed, built mand for student housing in across the country. Nigeria’s welfare. student needs to feel at home enable domestic long-term and managed to the highest Nigeria, Student Accommod8 students are the future and Student Accommod8 away from home.”

Nigeria’s Drop Out of Africa’s Top Investment Destination in 2018 Unusual, Says Ubosi Eleh+ Company A leading estate firm, Messrs it was not so. oil revenue during President if a major policy initiated Eleh noted are not only vio- other parts of the country, Ubosi Eleh+ Company has In all, the report posted Muhammadu Buhari’s four by one government will be lated, even third parties that especially in the oil and described as rather unusual a largely underperforming years in office and that sustained the next govern- invested in the projects are gas rich South-South and Nigeria’s drop out of Africa’s economy in 2018 despite restrictions imposed on ment or even reversed by the also affected adversely and the industrious South East. top 10 investment destina- the bounce back in the oil access to foreign currency same government. This risk this he reiterated are even The report acknowledges tions in 2018. market, “the year was tough also added to the already manifests easily as political worse for contracts inherited that although there were In a 110-page special at various levels for differ- challenged business environ- risk and is easily evident as by successive administrations. other risks such as navigating annual publication titled ent firms and sectors of the ment.” election approaches. Capital Corruption, according to an opaque bureaucracy in “The Nigeria Real Estate economy. A further contrac- Eleh attributed the inves- inflows into Nigeria tend the report is another major many states of the federation, Report”, the firm outlined tion in the construction and tor’s reduced appetite for to slow down as election risk faced by investors poor man power, capacity, how certain factors, including real estate industries showed investing in the country approaches and picks up doing business in Nigeria: failed infrastructure and politics, macro-economy, that business confidence more to risk than return post-election once investors “There are instances where power supply, these latter micro-economy and the remained low even after a factors. Accordingly, the become certain of the direc- investors have been asked risks were within the control budget affected the real estate rally in oil prices.” report maintained that tion of government policies to bribe certain government of the investors and usually outlook in the preceding year. The aftermath effects of “global risk consultancy firm, in a new administration.” officials that are in charge provided for in the business A principal partner of the the elections were also not Control Risks, in its latest The report identifies re- of approving projects that plan. firm, Emeka Eleh, said the sparing as the firm in the risk-reward index report spect or certainty of contracts they have already invested The report concluded that development was unusual report, observed that “less identifies Nigeria as offering in the country as another significant amounts of money a major consequence of these because it was the first time government spending after investors the highest returns risk investors are concerned into before such projects will risks was that investors were it would happen and also election is likely to weigh on the continent, second only about: “Oftentimes,the be allowed to progress to compelled to restrict their for the fact that the country economic activity in 2019 to that of Ethiopia.” On the government has entered into the next stage.” activities to just few areas remained the largest economy as revenue at the state level flip side, the country’s risk contracts with investors only Probably, the most talked they can operate safely. Not in Africa and the most in particular, continued to rating was the second highest for the government to turn about risk for investors’ loss surprising, it maintains that populous. Eleh believes that underperform and borrow- in the continent, surpassed around and seek to change of confidence in Nigeria is about 70 per cent of invest- the size and potential of the ing conditions proved more only by that of Zimbabwe. the terms of such contracts insecurity: “The North East ment inflows into the country country’s consumer market challenging.” The report identified policy without the consent of the is now an area most foreign are directed to companies should have made Nigeria The firm observed that inconsistency as the first companies or persons it investors cannot visit because in Lagos or around Lagos, the preferred investment “little progress was made major risk investors worry entered into the contracts of being killed or kidnapped. leading to over concentration destination on the continent in diversifying the economy about when investing in with”. Foreign and local investors of investment inflows into the in 2018 but wondered why away from its reliance on Nigeria: “One is never sure The terms of the contract, also face similar risks in country or in the Lagos area. THISDAY ˾
TUESDAY JULY 9, 2019 29 PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT AfDB Bans Oceanic Construction and Engineering Nigeria for Two Years Bennett Oghifo corruption, fraud and other World Bank Group,” the Bank debarment period, Oceanic to participate in Bank-financed an integrity compliance sanctionable practices in Bank said in its statement. Construction and Engineering projects only conditional programme consistent with he African Develop- Group-financed operations, It said at “the expiry of the Nigeria shall be eligible again on the implementation of its guidelines.” ment Bank Group the statement said. has blacklisted The Urban Water Supply Abuja-based con- and Sanitation Improvement struction firm,Project, it said “aims at TOceanic Construction and enhancing access to safe Engineering Nigeria for water supply services in a minimum period of 48 the Nigerian states of Oyo months, for alleged fraudulent and Taraba through, among contract bidding. other components, extension According to a statement and rehabilitation works on by AfDB, recently, “An the water transmission and investigation conducted by distribution network. the Bank’s Office of Integ- “The debarment, pro- rity and Anti-Corruption nounced by the independent established that the company Sanctions Commissioner of misrepresented its year of the Bank, renders Oceanic incorporation, the value of Construction and Engineering its reference contracts, and Nigeria ineligible to partici- the experience of its key pate in Bank-financed projects personnel, while bidding during the debarment period. for two works contracts The debarment qualifies for under the Bank-financed cross-debarment by other Urban Water Supply and multilateral development Sanitation Improvement banks under the Agreement Project in Nigeria.” for Mutual Enforcement of The Office of Integrity Debarment Decisions, includ- and Anti-Corruption of the ing the Asian Development African Development Bank Bank, the European Bank for Group is responsible for Reconstruction and Develop- preventing, deterring and ment, the Inter-American R-L: Head of Delegation, European Union, Ambassador Kefil Karlsen, TV Presenter/Actor, Uti Nwachukwu and On-Air-Personal- investigating allegations of Development Bank and the ity, Ifeanyi Atama, during the Green event organised by the EU to promote renewable energy in Lagos… recently Edo Govt Plans 369-unit Housing Estate in Ekpoma Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Edo Development and housing development for land banks, especially in income earners. owners to move into their Property Agency (EDPA), the masses. Uromi and Ekpoma.” “The prices will be properties. As part of efforts to boost Isoken Omo, who disclosed She said, “We are plan- She further explained between N3 million to “Between June 2018 the development of afford- this in Benin City, the state ning a 369-unit Estate in that the development of N4million with four hous- and January 2019, we able housing in the state, capital, said the agency is Ekpoma. We have concen- the estate would commence ing types. There will be completed the first phase the Edo State Government spearheading the develop- trated in Benin City, Edo before the end of 2019 and 2 and 3-bedroom types.” of 100 units in the estate has said that plans are be- ment of the project. State capital in the past would be driven with an She said the first phase of and all the housing units ing finalised to develop a Omo noted that EDPA two years, but we want affordable payment plan, the Emotan Gardens Estate have been bought. We 369-unit Estate in Ekpoma, is pursuing a holistic plan to expand our scope now. noting, “We have started being developed in Benin have started the second Esan West Local Govern- to maximise its land bank We want to expand our finalising the designs. It City has been completed, phase and the plan is to ment Area of the state. across the three senatorial projects to other parts of is going to be an Estate and that arrangements deliver the 1,400-units The Executive Chairman, districts to drive affordable the state where we have for civil servants and low- have been concluded for estate within four years.” NCF, Rivers University Confab Advocates Database on Marine, Coastal Biodiversity Bennett Oghifo Reserve Institute; study of marine in Nigeria and beyond’. rates differ by half-a-child per the actions taken to address fertil- Dr Muhtari Aminu-Kano, Director post-graduate programmes in all “It is our belief that unsustain- woman than the medium ity and these projections should General, Nigerian Conservation Participants at a roundtable or- Universities within coastal states; able population is a global prob- projection, global population will not be taken as predictions. Foundation; Mr. Robin Maynard, ganised by Nigerian Conservation make the study of taxonomy at- lem which must be addressed in be significantly different. With The event will be taking place Director, Population Matters, Foundation (NCF) and the Rivers tractive to researchers and students both developed world countries, half-a-child less, there would on Thursday, 11th July 2019 at UK; Mrs. Temitope Okunnu, State University of Science and by rebranding it as Bioinformatics where population growth may be be 8.9bn by 2050 and decline to Lekki Conservation Foundation CEO, Foundation for a Better Technology have recommended such as happened when Zoology low but consumption and global 7.3bn people by 2100 – a smaller at 9am. Environment (FABE); Mr. the creation of a pooled database was rebranded to become Animal environmental impacts are high, population than today. Conversely, Expected to speak at this Abiodun Bamgboye, Permanent on marine and coastal biodiversity. & Environmental Biology; and and in countries of the Global with half-a-child more than the maiden edition are Mr. Babajide Secretary, Lagos State Ministry The also said there was a need to establish training courses for South where global impact is low median projection, there would be Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor; of the Environment; and Mrs. to identify biodiversity hotspots law enforcement agencies. but population growth may be 10.6bn by 2050 and as many as Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Flora Adamma Oni, Director and migratory pathways suitable On policy, they urge the high. Therefore, the campaign is 15.6bn by 2100. Future population Hon Federal Commissioner, Tourism, Lagos State Ministry for the creation of Marine and government to urgently create to achieve a sustainable human is thus extremely dependent on National Population Commission; of Culture and Tourism. Coastal Protected Areas in Nigeria, marine national park/s, as well population, to protect the natural as well as identify other Key as marine reserves at states level; world and improve people’s Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in identify and address the many lives,” NCF said in a statement. FCTA Issues Lokogoma Residents Notice the marine and coastal habitat. instances of overlapping policies The aim of this event is to cre- to Vacate Flood Plains The pooled database on and functions of agencies through ate awareness and generate public marine and coastal biodiver- gap analysis and consultation discuss that will address both Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja administration would remove from the relevant authorities. sity, participants said should with relevant stakeholders; global population and the impacts all structures built on 20 meters Director Engineering Services, incorporate existing data from ensure strong implementation of of growth in Nigeria; interfacing The FCT Administration has from both sides of the rivers. FCDA, S.H. Ahmad, presented the Universities (including international laws and treaties; with stakeholders in examining said it would commence massive “We are unhappy that normal numerous abuses in the estate PhD theses), Federal Ministry sensitise stakeholders from policy local solutions; examining how demolition of structures built on human beings would build on where retaining walls and un- of Environment and Corporate makers to local communities on Nigeria can contribute towards the waterways and floodplains waterways and on the road dersized culverts were installed Organisations (including EIA the importance of the marine international policy initiatives to in Lokogoma, Abuja at the end infrastructure and corridors. on the waterway by developers. reports), Development Agencies environment by organising a address unsustainable population. of the 14- day notice that elapses And most of them are building In some cases, access to all (including World Bank-WACA, yearly summit for profession- According to the United this week. without approval. I am sad and the locations were cut off as Gulf of Guinea LME), NIOMR, als and another summit for all Nations, by 2050 the global Recent cases of flooding sorrowful because many people a result of the flooding that etc. stakeholders. population will be 9.7bn and in Lokogoma have severely have died and we can’t continue resulted from the narrowing The roundtable, held at the Government, they said should the Nigerian population more impacted on the residents of like this,” Ohaa said. of the streams. Amphitheatre of the Rivers State promote new funding windows than 400m. By the middle of the the estate and caused loss of The affected estates are EFAB, However, Chairman of University, Port Harcourt recently, and seek funding for research century, Nigeria will overtake lives and destruction of property. IPET 5 and Hillcrest. Lokogoma phase II Residents had 42 participants drawn from and field projects from regional, the US as the world’s third This is because building Ohaa observed that the Association, Stanley Ugwu, academia, government ministries national and international sources; most populous country. These along the canal has constricted indiscriminate building of revealed that most of the af- and agencies at states and federal and promote Bill of Rights for figures are the UN’s main, the course of the Wumba and structures along the water fected buildings were bought levels, the private sector, the Nature. medium variant, projections. Kabusa streams leading to ways and road corridors, was from the developers of the mass press, the parliament and Non- Meanwhile, the NCF, in With 95% certainty, it projects a flooding. responsible for the perennial housing scheme. Governmental Organisations collaboration with Population global population in the range FCT Permanent Secretary flooding in the area. Ugwu added that the owners (NGOs). Matters, a UK-based charity, and between 9.4 and 10.1 billion in Chinyeaka Ohaa, who led FCTA officials faulted the of the buildings never believed They recommended the with support from the Lagos State 2050, and between 9.4 and 12.7 officials on an unscheduled estate developers of diverting the that due diligence were not establishment of Marine Biologi- Government will host the World billion in 2100 (with a medium visit to Lokogoma District is- natural course of the rivers and conducted before the buildings cal Stations in all coastal states Population Day event, tagged projection of 10.9bn). sued the directive, saying the building the without approval were sold to them. and a National Marine Wildlife ‘Population and Sustainability However, if global fertility 30 THISDAY ˾˜
 
ͷ˜ 2019 BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

ABCON Boss Urges Nigeria to Take Advantage of US-China Trade War Obinna Chima in the world, was an indication stands to gain more from the of how both countries can pursue $2.5 billion currency swap deal The ongoing trade war be- the agenda, which has certain between Nigeria China as the tween the United States of implications for Nigeria economy, economies of both countries America, Russia and some its currency and financial system. need each other, and so do their Asian countries present Nigeria Gwadabe noted that rather than businesses and banks. with some lifetime opportuni- progressing towards a deal, and “The banks in both countries ties that should be explored, despite reaching a tentative truce are not only going to be earning the President, Association of at the G20 summit in Osaka, the fees from the ensuing transactions, Bureau De Change Operators United States and China are as but will begin new lending to of Nigeria (ABCON), Alhaji entrenched in their positions businesses. It was these gains (Dr) Aminu Gwadabe has said. as ever. and the need to keep the naira According to the ABCON “China is insisting that as a stable prompted the apex bank to boss, Nigeria has to strategise prerequisite to a deal, the US sign the bilateral currency swap and capitalise on the emerging remove existing tariffs on $250 agreement with the People’s Bank global trends to strengthen Naira billion worth of Chinese goods. of China (PBoC),” he added. -Yuan Swap deal. Again, China is unlikely to do He urged the federal govern- A statement quoted Gwadabe more to placate the US and bring ment to take steps towards to have said the fear of the dollar the crisis to an end,” he predicted. diversifying the economy. losing its global dominance was Speaking further, he said after “Other great areas to focus real as Russia and Asian countries one year of the intense trade war for diversifying our foreign unite against the United States. between both parties, it would exchange earnings include He said Russia and Asian be difficult for the United States promoting Diaspora remittances countries were already becoming to remove all the tariffs that have for economic buffer and foreign L-R: Deputy National President, 1, Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria, Mr. Darlington Ofor; less reliance on dollars, advising been implemented so far to allow reserves accretion as seen in India National President, Dr. Bashir Jamoh; Deputy National President, 2, Prof. Calitus Ibe, and National Vice President, Nigeria and other emerging for final settlement. and United Arab Emirates where Dr. Oluropo Owolabi, at a press conference organised by the institute in Lagos...yesterday markets not to be caught unaware. He disclosed Nigeria was migration remittances have lifted Gwadabe said the insistence by already benefiting from the their economies,” he said. Russia and China that the global crisis, adding that it has led to He said that effort should also economic system must change in continuous rise in crude oil prices, be intensified by fiscal authori- MARKET INDICATORS such a way as to stop the United which is good for the naira and ties in empowering the youths States from being able to exert Nigerian economy. through job creation and higher MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) economic pressure on countries Gwadabe said local banks productivity. NOVEMBER 2018 NCC Completes Emergency Money Supply (M3) 31,794,803.44 -- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors 6,333,064.28

