NNPC: Nigerians Spent N2.07trn on Petrol in 12 Months Consumption rises above 100% in three months Emmanuel Addeh in Nigerians between February Operations Report (MFOR) during the period under review. diesel and petrol) in the month litres of white products were sold 2020 and February 2021, with for February, the corporation In its breakdown of total sales of February 2021, lower than and distributed, compared with The Nigerian National Petroleum petrol taking a huge chunk of also disclosed that in terms of for the month, the NNPC noted N190.72 billion sales recorded 1.436.40 billion litres in the month Corporation (NNPC) has revealed N2.070 trillion of the entire sales. quantity, 17.215 billion litres of that N188.15 billion was made in January 2021. of January 2021. that it sold a total of N2.106 Making the disclosure in its fuel, accounting for 99.37 of total on the sale of white products In the review month, the According to the national oil trillion of refined products to delayed full Monthly Financial refined products were imported (cooking gas, gasoline, kerosene, NNPC stated that 1.414 billion Continued on page 49

Bandits Release 28 Abducted Students of Kaduna School...Page 10

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TODAY'S WEATHER ABUJA MAIDUGURI KANO 25°C-33°C 31°C-31°C 25°C-28°C 27°C-33°C 24C-27°C 20°C-30°C Court Restrains FG from Accessing N200bn Unclaimed Dividends of shareholders in the capital President deposit money bank, which has But shareholders and other Abeokuta. Goddy Egene market estimated to be over provides that any unclaimed remained unclaimed or unutilised stakeholders in the financial The shareholders (Applicants) N200 billion. The order followed dividends of a public limited for a period of not less than six sector had faulted the proposal. sued the Attorney General of the A Federal High Court sitting a suit instituted by shareholders liability company quoted on years from the date of declaring As part of efforts to stop the Federation; Minister of Finance, in Abeokuta has granted an under the aegis of Palm Wealth the Nigerian Exchange Limited the dividend or domiciling the federal government from taking Budget and National Planning; interim order restraining the Shareholders Association (PWSA). (NGX) and any unutilised funds in a bank account, shall over the funds, PWSA instituted and Accountant General of the federal government from taking The Finance Act 2020 signed amounts in a dormant bank be transferred immediately to a case against the government Federation as Respondents and over the unclaimed dividends into law last February by account maintained in or by a Unclaimed Funds Trust Fund. at the Federal High Court in Continued on page 49 Big Five Banks’ Loans to Customers Hit N50trn in Five Years Access Bank leads with N11.929 trillion, followed by Zenith Bank's N11.297 trillion Obinna Chima The five tier-1 banks in gave out a total of N49.999 trillion as loans and advances to their customers between January 2016 and December 2020, data compiled by THISDAY have shown. The banks are Access Bank Plc., Zenith Bank Plc., FBN Holdings Plc. (First Bank), United Bank for Africa Plc. (UBA), and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc. (GTBank). The data were gathered from the respective lenders’ financial statements. The data showed that in the five-year period, Access Bank lent out a total of N11.929 trillion to its customers. The amount lent by Access Bank rose sharply in the last two years due to its acquisition of former rival, Diamond Bank. Continued on page 49 2 MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 • THISDAY MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 • THISDAY 3 4 MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 • THISDAY MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 • THISDAY 5 6 MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 • THISDAY MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 • THISDAY 7 8 MONDAY,  ͺ;˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY

Group News Editor: Goddy Egene NEWS Email: [email protected], 0803 350 6821, 0809 7777 322 Okonjo-Iweala Decries Low Rate of COVID-19 Vaccination in Nigeria WTO foresees 11 billion doses of vaccine production by year-end butter and they could not especially with the contributions of diaspora contributions to provide technical assistance jump in June and it seems Michael Olugbode in Abuja and export their products to US or of the Nigerians in diaspora to Nigeria’s development. to developing countries for production is going up in July.” Dike Onwuamaeze in Lagos Europe because it didn’t meet national development.” the implementation of an He also disclosed that the standards. The WTO and In his keynote address, WTO Foresees 11 anticipated agreement on the fundamental disagreement still Director General of the World the ITC worked with them to Minister of State for Foreign Billion COVID-19 removal of fisheries subsidy. persisted over the waiver of Trade Organisation (WTO), upgrade the quality; NAFDAC Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Rockwell said, “There was trade agreement for diagnostics Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, approved it and they have been Dada, assured that the federal Vaccines Production an important discussion on required for the manufacture has lamented the low rate able to export. This is another government would constantly Wednesday on the importance of COVID-19 vaccines. of COVID-19 vaccination in area we have been helping strive to create an enabling Meanwhile, WTO has of ramping up production Rockwell said, “It is almost Nigeria and Africa, in general. the small and medium scale environment for the diaspora expressed optimism that the of vaccines. But what the an ideological difference, which Okonjo-Iweala said to fill the business.” population through policies production of COVID-19 producers said is that for is a source of frustration to the wide immunisation gap, WTO Okonjo-Iweala commended meant to guarantee their vaccines could rise from the them, the biggest problem is proponents of waivers that was ramping up vaccines’ Nigerians in the diaspora for safety and wellbeing. Dada current output level of 3.8 getting access to raw materials. expected text based negotiation production, with a target of 11 contributing billions of dollars said government had adopted billion to 11 billion by the end This is the thing that has been and an agreement on the issue billion doses by the end of this to the country’s economy, which the National Diaspora Policy of this year. This was disclosed hindering them from ramping by the end of this month. year, way beyond the present had been helping in sustaining 2021 (NDP) and its Action Plans. by the spokesperson of the up production. "Now the commitment is to output level of 3.8 billion. the economy. She said this had According to him, the global trade body, Mr. Keith “But there is a positive feeling, try and resolve this along with Speaking at the National helped people in rural areas to National Diaspora Policy Rockwell, during a virtual which we have to wait and see other areas that have not been Diaspora Day 2021, organised send their children to school, 2021 aims to provide a press conference he hosted materialise, that production of attended to because of the focus by the Nigerians in Diaspora take care of their health, and comprehensive and supporting from Geneva, Switzerland, dosage for the vaccines, which on trade waiver. These areas Commission (NIDCOM), with run businesses. framework for facilitating at the weekend. is currently at 3.8 billion, could are export restrictions, trade the theme, “Diaspora Integration The former minister stated, diaspora engagement in national Rockwell also revealed that ramp up to 11 billion by the facilitation measures and how for National Peace and “Wherever you are in the development, empowering the Director General of the WTO, end of the year. to make compulsory licensing Development,” Okonjo-Iweala diaspora, there is nowhere diaspora to contribute effectively, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had "its materialisation will be easier to do. All these things said the vaccines production like home. I think what you and maximising the value proposed a fund that would good news. There was a big are important issues.” volume had been increasing, need to think about is, what with the figure in June growing can I do to make things better, by 1.1 billion, representing a wherever you are, either creating 45 per cent increase from May employment or business or civil production. society organisation, helping However, the former Nigerian to support what the local finance minister said, “The bad government is trying to do.” news is that most of those doses In her opening remarks, ended up in the developed Chairman/Chief Executive countries and the vaccine Officer, NIDCOM, Hon. Abike inequity continues and that Dabiri-Erewa, said necessary is why we are trying to work measures were being put in with them (vaccines producers) place to ensure that Nigerians in to change the story.” diaspora were allowed to vote She explained, “Right now, in the on-going constitutional one of the things I am trying review. to do since we are in the Dabiri-Erewa said, “As part pandemic and you know all of the mandate of NIDCOM, the numbers we are struggling the leadership and team of with, when you have so the Commission is putting many people vaccinated in its best at ensuing that the developed countries and only issue of diaspora voting tops a small percentage in Africa or the agenda of the current developing countries and the constitution review by the issue is how do we improve National Assembly. I assure the vaccine productions so we you that both Committees on can get more? Diaspora and our Civil Society “How do we even shift Organisations are strongly AMBASSADOR DEBO ADESINA MEETS TOGOLESE PRESIDENT… the production to African supporting diaspora voting countries? The WTO has the job to be actualised in Nigeria Nigeria’s Ambassador to Togo, Ambassador Debo Adesina (left) and Togolese President, Mr. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe, when of monitoring export restrictions in the shortest time possible, Adesina went to present his letter of credence to the President ...recently and trade facilitation measures, and what I am trying to do is to leverage that, to actually work with companies; to persuade Senate Directs AGF to Recover N76bn 'Illegal' Loans them that ‘if we work with you to monitor supply chains, remove export restrictions, will Given to INEC, Army, NSA, NYSC, Others Since 2013 you invest in our country?’ Deji Elumoye on the 2015 Auditor General of six years down the lane, the (NIGCOSAT). The second query also stated, “Just a few days ago, last in Abuja the Federation's report, which electoral umpire was yet to The breakdown revealed that “It was observed from the 2014 Thursday, we had a conference audited Accounts that audited with manufacturers of The Senate has ordered the indicated that the said loans pay back. NIGCOSAT got N450 million, Accountant General of the released in 2013 and early 2015 The report also revealed that Federal Ministry of Labour account that mandate No FD/ vaccines, all the CEOs of the LP2014/57/1/82/DF dated 12th major companies were there; Federation (AGF) to without did not go through due diligence from the 15 per cent wheat and Productivity received N5 from Moderna to Pfizer to further delay recover all illegal and without authorisation by the grain levy, a total of N31.4 billion to pay the allowance of of January, 2015 amounting to N7 AstraZeneca, J& J; the Chinese loans totalling N76 billion given National Assembly. billion was released to Nigerian unskilled youths in Public works billion was withdrawn from 1 ones also. And the idea is to the Independent National Chairman of the Committee, Army, National Youth Service programme, ONSA got N3.5 Per cent Comprehension Import supporting them to invest in Electoral Commission (INEC), Senator Mathew Urhoghide, Corps (NYSC), Revitalization billion, Ministry of Defence had Supervision Scheme (CISS) Levy Africa, including in Nigeria. I Nigerian Army, National Youth had while presenting the report of Universities Infrastructures N428 million while revitalisation of as loan to INEC to finance 2015 just want to say the president Service Corps (NYSC), Office of which was adopted by the Senate Account and Federal Ministry Universities Infrastructure Account elections . set up a taskforce headed by the National Security Adviser (NSA), before proceeding on its annual of Agric and Rural Development. received N5.3 billion. "The loan is contrary to the Minister of Health to look at the and six other ministries and recess recently, revealed how the The breakdown showed that These unapproved loans purpose for which the fund issue of how we manufacture agencies. Ministries, Departments and Nigerian Army got N4.7 billion to subsequently resulted in the was created, which is to fund our own vaccines. All of us The directive also affects Agencies (MDAs) collected the fund some of their activities, NYSC Auditor General of the Federation the destination Inspection Service from the diaspora are there to ministries, departments and said N76 billion from the Office collected N6.4 billion to also fund (AuGF) issuing two queries to Providers as provided in the law, see how we can help support agencies. of Accountant General, illegally. their activities including passing AGF over the mode of disbursing because they are not paid from the country to do better. From a They are all to refund to The funds were drawn from out of corpers at orientation camps, the loan. Annual budget." personal point of view as well government coffers different 25 per cent Husked Rice Levy, 1 Revitalization of Universities The first query from Auditor The Senate thereafter ordered as WTO point of view, these amount of unauthorised Per cent Comprehension Import Infrastructure Account received General of the Federation read, "It the Office of Accountant General are some of the things we are loans. They include Federal Supervision Scheme (CISS) Pool N10 billion for funding of Federal was observed from 2014 audited of the Federation to immediately doing.” Ministries of Agriculture and levy , 15 per cent Wheat Grain Universities, while Federal Ministry account that mandate No FD/ set in motion the process for the The WTO director general Rural Development, Labour Levy and 10 per cent Rice Levy of Agric and Rural Development LP2014/57/1/82/DF dated 12th recovery of the loans and pay back also revealed that the and Productivity, Nigerian by Office of Accountant General got N10.2 billion to fund execution of January 2015, amounting to to Special Funds Accounts of the organisation was working with Customs Service (NCS), Defence, of the Federation and given to the of 2013 dry season farming. N922.4 million, was withdrawn Federation. the International Trade Centre Nigerian Communication Satellite aforementioned MDAs, which The MDAs that benefitted from 25 per cent Husked Brown It also directed that henceforth, to support women to upgrade Operation (NIGCOSAT), and had since refused to pay back in form of loan from Rice Levy Rice Levy as Loan given to INEC payments from these special funds the quality of their products Revitalization of Universities the said loan. account, which is about N37.4 to finance 2015 elections. should be strictly applied for the so that they could enter the Infrastructures Account. The report particularly billion include Federal Ministry of "The loan is contrary to the purpose for their creation while international market. The upper chamber gave mentioned INEC as receiving Labour and Productivity, Office of purpose, which the fund was ensuring the stoppage of further She said, “I met with a the directive while adopting N17.92 billion in January, 2015 National Security Adviser, Nigerian established which is to help withdrawal from these Accounts group of women from Oyo as loan from AGF to finance without a resolution of the National State who were making Shea the recommendations of its Custom Service (NCS), Nigerian local production of brown rice Public Accounts Committee the 2015 general election and Communication Satellite Operation in Nigeria. Assembly. MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 • THISDAY 9 10 MONDAY,  ͺ;˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY NEWS Bandits Release 28 Abducted Students of Kaduna School reportedly “rescued” by the police. disappointed, let’s keep praying”, to security agents, we spoke to Others to be freed in batches According to the President he said. the governor of Kaduna State and Kaduna Baptist Conference, Rev. Also speaking in an interview he promised that he was going to By John Shiklam in Kaduna Rev. Israel Akanji. emaciated, weak and could Ishaya Jangado, the bandits will be after praying and reuniting the do his best to ensure the release But the remaining students, barely walk. releasing the children in batches. children with their parents, Israel of the children. Twenty eight of of the remaining Akanji, President of the Nigerian But some of the parents were “I have been talking with the Akanji, said a lot of efforts were “We have waited, it is about 180 abducted students of Bethel Baptist Convention, said would heartbroken as their children were bandits and they told me that made to ensure the release of the three weeks now and finally we Baptist High School, Damishi, be freed in batches. not among those released. the children would be released children. are grateful that we have this batch Kaduna, have been freed by Bandits, on July 5, invaded the Some of the parents wept in batches and they have released He, however, denied claims by that have come. All together we their captors. school and abducted the children, profusely while others collapsed the first batch of 28. I appealed some parents that N100m was have received 34 students out of The students were released on aged between 13 and 19 years. and had to be revived when they to parents whose children are paid as ransom. the 121. We are still expecting 87, Saturday night at a location along The students were reunited realised that their children were not among the first batch not to According to him, “a lot of who have not come back yet.” Kaduna-Abuja road and were with their parents at the school still in captivity. despair as they will be released efforts were made to ensure Akanji said further that the picked on Sunday by leaders of the premises amid jubilation after The bandits had earlier released too by the grace of God. the release of the students. The children were released by the Baptist Church led by President of their release. one of the students based on health “If your child is not among number one effort was prayers. bandits themselves. the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Many of the children were grounds, while two others were those released don’t be We prayed and prayed. We spoke “The children were just released by the people, who abducted them. They kept them in a place and they called us and we went and carried them in our vehicles and brought them. Our prayer is that they will release the remaining students,” he said. Akanji said the church did not pay any ransom to the bandits. “I don't know where you got your information. I have heard a lot of information in the media. Some said we paid N60 million, some said we paid N100m. What we said is that as a church, we will not pay ransom, because it is not right to pay people who have done what is wrong. However you know that we are not the only ones concerned about the children”, he said. According to him, there were parents, well-wishers and neighbours, who were struggling for the children for the children to be released, “therefore, we cannot really restrict people from their actions in getting the children out, but as a group we do not believe BIRTHDAY THANKSGIVING SERVICE… in paying ransom. I cannot answer L-R: Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; his wife, Tamunominini; Presiding Pastor of Living Spring Chapel International, Pastor Femi Emmanuel and his wife, Modupe, during the 66th for those who probably must have been involved in certain ways.” birthday thanksgiving service of Pastor Emmanuel held at Dominion Cathedral, Ibadan... yesterday PHOTO: Oyo State Government. Akanji said the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, been in use for over thirty years. had promised to assist when the He affirmed that it was students were abducted. Insurgency: Will A-29 Super Tucano possible that the aged Alhpa Jet “He (the governor) told me lacked a laser-guided capability that security matters cannot be and the pilot might have flown divulged. We actually expected Fighter Jets Change the Game? low to carry out a successful dive that whatever he was doing should bombing, a field craft technique have resulted in the release of the Long term solution goes beyond military, say security experts that may have rendered the old children before now. However, of advancing infantry and element of attack support". military aircraft vulnerable to they were not released and we pinpoint targets for precision Naturally, advancing ground small arms fire. Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja NEWS REVIEW “It’s also possible that Flt kept agitating. We wanted the strikes. This mission envelope forces can benefit from air promise of the governor to be fire of 1,100 rounds a minute and seems to enable a wide sphere support while advancing on Lt Abayomi Dairo may have The arrival, last week, of six been coming low to confirm fulfilled earlier than now. A-29 Super Tucano fighter jets, is capable of carrying general- of operational possibilities, to enemies for direct targeting or “Right now I cannot say exactly purpose bombs and guided include counterinsurgency and suppressive fire to enable forces that his target is not civilians. the first batch of 12 ordered by This is why he deserves our what he has done, because he the federal government from the air-to-air and air-to-ground great power challenges. to maneuver", it said. himself was not willing to give missiles. "The pilot is protected with But a military expert, who commendation. United States, raised hopes that “It may be inferred from all us details of what he would be the fighter planes would make "A-29s are turboprop planes Kevlar armour and provided spoke to THISDAY on the doing. Whatever it is that he has armed with one 20mm cannon with a zero/zero ejection seat. condition of anonymity, said stated so far that the Alpha Jet a difference in the raging war aircraft didn’t come under the done, what we all know is that against insurgency and banditary. below the fuselage able to The clamshell canopy, hinged at the solution to the security crisis God has released the children.” shoot 650 rounds per minute, the front and rear and electrically facing lied with the more dangerous surface to air But military experts have missiles (SAMs) attacks, which Unlike in the past when the argued that the long term one 12.7mm machine gun (FN activated, is fitted with a de-icing stakeholders in the Nigerian Herstal) under each wing and is a much more sophisticated state government and security panacea to security challenges system and features a windshield enterprise. agencies took charge of students up to four 7.62mm Dillion Aero capable of withstanding, at 300k, "The super Tucano aircraft threat,” he said. confronting the nation lies with On the super tucano aircraft, freed by bandits, no government the nation coming together to M134 Miniguns able to shoot the impact of a 4lb (1.81kg) will no doubt boost military up to 3,000 rounds per minute", bird. A Northrop Grumman operations especially, the air he said: “What in my humble official or security agency was address the root cause of the opinion is needed to combat the present as the leaders of the church problem. a military source said. onboard oxygen generation force. But is that all? It requires Super Tucanos are also system (OBOGS) is installed. a whole-of-government and kind of unconventional armed drove the students straight to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), forces is helicopter gunships. Gen. Lucky Irabor, said last week equipped with "70mm rockets, “They have long loiter time whole-of-the-nation approach. school and handed them to their air-to-air missiles such as the and can stay close to the fight. "Other factors will link For example, Mi 17 or 24 or parents. that the military would not 32, Airborne platform, such as tolerate any form of violence AIM-9L Sidewinder, air-to-ground They are interoperable in a very government, unemployment and The Commissioner for Internal weapons such as the AGM-65 close-knit way with operations the issue of almajiri. The aircraft ‘Aerostat’ to act as the nucleus of Security and Home Affairs, Samuel directed at the country’s unity. the required tactical deployment. The six fighter planes bring Maverick and precision-guided on the ground,” Waltz said. is not going to stop banditary Aruwan, was chased away by bombs. It can also use a laser The publication listed war and it's not the responsibility of “The use of first responders angry parents, when he visited to 32 the number of platforms from the locals of area of military procured by the President rangefinder and laser-guided situations in which A-29s could the military, we are concerned the school the day they were weapons. The aircraft is used change the equation when it when matters get violent. operations are essential. It’s abducted. Muhammadu Buhari-led through this type of combined administration. by air forces of 15 countries. comes to counterinsurgency. "The root cause has to be Probably as a result of that "There are plenty of countries "First and foremost, they addressed. We have to ask how tactical operations that real-time incident, the state government They include 10 Super intelligence can be provided, thus Mushshak aircraft, five Mi-35M that have an extremist threat – can save lives. If overhead fire did we get here. Do you think and security personnel, who the the Middle East and South and support is able to identify and that as the military, we are happy making it easier to direct air parents had always accused of not helicopter gunships, two Bell and ground forces operations,” 412 helicopters, four Agusta 109 Central Africa. SOCOM (Special attack pockets of enemy fighters, to be killing our citizens? We doing much, might have decided Operations Command) is asking fewer ground troops have to have to come together to ask he said. Power attack helicopters, two No fewer than 3,868 persons, it to hands off. Mi-171E helicopter, three JF-17 for this for Nigeria, Somalia and enter into enemy fire. Also, an how did we get to this level", In another development Libya. It is a perfect platform overhead asset of this kind can he said. would be recalled, were killed in Thunder fighter aircraft, which different states of Nigeria between kidnappers of pupils of an Islamic were delivered and inducted for where we are fighting,” US be an intelligence node able to Speaking in a media interview, school, Tegina, Niger State, have Rep, Michael Waltz, (R) Fla told send targeting information and a security expert and analyst, Col January and June 2021, a mid- in May 2021. year report by an international abducted a man, who was sent The aircraft ranges from Warrior, a military publication. data regarding troop movements. Tony Nyiam (rtd) attributed to deliver a N30m ransom for The US-trained pilots with the "When it comes to actual the recent downing of a Nigeria human rights organisation based fighter planes to training in Washington DC, Global Rights, the release of the children. and support platforms. The Afghan Air Force had launched close-in counterinsurgency Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet by In May, the bandits invaded the air strikes against the Taliban combat, fighters often obscure terrorists to the age of the reported. expectation by defence and The group, which tracked daily school and abducted 136. Parents military authorities are that the with A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, themselves in defilade or in aircraft and the inadequacies of the children were said to have a platform which seems well- buildings, requiring a need for of fighting an unconventional incidents of mass atrocities across attack aircrafts would change the country, also put the number contributed N30m for the release the tide in the war against suited for the air force’s intended precision strikes. The air-ground warfare without accompanying mission scope. of persons who were abducted of their children. insurgency and bring it to an Maverick precision weapon can modern technological devices that Kaduna, Niger and Zamafa Its integrated weapons and use a laser rangefinder and other could aid the quick detection of within the timeframe at 3,016, a end. 79.6 per cent increase compared States have become a den for The aircraft "is armed with laser-firing technology enable kinds of advanced targeting enemy positions from the skies. the platform to both lay down technologies – providing what Nyiam said the fighter jet to 615 incidents recorded within bandits, with people being killed or two wing-mounted 12.7mm the same period in 2020. abducted almost on a daily basis. machine guns with a rate of suppressive fire in support could be called an indispensable involved in the air mishap had MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 • THISDAY 11 12 MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 • THISDAY MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 • THISDAY 13 14 THISDAY • MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA COMMENT Email [email protected] LAGOS STATE AND COMMODITIES MARKET AGENDA The government’s decision to raise long term fund through the LCFE is a smart move, writes Sola Oni ive leading national dailies recently broke the It is no longer news that the state is the headquarters of substandard news with different captions that Lagos State and adulterated products while the markets in this economic centre of Government is set to raise $2 Billion by floating Nigeria are not integrated with international markets. Any market that Agricultural Commodities Notes in partnership lacks central logistics, market governance, especially sanctity of contract, with the Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange social responsibilities and central legislation and others cannot compete (LCFE) to guarantee food security. The story in the global market space. Femanated from the visit of the Lagos State Commissioner for The federal government should take a cue from the Lagos State’s Agriculture, Mrs Abisola Olusanya, her Finance counterpart, commodities market agenda to address the pain points of the operators Dr Rabiu Olowo and their respective permanent secretaries in the agricultural space in Nigeria. Post-harvest storage risk is to Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE) as part everywhere. Apart from weak incentives and structures, farmers’ profit of the preliminary discussions to activate what is gradually margin is poor and demotivating. It is appalling that after 60 years of becoming Lagos State and Commodities Market Agenda. Nigeria’s independence, there is no reliable database of those operating For the avoidance of doubt, Lagos State government is not in the agricultural sector while inadequate trading capital is a norm. the owner of LCFE. It’s just a mere similarity of name. As The proposed capital injection into the agricultural sector in Lagos State emissaries, the commissioners held a closed -door meeting has profound benefits: It will accelerate economic growth and develop- with some of the board members and management staff of ment in the state, consolidate value chains, open eyes of the federal LCFE as well as other key stakeholders on Governor Babajide government and other states to renew the option for medium and Sanwo-Olu and his team’s plan to reform agriculture in the long term capital formation through commodities exchanges, enhance state with special emphasis on food security. By the strategic job opportunities, data gathering and position the state government to plan, the state is prepared to leverage commodities space to intervene in the market activities at any time. raise the initial capital. Lagos State towers above its peers The body language of the two Lagos commissioners and their over the years in sourcing funds from the Capital Market permanent secretaries look exciting while the LCFE is awaiting the for infrastructure projects. For instance, in 1992, offer. The need for market reform and food security in Lagos State is a Local Government floated N100 Million Municipal Bond to metaphor for other states in the federation. There is a compelling need build Sura Shopping Complex. The state government itself for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to do a comprehensive impact had raised huge amounts from the market on several basis, analysis on its various interventions in agriculture and the worrisome of which the latest was the N100 Billion issued last year to level of food inflation. We all know and appreciate the debilitating finance infrastructure. On comparable basis, Lagos State has effects of insecurity on agricultural sector in Nigeria today. This may a more viable economy. It accounts for over 60 percent of present an escapist route for the government to defend itself by blam- economic activities in Nigeria. The state has demonstrated ing it on insecurity. But what accounted for the lackluster contribution proven creditworthiness over the years. of agriculture to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) before the The beauty of government bond is the issuance of Irrevocable Stand- activities of herdsmen? The sector has suffered untold neglect. This ing Payment Order (ISPO) which hedges bond holders in the event is where utilization of commodities’ exchanges presents an ample of default. Many state governments had in the past taken advantage THE PROPOSED CAPITAL INJECTION INTO THE opportunity for the government at all tiers for capital raise. The market of the market to mobilize funds for infrastructure development. Lagos AGRICULTURAL SECTOR IN LAGOS STATE HAS also enables farmers to trade agricultural products’ receipts electroni- government’s decision to raise long term fund through the LCFE is cally through commodities brokers. This explains why the proposed a smart one. Nigerian commodities space is a virgin land waiting to PROFOUND BENEFITS: IT WILL ACCELERATE controversial N50 Billion which the CBN’s Governor, Mr Godwin be tapped. Although food inflation in Nigeria dropped from 22.28 in ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN Emefiele said would be sunk in Nigeria Commodity Exchange (NCX) May to 21.83 in June, it is still higher than headline inflation of 17.75 THE STATE, CONSOLIDATE VALUE CHAINS, will make a better investment decision if it is shared among the as at June. A peep into the challenges of food security in Lagos State OPEN EYES OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT commodities exchanges in Nigeria or optimized to set up a central is quite revealing: The state has fragmented markets that make their AND OTHER STATES TO RENEW THE OPTION cleaning system for all the commodities exchanges . location cumbersome. The markets are generally dirty despite the efforts Oni, Communications Consultant, Chartered Stockbroker and of the waste management section. Lagos State is literally the hub of FOR MEDIUM AND LONG TERM CAPITAL Commodities Trader, is the Chief Executive Officer, Sofunix traffic congestion in Nigeria with attendant effects on logistics issues. FORMATION Investment and Communications

NIGERIA AND THE DEBT TRAP Ayo Oyoze Baje argues that the country’s debt burden is excessive

“Our political leaders have suddenly public debt to over N35.5 trillion”. “Buhari It would be recalled that back in June, School and surely knows his onions. developed not just a taste for, but a vora- gets Senate’s approval for N2.3tr foreign 2017 Prof. Pat Utomi and Mr. Bismarck We surely do not need rocket science to cious appetite for debt. As usual, most of loan request”. “FG to fund N5.62tr deficit in Rewane, both seasoned economists asked understand that the country’s economic such debts that are procured are hardly 2022 budget with loans”. “Nigeria on debt questions about the increasing debt burden growth is undermined by the huge debt thought through. Predictably, ability to precipice, spent N1.8tr on debt servicing at both the state and federal levels. As at stock as well as other obvious factors include repay such debts is lacking” between January and May 2021”. “Govern- March that year the nation’s total debt sheer profligacy in running government -Chief ment records debt service to revenue ratio of had risen by N7.1trn to a mind-boggling apparatus. With decrepit infrastructure and 98%”! You should be similarly worried about N19.16trn. some 23 out of 36 states at a point unable to ne recurring ugly decimal these scary economic indices. While as at June 30, 2015 the country’s pay 100% salaries to deserving workers there of Nigeria’s inexcusable The reason is simple - one does not want total debt was N12.12trn by September 2018, is crass corruption in high places. economic paradox in the Nigeria, our dear country to go the way of the debt stood at N22.43trn. That means This is exacerbated by the huge pay midst of abundant God- some other African countries that are cur- that within the first three and a half years package of political office holders, with that endowed resources is the rently enmeshed in the debt marsh to China. of the current administration the debt rose of our lawmakers ranking amongst the high- ever-increasing debt profile, For instance, as of 2020, the countries in by N10.31trn which is 85.06 %. The external est in the world, even as Nigeria remains Oat both the state and federal levels. It is sad Africa with the largest Chinese debts include debt component of both the federal and state the poverty capital of the world. All these to note that it has been so over the decades, Angola ($25 billion), Ethiopia ($13.5 billion), governments including the FCT increased by have no doubt led to an unprecedented spanning different administrations with Zambia ($7.4 billion), the Republic of Congo 109.21% according to the DMO. Are you not unemployment level and an upsurge in the variant political colourations. ($7.3 billion) and Sudan ($6.4 billion). worried? wave of crimes. More worrisome is that there is inadequate The warning given here is that our current Fast forward to 2019. Dr. Akinwunmi The way forward is for government to empirical value on ground, that is in terms political leaders should prevent Nigeria from Adesina, President of the African Develop- cut its economic coat according to available of infrastructural development, appreciable being taken over by the overtly ambitious ment Bank(AfDB) raised similar concerns resources. It should allow for a holistic human development index and economic China because all Chinese loans are tied to to that of Utomi and Rewane. According to economic restructuring so that the states can production for the humungous sums of infrastructural developments. In fact, some him, Nigeria was as at that year using 50 control their resources and pay an agreed money so borrowed, year after year. It of the African debtor nations have had to per cent of its revenue to service its debts, percent of income as tax to the federal would seem that our set of successive forfeit some to China. For instance, $7.4 compared to the average of 17 per cent for centre. political leaders have refused to adhere to billion of Zambia’s total $8.7 billion foreign other African countries! This is unsustain- We have to become more creative now the biblical admonition that: “The rich rule debt is owed to China. It was reported in able. so that the commercial banks can start over the poor, and the borrower is slave to late 2018 that China may soon take over the Furthermore, going by the frightening fig- lending to the real sector to boost manu- the lender,” according to Proverbs 22 verse 7. state electricity company, ZESCO as a form ures made public by the Debt Management facturing. Government should ban sundry It would be recalled that yours truly has of debt repayment since the country had Office (DMO) the total debt stock stood at consumables including textile materials and over the years raised the alarm on the critical defaulted! some humongous amount of N24.047 trillion electronic equipment that are either being issue, as a concerned citizen. These include Also, Kenya may soon lose its largest and as at March 31, 2019. Reports have it that imported daily at astonishing rates and the ones titled: “Nigeria’s debilitating debt most lucrative port, Port of Mombasa to N560 billion out of these was borrowed in giving smugglers a field day. profile” (January 2013), “Who will pay its creditor (China) after it defaulted in the only three months! One’s current concern, however, is who these huge debts?” (July, 2017), “Nigeria’s refund. This could force Kenya to relinquish In fact, on May 21, 2020 the online will pay these huge debts? Will the burden dehumanizing debt profile” (July, 2019) and control of the port to China. platform ‘Nairametrics’ in its ‘Economy being left by the reckless and frivolous “Nigeria’s free fall into China’s debt trap” This unfortunate economic situation & Politics’ page warned about Nigeria political class not be too weighty for the lean (July 2020) as published by different news- throws up some salient questions, all falling into China’s debt trap. According to shoulders of our jobless children? Those papers and magazines. But painfully, things begging for answers. Have we, as a country Dr. Bongo Adi, the Director of Centre for in government should heed the words of have not changed for the better ever since. not been making money from crude oil Infrastructure Policy Regulation and Ad- caution by Chief Obasanjo so that genera- For instance, as of 8th July 2021 the news sales, multiple company taxes including vancement (CIPRA), Nigeria lacks account- tions yet unborn will not be turned to slaves media was awash with the following head- VAT, inflow from the ports and that from the ability, transparency, and responsibility to and beggars in their own country by the lines: “Fresh loan request pushes Nigeria’s Customs Service? refund its loans. He is of the Lagos Business creditor nations. THISDAY • MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021 15 EDITORIAL ISSUES WITH THE DSO PROGRAMME

