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NCAA Approves Commercial Flight Operations at Bayelsa Airport It's a dream come true, says Governor Diri Chinedu Eze on Saturday to commence House, Yenagoa, after a for daytime flight operations. to the visit had certified that Musa said the agency had commercial flight operations. NCAA team had completed The governor's Chief Press out of 29 gaps, the airport to limit flight operations to After months of expectation, NCAA Director-general, Dr. the mandatory inspection of Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, was able to close 26. He noted daytime, as the runway lights the Government- Nuhu Musa, presented the the airport and its facilities. quoted the NCAA DG as that other requirements were were still being installed, owned airport finally received regulatory body's approval Musa said the airport met saying the approval was sequel non-safety related and work stating that once completed, the nod of the Nigerian Civil letter to an elated Governor all airspace standards and was to the report of the agency’s was already in progress to Aviation Authority (NCAA) Douye Diri at Government one hundred per cent ready inspection team, which prior achieve night flight operations. Continued on page 10

1,081,548 Nigerians Receive Astrazeneca Vaccine Jabs… Page 8

Sunday 18 April, 2021 Vol 26. No 9506

www.thisdaylive.com T N400 RU N TH & REASO Akpabio: NDDC Forensic Audit Ends July Okon Bassey in Uyo Minister of Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has set July ending 2021 as deadline for conclusion LONELY QUEEN ELIZABETH... of the forensic audit of the At the funeral service for Prince Phillip, her husband of 73 years Continued on page 5 Jonathan to Aliyu: You’re a Pathetic Fellow Who Lies to Remain Relevant There’s no truth to his claims on 2015 polls, Jang, Lamido declare PDP suspends ex-Niger gov Chuks Okocha in Abuja and by one of the ex-president’s Seriki Adinoyi in Jos former aides, Reno Omokri, maintaining regarding Aliyu, Former President Goodluck “As long as that remains his Jonathan, last night, described character trait, he will always a former governor of Niger be at the back.” State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, as a The former president was despicable fellow, who resorted reacting to claims by Aliyu to lies and half-truths to try that the reason Jonathan lost to remain politically relevant. the 2015 election was because HAPPY MARRIED LIFE... Jonathan also called Aliyu a L-R: Newlyweds, Nathaniel Omoruyi, his wife, Harim (nee Irabor) and mother of the bride, Barrister Ebele Nduka Irabor, during Continued on page 8 backstabber, in a statement the traditional marriage reception for Nathaniel and Harim in Owa-Oyibu, ...yesterday 2 SUNDAY APRIL 18, 2021 • THISDAY SUNDAY APRIL 18, 2021 • THISDAY 3 4 SUNDAY APRIL 18, 2021 • THISDAY  ͹΀˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER 5 PAGE FIVE

FAREWELL TO 'A VERY SPECIAL PAPA'... Prince Philip’s coffin was driven to St George’s Chapel followed by a procession, which included his children Prince Charles, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, Princess Anne and some of his grandchildren Tributes, Gun Salutes as Prince Philip is Laid to Rest Tobi Soniyi with Agency close family and friends himself helped to design. behind the coffin, trailed David Conner, with the focus of the service but no Reports attended the televised The funeral procession by members of the duke’s Archbishop of Canterbury, sermon was delivered, in funeral service, which was headed by the Band household staff. Justin Welby, pronouncing line with his wishes. The Duke of Edinburgh, began with a national of the Grenadier Guards, The 94 years old Queen the blessing. e music included the Prince Philip, was yesterday, minute's silence at 3pm, the Major General’s party, travelled with a lady-in- Conner paid tribute to 1860 hymn Eternal Father, laid to rest amid an while the duke’s children and military service chiefs. waiting in the state Bentley Prince Philip’s “kindness, Strong to Save, by William outpouring of tributes and walked behind his coffin in Princess Anne and Prince at the end of the procession. humour and humanity” and Whiting, which is associated gun salutes in an intimate a funeral procession. Charles made up the front A ceremonial gun fire at the “many ways in which with seafarers and the funeral at St George’s More than 730 members row behind the vehicle, nine locations across the UK his long life has been a maritime armed services. Chapel at Windsor Castle. of the armed forces took followed by Prince Edward and in Gibraltar marked blessing to us”. There was a reduced At the event, according to part in the event, but there and Prince Andrew. the start and end of the According to him, “We choir of four singers but the BBC reports, the Queen said was a limit of 30 mourners Princes William and national minute’s silence. have been inspired by congregation did not sing, goodbye to her husband inside St George’s Chapel, Harry walked either side of No planes landed or his unwavering loyalty in line with coronavirus of 73 years. with observance of the their cousin, Peter Phillips. took off at Heathrow for to our Queen, by his restrictions. Clad in black with a Covid-19 rules. The brothers sat on six minutes to coincide service to the nation and Buglers of the Royal facemask to match, the Prince Philip died at opposite sides of the aisle with the silence and all the Commonwealth, by Marines sounded Action Queen sat alone due to Windsor Castle on Friday, but were seen chatting major sporting events were his courage, fortitude and Stations – a signal that all coronavirus restrictions April 9 and was aged 99. together after they left rescheduled to avoid a clash faith,” he said during his hands should be ready for – distanced from the His coffin was carried a the service. with the funeral. bidding. battle – as the coffin was congregation that also wore short distance to St George’s Vice Admiral, Sir Timothy The funeral service The duke’s association lowered into the Royal facemasks. Chapel on a modified Land Laurence and the Earl of was conducted by the with the Royal Navy and Vault at the end of the A small group of Philip's Rover, which the duke Snowdon also walked Dean of Windsor, Rev. love of the sea was also a service.

AKPABIO: NDDC FORENSIC AUDIT ENDS JULY Niger Delta Development Buhari that for us to have The minister explained that Babayo Ardo, said the take-off located, the committee had on its mandate, as well as Commission (NDDC), ordered a properly constituted board the security component of of the physical verification been mandated to visit them. improving transparency and by President Muhammadu for the NDDC, we should the audit exercise was very phase marked a milestone Akwa said a security accountability in NDDC. Buhari. Akpabio stated this first take a look at what has important because of the in the effort to reposition team had been put together “We must not allow this at the commencement of the happened to the commission safety issues in the Niger NDDC for effective service to escort the committee project to be scuttled by physical verification phase since inception. Delta. He said, “We decided delivery. members and ensure their those who have benefited in of the audit at Ibom Icon “There was nothing our to start the audit exercise Ardo said, “The audit of security. the past, or those who are Hotels and Golf Resort in detractors have not done to from the NDDC headquarters, the headquarters has been Lead Forensic Auditor, currently benefiting unjustly Uyo. He said the audit was stop the forensic audit and while security arrangements completed. We are now Mr. Joshua Basiru, threw from the current loopholes in part of the internal reform this has led some people to be were being firmed up. The starting the second phase of light on the audit exercise, the commission’s policies and of NDDC. left wondering if the forensic field visit is a critical next the exercise. We will go round confirming that Buhari operating procedures as well The minister said the 16 audit has been aborted.” step, after which we go all the nine states to inspect ordered the forensic audit as the profligacy exhibited field auditors selected for the Akpabio observed that into the office to produce the over 12,000 projects that of the commission in 2019 by its previous management field audit would now begin budgetary delays affected the reports.” have been identified by the as a result of a alleged teams to the detriment of the to identify and verify projects the progress of the forensic Akpabio stressed that the NDDC.” huge gap noted between vast majority of the Niger across the Niger Delta. He exercise, prompting Buhari physical verification was a The NDDC interim resources invested and Delta people, and therefore rejected rumours that the to intervene to save the serious exercise, because the administrator, Mr. Efiong the infrastructural, human do not like to see change forensic audit had derailed, situation. results of the exercise might Akwa, emphasised that the and economic development coming to NDDC.” saying detractors are falsely He said, “The president lead to the prosecution of forensic audit was a serious recorded by the commission. He said despite some claiming that the forensic is resolute that he cannot the affected contractors, and deliberate exercise, Basiru stated, “It is our challenges encountered audit is being used as a ploy leave the Niger Delta and some of whom, he said, which made it necessary collective responsibility to during the first phase of to continue with NDDC’s the NDDC the way he met abandoned their contracts for the physical inspection ensure that this forensic documentation and data interim administration. it. As a demonstration of this without completing them. of project sites in the nine audit exercise is successfully extraction, they were able to Akpabio said, “It is the commitment, he is funding Similarly, the Permanent states of the Niger Delta. executed, in a bid to re- make appreciable progress in considered position of the forensic audit from the Secretary in the Ministry Akwa said wherever the position the commission in line with the forensic audit President Muhammadu budget of the Presidency.” of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr over 12,000 projects were terms of effectively delivering terms of reference. 6 SUNDAY APRIL 18, 2021 • THISDAY SUNDAY APRIL 18, 2021 • THISDAY 7 8  ͹΀˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER NEWS

TYING THE NUPTIAL KNOT... L-R: Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa; bride's father, Hon. Nduka Irabor; newlyweds, Nathaniel Omoruyi, his wife, Harim; bride's mother, Barrister Ebele and Chairman/Editor in Chief, THISDAY Media Group/ARISE News Channel, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, during the traditional marriage of Nathaniel and Harim in Owa-Oyibu, Delta State...yesterday 1,081,548 Nigerians Receive Astrazeneca Vaccine Jabs , Kano, lead Onyebuchi Ezigbo in vaccines, as at Saturday. states and the Federal the number of persons 21,801; Borno, 21,410; Cross Others are Kwara, Abuja According to an update Capital Territory (FCT), vaccinated with 200, 602, River, 15,115; Delta, 22,992; 30,028; Lagos, 200,602; on the on-going vaccination including , which followed by Kano, 57,900, Ebonyi 8,768; Edo 28,739; Nasarawa, 17,238; Niger, As the vaccination across the country, joined the exercise late. and Kaduna with 56, 328. Ekiti, 22,903; 11,841; 27,003; Ogun 52,906; Ondo of Nigerians against posted on the platform The agency said the The vaccination figures FCT 48,049; Gombe, 27,239; 31,454; Osun 21,122; Oyo COVID-19 enters its of the National Primary percentage of the vaccine showed that Abia has 8,035; Imo, 19,,278; Jigawa, 28,133; 36,721; Plateau 28,370; sixth week, the federal Healthcare Development doses so far administered Adamawa, 19,735; Akwa Kaduna 56,238; Kano Rivers, 28,684; Sokoto, government says 1,081,548 Agency (NPHCDA), the was 53.8 per cent. Ibom, 12,132; Anambra, 57,900; Katsina 39,394; 11,795; Taraba, 8, 390; people have received their vaccination is now being The statistics showed 10, 645; Bauchi, 36,066; Kebbi 15,328; and Kogi Yobe, 21,040; and Zamfara, first jab of the AstraZeneca carried out in all the 36 that led in Bayelsa, 10,662; Benue, 8,566. 15,708.

JONATHAN TO ALIYU: YOU’RE A PATHETIC FELLOW WHO LIES TO REMAIN RELEVANT all the northern governors warm applause from NEC then I challenge him to name of votes secured by former on their commitment to present. resolved not to support him. members!" witnesses.” President Jonathan. So, even if the plot to unseat the then “The truth of the matter is But a former governor of In a related development, The statement said, “Mr. we want to say for argument’s President of . In that that Governor Aliyu Babangida , Senator Jonah the Peoples Democratic Aliyu says the agreement the sake that there was such an book, the former is a backstabber and as long Jang, similarly dismissed as Party (PDP) in Niger State northern governors had with agreement, of which there governor said, ‘The Americans as that remains his character untrue the statement credited suspended Aliyu over former President Jonathan was was no such agreement, had resolved not to support trait, he will always be at the to Aliyu that the then 19 allegations of anti-party for him to finish off President wouldn’t Governor Babangida Jonathan. They just wanted back. What is the level of his northern states’ governors activities leading to cracks in Yar’Adua’s first term between Aliyu have been expected to to size us up for the level relevance today in Niger State? had met, deliberated, and the party in the state since May 6, 2010 and May 29, 2011, have kept to his side of the of commitment to regime In betraying Dr. Jonathan, did decided not to support the 2014. and then contest for only one bargain?” change.’ he not also betray himself? re-election of Jonathan in 2015. In a statement exclusively term between May 29, 2011 Jonathan maintained, “The “Mr. Aliyu revealed in What influence does he even Former delivered to THISDAY in and May 29, 2015. If this is truth is that not only was that book that he was an command? He lost his state to Governor, Mallam Sule response to the claims by the true, then how come former there no such agreement, but unpatriotic individual, who the All Progressives Congress Lamido, also yesterday gave former Niger State governor, President Jonathan lost the Babangida Aliyu is such a held meetings with a foreign in 2015, and the Niger State to the controversial Omokri, on behalf of Jonathan, votes of Niger State at the perfidious character that does government to undermine his government has been probing statement by Aliyu. Lamido said, “Babangida Aliyu is a Peoples Democratic Party not even know that his current own home government. He his regime. denied knowledge of such pathetic fellow. He has become presidential primary of disposition contradicts his basically admitted to treason. “The northern government a meeting where a decision a broken record and, sadly, he January 13, 2011? How come, earlier statements. Now, how can such a fellow of General Muhammadu was taken against Jonathan’s feels that is the only way to also, that former President “For example, in Mr. Segun be taken seriously by people Buhari, which he says he re-election. remain relevant. Let me break Jonathan lost the actual Adeniyi’s book, Against who believe in the unity of helped bring to office, is "I am not aware of any his claim down for you in a presidential election, which the Run of Play: How an Nigeria?” the same government that meeting at which such a way that it will be so crystal held on April 16, 2011 to the Incumbent President Was According to the statement, is currently prosecuting him decision was taken,” the clear that he is lying. candidate of the Congress Defeated in Nigeria, published “Witnesses at that meeting for a N1.9 billion fraud at the former Jigawa State governor “There was no such for Progressive Change, in 2017, Mr. Aliyu gave a revealed that the statements national level? stated. He added, “In fact, it agreement, whether written Muhammadu Buhari, in completely different reason made by then Governors “The Niger State House was Governor Babangida, who or oral. Since he says it Niger State? for working against former Aliyu and Murtala Nyako of Assembly on Thursday, in one of our NEC meetings was written, then let Mr. “General Muhammadu President Jonathan. According were so dangerous to Nigeria’s August 13, 2015, passed a at Wadata, implored me to Babangida Aliyu produce it. polled 652,574 votes to then to Mr. Aliyu, the Obama unity that it prompted a strong motion calling for the probe back off my indifferent posture If he changes his statement President Jonathan’s 321,429 administration had invited rebuttal from of Aliyu, and the Niger State towards Jonathan, which I and says it was not written in Niger State in 2011. He got 12 governors from northern Governor Ibrahim Hassan did and received a very after all, but actually verbal, more than twice the number Nigeria to sound them out Dankwambo, who was also Continued on page 13 SUNDAY APRIL 18, 2021 • THISDAY 9 10  ͹΀˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER NEWS Rising Population Overstretching Our Services, Infrastructure, Says Bauchi Gov Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi administration had built over in the number of students. N-SHIP programme, UNICEF, He said, "With the see well established clinics 600 blocks of classrooms in He said the state government and WHO, built over 300 establishment of drug and health facilities that are Governor, primary schools, saying this had, in collaboration with primary health centres that revolving fund, if you go to at per with the those at the Senator Bala Mohammed, is huge given the reduction the World Bank, through the were fully equipped. local governments you will city centre." has said the rising population of the state is overstretching government services and infrastructure. Mohammed stated this yesterday, when he received members of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) at the Executive Chambers of Government House, Bauchi. The governor said the population of Bauchi State had risen from the official record of 6.5 to about 10 million. “We have the highest number of out-of-school children and, therefore, there is unemployment and youth restiveness,” he stated. Mohammed said there were existing gaps in infrastructure and services, particularly health, education, and transportation, adding that his administration is doing everything possible to close the gaps. According to him, "We have created a government that is looking comprehensively at all the MDAs to identify where and which gaps exist in education and health.” The added, “We have discovered that we have not been able to access monies from government institutions and agencies that are giving counterpart funding to us, especially UBEC and SUBEB, and we have accessed over N19 billion during the period that we are because we provided the counterpart BAYELSA AIRPORT OPENS FOR BUSINESS... funding." Director-General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Engr Nuhu Musa; with the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, presenting the certificate for Mohammed said his approval of commercial operations of Bayelsa Airport...yesterday Obaseki Reassures Edo People, Says We’ll Fulfil All Our Promises Governor, Mr. State Development Plan. next three decades. will continue? government for more than state to join hands with Godwin Obaseki, has He said the plans would "So, this is in fulfilment of "Who is the person that 14 years, one of the biggest the government to ensure reassured the people of the ensure a defined template our electoral promise and it will come and take over and challenges that we face is the realisation of the plan. state that his government for development and growth was a well thought-out out ensure that these continue? waste. Azar said, "The master would fulfil all promises in the state. idea. We found out that one My response is that we may "Most of our resources plan is very important made during his second The governor stated, “We of the biggest challenges we not find that person, but are wasted, because we in meeting the current term electioneering are here to start a series of have as a country and as a we can create that system do not have a plan. If you challenges that we are campaign. Obaseki said the workshops that will lead to state is that we don't plan; that will ensure that what just look at the Ministries, going to be faced with. The state had commenced the the creation of the we have lost the culture of we have started continues.” Department and Agency of regional plan is going to process for the drafting of City Master Plan, Edo planning and we just keep Obaseki further said, Government (MDAs) about help us in improving the a 30-year development plan State Regional Plan, and moving on. “Today, I think we are six to seven of them are wellbeing of the people to provide the government Edo State 30-year Economic “As an administration, taking a very small step in executing the same job, in areas where there are with necessary tools, Development Plan. one of the biggest concerns the right direction. From the because they are not talking concerns about present and guidelines and milestones "I made it clear during that people keep expressing experiences of people, who to each other. Our children the future living conditions. for development planning. our electioneering that is that, Mr. Governor, you have done it right, if we are going to inherit that "This plan is important, The governor spoke one of the legacies of our and your Deputy, Philip do it properly, no matter plan.” because Benin City is in Benin City during an administration will be to Shaibu, are doing well; you the challenges ahead of us, Chief Executive Officer of growing and expanding interview with journalists, leave behind the compass, are charting a new direction we will have the clarity to SIRA, Dr. Kamal Azar, the without a plan. I call on at a workshop for the like a directional tool, which for the state. What is the go through it. From my company that is to develop all stakeholders in the state development of Benin will indicate where Edo guarantee that when you experience in government, I the proposed plan, called to join hands in this dream Master Plan and Edo should be headed over the leave office that these things have been involved in Edo on stakeholders in the of executing this plan.”