Communication Centre in Edo Money Supply (M2) 25,461,739.17 Adibe Emenyonu direct each call to the appropriate the centre as the facility is -- Quasi Money 14,773,076.98 ÓØ
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agencies for prompt response, operated with diesel, adding -- Narrow Money (M1) 10,688,662.18 adding, “The 112 code is toll-free that the commission had In order to provide a system and once the code is dialled, it taken charge of the training ---- Currency Outside Banks 1,711,763.59 for prompt response during informs the appropriate agencies of personnel to operate the emergencies, the Nigerian such as Fire Service, Federal Emergency Centre. ---- Demand Deposits 8,976,898.59 Communications Commis- Road Safety Corps, of any In his response, Edo State Net Foreign Assets (NFA) 18,990,400.78 sion (NCC) has completed incident that is reported within Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, an Emergency Communication the state.” represented by his Chief of Net Domestic Assets(NDA) 12,804,402.66 Centre in Edo. He noted that the state Staff, Mr. Taiwo Akerele, noted -- Net Domestic Credit (NDC) 26,062,986.22 The Director of Special government needed to take that the partnership between Duties Department, NCC, Mr over management of the centre NCC and the state has yielded ---- Credit to Government (Net) 2,980,229.66 Oluwatoyin Asaju, disclosed as well as the deployment of a positive result, adding that ---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA 7,093,619.43 this during a courtesy visit to representatives of the various his administration would Governor Godwin Obaseki in security outfits to the centre leverage on the Emergency ---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA) -4,144,571.43 Benin City. before it could be launched.” Communication Centre to Asaju said the centre was He also appealed to the improve the quality of life of ---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS) 23,082,756.56 specially designed for responding state government to provide the people in terms of rescue, --Other Assets Net 13,258,583.57 to all 112 emergency calls and to dedicated power supply to emergency and recovery. Reserve Money (Base Money 6,811,192.37 Newman, Alakija, Others Bag GPTW Awards --Currency in Circulation 2,100,129.91

--Banks Reserves 4,366,259.05 ˾

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 Hamid Ayodeji businessman and President They have created the game of the Dangote Group, Alhaji changer for gender equality Some Nigerian women which Aliko Dangote, also received the and women’s empowerment Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) included the Managing Direc- Distinguished Women Leaders as they have made significant Month March 2018 tor of the Financial Institutions Awards at the event. contributions to the society. These Inter-Bank Call Rate 15.16 Training Centre (FITC), Dr. Lucy According to a statement, two awardees were eminent women Newman; Vice Chairman, Fanfa categories of women leaders, who have broken glass ceilings, Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Oil Limited, Mrs. Folorusho namely the Distinguished Women pushed the frontiers of women Alakija and Chairman, Board Leaders and the Exceptional leadership and paved the path Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) 14.00 of Punch Newspapers, Mrs. Women Leaders were recognised. for other women and girls to Treasury Bill Rate 11.84 Angela Emuwa, recently received The Distinguished Women follow in their footsteps and awards at the Great Place To Leaders are honorary awards become future leaders. Savings Deposit Rate 4.07 Work (GPTW) Annual Awards reserved for notable women who On the other hand, the Excep- Ceremony held in Lagos. have demonstrated, through their tional Women Leaders Awards 1 Month Deposit Rate 8.82 Others, included the Chair- life and work, their leadership in recognised professional man, First Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. corporate Nigeria and the society. women from across different 3 Months Deposit Rate 9.72 Ibukun Awosika , Managing Di- These women have become sectors and industries who 6 Months Deposit Rate 10.93 rector, Cadbury, Mrs. Oyeyimika incredible role models for their emerged leaders in their field Adeboye and Halima Dangote, countries, the women folk, girls based on submissions by their 12 Months Deposit Rate 10.21 daughter of Africa’s richest and as well as boys. Chief Executive Officers. Prime Lending rate 17.35 NOVA Merchant Bank Launches New Website Maximum Lending Rate 31.55

In fulfilment of its desire to con- A chatbox also now exists for Oduoza, “The website redesign ˾
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ͯͱϱ so soon after the Bank’s launch tinuously find ways to serve its better customer engagement OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE customers better, NOVA Merchant as well as more digital content. demonstrates our commitment 

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Ͱͮͯͷ Bank (www.novambl.com) has “In keeping with our busi- to continuous improvement The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $63.55 a barrel on Friday, compared announced the launch of its newly ness philosophy, we ensured and ways to keep exceeding with $63.43 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. redesigned website. the customer was at the centre customer’s expectations.” The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend According to a statement, the of our website redesign effort “NOVA Merchant Bank (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Oriente (Ecuador), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), new version has features and and focussed on how we could remains committed to delivering Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export functionalities to enhance acces- leverage this platform to serve on its overarching philosophy (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) sibility of the website. It stated that our customers better” the bank’s of “New Thinking, New Op- and Merey (Venezuela) the navigation of the website had chief executive officer, Anya portunities” to assist its clients been simplified so that clients can Duroha said According to the achieve their strategic objectives,” SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna easily access relevant information. Chairman of the bank, Mr. Phillips it added. THISDAY ˾˜
 
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Ͱͮͯͷ 31 MARKET NEWS Fidson Healthcare Raises N2.3bn Capital to Boost Operations Goddy Egene in April, a total of 586.360 mil- N6 billion in new capital to boost explained that its new factory the price gainers with 10 per down by 1.9 per cent. lion shares were accepted by its working capital and support that came on stream at the tail cent, trailed by Unity Bank Plc Activity level was mixed as Fidson Healthcare Plc has success- shareholders at N4 per share, its expansion plan. end of 2016 needed additional with 9.6 per cent. Redstar Express volume traded declined 27.5 fully raised N2.345 billion equity amounting to N2.345 billion, The shareholders had also capital to realise the full potential Plc garnered 9.0 per cent, while per cent to 216.3 million shares capital from existing shareholders which is about 78.18 per cent. increased the authorised share and utilise the new factory to Wema Bank Plc and WAPIC while value traded advanced 24.1 to boost its operations. However, The additional shares were capital of the company from full capacity. Insurance Plc appreciated by per cent to N2.3 billion. WAPIC the amount was about 78.18 listed by the Nigerian Stock N1.2 billion to N1.5 billion by Meanwhile, trading resumed 8.2 per cent and 7.5 per cent Insurance Plc (84.9 million shares), per cent of the N3 billion the Exchange (NSE) last week and the creation of additional 600 at the stock market yesterday respectively. FBN Holdings Plc (16.2 million company targeted to raise. Fidson has increase the total issued and million shares of 50 kobo each. on positive note to halt the los- Conversely, Forte Oil Plc led shares)and Zenith Bank Plc (14.7 Healthcare Plc made a Rights fully paid up shares of Fidson According to the company, ing streak recorded last week. the price losers with 10 per cent, million shares) were the most Issue of 750 million shares of Healthcare Plc from 1.5 billion the new capital would be used Specifically, the NSE All-Share trailed by Glaxosmithkline traded stocks by volume while 50 kobo at N4.00 on the basis to 2.086 billion shares. to boost working capital that had Index appreciated by 0.06 per Consumer Nigeria Plc with MTN Nigeria Plc (N1.1 billion), of one new share for every per Shareholders of Fidson been negatively impacted by the cent to close at 29, 292.66 as 8.0 per cent. Sovereign Trust Zenith Bank Plc (N282.3 million share to raise N3 billion. Healthcare had in 2017 approved depreciation of Naira. 17 stocks gained, while 14 lost. Insurance Plc shed 4.7 per cent, ) and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc But at the end of the issue a plan by the company to raise The company had also Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc led while FCMB Group Plc went (N275.9 million) led by value.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED AS OF 08/07/2019

MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED PRICE TRADED ( N ) PRICE TRADED ( N ) 32 TUESDAY JULY 9, 2019 ˾
THISDAY INTERNATIONAL Congo Warlord, Bosco Ntaganda Found Guilty of War Crimes at ICC Former Congolese warlord, Bosco In one incident, women had their The charges included murder, Ntaganda had pleaded not serious reparations for the victims Ntaganda’s former commander Ntaganda, was on Monday found stomachs cut open and children had rape, recruiting children as soldiers guilty to all the charges brought who are today traumatised by his Thomas Lubanga was sentenced guilty of 18 count charge of war their throats slit, the court heard. and subjecting them to sexual abuse, against him and asserted he was crimes,’’ he said. to 14 years in 2012 for using child crimes and crimes against humanity Ntaganda was convicted on all looting and displacement of civilians. “a revolutionary, not a criminal. Ntaganda ordered attacks on soldiers, becoming the first person by the International Criminal Court. 13 counts of war crimes and five Officials in Congo welcomed The crimes occurred when a rival ethnic group in order to to be convicted by the ICC. Ntaganda, 45, who was counts of crimes against humanity. the verdict, with the acting justice Ntaganda headed the Patriotic Forces gain control of the province’s Dozens of armed groups remain nicknamed the “Terminator,’’ He faces life in prison at a minister Azarias Ruberwa saying for the Liberation of Congo (FPLC) gold, diamond and oil resources, active in eastern Congo, which has oversaw widespread attacks on sentencing hearing expected in the government was keen to hear the military wing of the Union of prosecutors said. been ravaged by violence since the civilians and recruited child soldiers. the coming weeks. what sentence Ntaganda gets. Congolese Patriots political group – in The attacks were directed mainly 1996-2003 Congo wars. “The Congolese government north-eastern Ituri province between against the ethnic group of Lendu. Joan Nyanyuki, Amnesty welcomes the verdict and anxiously 2002 and 2003. “They wanted to destroy the Lendu International’s Director for East awaits the sentencing. A total of 2,123 victims were population,’’ presiding Judge Robert Africa, said in a statement “we UK Minister to Apologise to “Serious crimes have been heard from by the court since the Fremr said on Monday. can only hope that today’s verdict committed in this country and trial opened in September 2015 in Ntaganda was also involved in the provides some consolation to those Ivanka over Ambassador’s the perpetrators must be judged, The Hague. M23 rebel movement, which signed affected by the grotesque crimes Bosco Ntaganda is one of them,’’he Ituri’s governor Jean Bamanitsa a peace deal with the government perpetrated by Ntaganda. Leaked Memos told reporters. told dpa after the verdict that in 2013. She added that she prays it Monday’s verdict also marked Ntanganda should be sentenced He surrendered to the U.S. paves way for his victims and Britain’s Trade Minister on Darroch said reports of in-fighting the first successful prosecution of to life imprisonment. embassy in the Rwandan capital their families to finally obtain Monday said he would apologise in the White House were “mostly sexual violence as a weapon of war “He committed a lot of crimes Kigali in 2013 after having eluded a measure of justice and to US President Donald Trump’s true’’ and in June described in the Congo conflict. here in Ituri, we are waiting for capture for seven years. reparations. daughter, Ivanka for a leak of confusion within the administration confidential memos in which the over Trump’s UK ambassador describes the U.S. decision to call off a military administration as “dysfunctional” strike on Iran. and “inept”. “We don’t really believe this The memos from Kim administration is going to become Darroch, the UK’s ambassador substantially more normal; less to Washington, were leaked to dysfunctional; less unpredictable; a Sunday newspaper, annoying less faction riven; less diplomatically Trump and triggering demands clumsy and inept,’’ Darroch wrote on the British side to find out, in one memo, according to the who had disclosed them. Mail on Sunday. Trade Minister Liam Fox, who Fox echoed a statement from is on a visit to Washington, said he Britain’s Foreign Office that the would apologise to Ivanka, who views Darroch had expressed he is due to meet during his trip. were not those of the British “I will be apologising for the Government itself. fact that either our civil service or Former Defence Minister, elements of our political class have Michael Fallon, said Darroch’s not lived up to the expectations. term as ambassador was due to “This is either we have or the come to an end soon. U.S. has about their behaviour, “All ambassadors are asked which in this particular case has to report all the time honestly lapsed in a most extraordinary about the different strengths and and unacceptable way,’’ he said. weaknesses of the governments “Malicious leaks of this nature they are posted to,’’ he said. are unprofessional, unethical and “It’s obviously damaging to any unpatriotic and can actually lead relationship when this sort of stuff to a damage to that relationship gets published.’’ L-R: Founder, Eko Innovation Centre, Mr Victor Afolabi; CEO of Acumen, Jacqueline Novogratz; representative of Lagos State Governor\ which can, therefore, affect our Nigel Farage, leader of Britain’s Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos State, Mrs. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, wider security interest.’’ Brexit Party and a long thorn on and others, during “An evening of Conversation on Moral Leadership’’ , in Lagos...recently. The revelations come at a time the side of British governments, said when Britain is hoping to strike a figures such as Darroch would “not major trade deal with its closest be around” if ex-foreign minister ally after it leaves the EU, an exit Boris Johnson, one of two candidates EU Working to Replace Lagarde at IMF, Official Says currently scheduled for Oct. 31. seeking to replace Theresa May The European Union wants to have “There is a strong urge among presidency. Though born and raised in Trump told reporters of Darroch: as prime minister, was chosen by an agreed European candidate to European countries to come with One official said some EU Canada, Carney, who is also a “We are not big fans of that man Conservative Party members. replace Christine Lagarde at the one candidate,” the official said countries wanted a candidate former governor of the Bank of and he has not served the UK However, in spite being close to helm of the International Monetary on condition of anonymity before somebody from an EU member Canada, holds British and Irish well, so I can understand and I Trump, Farage ruled himself out of Fund (IMF), a senior EU official a meeting of euro zone finance state, an option that could rule passports in addition to his can say things about him but I becoming Britain’s next ambassador on Monday said. ministers on Monday that is likely out British candidates, as Britain Canadian citizenship. won’t bother. in Washington. The fund will need to replace to discuss the matter informally. is due to leave the EU at the end The issue is not on the In memos to his government “I don’t think I’m the right man Lagarde after she was nominated The official said the president of October. formal agenda of Monday’s dating from 2017 to the present, for that job,’’ he said. last week by EU leaders as the of the Eurogroup, Mario Centeno, Bank of England Governor, meeting as the IMF itself next president of the European was among those working on this, Mark Carney, has been mentioned has not even yet opened Central Bank, a job that will start together with Finland, which in media reports as one of Europe’s the procedure to find a new African Leaders Urge Concerted in November. currently holds the EU’s rotating possible candidates. managing director. Efforts to Spur Continental Integration African leaders on Monday urged (AfCFTA) Agreement in just one Gunshot Injuries Remain High in South Sudan Despite African Union (AU) member year period of the AfCFTA was countries and regional economic launched. Peace Deal, Says ICRC communities to exert concerted The Nigerian President stressed The number of injuries from The charity said in a statement indication of a high prevalence of violence, mostly linked to cattle efforts together with the AU that “the signing and ratification gunshots remains high in conflict- that 97 per cent of patients admitted violence exacerbated by easy access raids and revenge killing continues towards the continent’s integration. of the AfCFTA is the fastest in torn South Sudan, even after a in its health facilities over a recent to firearms. to threaten lives at an alarming level,’’ The leaders made the urgent the history of our organisation.’’ peace deal was signed ten months six month period across the East “We have seen a drop in fighting said James Reynolds, ICRC head of call on Monday, during the Issoufou also stressed the need ago, the International Committee African country suffered gunshot between parties to the conflict, a delegation in South Sudan. opening session of the first Mid to replicate the success realised of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on wounds. very hopeful sign. The Red Cross said women and Year Coordination Meeting of the in the signing and ratification of Monday. It said the latest figures were an “However, inter communal children remain particularly vulnerable. AU and the Regional Economic the continental free trade pact to Communities on the margins of other continental and regional the AU Summit, which held from treaties. ECOWAS Court Set to Review Its 2020 Legal Year Budget July 4 to July 8, in Niamey, capital He said so as to harness the The Community Court of Justice, of the 2019 budget. 2019 budget is 37 per cent performance evaluation and staff of Niger. potential advantages of the ECOWAS on Monday, said that Speaking on the relevance of the implemented and designed to training. “If we work together and various continentally adopted the court was set to review its retreat, he said that the retreat was impact the lives of citizens in “Measures of social protection coordinate efforts we can ensure agreements towards Africa’s 2020 budget legal year. organised to present the 2020 Draft ECOWAS community. envisaged in the community our common vision, aspiration socio economic development. The Director of Administration Budget to afford all the opportunity “The budget retreat is a time institution, including staff leave, and all the objectives of agenda “The aspiration of the African and Finance of the court, Dr William to make inputs and subsequent when all of us gather in court pension, insurance, travel and ticketing, 2063,’’ Mahamadou Issoufou, people driven by economic Towah, said this at the opening of endorsement. to come together to reflect on risks management, will also be looked President of Niger, told African growth, empowerment of the court’s 12th Administration and He said that the challenges the current budget prosecution into.” he added. leaders during the first Mid Year women and youth, justice, peace Budget Retreat held in Goshen city, encountered throughout the first improve round delivery. Towah, said that procedures cost Coordination Meeting. and security are also the major Nasarawa state. half of the year would be looked “We shall have the opportunity estimates were solicited from various Noting that 54 AU member aspirations of the Agenda 2063 He said that the court would at and measures would be taken over the next few days to unravel departments and those submissions countries have signed the African towards Africa’s renaissance,’’ review the Draft of the 2020 budget to address it. issues that border on current trends were collated into the 2020 Draft Continental Free Trade Area Issoufou stressed. and also work on the implementation According to him, the in career management, recruitment, Budget to be presented soon. TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2019 ˾
THISDAY 33 MARKET NEWS Conoil Records N1.8bn Profit After Tax, to Pay 200kobo Dividend Goddy Egene An analysis of the audited billion. However, the company recommended a dividend of 200 He said company kept to achieving and maintaining results showed that Conoil Plc reduced its administrative expenses kobo, which is about 77 per cent expanding its retail network across world-class levels of operating Conoil Plc has reported a profit recorded a revenue of N122.213 to N6.238 billion, a major decline payout. the country and the non-fuel retail and capital discipline. after tax (PAT) of N1.796 billion billion, up from N115.513 billion. from N11.195 billion in 2017. Chairman of Conoil Plc, , Mike business was being revamped He stressed that the company for the year ended December 31, Cost of sales went up to N109.442 Consequently, profit before tax Adenuga(jnr) had last year assured with a view to achieving future was fully charged to consolidate 2018, showing an increase of 14 billion compared with N102.463 stood at N2.567 billion as against shareholders that conscious efforts growth targets. its competitiveness in the different per cent above the N1.579 billion billion, bringing gross profit to N2.305 billion, while PAT grew would be directed at achieving He noted that every segment segments of its business by posted in 2017. Based on the result, N12.771 billion compared with to N1.796 billion compared with better execution of value-added of the business from aviation exploring and developing directors of the petroleum products N13.049 billion the previous year. N1.579 billion. Earnings per share products and services especially to LPG to specialised products emerging markets while holding marketing firm, has recommended Distributions expenses also rose was 259 kobo, up from 227 kobo in in the areas of marketing and would continue to receive the its grounds in areas where it has a dividend of 200 kobo per share. from N1.995 billion to N2.571 2017. The directors have, therefore customer management. desired attention with a view competitive advantage. 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 05- NAV: is value per share of the real estate shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Jul-2019, 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 INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 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 Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.18% Afrinvest Equity Fund 144.85 147.19 -7.81% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.14 2.16 -1.10% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 8.11% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 15.29% Nigeria International Debt Fund 270.26 270.26 -1.08% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 132.36 132.44 5.90% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD [email protected] LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fi[email protected] Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 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 ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.88 0.88 4.13% Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.21 1.23 5.13% ACAP Income Funds 0.75 0.75 32.38% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,118.28 1,118.28 7.03% AIICO CAPITAL LTD [email protected] MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.13% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Balanced Fund 2.33 2.35 4.74% Meristem Equity Market Fund 10.84 10.93 -5.78% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD [email protected] Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 11.69% Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 ARM Aggressive Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Discovery Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Balanced Fund 1.27 1.29 3.51% ARM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.65 11.72 4.58% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED [email protected] PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.17% Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 SCM CAPITAL LIMITED [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 94.94 95.61 -6.17% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.32% SCM Capital Frontier Fund 125.67 126.37 4.14% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED [email protected] SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 CEAT Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 7.33% Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 10000.00% 10000.00% 13.54% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Paramount Equity Fund 1199.00% 1210.00% 1.56% Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 2,357.46 2,369.42 1.84% Women's Investment Fund 10591.00% 10663.00% 2.30% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 205.71 205.71 8.19% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.87 0.89 -7.37% Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 258.64 258.74 6.68% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 151.90 153.50 -6.92% Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.00% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.80% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 96.04 96.67 Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,790.75 7,874.82 -8.28% Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 98.55 99.27 Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.12 1.12 3.11% CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT [email protected] UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Balanced Fund 1.20 1.21 0.19% Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Bond Fund 1.73 1.73 8.57% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] United Capital Equity Fund 0.71 0.72 -0.29% Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.00% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Eurobond Fund 111.69 111.69 4.13% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.13 1.13 3.48% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] [email protected] Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,214.99 1,215.76 8.70% Zenith Equity Fund 10.47 10.64 -0.82% FBN Heritage Fund 141.98 142.93 -0.56% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.24 11.38 -6.01% FBN Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 117.94 118.44 6.73% Zenith Income Fund 22.21 22.21 15.05% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 117.89 118.38 6.95% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.05% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 130.81 132.73 -12.79% FIRST CITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] REITS Web: www.fcamltd.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund 5.40 -44.85% Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.28% SFS Skye Shelter Fund 121.98 3.61% Legacy Debt Fund 3.45 3.45 6.28% Union Homes REIT 52.56 1.58% Legacy Equity Fund 1.10 1.12 -9.90% EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.05 1.05 2.47% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund 9.54 9.64 -9.48% Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 SIAML Pension ETF 40 97.25 99.30 -17.10% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund 79.91 81.37 -9.89% Coral Growth Fund 3,034.72 3,063.40 1.66% VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD [email protected] Coral Income Fund 2,935.78 2,935.78 7.15% Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 3.45 3.49 -13.71% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 6.01 6.09 -21.06% Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.46% Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 12.84 12.94 -12.27% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 108.59 109.20 0.73% Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 11.13 11.33 -9.83% GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 145.13 147.13 10.09% Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.57% Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund 111.37 17.40% 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. 34 TUESDAY JULY 9, 2019 ˾
THISDAY NEWSEXTRA Court Restrains SEC from Enforcing N89m Fine against Oando Davidson Iriekpen an order certiorari for the by the third respondent.” and his deputy, Mr. Omamofe SEC had on May 31 announced headed by Sunmonu to oversee quashing of a press release by Justice Faji directed Oando to Boyo, leave to file a motion for the conclusion of an investigation Oando’s affairs and to conduct Justice Ayokunle Faji of the SEC on June 1 appointing an ensure service on the respondents a judicial review of the sanctions of Oando and ordered its Group an extraordinary general meeting Federal High Court in Lagos interim management team to be of the order and the application SEC imposed on them. Chief Executive Officer, Tinubu, his on or before July 1. has restrained the Securities and headed by Sunmonu (the third for judicial review within 48 hours. This was after their deputy, Boyo and other affected In an ex-parte application filed Exchange Commission (SEC) from respondent) to oversee Oando’s He adjourned until July 22 for counsel approached the court board members to resign. through their counsel, Olasupo enforcing a fine of N89,675,000 affairs. hearing of the application for judicial for an order to review their ban It barred Tinubu and Boyo from Shasore (SAN), Tinubu and Ojo against Oando Plc. The judge granted “an order of review before the vacation judge. from being directors of public being directors of public companies prayed for an order of certiorari The judge also restrained the prohibition and/or an injunction The same judge had last month companies for five years and the for a period of five years. to quash SEC’s purported commission from enforcing its restraining and preventing the granted the Group Chief Executive additional imposition of N91,125,000 SEC subsequently set up imposition of N91,125,000 fine decision to appoint an interim first and second respondents by Officer of Oando, Mr. Wale Tinubu on Tinubu. an interim management team on Tinubu. management team for Oando. themselves, agents, servants or He granted Oando’s application whomsoever, howsoever from for leave to file a motion for a enforcing or seeking to enforce judicial review of SEC’s decision the decision contained in the letter imposing the fine on it. dated 31 May 2019.” The judge’s orders which were Justice Faji gave “an order of issued on Friday, followed an prohibition and/or an injunction ex-parte motion filed by Oando restraining and preventing through its counsel Mr. Olasupo the second respondent (SEC) Shasore (SAN). from enforcing or seeking to SEC, its Acting Director-General enforce the decision of the first Ms. Mary Uduk, and Mutiu respondent contained in the press Sunmonu, who was appointed release made on Sunday, June as Oando’s interim head, are the 2, 2019 appointing an interim first to third respondents. management team to be headed Justice Faji granted “an order by the third respondent to oversee of certiorari bringing up to the the affairs of the applicant.” Federal High Court for the The court made “a declaration purpose of being quashed, the that the first and second decision of the first respondent respondents acted ultra vires and (SEC) contained in its letter dated without jurisdiction in making the May 31, 2019”. decision contained in the letter of An order of certiorari is a writ May 31, 2019 which conveyed the or order by which a higher court imposition of a fine of N89,675,000 reviews a case tried in a lower on the applicant…” court or administrative agency. Also granted was “an order The court also granted an order directing that the leave sought of certiorari for the quashing herein, if granted, shall operate of SEC’s directive to Oando as a suspension and or stay of the to convene an extra-ordinary decision of the first respondent general meeting on or before contained aforesaid in its letter July 1 to appoint new directors of 31 May 2019 as it relates to and articulate remedial measures the applicant and as contained VICTORY PRAYERS… for alleged corporate governance in the press release made on 2 L-R: Governor of Osun State, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola; Deputy Governor, Mr. Benedict Alabi; and Head of Service, Dr. Oyebade lapses. June 2019 appointing an interim Olowogboyega, during Osun worker’s victory and interdenominational prayers for Oyetola held in Osogbo…yesterday Justice Faji further granted management team to be headed Buhari’s Delay in Appointing Ministers Affecting Economy, LASG: 10 Victims of Ijegun Says PDP BoT