There is urgent need for a digital switchover legislation

hree years after it came to an abrupt halt, hindrance to successful DSO implementation. There the national digital switchover (DSO) is currently no law encompassing elements of digitisa- programme has been resuscitated. The tion or defining roles and responsibilities of the three elaborate flag-off ceremony in Lagos on tiers of government and the private sector. Besides, the 29th April for its second phase was the programme is driven by the recommendations of the 2014 culmination of activities, including the DSO Whitepaper, which many do not consider an actual establishment of a 13-member ministe- law. We find it strange that a national undertaking of such rial task force headed by the Minister of significance is being implemented without any legislation. Information and Culture. This followed approval by the TFederal Executive Council of N9.4billion for the payment his point was noted as far back as 2016 by the of outstanding debts to companies providing services. House of Representatives DSO Ad hoc Com- Alongside these have been giddy projections of what the mittee in its report on the investigation of the programme will deliver to the country. programme’s implementation. The conspicuous There is no doubt that the DSO holds much promise, Tabsence of a legal framework encourages implementa- especially in job creation and value-chain addition. Aside tion on an ad hoc basis. The Ministry of Information from kick-starting the digital economy, the successful and Culture, which has the duty to propose appropriate actualisation of the DSO has the potential to boost the amendments to existing laws or enact new legislation for floundering effort in diversifying the nation’s economy. It the DSO, has shown no interest along that direction. This, is projected that the federal government will earn an esti- among other things, has rendered the programme an mated $1billion from the sale of spectrum to ensure that ethics-free trade zone in which middlemen run the show. the programme is self-financing. There are also projections Meanwhile, the report of the House probe contains that the broadcasting copious instances of rule-bending and indifference to THERE IS CURRENTLY industry and digital due process. One company that serves as contractor/ NO LAW ENCOMPASSING economy will grow THISDAY consultant on middleware payment and encryption for ELEMENTS OF DIGITISATION through increased EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU the national Set-Top-Box (STB) system secured its contract advertising, revenue DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA eight months before registration. This was in breach of OR DEFINING ROLES MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO AND RESPONSIBILITIES from Nollywood and DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU the Procurement Act and other extant local legislations. value-added services. CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI The House also reported that the company usurped some OF THE THREE TIERS OF EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN GOVERNMENT AND THE However, while MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI of the functions of licensed signal distributors to earn PRIVATE SECTOR these projections are THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE money without any investment. The company provides heart-warming, we the FreeTV decoder, NBC’s vehicle for digital migration; are less than optimistic that the country will reap these and conditional access system on which it charges users munificent dividends, given how the DSO programme is THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED conditional access fee (CAF) despite being just a contractor. being implemented. The National Broadcasting Commis- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA The goal of the DSO is to convert Free-to-Air analogue GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, sion (NBC) has hardly covered itself in glory. Its squalid ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI television signal to digital. It is not to birth a pay television handling of the programme, we recall, resulted in missed DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, enterprise with government resources. We therefore view ANTHONY OGED ENGBE switchover deadlines in 2007, 2012, 2015 and 2017. In DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI the DSO implementation process as an extension of the those years, less resourced countries, including in Africa, SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH country’s trademark fire brigade approach to a matter completed their switchover programmes. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI of huge national significance. The DSO Whitepaper on CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI There are other fears. Experts have identified the DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO which NBC relies is nothing more than a policy direction absence of a legal framework, as recommended by the TO SEND EMAIL: first [email protected] that requires its recommendation to be meshed into an International Telecommunication Union (ITU), as a major actual law to have any legal effect.

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 [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. , IGBOHO AND INSECURITY ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF RESULT: IS APC JITTERY? ith the recent arrest of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi out the eyes instead of to excise a tumor. It is no secret that Nigerians Kanu and the subsequent arrest of the lead agita- groan. Under the bootheels of rampaging criminals who have he glimmer of hope that the country will have a free and tor for a Yoruba nation, Chief Sunday Igboho mastered the eternally dark arts of razing down villages, ravaging lives fair election in 2023 general election had been dashed by our one would have been forgiven for thinking that and livelihoods and ravishing women and girls, Nigerians lament the senators. Section 52(3) of the electoral amendment bill 2021 insecurity in Nigeria will automatically abate. pain that has become their portion in this increasingly precarious plat- which provides for electronic transmission of election results Alas, in spite of the arrests, Nigeria continues to ter that the country has become. It is no rocket science that Nigeria`s from the polling unit received a kiss of death by the APC lurchW further into the lair of lethal insecurity. young, whom by reason of age and ideas, should be the pallbearers of senators after a rowdy session in the Senate. In 2015, when Both Mazi Kanu and Igboho, whatever their motives, found in the its scandalous, blood-stained past, and torchbearers of a better future TPresident Jonathan introduced the card reader machine which was part theatre of the absurd that Nigeria has become, the perfect stage for have been left to lament the jarring disintegration and denaturing of of technology drive to checkmate multiple voting, detect election fraud their aspirations both personal and communal. Like visionaries and the country they were taught to love from the womb. and ensure free and fair election, the APC which was desperate to clinch prophets, they were able to reach into the hearts of their people and Yet, the vultures continue to gather with gluttonous glee and telling power commended the bold initiative. There is no gainsaying the fact amplify cries of historic injustice that were muffled for ages. temerity. Drawn by the dark, fetid smoke of burning houses, bodies that APC was the beneficiary of the card reader machine in 2015 general In Nnamdi Kanu `s case, the ghosts of the which and farms, those responsible for the country`s woes see only visions of election. The election victories recorded by the party across the country ended decades ago were invoked to ghoulishly evoke the historic the trophies they can yet take. could be credited to such technological innovation. Little wonder injustices which even the most cynical of the Igbos believe have been The government may have found the actions of Sunday Igboho and many Nigerians expected the National Assembly to maintain the their lot since the war ended. Nnamdi Kanu gravely exceptionable but it is beyond argument that momentum in 2019 by passing the section 52(3) of the electoral bill into For Sunday Igboho, the wounds of his people fresh and bleeding desperate times require desperate measures. Nigeria is going through law, and pave the way for electronic transmission of result. By its name, in a country whose breakup now seems to be only a matter of time unprecedented times. What fuels the child`s piercing screams through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), should act have been the driving force. The government`s response has been the night is no ordinary ant bite. It is the sting of a scorpion. independently according to the laws that established it. For the Senate predictable and portentous: shoot the messenger. It explains Nnamdi Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho may be the faces of the agita- to insist that INEC should collaborate with Nigerian Communications Kanu`s arrest and stealthy extradition to Nigeria. It explains the current tions rumbling in the bowels of the country like an earthquake. But Commission (NCC) on the possibility of adequate network coverage in legal battle going on in Benin Republic over the Nigeria`s government they are just only that. They are only amplifiers of the angry voices of the country and seek for its approval before it adopts electronic transmis- desperate attempts to extradite Sunday Igboho. countless Nigerians irreducibly demanding that things must change sion of result raises serious suspicions on its part. Nigerians have been left to scratch their heads and even bloody in the country. The government and Nigerians will be better served The million-naira questions begging for answers are: why did majority their fingers over whether there is a better way and manner than the dissecting their message, digesting same and abiding same. To heckle of APC senators vote against the electronic transmission of result? Are options the government has chosen to address agitations and quell and harass the messengers is to fatally miss the point. It is to miss an they acting on the script of their party to frustrate any genuine efforts to insecurity. At the juncture, the Nigerian government appears to be opportunity to bind up instead of break up. have a credible and acceptable poll in 2023? the awkwardly incompetent surgeon who takes the scalpel to gouge Kene Obiezu, Abuja Lawal Adamu Usman, Kaduna State 16 MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 • THISDAY MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 • THISDAY 17 18 MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 • THISDAY THISDAY ˾MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 19

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG Email: [email protected] POLITICS 08114495324 SMS ONLY MONDAY DISCOURSE Court Dramas Rocking APGA, APC, PDP Primaries Ahead of Anambra Election The Anambra governorship election is slated for November 6. Ahead of the election, the Peoples Democratic Party, All Progressives Congress, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance are knee-deep in intriguing politicking regarding the authentic gubernatorial candidates to represent their parties, write Nseobong Okon-Ekong and David-Chyddy Eleke.

Yakubu Obiano

Soludo Ozigbo

ast Friday, the Independent featuring accomplished billionaires. emerges victorious would have been candidates. APC held one primary, through National Electoral Commission It could have been anybody’s game. thoroughly badgered on all fronts. direct means, Uba emerging the winner (INEC) sent tongues wagging in Nothing was left to chance, including PDP and APC held their primaries but not without acrimony as other aspi- Anambra when it released the the deployment of every legal instru- on June 26. PDP held two separate rants disowned the election, claiming it list of party candidates in the ment possible. In the end, whoever primaries, producing two different never held, casting aspersion on Governor state’sL November 6 governorship election. Dapo Abiodun-led committee. To further For example, INEC did not approve any legitimise the claim, one of the aspirants, candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party Dr George Moghalu, sued Uba and APC. as the electoral body cited “court order” There are fears the aggrieved APC aspirants as a reason. INEC listed Sen. Andy Uba Let me speak to my judgment now in a way that all will may work against the party if they are as All Progressives Congress gubernato- not placated. rial candidate. It listed Chuma Umeoji as understand. When a court makes a pronouncement, it Moghalu told THISDAY in Abuja that All Progressives Grand Alliance’s choice is not for you to come and begin to cite constitution the aspirants are “angry at the arbitrari- though ex-CBN governor, Professor Chuk- ness.” “If there was an election and we were wuma Soludo, was widely favoured to or to tell us that party is supreme. Yes, party is defeated,” he argued, “nobody will say get the APGA ticket. anything. I challenge anyone to produce a Events leading to the parties’ separate supreme, but the court is supremacy. The court video of the APC governorship primary in primaries indicated the courts would settle Anambra. There was no election. It will be the score in the choice of gubernatorial is the only person that can say something that is very unfortunate if the party goes ahead candidates. APGA is the ruling party in with this daylight robbery. I wish them Anambra. The PDP has a measure of a green is now blue, and everyone will be bound to see luck.” foothold with two senatorial districts in it as blue. It will only take the court to rescind the In APGA, the party is still battling le- its grip. The APC has shown vast improve- gal fireworks over which faction should ments in its electoral fortunes, mostly decision, or a higher court upturning the decision produce the party’s candidate. The party holding out the promise of integration known for years as peaceful is currently with the central government in Abuja. before you can start seeing that thing as green in a messy web of crisis. While the Chief Depending on who has their back, the Victor Oye-led party had on June 23 elected different candidates took a hardline, not again. So, what I am saying is that there is a court Soludo as its candidate, another faction prepared to yield any ground. led by Edozie Njoku as the national chair- The chance of the candidate of another order on this matter that is still alive. It is not for man also nominated him to double as the political party winning by default is slim. gubernatorial candidate. A third faction led The high stakes and the contestants’ appar- you to come and be citing authorities, but for you by Jude Okeke also sprang up, sacking Oye ent war chest have combined to make the to go back to the court and beg it to rescind its and his leadership while also suspending pathway to secure the party ticket intrigu- Soludo for being involved in the primary ing and tortuous, with the three parties decision or you go to a higher court to upturn it held by the Oye faction. The factions have 20 THISDAY ˾MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 MONDAY DISCOURSE

Uba Umeoji Andy Ubah Moghalu

been moving from one court to another can start seeing that thing as green candidate, Valentine Ozigbo, and commentator and member of the Ozigbo to validate their primary results. again.” the Independent National Electoral group, C. J. Ubaka stated, “To begin with, The Okeke faction was first to secure He added, “So, what I am saying is Commission (INEC), wherein he INEC did not ‘drop’ Valentine Ozigbo from a high court order in faraway Jigawa, that there is a court order on this matter challenged Ozigbo’s candidature for the list of candidates as some mischief compelling INEC to recognise Umeoji that is still alive. It is not for you to the November 6, 2021 governorship makers are making it seem. His name was as the party’s candidate. Last week, the come and be citing authorities, but for election. omitted in obedience to an existing court Oye-led faction got a favourable judg- you to go back to the court and beg it “Barely 24 hours after Senator Uba order, restraining INEC from publishing the ment from a high court in presided to rescind its decision, or you go to a instituted the suit, Justice Nwabunike name of anybody as the PDP candidate.” over by Justice Charles Okaa. The court higher court to upturn it. That is why curiously granted an ex parte injunc- He further noted, “Following the dicta- ordered INEC to withdraw Umeoji’s name it is ‘My Lord’ that said it. It is only a tion restraining INEC from carrying tions of the PDP constitution, the NWC and replace it with Soludo as the rightful court that can say a woman is a man, out their constitutional duty and also transmitted the outcome of the election to APGA candidate. and it will stand. A decision may be abridged the time within which the INEC, a process that included the submis- PDP fielded 16 aspirants in its June 26 wrong against the constitution of the defendants are legally obliged to file sion of the candidate’s name to the electoral primary. While its electoral committee was party, it may be against the Electoral their defence from 42 days to only monitoring authority. At the same time, harmonising delegates’ lists, news filtered Act, or even against the constitution three days in violation of Order 16 Valentine Ozigbo received his Certificate in Chukwudi Umeaba-led faction (as state of the country, but what is important Rule 1(2) of the High of Return from the national chairman of chairman, loyal to a self-styled godfather is that ‘My Lord’ has spoken. I salute Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019.” the party, Prince Uche Secondus, putting of politics in the state, Chief Chris Uba) the parties involved, but I want to Despite the obvious hardship cre- a final nail to the coffin of the shadows had held a primary. The former presented say that Senator Ugochukwu Uba has ated by “this strange ex parte order, of doubt cast around the authenticity of Valentine Ozigbo (ex-president and CEO proven his point more clearly.” the judge, on the day of the hearing, his emergence. of Transcorp Plc) as its candidate. The lat- Then, he gave the final verdict being July 16 2021,” denied the defen- “Hence, it is safe to say that the omission ter has Sen. Ugochukwu Uba (a former saying, “Sen. Uba’s faction having dants time to respond to the processes does not in any way undermine the valid- senator representing Anambra South and followed the order of the court in served on them and proceeded with ity of the candidacy of Valentine Ozigbo. elder brother of Chris Uba) as flagbearer. holding its primary election is hereby the hearing of the plaintiff’s case, PDP Hence there is no cause for alarm.” While the primary that produced Ozigbo validated as the candidate of the PDP. further alleged. It also pointed out that He anchored his argument on a state- used ‘super delegates’ list to conduct the INEC is hereby ordered to list Sen. regardless of the 180 days provided ment credited to Festus Okoye, an INEC election, to avoid a court order mandating Ugochukwu Uba as the candidate of by the constitution for the hearing national commissioner. it not to use delegates earlier produced, the the PDP, and a cost of N10 million and determination of pre-election “In the case of Valentine Ozigbo, INEC other faction used delegates’ list from all awarded against the first and second matters, the judge hastily concluded simply acted on an existing court order, the wards in the state. INEC is in a quandary defendant to the plaintiff as legal fees.” proceedings and delivered judgment stopping them from publishing the name regarding who it should recognise amid Reacting to the judgment, PDP’s na- within 14 days. of Valentine Ozigbo. However, the same conflicting court cases and even more tional leadership faulted the judgment, “The most unfortunate part of this INEC confirmed that Valentine Ozigbo is contradictory court orders. alleging that Nwabunike was tried to episode is that the judge,” said PDP, the candidate produced by their party’s Recently, the Awka Division of the Fed- thwart the party’s chance to field a “after hastily delivering the judg- primary election the commission moni- eral High Court presided over by Justice candidate of its choice. In a statement ment, made away with the case file tored,” said Ubaka. “Therefore, the PDP Nganjiwa allegedly ordered the INEC to by its spokesman Kola Ologbondiyan, and refused to release copies of his has the opportunity to vacate the existing Ozigbo as the authentic candidate. THIS- the party alleged Nwabunike derailed judgment to the defendants despite court order, and as soon as that is done, DAY does not have the judgment details, the course of justice by making away their application in the open court as Ozigbo’s name will be published by the but the Ozigbo faction is in a jubilant mood. with the case file on Uba Vs PDP & well as the officially written application commission.” The Uba faction quickly sent out a press Ors in a desperate bid to frustrate an to the judge.” If Ozigbo was ‘dropped,’ there would statement, stating that the Ozigbo camp’s appeal against his judgment. However, to the chagrin of the de- have been a replacement for him on the list, celebration was misleading. Umeaba in- “The PDP charges O.A Nwabunike fendants, “the court has gone ahead as in the case of the candidate of APGA, sisted he was in court and that the judge to immediately release the case file, to issue copies of the judgment to the when Soludo’s name was replaced with simply mentioned the matter and asked as the compromises in the case are plaintiff, Sen. Uba.” PDP further ac- Umeoji’s in obedience to a court judgment. that the status quo be maintained while the already known to the public, especially cused the trial judge of making efforts The triad of APC, APGA and PDP’s troubles matter would be heard on September 21. the people of Anambra state,” a PDP to frustrate the party and Ozigbo’s may be the turning point for other parties Meanwhile, a notice seen on social media statement claimed. “The only reason notices of appeal. in the governorship race. had already notified Anambra people Justice Nwabunike disappeared with “Justice Nwabunike must be made The national chairman of the African to look out, stating that a high court in the case file and refused to make copies to release the case file as well as the Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralphs Okey Awka would give judgment in favour of his judgment available to the PDP copies of the judgment because his Nwosu, told THISDAY: “What these parties of Uba on the same day, accusing Uba and its candidate, Valentine Ozigbo, continued refusal is capable of pitching held is not primary elections, and they of perfecting the plan. On the same day is because he (Justice Nwabunike) is the Judiciary against the people of should not participate in the November 6 that the Ozigbo group jubilated about a aware that his perverted judgement Anambra, whose mandate, as being governorship election in Anambra state. favourable court judgment, another court, cannot stand in any appeal.” expressed in our candidate, Valentine “If, after 22 years of practising democracy, a state high court presided over by Justice It added, “Uba, who did not Ozigbo, is being undermined by Justice we cannot do the right thing, then we are Obiora Nwabunike, delivered a judgment participate in the PDP primary, in- Nwabunike,” the party pointed out. doomed. INEC must learn to sanction as foretold by the Uba group, asking the stituted a suit against the PDP, our Weighing in on the crisis, a social people because none of these three political INEC to list Uba as the authentic PDP parties had a primary election.” candidate. ADC fancies itself to win the election In a suit by Uba against Ozigbo, the as the crisis-ridden big three parties race Anambra PDP chapter, and INEC, the Events leading to the parties’ separate primaries against time to resolve their separate judge stated that Uba’s faction held its malaise. primary in line with the party’s guidelines indicated the courts would settle the score in the “ADC has a strong chance in the and should be listed as the governorship forthcoming election and we know our candidate. The court also awarded N10 choice of gubernatorial candidates. APGA is the candidate, Akachukwu Nwankpo, has million against Ozigbo and PDP, to be ruling party in Anambra. The PDP has a measure all it takes to govern the state. We have paid to Uba as a cost of litigation. been in the political system of this state Nwabunike said, “Let me speak to of a foothold with two senatorial districts in its for decades, and we have always partici- my judgment now in a way that all will pated actively in the state’s transition understand. When a court makes a pro- grip. The APC has shown vast improvements in its process, and I can tell you that people nouncement, it is not for you to come and are not happy with the ruling party in begin to cite constitution or to tell us that electoral fortunes, mostly holding out the promise the state, APGA. party is supreme. Yes, party is supreme, “We are working with a lot of people to but the court is supremacy. The court is the of integration with the central government in Abuja. sack APGA in Anambra state. You already only person that can say something that know that both PDP and APC have lost is green is now blue, and everyone will be Depending on who has their back, the different the confidence of the people. So, the bound to see it as blue. It will only take the candidates took a hardline, not prepared to yield option is the third most popular politi- court to rescind the decision, or a higher cal party in the country, which is ADC,” court upturning the decision before you any ground Nwosu said. THISDAY ˾MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 21

POLITICS As Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial Resumes As the trial of rearrested leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of (IPOB) resumes Monday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, Alex Enumah, takes a peep into some of the issues that may likely play up in and outside the courtroom

Muhammad Malami Kanu

ustice Binta Nyako of the Federal High with the court’s permission. kanu was arrested. the custody of the DSS because Kanu’s lawyers Court, Abuja, late June fixed July 26 for the The bail conditions were met and kanu Although, it was later discovered that were not yet abreast with his rearrest. The judge continuation of trial of secessionist leader was accordingly released to attend trail the IPOB leader was arrested in Kenya accordingly granted the request and ordered that Jof the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from home. Those who secured the bail even as the government of Kenya has since the Prosecution should inform Kanu’s lawyer Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The judge fixed the include; Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, High denied any involvement. of his rearrest and remand in the custody of the date to enable kanu meet with his lawyer so as Priest, Emmanuel El-Salom Oks BenMadu “Self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed DSS as well as the next adjourned date. to prepare adequately for the continuation of and Uchendu. secessionist Indigenous People of Biafra Although the continuation of Kanu’s trial the trial which started before the court in 2016. However, on the next adjourned date in (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has been through in absentia was originally slated for October Kanu and four orders were standing trial on July 2017, Kanu was not in court. He was the collaborative efforts of Nigerian intel- 20, 2021, it was brought down to July 26 for his an amended six-count criminal charge bordering also not in court in subsequent adjourned ligence and security services. lawyers to appear for his defense. on terrosim, treasonable felony among others dates, prompting the prosecution to ask “He has been brought back to Nigeria in Before the adjournment Kanu had sought until 2017, when he fled the country few months for a revocation of his bail. His lawyer, Mr order to continue facing trial after disap- permission from the court to explain why he has after he was granted bail on health grounds. Ifeanyi Ejiofor initially informed the court pearing while on bail regarding 11 count not been able to appear in court for his trial since, Following his abscondment, the federal gov- that he does not know the whereabout of charge against him. 2017. His request was prompted by Labaran’s ernment applied to separate the trial of Kanu his client and cannot even tell whether he “Recent steps taken by the Federal statement to the court that he had jumped bail from others, pending when he would return or was dead or alive since September 2017 Government saw to the interception of to escape trial by running out of the country. be arrested since the court has already issued when soldiers invaded Kanu’s home the fugitive Kanu on Sunday the 27th day Speaking shortly after he was given permis- a bench warrant for his arrest. Justice Nyako in Afarakwu in . The inva- of June, 2021. sion, Kanu told the court in the presence of in a subsequent ruling on February 20, 2018 sion which was carried out during the “Nwannekaenyi Nnamdi Ngozichukwu heavily armed security operatives that his house severed the trial of Kanu from the three others. operation python dance by the Nigerian Okwu-Kanu, born 25th day of September, was unlawfully invaded by security men with The self-acclaimed IPOB leader, was first ar- Army witnessed the lose of several lives 1967 at Afaraukwu, Abia State is a holder his life seriously threatened. The IPOB leader rested in October 2015 at a Lagos hotel, by the as well as destruction of part of Kanu’s of Nigerian Passport No. A05136827 first claimed he would have been killed along with Department of State Service (DSS), barely few family house. issued 17th October 2013 at FESTAC, others on the day of the invasion if not for the days he stepped into Nigeria from the United In her ruling on March 28, 2019, justice Lagos”, Malami had said. wisdom he applied to run out of the country. Kingdom where he had been coordinating Nyako granted the request of the prosecu- The AGF recalled that Kanu was arrested He was afterwards taken away into custody activities of IPOB as well as operating the tion and went ahead to revoke Kanu’s bail on October 14, 2015 on 11 count charge of the DSS pending the next adjourned date. Radio Biafra. and also issued a warrant for his arrest. bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, However, a lot of issues are expected to The federal government had then charged Justice Nyako, in line with section 352 (4) managing an unlawful society, publication crop up when the matter comes up Monday him with criminal conspiracy, intimidation and of the Administration of Criminal Justice of defamatory matter, illegal possession in Abuja. Going by statement of Malami dur- membership of an illegal organization and had Act (ACJA), 2015, ordered Kanu’s trial of firearms and improper importation of ing the announcement of Kanu’s rearrest, the arraigned him before a Magistrate Court in Wuse behind his back. According to the judge, goods, among others. government is likely to file fresh charges against Zone 2, area of Abuja. However, citing lack of the first defendant’s lawyer failed to give Malami added that Kanu, upon jump- him. Before jumping bail kanu was standing trial jurisdiction, the federal government applied for cogent, compelling and verifiable reason ing bail, engaged in subversive activities on a five-count charge bordering on terrorism, a discontinuation of the case at the magistrate why his client has not been attending his that include inciting violence through treasonable felony, illegal possession of firearms court which was accordingly struck out by the trial. television, radio and online broadcasts and management of an unlawful organization. judge, Justice Shuaibu Usman. But after about three years and seven against Nigeria and Nigerian State and Considering recent events in the southeast before Kanu was then taken to the Federal High months Kanu was on June 29, 2021 brought institutions. his rearrest, the federal government may charge Court, Abuja, before Justice Adeniyi Ademola, face to face with trial judge to continue “Kanu was also accused of instigating him for murder and inciting violence against where fresh charges including treasonable felony, from where they stopped. He was brought violence especially in the Southeastern the country and state institutions, particularly maintaining an unlawful society as well as illegal to the Federal High Court, Abuja, just as Nigeria that resulted in the loss of lives in the southeast. possession of firearms were filed against him the Attorney General of the Federation and property of civilians, military, para “Kanu was also accused of instigating vio- and two others; Benjamin Madubugwu and and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar military, police forces and destruction lence especially in the southeastern Nigeria David Nwawuisi. But the defendants accused Malami, SAN, along with some Heads of civil institutions and symbols of au- that resulted in the loss of lives and property the judge of bias and sought for the transfer of of security agencies in the country were thorities”, he added; an indication that the of civilians, military, paramilitary, police forces the case to another judge. announcing his arrest to journalists in government may likely file fresh charges and destruction of civil institutions and symbols The defendant also accused the next judge, Abuja. Malami who disclosed that Kanu against him. of Authority”, Malami had claimed. Justice John Tsoho of bias after the court ruled was intercepted by security agents and Inside the courtroom, prosecution coun- Another issue that may come up is likely that Kanu and his co-defendants can be tried is being taken to court for continuation sel, Mr Shuaibu Labaran had applied to where he should be remanded throughout secretly by shielding witnesses the prosecution of his trial, was however silent on where the court for an order to remand Kanu in the trial. It would be recalled that when he had listed for the trial. Justice Tsoho in addi- was arrested in October 2015, Kanu was in tion, denied the defendants bail on grounds the custody of the DSS until Justice Tsoho in of national interest. January 2016 ordered his remanded in the However, when the case was brought before But after about three years and seven months Kanu was Correctional Center. This issue of where he Justice Binta Nyako, the federal government would be remanded can only come up if the increased the charges to 11, including terrorism on June 29, 2021 brought face to face with trial judge court eventually deny him bail. It is certain and added one Chidiebere Onwudiwe as 4th to continue from where they stopped. He was brought that Kanu will on Monday ask the court to be defendant. admitted to bail probably on health grounds Like previous judges, Justice Nyako initially to the Federal High Court, Abuja, just as the Attorney or any other since his earlier bail has been denied the defendants bail until Kanu’s health in revoked by the court in 2019. Recall that he prison custody worsened and she had to grant General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr had last month told the judge that he did him bail in the sum of N100 million on April 25, not jump his bail but escaped to save his life. 2017, so as to get medical attention since only Abubakar Malami, SAN, along with some Heads of Although bail is usually at the discretion of the living can stand trial. Part of the conditions security agencies in the country were announcing his the court, however whether it is granted or are that Kanu must produce a serving senator, denied depends on a lot of factors such as a Jewish leader and a reputable Nigerian who arrest to journalists in Abuja. Malami who disclosed the possibility of the defendant jumping bail must present a bail bond of N100 million each. or being a threat to the whole proceedings. Other conditions were that when released on that Kanu was intercepted by security agents and is bail, Kanu must not grant media interview, being taken to court for continuation of his trial, was NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the must not be seen in a crowd of more than 10 online edition on www.thisdaylive.com persons and can only travel out of the country however silent on where kanu was arrestede 22 THISDAY ˾  Ͱʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ

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L-R: Chairman, Football Association, Mr Christopher Green; special guest of honour, Amb. Desmond Akawo; Commissioner for Sports, Rivers State, Boma Iyaya and Permanent Secretary of State Ministry of Sports, Mr Honour Sirawoo, during a send-forth party in honour of Rivers Angels football club in L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari; Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and Hon. Alhassan Port Harcourt..recently Ado Goguwa during the visit of the Speaker to the President in Daura..recently

L-R: Mike Ozekhome (SAN); Director Pace Setter Schools, Mrs Kate Imansuagbon; Governor , ; Chairman Pace SetterSchools, Barr Ken Imansuagbon; former vice-president of the world Bank, Oby Ezekwesili; and Senator Matthew Urhoghide at the Graduation and prize Giving Ceremony of Pacesetters Schools in Abuja…recently PHOTO: JULIUS ATOI

L-R: Assistant Most Superior Evangelist, Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Makoko Parish, Olusegun Olarinde; Most Superior Evangelist, Samson Banjo; and Chairman, 70th Harvest Anniversary, Gbenga Daniel-Adebayo, during a press briefing to announce the forthcoming 70th Harvest Anniversary of the Parish in Lagos… L-R: Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, and Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje shortly recently after the Eid-Fitri prayers in Kano... recently

APC Chairmanship Candidate for Oshodi ISOLO Local government, Otunba Kehinde Oloyede Almaroof Wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun flanked by Children during the 2021 Ileya’s casting his vote at Igbeyinadun Ward, Oshodi ,during the Chairmanship and Councillorship Elections in Lagos Children’s Party held in Abeokuta…recently State..recently THISDAY ˾  Ͱʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ 23 