NCAA APPROVES COMMERCIAL FLIGHT OPERATIONS AT BAYELSA AIRPORT full approval would be The governor commended machinery in motion for board but he took the bull commence commercial flight importance of the airport, the granted. He commended his predecessor, Seriake NCAA’s nod. by the horns by starting and operations.” governor stated, “Bayelsa the state government for Dickson, for his foresight in The governor stated, “This virtually completed it. May I, Diri also expressed State is a major contributor the quality of work done at ensuring that the state had its is a dream come true for our on behalf of this government appreciation to the Minister to the oil and gas business in the airport and the capable own airport. Diri reiterated state and our people. I thank and the people of Bayelsa, of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, the Nigeria. Bayelsa is the centre personnel from the state that that Dickson started the God Almighty because this appreciate him. As I came on NCAA DG, and officials for not only of oil and gas but facilitated the issuing of the project, which had been on journey had been a winding board, having seen what he the approval and promised also other economic activities licence. the drawing board of past one, from my predecessor, did, my administration had to do all within his powers within the South-south and Responding, Diri expressed administrations, and saw to and I have been in the saddle to cross the T's and dot the to get full flight operations. the South-east. appreciation to God for its completion before handing for over a year waiting for I's. Having been briefed on He maintained that all the “So, the Bayelsa airport is making the long-awaited day over to current administration. this licence. Today, God made certain requirements, I wasted necessary facilities and critical not only to Bayelsans possible. He said issuing of He said his administration it possible. no time in approving what equipment were in place but, indeed, the people of the operational licence was a was determined to ensure “I also thank my was necessary to ensure and would be installed in the South-south, South-east, winding journey that began the commencement of flight predecessor, Senator Henry that the airport was ready no distant time, especially, and by extension, the nearby from the administration of operations at the airport, Seriake Dickson. This airport for use. Today, we have the the runway lighting system. countries. We are at the border his predecessor. which was why it set the had been on the drawing approval for the airport to Emphasising the strategic with the Gulf of Guinea.” SUNDAY APRIL 18, 2021 • THISDAY 11 12 SUNDAY APRIL 18, 2021 • THISDAY  ͹΀˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER 13 NEWS

WORKING HARD TO RESCUE ELECTRONIC CALL-UP SYSTEM... Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman (middle), flanked by Controller of works, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Joshua Popoola (left), and Project Manager, Hitech, Ashton Davies, during the inspection of the road construction around Tin Can Island Ports, Lagos as part of efforts to perfect the operations of the electronic truck call-up app, Eto AbdulRazaq Awaits Kwara Cabinet Nominees from Lai Mohammed, Others Minister insists on ex-chairman, party control Hammid Shittu in Ilorin met with the Minister of composition. He asked is interpreted even at the balance between gender and “The challenge now is that Information and Culture the Minister to bring the APC national secretariat to religion of the nominees, in the Governor we know may The delay in the full Alhaji Lai Mohammed and names of his nominees, even mean that the Minister wants addition to his request for be forced to return his former announcement of cabinet a few others to request them though he requested that he to have absolute control of them to bring in people from cabinet members if the camp members by to send in nominees for the prefers a mixture of men the party to the detriment various camps that formed of Alhaji Lai Mohammed Governor AbdulRahman new cabinet. In fact, the need and women for a balanced of the Governor and other the APC. and others do not come up AbdulRazaq is not to give Lai and others more cabinet. But the feelers are stakeholders who hardly “Another challenge is with their cabinet nominees unconnected with his presence in the government that the Minister and others agree with the Minister.” that the nominees being while insisting that BOB must moves to ensure that every was a major reason for the fighting the Governor are The Governor had recently brought forward are all men. I return. I hope reasons prevail tendency within the ruling All dissolution of the cabinet in saying they want the former released a first list of seven understand that the Governor so that the party can move Progressives Congress (APC) the first place,” said a top chairman Basheer Omolaja commissioner nominees who is saying that, whereas he on,” he added. is better represented in the party leader who asked not Bolarinwa to be returned. have since been confirmed appointed 56 percent female Efforts to reach the administration, according to to be named. This is a condition they by the House of Assembly. commissioners before, the spokesmen of the Governor sources in the party. “Two weeks ago, the are putting on the ground. Another source said the lowest he would go is 50 proved futile while calls made “I am aware that the Governor came to see the The Governor does not Governor meanwhile has percent apiece and adequate to the Minister of Information Governor, as part of his Minister in Abuja and appear to be disposed to also appealed to party faith representation,” said a and Culture did not get move efforts, has personally they discussed the cabinet that. Besides, the request stakeholders to strike a source from one of the camps. through. JONATHAN TO ALIYU: YOU’RE A PATHETIC FELLOW WHO LIES TO REMAIN RELEVANT government has called him his conviction regarding his Aliyu to be weary of false May 5, 2010, the leadership Minna, last Monday, approved This includes disobedience a thoroughly corrupt and (Buhari) inability to resolve utterances, such as the current of the then governing Peoples the suspension of Aliyu as a to then President Goodluck unreliable fellow. So, I the nation’s challenges and one, especially when talking Democratic Party, along with result of six allegations, which Ebele Jonathan and working congratulate him on his sensitivities of the issues at the to the public. the state governors under the the party in Chanchaga Local against his re-election in 2015.” achievements in bringing moment. But, unfortunately, Aliyu had in a statement flagship of the party, had Government Area of the state, The communiqué further this government to power. Buhari won, and we are all on Friday, defended his role series of meetings on the found disturbing and inimical condemned the former “Maybe he feels he can get witnesses to the tales of woe in the ouster of Jonathan, presidency and the future to the party’s progress. governor saying, “He a soft landing for himself by that have followed. following persistent attack of our great party. PDP, in a statement titled: supported and funded the attacking Dr. Jonathan and “We view the statement on him by the Niger State “All the governors in “Notice of suspension of Dr opposition APC in 2015 with making false statements to of Dr. Aliyu as an attempt chapter of PDP for working the North under the PDP Muazu Babangida Aliyu the sum of N450 million to make the incumbent president to drag the hard earned against the party’s presidential supported the then Vice from the PDP, Chanchaga defeat his own party for feel that he owes his current reputation of Jang into candidate in the election. President Goodluck Jonathan LGA,” disclosed that the personal and selfish reasons.” position to Aliyu.” disrepute. Having served He said few months to the to complete the remaining ex-governor worked against it said the former governor Jang, in his own statement Nigeria as a military officer, 2015 presidential election, years of Yar’Adua’s tenure former President Jonathan was suspended due to titled, “Dr. Mu’azu Babangida later as a civilian governor, PDP governors joined and to contest the next and the party’s governorship his “refusal to participate Aliyu Lied,” equally said and also as Senator of the other northern governors presidential election as a sole candidate in the state, Alhaji and attend party activities; as one of the then northern Federal Republic of Nigeria, at a meeting in Abuja and candidate of our great party. Umar Nasko, by supporting undermining and working governors, he was never and has discharged his unanimously resolved not “However, midway, and funding the opposition against the resolutions of part of any such meeting responsibilities without to allow Jonathan win President Goodluck Jonathan All Progressives Congress in party organs, especially, the being referred to by Aliyu, blemish, Senator Jang is not the election. Aliyu, who insisted on running for the 2015 with the sum of N450 state caucus and causing neither was he privy to it, as one who speaks from both was Chairman, Northern office in 2015 against the grain million to defeat his own division that has led to claimed by the former Niger sides of his mouth. Rather, Governors Forum then, said of our earlier agreement. Since party.” inability to resolve the issues State governor. he speaks and supports only the 19 northern governors this was against the grain The communiqué, surrounding the position of The statement, signed by what he believes. agreed that Jonathan had of our earlier agreement in which was made available state legal adviser that has Jang’s media consultant, Mr. “Little wonder that Plateau violated the terms of an the party, and which we, the to journalists, listed the been unoccupied since 2015 Clinton Garuba, said, “For the State was won by President agreement he reached with governors in the North felt allegations against Aliyu to in his own local government avoidance of doubt, despite Jonathan in the 2015 general the party and the northern the North would have been include “causing disaffection area.” the perceived shortcomings of election, largely due to the governors not to run for short-changed if Jonathan had within the party hierarchy Further, the party President Goodluck Jonathan, hard work of the then second term in 2015. succeeded, we rose stoutly to even after several peace maintained, “These and Senator Jang believed that Governor Jang.” The ex-governor had, in the insist on the agreement we efforts; strong and verifiable many others have led to President Jonathan was better Jang stressed that there statement titled, “Why We all had.” allegations of anti-party the immediate suspension of equipped to rule Nigeria at was no basis for him not to Opposed Jonathan’s Second Meanwhile, the Niger State activities leading to cracks Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu the time, especially, when support Jonathan, especially, Term Bid,” said,“Following the PDP in a communiqué issued in the party since 2014 that from the Peoples Democratic his opponent was General as the contest was against sudden passage of President at the end of an emergency led to loss of government at Party in Chanchaga local Buhari, who Jang did not hide General Buhari. He advised Umaru Musa Yar’Adua on stakeholders’ meeting in the centre and the state levels. government.” 14 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 18, 2021 OPINION WHY BUHARI’S POLICIES ARE NOT WORKING The government has not given sufficient time to fight poverty and unemployment, the primary cause of insecurity, argues Ike Okonta