Explosion Died in Hospitals The Chairman of the Board quicken governance and key positions of government the improvement of the of Trustees of the Peoples move the nation forward. — they will now come and economy, employment Gboyega Akinsanmi secretary noted that the state Democratic Party (PDP), “We are the PDP, we are announce the names of the generation as well as human government “is doing everything Senator Walid Jibrin, has not the APC. Maybe they ministers, the board and so capital development and The Lagos State Government possible to ensure that no other said the delay in appointing have their own policy on on, because delaying the infrastructure. yesterday disclosed that 10 victims life is lost. We will do all in our ministers by President how to bring up their team. appointment of ministers He decried the rate of of a pipeline, which exploded in power to provide intensive Muhammadu Buhari is not Maybe, they are doing a lot is not a good omen for the insecurity in some parts of Ijegun on July 4, had eventually care for the remaining. From good for the country. of homework. Luckily, they administration of Nigeria. So the country and urged Buhari passed away at the Lagos State reports received so far, they are Speaking with journalists have now come up with we urge them to hasten to to address kidnapping, University Teaching Hospital responding to treatment. in Abuja yesterday, Jibrin the name of the Chief of do that. I will not say I am banditry and other forms (LASUTH) and Gbagada General “Treatment of victims with a urged the President to Staff, and the Secretary to condemning them but I want of insecurity. Hospital. high percentage of burns requires hasten the appointment of the Federal Government of to appeal to them that they He also urged him to Also, the state government intensive care and management his ministers. Nigeria, which is a good should put up machinery in focus on industrialisation noted that other survivors of which should follow some According to him, the omen. motion to set up their team.” and revamping of ailing the explosion that affected 22 treatment protocol. This is why appointment of competent “We hope that by this The PDP BoT chairman industries as well as persons “are receiving quality I am appealing to families of the persons as ministers will announcement — these two urged Buhari to focus on revival of dead ones. care at designated government victims to be calm and cooperate facilities free of charge,” disclosing with our health workers as they that it had already spent over care for their loved ones.” Afreximbank Pledges $1bn for AfCFTA N10 million to take care of the Goncalves noted that the victims. state government had expended AfDB urges Nigeria, others to unlock $134bn revenue This was revealed in a over N10 million “to care for the statement issued yesterday by victims. The state government Francis Ndubuisi in Abuja, Ero- in 10 years. “This facility will help countries to implement the World Trade the Permanent Secretary, Ministry has not abandoned the victims mosele Abiodun and Solomon The $1 billion facility, according to accelerate the ratification of the Organisation’s (WTO) Trade of Health, Dr. Titilayo Goncalves, as being speculated. But we are Elusoji in Lagos to the bank’s President, Benedict AfCFTA,” he said. Facilitation Agreement and four after visiting the victims at the providing the best care possible Oramah, will help AfCFTA He added that, as part of its other trade policies, stressing that LASUTH, Ikeja alongside other to ensure their full recovery. The African Export-Import Bank participating countries lessen the support for the implementation their adoption can raise Africa’s top government officials. “Victims of the inferno are (Afreximbank) has said it will impact of sudden significant tariff of the AfCFTA, the Bank had Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Goncalves said10 out of the being provided with adequate and institute a $1 billion adjustment revenue losses. provided support to aid the by 4.5 per cent or $134 billion patients receiving care at LASUTH quality care in our facilities free facility to cushion the effects of AfCFTA is a trade agreement work being done by the African annually and $1.34 trillion in and Gbagada General Hospital of charge in line with Governor the African Continental Free Trade between African Union member Regional Standards Organisation 10 years. died due to high-degree burns Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive. Area (AfCFTA) implementation. states. Its ultimate goal is to create and the AU in implementing the The AfDB stated this in its they suffered during the pipeline They are being closely monitored This is coming as the African a single African market. Agreement. African economic outlook, adding explosion. and cared for by our specialists Development Bank Group (AfDB) Nigeria became the 53rd Oramah also informed the that the first expected outcome Of the 10 victims that died, to ensure their full recovery and has urged Nigeria and other country to formally join the Summit of the launch the Pan- of an effective preferential trade Goncalves said, “three died at rehabilitation.” African countries to implement the agreement when President African Payment and Settlement agreement was an increase in LASUTH while seven died at Of the 22 victims rescued by the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) Muhammadu Buhari signed System (PAPSS), the first continent- trade among members through Gbagada General Hospital. We Lagos State Ambulance Service Trade Facilitation Agreement and the AfCFTA treaty on Sunday. wide payment digital system three channels. lost 10 of them due to the high (LASAMBUS), she said nine were four other trade policies, stressing Oramah made the focused on facilitating payments Nigeria had in January this year degree of burns the victims taken to LASUTH; 12 taken to that their adoption can raise announcement while addressing for goods and services in intra- in Davos, Switzerland, ratified suffered, which is almost at 100 Trauma and Burns Unit, Gbagada Africa’s Gross Domestic Product the 12th Extraordinary Summit African trade in African currencies. the Trade Facilitation Agreement per cent.” General Hospital while one at (GDP) by 4.5 per cent or $134 of African Union (AU) Heads of Meanwhile, AfDB has urged (TFA) of the WTO, making it the However, the permanent Alimosho General Hospital. billion annually and $1.34 trillion State in Niamey, Niger. Nigeria and other African countries 107th WTO member to do so. TUESDAY JULY 9, 2019 • THISDAY 35 Court Restrains APC NWC, IGP, Others from Interfering in Affairs of Edo State House of Assembly

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3 1 2 36 TUESDAY JULY 9, 2019 ˾
THISDAY NEWSEXTRA Air Peace Boss Denies Accusing FG of Impoverishing Nigerian Airlines Chinedu Eze the airline to grow and be was not done in good faith, report and I insist that it supports us. It is a shame The Air Peace boss able to operate international recognising the fact that I was not done in good faith,” that several Nigerian airlines reiterated during the The Chairman and Chief service. gave government credit many he said. have come here (Dubai) and interview that the Executive Officer of Air He wondered what might times in the course of the During the interview, they were pushed out either administration of President Peace, Allen Onyema, has have motivated the report interview for the support Onyema in response to a through unfair competition Muhammadu Buhari has expressed shock at the report when he actually commended it has given us and other question on aero politics or some arm-twisting tactics; given support to the growth credited to him accusing the government for removing airlines. I was shocked. said, “Let me make this it is very unfair. The only of indigenous investment the federal government of tariff on aircraft spares for “I want them to produce clear, Air Peace will plan we have is the plan and businesses, adding impoverishing Nigerian commercial operation and the tape where I made never be able to combat of sustainability, to sustain that without government’s airlines, describing the report also five per cent VAT, which the statement, accusing international aeropolitics our operations to the best support the airline would not as false, mischievous and saved domestic carriers government of impoverishing without the support of the of our abilities. There is so have been able to acquire malicious. billions of naira, adding Nigerian airlines. So, I totally government. We can only far we can go, if we are not the number of aircraft it has Onyema who granted that without the support dissociate myself from the combat it if our government being supported.” acquired so far. interview to selected of the federal government Nigerian journalists in there would not have been Dubai to mark the inaugural Air Peace airline today. flight of the airline at the “I was shocked when weekend said that instead I read that report and I of criticising government dissociate myself from it. he actually commended I know that journalists do the current administration interpretative reporting but I that made it possible for am convinced that the report