L-R: General Manager, Commercial SKLD Integrated Services, Mrs. Ogunjimi Seun; Managing Director, Commercial SKLD Integrated, Mrs. Adepetun Temilola; Executive Director, Raberto schools, Mr. Ozigi Michael L-R: Head, Anti-Vandal, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Robert Ibuh; Edo State Commandant and Deputy Managing Director, SKLD Integrated Services, Mr. Odiyemi Tayo; during the opening ceremony of of the NSCDC, Aniekan Udoeyup; and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, during a courtesy visit by the SKLD Integrated Service regional office in Abuja...recently PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE NSCDC team to the Government House, Benin City…recently

L-R: Representative of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bolaji Akinremi ; Author, Dr. Uchenna Emelonye; Representative of Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abiodun Aikomo; Human Right Advisor, UN, Mr. Martin Ejidike; Emeritus Dean of law, Faculty of Law UNN, Prof. Joy Ezeilo and Executive Secretary, National Human Right Commission, Tony Ojukwu, during the public presentation of a book titled “ The Dialectics of Rights” in Abuja..recently PHOTO: ENOOCK REUBEN

L-R: Newly Elected Officers of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce(NBCC), Vice-President , Mr. Akin Osuntoki; Immediate Past President, Mr. Kayode Falowo; President/Chairman of Counci, Mrs. Bisi Adeyemi; L-R: Sadiq Kyari; Mohammed Kyari; President Muhammadu Buhari; GMD, NNPC, Mele Kyari and MD, NNPC Deputy President, Mr. Ray Atelly; and Vice President, Mr. Seyi Adeyemi, at the NBCC 2021 Annual General Trading, Lawal Sade; during the Sallah visit to the President in Daura...recently Meeting in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ABAYOMI AKINYELE

L-R: Chairman, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria(AMLSCN), Lagos Branch, Olumide Fadipe; Managing Director, ISN Products Nigeria Limited, Felix Ofungwu; Laboratory Manager, IVD Lab, L-R: , Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and his wife, Oluremi Offutalu Paulinus and Project Consultant, ISN Medical Laboratory Scientist of the Year Award, Daniel Hamzat during a funeral service of Bashorun Rotimi Odugbesan at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Adewuni during the official flag-off of the 2021 ISN Medical Laboratory Scientist of the Year award held in ..recently Lagos…recently PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN 24 MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 • THISDAY THISDAY ˾MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 25

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Email [email protected] BUSINESSWORLD 08056356325 RATES AS AT JULY 23,2021 MONEY MARKET REPO S & P INDEX S & P INDEX EXCHANGE RATE OBB 27.50% CALL 4% INDEX LEVEL 535.12% 1/4 TO DATE 0.40% N411.50/1US DOLLAR* OVERNIGHT 28.75 % 1-MONTH 6% 1-DAY 0.13% YEAR TO DATE -20.10% *AS AT LAST FRIDAY 3-MONTH 10% MONTH-TO-DATE 0.40%

FOR BETTER IDENTIFICATION… L-R: CEO Youverify Incorporated, Dr Gbenga Odegbami; General Manager, Business Development and Commercial Services, National Identity Management Commission, Mrs Carolyn Folami; Director of Sales & Marketing, Youverify Inc, Yemi-Joshua Oladeji and Head of Product, Youverify Inc, Akinkugbe Oluseyi; at the unveiling of the YOUID App in Lagos…recently photo: etop ukutt Quick Takes COVID-19 Infections, Vaccination Bank of Industry Alerts Public On Fake Grants The Bank of Industry (BoI) has denounced messages in social Will Determine Nigeria’s Economic media in which criminal elements are soliciting applications for purported grants from the bank. The bank in a statement warned the general public to disregard such messages, stressing that it Growth in H2-2021 –Experts is not giving grants. “In one of the messages sighted, members of the public are urged to go to “No. 13 Umo Edem Street, off Eromosele Abiodun 2021 is also key to watch as faster than expected recovery Ekpo Abasi junction, Calabar, for image capturing to process ECONOMY the rising cost of subsidies in economic activities, as well their application. “The Bank warns that this is a scam and it As the global economy (NPHCDA). So far, according to (estimated at over N100.0bn/ as the low base impact of 2020. has no direct or indirect relationship with the persons behind continue to suffer the impact NPHCDA, as of June 29, Nigeria month) continue to weigh on Despite continued inflationary it.For the avoidance of doubt, BoI does not give grants and it of the COVID-19 pandemic, has administered 3.4m doses federal government’s finances. pressures, we expect the high has not asked any agency or organization to do so on its behalf. Nigeria’s economic growth will in two rounds of vaccination, Furthermore, the Monetary base effect of H2-2020 to create The bank warned that anyone who entertains such invitations be determined by developments of which 2.2m people have Policy Committee (MPC) will be an inflection point for consumer or deals with the fraudsters does so at his or her own risk. It around Covid-19 infections and received the first dose while meeting three times before the prices, causing the headline rate added, “The Bank of Industry continues to prioritize its support vaccination rates, analysts at 1.2m have received a second end of H2-2021. The committee’s to continue trending downward. United Capital Limited have decision on the monetary policy “Lastly, we expect to see for genuine MSMEs to stimulate national economic recovery dose (0.6% of total population). and growth and wishes once again to advise members of the said. In their economic outlook for rate at these meetings would sustained stability in the foreign As at June this year, Nigeria the second half of 2021, the be a key factor to watch in the exchange market as oil prices public to be careful of fraudsters.” received 3.9m of the 16.0m doses analysts said the success of the second half of the year.” are expected to remain strong of the Oxford/AstraZeneca federal government’s external They predicted that Nigeria’s while the upcoming Eurobond Oriental Energy Announce New Managing COVID-19 vaccine pledged debt issuance plans will be gross domestic will hit 3.1 per issuance is expected to support by the COVAX facility. cent as against their initial external reserves. Director critical for the government’s The management of Oriental Energy Resources Limited, has In addition, Nigeria also ability to finance its budgetary forecast of 2.1 per cent with “Certainly, downside risks received 100,000 doses from the obligations, stronger foreign rapid economic growth of 7.4 abound, mostly tied to the key announced that it has appointed Mustafa Indimi as the new government of India, bringing reserves and consequently, per centyear-on-year (y/y) and factors highlighted above, but Managing Director of the leading indigenous oil exploration and total vaccine doses received the exchange rate. 4.4 per cent y/y in Q2-2021 also due to the rising insecurity production company. The company in a statement said Mustafa to 4.0m doses according to According to the analysts, and Q3-2021. bedeviling the country. We takes over from Mr. Ignatius Ifelayo who served the company the National Primary Health “The upward adjustment to meritoriously for seven years. “Prior to the new appointment, “The subsidy program, which Continued on page 26 Care Development Agency is expected to last till October our GDP forecast reflects the Mustafa was the Executive Director (Technical) and a member of the company’s Board of Directors. He brings with him an in-depth knowledge of the business and he is well-positioned to drive the company forward. “A master’s degree holder in ACCI Kicks Against Generator, petroleum production engineering from Robert Gordon Uni- versity Aberdeen, Mustafa has an impressive track record of leading teams to deliver outstanding performance and results, Equipment Taxes in Abuja “it said. On his new challenge, Mustafa commented: “It is an Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja operators within the council among others, the ACCI participants at its webinar to exceptional privilege to be appointed as Managing Director as a permit for “gaseous reminded the councils that mark the World MSME Day at a time that provides great opportunity to take the company The Abuja Chamber of emission”. the Minister of the Federal had unanimously advocated to new heights. Commerce and Industry The Council, in a letter Capital Territory, Mohammed for harmonisation of SME (ACCI) has cautioned the addressed to the bakery owners, Bello, had previously restated taxation, warning that targeting Abuja Municipal Area Councils said the levy is for the discharge his desire to harmonise bakery and other businesses (AMAC) and other government of hazardous substances into taxation and tax administration for generator and equipment bodies against the imposition the air, water and land. within the FCT as a way of taxes is insensitive and a threat of N100,000 tax or any form But the ACCI in a statement incentivising businesses and to food and national security. “The issues that have led to of levy on bakeries and other issued over the weekend by boosting economic activities According to the ACCI, improved safety in Nigeria businesses in the Federal Capital its President, Dr. Al-Mujtaba in the territory. “We already wrote a letter air transport are complex. Territory (FCT). Abubakar, called the attention ACCI said: “The Imposition to Mr. President and other The organization has therefore of the Abuja area councils to of new taxes like the generator relevant authorities calling But I think education and called on the leadership of the current high inflation rate and equipment taxes will not for harmonization of taxes for training have contributed to AMAC and other government in the country. only be additional burden to SMEs. This is the best way to that. Operators have become agencies to suspend the planned It stated that imposing be borne by business owners. stop the high rate of business imposition of generator and generator and equipment It will accelerate the collapse failure, create jobs and boost more conscious of air safety equipment taxes, saying it is taxes on businesses would of more businesses, deepen the GDP, as over 90 per cent of with the introduction of safety inconsistent with the federal further increase the cost of unemployment and further Nigerian businesses are SMEs.” management system (SMS)” government’s drive to create doing business. hike inflation rate in the country. The Chamber added that a conducive environment for While urging the councils “This is clearly not in the “bakery businesses across Accountable Manager/COO, business owners. to explore other means of best interest of government the country are under serious Dana Air, AMAC is imposing a raising revenue, including and people of the country.” Obi Mbanuzuo N100,000 fee on bakery public-private partnership, The chamber recalled that Continued on page 26 26 MONDAY JULY 26, 2021˾THISDAY BUSINESSWORLD NEWS

COVID-19 INFECTIONS, VACCINATION WILL DETERMINE NIGERIA’S SPOMO Act: Ten Pirates Bags 48 ECONOMIC GROWTH IN H2-2021 –EXPERTS Years Imprisonment express concerns that failure to of the Nigerian Maritime Ad- a huge leap in the battle to the defendants “while armed Piracy and Other Maritime stem the recent tide of instability Eromosele Abiodun ministration and Safety Agency rid our maritime domain of with weapons, committed an Offences (SPOMO) Act, 2019, could lead to a country-wide (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh illegalities. We are not going illegal act of violence against the punishable under Section 2 of breakdown, disruption of A Federal High Court sitting said that history has been made to rest on our ours as we now crew on board FV Hai Lu Feng the same Act. economic activities, destruction in Lagos has sentenced ten (10) adding that a huge lacuna has have a tested legal instrument II belonging to Haina Fishing The SPOMO ACT was signed of oil installations and weakened pirates to a total of 48 years each been filled in the battle against like the SPOMO ACT which is Company by putting them in into Law by President Muham- investor sentiments. Thus, in prison under the Suppression maritime crimes in Nigeria and a major tool in Nigeria’s quest fear in order to take control of madu Buhari in 2019 which government’s action or inaction of Piracy and Other Maritime the entire Gulf of Guinea. to end Piracy in the Gulf of the vessel.” was a major stride in Nigeria’s regarding the security situation Offences, SPOMO ACT, for According to the NIMASA Guinea” Prosecution counsel, Mr quest in ensuring prosecution would be a critical factor to hijacking a Chinese fishing boss, “Today history has been “In the course of the trial, the Magaji, said they violated of criminals in the Nigerian watch,” they stated. vessel, FV Hai Lu Feng II, in made, our industry has made government told the court that Section 3 of Suppression of maritime domain. On the financial markets, May 2020. they said the yield environment Justice Ayokunle Faji convicted reversed higher in H1-2021, the defendants for 12 years each setting the tone for financial on all four counts as charged. market performance. The 48 years imprisonment is They added, “Stop rates at however to run concurrently. primary market auctions in In addition to each of the H1-2021 rose sharply through convicts spending 12 years the auctions due to investors’ behind bars, they would also demand for higher rates and pay a cumulative fine of N10 federal government’s huge fiscal million. deficit financing needs amidst The convicts, who reside in tight liquidity in the financial Nigeria, are Frank Abaka, Jude system before moderating Ebaragha, Shina Alolo, Joshua following strong investor Iwiki, David Akinseye, Ahmed demand for bills amidst limited Toyin, Shobajo Saheed, Adekole offering by the apex bank. At Philip, Matthew Masi, and Bright the bond markets, the narrative Agbedeyi. was similar as average yield They were arraigned in across the yield curve climbed July 2020 by the Office of 617bps year-to-date (YTD) to the Attorney-General of the 11.3 per cent as at Jun-2021, Federation (AGF) for allegedly from 5.1 per cent at the end hijacking the Chinese vessel of 2020. in international waters off the “Consequently, coast of Cote D’Ivoire. Nigerian sovereign bonds They pleaded not guilty underperformed peers in and were remanded in the emerging markets, as the S&P/ custody of the Nigerian FMDQ Nigeria Sovereign Bond Navy, following which trial index has lost 21.1 per cent YTD, commenced. Delivering his compared to a YTD loss of 2.9 judgment Friday, Justice Faji per cent on the JP Morgan EM said the prosecution proved Government Bond index.” its case beyond reasonable The analysts noted that the doubt that the pirates did Nigerian stock market, which hijack the vessel, FV Hai Lu kicked off the year with some Feng II, belonging to Haina FACILITY TOUR OF LEKKI PORT… of the bullish momenta from fishing company. L-R: The Minister of Transportation, ; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Dr. 2020, gaining 5.3 per cent in Reacting to the landmark Magdalene Ajani; Acting Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello Koko and Chairman Lekki Jan-2021, subsequently reversed judgement, Director General Port, Biodun Dabiri during Port facility appreciation tour of Lekki Port in Lagos...recently as various drags, particularly the yield reversal, weighed on sentiments. Accordingly, the equity market has slumped 5.9 per cent Huawei to Invest $150m in Africa’s Digital Talent Devt YTD, closing at 37,907.28 index Emma Okonji expand its talent development African countries. The program technologies such as Artificial as part of its corporate social points at the end of H1-2021. programs, through scholarships, and Huawei’s efforts in ICT Intelligence, Internet of Things, responsibility engagements. Although q/q, the NSE ASI Huawei has said it plans to technology competitions, and talent development has been Robotics, and Virtual Reality. The Managing Director of shed 8.7 per cent in Q1-2021, the invest $150 million in digital digital skills training, and has recognised by many African He noted that in a few years, Huawei Technologies Nigeria bleeding has eased somewhat talent development over the invested more than $150 million governments. Nigerians might no longer Limited, Mr. Trevor Liu, said in Q2-2021 as the market has next five years, which will in these programs. Huawei has The Minister of Communi- need to travel to India or other Nigeria population remained gained 2.8 per cent in 2021. be beneficial to about three tremendously benefited more cations and Digital Economy, foreign countries for medical the largest in Africa, which million youths in Africa. than 1.54 million people from Dr Isa Pantami, had said: treatment, as surgeries could be according to him, would be an ACCI KICKS AGAINST The technology company in over 150 countries. “Nigeria is positioning to performed on patients anywhere advantage to fast-track digital a statement quoted its Chair- Seeds for the Future is a pro- be the continent’s leader in in the world by means of 5G transformation in the country. GENERATOR, EQUIPMENT man, Liang Hua, to have said: gram that aims to help cultivate digitalisation. Burkina Faso technology. “The youths are the conti- TAXES IN ABUJA “Today we are announcing young talent around the world, already has a ministry of Pantami urged the 10 nent’s greatest resource, which providing them with training digital economy but we have Nigerian students selected will power the economy in the operational challenges due to Huawei’s Seeds for the Future Program 2.0. As part of our from global ICT experts on the so many advantages” The from different institutions future. Huawei will continue high cost of raw materials, latest technology to help them advantages, according to him, for the Huawei internship to partner with the Nigerian epileptic power supply and commitment to continuously develop talent, we will invest develop the skills and mindsets include the country’s population programme to see themselves governments, education insti- high cost of logistics which needed to be competitive in the and location, the contribution as future entrepreneurs in tutes and industry to equip the have necessitated the steady $150 million in the program over the next five years and workplaces of the future, the of the ICT to Gross Domestic order to make the best of the future leaders with the latest increase of prices of bread.” statement further said. Product, and the level of the opportunity. “The ICT has the knowledge at the highest The ACCI regretted that help college students and young people improve their digital Huawei introduced the ICT literacy among Nigerians. potential of employing and global levels and provide consequently, many bakeries program to Africa in 2014. He added that the govern- lifting millions of Nigerians them opportunities to apply have shut down operations. skills. The program is expected to benefit another three million Over the past years, the ment would henceforth be out of poverty,” Pantami said, the knowledge in order to people.” program has benefited nearly proactive in the ICT through while commending Huawei for achieve a better future for the In 2008, Huawei began to 2,000 students in more than 25 effective application of emerging investing in Nigerian youths continent,” Liu said. IATA Warns Govts on High Cost of COVID-19 Testing Group Business Editor Chinedu Eze But 70 per cent also believe to adequately manage testing. appropriate to the threat level. and accept antigen tests which Eromosele Abiodun that the cost of testing is a sig- At best it is expensive, at worst For example, in the UK, the are fast, affordable and effective, The International Air Transport nificant barrier to travel, while extortionate. And in either latest National Health Service with a confirmatory PCR test Comms/e-Business Editor Association (IATA) has called 78 per cent believe governments case, it is a scandal that the data on testing arriving travel- for those who test positive. This Emma Okonji on governments to take ac- should bear the cost of manda- government is charging VAT, ers show that more than 1.37 could be a pathway for enabling tion to address the high cost tory testing. ”said IATA’s Director General, million tests were conducted even unvaccinated people access Asst. Editor, Money Market of COVID-19 tests in many “IATA supports COVID-19 Willie Walsh. on arrivals from so-called to travel,” Walsh said. Nume Ekeghe jurisdictions and urged flex- testing as a pathway to reopen The world body said the new Amber countries. Just 1 per He added that restarting Senior Correspondent ibility in permitting the use borders to international travel. generation of rapid tests cost cent tested positive over four international travel is vital to Raheem Akingbolu of cost-effective antigen tests But our support is not uncon- less than $10 per test. months. Meanwhile, nearly three supporting the 46 million travel (Advertising) as an alternative to more ditional. In addition to being “Provided a confirmatory times that number of positive and tourism jobs around the expensive PCR tests. IATA reliable, testing needs to be rRT-PCR test is administered cases are being detected in the world that rely on aviation. Correspondents also recommended govern- easily accessible, affordable, for positive test results, WHO general population daily, “he “Our latest survey confirms Chinedu Eze (Aviation) ments adopt recent World and appropriate to the risk guidance sees Ag-RDT antigen said. that the high cost of testing James Emejo (Finance) Health Organisation (WHO) level. Too many governments, testing as an acceptable alterna- “Data from the UK govern- will bear heavily on the shape Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) guidance to consider exempting however, are falling short on tive to PCR. And, where testing ment confirms that international of the travel recovery. It makes Chineme Okafo (Energy) vaccinated travelers from testing some or all of these. The cost of is a mandatory requirement, travelers pose little to no risk of little sense for governments to Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) requirements. testing varies widely between the WHO’s International Health importing COVID-19 compared take steps to reopen borders, According to IATA’s most jurisdictions, with little relation Regulations (IHRs) state that to existing levels of infection in if those steps make the cost Reporters recent traveler survey, 86 per to the actual cost of conducting neither passengers nor carriers the country. At the very least of travel prohibitive to most Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT) cent of respondents are willing the test. The UK is the poster should bear the cost of testing. therefore, the UK government people. We need a restart that is Peter Uzoho (Energy) to get tested. child for governments failing “Testing also needs to be should follow WHO guidance affordable for all, ”said Walsh. THISDAY ˾MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 27 BUSINESSWORLD ANALYSIS Herbert Wigwe: Offering Goal-oriented Leadership Herbert Wigwe, Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, and Chairman of the Body of Banks’ Chief Executive Officers, is facilitating the desired collaborations by in the public and private spheres to benefit the Nigerian economy.Ugo Aliogo tracks his recent footprints