ome May 29 and it will be six years since percent and millions of jobs were being created in all sectors of the introduced the Social Investment Programme (SIP), targeted at President Muhammadu Buhari and the All economy. Okonjo-Iweala believed firmly in the IMF and World the poor and vulnerable, particularly petty traders, artisans, and Progressives Congress took power as chief Bank’s neoliberal economic policies and she had sought to apply rural dwellers. When the Brookings Institution, an American pilots of Nigeria’s destiny. Six years is enough them fully in Nigeria: removal of subsidies on petrol and other vital policy think tank announced in 2019 that Nigeria had replaced time to pass judgement on the policies of the necessities; privatization of public enterprises; and opening up as the ‘poverty capital of the world,’ the Buhari govern- Buhari government to the extent that they have the economy to all manner of imports in the name of “free” trade. ment countered this by stating its intention to pull 100 million impacted on the lives of ordinary Nigerians. Goodluck Jonathan is not an economist nor did he have any PhD Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years by means of its ‘tried and The loud consensus right now is that President development economists in his cabinet to serve as a counterweight tested’ economic policies. However, by the end of 2020 when Buhari’s policies are not working and that come 2023 when he to Okonjo-Iweala. She was given free rein with the high-sounding the dollar began to exchange for nearly 500 Naira, it had become Cquits the stage he would have left Nigerians in an even worse name of Coordinating Minister of the Economy. obvious to discerning Nigerians that the Buhari government condition than he met them in 2015. Nigerians point to the However, the economic fundamentals that President Buhari and was long on rhetoric but painfully short in meaningful economic inflation that is presently ravaging the economy, the insecurity his team encountered when they assumed office in May 2015 told policies that would address the pains of ordinary Nigerians. that has gripped the country and the corruption that pervades a more distressing story than was painted by Ngozi okonjo-Iweala. President Buhari’s economic policies failed because the everyday life and say Nigeria has never had it so bad. Local manufacturing was at an all-time low, averaging a miserly government did not focus on fundamentals. The one sure way Nigerians are right to be angry. They are right to raise their four percent of GDP; agriculture was gasping for breath despite the to pull the country out of the present economic doldrums is to voices against the government. This, however, is a time that colourful speeches of Goodluck Jonathan’s Minister of Agriculture, quickly industrialise the national economy just as and calls for sober reflection and analysis. It is simply not enough to Dr Akinwumi Adesina; and millions of Nigerians, particularly the other East Asian economic tigers did in the 1970s and 1980s. say that Buhari’s policies are not working. The more important young university and polytechnic graduates were trudging the To industralise, you need to build a steel industry to serve as question that needs to be asked is: Why, despite President streets looking for non-existent jobs. The Naira was exchanging at basic raw material input for manufacturing. Second, you need Buhari’s best efforts and his apparent desire to see Nigeria take a dollar rate manufacturers could not afford and everywhere one to tackle the perennial problem of electric power shortage and her place in the comity of nations as a prosperous and self- looked it was a bleak picture for the national economy. make it available and affordable. Steel and electricity are the confident country, the reverse has been the case? It needs to be To tackle this crisis, the Buhari government unfurled the Eco- cornerstone of the Asian Tigers’ economic miracle. President pointed out that President Buhari began well policy-speaking in nomic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) in 2017 and promised Buhari’s has absolutely no steel policy. Ajaokuta, after the May 2015. Faced with a country with gargantuan economic and to create 15 million jobs by 2020. Not done, the government dawdling and incoherence of the Olusegun Obasanjo govern- social problems in 2015; a country that Peoples Democratic Party ment has been left to rot by the Buhari government. Regarding politicians had bled dry since the advent of the Fourth Republic electricity, the country was generating 4000 megawatts follow- in 1999, President Buhari wisely narrowed down his policy and ing the partial privatization of the industry by the Jonathan programme priorities to three: tackling corruption; reviving the President Buhari’s economic policies failed government in 2013. Six years into the Buhari administration, economy; and improving security. Let us now see how these the country is still generating 4000 megawatts. To put this in three important policy areas have fared in the past six years. because the government did not focus on context, 4000 megawatts is what an average-sized American Economic Planning Without Strategy fundamentals. The one sure way to pull city generates. For a Nigeria of 200 million people, it is not even The national economy that President Buhari inherited in the country out of the present economic enough to power household needs, not to talk of powering the May 2015 was in profound crisis. Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, country’s industrial revolution. a former World Bank economist and President Goodluck doldrums is to quickly industrialise the ––Dr Okonta was until recently an Early Career Fellow Jonathan’s Finance Minister was an expert in massaging the national economy just as China and the in the Department of Politics, University of Oxford. He country’s economic statistics to look good on paper. Nigeria lives in Abuja under Goodluck Jonathan, she claimed, had become the largest other East Asian economic tigers did in the economy in . Economic growth had averaged eight 1970s and 1980s (See concluding part of the article on www.thisdaylive.com) Escalating Security Crisis In Nigeria Emeka Nwosu urges President Buhari to address the contradictions and injustice in the system

erhaps, with the exception of the Adamawa States in the North East, and indeed in the South of to the citizenry and the rights and duties of the citizenry. and the period leading to it, never in the history of this the country. According to the philosophers, every citizen has the natural country has the security of lives and property taken But in all these unfortunate situations, the innocent victims rights to defend himself or herself in a state of nature. But such a terrible nose dive as evident in our land today. including the farmers are helpless, as there is no form of anarchy, chaos and bloodshed would rule in such a society. Political observers are agreed that the nation has never protection from the State and compensation for the huge losses In the words of Hobbes, in the state of nature, life is short, been so divided in its history. It would appear that in material and human resources. Rather the AK-47 wielding nasty and brutish. They, therefore, reasoned that there was all the latent centrifugal forces in Nigeria have been herdsmen and bandits are hardly apprehended or brought the need for the people to come together and surrender those activated and unleashed on the federation with no to trial by law enforcement agencies. Often times, spokesmen rights to the Leviathan, which in modern parlance means the hiding place for any one. in the Presidency have risen to the defence of the herdsmen. sovereign authority of the State, to act in their defence and on PThe security situation in the land today is scary. No part This open support seems to have emboldened the herdsmen, their behalf. of Nigeria seems to be immune to the security crisis that has as they have continued in their orgy of killings, raping and Having surrendered those natural rights to the State, the enveloped the country, and is escalating by the day. It will not be kidnappings. The mild manner with which the federal citizens are to be protected and defended by the Sovereign. out of place to conclude that anarchy has taken over the land with authorities handle the herdsmen fuels the suspicion that they According to Rousseau, the government owes a sacred life becoming cheap and valueless. enjoy institutional backing. duty to act in the defence of the ordinary citizen, having The words of W. B. Yeats as quoted by Chinua Achebe in his The atrocious activities of these terrorist herdsmen dubbed surrendered his or her right to self-help. Indeed, John Locke path breaking book, “Things Fall Apart”, have become truer of our bandits and rustlers by government for whatever reason have went a little further to state that the citizenry has a legitimate current situation. “Turning and turning in the widening gyre; the led to so many ungoverned spaces in several parts of the right to rebel against any government that fails to honour the falcon cannot hear the falconer. Things fall apart; the centre cannot Sahelian North and Middle Belt. These ungoverned spaces social contract. Against the foregoing, the actions of non-state hold. Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world”. It would appear have been taken over by the killer herdsmen and mercenaries actors like Igboho and the Oodua self-determination groups that Yeats had Nigeria in mind when he authored this poem migrating from the Maghreb. and Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB and other such bodies may several decades ago. These places have become breeding grounds for jihadist have their philosophical underpinnings within the ambits of The entire country today is within the vice grips of criminal elements and sundry criminals who have declared a war the social contract theories. elements who are identified by various names. In the North East, of conquest and attrition on the indigenous communities in A thorough analysis of the escalating security crisis in the nation has faced since 2009 with no Nigeria. The desperate situations in which the affected regions the land will immediately reveal the receding power of the end in sight. The Boko Haram insurgents are a group of terrorists in the country have found themselves have forced them to Nigerian State to fulfill its basic security and welfare obliga- whose declared agenda is to overthrow the existing socio-political resort to some policing initiatives to safeguard their homelands tions to the people as provided for in the Constitution. There order in the country and institute an Islamic Caliphate anchored and fend off the marauding killer herdsmen. For instance, the is deepening economic deprivation arising from unabating on Sharia legal framework. The crisis has since expanded to the South West Zone last year, in the face of unrelenting killings unemployment and underemployment. There is palpable North West of the country under the assumed name of banditry. and kidnappings by herdsmen, established a regional security hunger and excruciating poverty in the land. Life, for a Katsina and Zamfara States are now the epicenter of banditry, outfit codenamed Amotekun. A few days ago, the Governors mass majority of Nigerians has thus become meaningless, where the kidnapping of school children for ransom has become of the South East Geo-Political Zone also responded to the hopeless and indeed, nasty, short and brutish. In their present the order of the day. herdsmen menace and other emerging security threats in desperate situation, these aggrieved Nigerians who feel The terrorists who government has branded as bandits also the zone, with a collective security body known asEbube excluded and marginalized in the scheme of things are now engage in cattle rustling and illegal mining of gold and other Agu. These regional security initiatives clearly underscore the challenging the Nigerian State because they believe that it has minerals in the areas of their operations. They have since extended urgency of the dangerous and perilous times in which we live failed in its constitutional obligation to the people. This is a their evil activities to Niger State in the North Central Zone of the today in our country. It is also an indication that the govern- dangerous situation that must be apprehended through the country where they engage in random abductions of students, ment at the centre has failed in its responsibility to protect the deployment of deft statecraft and change of strategies by the women and travellers. citizenry. It is a well-known fact that the primary purpose of incumbent Buhari administration. In other parts of North Central like Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa government is the security and welfare of the people. When a A military approach to the resolution of the current and Kogi, the citizens contend with the savagery and brutalities government cannot fulfill this basic obligation to the governed, security crisis would only exacerbate the conflict and widen of marauding herdsmen who have laid siege on the indigenous it has lost its moral legitimacy to exist. the existing fault lines. populations, sacking and looting villages and taking over Social contract philosophers of the old like Thomas Hobbes, ancestral lands of the besieged communities for the grazing of Jean Jacques Rousseau and John Locke who propounded the ––Nwosu, a Public Affairs analyst, holds a Doctorate their animals. These tragic incidents which manifest in the form theories on the origin of the modern State were unequivocal Degree in Political Economy and Development Studies. of herder-farmer crises are also being experienced in Taraba and in their postulations regarding the obligations of the State (See concluding part of the article on www.thisdaylive.com) THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 18, 2021 15 LETTERS AS AFRICAN TWITTER HEADQUARTERS

ne of the have social media influ- Investments (FDI) by ban- away which led to the noticeable encers on the platform ning crypto currencies? well televised looting gains of the with a large followership The government by some Nigerians last advent of the who pride themselves appears helpless in the year after the #endSARS internet was as Twitter influencers battle against the Boko protests. This must have the concomi- as they make a fortune Haram insurgents, influenced their decision Otant liberalization of the doing direct advertising bandits and Fulani herds- to go to the West African media. The media has for the brands to their men. Every day news nation that was the been largely democra- millions of followers on filters out the atrocities first to obtain political tized and anyone with a the platform. So lucrative against Nigerians by independence from the smart phone and internet is the influencer business these groups with the erstwhile colonial access can now pass as a that a popular name, Buhari government masters. journalist. Japheth Joshua Omojuwa playing the Ostrich Nigeria needs to put its A trend in the new me- with about a million and leaving Nigerians house in order. Bloom- dia is the invasion of the followers once said that to protect themselves. berg recently said that space and the creation he wouldn’t mind paying Imagine the security risks we will soon overtake of media empires by tithes to Twitter. of the Twitter members Namibia to become the non-journalists. Facebook, Unofficial statistics put of staff with the current country that has the most the world’s largest social the users of the brand security challenge if they unemployed citizens. media group has Mark at about 25 million in are domiciled in Nigeria! The current rate of over Zuckerberg as one of the Nigeria and so there We recall that the current 33% is scary. The World Co-Founders and CEO was a natural uproar in Defence Minister, Bashir Poverty Clock declared with a tech rather than a the media space when Magashi told Nigerians us as the world capital media background. The Dorsey tweeted that to defend themselves. for poverty with life same goes for Google it will cite its African The whole world is expectancy at an all- time with Larry Page and headquarters in Ghana. watching the circus show low. Our population Sergin Brin. Nigerians were of Nigeria due to bad which will balloon to Twitter made its debut shocked by this business governance and so it is around 300 million by on March 21, 2006 with decision and took to both not surprising that they 2050 may become more Jack Dorsey, Biz Stone, the traditional, new as Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo chose Ghana over us due of a liability as it is not Evan Williams and Noah well as social media to to its relative security, being harnessed to creat- Glass as co-founders. vent their frustration. millions of dollars in ago and pundits opine absence of insurgency ing a rich force of human Dorsey has been its CEO The position of the oppo- them but the government that it was in its bid to and political stability. capital development. We since 2015 and the micro sition Peoples Democratic didn’t care that they were forestall another popular Twitter once banned need to create a more blogging site has grown Party (PDP) was that the forced to leave due to protest as Flutterwave political adverts in the conducive environment from no user to about Buhari administration’s policy flipflops. co-founded by two young wake of the 2016 US for foreign investors to 330 million active users lack of economic vision We recall the brutality Nigerians – Iyinoluwa Presidential elections and come in and support our as of 2020. Its net income was responsible for the meted out to innocent Samuel Aboyeji and its so good governance is a small businesses as they as at last year was in decision. Lai Mohammed and law-abiding citizens current CEO, Olugbenga sine qua non for the San are the fulcrum of any excess of one billion the Information and during the ill-fated Agboola was the plat- Francisco headquartered economy anywhere in the US dollars and its total Culture Minister said #endSARS protests where form behind the crypt brand. globe. assets are in excess of 13 that it was as a result of armed soldiers opened currency usage that During the global We should stop crying billion dollars. the #endSARS protest. fire on unarmed protest- led to the unhindered lockdown, Ghana gave and whining like a baby Like all other Silicon Businesses are in busi- ers. Months after this flow of funds during its citizens palliatives whose candy has been Valley Unicorns, it set ness to make profits and brutal rape on democ- the #endSARS protest. and even went as far as taken away from it and its eyes on Africa as fulfill their obligations racy, no arrests or sanc- Dorsey owns a payments giving free electricity for get our hands dirty so that the world’s second most to their shareholders as tions have been made. processing company three months to all her we can reclaim our lost populous continent has well as employees. They Why should Twitter, a known as Square which citizens. Nigeria left her glory and hold our heads the largest youthful are not houses of charity. promoter of democracy has started accepting citizens in the lurch and high in the international population in the world Nigeria is an incredibly and free speech, cite its crypto currencies as a it was later discovered comity of nations. and so it has the status difficult place to do African headquarters medium of payment. that palliatives donated Our time starts now! of a beautiful bride. business in. Multiple in a quasi-civilian Wouldn’t it be contradic- by some public -spirited ––Tony Ademiluyi, After Facebook and taxation, anti-people dictatorship? The govern- tory to choose Nigeria as individuals and foreign co-founder of The Vent its sister companies economic policies as ment banned crypto its headquarters when it donor agencies were Republic Media, wrote like Instagram and well as a harsh business currencies some months has stifled Foreign Direct criminally stashed from Lagos. Whatsapp, Twitter is environment have immensely popular in contributed to the funeral the continent especially of many bright business in Nigeria which is the ideas. Inconsistent public Gov Bala’s Double Standard most populous nation policy has also played in Africa. So popular is a key role in making ecall we lent our everything. All lovers of primordial sentiments. It It's unfortunate, we're in Twitter with the bird app Nigeria unattractive as voices few months truth knew it was not true. was not given as at when a society where a leader logo that Jack Dorsey an investment destina- ago that Senator Now, God has exposed due, as claimed by their expected to bring succour paid a visit to Nigeria tion. Analysts will recall Bala Abdulkadir them and their cohorts, leader. to his subjects turns the in 2019 to see things how the ban on motor- Mohammed of they are sharing to their Palliatives were other way round. for himself and interact cycles in Lagos State also RBauchi State should give party members and their distributed by federal Why is our leader being with the influencers as known as Okada led to out palliatives meant for the foot soldiers what is meant government, through the most exorbitantly rebel- well as top government the exit of Gokada, O vulnerable in the state. for the downtrodden. Ministry of Humanitarian lious against those that functionaries. ride which led to job In his usual deceitful The people of Bauchi Affairs to cushion the entrusted him with their Many Brands in Nige- losses in their thousands. tactic, Governor Bala issued should know better, what effect of COVID-19. Instead, affairs? ria know the immense The promoters of the a press release justifying is meant for them was most of the governors ––Tajuddeen Ahmad value of Twitter and we businesses invested that he had distributed diverted to suit their with the exception of few, Tijjani, Kasuwar kaji refused to share them. Azare, Bauchi State. ON KANO'S STRANGE DISEASE ne of the devas- by our dear Kano people will not bring to an end way the govern- A Dotty Idea tating reports are becoming dangerous this calamity. In fact, how ment is handling the case. I read recently more than how one could can some of our consumers Let there be an executive ost of my pho- a spare million to buy a is about Kano. imagine. If these substances differentiate between the order which will mandate tos are about grey dot. According to a can damage kidneys, then fake and expired ones from revoking the license of any 6mp which A million dollars Ovideo released by the Kano prompt action needs to be the genuine ones since they company or individual means that will buy a house in State Ministry of Health, taken. are being repackaged by found selling such fake they should many cities, feed a lot 10 people had died and Recall that the Dr. Tsan- the evildoers? Certainly, the flavours. Msell for about 10 trillion of hungry people, pay 400 hospitalized due to the yawa cautioned that such government needs to take The order should also dollars which might for 10 art teachers to intake of fake and expired fake and expired chemicals proactive measures on this. force anyone found guilty to seem expensive, but they explain why this is a flavours used for local damage body parts The question that always pay victims of the develop- are quite pretty. This great purchase or for drinks. including kidneys which rings in my mind is that, ment a huge amount of valuation is based on 10 financial advisors to The most disturbing part sometimes lead to death. He is the sale of adulterated money. We cannot fold our a real world one-pixel give advice on saving for of it is that the Kano's Com- also advised Kano residents substances not a planned arms and continue watching picture by a digital artist, your retirement. missioner for Health, Dr. to desist from taking the move by the enemies of our people dying due to Pak, that sold for US$1.36 Although not an art Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa chemicals. Kano State? Why is it our negligence. Government million. It is a non- critic I know that some stated categorically that out Well, these pieces of advice coming a year after the 2020 should take cogent action. fungible token which uses art is priceless but to me of the 400 hospitalised, 50 have come at the right death syndrome? Are our Bilyaminu Gambo blockchain to identify it, a single pixel seems only are on dialysis. time but is that enough? In people secure? Kong-kol, Mass Com- a technology that seems worthless. The fake and expired my opinion, warning and Whatever the case may be, munication Department, strange to most people, or –––Dennis Fitzgerald, chemicals being consumed advising consumers alone I am not satisfied with the Bayero University, Kano. least those that don't have Melbourne, Australia. 16 APRIL 18, 2021 ˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA EDITORIAL Email [email protected] TACKLING INSECURITY IN THE SOUTH-EAST