Peace Accord: Bandits to Release 26 More Captives in Zamfara The Zamfara State Commissioner dialogue after securing release of Police, Mr. Usman Nagogo, has of all the captives was to start assured that another 26 captives disarmament and collection of would be released by bandits all riffles and other sophisticated following a peace accord. weapons from the hands of both Nagogo made this known local militants and bandits. yesterday while addressing He commended the National journalists in Gusau, the state Chairman of Miyetti Allah capital. Cattle Breeders Association He said the peace accord (MACABAN), who was about committee instituted by to bring two riffles surrendered government had already by one person to the command, succeeded in securing the freedom saying that his commitment to the of 51 captives through negotiations success of the dialogue deserved from the areas of Dansadau, Kaura appreciation. Namoda and Shinkafi in less than He also expressed appreciation EYES ON THE MARKET… a week. to the two warring parties for L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema; Managing Director, Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya; “We have our contact keeping to the peace accord member, Airtel Africa Board, Awuneba Ajumogobia; and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Airtel Nigeria, Krishna Menon, at the Airtel Africa committee that are discussing and enjoined them to sustain Plc Fact Before The Listing, held at the NSE Building,, Marina, Lagos ... weekend ABIODUN AJALA with the bandits and the reports the tempo. we are receiving is encouraging; Nagogo equally urged very soon the captives will regain journalists to continue to report Auto Crash Claims 19 Lives in Kano their freedom,” he said. facts with unbiased mind and He said the next step for the sense of professionalism. Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano in a statement yesterday, the He added that the accident of the vehicles also got burnt. Kano State Commander of involved two VW Golf, The Chairman of the At least, 19 people have been the Federal Road Safety Sharon bus, Honda Accord, National Union of Road confirmed dead and seven Corps (FRSC), Mr. Zubair and Kano Line Bus. He also Transport Workers (NURTW) Confusion as Customs Officer others injured in a ghastly Mato, gave a breakdown said the victims had since in Takai Local Government auto crash that occurred on of the fatality as 14 male been rushed to Takai General Area, Malam Datti Musa Promotes Self to Deputy CG Sunday at Dinyar Madiga, and three female adults and Hospital and were receiving Shawu, also confirmed the Eromosele Abiodun to him,” sources said. Reacting in Takai Local Government two male children. Zubair treatment. accident. to the development, spokesman Area of Kano State. said the incident involved However, an eyewitness Musa, however, appealed There was confusion at the of customs, Joseph Attah, said The state Commander four vehicles carrying 26 who declined disclosing to the authorities concerned headquarters of the Nigeria Dahiru was not in the right frame of the Federal Road Safety passengers and attributed his identity, said that 21 to immediately rehabilitate Customs Service (NCS) in Abuja of mind when he took the action. Corps, confirmed the incident the accident to over-speeding persons died instantly, the road which he said had yesterday when an Assistant “What happened was that yesterday. and dodging of potholes on while six vehicles were claimed about 62 lives from Superintendent of Customs, Nura an Assistant Superintendent Confirming the incident the highway. involved, adding that two January this year. Dahiru, appeared with the rank of Customs came to the office of Deputy Comptroller-General of wearing the rank of a Deputy Customs (DCG), thus promoting Comptroller General. Appeal Court Reserves Judgment in Suit Challenging himself. “From questions and answers Dahiru claimed that he was that followed, it was obvious Buhari’s Academic Qualification acting on the directive of President that he was not in the right Muhammadu Buhari. frame of mind; so, a doctor Alex Enumah in Abuja National Electoral Commission qualified for the poll at the time the court to dismiss the appeal, His action jolted both officers was immediately invited. He is (INEC) for clearance to contest he did. while counsel to INEC, Onyeri and men of the service. presently undergoing a medical The Abuja division of the the presidential poll. However, lawyers to the 1st Anthony, said the commission is According to an inside source, examination at the medical unit Court of Appeal has reserved The counsel denied the claim and 2nd respondents urged the neutral and would abide by the Dahiru, yesterday morning, of the service,” Attah said. judgment in the appeal filed that the suit of the appellant court to dismiss the appeal for decision of the Court. walked into the office of the against President Muhammadu was statute barred, adding being incompetent and lacking Kalu, Ismail and El-Kuris Comptroller General of Customs, Buhari’s academic qualification that the case was instituted on merit. had approached the appellate Col. Hameed Ali (rtd.), wearing for the 2019 presidential election. November 5, 2018 within the 14 Buhari’s counsel, Abdullahi court to nullify and set aside his ‘new rank’. The three-member panel of the days allowed by law. He said the Abubakar, specifically told the the judgement of the Abuja “As he came in, officers were appellate court presided over by cause of action started with the Appeal Court that the case Division of the Federal High saluting him because he was Justice Atinuke Akomolafe-Wilson, announcement and publication of the appellant was statute- Court, which declined to hear wearing that rank. reserved judgment after listening by INEC of successful candidates barred, having not been filed their suit instituted to challenge “Sometime in May, he had to the argument canvassed by for the 2019 general election on within the mandatory period the educational qualification of posted on Facebook that he had counsels to parties in the suit. October 25, 2018. stipulated by the law. the President before the conduct been directed by the president At yesterday’s proceedings, Ukairo therefore urged the He urged the court to uphold of the 2019 general election. to take over from Hameed Ali, counsel to the appellant, Ukpai Court of Appeal to allow the the decision of the Federal High The appellants in their appeal and today when we saw him Ukairo, insisted that President appeal and set aside the decision Court to the effect that the suit are asking the appellate court in the new rank, we thought, Buhari was not educationally of the Federal High Court on was not filed in line with the to reverse the judgement of indeed, he has been promoted qualified to have stood for the grounds of miscarriage of justice. position of the law. Justice Ahmed Mohammed on and so directed by the president. presidential poll on the grounds He asked the court to nullify Counsel to the All the grounds that the processes “He went inside the CG’s that the required certificates were Buhari’s participation in the Progressives Congress (APC), filed by Buhari and used to office, sat in the waiting room, not attached to his form CF001, February 23 presidential election Babatunde Ogala, argued in strike out their suit were not expecting the CG to handover Dahiru submitted to the Independent because he was not educational line with Buhari and urged competent. TUESDAY JULY 9, 2019 ˾
THISDAY 37 NEWSEXTRA Atiku, Lawan, Fayemi, Obaseki, Tambuwal, Ihedioha, Others Celebrate Okowa at 60 Chuks Okocha in Abuja and to develop the state. should be committed to the affairs of Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba The celebrant, Okowa thanked the country and serve the fatherland his guests for making out time to with the passion with which Okowa The presidential candidate of the celebrate with him as he marks handles affairs that concerns the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 60 years. nation. in the 2019 election and former Atiku, in a statement by his “Governor Okowa is very Vice President, Atiku Abubakar media team, noted that the patriotic, purposeful, dedicated and the Senate President, Senator trajectory of Okowa is the story and committed to issues that affect Ahmed Lawan, yesterday felicitated of courage and resilience. the country,” he said, disclosing with the Delta State Governor, Dr. According to the former vice that, “I served with him in the Ifeanyi Okowa who turned 60 president, “he is a man of great Senate and I can tell you that he years yesterday. faith, enviable impacts and of is always committed to the job he Also, the Edo State Governor, flawless reputation. Dr. Okowa has is assigned to do.” Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has joined indeed shown political prowess While congratulating the his counterparts - Governor Emeka and genuine commitment to the governor for clocking 60 years, Ihedioha of Imo State; and Governor socio-economic well-being of the Senate President who was Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, Deltans through the infrastructural accompanied on the felicitation visit as well as a former Governor of and human capital development by the Chairman of the Nigerian Delta State, Chief James Ibori, to of the people of the state since he Governors Forum, Dr Kayode celebrate with Okowa, on his 60th came on board as governor. Fayemi stated that, “Governor birthday celebration. “Above all, he is a patriot who Okowa is a man who believes in Obaseki who described Okowa is not only determined to make the country despite our different as a humble man with a kind heart, a difference in governance by political divide.” assured that Edo State will join implementing laudable people- Fayemi on behalf of the governors hands with Delta State to bring oriented projects in his state but congratulated Okowa, saying, back the glory of old Bendel State. making impactful contributions to “we members of the Nigerian He said, “Okowa is my brother the nation’s development. Governors Forum are proud of notwithstanding that we are from “I admire the contributions you (Governor Okowa), you are different political parties. We you have made to the nation as a committed patriot and a bridge attended the University of Ibadan a Senator and your contributions builder.” together and we have shared a long to our great party, the Peoples Okowa who was beaming with history together. We are tired of Democratic Party. On this special smile throughout the visit by the being laughing stocks in the world. day, I join your family and other Senate President and Fayemi, We should join hands together to well wishers to rejoice with you thanked Nigerians for identifying develop and lead Nigeria to greater and offer prayers for more years with him as he celebrated his heights, leaving it better than we in good health and service”. birthday, noting, “your presence met it.” The Senate President, Lawan; have added a lot of colour to He said the focus of the present National Chairman of the PDP, the occasion.” crop of Nigerian leaders should Prince Uche Secondus; and Okowa also called for be to change Nigeria and leave Ibori, were among dignitaries consensus building in the it better than they met it. who attended the 60th birthday country, saying, “it is time to Imo State Governor, Ihedioha, of the Delta State governor. ensure that there is consensus described Okowa as a man of the The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa building to make everybody to people and a great leader, who is State, Rear Admiral John Jonah come to the table and discuss working to create a better Delta (rtd.) represented Governor Seriake how to take Nigeria to greater State and ensuring Deltans enjoy Dickson at the ceremony, which heights. the dividends of democracy. took place at the Event Centre, “At this point in time in On his part, Tambuwal said Asaba and was also attended by our history, good working Deltans are lucky to have Okowa former deputy governors of the relationship between the for a second term, assuring them Delta State, Prof. Amos Utuama Chairman of the National that the governor, who has been (SAN) and Chief Benjamin Elue. Assembly and chairman of dubbed the humble servant of the Lawan on his part, felicitated the governors’ forum is good people, will continue his good works with Okowa, saying that Nigerians for our country”. DAPPMAN Faults NNPC, Denies Accessing Forex at N305 Peter Uzoho and indeed all petroleum intervention sum up to $7.2 marketers ceased to import petrol billion’. Marketers of petroleum products before the fourth quarter of 2017 “DAPPMAN members and under the umbrella of Depot due to rising cost of crude oil indeed all petroleum marketers and Petroleum Products in the international market and ceased to import petrol before Marketers Association of Nigeria marketers’ inability to access the fourth quarter of 2017 due (DAPPMAN) have said no foreign exchange at the official to rising cost of crude oil in member of the association has Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) the international market and accessed foreign exchange for the rate, adding that this precipitated marketers’ inability to access importation of petrol at the rate the fuel scarcity the country foreign exchange at the official of N305 per dollar since October experienced in December 2017 CBN rate; this precipitated the fuel 2017 as allegedly claimed by the as well as 2018. scarcity the country experienced in immediate-past Chief Operating The statement read: “We have December 2017 and far into 2018. Officer, downstream of the read the comments purportedly “NNPC at that time, and till Nigerian National Petroleum attributed to the out-going Chief date, assumed the responsibility of Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Henry Operating Officer, Downstream the importer of last resort because Ikem-Obih. of NNPC, it is the only corporation that DAPPMAN equally said the Ikem-Obih, on the exchange can access the foreign exchange $7.2 billion the NNPC official rate at which petroleum marketers proceeds of crude oil exporters also claimed in a comment he allegedly accessed dollars for the and utilises same to import petrol recently made was applied for importation of petrol and seek at the official central bank rate and received by the petroleum to clarify thus: ‘It is true that and thereafter sell to petroleum marketers was not accessed by at various instances within the marketers. members of the association “who lifespan of the immediate-past “The $7.2 billion purportedly by the spread of our business, management of the NNPC, applied for and received by would have extended supplies to marketers were offered foreign petroleum marketers as claimed all corners of the country, hence exchange to import aviation fuel by the NNPC chieftain was NNPC may need to further (ATK) and diesel at N330/$1 or not accessed by members of expatiate on the comment.” N346/$1 but no marketer DAPPMAN who by the spread The group, in a statement accessed forex at N305/$1 as of our business would have issued yesterday and signed claimed, and at no time did extended supplies to all corners by its Executive foreign exchange sourced for of the country, hence NNPC may Secretary, Mr. Olufemi A. fuel importation by petroleum need to further expatiate on the Adewole, stated that its members marketers through NNPC- comment.” 38 TUESDAY JULY 9, 2019 ˾
THISDAY