ike a man on an uncommon The group received a total of N39.64 mission, Herbert Wigwe has billion as donations from members of the since the creation of the group private sector and spent N43.272 billion continued to offer value-driven on various interventions, including N28.7 leadership to the banking industry billion on food relief, as palliatives to 1.7 asL well as the much-needed collaboration million households translating to eight with managers to drive development of million Nigerians. the Nigerian economy. According to Wigwe, the coalition right The urbane Wigwe, who formed a from the onset knew the fight against formidable alliance with Aigboje Aig- coronavirus was not going to be easy but Imoukhuede, to transform Access Bank would require collaborative efforts of all. into a household name in the Nigerian He said CACOVID-19 approached the banking landscape, is today one of the fight against the virus from three levels. most respected bankers on the African “One, it was clear from beginning that no continent. one institution can go it alone, so we solicit Under his watch Access Bank has gone everybody’s cooperation in tackling this from a lower ranked Nigerian bank when scourge. “Two, while several measures are he was the Deputy CEO to become one of being taken to stop the spread, including Africa’s leading financial services groups. lockdowns, restriction, social distancing, He has shown a relentless pursuit for there was the need to address the hunger. growth, albeit in a measured and calculated “How do we cater for the feeding needs manner. of the people if these measures are to be As leader of the Body of Bank CEOs, he effective?” he asked. has collaborated with the Central Bank of Wigwe explained that the third level was Nigeria (CBN) in introducing initiatives to the thought leadership aspect of the plan, support Nigerians, especially micro, small which was to tackle the post-pandemic and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs) aspect. operators as well in ensuring stability in According to him, “a lot of businesses the banking system. have been badly affected and economies For instance, the banks in collaboration have been disrupted. How do we get them with the CBN, under the aegis of the Bankers’ back to life after we might have defeated Committee, are presently renovating the the coronavirus?” National Arts Theatre, Lagos. Cappa and The Access Bank GMD explained the D’Alberto Limited, the contractor handling modalities adopted to get the food relief the project, had indicated that the renovation Wigwe materials to the targeted households, pointing of the iconic theatre would be completed out that it was done from the bottom of the next year. When completed, the edifice “The coalition was and information technology verticals. pyramid, which is the 774 local government would be the number one event centre In addition to these, a welcome/ areas where the CACOVID partners were in Africa. In addition, there would be the the first cross sectoral visitor’s centre, police and fire stations assigned to deliver the materials. development of clusters to support the effort among private and structured parking for up to 500 In order to tackle some of the challenges creative industry. sector leadership to vehicles will be built, “CBN Governor, created by virus, CACOVID early this Not only will the National Theatre be Mr. Godwin Emefiele explained. year unfolded plans to commit over N150 restored, there would not be a single job tackle the pandemic. Emefiele stated that the 44-hectare billion to set up and implement a youth loss. Instead, more jobs would be created It succeeded in site adjourning the National Theatre development programme to support the during the reconstruction of the facility. mobilising private would be developed and utilised for the federal government’s job creation drive. Nigeria is a country with over 250 ethnic development of purpose-built creative The group said the youth development groups. This is a reflection of the country’s sector thought hubs for the music, film, fashion and programme would provide technical and rich cultural heritage. Through music, leadership, private information technology. vocational education to over four million movies, writing, food, fashion, dancing, sector resources, He said the aim was to deliver a Nigerian youths over the next five years. arts among others, the country’s treasure successful creative and entertainment In addition, the private sector-led coalition are continuously showcased to the world. increased general city that would encourage additional unveiled plans to raise and spend N100 One of the factors that have hindered public awareness…” investment into Nigeria’s creative billion over the next two years to renovate the growth of the entertainment sector is industry. and buy rifles as well as other security poor state of infrastructure. For instance, regeneration around the whole of that The intention is that before the end of gadgets for the Nigeria Police Force, with the National Arts Theatre, the principal area. President MuhammaduBuhari’s tenure special focus on the 44 police stations centre for the performing arts in Nigeria, “We are doing this for some reasons. in 2023, the entire project would be destroyed by hoodlums in the wake of the had lost its glory as well as its potential The first is that we need to restore our completed. #EndSARS protest against police brutality. as a means of non-oil revenue generation national heritage. The national theatre The anticipation is that there would Wigwe said: “Every transformation for the country. is one of the most iconic buildings all be at least 10,000 direct and indirect jobs comes with its own pain and hitches. The national asset was built in 1976 as over the world. created during the construction phase CACOVID right from inception came one of the four main venues of the historic “The second thing is that this will and that over 25,000 people would be to help with the issue that came with Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC) that help to create employment to millions engaged in different sections of the COVID-19 and also to protect the took place in 1977, had completely lost its of Nigerians over the next five years, centre when the Signature Cluster is livelihoods of people. splendor before the intervention by the apart from those who are going to be completed, with anticipated multiplier “Obviously in that process, there would CBN and the bank chiefs. involved in construction and all of that. effect of other job opportunities. be hitches from time to time. As we share Indeed, just like the National Stadium “The third thing is that it is a classic Another area where the leadership more information, people will have a clear at , Lagos, this facility had been example of an urban regeneration qualities of the chairperson of the Body picture of what we are trying to do. The turned into a meeting point for mostly exercise in line with the sustainability of Bank also manifested was the full most important thing has to do with issues town unions and indigenes from other principles of the central bank,” Wigwe support he gave the CBN Governor of employment. tribes that reside in Lagos State. added. towards the creation of the Coalition “COVID-19 and the lockdown have created The sorry state of the national monument The project is being funded through Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) as well several problems. What I will say to young then and the desire to aggressively ramp the Creative Industry Funds Initiative as in actualising the objectives of the people who are seeking funding to start their up activities in the non-oil sector forced (CIFI) of the Bankers’ Committee. group whose aim was to actively support own businesses is that they should reach the Bankers’ Committee, in collaboration The CBN and the bank CEOs had the federal government in taming the out to their banks.” with the CBN to intervene in the National set up the Creative Industries and spread of the deadly virus. Beside other interventions, the banks also Theatre as well as the creative sector. Financing Initiative through which The coalition was the first cross sectoral collaborated with the CBN in introducing the Wigwe explained that the entire banking banks set aside, on an annual basis, effort among private sector leadership Agricultural Small and Medium Enterprises industry came together and decided to five percent of their profit after tax to tackle the pandemic. It succeeded Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS), to improve intervene to rescue the moribund national (PAT). in mobilising private sector thought access to affordable and sustainable finance asset. “This facility will be a convenor – leadership, private sector resources, by agri-businesses and MSMEs. “It is not just about the banking providing space, support network, increased general public awareness, This has enhanced the creation of community; we are also partnering the business development and community education and buy-in; provided direct productive employment opportunities Lagos State and federal governments. Lagos engagement for the creative, cultural support to private and public healthcare’s and boosted the managerial capacity of State government is going to support us as and technology sectors. ability to respond to the crisis; and agri-businesses and MSMEs. So far, a total far as the dredging issues are concerned “The Signature Cluster will consist of supported government’s general efforts of N111.7 billion has been disbursed to and ensure that there is an entire urban a building each for music, film, fashion in the COVID-19 fight. 29,026 beneficiaries. 28 MONDAY JULY 26, 2021˾THISDAY BUSINESSWORLD INTERVIEW Onyung: NNPC Should Reverse Coastal Shipping Contracts given to Foreigners The President of Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) and Chairman of Jevkon Oil and Gas, Capricorn Maritime Limited, Dr. Mkgeorge Onyung in this interview with Adedayo Adejobi outlined the main challenges facing Nigeria’s Shipping industry, the need for NNPC to reverse coastal shipping contracts given to foreigners and explained the importance of leadership and multi-stakeholder collaboration to innovate feasible solutions that benefit customers, shipping companies. Excerpts The global maritime industry generates $6 trillion that part of the raw materials used in creating the a year, $24 billion a day, $980million an hour and solar system is sand, which we have in abundance. $11million a minute. One would think that it’s a The time is now to get to the drawing board and business that should salvage Nigeria. What is the get ourselves ready. current state of the shipping industry and what One year into your leadership as President, Ship exactly do you see wrong with Nigeria’s maritime Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), what would industry? you say have been the high points of your tenure? hat’s a big question. Maybe you should I don’t know what the high points are, but I ask the Minister for Transportation that have a duty as President, Ship Owners Association question. But I will limit myself to the of Nigeria (SOAN), to ensure that we promote Ship Ship Owners Association of Nigeria. The Ownership and have genuine Ship Owners and state of shipping as it pertains to ship not people who call themselves stakeholders and ownersT is that we are still in a very rudimentary are just in the maritime sphere. In order for Ship stage of shipping development. We are also over Owners to thrive in Nigeria, the Cabotage law must time trying to battle with maritime infrastructure. be maintained. So what we have done is to cry The Port is a clear example of the situation out to the National Assembly and various tiers of that needs emergency surgery, and the need to think government that these laws are not being implemented. of how to solve the problem. Ships come to berth We have been able to stimulate a public hearing in ports and it’s like a chicken and egg; tongue and on foreign ship ownership dominating our waters. teeth situation because without ships there would be Although the Group Managing Director Nigerian no ports. Without ports, ships will not have a place National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Minister for to discharge their goods. And by extension without Transportation, Director-General Nigerian Maritime seafarers, there would be no ships, because ships Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA) were will not be able to be maned. So if we are looking at the hearing, we have still not seen the traction yet. at the status of shipping in Nigeria, we must have The problem is that we are still waiting on NNPC, a situation where we tinker a holistic approach to even though they came out to openly accept that the solution and not just pinch it on the corner or Onyung for 40 years Nigeria has not done anything about take a small plaster to cover a gaping wound. It moving Nigeria’s crude by Nigerians and Nigerian shipping capacity, and establish the Cabotage the oil fields. That method is straightforward and Ships and that this administration would change starts with training Seafarers. finance fund. 18 years after, do you think it has there are no risks to the oil fields. If that approach is That way, you can have ships that run efficiently. the narrative. We are still to see the impetus up till been properly implemented? deployed to the territorial waters as well, it would this moment, rather we have been disappointed If you have ships that run efficiently, you must have I would say no because it has not been implemented help. But those vessels have to be manned, repaired, ports that function efficiently. If we don’t have that, by a contract that has been recently awarded for at all. For 18 years, I have not seen any implementa- fuelled, and people on board the ships have to be coastal shipping- the crux of Cabotage, was with there would be a disconnect. The ocean was created tion whatsoever. The Cabotage is to restrict foreign fed. It is a strategy that has to be Government and billions of years ago and it has been adjoining our impunity granted to a foreign company, Unibros vessel participation in coastal trade, to promote the private sector collaboration to ensure that we secure Shipping Corporation, to bring 14 Ships to work in country Nigeria like it borders other countries in development of indigenous shipping capacity, and our ocean. We also need widespread collaborations the world, and those people are making it. But our waters when we have the capacity in Nigeria. establish the Cabotage vessel finance fund. All of it with stakeholders and users of the ocean. We are talking to NNPC to reverse those contracts if you don’t wear soccer boots, you cannot play has been done, we have not seen any restrictions. international football. Norway has 45,000 ships, and use Nigerians because there is no other way There is no strategic implementation of that. If there is What domestic political or legislative developments you can thrive without obeying the laws of Nigeria. China has 60,000 ships and that’s how they are no gap to be met, then there is not entrepreneurship, that you think may have an impact on Nigeria’s making it. If we must join the ace we must find Also when people talk about capacity, there is we have o bridge the gap. There is no vacancy. All shipping market? nobody that was born with capacity. The hardest out how they succeed. And that takes us to laws the contracts are being given to foreigners. There We have enough legislation. There is the African that are supposed to guide us in conforming. We thing anyone did in our lives before the age of one, is no room to promote indigenous capacity. And Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), the was to get up and work and no one was able to get have conventions and IMO (International Monetary that is what we are demanding. Just implement it. best thing that can happen to Africa. By Sea, Africa is Organisation) regulations. The rules are all laid out up and work without being held up in the hand linked by 34 countries, and as such Nigeria stands in by a brother, sister, mother, nanny or relative t be and if you don’t follow the rules, you are bound There is the N72.4 billion Cabotage Vessel Financing a good position now, to be able to export our goods to have accidents. able to take that step. Fund (CVFF). Have ship owners accessed those funds? to reach Ivory Coast or Angola before anything comes Therefore, that is why the Nigerian Content law No, those funds have not been established up from China. That is our advantage because we’re has been promulgated. In a situation where there is If the purpose is not known, abuse is inevitable. to date. The monies are supposed to be applied to not going to fly them in airplanes, or by road. We Do you think the regulators’ understand the Ocean? inadequate capacity, whoever is awarding the contract, develop shipping. Has it been done, No? For 18 have to send ships there. So there are opportunities must ensure that they have a strategy approved by Nice question. When you talk abut regulating years, they are still tinkering around it, and this for vessels, ferries, Ro-ro vessels, fishing boats, cargo the ocean, we are talking about Nigerian Maritime the Nigeria Content Development board to create absolutely no excuse because the law is clear as to vessels, and container ships. These will bring African those jobs for Nigerians within one or two years. Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA) other what needs to be done if there was any problem. prosperity. agencies, which regulate the ocean economy- the And the awardee of the contract must also have It is not going to be another Petroleum Industry that strategy for Nigerian content implementation. Nigerian Content Development Board and Department Bill (PIB). implementing the Cabotage law has to What do you see as the biggest challenge in terms for Petroleum Resources (DPR). I would assume There is absolutely no excuse for anybody to give be done and done quickly. of Safety and Environmental protection? How will the excuse of capacity. Whoever is in the position they understand the ocean because if you get a this affect the industry and how should we prepare job, you must know your job and do your job. of Authority is saddled with the job of developing The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety to face this? the capacity and he needs help. The Cabotage Vessel But, my perspective is that there is ‘Sea-blindness’. Agency, (NIMASA) is moving its operations to When you talk about safety, we are still going I have invented the phrase because there is a lack Fund is there to give is the help. Even the 25% income Victoria Island. Do you think they would be able back to the same issues of piracy and maritime of NIMASA is supposed to applied for that help, of knowledge of the Ocean. I think that we have to monitor the ocean with Helicopters? And how crime. The POMO Act, which has been enacted to understand the Ocean very well. I’m a physician and NIMASA is getting huge amounts monthly effective do you think their operations would be to try pirates and ocean criminals is a welcome and just sitting on the money. We have to continue and I operate in the Maritime sphere. The only way in after its relocation? approach. These people operate daily, so if you I can operate in this sphere is by having knowledge. to engage the regulators and government agencies. We read it just like everybody on the pages of catch them once in 90 days, it means you have The building of Nigeria’s capacity is paramount on Regulators must have in-depth knowledge, not the newspaper.N3.4bn story building with some to step up. We need to have a proper strategy to necessarily relying too much on consultants. If you our agenda. That is why we organised the maiden car parks. The only advantage of the building is ensure ocean security. The same thing goes for Lagos International Shipping Expo in November don’t know, you must seek help. But the regulators that it is very high and has a helipad. Other than the environment, as the same patrol monitoring must have the knowledge and I believe they do. 2019, with participants from different countries like that, it is not on a waterfront. On whether it would pirates will monitor spills, environmental dumpings, Thailand, China, Norway, Italy, Ghana, Ivory Coast, If the laws are there and you not regulating based be of benefit to NIMASA, the Director-General of illegal and uncontrolled fishing because at night on the law for over 18 years. I would not say it’s a Cameroon. NIMASA can answer the question. They have bought people come to take our fish and we are scared Over nine countries were represented with major lack of knowledge, instead of a deliberate disregard a few helicopters and air crafts to monitor what to death. I used to be a fisherman with 7 fishing for the laws and principles they should uphold in players in the industry. In this light, we are putting is happening in the ocean, but the building at a trawlers and I fished within Nigerian, Gabon, and out the voice that Shipowners are here to build this their regulation of the industry. If you don’t regulate waterfront would have given NIMASA a better Cotonou territorial waters for 11 years years and properly, there would be chaos in the Ocean. economy because it is 95 percent of global trade and opportunity to take off from there and be able to exported shrimps to Europe and America. I sold no industry is bigger than the Shipping industry monitor the ocean. Now, NIMASA rents vessels to my fish here is Ijora. But that industry has gone in Nigeria. In my tenure, I have insisted that we What prevailing shipping market trends do you do the monitoring. I think they need to work very down, because asides from the price of fuel that is think could positively affect Nigeria? should take out duties for ships. Airplanes, private hard in that area. How can you restrict foreign ships so high, the security of the ocean calls for concern. jets, and agricultural equipment’s come in without The trend in Nigeria is that we are an import if you don’t put your boots in the water? Asides Because of exploration, technology can be deployed nation. The shipping trend can change if we start duty. Recently, all medical officers were on the from the fact that the building is beautiful, I don’t transparently to monitor pollution. front line so they took out all duties on medical exporting, that way it would be two-way traffic. think it is of an advantage to the agency. At this The trend in Nigerian can change from being an equipment. but the ships that bring in the supplies point, we need to take more proactive action in The global maritime industry is transitioning and the Seafarers who are supposed to be on the import nation if we start thinking export as well. If terms of developing the maritime sphere. toward cleaner operations, thus decarbonization we want to turn the table around, we must equip frontline, are charged duty. We must recognise the Ship Owners want to see action in the waters. We has become so important. Do you see the center hen that lays the golden egg. ourselves. Trade involves the goods, the ships, and commend the Federal Government for the deep blue innovating feasible solutions that benefit customers, the health of the Ocean. Where Ship Owners are Nigerian Ships pay full import duties, whereas the project, but we feel the strategy to be able to take shipping companies, the environment, and the Nigerian foreign ships trade on temporary import permits which impacted is that the enabling environment to create full control of the security means you need to have shipping industry’s move toward decarbonization? opportunities for shipping development is still not is little or nothing- yet they take undue advantage armed Navy personnel on the water and proper There’s a big talk about decarbonisation and two of us. In the areas of security, we are collaborating being tackled with sincerity. As a Ship Owner, there security boats patrolling so that all the network of conferences have already been held this quarter of is money to be made. I don’t see any business in to ensure that the regulators make sure that piracy communication and intelligence will be put to use. the year. I see that Nigeria is gearing up, even though is s thing of the past. Meanwhile, the ship owners the world that makes $1bn an hour. Even if we are Piracy is no longer fashionable. We are owners and they are not going to throw away the reserves that to tap into that and catch as little as $50m an hour, have lent their vessels for training in collaboration we take Seafarers as members of our family. Any we have for gas that would take us another 150 with Man Oron to train them. There are so many that is something. Apart from deploying people, we time any of them is lost, kidnapped, or hijacked, years, and oil which will last us another 50 years. can deploy ships that would make those kinds of things to do in my second term and I believe we we don’t sleep until we find them. Many places still don’t have electricity whilst many would be able to get more work done. monies and turn around the economy. We have the We talk the heat and write big tick transactions, places cook with firewood, so there’s a lot of gaps key to unlock the economic prosperity of Nigeria. We What’s your advice to the government? weather the storms and surfer the waves and pay to close and the centre is doing something about it. We must speak truth to power and let them can’t get to the promised land without addressing ransoms so that we can bring back the Seafarers There is the opportunity for us to have ships that the Ocean economy. understand that they are a government of the people, because without them there is no trade. Whether it transport the gas and LPG tankers and cleaner fuels. for the people, and by the people. We want them to is a Nigerian or foreign ship, the strategy must be a There are autonomous ships, Unmanned ships are The Cabotage Act, which is 18 years, was created understand that shipping, is going to help Nigeria. holistic approach towards solving this problem. We coming into the sphere. It is already here. That is why The government needs to also understand that the to restrict foreign vessel participation in coastal Shipowners are already securing the oilfields. IOC’s the knowledge of the ocean and decarbonisation, trade, to promote the development of indigenous law needs to be followed. There is no agency above charter navy approved ballistic security boats to patrol must be taken seriously. It is ridiculous to know the law THISDAY ˾MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 29 BUSINESSWORLD NEWS ‘Take Advantage of Reduction in US EB-5 Investor Programme’ Goddy Egene Regional Center reauthorization can invest $500,000 to become drop in the level of investors. “Serving as the future of EB5 including the ability to provide circulating in the U.S. Senate, eligible for an EB-5 green card. The Managing Director, Investing, Moderno Porcelain repeatable, predictable results. International investors have both contemplating a higher Hence, the Chief Executive Houston EB5, Acho Azuike, Works, is currently one of the “Moderno is a matured busi- been urged to take advantage of investment amount and this Officer of 3INVEST, a real said: “Additionally, another few approved operational ness model with several large the reduction in the minimum is expected to happen in estate investment group and attractive aspect of the new businesses in the EB-5 industry retail and builder accounts to investment in the EB-5 Investor September 2021, investors have the African partner to Houston opportunity is that returns are ready and able to process direct service. Your investment will Programme in the United States between now until September EB5, Ruth Obih, has advised paid yearly instead of being EB-5 investments in the US. fund the opening of new service (US) to $500,000 from $900,000. 30th at the latest (per key USCIS intending investors to key into accrued.” Moderno Porcelain Works locations (HUBs), expanding The Houston EB5, through Sunset dates) to secure their this opportunity. He explained that going offer a more personalised Moderno’s national reach. the years, has worked diligently spot in an EB-5 project at the “Just like the US lottery, this forward, only direct EB5 Invest- investment opportunity and With six operational centres towards helping international $500,000 investment level. may just be a rare and final ment and projects creating direct smaller capital raise to begin currently, in Texas, Florida, investors gain permanent United Beside, everyone in the opportunity for families who employment such as Moderno each project,” said. and Minnesota, EB-5 Houston States (US)residency in return industry is unsure how long want to obtain a 2nd passport Porcelain works, which is the According to him, Houston completed the raise for three for making a qualified real estate this the ruling will remain through US EB5 Investing,” she latest project currently offered EB5 chose to offer an EB-5 additional locations with plans investment. effective, it is clear that for a said, noting that the 2019 by Houston EB-5 will qualify Visa investment in Moderno to expand to a total of 60 cities However, in 2019, the US short period of time investors increase to $900,000 saw a for the EB-5 Visa. for several strategic reasons by 2026,” Azuike said. government implemented changes to the EB-5 Investor Programme as part of a comprehensive EB-5 modernisa- tion law passed by Congress, which led to the increase in the minimum investment amounts from $500,000 to $900,000 for Targeted Employment Area (TEA) investments and $1 million to $1.8 million for non-Targeted Employment Area (TEA) investments. A new hope was reinstated following the recent court ruling by The U.S Northern District Court of California, which reduced the EB-5 Minimum Investment to $500,000 on June 23, 2021, on the ground that the decision to increase the minimum EB-5 invest- ment amount from $500,000 to $900,000 must be vacated as the USCIS Acting Director lacked the authority at that REWARDING SHAREHOLDERS… time to issue that regulation. L – R: Director, Beta Glass Plc, Ms Lola Adefope; Director, Beta Glass Plc, Ms Wuraola Abiola; Company Secretary, Ms Bola Adebisi; Chairman, Beta Glass Although there are currently Plc, Abimbola Ogunbanjo; Chief Executive Officer, Beta Glass Plc, Darren Bennett-Voci and Director, Beta Glass Plc, Ms Seun Oni, uringd the company’s two new EB-5 bills including Annual General Meeting held recently in Lagos…recently Experts Harp on MSG‘s Nutritional Value Sunday Ehigiator reduction can be achieved by the European Commission’s adding MSG without changing Scientific Committee for Food Food experts have called on the taste of the food. It is a demonstrates that glutamate Nigerians to use Monosodium healthy product that has been is safe.” Glutamate (MSG) as part of consumed by Billions of people Junichi noted that based on their seasoning because of the across the Globe and there is no its safety, Ajinomoto Umami nutritional value it represents. scientific proof yet to directly Seasoning was consumed in Speaking during the com- associate MSG with any health over 130 countries, adding memoration of Umami Season- issues as suggested” he added. that the usage of MSG was ing Day in Lagos, the Vice The Managing Director, West to enhance taste and increase Chancellor, Federal University African Seasoning Company deliciousness of food. Dutse, Prof. Abdulkarim Sabo Limited (WASCO), Niki Junichi The Umami seasoning, ac- Mohammed said MSG, also said safety of Ajinomoto has cording to him, has been safely known as Ajinomoto, was safe long been scientifically proven used as a food ingredient since for consumption and that it and its safety approved by 1908 after it was discovered was beneficial to the brain as authorised agencies of the by a Japanese scientist, Dr. well as the nervous system. United Nations. Kikunae Ikeda. He said: “MSG is found He said: “An extensive He assured that the company naturally in some foods body of research which has was committed to providing including tomatoes and been reviewed by scientists products that make food more cheese. Glutamate is essential and governments around delicious and nutritious, urg- for living bodies, it is a good the world, including the US ing Nigerians to dispel any energy source of the brain and FDA, the American Medical myth or misconception about helps boost good feeling by Association, experts of the Ajinomoto. regulating impulse transmission United Nation’s Food and The Umami Seasoning Day in the nerves. Agriculture Organization, is celebrated on July 25 every “In fact, 30 to 40 per cent salt World Health Organisation and year to raise awareness about the importance of the Umami seasoning, popularly known as Ajinomoto On his part, Prof. Abiodun Sanni of the Department of Microbiology, University of Ibadan, who wants Nigerians to work with facts and not rumours, explained that glutamate has no health issues as purported in some quarters. Sanni noted, “MSG produces a unique and fifth taste known as Umami. We have a lot of glutamate in our local foods. Iru for instance is umami. When you take Iru, you take a lot of glutamate. So, people should debunk the rumours about glutamate. The human body metabolizes both the natural and added glutamate in the same manner.” 30 MONDAY JULY 26, 2021˾THISDAY BUSINESSWORLD NEWS Guaranty Trust to Hold Annual Autism Conference August Nume Ekeghe added, will feature in-depth sionate in our advocacy for has been at the forefront of was held via live stream, such as Duquesne University, conversations on supporting people with developmental the advocacy for children and bringing together people from Pennsylvania and The Color of Guaranty Trust Bank is slated people living with autism disorders. We strongly believe adults living with autism. Its around the world at the height Autism Foundation, USA, will to host to its eleventh edition facilitated by medical experts in building a world of equal Annual Autism Conference is of the Covid-19 pandemic. deliver keynote presentations, of the Guaranty Trust Annual and specialists from around opportunity for everyone, and the major rallying point for “This year, alongside the panel discussions, and topical Conference on Autism. the world. through this Conference, we driving awareness about Au- livestream option, attendees Q&A sessions on managing The bank in a statement In his comment, the Group constantly challenge ourselves tism, campaigning against the will be able to physically par- Autism. Some of the facilitators said the conference will hold Chief Executive Officer of and the society at large to social stigma associated with ticipate in the Guaranty Trust include Dr. Waganesh Zeleke on Tuesday and Wednesday, Guaranty Trust said Segun do more to help people developmental disorders, and Annual Autism Conference, of Duquesne University, USA, August 3 in, Lagos with the Agbaje said: “The theme of with autism live a full and helping people with autism whilst observing all health and Lanre Duyile of Behaviorprise theme, “Life Beyond the our Annual Autism Confer- rewarding life beyond their live a full and productive life. safety guidelines. At the two- Consulting Inc, Canada, and Diagnosis.” ence this year strikes at the diagnosis.” In 2020, the Guaranty Trust day event, seasoned specialists Kora Hardy of Nuru Behav- The conference, the bank very heart of why we are pas- He added, Guaranty Trust Annual Autism Conference from renowned institutions, ioral Network, USA.” APCON, GAGE Awards Set for Strategic Collaboration The Advertising Practitioners “We must know what is hap- Council of Nigeria (APCON) is pening in terms of creating rating, ready to throw its weight behind but what you are saying now is the annual GAGE Awards. The creating rating as it affects the apex advertising and marketing marketing communications in regulatory body is also poised for the tech space,” he said. a solid and strategic collaboration On the issue of creative rat- with the leading organisers of ing for creatives, Dr. Fadolapo awards in Nigeria’s digital space. highlighted that craftsmanship This was revealed during a is supposed to be paramount, recent courtesy visit paid by but noted that while tech is Johnson Anorh and his GAGE taking the space, craftsmanship Awards’ team on the Dr. Olalekan has absolutely little or nothing Fadolapo, APCON Registrar. to do with tech. “Software is It can be recalled that the now writing copy; but you Nigerian Communications cannot compare copy that is Commission (NCC) also endorsed written by software with what and threw its corporate support someone like Lanre Adisa or towards the successful staging of Steve Babaeko will sit down to the maiden edition of the annual do. So, what exactly should be GAGE Awards which was held the area of focus? Where is the on the 22nd of February, 2020 uniqueness in the campaign you at the exclusive Eko Hotel and are looking for?” he queried. Suites, Victoria Island in Lagos. Dr. Fadolapo said that the The NCC had partnered with credibility of the judges on the award organisers towards a ground must be brought to successful staging of the awards bear when talking about the which aims at celebrating brands creative because they are going and individuals who have made to judge different campaigns, positive impact to the growth and campaign is more about and advancement of the digital branding and marketing. SOLIDARITY VISIT… technology space in Nigeria “There will be lot of conversa- R-L: Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh; former Head of During the courtesy visit, Dr. tion around it, and so if we are State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (Rtd.) and Umar Abdulsalam Abubakar, when the NIMASA DG paid a visit to the Fadolapo said that the GAGE going to be bringing people on former Head of State...recently Awards is a good platform for board, they must be people that creating rating, as it affects the can ….if there are opportunities marketing communications in for us to help you look at it, the tech space. He hinted that or opportunities for us to have FG Appoints Gambo Registrar of Meteorological Institute APCON will see where and our own input as APCON….” how it can come in as marketing the association can only liaise Kasim Sumaina in Abuja Science with specialty in A Case Study of Katsina State. Youth & Sports, Katsina State. communications cannot be talked with us for camaraderie and for Land Degradation/Desertifica- An Assessment of Com- Until his appointment, about without the mentioning regulation in terms of industry The federal government has tion from the University of munity Participation in Dr. Bishir Gambo was the of APCON. growth. appointed Dr. Bishir Gambo Botswana. Agroforestry: A Case Study Senior Special Assistant on as the Registrar of the Meteo- He is a member of World of Batagarawa Local Govern- Environment to the Deputy rological Institute of Science Overview on Conservation ment Area of Katsina State. Senate President of the Federal and Technology, Katsina. Approaches and Technology Impact of Desertification on Republic of Nigeria. 200 Students Benefit from The appointment, which is (WOCAT), a global network Livelihoods in Katsina State, It is believed that Dr. Gambo for a four year term in the first on Sustainable Land Manage- Nigeria amongst others. will bring to bear his wealth instance, was conveyed in a ment (SLM) that promotes the Dr. Gambo has worked of knowledge and experience SIFAX-Sponsored Safe letter signed by the Director documentation, sharing and in various capacities both garnered over the years to of Human Resources, S.D. use of knowledge to support in the private and public the institute. School Training Mohammad, on behalf of the adaptation, innovation and sectors. These include, The Meteorological Institute Minister of Aviation, Senator decision-making in SLM. General Manager, Katsina of Science and Technology A total of 200 students drawn menstrual health and sexual He is also a member of State Transport Authority Katsina was commissioned from selected public schools in abuse. Hadi Sirika. A statement made available the National Association of (KSTA); Special Adviser to by the Minister of Aviation, Lagos State have been trained She lauded SIFAX Group Environmental Professionals the Katsina state Governor Senator Hadi Sirika on the on various ways and means for supporting the initiative, to Journalists in Abuja by General Manager, Public Rela- Seattle, W A. on Labour and Productivity, 21st of May, 2019. as well as strategies to live a adding that the students trained Dr. Gambo as an academic, and part time lecturer at the The Institute was estab- drug-free life and how to avoid would be supported to become tions, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Mr. Muntari has several publications to his Al Qalam University in Katsina lished to serve as a centre pitfalls of juvenile delinquencies. ambassadors who will in turn credit including; Impact and state. He had also served as for training and research on The programme, tagged train and guide other students. Yusuf Ibrahim stated that Dr. Gambo holds a Doctorate Control of Desertification in Commissioner, Ministry of meteorological and climate “Safe School Initiative”, was an Head, Corporate Communica- the Frontline States of Nigeria: Rural Social Development, change sciences. initiative of a non-governmental tions, SIFAX Group, Olumuyiwa Degree in Environmental organization, Community Akande while speaking at one Health Safety & Environmental of the schools, emphasized the Rescue Initiative (CHESRI) and importance of safety education sponsored by SIFAX Group. among students and reinstated Bedmate Unveils Showroom The beneficiary schools are the company’s commitment as Hamid Ayodeji company came into Nigeria as and great customer service since Majesty, Oba Alayeluwa - United Christian Secondary a socially-responsible establish- a small investment company its inception. We attribute this Saheed Ademola Elegushi, School, Apapa; Apapa Senior ment in supporting projects that The management of Bedmate with a determination to bring achievement to the strength and Kusenla said, “We applaud High School, Randle Senior are beneficial to the society. furniture has officially unveiled uniqueness to the furniture ingenuity of our workforce, ”he the economic contribution of Secondary School, Surulere He said: “At SIFAX Group, its 8000 square meters Lekki business in the country. added. Bedmate furniture into our and New Era Senior Girls we believe that safety is syn- showroom which comprises of “Driven by that resolve, we Liu further said: “This project society as this project would School, Surulere. onymous with prosperity. It is various furniture units, includ- have evolved over the years which started two years ago, be providing employment for According to CHESRI’s only a safe society that translates ing office furniture showroom into creating jobs for over three comprises of our various furni- several Nigerians. Executive Director, Lilian to a prosperous living. This is sections. hundred employees. ture units, Sofa and Sofia office “This milestone is not merely Azu the training was aimed the reason we have thrown The organisation revealed “Like the proverbial acorn we furniture showrooms sections, an achievement to Bedmate at creating and promoting our weight behind this “Safe that the initiative was birth have grown into a formidable offices furniture for staff. furniture, but an achievement awareness about the dangers School Initiative” in order to from the need to deepen the organisation that boasts of a “It is situated here in the for the entire community as of various juvenile delinquen- equip the young ones with the reach of its consumers, grow factory located at Magboro highbrow area of Eti-Osa as a a whole. cies that are prevalent among skills needed to build a bright employment within the society Ogun State, ten branches cut way of bringing our products “Also, I am proud to have secondary school students in future. From what we have seen and also erect a structure that across the the nation which closer home to our high end such a structure in my com- the state and to equip them so far in the training, we are stands out from others within includes four in Lagos, three clients and a reflection to of munity as we know that it is with the right knowledge to convinced that projects of this the developing Lekki axis. at Abuja and three at Port our determination to maintain an opportunity for Bedmate combat such menace. Some of nature are needed in all our Speaking at the event, harcourt. our position as a lead destina- furniture to further impact the topics focused on during schools and as a company, we Managing Director, Bedmate “In tandem with our vi- tion of choice in the furniture the economic activities of the the training include: Basic CPR will not relent in our support Furniture, David Liu said sion, Bedmate furniture has industry. society while giving back to skills, dangers of drug abuse, for such initiatives.” nineteen years ago the furniture maintained quality products On his part, His Royal the society in which it operates. MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 • THISDAY 31 32 MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 • THISDAY MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 • THISDAY 33 34 THISDAY ˾  Ͱʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi FEATURES Email [email protected], 07010510430 As Insecurity Tears across the South-east Chiemelie Ezeobi in collaboration with Christopher Isiguzo and Gideon Arinze in , David-Chyddy Eleke in Anambra State, Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Abia State, Benjamin Nworie in and Amby Uneze in report that the rising insecurity in the South-east occasioned by attacks on security and public infrastructure and acts of extra-judicial killings have turned the region into a hotbed of violence ndoubtedly, the growing security members of the Indigenous People of Biafra threats from Nigeria’s South-east (IPOB) and what police call its armed wing, region gives cause for concern. the Eastern Security Network (ESN) for the But it was not always so. Until attacks, the IPOB has denied involvement recently, the South-east region repeatedly. Uwas arguably the most peaceful part of Currently, major roads leading to the Enugu the country, but now, it has evolved into State government house have been cordoned a hotbed of violence targeting state security off for fear of attacks by members of the institutions by armed men popularly referred IPOB who appear to have reawakened their to as unknown gunmen. demand for a sovereign state. In fact, between January and April 19, On Monday, May 31, the group’s order for 2021, over 17 police stations, in addition to a sit-at-home, completely crippled commercial a correctional facility, have been targeted and economic activities in the state as well by the gunmen, leaving in their trail dead as other states in the region. Banks, schools, officers, charred police stations, freed prison government offices and motor parks were inmates, and empty armoury. also closed. Residents were afraid of both Before 2021, the South-east region was members of the group who had threatened mainly known for the hustle and bustle to deal with anyone who disobeyed the associated with markets. Although just order and security operatives who they felt like other regions, there also were cases of were on a mission to destroy the South-east. criminal violence manifesting as cult wars, Buhari Ikpeazu At the entrance to the government house, ransom kidnaps and armed robbery. Added security remains tightened with security to these are sustained episodes of pro-Biafra violations and growing violence," they that: "We pray for a time when normal officers constantly subjecting visitors to secessionist agitations that turned fatal in added. trading will commence again in this thorough examinations before they are some instances. Five months into 2021, 149 For the attacks on police formations, market. As I speak to you, people are allowed access into the building. people have been killed in 36 attacks in they have continued unabated in the afraid of coming to to buy For the two months also, tricycle riders south-east Nigeria according to Nextier South-east since January. goods, and traders are suffering. We have been banned from operating beyond Security, Peace and Development (SPD) have goods, but we cannot find people 9pm. This was against the backdrop of reports violent conflict database. Anambra: At the Mercy of Un- to sell to. Can you imagine that for that some individuals were using it to carry Nextier SPD, an international develop- known Gunmen, Cultists buying small goods, just to get to the out robbery attacks. ment consulting firm based in Nigeria David-Chyddy Eleke in Anambra motor park, touts will be harassing In a bid to in the state, to deal with the which utilises evidence-based research and reports that insecurity in the state has you for no reason, yet, everyone will rising tide of insecurity in the state, the policy in developing knowledge and skills hit an all-time-high, leaving the citizens just look away. Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali for governing the society, also disclosed that at the mercy of cultists, armed robbers "There is no form of night life in Baba, flagged off a new Operation to “restore multiple attacks, especially at police stations, and unknown gunmen Anambra anymore. In Onitsha, once peace”. courts, and other state infrastructure, have In Anambra, despite the menace of it is evening, people are already in According to the Police Public Relations been recorded. " The now-unstable region is unknown gunmen and armed herd- their houses because of fear of touts, Officer, Enugu State Police Command, ASP increasingly witnessing gruesome murders ers, there is the combined threat from robbers and others. I pity those whose Daniel Ndukwe, the launching of the opera- and incessant attacks by violent actors widely cultists in Awka, the state capital, and businesses are done at night, like those tion is one major step that is helping the regarded as "unknown gunmen", they added. touts and armed robbers in Onitsha, women who bring food to sell at motor state to deal with the prevailing security They further posited that "while Nige- its commercial capital. park at night, because automatically, challenge. ria's security operatives have fingered the Awka has been worse hit by cult they are out of job now. Things are The launch of the operation came 24 hours indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and clashes by various groups, which has very tough these days." after the headquarters of the Independent its offshoot, the Eastern Security Network led to several killings of young people, THISDAY investigation shows that in National Electoral Commission, INEC in (ESN), the pro-Biafra group, have continu- most of who are believed to be members Awka where night life recently gained Enugu State was attacked and property burnt. ally denied responsibility for the ongoing of one cult group or the other, from momentum, even though it has not been The attackers, according to reports, report- carnage in the South-east. The situation January 2021 to date. totally phased out, people no longer edly tried to set buildings in the premises leaves many conflict experts perplexed Meanwhile, no less than 16 police stay out late, leading to poor patronage ablaze but were resisted by security operatives towards a comprehensive understanding of formations in Anambra State have for people who do business at night. who were guarding the premises. They the triggers and consequences of insecurity been attacked by yet-to-be identified however succeeded in burning a number in South-east Nigeria. gunmen, and this has rendered the police Enugu State: Widespread Fear of Hilux vehicles inside the building. "Also, if the violence persists, it spells doom incapable of discharging their duties, Reigns amidst Rising Insecurity After the attack, a combined team of the for the region and the country in general. For leaving the entire state to the mercy Christopher Isiguzo and Gideon Nigerian army and the Nigerian Police force instance, terrorism in the Lake Chad basin of hoodlums. For instance, when the B Arinze in Enugu report that amidst were drafted to the headquarters of the may be more demanding with the death Division Police Station and the head- rising insecurity in the state, there are INEC to keep it safe from further attack and of the resilient Chadian's president, Idriss quarters of the Independent National widespread fears that the state and destruction. Roads leading to the building Deby and the new power ascendancy of Electoral Commission in Anambra were other states in the South-east could have since been blocked. Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP). attacked simultaneously by gunmen, on become like the North-east which has Speaking during the launch, the IG said Recently, ISWAP was reported to have killed the same night, armed robbers took time been torn apart by incessant attacks it was part of the federal government's ef- Abubakar Shekau, the leader of Boko Haram. to move from hostel to hostel in Ifite by insurgency fort to address growing insecurity, attacks The volatile South-east, and by extension, area, robbing residents while gunshots Enugu State, like other states in the on security infrastructure and secessionist the South-south zone, adds to a long list of rent the air. A source said the entire South-east region, has had its fair share agitation in the zone. security challenges the Nigerian government operation lasted for three hours from of security challenges in recent times. He said that in order to addresss the prevail- has to manage". 9pm to about 12am, yet there was no From attacks on electoral facilities to ing security threats in the state, everyone In its analysis of insecurity in the region, resistance from security forces. those on police stations, residents in must bedetermined to build a consensus, they disclosed that from its violent conflict In Onitsha, the near absence of police the state hardly sleep a wink at night. partner in condemning any act of criminality database, about 724 people were killed and on the road has also emboldened both In the past two months, at least six and resolve to work with the police and 802 kidnapped in 336 incidents in the first petty thieves and armed robbers, in- police officers have been reported other security agencies towards identifying, quarter of 2021, while in the last quarter of cluding youths who accost passersby, killed when gunmen, who till now isolating and bringing the criminal elements 2020, 384 people were killed, 510 persons and ask them to part with valuables have remained unknown, attacked within communities to deserved justice. kidnapped in 256 incidents. "The statistics or regret any resistance. A resident of and burnt police stations in Eziagu Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, portray an increasing wave of violence despite Onitsha, who deals in clothing materials and Uzo Uwani Local Governments. who was present during the launch, expressed the Nigerian government’s efforts to contain in Onitsha main market told THISDAY While the government has blamed optimism that the operation will lead to these issues. The result is the emergence of the retooling of security architecture in the non-state actors in some instances comple- state and the entire South-east. ment efforts the state security -Amotekun, He said "today's event could not have Vigilantes- and some cases challenge- IPOB, In the last five months, 55 attacks were recorded in come at a better time than now given the ESN- the state. point of insecurity in the country. In the "In the last five months, 55 attacks were the South-east, ranging from communal clashes to past week, we have been saddened by the recorded in the South-east, ranging from spate of killings of security operatives in communal clashes to farmer herders. The farmer herders. The attacks have led to the death their line of duty as well as destruction attacks have led to the death of over 155 of security infrastructure as well as other persons. The new wave of insecurity indicates of over 155 persons. The new wave of insecurity public institutions. that the Nigeria Police Force expected to indicates that the Nigeria Police Force expected The launching of Operation Restores Peace” maintain law and order during the polls has been interpreted to be part of plans by are as vulnerable as citizens... The increased to maintain law and order during the polls are as the federal government to extra-judicially deployment of soldiers to the region rather kill members of the IPOB. than quell violence has led to human rights vulnerable as citizens On a particular Sunday last June, a THISDAY ˾  Ͱʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ 35 FEATURES day to the sit-at-home order given by the Mrs. Nwadike later came to a popular radio IPOB, security operatives raided a church station, Ozisa FM to cry to the governor, located at Road in Enugu where Commissioner of Police and indeed all they marched members out, claiming that concerned Imolites to appeal to those that they were members of the group. arrested her 25-year son, who assists her Without making reference to the incident on daily basis in her restaurant business. in the church, ASP Ndukwe, in a statement, Mrs. Nwadike was lucky a week later to said, “54 persons were seen to be unlawfully have her son released to her by the police in gathered at Owerri Road, Ogui, Enugu, and the state after passing through excruciating brought to Headquarters for questioning. and psychological trauma. But for more “After nothing incriminating was found than a score others who could not make on them, the Commissioner of Police, CP it alive in the midst of shooting, clamping Mohammed Ndatsu Aliyu, addressed and down on innocent citizens, the experiences cautioned them to go home and maintain of their loved ones were only but wailing, peace. They all left happily.” heartbreak and loss of hope. Also in June, the Enugu Nigerian Cor- For instance, Mrs. Ijeoma Unachukwu, rectional Centre, Enugu Custodial Centre, whose beloved husband had just returned on its part, beefed up security to prevent from Germany where he was based for over attacks that could lead to a bridge of security. 20 years, was not lucky as her husband, The development followed the attack on Mr. Oguchi Unachukwu was gunned a correctional facility in Owerri, the Imo Uzodinma Umahi down by an airforce security personnel State capital, that led to the disappearance at the checkpoint near the Sam Mbakwe of over 1,800 inmates Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu had outlined other measures his admin- International Cargo Airport on his way back The Public Relations Officer of the centre, said it was "sequel to security reports istration had adopted to stem the tide to his base in Germany enroute Muritala ASPEmeka Monday told THISDAY that they received from multiple sources, and of insecurity pervading the state. He Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. had been working closely with other sister informed by the need to continue to said: "The ongoing exercise of flushing In a petition to the Imo State Commissioner security agencies in the state to forestall any protect innocent citizens and residents out criminals from our forests will be of Police, Mr. Abutu Yaro, to investigate attack that could lead to jail break. of the state". steady until the state gets rid of criminal the murder and bring the culprit to book, "We have tightened up our surveillance With the insecurity situation unabat- elements from across our bushes and through her, lawyer, Ihediohanma Akponye, outside the custodial centre and we are doing ing, the state government has continued forests in Abia". the bereaved widow had explained how something entirely different to ensure that to expand the curfew areas. First, He stated that the deployment of ICT her husband was gruesomely murdered the security of the facility is tight" he said. and Arochukwu Local Governments in crime fighting in Abia had recorded on that Monday morning of May 31, 2021. When THISDAY visited the Enugu were added and on May 11, 2021 "remarkable success" through the Abia According to the widow, her husband Custodial centre then, men of the Nigerian while Umunneochi and Bende Local CPAMS Initiative conceptualised to met his untimely death while driving with Army were seen manning several spots, in Governments were dragged into the take records of criminals using apps her and their two infant children to catch addition to officers of the centre. At intervals, curfew web. The Secretary to the State on internet-enabled phones. a flight to Lagos at about 8.40am on that they stopped and searched individuals who Government (SSG), Mr. Chris Ezem, "This government has tried to deploy very day, enroute to his base in Germany walked past the centre. said Governor Ikpeazu had directed science and technology in the fight through Muritala Muhammed International With the security situation looking the inclusion of the two additional local against crime," Ikpeazu said, adding, Airport, Lagos. The late Unachukwu had like it is not going to end soon, there are governments in the curfew areas after "it is my intention to ultimately rest been living in Germany for over 20 years widespread fears that the state and other reviewing the security situation. it on the shoulders of the various and only visited home to be with his family states in the South-east could become like The SSG also announced that all LGA chairmen". According to him, and was scheduled to fly back to Germany the North-east which has been torn apart by local government chairmen had been the council bosses "will have the in line with his flight schedule to Hamburg, incessant attacks by Boko Haram insurgents. "directed to urgently mobilise local responsibility of making sure that the Germany through Muritala Muhammed The insurgent group began their onslaught vigilante groups to support conven- geographical entities they superintend International Airport, Lagos on May 31, by attacking government facilities, after tional security agencies to enforce the over are well supervised and adequate 2021 when he was murdered on his way which they graduated to destroying lives curfew and effectively safeguard lives security intelligence and report made to the airport. and property. Now, they have taken over, and property". The curfew period was available timeously". She narrated that, before getting to the launching attacks incessantly on the military. reviewed to run from 8.00pm to 6.00am At the end of the two days of airport checkpoint, they met and passed over in and Aba while it comes deliberations, the Abia State Security three other military and police checkpoints Abia: Ikepazu's Battle to Make State into effect between 6.00pm and 6.00am Summit 2021, chaired by the former where they calmly identified themselves Safer in Ohafia, Umunneochi, Arochukwu Chief of Army Staff(COAS), Gen and explained their mission on their way Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Abia reports and Bende. Azubuike Ihejirika, recommended "a to the airport to catch a flight to Lagos. that after emerging from the clutches of Not done yet in its quest to find new security architecture" for Abia State. “That when they got to the airport kidnapping and armed robbery, the relative answers to the security challenges, the The stakeholders said that the new checkpoint of the Airforce, my husband security that residents of the state had been Abia government convened a security outfit "will incorporate a community stopped for a check and cleared his car enjoying is fast disappearing with the incur- summit which held in Umuahia from based vigilante services, Homeland only for the airforce personnel to open fire sion of unknown gunmen creating havoc May 26 to 28, 2021. Governor Ikpeazu Security (CPAMS) and ABSAS(Abia State on him in my front and the children and After emerging from the scourge of kidnap- invited to the summit all retired security Vigilante Services)". They emphasized he fell to the bullets that hit his forehead. ping and armed robbery that brought the personnel of Abia origin that served that all the local security outfits would "The security men ferried him to the state to its knees over a decade ago, Abia in the Army, Navy, Airforce, Police be required 'to work in conjunction Naval Hospital at Aba road, Owerri before State had been relatively peaceful. Things and DSS, from the rank of Assistant with the statutory security agencies he was referred to the Federal Medical Centre really returned to normalcy following the Police Commissioner(ACP) or its to enhance the security and safety of (FMC), Owerri, where he was unfortunately successful war against kidnappers and other equivalent. Heads of security agencies the State". confirmed The same unfortunate incident criminal elements. It was common to hear in the state were also included. The Governor Ikpeazu, who has consis- also occurred in Afo Enyiogugu market the state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu boast security experts were joined by other tently faulted the centralised security square where an innocent youth was killed that Abia is one of the most peaceful state in stakeholders, including the governor architecture of Nigeria, describing it while running for his dear life when the Nigeria with emphasis that no bank robbery and his deputy, Speaker of State House as counterproductive, would be well Inspector General of Police crack team said has been recorded in the state since 2015 of Assembly, members of state security disposed to a local alternative to comple- they were chasing the killers of the former when his administration came into being. council, council chairmen and their ment the federal security agencies. He political aide to President Goodluck Jonathan, But amid the escalating insecurity in deputies as well as traditional rulers. has already expressed his "firm commit- Alhaji Ahmed Gulak on that fateful Sunday the entire South-east geopolitical zone, the For the three days, the stakeholders ment towards implementing workable morning of May 30, 2021. relative security that residents of Abia have on security brainstormed on the way and responsive recommendations" of the Gulak was also murdered on his way to been enjoying is fast disappearing. Every out of the security problems facing security summit for improved security Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport to day people sleep, wake up and begin their the state. in God's own state. catch a flight to Abuja by yet-to-be-identified daily activities in fear and panic. In fact, the Speaking at the security summit, assassins. The young innocent boy was panic mode is easily triggered by any hint Ikpeazu said his administration was Imo: Dire Acts of Extrajudicial probably a victim of stray bullet that hit of rumoured attack by criminal herdsmen or fine-tuning the existing Abia State Killings Occasioned by Reprisals his forehead while running for his dear life the unknown gunmen, which has become Vigilante Law to complement efforts Amby Uneze captures several cases and he fell on top of his motorbike. the buzz word after every attack. of the Abia State Homeland Security of extrajudicial killings and harassments However, the police said that the killers of At the last count, about seven police stations outfit in readiness of being deployed "for of innocent citizens perpetrated by Gulak were also killed on that same day (six across Abia have been attacked and razed strategic security operations" based on security personnel in Imo State, of them) as they stopped a truck carrying by the unknown gunmen, with some of the the recommendations of the summit. He which has exacerbated into reprisals onions and were busy distributing to the attacks resulting in casualties on the side of hinted on the role of the new regional by unknown gunmen villagers. The police tagged them “IPOB/ the police and the attackers. The Independent security outfit, Ebubeagu, approved A female food vendor operating at ESN” members. National Electoral Commission(INEC) and by the South-east Governors Forum. Timber market located in Naze Industrial As if the harm on the citizens was not the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency "My thoughts for Ebubeagu is that it and Building Materials layout, Owerri enough, a week earlier, in an attempt to (NDLEA) have not been spared. The offices should be the intelligence gathering North Local Government Area popularly attack the Orji Police station in Orji near of both agencies were attacked at Ohafia in arm of the security architecture of the called “Ogbosisi” had her son recently Owerri Municipality, unknown gunmen Ohafia Local Government Area. The attacks South-east supported by the Hunters arrested and brutally tortured when (UGM), about three innocent people fell on police facilities have led to allegations of Association and every other group who police personnel dressed in unknown to the bullets of the security personnel. extra-judicial executions due to the reactionary depend on the bushes and forests for gunmen outfit stormed market to inflict The two women who were selling their response of the police after each attack on their living on a daily basis". injuries on the people there, intimidate petty things in their respective shops were their facilities The Abia chief executive further and arrest them. hit by stray bullets while the man, a bus In its efforts to resolve the security problem driver who was hit on the chest late gave the two major cities - Umuahia, the capital up the ghost. city and Aba, the commercial hub - have There is a need to initiate non-combative strategies Reports have it that in the last one month, been placed under curfew since April 5, soldiers have killed not less than two scores 2021. The curfew regime of 10 pm to 6am that will counteract the growing distrust people of innocent people, mainly youths who were was imposed apparently as a proactive going about their normal activities to fend response after the police headquarters and may have towards the government. This distrust is for themselves. Recently, security personnel, the correctional facility in neighbouring Imo evident in the reported raiding of communities in particularly the army have gunned down State were attacked by hoodlums. In announc- ing the curfew the state Commissioner for South-east Nigeria and large scale arrest of youths Continued on page 36 36 THISDAY ˾  Ͱʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ FEATURES As Insecurity Tears across the South-east two innocent passersby in front of Imo State community. Government House, Owerri. He was accused and arrested on May 19, The deceased persons met their untimely 2021 by the anti kidnapping squad of the death while attempting to cross the road Imo State Police Command and shockingly in front of the government house when on Friday, May 28, 2021, was co-labeled by the soldiers opened fire on them without the Imo State Police Command as “ESN flagging them down to identify themselves. hoodlums that attacked Imo State Prison It was learnt that one of the deceased, Headquarters”, which also falsely claimed identified as 24 years old Miss Divine Nwaneri to have arrested him alongside three (four) and a first year student of Imo State University others on Thursday, May 27, 2021. was in company of three other friends in What of Emeka Mbonu, 39 years old and a custom-colour Lexus 250-IS car was shot Ibe Chisom Amadi? Emeka Mbonu is a as they drove pass the Government House father of three kids and happily married, roundabout at about 10pm on Sunday. residing at MCC Road/Amawire, Owerri. He Another victim, a farmer, delivering his is presently into real estate and was a staff pigs in a bus was also shot dead in front of of Owerri Capital Development Authority government house roundabout. The lifeless under former Governor . body of the farmer was left in the driver's seat He hails from Osina in Ideato North, Imo for a long time until the body was removed. State and was arrested and detained by the As if that was not enough, the same security operatives of the Imo State Police Command personnel (soldiers) usually shoot sporadically Ugwuanyi Obiano since May 13, 2021 and was co-labeled “ESN across the major streets of Owerri Municipality, hoodlums that attacked Imo State Prison specifically around Hausa Quarters (Ama They sighted riotous police patrol Obokofia-Egbema in Ohaji/Egbema LGA, Headquarters”. Hausa), Douglas road, road, Wetheral personnel shooting indiscriminately Imo State and was living with his relative, The poice also claimed to have arrested road, most time at night, leaving inhabitants around Orji and environs, forcing a retired permanent secretary in the Imo him alongside four others on Thursday, to scamper for their safety. In one of those Citizen Chukwudi Okoro to jump out State Civil Service who was his guardian May 27, 2021. It is noteworthy that Citizens incidents, one young man also identified as of his shuttle bus in fear and ask his for over 20 years at Jerusalem Lodge, Ikechukwu Okomah and Emeka Mbonu were a final year student of Imo State University driver to take the bus to the driver’s Umukoto Nekede,Owerri. He recently arrested and originally framed and accused of was also killed by a stray bullet along Ama house so that he can find a safer route became an apprentice as Aluminum “possessing firearms” (Dane guns and pump Hausa area. to his house. He barely trekked meters Fabricator worker with Chief Chindu action guns used by their street vigilantes) Recently, a video clip went viral online when police patrol personnel blocked C Chindu popularly known as Oceanic from where the police changed and accused showing a distraught lawyer, who was held his way and arrested him at gunpoint. Aluminum in Owerri located at No 45 them of “being ESN hoodlums that attacked by soldiers on patrol in Owerri, for allegedly He was paraded in the same evening Onomuonu Street, Owerri. He was on Imo State Prison Headquarters”. mounting a Biafran flag inside his car. The alongside four others as “ESN hoodlums his way to Ogwa for a job for one Mrs. Citizen Ibe Chisom, on his part, is a Port lawyer, whose car was eventually damaged by that attempted to burn down Orji Police Onyenaka when he ran into decurity Harcourt based father of three and a surveyor the officers before they let him off the hook, Station”. agents at Orji on May 25, 2021 and who was arrested by police/SSS since March had claimed that his offence was “putting Casmir Ibegbulem, 40 years old and a was arrested. He was also among those 18, 2021 and whisked away with his white Biafra flag in my car. “One of them told father of one, expectant father of another transferred to Force Headquarters, Abuja Toyota Camry car. He had returned from me, he would have killed me, but for the and a “Permit Holder” staff of LNG Ugbo Casmir Nnaemeka & Ojukwu Port Harcourt to his Umuodiya, Umuegwum fact that I am a lawyer”. Company at Bonny Island in Bayelsa Ukonu, who reside at World Bank Hous- in Mbaise, Imo State for a funeral ceremony If the lawyer was lucky to have escaped State and a native of Ogwa Community ing Estate, New Owerri and Igwe Allen when he was arrested around 12noon and with his life intact, a businessman, Noel in Mbaitoli, Imo State was also arrested. Okoro Street, off MCC Road, Owerri, since then he has not been seen or located. Chigbu was not. Noel, the operator of He had just returned to Imo for the burial were arrested differently on trumped The list is endless as the Archbishop of Sharwarma Zone in Akwakuma area of of his in-law, which eventually took place up allegations on May 13 ( Ukonu) and Owerri Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Owerri, was killed by military men at the on Friday, May 28, 2021. May 14, (Ugbo) by the operatives of the Anthony Obinna seeing that if nothing urgent Amakohia flyover in Owerri at about 10pm He was in Owerri on Tuesday, May 25, anti kidnapping squad of the Imo State is done, the state would become another for allegedly “violating check point rules”. 2021 to pick up personal items needed Police Command. The two had served in Iraq, and called for truce. He urged the It was gathered that the soldiers, who when police patrol personnel bounced various capacities in the administration governor, Hope Uzodimma to “Stop the snuffed life out of him at the checkpoint on him at gunpoint and arrested him. of former Governor Rochas Okorocha Killing - Convoke a ceasefire meeting, Save had dumped his remains at the Federal He was paraded in the same evening and are still aides working for the former Imo. He almost wept on seeing over 35 lifeless Medical Centre, morgue, Owerri, took his alongside four others as “ESN hoodlums Governor. bodies dumped by security personnel at the badly shattered car to the police station and that attempted to burn down Orji Police Surprisingly, on Friday, May 28, 2021, Federal Medical Centre on the bare floor made an entry that his relatives should visit Station”. He was later released from the Imo State Police Command released a stake naked. the health facility and claim his body. the force headquarters, Abuja after he statement that they arrested five additional National Assembly members from Imo Noel was said to have acquired a new allegedly paid N1.5 million. ESN hoodlums. The police command state have also expressed serious concern and Camry car and had gone to drop off his friend Chigaemezu Sebastian, 26-year old and not only named the duo alongside two called on the governor to arrest the situation that fateful night. But, he never returned. single, residing at Naze, Owerri, Imo (three) others as “ESN hoodlums” but by sending back to the barracks the military He left a four-month pregnant wife, a two- State, is a trader/plumber at Ogbosisi also claimed to have arrested them personnel that are deeply involved in the year-old son and four year old daughter. (Timber) Market, Owerri and hails from on Thursday, May 27, 2021 “during a shooting and killing of innocent citizens in Already, Imolites are worried over the Asaa, Ngugo in Ikeduru, Imo State. He coded raid operation to fish out “ESN the state. maltreatment, harassment and unnecessary was also unjustly arrested enroute to his hoodlums”. Available evidence has not Also the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) punishment soldiers are subjecting the innocent village at Ikeduru when the attack took only countered the claim by police, but has called on the resignation of the governor people in the state capital. Several commuters place and while, he alongside others also incontrovertibly shown that they for failing to protect the lives and property and pedestrians are also feeling the heat as were scampering for safety following were arrested and detained since 13th of the state which he swore to defend and they are being asked to raise hands up, do indiscriminate shootings and raining of and 14th May 2021, a period of two protect. frog jump and other inhumane treatments. live bullets by police and army personnel, weeks before A number of civil society organisations, Also, the number of abducted or arrested he was arrested by police on May 25, 2021 Another victim was 50-year-old such as the Coalition of South East Youth innocent citizens and falsely labeled “ESN and was in the same evening paraded Ikechukwu Okomah, a graduate of Leaders (COSEY), the International Society hoodlums/Gunmen” in Imo by security alongside four others and falsely labeled Engineering from Enugu State University, for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, a leading personnel are legion. “ESN hoodlums that attempted to burn class of 1996 and Masters Degree holder research and investigative rights group based John Chinonso, a 24-year-old from Nchoko down Orji Police Station”. in Chemical Engineering and a member in Onitsha, Eastern Nigeria, and the religious Dikenafai Community in Ideato South, Imo The lawyer hired by the family for of the Nigerian Society of Engineers leaders in Imo State otherwise known as State and living at Apiti Street by Hardel the matter was denied access and as well as a licensed petroleum dealer leaders of faith-based organisations under Junction, Orji-Uratta in Owerri North, Imo audience with him at Imo State CID and an executive member of IPMAN the auspices of Christian Association of State, was one of such. An orphan living and on Saturday evening, May 29, (Independent Petroleum Marketers Nigeria (CAN) had also recently sued for with his elder brother Emmanuel, Citizen he called his elder brother from Abuja Association of Nigeria). Married with peace and called on political leaders in the Chinoso owns and manages ‘Daddyfresh (Force Headquarters where he has been kids and living with his wife, he is from state to sheathe their sword and work as Barbing Saloon’ at Ogboru Umuchoke by transferred alongside four wrongly ac- Ubahaezike, Awo Idemmili in Orsu Lo- a team to secure the people and property Hardel Bus Stop, Orji. cused and falsely labeled others) with cal Government Area, Imo State and of the state. He responded to his elder brother’s call his personal phone number and further resides at MCC Road, Uratta, Owerri The leaders comprised about 50 Bishops for him to close his shop and return home gave his side of the story. In tears he and religiously, he is a member of the from the Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, before dawn owing to precarious security pleaded for his family’s intervention Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement Pentecostal and Evangelical Churches under situation in Owerri and environs and as he as he is presently under severe torture of Nigeria of St Mathews Catholic Church, the umbrella body of All Churches in Imo was going home in the evening of Tuesday, alongside four others. MCC Road, Uratta, Imo State and also State (Christian Association of Nigeria). May 25, 2021 at about 4pm, the police patrol Daberechi Alozie is 25 years old from owns and runs a big pig farm in his The church leaders noted that the recent personnel blocked and arrested him at insecurity in the state was as a result of gunpoint. Citizen John Chinonso was in political contestation and insisted that all the same evening paraded alongside four political gladiators regardless of their political others as “ESN hoodlums who attempted Rather than resort to unlawful raiding and arrest leaning must come together to restore peacef to burn down Orji Police Station”. as it used to be. Chukwudi Okoro, another 29-year old of people, the Nigerian security operatives must and a shuttle bus transporter/owner, plying demonstrate openness to work with the people in Ebonyi: Umahi's Balance of Terror Owerri-Orji route with his apprentice. He is Benjamin Nworie in Ebonyi reports on from Akabo-Amata in Orji, near Owerri, Imo managing the escalating crisis in the South-east the incessant cases of attacks and killings by State and his wife, Chioma, who is heavily armed herdsmen, amidst communal clashes pregnant. Okoro and his driver were heading zone. The tensions in the area suggest that relying despite concerted efforts by government to home in the early evening of 25th May 2021, restore peace having closed early as a result of insecurity solely on combat actions will not achieve sustainable Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi has situation in Owerri and environs and rising peace but widen the growing gap between government warned that any herdsman or hoodlum who wave of army and police abductions and extrajudicial killings. and the people Continued on page 37 THISDAY ˾  Ͱʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ 37 FEATURES As Insecurity Tears across the South-east wields AK-47 to unleash mayhem must receive for over 39 times but he didn't pick, the balance of terror in the state. The reason victims were evacuated to the Alex Ekwueme is not far-fetched- since the second quarter Federal Teaching Hospital, . The of the year, the land of Ebonyi State has state Governor was furious and unhappy witnessed unfortunate deadly attacks, most on the incident. He described the Benue of which were reportedly masterminded by killing as act of wickedness and satanism. killer herdsmen. Ebonyi State has lost several As the respective government continues lives of indigenes to herdsmen, bandits and to seek for and implement solutions that communal dispute for the past one year. This would bring lasting peace, all the citizens ugly development is not only worrisome and residents of the states want is peace but strange. and security to thrive. Ebonyi State has been relatively peaceful and adjudged as the most peaceful state in the Recent Effort by Police country. Except some pockets of communal In a recent parley with THISDAY and other land dispute and cult clashes, the state barely select media houses, the Inspector General of has another insecurity situation. Police, Usman Baba, addressed the incessant Despite the fact that Ebonyi State Governor, attack on police formations, especially in David Umahi has since assumption of office the South-east part of the country. He said braced up to fight any form of insecurity, the concerted and intelligence-driven efforts new trend of attacks are either perpetrated by of his team had drastically reduced such herdsmen or hoodlums. Umahi also believes criminal activities. that apart from herdsmen killings, indigenes IG Baba "When last did you hear of such attacks are responsible for some killings in the state. on our formations? It is part of what we did And his balance of terror for any killer or victims to help them shelter, feed and sounds always filter into the town as and I can assure you that we are working weapon wielders is not limited to herdsmen. cloth themselves. another invasion. But, Umahi seems hard to defeat insecurity in the country. But While herdsmen kill innocent citizens of the The Vice President, Yemi Osibanjo prepared in all fronts. He is deeply on the question concerning our strategy, you state, unknown gunmen and hoodlums have who visited the communities assured prepared to save the life of outsiders know quite well that I wouldn’t divulge recently unleashed mayhem on government that justice must be served. He was and indigenes. such here,” he queried. facilities and maimed security operatives. Some accompanied by Minister for Information, Given the worsening insecurity, the Emphasising on the collaboration with security operatives, mostly the army and Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Minister for South-east Security Network, codenamed, other security agencies and the traditional policemen have been gruesomely murdered state for Mines and Steel, Uche Ogah. Ebubeagu, the Ebonyi State Command, institutions including the monarchs and in the state by hoodlums. The attacks were According to the vice president, has become the hope of the people. The community-based groups, he opined that also extended to police stations and govern- the massacre was very sad and very security outfit has made remarkable it was all targeted at a better secure nation. ment facilities like offices of the Independent unfortunate. Osibanjo said " this progress in confronting the insecurity National Electoral Commission. massacre is very sad indeed and very challenge. Way Forward Since the #EndSARS protest, it seems unfortunate. I am not here just by myself, In the last enlarged security council It was to address these concerns that the Ebonyi State has not known peace again. I am here also at the direction of Mr. meeting, the state government announce- Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre People no longer sleep with their two eyes President. At times when things like ment the immediate recruitment of 700 (CISLAC) with support from European open. On daily basis, there are rumours and this happen, when people are killed, vigilantes to safeguard the 13 local Union recently sought to convene a team speculation that killers are around. Agents of when incident like this happen and government areas. Security agencies were of experts and stakeholders to review the fake news are deeply committed to ensure you feel particularly outraged. seriously ordered to secure themselves, growing violence. that citizens live in fear. Since the herdsmen's "The reason is that those who have their facilities and the people. The Multi-Stakeholders’ Consultative attack in Ekile community in Benue state, been mercilessly massacred are people Briefing newsmen after the meeting, Forum on Peace and Security in Nigeria where people of Ebonyi State were like you and I who have hopes and the Secretary to Ebonyi State Govern- was themed "Examining the Current Security massacred, rumours and speculation have aspiration; young ones, females and ment and Coordinating Commissioner, Crisis: Attacks on State Security Institutions been high that herdsmen are all roaming children who are people who woke Dr Kenneth Ugbala noted that the in the Southeast Region". the streets of Abakaliki for another attack. up in the morning and are expected to state government would no longer In his presentation as earlier reported by The irony is that everyone complies to go about their normal business, they rebuild any police station attacked THISDAY, on " What does it take for a State whatever rumour and would not want to be are expected to go out and fend for by hoodlums. Solar light and closed in Crises to Provide Security and Restore a scapegoat. Even the security situation in themselves but they ended up dead not circuit television will now be installed Hope for its People in the Face of Despair", other places also contribute to the fear raging because of anything they have done at police stations and strategic places. Senior Lecturer and Researcher, Centre for in Ebonyi. However, amidst of the attacks, wrong but because of cowardly wicked The commissioner for Internal Security, Peace and Security Studies, Modibbo Adama Ebonyi people have not lost confidence on act by some other people who live Mr Stanley Okoro also announced that University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa Governor Umahi's bold steps and courage to in the same community with them". 80 Sienna Vehicles and over 30 Hilux State, Dr. Chris Kwaja, posited that the way protect his citizens at all measures and costs. The attack came at a time the state Vans have been procured for security out was for the Nigerian state to reclaim its The governor has warned that there will was battling to resolve yet another agencies including Ebubeagu. monopoly of the instruments of coercion be a balance of terror for any herdsman or dreaded communal clash between As the state was still battling to and ensure its usage in a legitimate and hoodlums not minding his ethnic affiliation Effium and Ezza-Effium community consolidate on the stability of peace, accountable manner, adding that "national who wields Ak-47 in the Ebonyi State. The in Local Government Area. herdsmen struck again in Ekile com- dialogue as a key pathway for healing and governor's action is based on some attacks The clash claimed several lives. The munity in Benue State. Though it rebuilding trust and national cohesion. which have taken place in the state. community has almost been razed happened in Benue State, the victims "De-militarise the public space as a condition Tuesday March 30, 2021 seems to be one of down and has become a desert of sort. were Izzi people of Ebonyi state. The for rebuilding trust with the military and the saddest moments in this administration Regrettably, since after the presidential incident claimed about 45 lives who empower the police to effectively law and as the pains and agony of the attack on three visit, nothing substantial has happened are predominantly from Ebonyi State. order. Bridge the gap with the communities communities in Local Government as the attacks occurred in sequence Ekile is a community in Ado Local by providing for their security and welfare Areas of the state cannot be healed. It was and the people of Ngbo community Government Area of Benue which has as a basis for making it difficult for them to the first bloodletting terror unleashed to became the next victims as they lost boundary with Izzi people in Ebonyi be mobilised or recruited by violent extremist Ebonyi people by the maurauding herdsmen. about 23 lives in April, shortly after Local Government Area of Ebonyi groups. Officially, over 25 persons were sliced to the Egedegede incident. The attack on State. The community is predominantly "Design and implement a robust programme death. The victims included young children, Ngbo community generated controversy occupied by Izzi people. Izzi people on community policing or state police in women, men and a pastor. The people of over the actual perpetrators. However, migrated to Ekile about 100 years ago ways that empowers the state and local Egedegede, Obegu and Amuzu became prey Ebonyi State government insisted that for agricultural enterprise and had government to effectively respond to early to herdsmen, reported to have struck on the people of Agila in Benue state continued to live there even though warning signs in a proactive manner". revenge mission. were responsible for the attack over they speak Izzi dialect and still regard Summarily, Nextier SPD posited that the The attack on Egedegede, Obegu and the boundary dispute between the themselves as Izzi people. Nigerian government has a duty to protect Amuzu communities became the most people of Ngbo in Ebonyi State and When the incident happened, the lives and livelihoods in the country, "however, unexpected, most shocking. It was shocking Benue State. But, other sources accused Chairman of Ebonyi Council area, Mrs in doing so, it must appear to be objective because the governor admitted that all the local herdsmen of masterminding the attack. Chinyere Nwogbaga and the Speaker and not a government-sanctioned operation herders vacated the local government before However, the security situation in of Ebonyi state House of Assembly, against the people. For instance, there are the incident. This, he suspected conspiracy the state is highly troubling. Tensions Hon. Francis Nwifuru mobilised to reports of unlawful arrests and detention of on the part of the local herders, whom the have wrecked havoc in the minds of the area for rescue mission. Obviously, people in cities across South-east Nigeria as governor may have seen as untroublesome the people. Peddlers of fake news noticing laxity from the government part of the current securitisation efforts of and have lived peacefully in the state. have increased. Every time, rumours of Benue State, as Nwifuru claimed security operatives. The ongoing insecurity in The attack was also shocking to Umahi of herders attack in other communities that he called the telephone number the region and echoes of self-determination because some of the local herders are lolitical have increased. Gunshots and similar of the deputy governor of Benue state presents a highly delicate environment for office holders in the state. They attend security security agencies to securitise. meetings and were actively involved in the "There is a need to initiate non-combative administration of the state. So, to contemplate strategies that will counteract the growing and execute such carnage was an eye-opener While Nigeria's security operatives have fingered the distrust people may have towards the govern- for Umahi. The attack so much stung Umahi ment. This distrust is evident in the reported to the bone marrow that he declared that indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its offshoot, raiding of communities in southeast Nigeria he can't control the consequences if another and large scale arrest of youths. attack happens in the state. the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the pro-Biafra "Rather than resort to unlawful raiding Ebonyi people are known warriors. If group, have continually denied responsibility for the and arrest of people, the Nigerian security retaliation was an option, if allowed, the operatives must demonstrate openness to work effect may have been catastrophic. But, the ongoing carnage in the South-east. The situation with the people in managing the escalating governor was proactive and the people saw crisis in the southeast zone. The tensions his sincerity and love and the people have leaves many conflict experts perplexed towards a in the area suggest that relying solely on seemingly calmed down. He also appealed comprehensive understanding of the triggers and combat actions will not achieve sustainable to the federal government for N5billion peace but widen the growing gap between intervention fund for the families of the consequences of insecurity in South-east Nigeria government and the people", they added. 38 THISDAY ˾  Ͱʹ˜2021 BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE National Assembly Okays CAC Reform Initiatives James EmejoÓØÌßÔË Fadahunsi commended the hammadu Buhari for appointing commission’s Registrar-General, a “brilliant young man to head The National Assembly has com- Garba Abubakar, whom he said a very important government mended the reform initiatives of deserved a pat on the back for agency like the CAC”. the Corporate Affairs Commission the great work he is doing Similarly, vice chairman of the (CAC), which is geared towards implementing reforms to ease committee, Senator Elisha Ishaku, boosting current efforts by the the registration processes. alongside other members, also federal government to improving The committee therefore, lauded the reform initiatives the ease of doing business in the charged the commission to implemented by the commission country. sustain the tempo of reforms and urged the registrar-general The Chairman, Senate Com- noting that registration processes to sustain the tempo. mittee on Trade and Investment, were now faster. Highlights of the visit included Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who described a facility tour and interaction with Fadaunsi, who led members Abubakar as a “very coura- staff of the CAC. of the committee on oversight geous young man who fits the Following the amendment function to the commission’s job”, urged him to keep up the of the Companies and Allied Port-harcourt office, particularly good work by improving the Matters (CAMA) Act, 2020, the lauded the digital transformation commision’s revenue in order commission had embarked on process at the CAC adding that to remit more operating surplus several initiatives particularly it had contributed immensely to the federation account. the digitisation of its operation to the growth of the economy. He also thanked President Mu- for speed and quality delivery. Court Restrains Union Against Picketing FIRS Offices James Emejo ÓØÌßÔË NCSU is suing the FIRS, the court for the continued existence of refused the prayer of the NCSU a junior staff cadre union in FIRS MARKET INDICATORS The National Industrial Court, seeking an order compelling the as the cadre of staff it is deemed Abuja Judicial Division has FIRS to continue the automatic to cover do not exist within the MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) stopped the National Nigeria deduction of check-off dues for organisation. Civil Service Union (NCSU) from the NCSU, which is a defunct “A letter from Federal Ministry JANUARY 2021 either picketing the offices of the union at the FIRS, from the of Labour to the Head of Service Money Supply (M3) 38,779,455.43 Federal Inland Revenue Service salaries of the Service’s workers. of the Federation dated 19th (FIRS) nationwide or calling for The two cases were adjourned February 2015 confirmed the -- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors 1,039,129.55 a strike at any of the service’s to October 15, 2021 for a hearing above position in categorical Money Supply (M2) 37,740,325.88 offices across the country. of the motion on notice and terms,” the statement read. Justice O. Y. Anuwe issued originating summons. It further clarified that “the -- Quasi Money 21,779,302.69 the order of interim injunction The board of the FIRS, had in right of workers to decide which -- Narrow Money (M1) 15,961,023.19 on Friday in a suit, which the the July 18 announced the dis- union to belong is not absolute FIRS as claimant/applicant solution of the NCSU FIRS Unit but must be exercised within the ---- Currency Outside Banks 2,364,871.13 instituted against NCSU, the (whose executive members are limits of Trade Unions Act CAP defendant/respondent. The court senior staff) which purportedly T14 LFN 2004. This position was ---- Demand Deposits 13,596,152.06 ordered that, “the respondents represents the junior staff cadre confirmed in the Judgment of the Net Foreign Assets (NFA) 7,414,275.50 are restrained from picketing that is non-existent in the service. National Industrial Court – NCSU the offices of the applicant on Director, Communications vs ASCSN (2004) 1NLLR Part Net Domestic Assets(NDA) 31,365,179.93 26th July 2021 or any other day and Liaison Department, FIRS, 3, 427. -- Net Domestic Credit (NDC) 42,916,586.63 pending the determination of the Abdullahi Ismaila Ahmad, in a “In the light of all the above, Motion on Notice. They are also statement said the FIRS took that The FIRS Board at its Meeting ---- Credit to Government (Net) 12,304,773.44 restrained from going on strike, decision for reasons outlined in an No. 30 held on the 24th June 0.00 as by so doing, the very essence official announcement circulated 2021, therefore, directed that given ---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA of the substantive suit is defeated. to all staff. “In line with Gazette items 1 & 2 above, the activities ---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA) 0.00 “What this translates to in No. 6 Vol 65 dated 8th February of NCSU FIRS Unit in the Service other words is that parties are to 1978 and National Industrial are henceforth considered illegal ---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS) 30,611,813.19 maintain the status quo, and are Court Judgement dated 27th and the Union (NCSU FIRS --Other Assets Net 3,892,112.74 not to do anything that may be June 1995, it is noted that the Unit) is hereby proscribed with detrimental to the interest of the operations of Nigeria Civil Service immediate effect. Reserve Money (Base Money 13,264,585.14 public, pending the determination Union (NCSU) FIRS Unit as it “The Management also as- of the Motion on Notice. The is constituted today in FIRS is sured staff that it is unreservedly --Currency in Circulation 2,831,167.19 order to maintain status-quo considered illegal as there are willing to work and cooperate --Banks Reserves 10,433,417.96 ˾ÙßÜÍÏ̋ however binds both parties in no longer any junior staff cadre with the only legitimate repre- --Special Intervention Reserves 317,234.17 this suit.” employees in the service. sentatives of staff, that is to say, In another suit, NINC/ “There is accordingly no legal the Association of Senior Civil ABJ/157/2021 in which the or another basis whatsoever Servants of Nigeria. Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month March 2018 FIRS, SystemSpecs Partner to Inter-Bank Call Rate 15.16 Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Ease Tax Remittances Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) 14.00 Treasury Bill Rate 11.84 As part of efforts aimed at further nership between SystemSpecs is the availability of multiple simplifying tax remittances and FIRS is expected to promote payment channels, including Savings Deposit Rate 4.07 in Nigeria, SystemSpecs has digitalisation of tax administration internet banking, card, transfer, collaborated with the Federal in Nigeria. USSD and if preferred, payers 1 Month Deposit Rate 8.82 Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) He noted that in fulfilling the can also walk into a bank branch to strengthen tax administration organisation’s brand promise, the for their tax payments. 3 Months Deposit Rate 9.72 through its Remita Payment Remita Payment Gateway will “Tax payers are expected to log 6 Months Deposit Rate 10.93 Gateway which powers payments continue to meet the payment on to the TaxPro-Max website, on TaxPro-Max, a solution newly needs of individuals, businesses and click on the Remita logo to 12 Months Deposit Rate 10.21 introduced for filing tax returns. and governments at all levels. generate the Document Identi- The company in a statement “In furtherance of our support fication Number (DIN/RRR), Prime Lending rate 17.35 said the Remita Payment Gateway for various sectors of the Nigerian and effect payment, using the Maximum Lending Rate 31.55 platform for private sector and economy, we have now also most convenient of available government payments, has been advanced our brand proposition Remita payment channels. For integrated with the FIRS’s new to ensure that tax payment is Government agencies, they would ˾ÙØÏÞËÜãÙÖÓÍãËÞÏ̋ͯͱϱ TaxPro Max e-filling platform faster, more convenient and complete the transaction using to automate tax filing, enable efficient. Our latest partnership their existing Remita profile. OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE  ˜ͯͳ  ͰͮͰͯ hassle-free registration, ease tax with the FIRS is geared towards “The new TaxPro-Max e-filling payments as well as provide a helping individuals, corporate platform was developed to The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $73.15 a barrel on Thursday, single-view of transaction records. organisations and government facilitate easy registration, filing, compared with $75.29 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. Tax Payers, it added, can now agencies enjoy a convenient payment of taxes and enable the The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan register online or visit the FIRS process of paying their taxes, automated credit of withholding Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light tax office nearest to them to get anywhere and at any time to tax as well as other credits to (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), onboarded on TaxPro Max. facilitate compliance.” the taxpayer’s account, among other features. The platform also Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Divisional Head, Business Oniku added that one of Merey (Venezuela). Development, SystemSpecs, the benefits of paying taxes avails taxpayers a single view for Abayomi Oniku said the part- with Remita, on TaxPro-Max, all transactions, “he explained. THISDAY ˾  Ͱʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ 39