The authorities will have to do something drastic to stem the illegal flow of arms and ammunition into the country

rompted by the deteriorating security is an attack on the well-being of the citizens.” situation in the South-East, governors President Muhammadu Buhari described it as of the region last week in , an “act of terrorism.” Imo State capital, launched a joint he challenge of insecurity in the security outfit codenamed Ebube Agu South-east is quite enormous. On 29th to tackle increasing criminality. The March, some suspected herders wielding security outfit was coming a year after machetes and AK-47 rifles invaded four the South-West governors launched communities in Ishielu local council of Ebonyi State and killed about 15 innocent the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed persons. The Ishielu incident came barely 24 hours Operation Amotekun, in Ibadan, Oyo State capital. T P after some unknown gunmen had attacked Adani, But the South-east governors are already on collision in Uzo-Uwani local government of Enugu State course with the Nnamdi Kanu-led Indigenous People where some six people were brutally murdered. of Biafra (IPOB) that has rejected the idea, warning Within the same period, three policemen were also killed by gunmen in Aguata Local Council, Anam- Igbo youths not to enlist. bra State, where an APGA governorship aspirant Meanwhile, it is the reluctance of President and former Central Bank Governor, Chukwuma Muhammadu Buhari Soludo was holding a townhall meeting. to consider the recom- Each of these attacks is a catastrophe. Taken The increasing together, they make for something much worse. mendations of the 2014 The former Inspector General of Police Mohammed wave of bloody National Conference Adamu blamed the attack on the banned IPOB, a violence that has made all these claim initially accepted by the Imo State Governor, regional attempts at Hope Uzodinma before curiously transferring the across the providing security a blame to his ‘political opponents.’ In the midst of the pervading blame game and confusion, a faction country can be pleasing alternative to of , apex Igbo socio-cultural the much more desired re- organisation said the increasing insecurity in the traced partly structuring of the Nigerian South-east may just be confirmation of a recent warning by federation. The conference SUNDAY NEWSPAPER the American security agency that the “bandits” ravaging the to the ease EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU had recommended several north are heading south to disrupt peaceful territories and DEPUTY EDITORS OLAWALE OLALEYE, TOBI SONIYI unleash violence, especially in the South-east. to small and steps that would devolve While the country can ill-afford another front for light weapons many of the responsibilities MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO uncontrollable violence, in the present chaotic state, anything on the exclusive list to the DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE is possible. Nigeria is already violence writ large, afflicted by by some concurrent list in the 1999 CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI decade-long Islamic insurgency, kidnapping, banditry, armed EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN Constitution (as amended) robbery, all manner of criminality. The violence is partly unscrupulous MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE driven by the proliferation of small arms and ammunition. so that the states and Indeed, the level of insecurity and conflicts across the elements local governments could nation highlights the prevalence of weapons in the hands appropriate and deliver on of non-state actors. Only recently, former Head of State, them for the betterment of their people. THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED General Abdulsalami Abubakar expressed deep concern over the proliferation of all calibre of weapons in the country. Before the response by the South-east governors, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, Abubakar, who chairs the National Peace Committee, said some gunmen wielding explosives and rockets had the arms and ammunition in the hands of non-state actors blasted their way into Owerri prison and freed some ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI , PETER IWEGBU, are about 12 times those in the hands of law enforcement 1800 inmates. These criminal gangs also invaded the ANTHONY OGEDENGBE agents, an assertion corroborated by SBM Intelligence report. State Police Headquarters, looted the armoury, torched DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI The increasing wave of bloody violence across the country can be traced partly to the ease to small and light weapons the building and dozens of vehicles within the vicin- SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS ERIC OJEH, PATRICK EIMIUHI (SALWs) by some unscrupulous elements. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR SAHEED ADEYEMO ity. Even though the operation lasted for about two With the inability of federal authorities to contain spread- CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI hours, the criminals were practically unchallenged. ing violence in the country, the idea of geopolitical regions DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO pooling resources together to form security networks is a “This incident is cowardly,” said Vice President Yemi HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA Osinbajo. “An attack on institutions of law and order clarion call that we must tinker with the current suffocating TO SEND EMAIL: first [email protected] structure that is more unitary than federal.

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact Letters to the Editor details to [email protected]. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to [email protected] along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer. SOLUDO SHOULD STAY THE COURSE state that is the home was hamstrung by the interference equipped them with computers and problem of rising cases of crimes based on the political permutation and state of people, of his political benefactor in the and modern science labora- in the state. The killing of police aides situation in the state now. He should who have achieved affairs of the state. And Dr.Chris tory equipment. He revamped the attached to Professor Charles Chukwuma steel himself against any untoward distinctions in their Ngige, who succeeded him in health sector, too, as evidenced in Soludo during his meeting with Isuofia thing that may happen to him while respective careers and office, fell out with the man who the upgrading of some schools of youths jolted us. Now, there are many fighting to become the next governor of endeavours, deserves bankrolled his electioneering health in the state. conjectures regarding the motives of the . toA be led by its best and brightest expenses. His successor, Dr. Willie Obiano, executioners of that homicidal deed. It is believed that APGA stalwarts politicians, who possess probity, Consequently, his political will be long remembered after he Did they attack Professor Soludo to have surreptitiously reached a leadership qualities, forbearance, godfather spilled the beans about left office for building the longest frighten him so that he would rethink consensus that Professor Soludo will and knowledge. And Anambra how he emerged as the Anambra bridge in Anambra. And, under his his declaration of interest to contest the become APGA governorship candidate State is such a state. It is not for State governor. The revealed secrets leadership, Anambra has earned 2021 Anambra governorship election in the 2021 Anambra governorship nothing that Anambra State is about his governorship electoral huge revenue from the exportation on APGA platform? Or was the killing election. And, I pray that they will called “the light of the nation’’. And victory offered his political foes of vegetables to other countries. carried out by disgruntled and indignant abide by that unwritten accord and the state has been living up to that the ammunition with which they He gave local farmers in the state gunmen, who are destroying our decision. Although APGA was rocked appellation and epithet owing to ousted him from office via electoral financial incentives, which boosted symbols of statehood and killing security by internal crisis in the past, it is still the good political leadership, which litigation. However, his praxis in the their morale and led to increase personnel in the country to register their soldiering on. And if Soludo finally gets the people of the state have been area of road repair as well as road in their agricultural produce. And, displeasure and disenchantment with the the APGA governorship ticket, he will enjoying. construction has remained a model, until some months ago, Anambra state of affairs in Nigeria? The answers to utilise the APGA leverage as the ruling However, at the inception of the which other political leaders in the State under the leadership of these questions are still up in the air. party in the state to maneuver his way fourth republic, Anambra’s politics country should emulate. Governor Willie Obiano had impec- Whatever is the case, it will be a gross to power. However, we should not gloss was dogged and characterized And, Mr. Peter Obi, whose cable and commendable record in injudicious act for Professor Soludo to opt over the fact that PDP and APC pose a by political godfatherism, which parsimony is legendary, the area of security. Now, the state is out of the Anambra governorship contest great threat to APGA’s bid and effort to hindered the development of the executed reforms in the health and chafing under security problems. on account of the gun attack visited retain the governorship seat. state. We have not forgotten that educational sectors. It was he who However, the state government on him, as he stands a good chance ––Chiedu Uche Okoye, Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju returned schools to churches, and has risen up stoutly to the challenge of becoming Anambra State governor Uruowulu-Obosi, Anambra State THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡APRIL 18, 2021 17

Editor: Kunle Aderinokun BUSINESS 08033204315, 08111813084 Email:[email protected] The Currency Printing Controversy In this piece, James Emejo, chronicles the recent controversy surrounding the alleged printing of currency by the federal government to support the economy do State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, last week, stirred a costly controversy when he claimed that the federal government has had to resort to printing of currency to augment shortfall in revenue. The governor had, during the Edo State transi- tion committee stakeholders engagement last Thursday, tried to warn about the consequences of country’s continued reliance on crude oil as major revenue sources as Esome of multinational oil companies and developed economies transit to alternative energy sources. Obaseki had only re-echoed similar concerns, recently raised by prominent personalities including the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, during her recently visit to the country. Okonjo-Iweala, particularly expressed her discomfort and fears for the economy, which is still largely oil dependent on oil for survival while other countries had already commenced their trasition to renewable energy. But the governor, apparently, stirred the hornet’s nest, when he told the gathering that amidst the existing Àscal constraints, the federal government has had to print between N50 billion and N60 billion to augment FAAC revenues for March, while also expressing strong reservations over the country’s rising debt proÀle. He told the committee: “Nigeria has changed. The is not the same again whether we like it or not. Since the civil war, we have been managing, saying money is not our problem as long as we are pumping crude oil everyday. “So we have run a very strange economy and strange presidential system where the local, state and federal government, at the end Emefiele Obaseki of the month, go and earn salary. We are the only country in the world that does that. “Everywhere else, government rely on the people to produce It took the bold intervention of the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin is not entirely bad and remains at the discretion of the apex bank. taxes and that is what they use to run the local government, state EmeÀele, to Ànally calm the troubled waters. Managing Director/Chief Executive, Dignity Finance and Invest- and the federation.” Although, the CBN governor did not waste time trying to puncture memt Limited, Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu, pointed out that printing He said: “But with the way we run Nigeria, the country can go to the claim on whether it printed money or not, he nevertheless, clariÀed of currency was often one of the “ways and means” activities of the sleep. At the end of the month, we just go to Abuja, collect money and that the concept of printing money does not necessarily involved CBN which could be used at its discretion. we come back to spend. We are in trouble, huge Ànancial trouble. actual printing but also the act lending money. He, however, clariÀed that, “giving out loans is not the same as “The current price of crude oil is only a mirage. The major oil EmeÀele, who felt the controversy was uncalled for, said, “It’s printing.” companies, who are the ones producing are no longer investing inappropriate to give colouration to currency printing”. He said: “The CBN has a myriad of functions, one of which is much in oil. Shell is pulling out of Nigeria and Chevron is now one Reacting to Obaseki’s statement on printing of currency, he said, minting and printing of currency. CBN does and executes this of the world’s largest investors in alternative fuel, so in another year the CBN acted in national interest. function only when it is absolutely necessary. Every country does or so, where will we Ànd this money that we go to share in Abuja"” The CBN governor, who spoke during a facility tour of the Dangote this as the need arises. Obaseki added: “When we got FAAC for March, the federal Integrated Sugar complex in Tunga, Awe Local Government Area “It is not an activity that is usually made public when in place. I government printed additional N50-N60 billion to top up for us of , expressed dismay over attempts to distort the therefore condemn the public proclamation made recently by the to share,” he said. concept of printing of money. public o΀cer who was supposed to exercise caution. “This April, we will go to Abuja and share. By the end of this He said: “It’s very inappropriate for people to just give colouration “One of the dangers of printing of currency at will, is that it creates year, our total borrowings is going to be within N15-N16 trillion. to printing of money as if it’s some foreign word coming from the sky.” and causes inÁation. But when there is revenue shortfall, it may be Imagine a family that is just borrowing without any means to pay According to him,If you understand the concept of printing of relied upon to fund certain local expenditures.” back and nobody is looking at that, everybody is looking at 2023, money. The concept printing of money; it’s about lending money. Also, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Credent Investment everybody is blaming Mr. President as if he is a magician.” “That’s our job – to print. It’s about lending money and so there’s Managers Limited, Mr. Ibrahim Shelleng, said the development could However, if anything, the idea of printing currency did not augur no need putting the controversy about printing of money as if we lead to further devaluation of the currency and create further cost- well with some Nigerians, particularly those who claimed to have are going into the factory printing the naira and start distributing push inÁation, given that the country is heavily import-dependent. understanding of economics - given the implications on economy. on the streets.” However, EmeÀele’s intervention in the controversy He said the government would need to take some tough decisions Armed with the literal concept of printing currency, the federal did not come without a cost to the state governments. in the future to address the impending Àscal crisis. government, especially the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget He said since the state governments had resorted to indicting the He said: “Essentially what we are seeing is quantitative easing, and National Planning and came under federal government and by extension the CBN for assisting them which is a method used by governments to raise money outside heavily criticisms from the public for allegedly resorting to increase with bailout loans to meet their Ànancial obligations during the taxation and borrowing. money in circulation by printing more naira which could further 20152016 Àscal crisis, they must repay the debts. “The eͿects of this will undoubtedly be a further devaluation of fuel inÁation. In July 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari had approved a N1.5 the currency and create further cost-push inÁation as we are heavily However, in the ensuing controversy, the Minister of Finance, trillion intervention package to assist bankrupt states pay salaries. import-dependent.” Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, while reacting He justiÀed the CBN’s interventions in the economy, noting that Shelleng warned that, if the development continued, with no to Obaseki’s claims, said the information was not only untrue, but these are also some of the measures currently being adopted by resultant uptick in production and growth, there might be a free unfortunate. developed countries to reÁate their economies. fall of the naira. She, further allayed concerns raises by Obaseki over the country’s He stated that it would have been irresponsible of the CBN or According to him, Ideally, quantitative easing should be used to rising debt portfolio, pointing out that the nation’s current debt any central bank to stand idle and refuse to support its government help stimulate growth by injecting the funds raised to key growth proÀle which is 23 per cent of GDP falls within sustainable limit. at this critical point in time. drivers of the economy. Ahmed had said: “The issue that was raised by the Edo State According to the CBN governor, I think it’s important for me to “However, in the Nigerian case, it is being used to fund an over- Governor for me is very, very sad. Because it is not a fact. What put it this way. “That in 2015/2016, the kind of situation we found bloated government with no resultant increase in productivity. we distribute at FAAC is a revenue that is generated and in fact ourselves now, which is even worse than 2015/2016, we did provide “The worst-case scenario (which we don’t pray for) is this leading distribution revenue is a public information. We publish revenue budget support facility to all the states of this country. to hyperinÁation as witnessed in Zimbabwe in the early 2000 or in generated by FIRS, the Customs and the NNPC and we distribute “That loan remains unpaid till now. And we are going to insist post-war .” at FAAC. So, it is not true to say we printed money to distribute at on the states paying back those monies since they’re accusing us Also, commenting on the development, Managing Director/ FAAC, it is not true”. of giving them loans. Chief Executive, SD&D Capital Management Limited, Mr. Idakolo She added:“On the issue of the borrowing, the Nigerian debt “Most countries in the world today are confronted by not only Gbolade, said the CBN has its mandate to be the federal government’s is still within sustainable limit. What we need to do as I have said health challenges coming from the COVID-19 pandemic, causing lender, adding that it will likely be over-Ànancing the government, several times is to improve our revenue to enhance our capacity economic crisis and the rest of them. if it resorted to printing more Naira notes for the government. to service not only our debt but to service the needs of running “What I keep saying is that it’ll be irresponsible for the CBN or He said: “This could mean that Nigeria presently cannot fund government on day to day basis. So our debt currently at about 23 any central bank or any Fed to stand idle and then refuse to support itself and can lead to excess pressure on the private sector for taxes. per cent to GDP is at a very sustainable level if you look at all the its government at this time. “It could also lead to inÁation because if enough revenue is not reports that you see from multilateral institutions.” “What is being done is being done in any clime. And at the last generated through oil and other targeted revenue heads for the But Obaseki, in a follow-up statement, stood by his words, insisting MPC meeting, I gave data on what is being done in developed government to fund its activities then we could be heading towards there was printing of money. economies to shore up their economy and take them out of recession. economic disaster.” However, with inÁation rate currently at 1.1 per cent as at March, “Nigeria is unfortunately in a very bad situation. I am not going Also, former Director-General of the West African Institute of largely caused by the food index, analysts were quick to point out that to pretend about it, in the sense that we are facing problems about Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM), Prof. Akpan pumping naira into the economy without commensurate output productivity output, which is GDP. Luckily we managed to come Ekpo, stated that globally, central banks do print money as the last production could particularly be detrimental to the economy as out by a hair’s breadth.” resort when faced with Àscal challenges. this will further worsen current inÁationary pressure. However, analysts, in separate interviews with THISDAY, though “If you print it and don’t manage it well, you are going to have Nigerians, practically intensiÀed their search for answers why warned that a sustained policy of printing the currency, if not well too much money in circulation chasing after few goods. So, that money should be printed to augment revenue shortfall, and anxiously managed, would hurt the economy - further opined that currency creates inÁationary pressure. awaited the position of the CBN. 18 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡APRIL 18, 2021 ENERGY Resolving Gas-to-Power Paradox Emmanuel Addeh writes that despite owning the biggest gas reserve on the continent and being one of the top 10 in the world, the Nigerian power sector, appears to be constantly under the perennial constraint of gas for electricity generation. He also examines what is being done to resolve the age-long challenge