NEWSEXTRA Kogi Guber: 20 Governorship Aspirants Reject APC’s Indirect Primary Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Mohammed Ali, said the decision aspirants on the platform of the court seeking to determine the to muzzling the wish of the The aspirants noted further and Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja of the NWC to approve indirect party and other contending groups authentic executive of the party generality of our party members. that governorship election for primary amounts to muzzling in the polarised structure of the in the state. As a matter of fact, “It is on record that the state Kogi and Bayelsa States are Twenty governorship aspirants the wish of the generality of the party in the state, was regrettable. at the last hearing, the suit was Governor, Yahaya Bello’s factional scheduled for November l6, vying for the gubernatorial ticket party members in the state. The letter read: “The decision adjourned till October 2, 2019. party executive council members, 2019, saying: “We note with of the All Progressive Congress The aspirants, armed with a to adopt an indirect primary by “We observe that as a party which he is angling as delegates sadness the selective approach (APC) in Kogi State have kicked protest letter addressed to the the NWC is fraught with severe committed to the enthronement for the indirect primary, are of the NWC in treating the against the decision of the National National Chairman of the party, implications. Firstly, contrary to the of popular democracy, the resort peopled by his political appointees primary election in Kogi State Working Committee (NWC) of the Adams Oshiomole, resolved after information given to the NWC, to an indirect primary in the state and loyalists who are on the in isolation of that of Bayelsa party approving ‘indirect primary’ an emergency meeting held last there are suits pending in Abuja chapter of the APC amounts payroll of the state government.” State.” to elect the party’s standard bearer Sunday by the governorship for the November 16 election. aspirants in the state that the The NWC had last week planned adoption of the indirect Friday approved indirect primary, party primary was inherent with following a formal request serious negative consequences for from the state executive and the fortune of the party in the state. stakeholders in preference for The aspirants observed that the indirect primary. the decision taken without But addressing journalists at adequate consultation with critical the national headquarters of stakeholders of the party in the the party yesterday in Abuja, state, especially the governorship PENGASSAN Tasks New NNPC Chief on Insecurity, Fuel Subsidy Solomon Elusoji oil marketer with prerequisite certification and outfield pedigree The Petroleum and Natural in petroleum economics and Gas Senior Staff Association of crude oil and gas trading, Nigeria (PENGASSAN) yesterday whose knowledge, wisdom, urged the new Group Managing forthrightness, steadfastness Director of the Nigerian National and purposefulness to the Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), corporation, the oil and gas Mr. Mele Kyari, to focus on industry and the country as a BRINGING SERVICE CLOSER securing the country’s oil and whole, is being rewarded by the L-R: Former Governor, Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, and the Akarigbo and gas infrastructure. new appointment.” Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Torungbuwa II, inspecting facilities at the new office of Nigeria Immigration In a statement congratulating The labour union said Kyari’s Service in Sagamu…recently Kyari, who replaced Dr. Maikanti appointment was not a surprise Baru as head of the country’s “as it has followed his career top oil company, PENGASSAN progression, and believes that Protesters Storm RCCG, Ask Adeboye to Speak up against Injustice said pipeline vandalism and crude his appointment will further aid oil theft are “issues the Nigerian the development of the oil and Some members of the creative keeping quiet over what they Nigeria (PFN) to suspend Pastor “Pastor Adeboye has his son as masses expect the new NNPC gas industry and the Nigeria’s industry yesterday staged a described as persecution of Adeboye for what they described the vice president and he is well board to champion.” economy.” peaceful protest to the Redemption some Nigerians by the President as his complicity on the matter by respected by President Buhari; Other top challenges in the oil PENGASSAN also praised Camp, Lagos -Ibadan Expressway, Muhammadu Buhari-led “shielding Osinbajo who is a Pastor so, he needs to speak out, so that sector which will demand Kyari’s the outgoing NNPC GMD, to make some demands from the government. in RCCG.” the presidency can take the matter urgent attention, according to the Dr. Maikanti Baru, for his General Overseer, to speak up on Quoting some scriptures, the The Chairman and Convener seriously and address it as such,” statement which was signed by contributions to the growth of some developments affecting the group rhetorically asked Pastor of the group, Mr. Felix Duke, said he said. PENGASSAN’s General Secretary, the country’s oil and gas industry. masses in the country. Adeboye if he would have kept the protest was to demand that the According to him, the group Lumumba Okugbawa, include Meanwhile, the National The protesters in their silent if the Christian schoolgirl RCCG, General Overseer, Adeboye, which is formed to be independent “inadequate infrastructure, pricing President of the Nigerian Union hundreds, included Maverick still in terrorist Boko Haram’s intervene in addressing the choose Adeboye, among others uncertainties and the obsolete of Petroleum and Natural Nigerian entertainer and activist, captivity, Leah Sharibu, were his insecurity issues bedeviling the because the RCCG has the largest refineries as well as the contentious Gas (NUPENG), Williams Charles Oputa, popularly called own biological daughter. nation. Christian followership in Nigeria fuel subsidy issues and ultimately Akporeha, has pledged Charly Boy; Michael Parish; Idris They queried the pastor for Duke said the group had and Africa. resting of the Petroleum Industry to stand by PENGASSAN Abdulkareem; Baba Fryo and a allegedly shielding the Vice expected that spiritual leaders Duke said many Christians and Bill (PIB).” over the recent death of the couple of other upcoming artists. President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, should have reacted to the incessant non – Christians placed the spiritual PENGASSAN described latter’s National President, They matched through the whom they said is a pastor of the killings and kidnappings affecting leader of the church in high esteem Kyari as a “quintessential crude Francis Johnson. camp, carrying placards with RCCG but has done nothing to the North-east and other parts of and looked up to him . inscriptions such as; ‘Adeboye, that effect, despite being the vice the country. Speaking with the News Agency speak up for those who cannot president. “We are tired of the killings in of Nigeria (NAN), Charly Boy, Edo Police Detain Three speak for themselves’, ‘Adeboye, The group also queried Adeboye Nigeria; the violence is too much . expressed disappointment that would you have kept quiet if Leah for what they described as his “We want Pastor Adeboye, as notable Nigerians, especially Personnel over Two Missing was your biological daughter,’ dissociation from a prophesy of a highly respected spiritual father respected spiritual fathers among others. “islamisation of Nigeria.” globally, to lend his voice to the were silent about the AK 47 Rifles The protesters also criticised The group called on the matter so that something can be onslaught and killings within Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City officers gave their guns to Sergeant Pastor Adeboye for allegedly Pentecostal Fellowship of done. the country. Emmanuel who checked into a Three policemen are currently in guest house at Uwasota area of detention at the Edo State Police Egor Local Government Area. Oyo ADC Stakeholders Disown Lanlehin, Pledge to Support Makinde Command Headquarters over Sources said Emmanuel was alleged two stolen fully loaded with a female friend inside the Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Bolaji Ayorinde of the Social (SSG), Dr. Busari Adebisi, on behalf APC administration, and most AK 47 rifles. hotel when at about 2a.m. he Democratic Party (SDP), had of the party (ADC), which was importantly, to ensure that the Consequently, a sales girl, raised an alarm that two of the The Oyo State chapter of the formed an alliance with Makinde addressed to Makinde, said administration does not succeed security personnel and manager three rifles he took into his room African Democratic Congress and Peoples Democratic Party stakeholders of the party have itself by other means in order of the guest house where the guns had been stolen while he was (ADC) yesterday faulted the (PDP) against the All Progressives not abandoned the coalition, to free the good people of the were said to have been stolen inside the toilet. withdrawal of the candidate of Congress (APC). especially good governance for state from the regrettable APC were quizzed and granted bail. Owner of the guest house, the party in the last gubernatorial The parties had adopted the people of the state which was socio-economic bondage. Names of the detained Mr. Obodo Otuya, who called election, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, Makinde as their governorship the basis of the alliance. “Another reason for the ADC policemen, as gathered, are for full investigation into the from the alliance with the state candidate against the candidate According to the statement, was to participate and ensure the Sergeant Uzor Emmanuel, incident, told journalists that Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the of the APC, Chief Bayo Adelabu. “Following the recent political emergence of a credible alternative Corporal Michael Akharamen claims by Emmanuel were People Democratic Party (PDP). But Lanlehin, in a statement development in Oyo State, as it to APC lack-luster administration and Constable Jimoh Aliu. questionable. The party said its teeming by his media office last Tuesday, affects the purported withdrawal of in the state. As it is customary in The guns were officially He stated that reports from members, and supporters across said he was opting out of the Senator Lanlehin from the African such political arrangements, the assigned to them for duty patrol his staff showed that Emmanuel the state are solidly in support of coalition because of Makinde’s Democratic Congress (ADC) parties in the coalition usually attached to personnel of the state- checked in with one AK-47 the governor, “believing that we non-compliance with the spirit and coalition with your government, I agree on a set of conditions, the own security outfit codenamed rifle and a lady. are on the same page.” letters of the terms of agreement am compelled to make the following basis of which they go into elections ‘Operation Wabaizigan’, but could Edo Police spokesman, DSP Before the election, Lanlehin and reached before the gubernatorial observations that the prime motive together. The summary of the agreement not return to base with the guns Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the other governorship candidates of election. of bringing ADC to the state was reached with the PDP for our party to the armoury. incident, adding that investigation the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), However a letter by a former to ensure the termination of the was 30 per cent participation in the It was learnt that the two junior is still ongoing. Sharafadeen Alli, and Chief Secretary to the State Government eight-year agonising rule of the government. TUESDAY JULY 9, 2019 ˾
THISDAY 39 NEWSEXTRA UN Rolls Out Stabilisation Plan for North-east Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja part of the federal government devastated by a rampaging visit to the Chief of Army Staff, re-establishment of livelihoods, was already documented, the to roll out a stabilisation plan for insurgency war that claimed over the United Nations Development infrastructure, rule of law and Nigerian Army had deployed The United Nations yesterday the North-east. 20,000 lives in the past 10 years. Programme (UNDP), Resident reconstruction of entire towns officers to all tiers of government sought expedited action on the The North-east has been Speaking during a courtesy Representative Designate to better,” he said. and Non-Governmental Nigeria, Mr Mohammed Yahya, He warned critical stakeholders Organisations (NGO) in the said the UN was seeking ways against any delay in the North-east. ECOWAS Parliament: 2.1m Displaced by to assist Nigeria to re-establish reconstruction process, saying “We also have our stabilisation livelihoods, infrastructure and speed was key. programme. We have put Boko Haram in Nigeria the rule of law in the North-east. “We are here to partner our officers who relate with He said the UN needed the Nigerian Army to ensure that government at all levels and Deji Elumoye in Abuja He expressed regret that in the world “. assistance of the Nigerian Army to this is done effectively”, he said. NGOs. despite the efforts being made The ECOWAS Parliament ensure that the stabilisation plan Speaking earlier, the Chief of “We have a document The Secretary General of in West Africa, the region is scribe, blamed the sorry state of was carried out effectively. Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur prepared already and our officers ECOWAS Parliament, Mr. plagued with multiple crises . the region on bad governance, “We are here to assist the Buratai, said as part of its will support you on the stabilisation John Azumah, has said “For instance, Nigeria’s which, according to him, government of Nigeria in the own stabilisation plan, which programme,” he said. that 40 per cent of the total North -east , North - west and had rendered many affected 70 million refugees in the world North - central are ravaged countries financially impotent are drawn from the 16 West by Boko Haram terrorism and to the point of depending on Obaseki Commiserates with Odubu over African nations with Boko farmer-herder clashes , which funds from donor agencies to Haram insurgency displacing has resulted in the killing of implement their yearly budgets. Father’s Demise 1.2 million Nigerians alone. over 20,000 people and with “The political crisis that The Edo State Governor, “We can see from the way you lived a fulfilled life, stressing the Azumah, who spoke about 2.1 million people trigger these humanitarian Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has conducted yourself as a politician, need for his children to follow the yesterday at the launch of the displaced . situations in the region commiserated with the former a leader, a lawyer in and out of good legacy laid by their father. West African Parliamentary “This carnage has caused are products of bad and Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. government, that you were well In his response, Odubu expressed Press Corps, attributed the huge humanitarian crisis , unimaginative governance , Pius Odubu, over the demise of his raised. Certainly, you are exhibiting appreciation to God for the life his high rate of refugees in the such that there appears to which has plunged a great father, the Okaevbo of Urhomehe, some of the values which your late father lived and thanked the West African sub- region to be a lethargy of addressing number of our citizens into Pa Manson Odubu, who died at father imparted in you.” governor for identifying with insurgency triggered the crises with funds by the poverty and untold hardship. age 103. Obaseki urged Odubu to take his family in their moment of humanitarian crises. international agencies . “The poverty level is so The governor thanked God for solace in the fact that his late father grief. According to him, “In Mali, insurgency has high in the region such that the life of the deceased, who he said humanitarian situations in the run down the country and many member states largely worked to transform lives, adding region are products of bad and displaced many. These crises depend on donor agencies and “Upon reflection, we have every unimaginative governance . are replicated in many parts international humanitarian reason to thank God for his life, Painting the gloomy picture of the region. agencies to fund their activities not because of his longevity, but his of the region on humanitarian “According to the United and programmes because accomplishments over ten decades.” crises and poverty level in Nations High Commission their streams of revenues can He described late Pa Odubu as his key note address read by on Refugees (UNHCR), West no longer fund the national a legend, who valued education the Director of Parliamentary Africa is one of the regions budgets, “ he said. and ensured that his children took Affairs and Research of the of the world with the highest As a way out of the bad advantage of education to transform ECOWAS Parliament, Mr. number of refugees and situations, Azumah tasked their lives. Bertin Someon, Azumah said internally displaced persons the media and civil society The governor said late Pa in Nigeria alone, 2.1 million , estimated to constitute about organisations across the sixteen Manson Odubu would be people were displaced by Boko 40 per cent of the 70million countries in the region to hold remembered for the development he Haram insurgency. refugees and displaced persons their various governments. attracted to his community, noting, 40 TUESDAY JULY 9, 2019 ˾
THISDAY

NEWSEXTRA CBN Partners Varsities to Address Challenges in Poultry Sub-sector James Emejo in Abuja and egg to reduce importation Emefiele said the CBN would be industrial poultry sector. He said while these are its ultimate regular on and off-site checks to and close the existing demand and committing human, material and He said poultry producers goals, “our main intermediate objective ascertain the veracity of the reports The Governor of the Central Bank supply gap; raise a new crop of financial resources to monitoring lacked reliable access to inputs, is to ensure that poultry production received. of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin ‘agropreneurs’ in modern poultry both the disbursement and including chicks and feed as well is increased as well as end the “Therefore, I respectfully enjoin Emefiele, yesterday said the apex production; provide infrastructure utilisation of funds in a robust as high costs of veterinary services. smuggling of poultry products you and your institutions to help us bank has initiated a programme that would support the sustainable and verifiable manner. The CBN governor also into Nigeria.” in achieving these goals by ensuring to boost poultry production in the production of poultry as well He said the sector is currently expressed worry that an estimated According to him, “In order that these funds are deployed in country through the involvement as reduce pressure on foreign bedevilled by the lack of access 1.2 million metric tonnes of poultry to ensure the attainment of our an effective manner.” of universities which will be exchange demand through to low cost, long tenured finance, meat was being smuggled into the goals, therefore, the CBN would Represented by CBN Deputy part of the pilot team to run a import substitution by local which is not however peculiar to country from the neighbouring be committing considerable human, Governor, Monetary Policy, Dr. university-based Poultry Revival poultry production. the industry, but must be resolved. Benin Republic by some material, and financial resources to Joseph Nnanna, Emefiele said Programme. Speaking at an interactive Furthermore, he said the unscrupulous Nigerians, describing monitoring both the disbursement the poultry sub-sector was He said the objective of its session with vice chancellors Nigerian poultry faced high the situation as unfortunate. and utilisation of these funds in the most commercialised of intervention in the sub-sector of universities on the proposed production costs, safety concerns He added that the CBN was a robust and verifiable manner. all Nigeria’s agriculture sub- was to produce chicken meat project to boost poultry production, due to lack of sanitary controls, ready to put an end to it. “Participating institutions will sectors. and technical constraints in Emefiele said the intervention be required to submit periodic According to him, the processing and marketing, was directly in conformity with the returns on disbursements as well sub- sector contributes about Bayelsa SSG Joins stressing that production costs apex bank’s resolve to diversify the as an analysis of the impacts of 25 per cent of agricultural GDP are generally high due to lack economy, be a catalyst for job creation the fund they received. to the economy with a current net Governorship Race of an integrated and automated and inclusive economic growth. “The CBN will also undertake worth of about N1.6 trillion. Shola Oyeyipo in Abuja the core accomplishments of the Dickson era. Ahead of the November 16 “Bayelsa has done well under governorship election in Bayelsa, the current administration, despite the Secretary to the Bayelsa State challenges. For instance, massive Government, Mr. Kemela Okara, investment in education has has signified his intention to produced significant positive contest the Peoples Democratic outcomes such as 10 boarding Party (PDP) primary election in a schools across the local councils bid to become the next governor with free feeding and tuition; two of the state. universities - the Bayelsa Medical Okara, who declared his University, Yenagoa and University ambition yesterday in a statement, of Africa in Toru Orua have been said his campaign would be established. anchored on the theme: ‘The “In healthcare, the Dickson Bridge to Bayelsa’s Prosperous administration has built primary Future.’ health care facilities in all 105 The lawyer-turned politician wards of the state, supported and pastor had also twice served maternal healthcare through as Commissioner of Trade and the N3,000 per month given to Investment under outgoing pregnant women and instituted Governor Seriake Dickson. a health insurance scheme. The According to him, his ambition Dickson administration has is to achieve measurable also opened up access roads to and enduring all-round previously inaccessible places transformation of the state in the senatorial zones and in massive job creation, built an airport that can handle industrialisation, agriculture international flights with a 3.5km A NEW IDENTITY… and security by building on runway.” L-R: Director, Halogen, Air Vice Marshal Joe Elugie (rtd); Group Managing Director, Halogen, Wale Olaoye; Chairman, Troyka Holdings, Biodun Shobanjo; and Commander, Nigerian Naval Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, Commodore Ibrahim Shetima, representing the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Lagos, during Halogen transformation and new identity unveiling ceremony in Lagos…recently Omokri Berates el-Rufai over Alleged AKINYELE ABAYOMI Defamatory Comment against Alaafin Lauds Supreme Court Verdict on Osun Guber Poll Southern Nigerians Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan treats the people of his state governance, stressed that in the traditional ruler, “Security is the A former aide to ex-President of our culture and tradition, as with respect and do not talk 21st century, the country needs first order of a nation, without Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Reno well as unity. You hardly can find The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi down at them. more of personalities like him, it, peace or law and order as Omokri, has rebuked the Governor someone from northern Nigeria Adeyemi, yesterday eulogised ‘’The governor encourages with high cerebral to phantom well as all other functions of of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir convicted of 419 or being a Yahoo what he described as the moral mutual respect even in the much desired development the country cannot be effectively el-Rufai, for allegedly making boy. That is something we should courage, sense of commitment the context of vehement for the well-being of all and carried out. There can be no defamatory comments against be proud of. We are generally and unbiased dispensation of disagreements among groups. sundry. national development without the people of Southern Nigeria. considered to be more honest and justice by the Supreme Court These are good qualities of a The monarch therefore urged relative peace and stability. Omokri in a statement issued less-corrupt than other Nigerians. Jurists on the judgment of the leader which entail justice, Nigerians not be drowned in the “Since security is the duty of yesterday said el-Rufai allegedly That is something we should be Osun State governorship election, fairness and equity which are vortex of cynicism, but take their all Nigerians, all of us must have made such derogatory remarks proud of”. which affirmed the election of cardinal to the survival of any destiny into their hands, and be the courage and honesty to get last weekend “while speaking “In response to the above Governor Gboyega Oyetola, as polity, not to mention a federal determined to face the future with to the root causes of our current at the Northern Youth Summit comments, I say to Nasir El-Rufai the winner of the election. polity. confidence, discipline, patriotism state of insecurity, underpinned organised by Northern Hibiscus that before you label Southerners He also said it would further ‘’He is determined to re- and demonstrable honesty, stating by criminality and insurgency/ Initiative in Kaduna”. as Yahoo Yahoo people and solidify and entrench confidence define the ethics of politics that with discipline, hard work, terrorism. He quoted the Kaduna fraudsters, do note that the in the ordinary citizens as their and governance that is equal selflessness, patriotism and “The present administration has governor as saying that “You biggest thief in world history last hope. for everyone, thereby establishing dedication, the Nigerian ship been taking steps to consciously hardly can find someone from is Sani Abacha. Yet, a stadium The monarch, in a a sustainable world for future which had long been battered respond to current threats by northern Nigeria convicted of 419 is proudly named after him in congratulatory message by generations.” severally on the high seas, will architectonically designing and or being a Yahoo boy. Kano. This is a man who stole his Chief Press Officer, Bode Alaafin, who further noted safely anchor and be renewed building a security system which That is something we should in excess of $5 billion. 21 years Durojaiye, also extolled the that Oyetola is serious minded, to the surprise of everyone in would create a stable and relatively be proud of. We are generally after his death, Abacha is still virtues of Oyetola, describing upright, highly intelligent and a the world. peaceful environment, conducive considered to be more honest and sending credit alert to him as “a mature leader that focused person who is needed in According to the revered for national development.” less-corrupt than other Nigerians. Nigeria, though General That is something we should be Buhari said ‘Abacha never proud of’”. stole’. NSCDC Arrests 35 Kidnappers, Armed Robbers in Nasarawa Omokri said: “I was shocked “Thieves do not have a when I saw the headlines. To particular tribe or religion. Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia commandant, Mohammed Fari. Moses at Akiri area of Awe recovered computers and other be sure I was not a victim of Eight years ago, I said Parading the 35 suspect, Fari, Local Government Area. They belongings they took away from sensationalised news coverage, “The difference between The Nasarawa State command explained that they were arrested also confirmed to us that they people.” I went and read his comments Nigerians is not north of the Nigeria Security and Civil within a period of two weeks are the gang leaders that have The commandant added that his in detail. and south. The difference Defence Corps (NSCDC) has at various locations in the state. been terrorising the people men also recovered a harmer from “While speaking at the between Nigerians is arrested 35 suspected criminals According to Fari, “last week, of Keana and Awe Local the robbers, which he said, they Northern Youth summit organised between the good and the made of kidnappers and armed we arrested 23 hardened criminals, Government Areas axis. used in breaking saves in the state by Northern Hibiscus Initiative bad”. It is left to Nigerians robbers. most of whom were kidnappers “We also arrested three armed ministries of lands and health and in Kaduna this Saturday, July 6, to decide in which category The 35 suspects were yesterday and armed robbers. This week robbers who went to Light the Nasarawa Geographical 2019, Mr. El-Rufai said, inter alia, you, Nasir El-Rufai, a man paraded at the headquarters of we arrested another twelve. House Hotel in Akwanga, the Information System (NAGIS) as follows: “We still have a lot to who paid herdsmen after the Nasarawa State command of “Fortunately for us, we arrested headquarters of Akwanga Local headquarters in Lafia be proud of. We should be proud they killed his people, fall. the NSCDC, Lafia by the state those that kidnapped Pastor Government Area, and we recently. TUESDAY JULY 9, 2019 ˾
THISDAY 41