   Equities Market Rebounds on Improved Half-year Corporate Earnings Darasimi Adebisi compared with a decline of in all performance indicators. corporate earnings as more 896.174 million shares worth and value respectively. The 0.12 per cent the previous week. Total Nigeria Plc recommended companies publish their N5.235 billion in 11,714 deals Consumer Goods followed The equities market rebounded Specifically, the NGX ASI closed an interim dividend of N4.00 unaudited H1-21 numbers, last week, down from 1.008 with 46.437 million shares last week as investors reacted higher at 38,667.90, while market per share. accompanied by dividend dec- billion shares valued at N10.923 worth N948.489 million in positively to the beginning of capitalisation closed at N20.147 According to analysts at larations. We believe this should billion that exchanged hands the 1,856 deals. The third place was the half year earnings season. trillion. Cordros Securities, this week, provide respite for market previous week in 17,297 deals. Conglomerates Industry, with Although the market was opened Market analysts attributed to investors will be focused on performance. Overall, we advise The Financial Services Industry a turnover of 39.798 million for only three days following positive performance to investors’ the outcome of the Monetary investors to take positions in (measured by volume) led shares worth N207.132 million the public holiday declared on reactions to improved results Policy Committee (MPC) meet- only fundamentally justified the activity chart with 718.570 in 366 deals. Trading in the Tuesday and Wednesday to mark for the half-year ended June 30, ing to gain further clarity on stocks as the weak macro story million shares valued at N3.009 top three equities namely; Jaiz the Eid-el-Kabir celebration by 2021. Unilever Nigeria Plc, Total the movement of yields in the remains a significant headwind billion traded in 6,223 deals; Bank Plc, Sterling Bank Plc and Muslims, the Nigerian Exchange Nigeria Plc and United Capital fixed income market. for corporate earnings for thus contributing 80.18 per Fidelity Bank Plc accounted for (NGX) All-Share Index (ASI) Plc reported their unaudited “We also expect the NGX corporate earnings,” they said. cent and 57.48 per cent to the 369.879 million shares worth appreciated by 1.9 per cent results, showing improvement floor to be flooded with Meanwhile, investors traded total equity turnover volume N385.516 million in 785 deals. PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED AS OF 23/07/2021

MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED PRICE TRADED ( N ) PRICE TRADED ( N ) 40 MONDAY,  ͺ;˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 • THISDAY 41 MARKET NEWS A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an ETF are bought by investors. Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. investment vehicle that allows both small and Bid Price: The price at which Investors Investors with similar objectives buy units of the large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total that willl generate their desired return. investments. The assets are divided into shares that return an investor would have earned on An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. his investment. Money Market Funds report of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, Yield while others report Year- to-date Total bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDE TO DATA: Return. etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 22- NAV: Is value per share of the real estate shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Jul-2021, unless otherwise stated. assets held by a REIT on a specific date. DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Equity Fund 157.17 158.73 -4.18% Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 4.85% GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Nigeria International Debt Fund 317.33 317.33 -21.35% Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Afrinvest Dollar Fund 111.53 111.53 -0.72% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD [email protected] GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 ACAP Canary Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Income Funds N/A N/A N/A Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.67% AIICO CAPITAL LTD [email protected] Vantage Balanced Fund 2.92 2.99 2.46% Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.32% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 151.58 151.85 -2.52% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.27 3.43 -3.83% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.29 1.33 2.30% [email protected] Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.09 1.09 0.37% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fi[email protected] Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 4.51% Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.42 1.44 4.17% Anchoria Equity Fund 135.38 136.93 1.78% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,137.23 1,137.23 4.78% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.10 1.10 -17.58% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD [email protected] MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Equity Market Fund 11.61 11.66 10.84% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 8.17% ARM Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] ARM Eurobond Fund ($) N/A N/A N/A Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 ARM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Balanced Fund 1.64 1.68 7.23% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED [email protected] PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.68 11.74 -3.71% Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 4.74% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Equity Fund 1.65 1.66 4.42% AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 105.28 105.28 3.51% PACAM EuroBond Fund 112.29 114.01 2.17% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,010.77 1,010.77 1.08% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED [email protected] AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A SCM Capital Frontier Fund 132.76 135.04 9.69% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD [email protected] CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 10.11% CEAT Fixed Income Fund 1.98 1.98 -14.32% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.07 2.11 -12.18% Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com ; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,275.92 3,310.65 2.00% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 231.48 231.48 2.95% CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.22 1.24 4.24% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 304.57 304.57 3.36% Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 223.34 226.70 2.34% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.64% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,343.16 10,489.76 -1.44% Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.76% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.26 1.26 3.05% Paramount Equity Fund 16.61 16.92 3.87% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 114.85 114.85 3.39% Women's Investment Fund 137.17 138.76 3.07% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 102.45 102.45 - CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.82% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 118.38 119.13 United Capital Balanced Fund 1.29 1.31 1.16% United Capital Bond Fund 1.90 1.90 3.66% Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A United Capital Equity Fund 0.87 0.89 9.18% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 107.19 107.19 United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.89% CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT [email protected] United Capital Eurobond Fund 119.10 119.10 4.07% Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.05 1.07 3.23% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United capital Sukuk Fund 1.06 1.06 5.70% Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.38% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD [email protected] Coronation Balanced Fund 1.19 1.20 -1.20% Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.36 1.36 -14.00% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Zenith Equity Fund 12.96 13.07 9.17% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Ethical Fund 14.24 14.36 16.55% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 2.22% Zenith Income Fund 24.21 24.21 0.97% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 3.61% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.33% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,134.10 1,147.76 -1.59% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] REITS Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS REIT 124.53 10.25% FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,391.86 1,391.86 11.41% Union Homes REIT 51.79 2.65% FBN Balanced Fund 191.20 192.54 1.88% EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS FBN Halal Fund 111.34 111.34 8.20% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.42% Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund 13.45 13.55 1.78% SIAML Pension ETF 40 127.19 130.26 5.74% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 126.23 126.23 3.51% Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund 100.85 102.99 1.62% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 157.90 160.08 4.45% MERGROWTH ETF 18.01 18.11 FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] MERVALUE ETF 18.34 18.44 Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.95% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Debt Fund 3.96 3.96 2.27% Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 3.95 3.99 4.58% Legacy Equity Fund 1.58 1.62 4.02% Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 5.91 5.99 3.83% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.18 1.18 3.87% Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 17.66 17.76 8.76% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.98% Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 19.91 20.11 -2.96% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 150.68 152.68 -31.18% Coral Balanced Fund 3,701.14 3,753.19 -1.18% INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Coral Income Fund 3,358.16 3,358.16 2.50% Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn Coral Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.57% Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund 107.40 13.11% The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only. 42 MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 • THISDAY MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 • THISDAY 43 44 MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 • THISDAY MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 • THISDAY 45 46 MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 • THISDAY MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 • THISDAY 47 48 MONDAY,  ͺ;˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY NEWS SERAP Sues FG over Gag Order on Reporting of Terrorist Attacks Udora Orizu in Abuja terrorists and kidnappers during victims, as the directive was granted by this Honourable remedies. Conduct for Public Officers [Fifth their daily newspaper reviews. unlawful and inconsistent Court, the directive by the NBC “The failure by the government Schedule Part 1], and Oath of Socio-Economic Rights and In the suit number FHC/ with the Nigerian Constitution and Mr. Lai Muhammed would of President Buhari to direct the office [Seventh Schedule] of the Accountability Project (SERAP) ABJ/CS/725/2021 filed last of 1999 [as amended], and the be used to impermissibly restrict NBC to withdraw its directive Constitution." and Centre for Journalism Friday on behalf of SERAP and country’s international human Nigerians’ rights to freedom of on reporting of terrorist attacks No date has been fixed for Innovation and Development have PTCIJ by their lawyers, Kolawole rights obligations. expression, access to information, and victims violates sections the hearing of the application filed a lawsuit against President Oluwadare and Opeyemi According to SERAP, "Unless media freedom, and victims’ 5[a] and [b], 147 and 148 of the for interim injunction, and the Muhammadu Buhari and the Owolabi, they sought an order the reliefs sought are urgently right to justice and effective Nigerian Constitution, Code of substantive suit. Minister of Information and of perpetual injunction restraining Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the government of President asking the court to declare Buhari or any other persons from illegal, the gag order stopping imposing fines or other sanctions journalists and broadcast stations on broadcast stations for carrying from reporting details of terrorist out their constitutional duties of attacks and victims. reporting details of terrorist attacks The suit followed the recent and victims. directive by the National The organisations also sought Broadcasting Commission (NBC) an order to compel the NBC and asking journalists, television and Lai Mohammed to withdraw the radio stations in Nigeria to stop directive asking journalists and glamourising and giving too many broadcast stations to stop reporting details on the nefarious activities of details on terrorist attacks and PDP Govs Meet in Bauchi Today on Security, Economy, Electoral Act Chuks Okocha in Abuja state of the nation, and the state of their respective states. Governors elected on the "Issues of unemployment, platform of the Peoples the general parlous state of the Democratic Party (PDP) will Nigerian economy, the health of today meet on the state of Nigeria's democracy including insecurity, dwindling economy the Electoral Act Amendment, and controversy over the yet Constitution Alteration bills to be resolved electoral act pending before the National amendment bill. Assembly will top discussions The meeting has as part at the meeting. of its agenda, the state of "The meeting will continue insecurity in Nigeria, stated in to interrogate the federal its agenda that it "will continue government’s response to the LAST … to interrogate the federal insecurity still pervading the L-R: Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; Chief Ugochukwu Agballa; Prince Victor Ogakwu; Mrs. Sylvia Onwubuemeli; Chairman, House of government’s response to the country and profer workable Representatives Committee on Aviation, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, and Deputy Governor of the state, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, during the Last Ofala Festival of insecurity still pervading the solutions. HRH Igwe (Dr.) Chris Ogakwu, held at Udi Town, Udi Local Government Area, yesterday. country and profer workable "The governors will solutions." continue to benchmark and The meeting is taking place exchange information and in Bauchi State today, Monday, ideas on best practices on July 26. various aspects of governance Tension in FCT as IPOB's Leader, According to a statement in their respective states, as by the Director General of the the PDP States and their PDP Governors Forum, Cyril governors are currently Nnamdi Kanu's Trial Resumes Today Maduabum, the agenda of the the major beacons of light, meeting include state of the delivering substantial As security operatives take over roads linking Federal High Court Nigerian economy, the health of democracy benefits through Alex Enumah in Abuja Army attacked his family house Justice Binta Nyako had fixed custody of the Department Nigeria's democracy including projects and policies in Afaruku in Abia State in July 26 for continuation of his of State Service ( DSS), who the Electoral Act Amendment impacting on the lives September 2017. trial. are expected to produce him and Constitution Alteration bills of Nigerians, within the There is palpable tension in The pro-Biafra secessionist Owing to the importance of in court today, in addition to pending before the National limits of the general bad the Federal Capital Territory agitator and three others were the trial and the spate of violence scores of Mobile Police officers Assembly governance by APC led (FCT) as the trial of leader of standing trial on a six count attributed to supporters of IPOB that normally appear in court in The statement read in part: federal government. the proscribed Indigenous People criminal charge bordering and Eastern Security Network such high profile cases. "The PDP Governors Forum "The governors will also of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu on terrorism and treasonable (ESN), security has been beefed While the government has will meet on Monday 26th receive reports of some of the resumed today at a Federal High felony amongst others before up in and around the premises warned that people who have July, 2021 at Bauchi, Bauchi committees working on various Court in Abuja. his escaped from the country. of the Federal High Court in no business in court that day State, the Pearl of Tourism.. aspects of party repositioning Kanu had in 2017 jumped However following his re- Abuja. should stay away, extra security "The meeting will examine including the e-Registration bail and escaped out of Nigeria arrest and repatriation to the Kanu, since his extradition measures have also been put in and deliberate on the current programme of the Party." after a contingent of the Nigerian country late June, trial judge, to Nigeria has been in the place to avoid possible security breach, considering the large turnout of IPOB supporters who Offa/Erinle Crisis: You Can't Review Supreme Court Judgment, Babalola Warns Kwara Governor usually throng to the premises of the Federal High Court each Victor Ogunje land to Erin Ile in 1973 and in 1973. Describing the constitution and obligation on the land in Ado Ekiti 2018 respectively, but the Kwara "With this, nobody, no matter of a review committee matter, and that is to enforce time Kanu's case came up. State government refused to how highly placed can review by the Kwara Governor the Supreme Court judgement. Besides all roads linking the A Legal Icon, Chief Afe implement the verdicts. what the Supreme Court on the land dispute as a Any attempt to use subterfuge Federal High Court, are to be Babalola (SAN), has warned Babalola, who spoke, had said. That can't happen", desecration of the judiciary, to fraudulently seize the land for barricade to on Monday to the Kwara State Governor, yesterday while receiving a Babalola warned. the Secretary of Frontiers Offa for any project whatsoever prevent any disturbances during Alhaji Abdurahman delegation from Erin Ile at his He added: "I am personally Club, Erin Ile, Adeola, accused will not work. the trial. AbdulRazaq against reviewing office in Afe Babalola University, interested in this case, because a top member of President "Constitutionally and An unverified memo on the Supreme Court Judgement Ado Ekiti(ABUAD), said no I handled the case ab initio and Muhammadu Buhari's cabinet legally, an administrative security alert stated that, " All on the land dispute involving individual could review the by practice and convention, I of working hard to scuttle the panel cannot sit on appeal of roads leading to the Federal Offa and Erin Ile, saying he judgement of any court. am part and parcel of Erin Ile implementation of the court's the decisions and judgement H/Court, Central Area, will lacked the powers to undertake The six-man delegation Community". pronouncement. of the Supreme Court and be blocked tomorrow 26/07/21. such action. comprised prominent members The Spokesman of the "We are aware that in the past neither can it impeach judicial "This follows the Babalola said he handled the of Frontiers Club, Erin Ile, Erin Ile delegation, Bello, few weeks, the Buhari's aide pronouncement", Adeola said. commencement of the trial of Erin Ile's matter against Offa and other leaders, including applauded Babalola for his has played host to the Olofa of The Kwara government's proscribed IPOB leader, Nnamdi before Justice Funsho Daramola Mr. Kolapo Usman, Muideen service in ensuring justice for the Offa in Abuja, and has taken the review committee chaired Kanu. Commission of Inquiry on Offa/ Bello, Ganiyu Daromosu, Adeola town, but regretted that some latter to meet with some political by a former governor, Chief "Employees are advised to Erin Ile boundary dispute in Ibrahim, Daromosu Azeez and powerful forces were working office holders. We are also aware Cornelius Adebayo, has other seek alternative routes, exercise 1971, after which the court gave Mr. Adamu. against the implementation of that top on the agenda of these statesmen like Justice Saidu caution". a judgement in favour of the Addressing the issue, the legal the apex court's verdict. engagements are the land issue, Salihu, Alhaji Lak Jimoh, Justice Nyako had adjourned town, by affirming that a place luminary said, "I was the one, "It is very unfortunate particularly how to undermine Chief Titus Ashaolu, Senator Kanu's trial in absentia to October named 'Kere Ipinle', a boundary who handled the matter in 1971 that Supreme Court could be the undisputable ownership of Simeon Ajibola, Alhaji Abubakar but had to bring it forward between the two feuding towns, before Justice Funsho Daramola this debased. The powerful the land by Erin Ile. Ndakene, Senator Mohammed following his re-arrest and belonged to Erin Ile. Panel of inquiry and we won. people were blocking the "No amount of moves and Ahmed, Permanent Secretary extradition. The Supreme Court had in its "Later, the supreme court, implementation of the the dropping of the President's (Political, Cabinet and Special The judge had in 2019 issued separate judgements delivered the highest judicial body in the judgements we got in 1973 and name would however change Services), Sabitiyu Kikelomo a bench warrant for the arrest by Justices Teslim Elias and land, gave favourable judgement 2018. This shouldn't happen in that. The Kwara State Grillo, and Professor Hassan of the secessionist agitator, after Mary Odili, ceded the disputed to Erin Ile on the same matter a democracy," he said. government has one duty Saliu, as members. revoking Kanu's bail. MONDAY,  ͺ;˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY 49 FOURTY-NINE House Asks EFCC to Probe NIMASA over Non-rendition of Account in Five Years Urges anti-graft agency to prosecute NSITF DGs Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja action was despicable and in Federation. In the course of the and FR. No. 3129. Treasury in line with FR 3129 clear violation of Section 85(3) In a copy of the report seen by investigative hearing, the The House stated, "The reckless of 2009." The House of Representatives (b) of the 1999 Constitution. THISDAY, the lawmakers alleged report stated that the committee refusal by the management of The House also expressed has called on the Economic and The resolution of the House that NIMASA had only rendered invited the Minister of State the agency to render accounts displeasure over the refusal of Financial Crimes Commission followed the adoption of the 2014 audited accounts to for Transportation, Senator for their stewardship for the past the National Social Insurance (EFCC) to probe the Nigerian recommendations of the House the Auditor General and was Gbemisola Saraki, Permanent five years now is despicable and Trust Fund (NSITF) to render its Maritime Administration and Committee on Public Accounts. yet to remit its 2015 to 2018 Secretary in the Ministry of is a violation of Section 85(3) (b) audited accounts in the last 13 Safety Agency (NIMASA) over This was after an inquest into audited accounts. The House Transportation, and some of the 1999 Nigeria Constitution. years, despite benefiting from the what it called “the reckless allegations of deliberate refusal by frowned on the recklessness Directors of NIMASA to give "All those in office that were federal treasury over the years. It refusal” by the agency to non-treasury funded Ministries, of the agency’s management, reasons for the non-rendition responsible should be disciplined noted that the Auditor General’s render accounts of its financial Departments and Agencies stating that in spite of the huge of the accounts by the Director and referred to the EFCC to office confirmed that the last transactions in the past five (MDAs) to remit audited revenue being generated by it General to the Auditor General’s refund all monies received by time NSITF rendered its audited years. The lawmakers said accounts covering 2014 – 2018 from the coastlines, it refuses Office in compliance with Section them from the government for account was 2005, leaving 2006 the NIMASA management’s to the Auditor General for the to be audited. 20 of the Procurement Act, 2007, the period 2015 - 2019 to the to 2018 still outstanding.