The Gas Problem again! ust three days ago, precisely last Thursday, the federal government apologised for the worsening power supply in the country, blaming the breakdown of most of the generating plants and lack of gas supply for the current electricity challenges. Although Nigerians continue to groan due to incessant blackouts , the situation has recentlyJ worsened as generation in the country fell below 3,922.2MW, with several of the power plants on the national grid not generating any megawatts of electricity. Several distribution companies (Discos) have lamented the shortage in the allocation received from the national grid, and have therefore re- sorted to rationing of electricity to customers. While the nation’s installed generation capacity is put at 12,954.40MW, available capacity, ac- cording to the system operator is 7,652.60MW, while transmission wheeling capacity remains at 7,300MW and the peak generation ever attained by the country remains at 5,801.60MW An obviously distraught Minister of Power, Mr. Saleh Mamman, stated that nine of the power generating plants have broken down, while the ninth one has been shut down for maintenance. In a statement released in Abuja and signed by the minister’s Spokesman, Aaron Artimas, A gas-fired power plant Mamman noted that aside those that have broken down, seven of the integrated power plants were also having challenges with gas supply. gas Áares. gas supply shortage remains a challenge in the an additional 5,000 megawatts of electricity to Mamman expressed the regret of the federal While several gas development projects have sector. the national power grid soon. government on the power outages, stressing been embarked upon within the Nigerian oil It stated: “Gas continues to dominate the Group Managing Director of the corporation, that the ministry of power was not unaware and gas industry to deliver gas to the domestic electricity generation mix accounting for 81.53 Mallam Mele Kyari, who spoke recentl on the of the current power outages and shortages sector, supply to Independent Power Plants (IPPs) per cent of the electricity generated during the eͿorts , explained that the NNPC was committed bedevilling many parts of the country. has been problematic for years. second quarter of 2020. This implies that ap- to fulÀlling President Muhammadu Buhari’s “The problem is caused by the breakdown of With 25 gas-Àred plants with a combined proximately 8.15kWh of every 10kWh of electric directive to the national oil company to boost some National Integrated Power Plants (NIPP) installed capacity of about 11,500 MW, the energy generated in Nigeria in the second quarter domestic gas supply. supplying electricity to the national grid. The total gas requirement to run all the plants at of 2020 came from gas.” The NNPC helmsman stressed that progress plants are namely, Sapele, Afam, Olorunsogo, full capacity is approximately 3.0Bscfd. Shamefully, gas supply remains a major threat was being made on several of the projects , in- Omotosho, Ibom, Egbin, Alaoji and Ihovbor. The Although gas production has increased over to the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). cluding the NLNG train 7, with a foreign direct Jebba power plant was shut down for annual the years, with a current total volume of about 8 Aside poor supply, low remittances by the investment of between $3 billion to $5 billion. maintenance. Bscfd being produced in Nigeria out of which 45 Discos mean that generation companies (Gencos), He listed others as the AKK, which he described “Seven other integrated power plants, namely per cent is exported (NLNG), 8.5 per cent Áared, even if the supply is available are unable to pay as one the largest and most aggressive gas infra- Geregu, Sapele, Omotosho, Gbarain, Omuku, 15 per cent consumed domestically, that is, for gas suppliers. structure that has ever been embarked upon in Paras and Alaoji are experiencing gas constraints power and industries, and the balance mostly Nigeria, stretching 614 km from Ajaokuta, Abuja, while the Shiroro plant has water management re-injected, one thing that is clear is that, it is NNPC’s Ramps up Production Kaduna and Kano and the lot B of the OB3 gas problems,” the minister stated. barely enough for purpose. Last week, the Nigerian National Petroleum project which he noted is already producing Mamman added that “this unfortunate Without doubt, the gas to power value chain Corporation (NNPC), in its monthly report, said 125 mmscfd of gas. development” has drastically aͿected power has been riddled with issues that have aͿected that along with its Joint Venture (JV) its partners Kyari stated that by the end of this quarter, the generation, thus eͿectively minimising supply the full generation of power based on installed produced a total of 223.55 Billion Cubic Feet (BCF) project would “cross the River Niger”, which to the national power grid. capacity of existing gas Àred power plants as of natural gas in the month of January, 2021. will successfully create a highway to move the The statement noted that in view of the pre- depicted by the minister’s statement on Thursday. It disclosed that this translated to an average huge gas resources in the eastern area to the west. vailing situation, the minister of power was While lack of su΀cient power transmission daily production of 7,220.22 Million Standard He disclosed that the NNPC was looking to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure capacity from the power generating plants, oͿ Cubic Feet per Day (mmscfd), representing a 4.79 establish two gas hubs, one at Oben and the that the problem is ameliorated at the soonest spec gas volumes supplied to power generating per cent increase over output in December 2020. other at Brass, saying that one of the presidential possible time. plants, legacy debt repayment and payment The corporation stated that the daily average mandates is to deliver on gas and power and “The minister regrets this unfortunate situation for gas supply, weak payment structure remain natural gas supply to gas power plants increased create a market in the domestic environment and oͿers his sincere apology to all aͿected recurring problems in the sector, by far the most by 2.38 per cent to 836mmscfd, equivalent to that will consume the planned 4.5bcf of gas. Nigerians on the inconveniences the power pertinent has been inadequate gas supply. power generation of 3,415MW. According to Kyari, for the Àrst time, the shortages are causing. For the period of January 2020 to January corporation in collaboration with its partners “He assures that the ministry through the A Drop in the Ocean 2021, it stated that a total of 2,973.01BCF of gas was able to raise about $260m within Nigerian appropriate agencies is working assiduously Obviously, while steps are being taken to was produced, representing an average daily merchant banks and two African banks for the to rectify the technical problems aͿecting the address these issues, including development production of 7,585.78 mmscfd during the period. Asa north gas project. plants as well as resolving the gas issues to the of power plants, gas transportation and power “Period-to-date production from Joint Ventures He said: “Something we need to emphasise in others,” the statement explained. transmission infrastructure, it appears to be too (JVs), Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) and terms of gas utilisation in Nigeria is the power Mamman further assured that the national little. Nigerian Petroleum Development Company sector. All our projections have shown that 60 grid will be restored to its previous “historic” Paradoxically, while most of the projected (NPDC) contributed about 65.20 per cent, 19.97 to 70 per cent of this gas that we hope to sell of distribution peak of about 5,600MW of electricity capacity and e΀ciency gains of the power per cent and 14.83 per cent respectively to the the 4.5 bcf will come from power. achieved early this year, so as to relieve Nigerians sector reforms initiated from 2001 – 2013 has total national gas production,” it disclosed. “At the moment, the power sector is challenged from the current harsh weather conditions and been hinged on the secured, aͿordable and Out of the total gas output in January 2021, and all eͿorts have to be put in to unlock the restore full economic activities. reliable gas supply, the outlook and trends the national oil company stressed that a total of liquidity in the downstream sector and expand depict fundamental regulatory and institutional 149.24BCF of gas was commercialised, consisting the transmission network. This will enable us Huge Gas Reserve, None for Power misalignments between the domestic gas supply of 44.29BCF and 104.95BCF for the domestic sell the gas we have already invested in and Nigeria is the world’s 13th largest oil producer industry and the electric power market. and export markets respectively. enhance the economic prosperity of the country. and with 203 trillion cubic feet of available gas The major challenges relate to the lack of or This it said , translated to a total supply of “Within the NNPC, we are looking to establish , owns about the seventh largest gas reserves the inadequacy or timeliness of infrastructural 1,428.65mmscfd of gas to the domestic market about 5gigawatts of additional power into the in the world. investments, as well as the security and aͿord- and 3,385.57mmscfd to the export market in the network. So, NNPC is engaging with the stake- It is the largest oil producer in Africa, holding ability of gas supply to power generators. month under review. holders to resolve the power sector issue so that the largest natural gas reserves on the continent It is estimated that within the Àrst seven days “This indicates that 67.15 per cent of the daily investment that has been made in generating and was the world’s Àfth largest exporter of of March this year alone, Nigeria’s power sector gas output was commercialised while the bal- gas can be realised.” liqueÀed natural gas (LNG) in 2018. lost about N6.8 billion to challenges related to ance of 32.85 per cent was re-injected, used as In industry, he stated that the NNPC had Nigeria deploys gas to power about 83 per insu΀cient gas supply to electricity generation upstream fuel, or Áared,” it noted. begun to create a link between the domestic cent of energy used to generate power in the companies (Gencos). gas pipelines infrastructure and export gas country, the commodity being the preferred In alignment with previous reports, the last Plans to Add 5,000MW to National Grid pipelines to ensure that there is an outlet into source of energy because of its e΀ciency in energy quarterly report of the Nigerian Electricity Indeed, with the ongoing gas projects through- the export route which will make the projects generation, relatively low per capita cost and Regulatory Commission (NERC) showed that out the country, NNPC says it is set to deliver more bankable. its capacity to serve as means of eliminating THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡APRIL 18, 2021 19 MONEY Inside the Demutualised Nigeria Exchange