NEWSEXTRA Army Kills Bandit, Rescues 13 Kidnap Victims in Kaduna and rescued 13 kidnapped victims John Shiklam in Kaduna in Kuyelo community in Birnin Idimah, made the disclosure in the bandits and kidnappers and Commanding (GOC) 1 Division in its areas of operation. Gawri Local Government Area a press statement issued yesterday rescued all the 13 kidnapped Maj. Gen Faruk Yahaya, has “The GOC further urged law Troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army of Kaduna State. in Kaduna. farmers after a serious exchange enjoined troops to always be abiding citizens to go about their under ‘Exercise Harbin Kunama The Deputy Director of Army Idimah said the feat followed of fire with the criminals. proactive and decisive in dealing routine lawful activities without III,’ have neutralised one bandit Public Relations, Col. Ezindu distress calls received from good He disclosed that during the with criminals and associated fear of molestation. Samaritans indicating the abduction encounter, one of the bandits was insecurity in their respective areas “He also solicited the cooperation of some farmers, while working neutralised, while others escaped of responsibilities,” the statement of the local communities in areas on their farms at the outskirts of with gunshot wounds. said. of giving truthful information that Five-man Robbery Gang Kuyelo community in the local He added that soldiers were He reiterated the resolve and would assist troops and other government area. currently combing the general area determination of the division security agencies in the discharge Carts away N4m in Early According to Idimah, an army which borders Katsina, Zamfara to combat insurgency, banditry, of their duties of defending them Morning Operation in Niger patrol team stationed at Super and Kaduna states. cattle rustling, kidnapping and from the bandits and other Camp Kuyello, swiftly pursed “The General Officerother emerging security threats criminals.” Laleye Dipo in Minna It was learnt that three other members of the gang who also The police have begun a manhunt wielded pistols, opened the door for five dare-devil armed robbers of the committee’s bus which had who robbed officials of the Niger the registration number ‘NGSG 22 State Judicial Reform Committee Judiciary’, and demanded for the in Minna, the Niger State capita, money the officials just collected. yesterday. The money packed in a ‘Ghana The robbers were said to have Must Go bag’, was handed over trailed the officials from a first to the robbers who immediately generation bank after a business took off, leaving members of the transaction at about 9.30.a.m. ever-busy community close to According to an eyewitness the Minna General Hospital still who spoke to THISDAY on petrified. condition of anonymity, the It was also learnt that by the Judicial Reform Committee time the police came, the robbers officials, numbering about four, had escaped while the officials including the driver of the bus, were all taken to the police station had just withdrawn close to for interrogation. N4million from the bank and No one was however injured were heading towards their office as a result of the operation. As when they were stopped by the at the time of filing this report, gun-toting robbers almost two the officials were still helping kilometres from the bank. the police in their investigation. The eyewitness said: “One of However, when contacted, the the robbers raising an AK47 rifle Police Public Relations Officer stopped all ongoing-vehicles while in the state, DSP Muhammad another blocked the members of Abubakar, confirmed the story, the committee and other vehicles saying: “We are aware of what from the rear. happened, we have dispatched WORTHY HONOUR… “They shot sporadically into our men to go after them. The Managing Director of FSDH Asset Management Limited, Olumayowa Ogunwemimo (right), receiving the Great Place to Work award the air, thereby making other The long arm of the law will as the “Exceptional Woman Leader of the Year” in FSDH, from the Managing Director of FSDH Merchant Bank, Mrs Hamda Ambah, at a motorists and those within the catch up with them sooner than reception organised by Great Place to Work, to honour exceptional female leaders in Lagos...recently ETOP UKUTT vicinity to scamper for safety”. later”. Dickson’s Team Begins Insecurity: IT Expert Raises the Alarm over Nigeria’s Poor Data Mgt Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja had exposed Nigerians to grave outside of Nigeria. saying multinationals possessing Selection of Governor’s risk. “Children’s data (pictures) for the location data of Nigerians A United Kingdom (UK)-based While he hailed NITDA for example, will continue to be used gleaned from smartphones, Successor, Shortlists Three Information Technology (IT) taking a bold step in constituting to support advertisements that laptops, iPad, smartwatches, Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa interest in the governorship from expert, Mr. Davies Bamigboye, has the Nigeria Data Protection aim to seek aids from foreign smart TVs and other intelligent approaching the party to pick raised the alarm over the ease at Regulation (NDPR) in January countries by NGOs. There is no devices will continue to exploit The Bayelsa State Governor, the forms on their own. which data belonging to Nigerians 2019, he added that agency had reason to believe that such NGOs this information for their own Seriake Dickson-led administration He explained that all such are sold and harvested illegally. not done enough to publicise the seek approval from Nigerian advantage to profile Nigerian’s disclosed yesterday that it had members of Dickson’s team who The expert who stated this law and communicate deadlines regulators before using these citizens. in collaboration with the state are interested in the governorship while speaking with journalists to all organisations across the pictures. “The level of access that chapter of the Peoples Democratic race would be required to present yesterday in Abuja, also blamed nation. “Even, if they (the NGO) these organisations have Party (PDP) begun the process themselves to the party and the the failure of the National Bamigboye stated, “Public had wanted to seek permission, means that the privacy rights of selecting a successor for the caucus for necessary engagement Information Technology and private institutions will there was no designated body of Nigerians are at risk. It means governor in the November 16 after procuring the form. Development Agency (NITDA), continue to process Nigerian in Nigeria, which could serve as that information in the hands governorship election in the state. Wilson boasted that the in enforcing the Nigeria Data citizens’ data through third the Information Commissioner of private companies can be used Special Adviser to Dickson on governor’s team, which he said Protection Regulation (NDPR) parties, especially where Office (ICO) that such requests to identify where an individual Political Matters, Mr. Fyneman controls over 80 percent of the for the brewing security crisis. due diligence has not been should be directed to.’’ Nigerian is, where they have Wilson, said in a statement that PDP in the state, was the only Bamigboye, who is the undertaken, contractual clauses The IT expert further stated been, who they have been in the ‘Restoration Caucus’ of the group that had the cohesion, Chief Executive Officer of the are not favourable to Nigerians, that the current monitoring contact with, and who was party took the decision in a strength and capacity to win Conceptsworld Academy, UK, data loss prevention methods of Nigerians by other nations situated around them. This has meeting under the leadership the next governorship election. expressed concern that the lack have not been verified, or where and large organisations will a major impact on the privacy of the governor. According to the governor’s of data protection laws in Nigeria such information is transferred continue to go unchecked, and security of Nigerians. Wilson said the meeting aide, “After the three days of followed the successful conclusion fasting and prayers organised of the three-day fasting and prayer by the state government to seek Hoodlums Invade Church in Anambra, Attack Clerics, Others session which was organised by the face of God in the process of the state to seek the face of God selecting the party’s candidate for David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka machetes and other weapons ascertain what happened, the operatives saw the ladder with in the critical issue of selecting the next gubernatorial election, to pummel him. criminals had fled and left the which the hoodlums wanted to the next gubernatorial candidate the Restoration Caucus met and Hoodlums at the weekend “His cry for help attracted the church teacher and the gardener use to climb into the residence for the PDP in the state. decided that the process for the invaded and attacked St. Peters resident priest, Rev. Akachukwu in a pool of their blood,” the of the priest.” According to him, three selection of candidate had started. Anglican Church in Aguleri, Ikedilo, and the gardener, Mr. priest said. Fears in the community, members of Dickson’s team, “So far, three people have Anambra-East Local Government Mathew Nwude, who suffered The President-General of however, is that the hoodlums namely: the Chief of Staff, indicated interest in collecting Area of Anambra State, inflicting the same fate in a bid to rescue Aguleri Community Assembly, didn’t steal from the church, Government House, Talford the party’s form and presented injuries with machetes on a church the catechist from the marauders,” Chief Hipo Onwuegbuke, who fueling the belief that the Ongolo; the Secretary to the State themselves to the caucus.” teacher, the priest and the church the source said. also narrated the sad incident, victims may have been Government (SSG), Kemela Okara, “They are the SSG, Kemela gardener. However, Rev. Ikedilo, who recalled that he got a distress call attacked by a neighbouring and the Senator representing Okara; the Chief of Staff, THISDAY gathered that the narrated their ordeal to journalists, at about 3:45 a.m. from one of community (name withheld) the Bayelsa Central District in Talford Ongolo, and Senator church teacher, Mr. Christopher said it was the church teacher and their relatives. with whom Aguleri has had the National Assembly, Douye Douye Diri. Chukwu, had come out in the the gardener who encountered the Onwuegbuke said: “I a history of war. Diri, have indicated interest in “This does not preclude any dead of the night to urinate hoodlums, and that from what immediately alerted the police But the Anambra State picking the governorship form. other member of the Restoration when he saw strange flashlights he was told, the miscreants cut and local vigilantes, who stormed Police Command, speaking The governor’s political aide Team that may also wish to in the church premises and him with an axe and that in a the church premises just in time through its spokesperson, explained that the indications indicate interest from doing so. proceeded towards the direction bid to escape, the hoodlums but unfortunately the miscreants, SP Haruna Mohammed, by the three persons did not The three people mentioned above on investigation. inflicted more injuries on him had escaped through Umueri, a dismissed the insinuation, preclude other members of are required to go get their forms A source said the hoodlums and the gardener. neighbouring community. saying the invaders were the administration who have on their own.” pounced on Chukwu, using “When I came down to “The police and local vigilance on a mission to rob. 42 TUESDAY JULY 9, 2019 ˾
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NEWSEXTRA Obiano Urges FG to Investigate Death of Nigerian Official in South Africa “The police in Johannesburg heinous crime with the seriousness was strangulated, it was not true. CCTV footage to them,” he added. David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Deputy Director General of the may be capitalising on the absence it deserves. He described the autopsy report Obiano promised not to Chartered Insurance Institute of of a foreign minister in Nigeria to “Ndubuisi-Chukwu was not as contradicting an earlier version relent in quest for justice over Governor Willie Obiano of Nigeria (CIIN). treat the case with levity.” an ordinary person, but a top of the report that suggested that Anambra indigenes whose life is Anambra State yesterday urged the Ndubuisi-Chukwu was found According to him, there is corporate executive who was billed she might have died in her sleep wasted in Nigeria or abroad, saying that federal government to investigate dead in her Emperor Palace Hotel report on death of 53-year old to become chief executive of her or committed suicide. Ndubuisi-Chukwu’s death has the alleged murder of Mrs room on June 13. indigene of Anambra State, which organisation in 2020. Obiano suggested the South become subject of intense media Obianuju Ndubuisi-Chukwu She was reported to have died suggested that the South African “She was representing Nigeria African Police should carry out scrutiny. in Johannesburg, South Africa. while attending a meeting of the police are treating this murder at the meeting in Johannesburg investigation to unearth the person He, however, commended Prof. Anambra State Commissioner African Insurance Organisation as just another Nigerian’s death. where she met her untimely or persons who entered her room Chidi Odinkalu, past Chairman, for Information and Public in the South African commercial “It is disheartening that death,” the governor said. after her attendance at the farewell Nigerian Human Rights Enlightenment, Mr. Don Adinuba, capital. more than three weeks after He said that although the dinner held on June 12. Commission, on the effort being made in a statement urged the federal Obiano said: “It has become the dastardly act, the South South African Department of “The job has been made easier to ensure justice is carried out in government to prevail on the necessary to request the SGF African police have not deemed Home Affairs had in an autopsy now because Emperor Palace memory of Ndubuisi-Chukwu, South African government to (Secretary to the Government it necessary to investigate the report said that Ndubuisi-Chukwu Hotel has agreed to release the mother of two boys. act decisively over the murder of the Federation) to personally of the Nigerian, who was the wade into the killing. Moghalu: I’m Not Aware APC NWC Members are Being Considered for Ministerial Appointments Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja stakeholder made the exercise peaceful.” The National Auditor of the Moghalu assured Nigerians All Progressives Congress that the synergy between the (APC), Chief George Moghalu, legislature and the executive was has said he was not aware that not a guarantee that the legislative members of the party National arm would be a rubber stamp, Working Committee (NWC) are stressing that if there is synergy being considered for ministerial between the organs, things work appointments. easier and better, while everybody He also said President is still expected to play their own Muhammed Buhari has not constitutional role. breached any constitution with On the purported plan by his refusal to name his cabinet the presidency to restructure a month after his inauguration. the ruling party by giving Moghalu also told THISDAY ministerial appointments to the that the emergence of the National NWC members, Moghalu said: “I Assembly leadership in a rancour- just heard it for the first time, and free state was a consequence of that is the truth. I’m not aware WAR AGAINST FAKE NEWS… wide consultations and mutual of any such arrangement. L-R: Co-founder/faculty member, TMTR Training Room, Toni Kan; Manager, Marketing and Communications, Stanbic IBTC, Usman Imanah; respect. “Fortunately for me, you said Head, BBC, West Africa, Toyosi Ogunseye; Head Marketing and Corporate Communications, Stanbic IBTC, Bridget Oyefeso-Odusami; According to him, “The rancour- you heard it from the presidency Partner, The Lodt, Deji Olatoye; and Co-founder/faculty member, TMTR Training Room, Peju Akande, at an anti-fake news capacity building free emergence of our leadership and since your heard it from workshop for journalists facilitated by TMTR and sponsored by Stanbic IBTC in Lagos…recently in the National Assembly is a the presidency, I can’t point consequence of wide consultations at anybody now called the and mutual respect. The party presidency.” Osun Civil Servants to Get Arrears of Unpaid Wages, Says Oyetola consulted widely and reached out The APC chieftain insisted that Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo thunderous applause which gubernatorial election. ground running because we to many stakeholders as possible, government has not stopped almost brought down the The apex court’s decision must deliver on our promises,” taking into account the views functioning with the president’s Osun State Governor roof of the hall where the ended the almost eight months’ the Governor said. of our leaders and every other refusal to name his cabinet. Adegboyega Oyetola has assured welcoming party was held. litigation over the election and Reflecting on the period of civil servants in the state of However, the assurance came sealed the hope of the candidate litigation, Oyetola, who took the continuous and timely payment with a caveat: The civil servants of the Peoples Democratic Party mantle of the state’s leadership on Ooni’s Wife Charges Church of their monthly salaries as well must believe in his administration, (PDP) Senator Ademola Adeleke. November, 27, 2018, said: “The as the clearing of the arrears be dedicated, give their full Oyetola urged the workers to journey was tough and full of Members to Shun Criticism of salaries owed them by the support, show understanding be partners in progress because distractions. It was a difficult immediate past administration. and commitment to duty. they are the drivers of his promise period for planning. Anytime Ayodeji Ake Orimolade. I want you to know “I will not only sustain the The governor stated this when to deliver democracy dividends you made a move to plan, you that you are a beautiful brand payment of your full salary civil servants in the state hosted to the people of the State. He, remember that it is only if all The wife of Ooni of Ife, Olori regardless of what people say but by the grace of God, I’ll pay him for his victory at the Supreme therefore, enjoined them to deliver things are equal. You did not Naomi Ogunwunsi, has urged the about you. You have a beautiful your arrears. I will prioritise your Court, which affirmed his electoral on efficiency and productivity. know how long you could Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) mark of identification; with your welfare,” the Governor said to a mandate in the September 2018 “I have no reason not to hit the plan. ” white garment church members white garment, you don’t need to shun negative criticism and any further introduction to INEC: 2019 ELECTIONS MOST ACRIMONIOUS IN NIGERIA’S HISTORY misconceptions about the church. anyone. We all know that in every Speaking at the Seraph Media original product, there are fake Also speaking, President, Planning, Monitoring and mainstream media in Nigeria, where remarkably the people Summit held recently in Ogun ones. People will always try to European Centre for Electoral Strategy Committee of INEC, the same cannot be said of Zamfara were put on edge state tagged ‘Who Do People bring you down. When people Support (ECES), Monica Dr. Muhammed Lecky, had said of social media, which has until the final hour. Once Say I am?’, Olori Ogunwunsi said I was preaching like a C&S Frassoni, said when journalists the entire review would be taken a more virulent tone INEC compiles its findings charged the congregation to member, they were trying to bring were prevented from reporting concluded with the publication and large-scale falsification with the security agencies, it be good ambassadors of white me down.” the facts and speaking the truth, of the INEC report on the 2019 of the truths. should call a press conference garment church and turn deaf Delivering her keynote address, others with no qualification, general election, as part of the “INEC has been a victim to inform Nigerians on the ears to discouraging comments the Founder of Love of Christ experience or judgment would commission’s accountability to of this. We may want to recall impropriety of the political about the church. Generation in London, Rev. fill the vacuum for a public Nigerians. the bashing INEC received parties’ nominations.” “When I began preaching at a Mother Esther Ajayi, stated that hungry for content on social Lecky said it was within this on account of fake news on Akinreti also suggested the tender age, it was strange to the the mission of C&S was to renew media and unquestioning of context that the commission the Kano under-age voting outsourcing of logistics. church I worshiped. They said the image of the church through what they read or watch. was considering a series of saga, which was widely and “My solution to logistics I preached like the people from the media summit. “I would like to say that town hall platforms to engage uncritically reported by even issues, especially transportation C&S. I thank you for bringing “This summit is important this is by no means a Nigerian a wider Nigerian audience on mainstream media.” of sensitive materials, is me here today because I have because we live in a world that issue. This is growing global the outcome of the general On his part, Chairman, outsourcing of transportation always wanted to be identified is changing. We are called all threat. As such, we have to election. Nigeria Union of Journalists process to reputable logistics with the people they say I preach sorts of names by people. Even deal with it. He lamented instances (NUJ), Lagos State Council, company or companies,@ he like. I love the church so much people who come to us for “We are particularly where INEC had to “fight Dr. Qasim Akinreti, said the said.. and I will always speak for you help tarnish us in the daylight. proud that ECES held a “fake off misinformation about its commission should be more He also called for election anywhere.” But like other denominations, news” workshop, designed activities and position on some decisive in punishing parties debates for candidates to “I rejoice with the church today we all have our shortcomings to help lNEC staff across very sensitive matters, with for their misdeeds. enable voters to make an because of the foundation. When I and humans will always be the headquarters and states repeated issuance of counter According to him, ‘‘INEC informed choice and for the wanted to learn about indigenous humans.” recognise, flag up and deal with rebuttal and press release. should not wait for the courts full involvement of the NUJ in men of God, the first person that She also insisted that the fake news, disinformation and “While I am not sure of to make final pronouncement the accreditation of journalists came to my mind was the late founder of the church was misinformation,” she added. the documented outbreak on party candidates as both local and foreign to cover founder of the church, Moses never a cultist. Earlier, the Chairman, of violence attributed to witnessed in the last election the elections. TUESDAY JULY 9, 2019 • THISDAY 43 44 TUESDAY JULY 9, 2019 • THISDAY TUESDAY JULY 9, 2019 • THISDAY 45 46 ˜
 