BIG FIVE BANKS’ LOANS TO CUSTOMERS HIT N50TRN IN FIVE YEARS Access Bank was closely aggregate loan, experts say there have certainly been positive followed by Zenith Bank, whose is need for financial institutions with respect to driving risk total loans and advances in the to do more considering the asset creation. So, there is a review period stood at N11.297 country’s wide infrastructure foundation for banks to increase trillion, despite its penchant for gap, which reports indicate their loan books going forward. organic growth. would require about $3 trillion However, loan growth also First Bank lent out a total over the next 30 years to close. needs to be looked at in the of N9.825 trillion in the five Global management context of capital. year-period, UBA supported its consulting firm, Mckinsey & “The distribution of capital customers with a total of N9.488 Company, noted in a recent across the banks featured in the trillion, while GTBank lent report that the unprecedented report is unequal in terms of N7.460 trillion to its customers scale of the COVID-19 slowed the percentage of total capital within same period. down bank lending in Nigeria to assets (or, more technically, A further breakdown of the and forced the financial interest-earning assets). We customers’ loans and advances institutions to re-examine have seen some banks hold showed that Access Bank gave and reimagine the way they back by not wanting to increase out a total of N3.218 trillion in did things. capital and actually changing 2020; N2.911 trillion in 2019; The report said, “For their strategy to maximise the N1.994 trillion in 2018; N1.996 financially strong tier-1 banks returns from the loan portfolios trillion in 2017; and N1.809 with scale (resilient and that they already have. trillion in 2016. market leaders), now is the Banks 2020 (N’trn) 2019 (N’trn) 2018 (N’trn) 2017 (N’trn) 2016 (N’trn) “So, for loan growth to take place, and because it requires For Zenith Bank, its total time to consider investing in Access Bank 3,218,107 2,911,580 1,993,606 1,995,988 1,809,459 loans to customers in 2020 technology infrastructure and capital, it is necessary to achieve was N2.779 trillion; N2.305 talent to expand beyond current Zenith Bank 2,799,027 2,305,565 1,823,111 2,100,362 2,289,365 and maintain a certain level trillion in 2019; N1.823 trillion customers and products. of profitability. Of course, the in 2018; N2.100 trillion in 2017; “The COVID-19 pandemic FirstBank 2,217,268 1,852,411 1,670,476 2,001,223 2,083,894 regulator’s response, in the and N2.289 trillion in 2016. In and other on-going pressures middle of 2019, was to impose the same vein, FBN Holdings present the sector with a new UBA 2,554,975 2,061,147 1,715,285 1,650,891 1,505,319 the loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR) reported total customer loans vantage point from which to GTBank 1,662,732 1,500,572 1,259,010 1,448,533 1,589,430 regime that requires banks to and advances of N2.217 trillion address structural vulnerabilities make customer loans equivalent in 2020; N1.852 trillion in 2019; and position itself for sustainable to 65 per cent of their deposits. Management, Ope Ani, and the increased risk pressure and assuage the concerns and spur “This worked very well in N1.670 trillion in 2018; N2.001 long-term growth.” company’s Head of Research, asset quality concerns for banks. loan growth. trillion in 2017; and N2.084 To thrive beyond the crisis, 2019, with overall gross loans Guy Czartoryski, told THISDAY They pointed out that an The analysts stated, “Recent rising sharply. However, once trillion in 2016. Nigerian banks would need to in a recent interview that loan improvement in structural developments around credit A breakdown of the five-year bolster their capital levels and most banks were compliant with growth in the present climate issues and the overall macro infrastructure (collateral it, the effects of the policy were period for UBA showed that grow capital faster than the rates remained challenging, as it environment would help registries, credit bureaus) in 2020 it gave out a total of of inflation and devaluation, not as strong during 2020.” N2.555 trillion as loans to its the report noted. customers spread across the The report said, “This will COURT RESTRAINS FG FROM ACCESSING N200BN UNCLAIMED DIVIDENDS continent, and did N2.061 be no small feat in the current Representatives of the Federal 2020. federal government from harassing, Articles 14 and 24 of the African trillion in 2019, N1.715 trillion environment. Given the need to Government of Nigeria in the Hon. Justice J. O. Abdulmalik intimidating, inviting and/or Charter on Human and People's in 2018, N1.651 trillion in 2017, meet Basel III requirements, the Suit NO. FHC/AB/FHR/14/2021. last Friday, July 23, granted ordering public limited liability Rights and Article 17 of the United and N1.505 trillion in 2016. possible deterioration of asset The applicants sought an order interim orders restraining the companies or their Registrars Nation's Charter on Human Rights For GTBank, in 2020 it gave quality, and some foreign- restraining the respondents respondents from bringing into for questioning for purpose of 1945 and sections 42 (1) and (2) out a total of N1.663 trillion as exchange-based commitments to from calling for or transferring force the “proposed new rules on taking or giving accounts of the of the Companies and Allied loans to its customers; N1.500 service, it is likely that another the unclaimed dividends of the unclaimed dividends (E-dividend unclaimed dividends, pending the Matters Act; a declaration of the trillion in 2019; N1.259 trillion round of consolidation and applicants from their respective mandate) or any new rules on determination of the Motion on Honourable Court that Part XV in 2018; N1.448 trillion in 2017; capital raising is approaching.” companies to the Unclaimed unclaimed dividend not in force Notice. of the Finance Act 2020 calling and N1.589 trillion in 2016. On their part, Senior Funds Trust Fund in accordance before 31st December, 2020.” A copy of the judgment for or transferring the unclaimed Despite the relatively high Analyst at Coronation Asset with Part xv of the Finance Act, The court also restrained the obtained by THISDAY showed dividends of the applicants in that the case was adjourned public quoted companies to NNPC: NIGERIANS SPENT N2.07TN ON PETROL IN 12 MONTHS to October 25 for hearing of Unclaimed Funds Trust Fund the applications as well as the by the respondents without company, this comprised 1.414 million litres, in July 2020, 10.16 per cent, with the NNPC $56.80/barrel and exchange rate substantive matter. any constitutional grounds is billion litres of petrol and 0.17 consumption was still relatively subsidiary projected to ramp-up of N379/$, the domestic crude The chairman of PWSA, Mr. unconstitutional, null and void billion litres of diesel, consumed low at 33.42 million litres, it was production level to 250,000bp/d oil lifted by NNPC is valued at Simon Emokeraro, said the and of no moment as it violates by Nigerians during the period. 30.67 million litres in in August in the near future. $326,134,455 or a naira equivalent shareholders were seeking “an the applicants fundamental However, it was unclear how 2020, while in September 2020, Production from NPDC wholly of N123,604,958,630.71 for the Order of the Honourable Court for rights; and a declaration of local consumption figures jumped daily distribution was 20.1 million. operated assets amounted to month of January 2021. the enforcement of the applicants' the Honourable Court that the from just 50.53 million litres in Furthermore, average daily 27,096,285 barrels or 38.47 per cent “The remaining crude oil fundamental rights to acquire and applicants are entitled to claim February 2021 to 103 million litres product distribution sales volume of the total NPDC production, lifted for export was valued at own immoveable and moveable their dividends without coercion, in May, as recently announced was 39.50 million litres in October with Okono Okpoho (OML 119) $30,993,088 at an average price of personal property; an order stampede, and intimidation from by the Group Managing Director last year, 57.53 million litres alone producing 19.42 per cent $54.16/barrel. The total value of restraining the federal government, the respondents.” of the corporation, Mallam Mele in November and was 73.10 of the NPDC wholly owned crude oil lifted on the account of that is, the Respondents, from Kyari. Although Kyari, who spoke million and 46.34 million litres operated assets and 7.47 per cent NNPC in January 2021 was thus calling for or transferring the during a stakeholders meeting in December and January 2021 of the total NPDC production. $357,127,544,” the report noted. unclaimed dividends of the organised by the corporation respectively. Also, the report stated that From January 2020 to January Applicants in public quoted to discuss how best to stop In addition, the just-released in the NPDC operated JV 2021, NNPC revealed that a total companies to the Unclaimed smuggling in the country, had NNPC data showed that during assets, in which it owns 55 per volume of 698 million barrels of Funds Trust Fund; an order blamed illegal sales across the the Covid-19 lockdown last year, cent controlling interest, crude crude oil and condensate was restraining the Respondents from borders for the development, fuel importation decreased from oil production amounted to lifted by all parties. TOP GAINERS NGN NGN % harassing, intimidating, inviting UNIVINSURE 0.02 0.22 10 no new reasons were given for an average of 1.812 billion litres 30,537,911 barrels or 43.36 per cent As had been the trend for some the companies or their Registrars the over 100 per cent increase in in April 2020 , to a miserly of the NPDC total production. time, in February 2021, the three for the purpose of transferring the OANDO 0.36 3.97 9.9 consumption from February to 495 million litres in May, but In January 2021, NNPC refineries processed no crude and unclaimed dividends belonging to TOTAL 20.18 203.20 9.9 May ,2021. increased to 767 million in June revealed that a total volume of had a combined yield efficiency the applicants to the Unclaimed CUTIX 0.43 4.38 9.8 “In very recent data, we saw before stabilising and hitting 2.39 49.26 million barrels of crude oil of zero per cent, “owing largely Funds Trust Fund contrary to GUINNESS 2.65 31.65 9.1 what we really wanted in the billion in October, the highest in and condensate was lifted by all to ongoing rehabilitation works the Constitution of the Federal beginning of May and June. There the entire 2020. parties, adding that out of this in the refineries,” NNPC noted. TOP LOSERS NGN % Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as UPL 0.14 1.41 9.0 was a day we loaded out about Furthermore, the NNPC volume, 10.22 million barrels was “The combined value of output amended), the African Charter 103 million litres of PMS (petrol) stated that between January lifted by NNPC on behalf of the by the three refineries (at Import on Human and People's Rights CHAMPBREW 0.20 2.05 8.8 within one day across the depots,” 2020 to January 2021, cumulative federation, while the balance of Parity Price) for the month of Act, Laws of the Federation. REDSTAR 0.10 3.20 3.0 he had said during the meeting. production from all fields totalled 39.04 million barrels were lifted by February 2021 amounted to “Others are: an order of the INTERBREW 0.15 5.20 2.8 The petrol consumption 704.30 barrels of crude oil, the International Oil Companies approximately N0.10billion. Honourable Court restraining the figures showed that from translating to an average daily (IOCs) and the independents. No associated crude plus freight NAHCO 0.06 2.26 2.6 Respondents from borrowing the HPE Nestle Nig Plc ₦1,540.00 February to May 2020, 59.6 production of 1.77 barrels per day. “Of the 10.22 million barrels cost for the three refineries since unclaimed dividends belonging million, 53.16 million, 33.01 According to the report, lifted on the account of NNPC there was no production but to the applicants; a declaration by Volume: 230.254 million shares million litres and 30.67 million comparing the Nigerian in January 2021, 5.74 million operational expenses amounted to the Honourable Court that the Value: N2.311 billion litres were distributed by the Petroleum Development barrels and 0.57 million barrels N6.98 billion. This resulted to an applicants have rights guaranteed Petroleum Product Marketing Company (NPDC) performance were for domestic and export operating deficit of N6.88billion Deals: 4,135 and protected under sections 43 As at yesterday 23/7/2021 Company (PPMC) respectively. to national production, the markets respectively. by the refineries,” the corporation & 44 of the Constitution of the In June 2020, it was 44.84 company’s production share was “At an average oil price of said. Federal Republic of Nigeria, See details on Page 39 50 MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 ˾THISDAY NEWS Bakare Condemns Clampdown on Kanu, Igboho, Tackles Unnamed FG’s Official The General Overseer, Citadel government has replaced Lagos State. now. You might have done it to are). When I talk now, I now administration, said the official Global Community Church the search for justice with The cleric, who said his others; you are about to learn have a smelly mouth. I am not could move against him, if he (formerly called The Latter Rain intimidation and brutality. recent pronouncements had a lesson if you touch me,” said interested in meeting you any so wished. Assembly), Lagos, Pastor Tunde Bakare, who was the been making some people the cleric, who did not name longer; no more visits. Now, it He asked the official if had Bakare, yesterday, condemned running mate to President uncomfortable, dared a the government official. If you is war, because Nigeria must forgotten what transpired the recent clampdown on the Muhammadu Buhari when particular official of the regime know what I have done in be set free,” Bakare said. between them when only leader of the Indigenous People the President contested election of Buhari to come after him if secret, bring it to the open. I The cleric, who went down himself and the official were of Biafra(IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on the platform of the former the government was offended dare you to come after me if memory lane to narrate how alone in a room after the official and Yoruba Nation agitator, Congress for Progressive Change by those comments. you can. I worked with you; he supported the top official had vowed never to contest Sunday Adeyemo, (a.k.a Sunday in 2011, said this during a “I dare you to come after I worked for you; I supported to get his current position the post he had contested and Igboho), saying the federal sermon in his church in Ikeja, me since that is the usual style you to get there (where you in the President Buhari lost out on three occasions. Igboho: Olubadan Sends Delegation to Cotonou Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan become necessary in order to allay the fears of several people, The Olubadan of Ibadanland, including protesters, who Oyo State, Oba Saliu Adetunji, besieged Olubadan’s palace has sent a delegation to often that he is not folding Benin Republic to observe his arms over the travails of the proceedings of the court Igboho and his loyalists. case involving a Yoruba activist, According to him, “Sunday Chief Sunday Adeyemo Igboho lives in Ibadan, got popularly known as Sunday married in Ibadan, breed his Igboho. children in Ibadan, built houses The Ibadan monarch, who in Ibadan, and as such, he has did not disclose the identity of the rights to be protected by the members of the delegation, Ibadan traditional institution yesterday said those to observe within the ambit of the law the court proceedings would just like any other person in HOSTING THE SPEAKER… be in couwrt unfailingly today. Ibadan.” Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (left); and Chairman, Waltersmith Group, Mr. Abdulrasaq Isa, during a dinner hosted in Oba Adetunji stated this at The traditional ruler, who honour of the speaker by Isa in Lagos...recently his Popoyemoja, Ibadan palace stated that he was in constant yesterday while exchanging touch with other Yoruba views with some leaders of prominent royal fathers, Ogun LG Poll: APC Wins All 20 Chairmanship Seats thought among whom were including Igboho royal crowns, Nseobong Okon-Ekong Other political parties that Olanrewaju of the AA had no Olawale for Ipokia Local the Central Council of Ibadan allayed public fears of a repeat took part in the election include votes to his name, Falabi John Government Area; Ogunsola Indigenes (CCII) President- performance of Yoruba-Fulani The All Progressive Congress the Peoples Democratic Party of the LP scores 39 votes, while Adesina for Obafemi-Owode General, Prince Yemisi Adeaga; coalition of 1814. (APC) has won all the 20 (PDP), New Nigeria Peoples Gabriel Somoye of the NNPP Local Government Area; first Vice President-General, Dr. According to Oba Adetunji, chairmanship seats in Saturday’s Party (NNPP), Zenith Labour also scored 39 votes. In Egbado Ladejobi Shuaib Adebayo for Tirimisiyu Oladimeji; Ekefa “Students of Nigerian history local government elections in Party (ZLP), Action Alliance (Yewa) South, Akinpele Ishola of Odogbolu Local Government Olubadan, Chief Lekan Alabi; may wish to be reminded that Ogun State. (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), AA had 128 votes, Hon. Salami Area; Mudashiru Adekunle Ajia Olubadan, Chief Wasiu when some people, during The results were announced African Action Congress (AAC), Adebayo of the APC was elected for Ogun Waterside Local Aderoju Alaadorin; Mogaji the period under reference, on Sunday by The Chairman Social Democratic Party (SDP), with 12, 249 votes. APC’s Fadipe Government Area; Odunsi Makusota, Prof. Oluwasegun chose to engage in territorial of the Ogun State Independent Labour Party (LP), Accord and Akande was elected chairman of Adedapo for Remo North Local Adekunle, and his Personal expansion to the sea, it took Electoral Commission (OGISIEC), the Imeko-Afom local government Government Area; Odulate Assistant, Mr. Adeola Oloko. the Ibadan army under Babatunde Osibodu, who (YPP). area with 12,171 votes, while Olashile for Sagamu Local The monarch in a statement Balogun Oderinlo to repel the announced the results in The APC candidates won with Adeyemi Abosede of the NNPP Government Area; Adeyemo made available to THISDAY attack and stop the incursion Abeokuta, said the total high figures, scoring more than scored 209 votes. In Ikenne Folasade for Odeda Local by Oloko said the action has near Osogbo.” number of votes cast in the 90 per cent of total votes cast in local government area, AAC’s Government Area; Majekodunmi chairmanship elections in the all the local government areas. Oyebamiji Bamidele scored 58 Omolaja for Abeokuta South 20 local government areas was In Ifo local government area, out votes, while 8238 votes were Local Government Area; Expose Criminals in Your 396, 641. of a total votes cast of 24,944, recorded for Olusegun Ogunleye Adebayo Ayorinde for Abeokuta “I want to say that APC won APC’s Delano Kikelomo recorded of the APC, Adesanya Albert of North Local Government Area; Midst, Emir Charges Fulani all the chairmanship seats in the 23,886 votes. Her closest rival the PDP had 731 votes Ogunyomi Gabriel for Egbado 20 local government areas in the Awodeji Babalola of the PDP The elected chairmen also (Yewa North), Musa Adewale Leaders state,” Osibodu said. scores 980 votes, Akinboro include: Agbetokun Akibu for Ado-Odo Ota. Chuks Okocha in Abuja Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Taraba State branch, Emir of Muri, Alhaji Abbas Sahabi Tukur, who was at the Build More Hospitals for Ekiti, Not Cemetery, PDP Tells Fayemi Njidda Tafida, has met with meeting, said that the Emir had Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti has become evident that the both at the state and the national as harbinger of sorrows and Fulani leaders in his palace in expressed his displeasure over governor was providing enough level. death, and recalled that workers Jalingo, Taraba State, charging some herdsmen who have been The Ekiti State Chapter of the burial spaces for the victims of Adeyanju said: “We are in the services of the Ekiti State them to weed out criminals linked with kidnapping. People’s Democratic Party, his alleged bad policies. not surprised that Governor University, Ado Ekiti, had met amongst them. He said the Emir, who is (PDP), has mocked Governor The party was reacting to Fayemi has decided to make their untimely death because The meeting, coming six days also Fulani, was not happy that Kayode Fayemi for celebrating the commissioning of a 260,000 provision of cemetery his major they were wrongly sacked by after the Emir warned criminals Fulani herdsmen were linked the inauguration of cemetery capacity first private cemetery priority since his administration the administration. among Fulani herdsmen to stop to kidnapping and warned that as part of development project in Ekiti by Fayemi last week. is not interested in building He said: “Many innocent job their criminal activities or face the bad eggs must be sorted out that was initiated by his The Ekiti State Publicity good hospitals to promote applicants that bought their the wrath of the people, was and dealt with in accordance administration. Secretary of the PDP, Mr. sound health for Ekiti. This is employment forms and pass attended by all Hardos, Jauros with the law. The PDP told Fayemi that Raphael Adeyanju, said that government takes no joy in through rigorous examination and Fulani associations. Tukur added that the Emir what Ekiti residents demanded the government wants to profit taking food from the table of were not given employment It was held to further find a had further told the Fulani from the state government were from the high mortality rate Ekiti people and watch them letters even after passing the lasting solution to the criminal leaders at the meeting that hospitals and life-saving projects occasioned by insecurity and starve to death. “ interview. Many of these could activities of some herdsmen. they must act positively to that could prolong lives. bad economic policy of the The PDP spokesman not survive the shock of double Tafida’s statement after the bring sanity among all Fulani The party stated that it APC controlled administration, described the APC government standard of the APC.” Sallah prayers last Tuesday had herdsmen. rattled security agencies as he “You must weed out all issued death threat against criminal elements among you Zulum Allocates Land for Skills Acquisition Centre for criminal Fulani herdsmen. and restore the good image He issued a 30-day of Fulani which is gradually Police Widows, Orphans ultimatum to criminal Fulani being tarnished by activities herders to vacate the forests of bad eggs that engaged in Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri Zulum also ordered the about deplorable conditions the Borno State Geographic within the State or be forced out kidnapping and other forms renovation of Police Primary of the Police Primary School information services (BOGIS) over atrocities linked to them. of criminal activities,” the Emir The Borno State Governor, School in Maiduguri. in Maiduguri, seeking the to immediately identify and At the meeting yesterday, was quoted as saying. Professor Babagana Zulum, He gave the directives on governor’s intervention. allocate suitable land to the THISDAY gathered that Emir However, Sahabi revealed has directed the allocation of Saturday while receiving the She also requested POWA. said his marching orders were that various committees would land to Police Officers Wives wife of the Inspector General allocation of land to POWA The IGP’s wife, who hails not directed to all Fulani be set up to address the issue Association (POWA) for of Police, who is POWA’s for establishment of a skills from Borno State, commended herdsmen but to those among of criminal activities by some the establishment of a skills President, Mrs. Hajara Usman acquisition centre to train Zulum on his laudable efforts them who engage in kidnapping Fulani herdsmen and to restore acquisition centre that would Alkali, at the Government House widows and orphans of towards restoration of peace and other criminal activities. the damaged image of the Fulani train widows and orphans of in Maiduguri. policemen. and progressive development The Chairman of Miyyetti herders. deceased police personnel. She informed Zulum The governor also directed to the state. MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 ˾THISDAY 51 NEWS XTRA Technology Experts Write INEC, Insist on e-Transmission of Results Emma Okonji Computer Society (NCS), (e-voting), which the NCS has system that Nigerians have been recently in over 700 centres and He explained that one of the Professor Adesina Sodiya, told always advocated for because clamouring for. was able to transmit results goals of the NCS is to provide Experts in information technology THISDAY yesterday that electronic of its many benefits to national “Electronic transmission of electronically to JAMB’s central technical support for the adoption (IT) have insisted that electronic transmission of results would be development. results is not rocket science because office in Abuja and it worked.” of technology in the country and transmission (e-transmission) possible in Nigerian elections and He said: “If Nigerian Nigerians are already using the Sodiya said that the NCS warned against a situation where of election results from polling that the NCS had at the weekend, government is sincere about the same technology to transfer made it clear that it would give politicians would play politics units to designated servers of the wrote to the INEC, giving it use of technology in enhancing money, send text messages and the INEC all necessary technical with election results, adding that Independent Electoral Commission instances why it should adopt electoral processes, government video images to people. The Joint support it would require to ensure electronic transmission of results (INEC), is realisable in Nigeria with electronic transmission of results should not be afraid of a Admissions and Matriculation smooth transmission of election will bring about transparency in the 3G technology that adequately for all elections. component of the entire e-voting Board (JAMB), conducted exam results electronically. election matters. covered the country and support Sodiya explained that electronic electronic transmission of results. transmission of results is one of the The President of Nigeria components of electronic voting We Can’t be Gencos’ Obligor in Deal with Gas Suppliers, Says NBET Peter Uzoho interventions as contained in the Power Sector Reform The Nigerian Bulk Electricity Programme (PSRP) currently Trading (NBET) Plc has said it under implementation. cannot provide securitisation THISDAY had reported or be an obligor to power last week that the Executive generation companies (Gencos) Secretary of the Association of in the gas supply contracts Power Generation Companies existing between them and (APGC), Mrs. Joy Ogaji, their gas suppliers. had claimed that one of the The company added that challenges facing Gencos was the recent claim by the Gencos the request by gas suppliers that NBET as their obligor had that Gencos should provide not fulfilled its securitisation “securitisation” before they obligation to them in the could supply them gas. last seven years was not a Speaking at a session recently true reflection of realty in the in Abuja, Ogaji had explained EMPOWERING THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED… Nigerian electricity market. that NBET was expected to L-R: Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Tajudeen Olusi; Oba of Igbobi-Sabe, Oba Owolabi Adeyemi Adeniyi; APCchieftains, NBET also stated that provide the securitisation in the the federal government form of a bankable commercial Hon. Wale Osun; Hon. Akeem Adeyemi; Senator representing Lagos Central senatorial district, Senator ; and the beneficiary, was aggressively bringing letter of credit from a commercial Mr. Adebayo Adewunmi , during the Financial Empowerment and Presentation of Wheelchairs to Persons Living with Disability by Tinubu at liquidity and stability back bank to the Gencos, but that Yaba LCDA Secretariat, Lagos...recently to the comatose power sector NBET had not given them such through various initiatives and since the privatisation in 2013. Delta Monarchs Sue for Peace over Olu of Warri Kingship Tussle Sunday Okobi to disrepute. Kingdom, Mr. Ayiri Emami and It also used the forum to Alleged Rape: We’ve Nothing to This plea was made in a warned that the warring parties to deplore the worsening insecurity The Council of nine-point communiqué issued sheathe their swords and return in the country, and called for all Hide, Says Premiere Academy Traditional Rulers has called and read by the Chairman of the to a roundtable in order to find hands to be on deck to arrest on all interested parties in the traditional Council, His Majesty, amicable solution to the crisis the situation. The council also Kuni Tyessi in Abuja leading to her death, the school Olu of Warri Kingship tussle to Obi of Owa Kingdom, Dr. E. O rocking the throne. noted with interest the increase board and management will join maintain peace and harmony and Efeizomor II, at the end of the The council said: “The council in political activities in the state Premiere Academy Lugbe, hands with all relevant security assured them that lasting solution monthly meeting held in Asaba, appeals to all stakeholders in the ahead of 2023, urging all political Abuja, which is the secondary agencies to prosecute such a is being sought to resolve the the Delta State’s capital. Warri kingship dispute to please gladiators to join hand with the school at the centre of person in line with the laws lingering impasse in the Itsekiri The traditional rulers noted respect the sanctity of peace and Governor of Delta State, Dr. controversy over the death of of the land. kingdom.The monarch warned in the communique that they dignity of the kingdom, as we Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration Mr. Keren Akpagher, has pushed “The autopsy result is not that recourse to self-help would received a position paper from the pray for peace to return to that to enable it finish strongly in the back on allegations of sexual out yet. It is a part of the bring the reverend ancient throne embattled Ologbotsere of Warri great kingdom.” area of democratic deliverables. harassment that lead to the investigation process the school death of the 14-year-old SS1 insists must be allowed to take student. its course. We earnestly await The Acting Principal of the result and plead that nothing Military Move against Bandits in Niger Forest the School, Mr. Christopher should be said to pre-empt Laleye Dipo in Minna Niger State was the inability and criminality are also on- In a message to the ceremony, Akinsowon, in a statement whatever the outcome might of the command to flush out going and there is nothing the Niger State Governor, yesterday said the school be,” he said. The Nigerian military has bandits from the different you can do to just wipe them Mr. Abubakar Sani Bello, has zero tolerance for sexual He described reports that their announced its readiness to forests in the state. away at once, you just have to reiterated the commitment of harassment of any kind, whether students have sworn to an ‘oath carry out a major operation He added that “my sadness mitigate the challenge and that his administration to synergise verbal or physical, as well as of secrecy’ as very disturbing against kidnappers and other is that I could not clear the is what we have been doing with and support police in the in-campus misconduct. and asked: “how can secondary undesirable elements in the forests of bandits before and this will continue whether task of tackling the security Akinsowon vowed that “in students take an ‘oath of secrecy; Kwangai forests of Niger State. leaving, but my brother in I am here or not here.” challenges facing the state. the unlikely event that any form this is nothing but blackmail and The Former Niger Police the Military is moving to Usman also observed that Speaking through the of sexual assault happened to an attempt to divert the minds Commissioner, Mr. Adamu Kwangai forest to do what I the country is presently going Commissioner for Local Keren Akpagher in the school, of the public from the truth.” Usman, disclosed this while could not do. through a lot of security Government and Chieftaincy speaking at a send forth “I am saddened by my challenges, stressing that Affairs, Mr. Abdulmalik organised in his honour by the inability to destroy the hideouts “the force is trying it’s best Sarkindaji, Bello described Dangote Emerges Nigeria’s Niger State Police Command of bandits in the forest wreaking to mitigate it. AIG Usman as a principled following his elevation to the havoc in parts of the state.” “What we are committed but flexible leader, “who is Most Impactful Local Content rank of an Assistant Inspector He observed that the state and determined to fight unbendable when an action General of Police. is facing a lot of security bandits, kidnapping and other cannot be justified, but Company of the Year Usman, who said his major challenges like banditry and criminalities confronting our bendable, if such action can regret in his two year stint in kidnapping, adding that “crime nation.” be justified.” For its strict adherence to the The NOGOF award, local content policy of the federal according to the organisers, was government, the Dangote Oil a confirmation of the efforts of Refinery has been awarded the Dangote Oil Refinery in local Edo Police Arrest Two Suspected Cultists National Oil Company of the capacity development in the Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Public Relations Officer, Bello and tactical commanders to occupants. year with the most impactful local oil and gas industry. Kotongs, the suspects were intensify visibility within the “On the spot search content development initiative and According to the Executive The Edo State Police Command caught with one pump action state with the aim of arresting conducted on the vehicle opportunity in the downstream Secretary, Nigerian Content has arrested two persons gun and some dry leaves unrelenting criminal element led to the recovery of one sub-sector of the oil and gas Development and Monitoring suspected to be cultists at suspected to be Indian hemp. in the state. pump action gun and some industry in Nigeria.The award Board (NCDMB), Simbi Wabote, the weekend in Benin City, Kotongs disclosed that the The statement reads: “Today dry leaves suspected to be was presented to the company the 2021 NOGOF award is local capital of Edo State. suspects belonged to one 24/07/2021 at about 10.46 Indian hemp. virtually at the 2021 edition of the content-driven looking at how The two suspects whose of the deadly cult groups hours, operatives of the The suspects are, one Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity projects by related organisations names were given as Ratmond terrorising innocents citizen Anti-kidnaping and Cyber Imasuen Raymond ‘M’ 32 Fair (NOGOF) with the theme: are using the criteria per each Imasuen (32) and Precious within Benin City and Crime Unit of Edo State Police yrs and Precious Ajayi ‘M’ ‘Leveraging Opportunities and award category to gauge Ajayi (24) were said to environ, adding that the State Command while on township 24 years were subsequently Synergies for Post Pandemic contributions to the success of the have been arrested at Etiosa Commissioner of Police, Mr. patrol along Benin-Sepele Road arrested. The suspects also Recovery of the Nigerian Oil local content development in the community, along the Benin- Phillip Ogbadu, has reiterated bypass by Etiosa Community confess to be a member of and Gas Industry’, wish was oil and gas sector being monitored Sapele Road bypass. his commitment for a crime intercepted an ash coloured one of the deadly cult group in held in Yenagoa, , by NCDMB as mandated by the According to a statement free Edo State by directing Lexus 330 car with registration Benin City. They will soon be recently. Local Content Act of Nigeria, 2010. by the Edo State Police all area commanders, DPO’s number FUG 571 SB with two charge to court accordingly.” 52 MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 ˾THISDAY NEWS XTRA Flying Doctors: PPP, Tech Innovation Solution to $66bn Finance Gap in Africa Goddy Egene “In order for quality healthcare shone a light even more harshly continent, can be introduced into other things,” she said. portfolio companies, revealed how to be supplied, someone has to on these gaps, and showcased the Africa healthcare value chain Also speaking, the Cofounder/ impact investing has assisted his Public Private Partnership (PPP) pay for it; the government, the how technology can help in and will create sustainable impact Chief Operating Officer of company in making cost-effective, and technological innovation have patient or an insurance company. bridging them. Impact Investing, in different ways, for example Lifestores Limited, Andrew genuine medicines easily accessible been cited as part of the solutions In Africa all three of these parties being a more suitable way for on the micro side - providing Garza, one of Flying Doctors and affordable to ordinary to plug the healthcare financing (insurers, patients, and the financing this technology across the remote care to patients- among Healthcare Investment Company’s Nigerians. gap in Africa countries put at government) face constraints $66 billion. and that no country in the world The Founder of Flying had achieved universal healthcare Doctors Healthcare Investment without significant state support,” Company, Dr. Ola Brown, stated she said. this during a panel session to Brown explained that when mark the launch of the 2021 investments are made into Africa Healthcare Report titled: healthcare, it creates a ripple ‘Impact Investing and Healthcare effect on other unrelated issues Financing in Africa.’ that have continued to plague A statement quoted Brown the continent. “According to the to have disclosed that poverty Healthcare federation of Nigeria, and financing constraints have investment in healthcare could prevented African countries from create up to 16 million jobs across plugging their healthcare gaps, Africa, making the continent noting that, this was one of the not just more productive, but several reasons why the report also helping to combat security was written and where impact challenges. investing would come into play. “The COVID-19 pandemic has Nigeria-Togo Joint RECOGNISING MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTISTS… L-R: Chairman, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSCN), Lagos Branch, Mr. Olumide Fadipe; Managing Director, ISN Products Nigeria Limited, Mr. Felix Ofungwu; Laboratory Manager, IVD Lab, Mr. Offutalu Paulinus; and Project Commission to be Consultant, ISN Medical Laboratory Scientist of the Year Award, Mr. Daniel Adewuni, during the official flag-off of the 2021 ISN Reactivated Medical Laboratory Scientist of the Year Award in Lagos…. yesterday Michael Olugbode in Abuja development. He told the Togolese President NURTW Chairman, Three Others Arrested Nigeria has expressed her that, “Nigeria and Togo are strong willingness to resuscitate the allies and strategic partners. for Alleged Drug Trafficking bilateral trade agreements she We have a long history of has with Togo by reactivating the togetherness. Our joint leadership Michael Olugbode in Abuja spokesman of NDLEA, Femi Ekiti JER 194 AE from Akure suspects, his car and eight Nigeria-Togo Joint Commission. in fostering unity in the West Babafemi, was arrested along to Ekiti State. bags containing cannabis sativa Nigeria’s renewed interest African sub-region and our shared The Chairman of the National with two others persons, He said Babade, popularly while his brother who drove in trade and commerce with vision of dignity for our people Union of Road Transport Ilesanmi Shola, 35, and called BB, “was taken into the vehicle fled.” Togo was communicated to the remain examples for many to Workers (NURTW) in Ijero Ekiti Babajide Johnson, 45, for alleged custody along with others The agency’s spokesman, President of the Republic of Togo, follow. “It is in this regard Local Government Area of Ekiti involvement in illicit drug. soon after his arrest on July however, claimed that following Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe that the key component of my State, Babatunde Babade, has According to Babafemi, the 18, 2021, for interrogation, and his intervention, the security at the weekend by Nigeria’s mandate, as given by President been arrested by the operatives transport union leader was in his statement, he (Babade) agents released the suspects Ambassador to the West Africa Muhammadu Buhari, is to of the National Drug Law caught with 52.5 kilogrammes of admitted he owned the vehicle and his car to him after taking country, Adebowale Adesina. vigorously pursue economic Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) skunk in Akure, the Ondo state used for conveying the drug, two of the eight bags containing Adesina, who was the diplomacy and strengthen our for allegedly trafficking illicit capital, following intelligence and further confessed that the the drug and N60, 000 from Editor-in-Chief of the Guardian partnership in the areas of trade drug. that he was conveying bags of car was earlier intercepted him, before he later ran into Newspapers, while presenting and economic development for Babade, 45, according to the banned drug in his Mazda by some security agents NDLEA officers while on his his Letter of Credence to the the benefit of our people. a statement issued by the car with registration number: who detained the two other way back to Ekiti State. Togolese President at the “Therefore, as Ambassador, I Presidential Palace in Lome, will seek to expand the frontiers of said, he has been mandated by our trade relations and economic Shun Divisible Actions, Cleric Tells Nigerians President Muhammadu Buhari cooperation. I will work for the Hammed Shittuin Ilorin sideline of the just concluded always endeavour to pray for to shun hate speech as well as to vigorously pursue economic resuscitation of the Bilateral Trade Eid-el Kabir celebration, the leaders and assist them in seek forgiveness from all their diplomacy and strengthen the Agreements between Nigeria and The National Ameer of a Muslim Olawale opined that “it is in tackling challenges facing the shortcomings. partnership of the two countries Togo as well as the reactivation of Dawah organisation, Daaru-r- an atmosphere of peace that the country.” He appealed to wealthy in the areas of trade and economic Nigeria-Togo Joint Commission.” Rahmat (DARMAT) Islamic much expected socio-economic Olawale further urged people in the society to continue Society, Ustaz Misbahudeen growth can be achieved.” Muslim Ummah to apply all to rise to meet the needs of the Olawale, has called on The Islamic cleric added the Eid-el Kabir lessons as less-privileged people so as to Anambra Poll: Group Nigerians, irrespective of their that: “Offering fervent prayers taught by Prophet Muhammed reduce poverty in the society. religious affiliations, to shun remains the only way to in the Holy Quran-such as love, Olawale, therefore, called on actions capable of threatening overcome the challenges in the sincerity, integrity, and justice-to the Muslims to shun all forms Accuses Judiciary of the unity and peaceful co- country. And this requires the build the country for peace and of actions capable of promoting existence of the country. support of everyone irrespective progress. violence, and join hands with Victimising Ozigbo Speaking with journalists in of our religious inclinations. The DARMAT Ameer also the government to move Nigeria Ilorin at the weekend on the “Muslims Ummah should advised members of the public forward. David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Chris Uba, Ozigbo emerged from the faction ‘recognised’ A youth group, Youths Off by the PDP national leadership. FCC Chairman Debunks Certificate Forgery Allegations The Street Initiative (YOTSI), Iyere, a social entrepreneur has alleged that the Peoples and activist in the statement The Executive Chairman of the and desperately fuelled by “One would have ordinarily the Bayero University Kano for her Democratic Party (PDP) made available to THISDAY Federal Character Commission clandestine motives. dismissed the allegation with a BSc in Business Administration. candidate for the forthcoming in Awka at the weekend, (FCC), Hajiya Muheeba Dankaka, According to the statement, wave of the hand as the so called She further obtained a Master Anambra State governorship called on Judges of the Appeal has debunked the allegation of “Recently, the media was group is just formed on paper to degree in Business Administration election, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, and Supreme Courts to help certificate forgery levelled against inundated with publication by settle unknown scores for their (MBA) from the Ahmadu Bello is being victimised by the Ozigbo, who he alleged is, her by a group under the aegis of some faceless group hired by masters, we, however, feel that University Zaria.” judiciary. being frustrated by some Youth and Leadership Initiative some unscrupulous people to it is necessary to put the record The group had alleged The non-governmental Judges, “even though he is Group (LYGEL). tarnish the image and integrity straight for the public to know. inconsistencies in the credentials organisation (NGO) in a the people’s choice.” In a statement personally of the Executive Chairman of the Dankaka attended Ahmadu Dankaka submitted to the statement signed by its The national leadership of signed and made available the Federal Character Commission Bello University Zaria, where she National Assembly prior to her Coordinator, Mr. Kennedy PDP had last weekend pledged media, Dankaka stated that the (FCC), Hajiya M. F. Dankaka, obtained a diploma certificate in appointment as the executive Iyere, based its submission to rally Nigerians against an allegations were false, despicable for reasons best known to them. Insurance and later proceeded to chairman of FCC. on the recent court judgment Anambra High Court Judge, which ordered the Independent Justice Obiora Nwabunike, for National Electoral Commission entering a judgement against Ondo APC, PDP Bicker over Defection of Members (INEC) to enlist Senator Ozigbo in favour of Uba, and James Sowole in Akure APC, mocked their former party, and former Financier and leader against the reelection of Akeredolu. Ugochukwu Uba as the refusing to release the judgment just as leaders of their new party of the PDP in Irele LGA, Prince Commending the achievements candidate of PDP against to aid Ozigbo’s appeal of the Members of the All Progressives described the party (APC) as the Thompson Atayase. of Akeredolu’, Alonge -Niyi said: Ozigbo, ‘who was elected judgment. Congress (APC) and the Peoples only one with ideology. Speaking on behalf of the “We see your agenda as one that by the party’. In the statement Iyere Democratic Party (PDP) at the The defectors were led by the defectors, Alonge-Niyi said they unites the people of Ondo State. Uba and Ozigbo had promised to mobilise youths weekend slammed each other over former National Youth Leader of were attracted to the party (APC) You have a general agenda for the emerged PDP candidates for the in the state and in Nigeria the defection of some members the PDP and former Chairman by the “outstanding achievements overall well-being of the people of forthcoming state governorship against Justice Nwabunike, from the latter to the former. of Ose Local Government Area of the state Governor, Oluwarotimi the state. I mentioned the quality election from different factions. calling for the intervention Some prominent leaders of the of the state, Mr. Dennis Alonge- Akeredolu,” noting that they have of your work in the state as our While Uba emerged from a of judges in the Appeal and PDP and their supporters, who Niyi; former Chairman of Akoko no hope in the case instituted by attestation to the quality of your faction loyal to his brother; Supreme Courts in the matter. at the weekend defected to the South-East LGA, Akin Aibinuomo, the PDP candidate, Eyitayo Jegede, leadership. MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 • THISDAY 53 54 MONDAY,  ͺ;˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: [email protected] MONDAYSPORTS 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY TOKYO 2020...TOKYO 2020...TOKYO 2020... D'Tigers Go Down to Australia in Olympic Games Opener a tremendous comeback in the fourth quarter led by Upset as France beats defending Olympic champions USA Evan Fournier (27 points) Olawale Ajimotokan cent – compared to the Aussies action caused by an issue with lead. in scoring with 12 points, with and RudyGobert (14 points, 9 with agency report who made 11 of their 24 attempts the stop clock. The 31-year-old NBA superstar, Jordan Nwora (10 points) the rebounds) to upset the 15-time from downtown (or 45.8 per cent). The stoppage seemed to affect who was playing at his fourth only other Nigerian to hit double gold medallists and defending Nigeria’s national men’s basketball Both teams were tied 23 the Nigerians more than it did the Olympic Games, would finish the figures. Olympic champions 83-76! team, D’Tigers began their Tokyo points apiece at the end of the Aussies, as D’Tigers continued to game with 25 points as Australia Up next for D’Tigers will be The United States will have an 2020 Olympic Games campaign first quarter, and were still tied at struggle on the court, while the won by 17 points to go top of a date with Germany at 2am opportunity to rebound against yesterday conceding last quarter 34 points apiece with just under Boomers, led by the impressive Group B on points difference Nigerian time on Wednesday, the Islamic Republic of Iran on 84-67 blow out to Australia’s four minutes left in the second Patty Mills, soared in confidence, ahead of Italy who defeated July 28. Wednesday while France will Boomers. quarter when D’Tigers got into and with six minutes left on the Germany 92-82 earlier in the day. Elsewhere, world's No.7 play the Czech Republic (who However, the defeat wasn’t foul trouble. clock, had a comfortable 12-point Obi Emegano led D’Tigers ranked team, France mounted beat Iran 84-78) on the same date. a total failure for the D’Tigers But D’Tigers were in even given the gulf between both sides bigger trouble as they struggled on global rankings. The Aussies to make their free throws. Their gave what to expect when they struggle from the free-throw line spanked D’Tigers by 32 points was the main reason Australia when they met July 13 in a pre- went into the half-time break games friendly in Las Vegas. But three points ahead, 43-40. yesterday, the difference was just A 13-2 push by the Aussies at 17 points. the start of the third quarter, gave It could all have been different the Boomers a 53-42 lead, but a though if D’Tigers had been more revival of sorts, led by Jordan X... proficient with their shooting, Nwora, midway through the Scene from especially from the free throw quarter saw D’Tigers cut the lead the Nigeria line where they made just 13 of to six points with just over three v Australia their 24 attempts – or 54.2 per minutes on the clock. clash at the cent. The Australians, meanwhile, The third quarter, however, made 18 of their 20 attempts from ended 58-52 in favour of the Tokyo 2020 the charity line. Aussies, but the low-scoring Olympic D’Tigers also made 8 of their 24 27-point quarter was probably Games... three-point attempts – or 33.3 per due to a five-minute pause in yesterday NPFL: Rangers' Israel Abia Decorated with Eunisell Boot West Africa’s largest independent a top-class league.” chemical as well as oil and gas Abia expressed gratitude to engineering solutions company, Eunisell and his teammates at Okagbare Leads Nigeria’s Track & Field Team into Olympic Village Today Eunisell, has presented the Rangers. prestigious Eunisell Boot Award “This award will serve as a qualifiers have completed two The process to get them tested for the top scorer in the Nigerian catalyst for me. It is a recognition To begin medals chase from Friday of the three mandatory out of has since been activated by the topflight to Enugu Rangers’ I will cherish”, he stated. Blessing Okagbare’s experience Oduduru, Grace Nwokocha, competition tests, OCT, required Athletics Federation of Nigeria. striker, Israel Abia. The Eunisell Boot presentation and bright performances will Chukwuebuka Enewechi, Enoch and are awaiting final clearance. The athletics team has moved Abia emerged top scorer ceremony was also attended by be a tonic to the track and field Adegoke, Usheoritse Itshekiri, Ten Nigerian athletes most of into the Olympic Village from n, during the 2019/20 Nigeria General Manager of Enugu athletes of Team Nigeria when Patience Okon-George, Imaobong whom are alternates who have their training camp in Kizarazu ell Professional Football League Rangers, Davidson Owumi, who they begin competing from Uko and Emmanuel Ojeli. not fulfilled the three mandatory and will be in action from day season with 12 goals. is the first recognized highest goal Friday July 30th. Favour Ofili and Ruth Usoro OCT tests required are in the one of competition with Okagbare The Eunisell Boot was scorer in the domestic league. Alongside Okagbare are 11 both US-based collegiate athletes, process of taking their tests. leading Grace Nwokocha in the instituted by Eunisell in 2018 Akwa United’s Mfon Udoh other athletes namely: Oluwatobi who came into the Nigerian They must take the final tests women's 100m heats. and former Kano Pillars forward, and former Nasarawa United Amusan, Ese Brume, Divine Olympics radar late in the one day before competition. The mixed relay team will Junior Lokosa, won the inaugural forward, Ibrahim Sunusi, now also be in action as the team edition. Abia emerged winner with Canadian side, Montreal strives to return to the podium last season but his coronation Impact of the Major League 13 years after it last did at the was delayed by the Covid-19 Soccer (MLS), in the United Lewandowski Voted German Player of the Year Games of the XXIX Olympiad pandemic. States of America (USA), emerged manager Hansi Flick, who architect of Bayern's 31st German held in Beijing, China in 2008. Bayern Munich striker Robert While Okagbare will be Abia was presented with the joint-winners of the second edition Lewandowski was voted was named the second-best league championship win, their in 2019. competing in the event for the Eunisell Boot and a cash prize of Germany's Footballer of the manager behind Chelsea's ninth consecutive Bundesliga title. third time since she made it to N2,400,000 million, yesterday at Year for the second year running Thomas Tuchel, said he was Lewandowski has netted the final at the Games of the a ceremony held at the Nnamdi MATCH DAY 35 yesterday. an "absolute professional with over 500 goals for his clubs and XXX Olympiad in London in Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu in line The 32-year-old Pole was once enormous quality" and "the best country since starting his career. Akwa Utd 3-0 Jigawa GS 2012, Nwokocha, the fastest with Covid-19 protocol. again the runaway winner of there is as a centre-forward". Voted FIFA's best male player home-based athlete since Mercy Speaking during the award, Rivers Utd 2-0 IfeanyiUbah the title awarded by the football Since joining Bayern in 2014, of 2020, the goal-scoring sensation Nku ran 11.04 seconds in 1997 Eunisell Group Managing Lewandowski has scored 203 also won the European Golden Plateau Utd 0-0 Lobi Stars magazine Kicker, following a in Benin will be making her Director, Chika Ikenga, vote by journalists. goals in 219 games. Shoe, beating out Lionel Messi debut in the event at the biggest represented by Manager, Warri Wolves 1-0 Wikki Lewandowski, who equalled In 2020-21, he was the and Cristiano Ronaldo. sporting fiesta on earth. Corporate Finance, Eunisell Nasarawa 4-0 Sunshine Gerd Mueller's 49-year-old Limited, Kenneth Okeiyi, said: scoring record in May as he “Eunisell remains committed to K'Pillars 1-0 Abia Warriors netted his 41st Bundesliga goal sponsoring the Eunisell Boot Heartland 0-0 Kwara Utd of the season, received 356 of Tunisia, Japan Stun Superpowers award for players in the NPFL, the 563 votes on offer. despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Katsina Utd 2-0 Dakkada "I am aware of how big this “It is our desire to inspire, Adamawa Utd 1-1 Rangers honour is. It is a reason for great in Swimming, Cycling, Judo recognize and celebrate players Enyimba 2-1 MFM FC pride and joy for me, because it is Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games one ahead of the United States. validation as American medal and see the NPFL develop into rare to win the title of Footballer delivered a day of high drama Tunisia are unlikely to add to machine Michael Phelps, the of the Year in Germany twice yesterday with a stunning their solitary gold but no medal greatest swimmer in history, in a row," Lewandowski said. surprise in the swimming. It of the Games will be celebrated labelled his performance as Second-placed Thomas Mueller was one of the great David v more wildly than that earned via an "unbelievable swim.” of Bayern Munich was 315 votes Goliath with cycling victories the astounding achievement of “The difference between these behind, while third place went and double sibling judo gold 18-year-old Ahmed Hafnaoui, Olympics and the past is that to Erling Haaland of Borussia as Japan continued their golden who stunned the swimming every single person in the final Dortmund, who received 38 start. superpowers with victory from has a chance of winning gold," votes. The host nation bagged lane eight in the men's 400m said Phelps. "Of course I am happy that skateboarding's first gold medal freestyle. Skateboarder Horigome, I have scored 41 goals in 29 courtesy of Yuto Horigome, then "It's a dream and it became who grew up in the Tokyo Bundesliga games. This number saw Uta Abe and her brother true - it was my best race ever," ward where the event is being of goals fills me with great pride Hifumi make history as the first Hafnaoui said in an Olympic- held, took gold at the Games and is certainly a spectacular siblings to win gold medals in level understatement after he held debut of a sport once seen as a achievement in view of my different events on the same day off heavily-fancied Australian symbol of counter-culture and, L-R: General Manager, Enugu Rangers International FC, Davidson Owumi, Highest injury," said Lewandowski, who in any sport. With swimmer Yui Jack McLoughlin and American ironically, still symbolised by Goal Scorer in the 2019/20 NPFL season, Israel Abia and Manager, Corporate was out for three weeks from Ohashi also victorious, Japan's Kieran Smith despite qualifying the "no skateboarding" signs Finance, Eunisell Limited, Kenneth Okeiyi at the presentation of the prestigious late March with a knee problem. overall gold medal tally rose slowest for the final. plastered on the outside walls Eunisell award to Abia at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu...yesterday Lewandowski's former to five, one behind China and Hafnaoui received the ultimate of the venue. MONDAY,  ͺ;˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY 55 SPORTS