Chris Paul

n the cusp of its 60years anniversary of incor- poration and trading, The Nigerian is now restruc- tured via the process of demutualisation, into the Plc (NGXGRP).O The Group will have three operating subsidiaries, namely: Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), the operating exchange; NGX Regulation Limited (NGX REGCO), the independent securities regula- tor for NGX; and NGX Real Estate Limited (NGX RELCO), the real estate company. The structure has been approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Nigeria (SEC) and the entities duly registered at the Corporate AͿairs Commission (CAC). Subsequent to this approval, the Group Chairman of NGXGRP, Otunba Abimbola Ogunbanjo, had said: “Successful demu- tualisation was one of my fundamental objectives when I assumed the Presidency of The Exchange. The SEC’s decision today to approve the NSE’s demutualisation plans brings this aspiration to a successful con- clusion in a process that has included the passage of the Demutualisation Act through the National Assembly. We are elated that this milestone has been achieved on the 60th anniversary of the commencement of trading at the Exchange and now look forward to the future public listing of its Nigerian Stock Exchange building, Lagos shares on NGX. On behalf of the NSE, I would like to warmly thank all those that His remarkable achievements have earned kers Ltd. as Head of Sales and Trading. In geria (FRC). She Chairs the FRC’s Board have worked assiduously to achieve this him awards such as the Special Recognition both of these positions, he guided growth Corporate Governance Committee, which watershed event on our journey to make the Award for transformational leadership in the and advancement for investors across global has Board level responsibility to monitor NSE a multifaceted exchange that extends Nigerian Capital Markets at BusinessDay markets, including South Africa, the UK, implementation of the National Code of across various markets and geographical Top 25 CEOs Award 2018. In 2015 Forbes the Middle east and the US. Corporate Governance (NCCG). Among regions.” Magazine named him among the Top 10 Most Ms. Tinuade Awe was appointed as the other professional pursuits, Ms. Awe was a Powerful Men in Africa. In the preceding Chief Executive O΀cer, NGX Regulation member of the Nigerian Senate’s Technical NGX Leadership Team year, he received the national honour of (NGX REGCO) Ltd. Prior to attaining this Advisory Committee to review the Bill for The imperative of strong leadership to O΀cer of the Order of the Niger (OON) position, she was an Executive Director, an Act to Amend the Companies and Allied lead the NGX Group appears to have been from the federal government. Regulation at The Exchange. She also Matters Act and the Bill for an Act to review taken seriously. The erstwhile Chief Execu- Mr. Temi Popoola, CFA will helm the af- served as the General Counsel and Head the Investment and Securities Act. tive O΀cer of former NSE, Oscar Onyema, fairs at Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Ltd. A of the Legal and Regulation Division as well having completed his 10-year tenure was Wall Street trained investment banker, Mr. as Council Secretary before becoming an The Future appointed to as the Group Chief Executive Popoola joins NGX Ltd. from Renaissance Executive Director. Prior to The Exchange, The recent launch of a new brand identity O΀cer. Onyema joined the former NSE Capital (Rencap) where he was Managing Ms. Awe worked with the United Nations in and website recently by the NGX Group in 2011 in the wake of takeover by SEC Director and CEO for West Africa. The Hague and Geneva as well as the New underscores its intention to become the Nigeria. Prior to relocating to Nigeria, he He is a successful C-suite leader whose York o΀ces of global law Àrm, Simpson preferred exchange hub in Africa as captured served as Senior Vice President and Chief unique blend of business acumen, Ànancial Thacher & Barlett and Banwo & Ighodalo in its vision. Administrative O΀cer at American Stock expertise, global market growth and opera- in Lagos, Nigeria. The Group Chief Executive O΀cer, NGX Exchange (Amex). He also ran the NYSE tional insight has earned him a reputation As Executive Director, Regulation, she Group, Mr. Oscar N. Onyema, OON sums Amex equity business following the merger built on veriÀable career achievements. had responsibility for the regulation of this up eloquently by saying, “We are very of NYSE and Amex in 2008. Popoola began his career in London as a the two primary stakeholder groups of excited about the launch of our new brand In addition, he serves as the Chairman, portfolio manager focused on African energy The Exchange, i.e., the Dealing Members identity and website at this pivotal time in Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) markets and worked for several years as a that trade on The Exchange and issuers that our history. InÁuenced by the dynamism and Plc, the clearing, settlement and depository senior equity derivatives trader with Bank have securities listed on The Exchange. Her resilience of our market in both good and for the Nigerian capital markets; and Chair- of America Securities in New York where team was responsible for rule making and challenging times, our new identity, which man, NG Clearing, which is in the process of he drove Àrm proÀtability by providing interpretation, monitoring, inspections, mar- builds on our rich heritage, reÁects who developing a Central Counterparty Clearing derivative solutions to US corporations and ket surveillance, investigations, regulatory we are today, our ambitions for the future, House (CCP). In addition, Mr. Onyema is family o΀ces. technology, and enforcement. and our resolve to deliver superior value to a Board member of the National Pension Since his return to Nigeria in 2009, Mr. She is a non-executive director of the our stakeholders. As we step into the NGX Commission of Nigeria (PENCOM) and Popoola has also worked with United Bank of Central Securities Clearing System Plc era, we remain committed to achieving the sits on several advisory boards including Africa (UBA) as Head of Structured Products (CSCS). She is also a member of the Board highest level of competitiveness, both in Group (LSEG) for Global markets and with CSL Stockbro- of the Financial Reporting Council of Ni- Africa Advisory Group (LAAG). African and global capital markets.” Streamcent Develops Apps to Showcase African Sports Personalities Emma Okonji harness technology and data to create a virtu- Àght in Africa, since ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ in tremendous experience and youthful drive to ous circle – one in which increasing consumer 1974, featuring Muhammed Ali and George Streamcent, based on her stellar roles in the US engagement and attention lead to the capture Foreman. In 2001, Adrian promoted a Àght over the past decade with Bleacher Report, tru treamcent, a digital platform which of more data and more insights into what users entitled ‘Thunder in Africa’ between former TV (both Turner media companies) and Wave TV. streams sports and entertainment want. world heavyweight champions Lennox Lewis “I have reached out to the UFC, at their head- videos and live shows with an This understanding enables companies to and Hasim Rahman in Johannesburg and was quarters in Las Vegas and expressed Streamcent’s African perspective but world- further target and engage their core audiences, personally encouraged to do so by former serious interest in staging a UFC world title wide appeal, recently appointed opening up new opportunities to generate amateur boxer and South African President, Àght on the African Continent. Dr. Adrian Ogun as its Chairman. revenue. Nigeria with a 12.1% compound an- Nelson Mandela and local boxing partner I hope to hear back from them after Karamu Ogun’s appointment came in nual growth rate (albeit strongly inÁuenced by Rodney Berman. Usman’s UFC world title defense against Jorge recognition of his experience as a promoter of surging spending on mobile internet access) will Commenting on his appointment, Ogun said, Masvidal, this month on 24th April in Jackson- pastS world heavy weight boxing champions be the world’s fastest growing entertainment “Only last year, the founding member, direc- ville, Florida.” Our proposal for hosting a world Lennox Lewis and Corrie Sanders (in South and media market over the coming Àve years tor and progenitor of Streamcent, Mr Damola title Àght in Africa includes the streaming of Africa, UK and USA) will persuade international (PwC Nigeria, 2020). Akindilore, discussed with me the idea of a live shows in conjunction with UFC Fightpass networks, such as ESPN, UFC, Showtime, Streamcent will be oͿering in May three sports and entertainment streaming service with and DSTV, at prices which are aͿordable to the BTSport and DAZN, to host in Nigeria a world episodes (free of charge) of the Mixed Martial an African focus, but world-wide appeal and masses of UFC fans across Africa. championship title defense, featuring Nigerian Arts(MMA) reality show ‘African Knock the type of sports and entertainment shows to “I know that Nigerian world champion Àght- world champions. Outs’ (AKO show) via the Streamcent App. target. I am eternally grateful to Damola and ers like, Kamaru Usman, Israel Adesanya and As companies compete to create the most The AKO show attracted 17 million viewers the rest of the board for placing their conÀdence Anthony Joshua are eager to host at least one desired user experiences, advances in technology last year across Africa. in me as Chairman of Streamcent. I must also are at the heart of their strategies. Combined Dr. Ogun was the last promoter to success- commend our General Manager, Sandra Oboh, Cont’d on Pg. 22 with a great user experience, companies can fully host a world heavy weight championship who, following her appointment, has brought 20 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡APRIL 18, 2021 FOCUS Local Content Policy as Accelerator of Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector Hitherto fraught with barriers and sheer opacity for local players, Nigeria’s local content policy for over a decade has opened a new vista for indigenous oil and gas companies, as illustrated by Lee Engineering Group and Allied Companies Limited, writes Bayo Akinloye

stablished in 2010 by the Nigerian no stain on our name. Our dedicated staͿ have Oil and Gas Industry Content ensured that. I have used my exemplary life of Development (NOGICD) Act, honesty, hard work, integrity, and transparency the Nigerian Content Develop- to demonstrate to them how invaluable those ment and Monitoring Board values are. They share the dream of the company (NCDMB) is vested with the and run with it.” mandate to make procedures As a vibrant local player in a global and dy- that will guide, monitor, coordinate, and imple- namic industry, Lee Engineering has stepped mentE the provisions of the NOGICD Act signed up to the plate acquiring marginal Àelds. By the into law on April 22, 2010. time the company starts production, it will not It is instructive to point out that the founda- need to import many resources into the country tion for NCDMB was laid in 2001 when former because it will use equipment manufactured in President Olusegun Obasanjo inaugurated the its fabrication plant, which is cost-eͿective. Ikpea Presidential Committee on Local Content in the will bring to bear his 14 years of experience in Oil and Gas Industry. He mandated the Nigerian the construction industry. Lee Engineering and National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to Construction Company Limited, as a leading drive the policy and set certain targets. indigenous EPCOM (engineering, procurement, In its eͿorts to implement the policy, the construction, operation, and maintenance) com- national oil company set up the Nigerian pany in Nigeria, has achieved several milestones Content Division within its system and issued and received numerous commendations, awards, some Nigerian content directives to industry and certiÀcates from both local and international stakeholders. Since there was no force of law organisations and agencies. behind the Nigerian content directives, operators It has made signiÀcant contributions to its of the industry found it convenient to comply host communities in terms of HSE policy and on a best endeavour basis. higher quality outcomes of projects that oͿer This situation provided the Ministry of Pe- clients the best value for money, boasting a 100 troleum Resources, NNPC, and other industry per cent safety record in 30 years. stakeholders with the impetus to work closely Starting oͿ in 1990, the organisation admits its with the National Assembly to develop the Àrst nine years were riddled with losses, about NOGICD bill. During the succeeding admin- $3 million. “We lost a lot,” confessed the CEO. istration of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua “That was tough for us. Over time, we recovered and Goodluck Jonathan, the National Assembly fully. And, as we recovered, we began to diversify passed the bill. Jonathan signed the bill into law, our business.” Today, the organisation deals in giving birth to the NCDMB. retail, tourism, aviation, and manufacturing, Dr Ernest Nwapa, a former staͿ of the Nige- including exploration and production. One rian Content Division of NNPC, served as the of its major ongoing projects is the gas project, pioneer executive secretary from April 2010 to domestic gas, and gas to supply the LNG Train May l 2015. Denzel Kentebe succeeded him. Seven. It also has a gas project in Imo. It is a gas In September 2016, Simbi Kesiye Wabote was transmission facility. Lee’s manufacturing and appointed as the third substantive executive fabrication workshop will undertake small and secretary of the board. massive fabrications of new vessels and spools The key focus of the NOGICD Act includes Ikpea for process facilities, especially within the oil and integrating oil-producing communities into the gas sector. The fabrication workshop, measuring oil and gas value chain, fostering institutional 2,515sqm, is complete with blasting/painting collaboration, and maximising the participation of Lee Engineering knows better. oil and gas sector is one of the most critical sec- bays and state-of-the-art equipment. It will also of Nigerians in oil and gas activities. “Our hands have been strengthened. We are tors in the country’s economy, accounting for engage in the maintenance of existing equipment In addition to that, it links the oil and gas sec- working directly with the IOCs,” he noted. “The more than 90 per cent of its exports and 80 per for clients for optimal performance. tor to other sectors of the economy, maximises local content agency of the federal government. cent of the federal government’s revenue. It is The company — Lee Engineering Group and utilisation of Nigerian resources and assets, The people working in the Nigerian Content the ninth-largest in terms of global gas reserves Allied Companies Limited — has at least 2,000 and attracts investments to the Nigerian oil Development & Monitoring Board are hard- with over 200 Tcf. employees. The group comprises Lee Engineer- and gas sector (service providers, equipment working, wonderful people. They love Nigerians. As of 2019, Nigeria had the largest oil and gas ing, Tribet Ltd (travels and tours), Tribet Aviation, suppliers, etc.). This is no mere platitude. The crop of Nigerians reserves in Africa, with around 37 billion barrels Tribet PuriÀed Waters, and Lee Oasis. The NOGICD Act became a game-changer working at the agency have the core interest of of oil and 5.4 trillion cubic meters (bcm) of gas. Ikpea’s organisation does more than creating for local oil and gas players who had hitherto Nigeria and Nigerians at heart.” With a production of 2.11 million barrels per day wealth and value. As the CEO of the group, he fed on crumbs of the fat Àngers of International There have been various calls that the NCDMB in 2019, which is approximately 25 per cent of sees to it personally that the less privileged are Oil Companies. Prior to the local content policy should develop and stay independent, bereft of the total output in Africa, Nigeria continues to empowered. He considers philanthropy a “gift take-oͿ, a few intrepid and industrious Nigerian political interference. Industry experts say that dominate Africa’s oil production. from God,” resulting in establishing a founda- entrepreneurs had begun moves to give Nigeria one way that can be achieved is by avoiding Amidst some uncertainties and challenges, tion, Agbonjagwe Leemon Ikpea Foundation and its citizens a level-playing Àeld to operate disruption in the tenure of its executive secretary. Lee Engineering has witnessed phenomenal (ALIF), in 2012. The foundation has trained in the sector. One of the drivers of the policy is They want the federal government to give those growth over the years, demonstrating to other students, and the majority said to be orphans. Dr Leemon Ikpea. working at the agency enough time to strengthen local players how they should conduct oil and As of 2019, the foundation has cared for many Futuristic in approach and level-headed in the board’s structure. “I will suggest a tenure of gas businesses. The company’s head honcho young children and produced 119 graduates, temperament, Dr Ikpea, Chief Executive O΀cer a minimum of 10 years for the agency’s execu- admits his organisation’s excelling principles including medical doctors, nurses, architects, of Lee Engineering & Construction Company tive secretary. With that, I am conÀdent Nigeria are based on so-called old-fashioned principles: nurses, accountants, quantity surveyors, medical Limited, knows — like the back of his hand can experience a boom in the industry,” Ikpea godliness, hard work, honesty, and integrity. laboratory scientists, lawyers, and other spe- — about the positive impact of local content revealed. “The least product of hard work is dignity,” cialists — right from secondary schools. These policy on the nation’s oil and gas industry, the So far, the board ensures that local players said Ikpea. “The satisfaction that you work for are the ones in universities. Some started from vital role played by the NCDMB in deepening in the industry receive adequate training and what you earn. Closely related to that is integrity. secondary schools. local companies participating in the industry encourage local players to establish fabrication One must have integrity. You must be known Adding to that, the foundation trains people and strengthening their capacity. workshops — Lee Engineering is a beneÀciary. not just for being hard-working, but you must in skills acquisition, including welding, fabrica- “With the advent of the local content policy, The fabrication’s plant is about 85 per cent let integrity permeate every process of your tion, engineering, etc. Among other things, the Nigerian companies have been strengthened to completed and will manufacture industrial gases hard work, your operations.” For him and Lee company executed an electriÀcation project in play important roles in the industry,” explained and domestic gases, including gas cylinders Engineering, integrity is the key, in addition to Okpokunoe in Delta, completed a rural water Ikpea. “It is a thing of joy and pride to let you saving the country billions of naira in foreign the company’s technical know-how. project for Ewatto in Edo, provided speed boats know that local content discussion started in exchange. When the factory in Warri, Delta state, Harping on the enduring quality, he added, Odidi and Kantu in the coastal area of Delta. my o΀ce in my Warri o΀ce back in the days is completed, industry watchers believe that it “For us, integrity is not a concept. It is who we For all Nigerian youths with the passion and in the early 1990s. We started this discussion.” will positively impact the economy as it will are. With integrity, every business partner, client, persistence to work and earn an honest living, In the absence of the policy, local players waited create a larger market for suppliers and vendors. supplier, or vendor looks for you because they Ikpea said, “I will say, ‘Pause, ponder and take on multinationals who got the job directly from The plant will also be designed to accommodate trust you. Who will do business with you if you pride in hard work, honesty, and patience.’ Nigeria the IOCs. The local players were doing the jobs, demands from other African countries. Lee are not trusted? Integrity is our watchword. We is a vast country and highly blessed. but the multinationals were the ones getting the Engineering includes in its marshall plan the run an honest business. “Nigeria is blessed with a lot of natural re- fat paychecks. However, with the establishment building of capacity. “We have honest and hard-working staͿ. We sources. To fully harness these material resources, of the local content policy given teeth by law, Giving the local content policy legal backing are not honest and hard-working some of the the nation’s leaders will have to seek ways to operating as local companies in the oil and gas is perhaps the most signiÀcant development time. We are honest and hard-working all the bring out the best in the people. We stand to industry became a diͿerent ball game. Local witnessed in the industry. Nigeria is one of the time. The company is transparent. For almost gain as a nation beyond description as long as companies got a platform to excel. The CEO largest and oldest oil producers in Africa. The 30 years that we have been in business, there is we manage all the resources well.” THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡APRIL 18, 2021 21 BUSINESS OUTSIDER Baby Diaper Wars Nigeria