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Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email [email protected] TUESDAYSPORTS 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY Super Eagles Land in Cairo for Bafana Clash Egyptian fans give Nigeria thunderous welcome Femi Solaja in Cairo overwhelming support from another clash with familiar foes that Nigeria will eliminate a edged Cup holders Ghana 2-1 2002) 2-1 in a quarter-final match the locals as well as numerous Nigeria. Bafana Bafana defeated defending champion from the in Cote d’Ivoire. in Monastir, Tunisia. Ahead of tomorrow’s quarter- Nigerian populace here in Cairo Eagles 2-0 in the very first game tournament. In 1994, on the road to winning Two years later, incidentally final clash with the Bafana during the match tomorrow. of the qualifying series in Uyo In 1976, a young squad a second title, the Super Eagles in Egypt, the Super Eagles Bafana of South Africa, the “Nigggggeriiiiaa, Niggerriaa” last year but Nigeria forced a 1-1 captained by Christian Chukwu sent packing Cup holders Cote ejected Cup holders Tunisia Super Eagles of Nigeria arrived rented the air when the draw in Johannesburg. mauled then Cup holders d’Ivoire after penalties in the semi after penalties in an interesting the ancient city of Cairo few Egyptians sighted Eagles bus Saturday’s feat against Zaire (now DR Congo) 4-2 in final, and in 2004, bundled out quarter-final match in Port minutes before noon yesterday arriving for training. The same Cameroon was the sixth time Ethiopia, and in 1984, Nigeria Cameroon (winners in Mali in Said. for the cracker scheduled to hold gesture was showered on the at the 75,000 capacity Cairo team on arrival into the city International Stadium. earlier in the day. The arrival was 24 hours “We are happy that we ahead of what Head Coach, are going to feel at home on Gernot Rohr had planned Wednesday during the match. but the Local Organising It give the team a psychological Committee (LOC) of Egypt boost similar to what we have 2019, as expected, refused enjoyed in Alexandria,” coach Nigeria’s wish to stay longer Rohr said after the evening than necessary at the coastal training. city of Alexandria which had “My players will be facing housed the team for over three a much bigger crowd in a big weeks. stadium. You will expect some The Super Eagles had a light sort of stage fright but we have work out in Alexandria and to brace up against another big will trained again not too far team who has eliminated the away from their Le Meridien host nation, Egypt hence it is Heliopolis Hotel camp here in not going to be a small match Cairo today. as most people had expected,” On arrival in the city, the team the Eagles coach said as a matter was welcomed by numerous of fact. soccer loving Egyptians who The1996 champions, South now wished Nigeria should Africa altered the form book avenge the defeat of Pharaohs of when they shocked host Egypt by South Africa for them. nation Egypt 1-0 at the Cairo THISDAY checks showed that International Stadium on Wilfred Zaha scored the winner against Mali yesterday as Cote d’Ivoire progressed into the quarter final PHOTO: Getty Images the Nigerian team will have an Saturday evening, to set up … Players’ Fitness Zaha’s Winner Takes Excites Rohr Cote d’Ivoire to Q’final Super Eagles Head Coach, have recovered and ready Wilfried Zaha scored the E winners Mali and failed to Gernot Rohr is delighted to to play positive part in our winner as Elephants of Cote register a shot on target in the have a complete team for the quest to progress to the next d’Ivoire beat Mali 1-0 to reach opening 45 minutes. first time since the tournament phase of the tournament. the Africa Cup of Nations Mali’s Moussa Djenepo, began two weeks ago. “When a coach is in this quarter-finals. who this summer moved to Ahead of the quarter-final situation, the problem is half The Crystal Palace forward, Southampton from Standard clash against South Africa solved but one major obstacle who has been linked with a Liege, posed a constant threat tomorrow in Cairo, all the that it also creates is that it summer move to Arsenal, on the left wing but Marega injured players have been brings selection problem. raced on to Sylvain Gbohouo’s scuffed a good chance wide at given clean bill of health “The question now is do deep free-kick and got to the the near post when he failed FEMI’S AFCON 2019 FLAKES thus making the coach not you drop or substitute a player ball before Mali goalkeeper to connect properly. Group A Automatically Eliminated! to have too much stress in that played well in the last Djigui Diarra. Abdoulay Diaby also had a With the results and pairings for the next round filling the gaps. match for another first team Mali had been wasteful with free-kick turned over the bar of matches to commence tomorrow known, Group A Team captain, John Obi player? The answer is simple Moussa Marega and Moussa by Ivorian goalkeeper Gbohouo which has the host nation, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Uganda Mikel, who played no part and at same time difficult. Just Djenepo both missing good before Djenepo wasted a good and DR Congo have all crashed out of the tournament. in the last match against like I did in the last match, opportunities when well chance when he was indecisive Group B where Nigeria and new sensation, Madagascar Cameroon has handed the my selection would be based placed. in front of goal. emerged are still in the race after their respective wins coach selection boost when he on whatever formation we are The Ivorians are to play The Elephants came more but Syli Stars of Guinea who picked the best losers’ completed the training session adopting against South Africa. Algeria in the last eight on into the game after the break ticket were handed a compressive beating by one of of the squad on Sunday night “We have to think deep Thursday at 5pm. with Aston Villa’s Jonathan the tournament’s favourites, Desert Foxes of Algeria. and yesterday evening. what our opponent want to The Elephants have won the Kodjia being denied by When China Product Becomes the Head Corner Stone It is not yet clear whether come up with. Their strength competition twice - in 1992 Diarra. In August 2018, Cameroon Coach, Clarence Seedorf the former Chelsea stalwart and weakness will determine and 2015 - but only advanced However, Diarra was dropped AFCON 2017 winning captain, Benjamin will get a start shirt or from who will start and who will through this year’s opening beaten a few minutes later Moukandjo because he was playing in China with the bench on Wednesday. not play any part at all. phase as runners-up after when Zaha, who had been FC Beijing Renhe. He justified his decision by saying “It’s a major boost for Eagles “Overall, I’m delighted that losing 1-0 to group winners quiet throughout the match, that “good, young players don’t play in China”. But that the team captain is fully I have a complement of a full Morocco. reacted quickest to score in fast forward to July 2019, Super Eagles’ Odion Jude back and I’m particularly glad squad for the match,” Rohr The Ivorians struggled in the 76th minute and take his Ighalo, who plays for Shanghai Shenhua in same China that all the injured players explained last night. the first half against Group country into the last eight. is not just in the race for the Golden Boot, but scored a brace against the defending champions Cameroon. Now, China product has proved to be the head corner I Left Tanzania Post on Mutual Consent, Says Amuneke stone for Nigeria. Handsome Rewards Not Exclusivity for Eagles Former Nigerian International, “Along with my assistant Amuneke urged the football coach would be appointed A Benin Republic real estate millionaire, Edgar Guidigbi Emmanuel Amuneke has said coaches, we have done our best loving fans to stand by their after their emergency meeting has rewarded the Squirrels of Benin goalkeeper, Saturmin that his decision to leave his post and I have to move on. I want team in spite of the results of the on Thursday, and he would Allagbe with a plot of land that is worth Two million as Taifa Stars head coach was to thank the people of Tanzania three matches of the tournament lead them for the upcoming CFA for his historic show in the team’s elimination of a mutual agreement with the for giving me the opportunity to in Egypt. qualifiers for the African Nations Morocco to reach quarter final for the first time in the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF). serve them in that capacity. The The FA in a statement Championship (CHAN). history of the country’s participation in the tournament. The former African Footballer FA was good to me but then their earlier yesterday confirmed the Tanzania begins the regional The land is located at the choice area of the Global of the Year in a telephone football development must not development via its website which CHAN qualifiers against Housing Estate in the capital city Cotonou. interview with THISDAY said be tied to me. read: confirmed on Monday neighbours Kenya later this 24 Hours after Sack, Uganda Coach Gets New Job! he was delighted to work with “My own journey in life should that Emmanuel Amuneke has month. All major global tournaments always produce the federation and there is the also not be stagnant in a place left his position as head coach The TFF also stated that the casualties among the coaches. But for the Cranes need for him to move on and will hence I have to move on and my of the national team by mutual “search for the new coach has of Uganda Coach Sebastien Desabre, it was a case not want to tie the development journey in life must continue. For consent. started immediately.” of one door closes another one opens. Less than of a people to him as a person. now I want to reunite with my “The Tanzania Football Amuneke, a former Nigeria 24 hours after he lost his job as the coach to the “I have done my best to qualify family because it’s been long since Association and the national and Barcelona player, was the national team at AFCON 2019 in Egypt, the French the team to AFCON for the first we were together,” he expressed team coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, assistant coach when Nigeria manager has secured another one. He has been time in 39 years and we had a last night. have reached a joint agreement to won the FIFA U-17 World Cup official unveiled as the coach of FC Pyramids mission to forge ahead when Although he plans to spend terminate the contract,” the TFF trophy for a record fourth time here in Egypt. Before teaming up with Uganda, we got to the tournament but few more days in Tanzania before wrote on their website. in the United Arab Emirates he had a short spell in Egypt when he handled the results did not go our way. rejoining his family in Spain, The federation said a temporary in 2013. FC Ismaily in 2017. A

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THISDAY 47 TUESDAYSPORTS Mo Salah Begs Egyptians over Team’s Ouster from AFCON Lorch scored a late goal to control the ball over missed opportunities with three successive in the 85th minute of the game with 63% of to score. victories against the game. possession, but without The hosts qualified Zimbabwe, DR Congo, The Pharaohs managed effectiveness and for the Round of 16 and Uganda.