Ese Brume Aruna Quadri Odunayo Adekuoroye How Successful Would Team Nigeria Be at Tokyo 2020?

explosive result. A final showing Olympic Gold Medalist, ENEFIOK UDO-OBONG, here examines in either 100m or 200m would be considered a very successful outing for him. Team Nigeria’s chances at the ongoing Tokyo 2020 Games Not much is expected from the relays as the 4 x 400m women IN THE BEGINS... would be considered progress. SWIMMING to row single sculls at the 2020 hinged on this sport. But Nigeria’s seemed our best bet but their Four-time tennis Grand Slam Table tennis is due a medal For a nation as populated as Summer Olympics. Not much preparations as usual have been qualification was not accepted champion, Naomi Osaka lit the for Nigeria in the Olympics, but Nigeria, with her talents and expected from her but a good hampered by off field problems. by World Athletics. So all hopes flames of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic this would be a bridge too far resources, both natural and showing. The federation is in a battle would be on the 4 x 100m women. Games torch last Friday night in Tokyo. human, this sport has been a VERDICT: In the Games for the within two factions to establish Considering the forms of the signaling the beginning of the VERDICT: Quarter Final showing major disappointment. Lack experience. legitimacy. There is trouble other countries like the Bahamas, Games but as the world watches at best in any event but to be of facilities and even more brewing over a kits sponsor Trinidad and Tobago, USA, Great how this pandemic affected Games considered a success, a semi-final inadequate funding has made this BASKETBALL deal shrouded in secrecy and Britain, a finals qualification would turn out, millions of Nigerians at placing is required. sport rudimentary in Nigeria. We The victory of D’Tigers over there was the problem of our be a good result for the team. home and in the diaspora would lag behind other African countries the USA recently changed chances heavily reduced due to The 4 x400m mixed relays too only be bothered on how their WRESTLING and are not reckoned with at Nigerians’ perspective of their the absence of our relay teams can also be in that medal mix if 60-man contingent perform in Do we dare to dream? Wrestling all in the international scene. We basketball team. Everyone started at the World Relays which led their tactics are right. Tokyo. presents Nigeria’s genuine chance are represented by 17-year-old to believe in the team. The defeat to their inability to qualify for In the field events, Nigeria So what should Nigerians at Gold in this Olympic Games. Abiola Ogunbawo. In a sport of USA was followed by victory the Games. brings her most talented set of expect? Here is my candid These wrestlers tutored by that is handing out about 111 over another powerhouse and But in the broth of all these throwers ever to the Games. perspective on Team Nigeria’s Olympic Gold Medalist Daniel medals, it’s a poor representation. world number 4 team Argentina. trouble, we have always had our Chioma Onyekwere has been chances in Tokyo. Igali (albeit for Canada) have She would be doing the 100m Suddenly, the basketball team felt athletes soar with that Nigerian in the best form of her life this shown that with commitment, freestyle and though she has had like the Dream Team. However, fighting spirit. It would not be year, throwing 63.30 meters in singular focus, proper planning, a lot of experience competing the Australians whom we play different in Tokyo. The good news the Discus throw event. That TAEKWONDO sacrifice and dedication we can be internationally, her time of 52.83 first in Tokyo brought us back to in Tokyo is that Blessing Okagbare would have placed her fifth in As one of the five sports that amongst the world’s best. Nigeria seconds is impressive but far from a reality check with a crushing would not be the one to single- the last Olympics. So at the worst have given Nigeria medals at the would be represented by five the 51 seconds needed to medal. defeat in our third friendly last handedly carry our hopes as she a final placing is expected from Olympics, a lot can be expected wrestlers led by former world VERDICT: Future star. In here for week. That defeat could be seen has in the past two Games. In her, and who knows she could from the sport. However the number two ADEKUOROYE the development. If she succeeds as a blessing in disguise as the fact on paper, she is not expected just sneak in a medal. growth trajectory has not been Odunayo Folasade. Alongside in progressing over a round, that weight of expectations would have to win a medal in her preferred Even more impressive is impressive since we won the OBORODUDU Blessing, they is massive success. been too much for Coach Brown 100m event. A final placing is a Annette ECHIKUNWOKE. The bronze in 2008. We have struggled have our best chance at Gold if and his boys. A team dominated result that mirrors her position in Hammer thrower whose 75.49 to even qualify any athlete for they can keep focus and remain by NBA players, Caleb Agada, the world of sprinting. A medal meters thrown this season would the Games. disciplined. Ekerekeme Aigomor, CANOEING Ekpe Udoh, Nnamdi Vincent, would be an over achievement if have earned her a bronze medal In Tokyo, Nigeria is represented Aminat Adeniyi and Adijat idris Emmanuel Ayomide Bello flies Chikeze Okpala, Ike Ireogbu and we see the trajectory of her rivals. in the last Olympic Games. The by ANYANACHO Elizabeth have all shown tremendous the nations flag in another event others, the Nigerian team have I believe for the 100m, the medals National record holder in my Oluchi in the 67kg class. She will progress over the years. that we are in just for participatory a lot to live up to and with the would be shared by Shelly-Ann opinion is our brightest Olympic be up against 4th ranked Turkish VERDICT: Breeding ground for experience. Ayomide has grown long camping in the US, they Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson, medal hopeful. competitor TATAR Nur. Despite a Gold medal here. It would be a in leaps and bounds in the canoe should be prepared. Now, they Elaine Thompson-Herah( all of Third and by no means least is the disparity in ranking (Oluchi massive failure based on the high sprints (C-1 200m) and canoe have lost their first Group B game Jamaica) and Dina Asher Smith Chukwuebuka ENEKWECHI. The is 13th), a lot is expected from the standards they have set to come slalom events winning Gold in to Australia. (Great Britain), while American commonwealth Silver medalist All Africa Games bronze medalist, back without a medal. Minimum the African Youth Games and The female team, D’Tigress also Javianne Oliver, Teana Daniels and African Champion. His especially as she is coached by a silver and a bronze projected All African Games. She also have expectations on them too. and Ivorian Maria Tanou would highest ranking of 8th in the Olympic Bronze medalist Chika from these great wrestlers. participated in the Youth Olympics VERDICT: Anything short of a be outsiders to win medals. The world tells us he should at least Chukwumerije. in Argentina. However Tokyo 2020 semifinals for the men would be 200m is Okagbare lesser preferred be in the finals. He has thrown VERDICT: Tough to call but to be BADMINTON may be one step too far. seen as a disappointment. This event and even a final placement 21.56 meters this year and this considered successful, a bronze A great experience for the team. VERDICT: A top 15 rank would is how high they have set their here may be difficult. would have won him a bronze medal is required here. However In the past four years the team be a massive success. standards. The female team should Ese Brume and Tobi Amusan medal at the last Olympics. if she defeats her round of 16 has developed and improved finish top eight too. That would ranked 2nd and 7th respectively in An outsider for the field event opponent Tatar Nur, then she greatly under the presidency ARTISTICGYMNASTICS be an acceptable level of success. the Long Jump and 100m hurdles medal is the young Ruth Usoro, can be proud of her feat. Exit of Francis Obih. There has been Nigeria would present her are Nigeria’s brightest propects whose 14.50 meters in the triple in the first fight is my prediction. technical trainings, competitions first ever Olympic gymnast ATHLETICS for individual medals in track & Jump earned her an NCAA title. and even during the lock down, through American-born Uche The holy grail of Nigeria’s field in Tokyo. If conditions are VERDICT: Medals must come TABLE TENNIS the federation was giving online Eke. Eke won Gold in the All Olympic participation remains right and injuries are avoided, from athletics to consider it All eyes would be on Aruna development to their officials. In African Games and is set to be a the track & field team. Always we could see two medals here. A successful. There is hope for a Quadri here. He has lifted Nigerian Tokyo, the team would have strong contender in the Olympics. the sport that defines the Games silver and bronze my optimistic Gold, a silver and two bronze table tennis to heights unknown succeeded if they manage a win. Though still an under-developed but ironically one that is most projection but at the worst one medals if we are being the most to us in recent years. He is ranked It is all about experience for them. sport in Nigeria, the talent of the neglected in terms of sponsorship bronze from both events. If we optimistic. Two bronze medals is 21st and may offer our best hope. The duo of OLOFUA Godwin and 23-year-old Nigerian-American and support. However, athletics, win nothing from these two, that the least we should consider as However, it is the young protégé, OPEYORI Anuoluwapo Juwon and his training in the US has the only ever present sports in may count as a disappointment. successful with at least 8 athletes Olajide OMOTAYO, on who is ranked 148 and 113 in the world brought hopes to the expectant Nigeria’s history of Olympic The men do not promise as in the finals of their events. generating a lot of talk. The 94th play their team game against the nation. participation is once again much as the women though the ranked player is exciting and a Japanese duo of ENDO Hiroyuki VERDICT: A top 12 finish would expected to deliver medals. early results of Divine Oduduru joy to watch. If he reduces his and WATANABE Yuta (ranked be an amazing result. No medal The sports has contributed 13 of gives hope that he may still TEAM NIGERIA exuberances and plays smart, he 4th) in their first match. If the expectation here. Nigeria’s 25 Olympic medals and have it in him. But all his great VERDICT/ could go far. match is close, even if they lose two of her three Gold medals. So performances have been run The ladies are led by the ageless as it is likely, that would be a it is no understatement saying it in the US. Outside the US, he PREDICTION Funke Oshonaike, seven time victory for them. ROWING is the King of Nigerian Sports. has not been in the same form. After an examination of the Olympian who crashed out in VERDICT: They are there for Esther Tamaraebi Toko would Along with Taekwondo, they Also, his absence at the trials team, my verdict for Team Nigeria the first round to an American the experience only. If they be flying Nigeria’s flag in rowing. are the only sports in Tokyo prevented one from giving an would be to return home with player in first round. Nigeria’s even manage a win, then that Toko won bronze and silver for Nigeria that have won an on site assessment of his form. 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 3 Bronze other female player, Offiong Edem, is a massive success. medals at the 2019 African Beach Olympic medal for the country On a good day however, Divine medals. And this would be a is only ranked 123. Any win here Games and she also qualified before. And a lot of hopes are is a dynamite and could give an great outing for them. T RU N Monday July 26, 2021TH & REASO Price: N250 MISSILE Book Your Oyebode to Buhari COVID-19 Tests & Vaccinations “It is a question of reasonableness or should I say common sense TEXT‘COVID’ TO58123 because Buhari has become the most divisive president who, despite his affirmation of belonging to none and belonging to all, has been clearly partisan and ethnocentric.” Renowned Professor of International Law and Jurisprudence, Akin This service is provided in association with accredited service providers Oyebode, accusing President Buhari of running a divisive administration OKEYIKECHUKWU EDIFYING ELUCIDATIONS [email protected] What Does Ohanaeze Have to Say? good question, no doubt. But, you have the Igbo saying that when your or a healthy communal, religious or Family first, what is the subject on talisman begins to presume to have a life of life. But he may impress the uninformed which Ohanaeze is supposed its own, and to even presume to oppress and or mislead those who are on the fringes to say something; or on terrorize you, then it is time you showed it of social and spiritual morality. He parrots which it is supposed to have the tree from which it was made. Instead proverbs like: “The goat only follows the saidA something? The state of the nation? of “disrespect for constituted authority” person who is carrying its preferred green Unknown (now-vanished) gunmen? The the way some people try to misrepresent leaves” – which is palm fronds (Ewu na-eso arrest and detention of Nnamdi Kanu? The “Igbo enwe eze” today this saying means onye bu igu). This statement is true, but Igboho saga? The increasing brigandage this: The collective will and rights of the it applies only to goats and to whoever of bandits in the north? The downing people should be invoked to remind anyone behaves like a goat. Such sayings were of an aircraft by bandits? The fact that with tyrannical aspirations that a hero is originally admonitions against thoughtless it takes more than ordinary bandits to always a people’s hero. That is also why materialism and immorality. Today it is freely bring down a military aircraft? The fact Ndigbo say that “A masquerade that flogs used to justify irresponsible leadership and that we are calling fully armed soldiers its drummers and followers ceases to dance, followership. In the traditional Igbo society, who are waging a war against the Federal because it then walks alone”. where the cardinal communal philosophy Republic of Nigeria bandits? The question Ohanaeze must remember, as it was says: “The human being is not a goat” (nmadu of who is really the true President-General reminded six months ago that “the Igbo abughi ewu), the person who exhibits the of Ohanaeze, since there are several claimants concepts of power and authority rest more irrational reflexes of a goat stands diminished. to the title? Or, perhaps that there is now on respect for the laws of the land, and The fact that this proverb and others like it one Ohanaeze President-General and not respect for those who rise by merit while have become the most popular in three? Oh, I get it, Ohanaeze’s position respecting the laws of the land. That is in recent times shows that the region may on the meeting of Southern Governors in also why the true Igbo concept of success well have been taken over by the dregs Lagos, where most of the Igbo governors is always linked with respect for Omenala and never-do-wells in our society. Those were only represented? No, the matter of (The laws of the land); as the ultimate who will do everything possible to turn how an Ohanaeze that has been quoted determinant of right and wrong. That is our values upside down!” as pushing for a Nigerian President of also why Ndigbo say that it sometimes It is true, as was pointed out, that “…the Igbo extraction has been dumb over the becomes necessary to cover your face and ongoing drama, following the Ohanaeze conduct of the South-east Governors in walk up to a leader and tell him a few elections, has occurred in similar organizations many respects? What? home truths. The idea of covering the face in every geopolitical zone in the country. … An Igbo proverb says that to keep silent with a basket is not out of fear for the What needs to happen is for Igbo stakeholders when speaking is not only expedient, but an Obiozor life of the person who decides to speak to seek and obtain consensus and rein in absolute necessity, is not a sign of wisdom. send out its mad offspring to represent out. Whereas tradition forbids anyone to dissenting voices. Ndigbo need not lose face Some of the statements credited to Ohanaeze it in the village square as “The Voice of just walk up to the community leader and in national politics because of this. This is not Ndigbo in recent weeks have created a the People” (Onu n’ekwuru oha). These insult him, only one who is sent by the the time for (real and imagined) non-inclusive mixture of dismay and confusion. Reason? proverbs show that Ndigbo have a set of community may do so. Once sent, you no political conspiracies. Let it not be, or turn Not many are entirely sure which faction of core values that make a clear distinction longer represent yourself. The human being out, that Ndigbo will appear unstable at Ohanaeze is the authentic one. Even if we between the sublime and the ridiculous.” is then presumed to have transcended this home and are also deliberately misrepresented graciously assume that there is an authentic Ohanaeze must be reminded that it has world once dressed up as a masquerade. The at the national level. It is time to move one, in which case all the others are mere probably lost the true capacity to say: covering of the face allows this mysterious from leadership charlatanry to a strategic pretenders to the title, has the response to “He who brings kolanut brings life.” The being from the beyond, speaking for the response that would create a new profile. pressing national issues been timely, focused, kolanut is not a snack, but a symbol of gods and men but using the voice of a The fundamental focus should be to restore credible and possessed of real substance? I communion. It is because the breaking of man, to do so to any unworthy occupant the values of effective/responsible leadership think not. And it all boils down to the fact kolanut presumes “the interdependence in of an office. and followership. Only an accommodating, that the reprehensible fallouts of the last every community and among all living It is against the background of the foregoing large hearted and forward-looking leadership election Ohanaeze held in Owerri have not things that it is said: “May the river not that Ndigbo make a distinction between consensus can create such badly needed been resolved, despite elaborate pretensions dry up and may the fish not lack water to heroes and charlatans. … A charlatan is a group solidarity today. It is time to say: to the contrary. It was observed on this swim in.” The river’s beauty is enhanced never-do-well (onye ome k’ome), whose “Thus far and no further”. The foregoing page, on January 18 that: “An epidemic by the presence of the fish, while the life exercise of courage and dare devilry is always was also said six months ago. of Ohanaeze Presidents General is not of the fish depends on the steady flow of for self-interest. The major trademark of the Also said six months ago was this: “Igbo the way to go.” There was a call, at that the river. Ndigbo also pray thus before traditional Igbo charlatan is that nothing he leaders must bear in mind that there is a time, for “Igbo stakeholders of all political eating the kolanut: “Elders shall live and does can ever lead to sustainable development, desperate need to fully incorporate the persuasions to work towards avoiding a the young shall live. Our harvest shall be people (OHA) into the defining essence of situation wherein several masquerades rich and none shall pray for the misfortune . Who likes to feel taken of stature that are already in the village of another, lest his farm be the only patch for granted? Who likes not to be consulted, square are so badly managed that they of earth without rain,” etc. or noticed, as being part of what is going begin to fight over Right of Way before As this prayer is the first event in every It is now time for on around him? Does the average Igbo like women and children.” Six months down serious gathering of Ndigbo, is it not obvious to feel hurried, or tricked, into a decision? the road, there is no evidence that anyone that an Ohanaeze that can no longer hear Ohanaeze to speak. … Has the Igbo spirit of competition and then was paying attention. its own voice may have difficulties breaking visible, effective and dramatic engagement As was also Observed in the kolanut today? Some may argue, obviously Speak credibly and not suffered a setback? Who likes to give aforementioned article: “Ndigbo say that with very limited understanding, that Igbo responsibly it must. up fair/open processes for one in which a person who is in a daze and who is republicanism makes what we are seeing he feels derided, insulted, or cheated? For staggering and swaying while on his feet today unavoidable. Wrong! As was said in To do that, it must first a people who are fundamentally republican is never given the title of “The Pillar that the article of January 18, “Those who use and who sometimes celebrate success, even Holds the Edifice” (Onye aju na ebu anaghi the saying ‘Igbo enwe eze’ (Ndigbo do not address the little matter to the point of self-inflation, the various aza ide ji uno”). The reason is obvious! Igbo have kings/Igbo are not ruled by kings) contenders must now sit down and talk.” will also tell you that the vulture and the to suggest that Ndigbo are traditionally of proper self-definition That said, it is now time for Ohanaeze eagle do not fight over food (Ugo na udele ungovernable should please note its true to speak. Speak credibly and responsibly anaghi azo nri); because one is a scavenger, meaning and import: “No single feudal and identification. it must. To do that, it must first address while the other is a grade one predator. authority is allowed by the traditional Igbo The dignity of Ndigbo the little matter of proper self-definition It is also a known fact of the Igbo world leadership structure to visit tyranny on the and identification. The dignity of Ndigbo that no family, or kindred, of yore would community unchallenged.” That is why demand, and deserve, it! demand, and deserve, it! Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. 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