Tunji Adegbite births per 1000 women. This figure retained its position as the market this by investing $100 million into should ideally position the Nige- leader in Nigeria. In 2016, Moflix local raw materials production. aby Diapers are rian market as a prime market for entered the market and has since Also, they generate their plants’ underwear worn diapers but this is not yet the case. disrupted the market, toppling electricity. Their factory in Agbara, by infants to catch Nigeria’s high poverty rate, cur- Pampers from the market leader Ogun State, churns out 1.3 Billion waste and is usu- rency depreciation, and economic position in Nigeria. diapers a year. ally made out of crises affect purchasing power. In response, Procter and Gamble Research shows Molfix is the #1 cloth or synthetic With a GDP per Capita of about did two things. First, they intro- diaper brand in Nigeria based on disposable mate- $2,000 annually, about half of duced ‘new’ products - some exist- market share commanding about rial. In the past, an- Nigerians live below the poverty ing product lines already offered 44% of the market. It also has a imal skins, moss linens, and leaves line. It is estimated that the daily in Western countries to Nigeria. brand loyalty of 70%, meaning 7 wereB used; however, diapers have diaper usage per baby in Nigeria These were Pampers Baby Dry and out of the 10 people that purchase now been proven to be the safest, is between 0.05-0.10, compared Pampers Premium, positioned to the brand will repurchase it. most convenient way. Cloth diapers to 8-10 daily in Developed coun- compete with the new competitor’s are made out of fabrics such as tries. Poor hygiene practices also products. They also commissioned What is working for Molfix? cotton, hemp, or microfibers mak- influence diaper usage. About 100 and built a $300 Million diaper 1) They came into the diaper ing them washable and reusable. million Nigerians lack basic sanita- factory in Agbara, Ogun State – the market to fill a gap - affordable, While synthetic disposable diapers, tion facilities, and about 12% still largest investment in the country quality, functional diapers that are first introduced in 1948, are made defecate in the open. by a non-oil company then. The fac- readily available in the market. of absorbent materials that cannot The ideal market size of diapers tory was shut down one year after 2) They listen to their target mar- be reused. in Nigeria is approximately launch; P&G claimed to be “restruc- ket - through forums and events. Innovations have since been 2.07billion pieces annually; current turing”. Today Pampers controls 3) They leverage the power of made within the diaper market to consumption is about 1.75 Billion less than 20% market share. community - providing both online segment the market further. There pieces annually. Brands driving and offline experiential events to are now biodegradable diapers, this consumption are Pampers by What went wrong? customers. pull up, pants or taped diapers Procter & Gamble, Huggies by 1) Being comfortable in your 4) Successful word-of-mouth (based on mode of wearing), and Kimberly Clark, Molfix by Hayat position – they did not innovate marketing. ridged or non-ridged (based on Kimya, and a smaller players like nor listen to their customer’s com- 5) They speak directly to the core and ability to absorb) diapers. Angel, Kiss Kids. plaints about the price and seem- journey parents are going through However, disposable diapers still ingly inferior products compared to with their babies and toddlers. command the most market share; Inspired by babies. Created by those offered in foreign markets. In conclusion, although massive as of 2016, the segment accounted Pampers 2) Failure to integrate backwards growth is forecasted, Nigeria’s dia- for 64% of the industry. The $3.4 Pampers, the first major dispos- – Procter and Gamble had not per market is limited by economic Billion baby diaper industry is able diaper brand in Nigeria was invested in the local production of and foreign exchange crises. As projected to grow to $51.5 Bil- introduced by Procter and Gamble raw materials and relied on import- the economic challenges continue, lion by 2024. Some of the factors in 2000 and controlled nearly 100% ing essential parts. Devaluation of purchasing power will drop and influencing this growth are- high of the market share. Pampers was the Naira and increasing foreign spending will be tightened. Many birth rate, rising income levels, and so well known that it became the exchange rates raised production of the mid-middle and lower- increased awareness of sanitation generic name for the category. costs. middle-income Nigerians will take and hygiene. The brand enjoyed a market mo- a dip in their socio-economic status. North America and are nopoly for 15 years and did little Happy Today, Happy Tomorrow Brands looking to compete in this the biggest diaper markets globally to innovate on its product or price, Molfix was introduced into the market will have to adjust and while Asia and Africa are signifi- despite complaints about its high Nigerian market by Hayat Kimya innovate to retain market share. cant emerging growth markets. In price- N45 for 1 Baby Dry size 3 in 2016 and it was ready for battle! Asia: India, Indonesia, and China diaper. There were also complaints Introduced during an economic re- · Tunji Adegbite is a thought are leading the growth in market that the Pampers sold in Nigeria cession where Nigerians’ purchas- leader in Strategy and Supply share in the region. In Africa, were of lower quality than those ing power dramatically reduced, Chain, who has worked with lead- Kenya and Nigeria are projected to sold in Developed countries. The Molfix entered at a lower price ing organisations like PwC and an see the fastest growth rate between only alternative at the time was the (N26 for 1 Dry Pants size 3 diaper), IOC. He also founded Naspire, a 2020 and 2025 (2.9% and 13.3%, importation of foreign diapers. while other brands were increasing business research platform using respectively) Kimberly Clark, introduced Hug- their selling price. Molfix provided African business insights to help gies to the Nigerian market in 2015 its products at a lower price and entrepreneurs and professionals 7 Million Babies! competing for market share with retained quality by reducing its succeed. He can be reached via 7 million babies are born each Pampers. Despite this, Pampers production costs. They achieved [email protected]. year in Nigeria with a ratio of 37.3 22 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡APRIL 18, 2021 BUSINESS PERSONALITY ,ÀH6HNLER$5HYHUHG 3KLODQWKURSLVWDW Humanity is essentially the same; all face challenges; all face uncertainties, and all face issues to deal with. How one faces his daily life ends up exposing his sense of character, his ability to understand the issues on the table, and his ability to appreciate the humanness of the person across the table. 5DKHHP$NLQJEROX writes on Managing Director of Heritage, Ifie Sekibo’s selfless service to humanity as he attains the age of 56

lobally, men and institutions have always Bank partnered Hon. Fatima Mohammed (FAMO) foundation emerged at diͿerent fora to show support to provide succour to over 300 aͿected private school teachers to humanity in the absence of their immedi- and small-medium enterprises (SMEs). ate government’s intervention. They were The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic led to the pushed to the occasion due to their human shutdown of schools for months leaving the private school teach- nature. ers without any means of livelihood and no source of income. As early as the third millennium BCE To this eͿect, and in alleviating the challenges, Heritage Bank (Before the Common Era), evidence from law codes shows that and its partner supported over 300 private school teachers and BabylonianG kings decreed special punishments for the strong, small businesses, as palliatives were given in 15 local govern- who abused the weak. To Egyptian sacred writings - such as The ments; including Àve major markets in Ojokoro Local Council Book of the Dead, around the same time, that makes it clear that Development Area of Ifako Ijaiye, in Lagos State. successful passage to the afterlife depended on a lifetime record Revered for his knowledge-based leadership approach, Sekibo of benevolent acts towards the suͿering; and to George Peabody realised that to eͿect a change in the society through philanthropy, (1795 -1869), the father of modern philanthropy, who endowed support has to be given to areas that will have a direct impact libraries and in the United States, it is obvious that on the overall interest of the citizenry. helping others is a sine qua non of life. This came to the fore at Season 7 of Heritage Bank sponsored Though American billionaires, Warren BuͿet, and Bill and reality TV show, ‘The Next Titan’, themed “The Unstoppable”. It Melinda Gates can be cited as the modern-day philanthropists, was designed to search for business ideas that are immune to any back home, there are various individuals, who live by the code pandemic; innovations that break boundaries and technologies of helping others and have devoted much of their resources to that can survive any lockdown, and occasioned by the shock see others smile. caused by COVID-19. The ability to render a helping hand to others in the society, This was why an entrepreneur, a graduate of the Federal Uni- especially to those encumbered by the unpredictable hands of versity of Technology Owerri (FUTO) with a Bachelor’s Degree nature is an attribute those familiar with IÀesimama Sekibo have in Environmental Science, and the Chief Executive O΀cer of come to know him for. He perceived philanthropy, not only as Josult Oil Processing Company, a palm oil processing company a temporary aid to mitigate the need, but something that the in , Joshua Idiong, emerged the winner of the recipients can use to build and live a meaningful life. Ife Sekibo show and went home with N10million. Sekibo reckoned that lending a helping hand to further better Through Heritage Bank, he doled out $40, 000 grants to win- the society is similar to giving hope to those who need it and languages, which include Ikwerre, Kalabari, Ekpeye, Nembe, ners of the inaugural edition of the Heritage Bank Innovation it will be a crime not to oͿer any form of assistance, especially and Ogoni language, with others coming in earnest. He asserted Lab Accelerator programme (HB-LAB) as part of its eͿorts to when he lives by the saying that whoever one has the power that his support for writing books in all Niger-Delta languages support Nigeria’s aspiration, and roadmap to becoming a leading to oͿer assistance to, the person is one’s companion, hence the was inspired by the desire not to allow Nigerian local dialects Information Communication Technology (ICT) Hub in Africa. need to help the person. to go into extinction. The HB-LAB called, ‘Demo Day,’ is a 12-week programme, He summed this up in his book, ‘Leadership Turnaround’, Now 56 years old, one of the cardinal points of his life is expected to provide technology start-ups seeking additional that, “When there is no hope, the human spirit dies. The only mentorship, and he is involved in mentoring the youths over investments to progress and accelerate market introduction/ reason why we go back to vote in another election, or we believe the years, as despite his busy schedules, he still mentors and adoption of their solutions with co-working and internet resources, the society will change, is because we have one strand of hope. gives direction to them. He believes that by developing their guidance, and mentorship with Àntech start-ups founder and Just one more try and we can make it better.” emotional intelligence, his inÁuence can outlive him in their seed funding. Though there are some philanthropic gestures made as a minds. This is what a leader will be remembered, loved, and The bank intended to create an enabling environment, resources, private citizen, the bulk of Sekibo’s societal interventions are celebrated for, according to him. and support required to innovate and accelerate impactful solu- done by Heritage Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative bank, where As a leader, who believes that the youths are the leaders of tomor- tions with the potential to radically improve Ànancial inclusion/ he is the head honcho. row, Sekibo has gotten involved in various youth empowerment intermediation, health, automobile, agriculture, and other related His passion for education philanthropy made him sponsored programmes through Heritage Bank, and as such, the bank has problems aͿecting critical sectors of the economy. the launch of a book titled “Let Us Speak Ikwerre”, (A KWU received diͿerent accolades and laurels from non-governmental He sees philanthropy as a way of life and wants others in the IWNUROHHNA), in , . The book organisations and diͿerent states governments. society to see it too, especially the younger generation where originally written in the was authored by Job creation is not left out as Heritage Bank, through the the concept of self seems more prevalent in everything they Mrs. Oyintarela Umeri and translated to the establishment of a full-Áedged learning and development do. He said, ‘‘The culture of mindset of self that is prevalent in by Dr. Tony Enyia, an indigene of Rumuor-Ogbakari, Emohua institute, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of the youth of today must be changed to a mentality of us and Local Government of Rivers State. Nigeria (CIBN), dubbed, “The ReÀnery” successfully trained we. We must deliberately begin to eliminate the l and replace Though he stumbled on the idea to translate the English and employed about 300 new intakes. it with We if we are to see the economic, political and social language to Niger Delta languages when he was invited by Always looking for ways to be of impact to the society, to transformation we so desire.’’ his friend Timi Alaibe to the launch of ‘Izon Àe’, a book written mark World Water Day 2021, Heritage Bank came with plans Sekibo is still touching lives across various communities in in , he immediately took action and sponsored to assist communities in dire need of clean water by installing Nigeria with his sincere commitment towards their progress the Niger Delta Books Limited to launch an audio CD in the boreholes for them, while it presses for sustainable management and he is always attending to the needs and desires of the less Kirike language,(Okrika dialect) titled: ‘Speak Kirike’, which of water resources. privileged in the society, and this has set him apart as a true was successfully launched in 2017. In continuation of his gestures and as part of eͿorts to cushion champion of equality and an outstanding beacon of hope for He hasn’t looked back since then and has sponsored other the eͿects of the novel COVID-19 on the education sector, Heritage the now and coming generations.