Egypt’s talismanic account, as revealed player, Mohamed Salah and translated by Al has expressed sadness Ahram. over his country’s The tweet came after ouster from the ongoing the massive criticism 2019 Africa Cup of that the national team Nations. Consequently, faced, after losing to he has apologised to South Africa 1-0 on his countrymen. Saturday. The defeat “I’m very sad about led to the sacking our early exit from the of the technical staff Africa Cup of Nations. and the resignation of We had hoped to the Egyptian Football continue on the road Association’s (EFA) to the title together, board. and give it to the fans The former AS Roma whom I thank for their winger, Salah has continuous support. participated in all four “God willing we of Egypt’s matches and Black Stars’ John Boye (right) is booked for tripping Tunisian goalkeeper Hassen Mouez during the Round of 16 clash between Ghana and will learn from the scored two goals. Tunisia... last night mistakes we’ve made. Egypt bid farewell And I wish good luck to the 2019 AFCON for the national team in unexpectedly from the the upcoming period,” first knockout phase, Gafaar Thumbs up Sanwo-Olu’s Role in the 27-year-old winger after the Bafana Bafana tweeted on his official midfielder Thembinkosi Eagles’ Defeat of Cameroon The Director General, Lagos Madagascar. were down.” which they did in a grand State Sports Commission Gafaar commended the Gafaar described the gesture style.” Tunisia Beat Ghana to Set up (LSSC), Oluwatoyin Gafaar Executive Governor of Lagos as a reflection of Sanwo-Olu’s The DG said the incentive has lauded the resilience of State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu who understanding of sports terrain from the Lagos governor the Super Eagles following was physically present to cheer and importance of identifying should not be seen or limited Clash with Madagascar their 3-2 win over Cameroon the team to victory. with athletes. to the surface value by Tunisia beat Ghana on scoring the winning kick. at the on-going Africa Cup “Lagos State is known for “Every athlete derive Lagosians. penalties to set up an Tunisia, who last won of Nations. excellence and this has once greater motivation from being According to Gafaar, if Africa Cup of Nations the Africa Cup of Nations Commending the team who again been demonstrated appreciated and that was the governor could dedicate quarter-final with in 2004, now face surprise came from a goal deficit to by His Excellency on the exactly what His Excellency such time to sports less than Madagascar. package Madagascar, pip their arch-rival and book international stage after did by promising the Super two months after assuming Goalkeeper Farouk Ben ranked 108th in the world, a quarter final ticket, he said motivating the Super Eagles Eagles players handsome office, then athletes and sports Mustapha was the hero, on Thursday the victory calmed frayed to victory in Alexandria, Egypt reward if they upturn the stakeholders are in for a good coming on for the shootout Asamoah Gyan, who nerves after their loss against at a critical moment when they 2-1 deficit in the second half time in the state. and saving Caleb Ekuban’s missed a penalty for penalty. Ghana in 2010 as they Tunisia had been seconds went out of the World away from winning in 90 Cup against Uruguay, Neymar Dumps PSG’s Pre-season Training minutes, but substitute did not step forward Rami Bedoui headed into to take one for Ghana Paris St-Germain have linked with a move back Neymar joined PSG after PSG’s shock French his own net in injury time, last night. said that they will take to former club Barcelona. from Barcelona for a Cup final defeat. with his first touch. Today is a day off “appropriate action” after “Paris St-Germain notes world record 222m euros He will also miss his next They had led in Ismailia at the Africa Cup of Brazil striker Neymar that Neymar Jr was not in (£200m) in August 2017. three European matches for through Taha Yassine Nations and the first failed to turn up for the attendance at the agreed He has scored 34 goals insulting officials. Khenissi’s goal from Wajdi two quarter-finals take first day of pre-season time and place. This was in 37 league appearances The former Santos forward Kechrida’s cross. place on Wednesday to help them to was stripped of the Brazilian training. without the club’s prior captaincy in May before Leeds striker Ekuban with Senegal versus The 27-year-old was due authorisation,” read a consecutive Ligue 1 titles was the only player to Benin (5:00pm) and then but also been involved in suffering an ankle ankle injury back at the club’s training statement. during an international friendly fail with his kick in the Nigeria versus South ground on Monday. “The club regrets this a number of disciplinary shootout, with Ferjani Sassi Africa (8:00pm). against Qatar last month that This forward has been situation.” incidents including being forced him to miss his country’s banned for three games Copa America triumph on for lashing out at a fan home soil.

U-16 AFROBASKET We Won’t Show Angola Respect, Onyanabo Nigeria’s U-16 coach, Fubara former champions Angola Onyanabo has stated that who lost their opening game the team will up their 86-61to Egypt on Monday. game when they file out Having lost their opening against former champions encounter, Angola will come Angola today at the ongoing all out against the junior FIBA U-16 Basketball D’Tigers seeking a win but Championship in Praia, the coach of the team, Onyanabo capital city of Cape Verde. has promised that his boys The junior D’Tigers will not give any respect to bounced back from their the Central Africans. opening day loss to three- “We will approach the time champions Egypt with game against Angola like a resounding 64-39 win we did against Cape Verde. against host country Cape In the court we’re not Verde with Center, Rueben going to respect anybody, Chinyelu, posting another we are all here to ball. Junior D’Tigers’ centre going for another point during Nigeria’s 64-39 win against host country Cape Verde in the ongoing FIBA U-16 20 points. On Tuesday you’ll see a Basketball Championship in Praia, Cape Verde on Sunday night Nigeria’s next game comes different Nigerian team up on Tuesday against against Angola. T RU N Tuesday July 9, 2019 TH & REASO Price: N250 MISSILE Soyinka to Buhari “We have the issue of security, obeying the law, which is one thing that equalises all. President Muhammadu Buhari should lead by example by obeying the dictates of the law, so that other Nigerians can follow suit. It is this refusal to obey the law that has made some sectors of the populace to think they are above the law and are causing anarchy in the country.” – Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, saying President Muhammadu Buhari’s refusal to obey law is fuelling lawlessness. TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI [email protected] Osun, Supreme Court and the Violent Senator he Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered for its own sake alone. Justice must be done; it significantly judge-made. “Judge-craft” is not an the final judgment on Friday, July 5, in the must be seen to have been done. The ruling in easy task but where judges establish precedence matter of the September 22 Gubernatorial the Osun case may eventually become a cause that could have implications for similar cases in election, and the September 27 re-run celebre for the clear reason that it seems to fail the future, it may be correct to raise questions and in Osun State. On September 22, 2018, this test. Has justice been done in the eyes of the demand clarifications. We may simply have before Tthe collation of results indicated that the candidate ordinary man? What does the ordinary man think? us in the Osun State case, a situation whereby of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator It seems to me that the ordinary man in this the dissenting rulings throughout the duration of Ademola Adeleke had won the election by a case considers the ruling of the Supreme Court, the matter may be of greater usefulness even if margin of 354 votes, but rather than announce an anti-climax. To the consternation of many, the dissenting judgments do not prevail. the results, the Returning Officer, relying on the Supreme Court Justices, 5-2, affirmed the ruling Nonetheless, this is not the first time that the INEC Manual, declared the election inconclusive. of the Appeal Court. Appellate judges may be appellate courts of Nigeria will offer a ruling that INEC subsequently ordered a re-run scheduled for reluctant to upturn the rulings of lower courts leaves the ordinary man confused. Judges may insist September 27 in seven polling units in four local especially at the Appeal level except something is on legal positivism and their discretionary powers, councils. Ahead of the said re-run, there was so demonstrably wrong. But reliance on technicalities but there are limits to positivism, I so argue advisedly, much tension in Osun State and anxiety in other has often been seen by both laymen and the learned as there have been instances where a policy court places. It was feared that INEC had colluded with alike as a way of avoiding justice. A mechanistic goes beyond “technicalities” to embrace the option the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to rig application of the law, often disguised strictly as strict of judicial activism. This was the trend during the the election and deny the PDP victory. Members adherence to the law, often subverts the objectives golden years of the Supreme Court of Nigeria (with of the APC reached out to Senator Iyiola Omisore of justice, equity and fairness, or limits the scope Justices Ayo Irikefe, Chukwudifu Oputa, Kayode whose political stronghold was one of the contested of the court. This is perhaps why there has been Eso, Anthony Aniagolu, Otutu Obaseki, Babatunde polling units, and whereas he was a member of Acting CJN, Justice Tanko Muhammad consistent protest over reliance on technicalities Craig, Lawal Uwais, Augustine Nnamani, Adolphus the PDP, it was assumed that his shift of loyalty even from the Bench itself. At the 2017 National Karibi-Whyte, Modibbo Belgore Nnaemeka-Agu,…). to the APC could determine the outcome of the Energy Workshop for Judges, Walter Onnoghen This was the era of statesmanship, truth-telling re-run in APC’s favour. court of final resort, the Supreme Court of Nigeria. On July 5, their Lordships gave their ruling, CJN (as he then was) warned judges against relying and courage on the Bench. It is worrisome that the There were suggestions of court cases to stop too heavily on technicalities, because doing so will Supreme Court in reviewing the Osun State case the re-run as planned and suggestions that the in a split decision, 5 to 2, in favour of the APC gubernatorial candidate, Gboyega Oyetola. This is affect “public confidence in the judiciary.” In March limited itself and leaves the stakeholders no less PDP should boycott and seek an order of court 2019, President of the Court of Appeal, Justice confused than they are. What is the truth about to compel INEC to release the full results of the one ruling of the Supreme Court in recent times that has been received with considerable shock. Zainab Bulkachuwa at the induction programme the September 2018 Gubernatorial election in Osun already conducted election and declare Adeleke for Justices of the Appellate court, chairmen and State? Nobody knows. Even the winners can only as the validly elected winner of the election. As Judges are men and women of immense wisdom and dignity; it is their responsibility to deliver such members of election petition tribunals also warned rely on technicality as the basis for their victory. it happened, the re-run took place as scheduled election petition judges against the “practice of The losers also insist that the Supreme Court has on September 27, 2018. There were allegations of judgments that are in keeping with the letter and spirit of the law in a manner that reinforces the employing undue technicalities”. She even added not told anybody that Ademola Adeleke did not voter intimidation, vote buying, violence at polling that any judge found so guilty would be “dealt win. Was INEC right to have declared the election units, particularly in PDP strongholds. Arrests were value of the law as a tool of social justice, control and modulation. The apex court of the land in with”. inconclusive? And did the Returning Officer act purportedly made. Local and international elections When in the Osun case, the Court of Appeal ultra-vires? Their Lordships are not on record as monitors and observers expressed disappointment. particular is not just a court of record, it is a policy court, and hence it is expected that whatever comes came up with the technicality of the absence of a having addressed this in the lead judgment, not They were of the view that the election fell far judge as the basis for nullifying the decision of the even obiter. short of international best practices. from that court carries all the weight of the law. Every judgment at whatever level is also state election petition tribunal, many felt this was In a country where there is so much disbelief INEC didn’t declare the September 27 election case of, to borrow a phrase from Lord Denning, and mistrust, alienation even, the judiciary cannot inconclusive or flawed. It announced that Gboyega necessarily of interest to many groups: the winning litigant, the loser, their lawyers, families, associates, “technicalities beyond belief.” (Lord Denning, What afford to lose the people’s trust and respect, or Oyetola of the ruling APC won the election. In Next In The Law, Oxford, 2011). They looked up confuse them about its will to act as a force for less than a week, APC was able to turn the table. supporters, other lawyers, law students, researchers, the media, government and other stakeholders. to the Supreme Court to correct “the wrong” that progress and stability. The judiciary is unequivocally, Both the PDP and its Gubernatorial candidate Adeleke’s supporters had protested about. More the last hope of the Nigerian common man. But in Osun State protested that this was a case of This probably explains why the Osun case has generated so much interest. One other reason is the so as questions had been raised about this in the with regard to the Osun governorship case, what electoral theft aided and abetted by the National dissenting judgment at the Court of Appeal in stands out is not that hope but the maturity and Electoral Commission. They immediately went to technical excuse that the Court of Appeal gave for awarding the election to Gboyega Oyetola of the the matter. Did the lower court investigate and sportsmanship of the parties involved. The APC the State Election Petition Tribunal to seek justice. establish the truth about whether or not Justice Peter and Governor Gboyega Oyetola have been cautious The Osun election was particularly considered APC. It is not the duty of judges to rely on public sentiments for determining cases – their primary Obiora was part of the sitting on February 6, 2019? not to over-jubilate. The PDP has also called for significant, held as it was, just a few months to Should a litigant bear the burden of punishment calm. Senator Ademola Adeleke has accepted his Nigeria’s general election in Feb/March 2019. It focus is the merit of the case, the evidence before them and the objectives of justice. But while this for an omission by a judge at the lower court? fate. This should be the spirit of Nigerian politics, was meant to provide Nigerians with a sense, if These questions are pertinent because laws are with or without the courts. not a sign, of what was to come. It was a test of is the principle, judges cannot also pursue justice the government’s sincerity and INEC’s level of preparedness for the general elections. f the drama that overtook Senator Elisha On March 22, 2019, the Osun State Election Abbo’s life in the past week had not occurred, he would have been a symbol of the value Elisha Abbo: A Broken Symbol? Petition Tribunal ruled 2 to 1 that the conduct of apologise to his victim who is asking for protection joked about her menopausal status. Such verbal the Gubernatorial election did not fulfil the test of the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Movement in Nigeria. At 41, he is the youngest member from further molestation. The police have invited violence is as bad as physical violence. In the same of substantial compliance with the law and due him for questioning with the indication that he Senate, a ranking Senator defended his right to process, and hence declared Ademola Adeleke Iof the Nigerian Senate. He is much older than Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 29, of the United States may be charged to court. His party, the People’s marry a 13-year old girl. In another case in 2004, as the rightful and valid winner of the election Democratic Party has condemned his action, even a male Senator slapped a female Senator. He got and further nullified the re-run of Sept. 27, 2018. House of Representatives, (D-NY, 14thdistrict) and Senator Josh Hawley, 39 (R-MO) but any young if at the time of the incident, he had not yet been away with it. In the House of Representatives, The tribunal also berated INEC for the role that sworn in as a Senator of the Federal Republic. a female lawmaker also walloped the face of a it played in the election. The APC and Gboyega person who won a major election in Nigeria in 2019 is readily a symbol of sorts for young We all have a duty to be interested in the character male colleague. APC lawmakers are just as badly Oyetola, now the incumbent Governor of Osun and conduct of those we elect to lead us, be they behaved as every other irresponsible lawmaker. State promptly appealed the ruling. In May 2019, Nigerians who insist that more young persons should be elected and appointed into positions young, middle-aged or old. We cannot afford to Two incidents in the last week: the rape allegations the Court of Appeal ruled 4-1 against the PDP and have in the corridors of power men and women against COZA Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo and the case Senator Ademola Adeleke. This ruling was based of authority. President Muhammadu Buhari who signed the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Bill into law. who are broken symbols, with a capacity to cause of battery and assault against Senator Abbo illustrate on a technical argument: that the judge who gave damage with the power and influence that they the menace of phallic hegemony and the abuse of the lead judgment at the Tribunal had been absent He can legitimately claim it as a major legacy of his administration. wield. But having said that, let me point out that power and gender relations in Nigeria. But Senator at the proceedings of the Tribunal on February 6, the attempt to politicize the Elisha Abbo’s case is Abbo cannot claim ignorance of the law and should 2019, when issues of non-compliance were tabled, Elisha Abbo could have been a torch-bearer for the recruitment of more Nigerian youths, until a deplorable. He did not slap a nursing mother because stop hiding under the banner of Christianity and and could therefore not have been privy to the of his PDP affiliation as his political opponents forgiveness. If he was a good Christian, he would facts and details of the case. The dissenting Justice, video-tape surfaced showing him in an Abuja sex toy shop, violently assaulting a nursing mother have mischievously argued. This is about his have behaved differently. My take: I believe the time Ita Mbaba, JCA dismissed this as unproven. He own personal failings and not politics. One APC has come for the Nigerian government to set up a argued that to all intents and purposes, Justice who had dared to ask him to calm down during an altercation with the owner of the sex shop. The Senator snatched the mace of the Senate in 2017 psychiatry and counselling department in Abuja. Obiora’s name not appearing in the record for that with the assistance of some intruders into the Red Nobody should occupy a position of value and day may have been an omission on the part of video showed Abbo in an angry mood, hitting a defenceless woman as if he was having a boxing Chamber. The police never made an attempt to consequence without going for a psychiatric test the registry. Justice Obiora himself was reported as arrest or investigate him. That APC Senator has and anger management counselling. It is beginning having claimed that he was indeed present but that practice. The woman not only ended up in the hospital, Abbo also directed his police orderly since been rewarded with a position of influence. to look like some angry men have seized control he forgot to sign the register. The victory awarded Another APC senator who eventually switched of the Nigeria’s 9thNational Assembly. We should to the appellant by the Court of Appeal was of to intimidate the woman. Elisha Abbo has since apologized to all Nigerians for behaving badly. He loyalties once threatened to forcefully impregnate send them to counsellors and the shrink, one by course unpleasant to the original petitioner. Hence, a female Senator and shame her husband. He later one, just to be sure. PDP and its Osun candidate took the matter to the wants to be forgiven. He has also been advised to 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]