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of their Àghts back home in Nigeria. What’s with Manny Pacquiao in South Africa but Floyld of UFC, has declared in the past that “I want will be smart phones with streaming capabilities. more, I know how to emulate international Mayweather Jnr’s desire to Àght on the African to do a Àght in Africa. There is a market there, So much money is being ‘left on the table’ by standards and how to adapt the Western pay continent was thwarted by boxing politics and it is real and we can and will do a Àght there, I international sports promoters who continue per view Àght model to be both proÀtable to he fought his last and 50th bout instead against am planning for that right now”. to broadcast quality sporting content in an foreign networks and aͿordable to the average the UFC boxing champion Conor McGregor, Currently, to view an Usman or Adesanya Àght ‘analog fashion’ (using cable/satellite) instead of Nigerian. Thereby, making the hosting a world in a Àght sanctioned by the CEO of UFC, Dana in Nigerian the cost of subscription is outside gravitating to a digital world where youths (who title Àght in Nigeria a feasible ‘win-win’ situa- White, in the US. the budget of the average Nigerian. In Nigeria, make up the majority of the African continent’s tion for: TV networks, combat organizations, “After the heavy weight UFC championship approximately 1 percent of the population sub- population) prefer to use mobile phones and the pugilists and more importantly adoring win by Francis Ngannou (of Cameroon) over scriber to cable/satellite sports channels that other devices to stream sporting content. Nigerian Àght fans”. Stipe Miocic (USA) on 27th March 2021, Francis broadcast UFC world title Àghts in Nigeria, out “The outdated Western model for streaming “Furthermore, when Floyd Mayweather Jnr. declared at the post Àght press conference that of a population of over 200 million. Whereas, sporting content requires adaptation for Africa. wanted to host his last and 50th Àght on the the UFC, with three current world champions the Streamcent App. can connect with smart We, at Streamcen, have perfected how to engage African Continent, I was contacted by US TV (being Francis at Heavyweight (below 120kg), phones that account for up to 50% of the 170 interactively with fans, using local content to networks to promote the Àght on the African Israel Adesanya at middleweight (below 84 kg) mobile phone users in Nigeria, at less than one maximize revenues, in a way that international Continent because of my past experience in and Kamaru Usma at welterweight (below 70kg) tenth the cost of cable/satellite subscriptions. streaming companies have failed to do – ‘one hosting as successful world title boxing show should seriously consider coming to Africa. “As Dr. Ogun emphasizes “Our research reveals size does not Àt all’ – successful streaming of in South Africa. I am now bringing that inter- three Champs, I think we deserve at least one that mobile phone use in Africa shall double over sports content in Africa requires a locally crafted national exposure to Streamcent”. Originally, event, open event to honour us,” added Francis the next Àve years to over 500 million phones and nuanced approach to fan engagement,” Floyd Mayweather Jnr’s 50th Àght was a rematch Ngannou. To his credit, Dana White the CEO and the majority of the increase in phone usage added Dr. Adrian Ogun. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡APRIL 18, 2021 23 BUSINESS INTERVIEW OLU RAHEEM There’s So Much Potential in Nigeria Finland Can Tap On 7th October,1960, Finland o΀cially recognised Nigeria as a sovereign country and established diplomatic relations established with her, three years later, precisely 18th January 1963. About 60 years later, in 2018, the Finland Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs. Pirjo Suomela-Chowdhury, expressed her country’s commitment to promote trade relations with Nigeria. It includes the availability of funding instruments for promoting business partnership between Finland and Nigeria. Two years on, in 2021, the Nigerian-born Head, Business Finland Nigeria and Trade Commissioner for Finland in West Africa, Mr. Olu Raheem, throws more light on how far the Nigerian-Finland relationship has gone and how deep they desire the union to get. Speaking with Kunle Aderinokun and Chris Paul, Raheem says, the relationship is anchored on a mutually beneÀcial partnership across socio-economic spectra

hat is the state of Finland-Nigeria business deep into circular economy. We have been developing a framework, cooperation, today? bringing a lot of companies together as much as we can during this When you look at the Finnish-Nigeria’s COVID times. history, there have always been good ties. When you look at it from my angle, which What are the sectors that have high Finland-Nigeria business focus? is the business and investments relations, ICT is at the forefront of this and Sitra, one of Finland’s strong ICT we know there is still a lot to do. I think Àrms has been working with Nigerians in this area. there has been great strides and improvements within the last 10 Like I said, we are a very big proponent of circular economy. Also, years.W We have moved forward. We have seen Finnish companies power generation, we have Wartsila, one of biggest companies, a lot coming in their numbers; especially the smaller companies being of people don’t know that the company has the installed capacity of more interested in Africa. And when you talk about Africa, you can’t about 10 per cent of Nigeria’s power. take Nigeria away. They have been here since the 70s. But you know Finnish companies Of course, I would always like to say we have played our part. But are entities that you really don’t hear much about in the media and we also recognise the situation that surround business environment they don’t do enough PR and all of that. It’s mainly because they are also aͿect development, one way or another. business to business companies. So, you have to be in their line of One of the things that have aͿected the potentials and increasing business and allied sectors to know them. They are not a consumer interest in Nigeria and Africa now, is in the fact that it is the last continent service or products Àrm in that sense. For instance, you have to be in that has been properly tapped into. the cement sector to know that the company powers all the cement We have seen European countries go into Asia and what China, plants of one of the top players in the Nigerian cement industry. other Asian countries and Americans have gone through and how But then, there are lots of small, small, smaller interactions; and we they have transformed into Àrst world countries by themselves. are also looking at, you know, at the other side. What’s been exported Logically, it is now Africa’s turn. How fast and how soon this will into Europe, Finland? We are looking at Cocoa, Palm Oil, Cashew nuts; happen, we have our question marks. But we know we are moving what is good about interaction with Finland is that it is part of EU. So, forward. And when you look at Finland, being a small country has it is basically EU rules. Nigerian products and services, Companies always opted for a business relationships and interactions that are that meet the EU criteria are free to tap into the opportunities that mutually beneÀcial. Finland was never and has never been a conquering abound within that sphere. nation. It is almost like every African nation that has at some point in her history been under some colonial power. In the beginning they Do these business interactions spill into softer sectors such as were under and after that, they were under Russia and that’s culture and entertainment? where they got their Independence from. I want to believe that has happened more naturally than in other So, there is no history of being a colonial country. So, anything they Raheem heavy parts of the economy. As you know we look at things strictly got has to be through mutually beneÀcial business interactions and from a business perspective. But lately, we have found that the Nigerian partnerships. We can see great strides. Everybody has been following entertainment industry has been gaining some traction in Finland. the news; for the fourth year in a row, Finland has been voted the And when you check the numbers, the operators are doing very The music and movie industry for instance have turned to be more happiest country in the world. well. Airtel is posting best results ever, MTN is doing great. There’s popular in Finland than one can imagine. When you talk about happiness, you are looking at parameters always somebody that is enjoying the situation that might be harsh Sometimes back, they had an African movie festival and it was that are anchored on security, social interactions, policies, welfare... for others. largely dominated by . Some of the Nollywood actors You can be in Finland and be rest assured that your way of living is For us too, in Finland, we have concentrated on solutions in products told me they were treated like stars. They told me they took lots of up to global standard and above; no matter what your situation is. and services that we can work with, in Nigeria, with Nigerians at this photographs, signed countless autographs and generally enjoyed Are you sick, homeless or poor? The government and the society moment that will serve both countries mutually. Hollywood-styled status and of course, loads of fun in Finland. So, will provide enough resources for you to survive; to some extent. We are looking at waste management, waste to energy... Finland the Finland audience really know them. loves to talk about circular economy. And they are really putting energy I believe this is a testimony to the power of communications 6RZHFDQGHÀQLWHO\VHHWKHVHJUHDWVWULGHV and resources into being at the forefront of circular economy. There technology, the internet and all that. People have access to some This COVID-19 has aͿected everyone. We were planning for the is a circular economy fund that Finland is launching very soon. And of these movies. I have friends in Finland who have never been Prime Minister of Finland to come. Finland has the youngest Prime one of the fund advisers is going to be with the African Development to Nigeria and they know Nollywood actors. Minister, indeed, the youngest female Prime Minister at the moment. Bank. So, they are going to be partly in charge of the fund. They are at Before they would ask me to bring them the DVDs and stuͿ. When you look at the Finnish cabinet, about 62 per cent of them are African countries and especially Nigeria, to a great extent. But now, with NetÁix and other online movie concerns, access to female. So, it is also progressive in that nature. We planned a visit for and That’s something we have been working on the last six months; these movies are now very easy across the world. also the Minister of Trade too, but this COVID-19 has disrupted that. working with Lagos State, trying to push Lagos to becoming a circular So, the Nigerian movie and music industry is really booming. Looking at strides and what Finland is known for, you will discover economy model city of Africa. We are looking at what resources and You know, for a Nigerian Artiste, the only way you can make that there is a lot of technology. what frameworks we can develop together. money in Nigeria is either you have a big sponsor or you do big Of course, we are aware that technology has thrived tremendously Just like you said, there is so much potentials and resources to be concerts; or do weddings, events and so on. But in Europe, you during this COVID time. If there is a brand Nigerians are familiar tapped into; and circularity in general, we have had our ways of actually do tours. And every month, before the COVID struck, there with, especially in the telecoms sector, it is Nokia. Lots of Nigerians doing it, you know, some people pick up trash and ferry it forward... was a Nigerian Artiste performing in Finland. Yes. Every month! believe Nokia is a Japanese GSM Product. But it is actually a Finnish You know, Lagos has a way in which, relatively, the system works. , , all of them have been to Finland. phone. Of course, they are not producing the phone in the capacity Though everything might not be well-orchestrated or structured but I know some of the promoters there and the managers, here; that they used to... As you know, they used to be number one in all one way or the other, we have always managed. And that has been and they told me that is where they actually make money. phone categories. the surprise for a lot of foreigners that how can 25 million people That’s why I said it has happened more naturally. And the But now, Nokia is more focused on the telecoms infrastructure, manage so well; you don’t even have a waste management system, business part of it, which is evolving rapidly is being demand- which is big, but it is more hidden. However, you have to be inside the but you Ànd a way to make it work. driven. The demand is that we want these people to come and business of telecoms to really feel the depth. So, Nokia is turning out to So, it’s about really tapping into some of these systems and improving perform. They arrange it and of course, the Embassy sees them be a strong player in the 4G, 5G networks that are coming up. And it is them. You know something that is already working within a situation may be when they are travelling or applying for visas and they doing very well in Nigeria and we have seen that is one of the strong of chaos, you know if you add a bit of system and structure to it, the go and they come back. instruments of growth area. Every telecoms operator is increasing results will be exponential. Exponential growth. There people go to concerts and they are ready to pay quite a lot; its capacity by focusing on high-end infrastructure development. Those are some of the things we are looking at. So Finland is very И50, И60 per person and they have 1,000, 2,000 capacity halls etc. 24 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡APRIL 18, 2021 WOMEN ENTERPRENEURS TOLULOPE OKO-IGAIRE As Entrepreneur, I Had Breakthrough Because of My Passion Dr. Tolulope Oko-Igaire is the Executive Director at The Institute of Counseling in Nigeria and Head Therapist/Sexologist at Intimacy Clinic. One of Africa’s foremost sex therapist and professional mental health practitioner, she is a clinical counselor with demonstrated experience in depression treatment, PTSD counselling, human sexuality and dysfunctional behavioral treatment. Also, a leading Gestalt, CBT, and psychodynamic expert with specialisation in personality disorders, Sexual dysfunction and family dynamics. Experience and professionalism distinguished Oko-Igaire in an environment where professional counseling is non- existent and discussion on mental and sexual health issues considered a taboo. She singlehandedly took mental health counseling and psychotherapy from the backward traditional level to a more professional forefront, blending counseling skills and ethical values. With hundreds of articles and publications to her credit, Oko-Igaire, popularly called The Fixer, has worked with various multinationals, governmental and non-governmental organizations across Africa. In this interview with Oyinlola Sale, she explains how counselling can help in transforming the mindset of individuals for a better nation

RZWHOOXVZK\WKH\FDOO\RXWKHÀ[HU" So Nigerians are very ignorant when it comes to mental health They call me the Àxer because I build counselling. homes, I mend relationships and I Àx sexual $VDZRPDQZLWKVRPDQ\UHVSRQVLELOLWLHVKRZGR\RXVWDUW issues. I also help people to Àx their mental \RXUGD\" health issues as well. For me, I think everyone I start my day by opening my eyes, process my thoughts and has a level of greatness in them and with a I come down slowly and try to meditate, sit up and process my little bit of encouragement or self actualisa- feelings and emotions. Change into my gym clothes and take a tion, people can always be who they are meant to be. When it comes walk in my estate. I drop my daughter in school, so we get to bond withN issues of the heart, it could mess up with people’s head and and discuss. It’s very important. make them to be very miserable. In understanding the implications of this, I know there is no marriage or relationship that cannot +RZGLG\RXPDQDJHWRÀQDQFHWKLVEXVLQHVVLQLWVHDUO\GD\V" be worked on. Now, when people come to me, I always believe From day one, my husband has been the one Ànancing my business. that the two parties that are involved are willing to give it a shot. There is a particular loan my husband gets from his o΀ce. They Now, I have seen people who are depressed and people who are give them to start up a business. My husband gave me the money even suicidal, people who have given up on their relationships, to settle down, so the renting of the o΀ce and all was settled. The and I have been able to let them know that there are reasons to fact is my husband has been my backbone. live again and have hope for tomorrow. Now, when they begin to see those things, people believe you are The Fixer. +RZKDYH\RXEHHQDEOHWRFDUYHDQLFKHIRU\RXUVHOILQWKH PLGVWRIWKHFRPSHWLWLRQ" :KDWLQVSLUHG\RXWRJRLQWRPHQWDOKHDOWKFRXQVHOOLQJ" In the Àeld of mental health counselling, I am in a class of my I think for a lot of us as Africans, we are barely existing; we are own. We have a feedback form in my o΀ce and the comments of not living. And I will explain what I mean by that to you. You see clients made us to realise how unique we are. I have developed while we were growing up in the 40s, 50s, Africans have values over the years and I have evolved over the years. I am a force that help us to shape our lives and guide our behaviours, mode of to reckon with in the Àeld of mental health counselling and interaction and things that are cautioning us. But unfortunately, sex therapy. we are gradually losing those values. Whether we like it or not, civilisation is gradually coming upon us in which we cannot keep :KDWZHUHVRPHRI\RXUELJJHVWIHDUVZKHQ\RXVWDUWHG living in mud houses. WKLVEXVLQHVV" The world is becoming a global village we have to live. Even Oko-Igaire One of my biggest fears when I was running this business, if we are living in denial and we are saying, we don’t want to is that as a sex therapist, the mindset that people had about it. move, we are still going to move. For example, according to a I had to break through because of my passion. latest research now, there are 101 diͿerent kind of gender and The issue we also have is the culture of secrecy that you can- in Nigeria, we only believe there are two genders. If we have the not take your issue to visit an outsider. The Mental Health Law Now, what are the things you put in place in order to set ability to control the information being passed to us or we believe hasn’t been established and there are a lot of places that we are just XSDVXFFHVVIXOWUDLQLQJLQVWLWXWH" we are self-su΀cient, but our economy is in shambles. The western scratching the surface. So, to set up a successful training institute, of course, now world will keep dictating to us. we are trying to work with best international best practices to So there is nothing we can do about the civilisation coming upon 1RZZLWKWKHSDQGHPLFHQWUHSUHQHXUVKDYHEHFRPHLQQRYD- ensure we are doing things the right way to develop curriculum us, so gradually we are losing our values and then the western WLYHVRLQZKDWZD\KDVLWPDGH\RXFUHDWLYH" that are of international standard. values that are coming upon us, we are not ready to embrace it. Talking about creativity with the pandemic, of course before all In Nigeria, we don’t believe in counselling and its aͿecting us. our classes were at the Institute of Counselling in . But now, +RZFDQWKHJRYHUQPHQWFUHDWHDQHQDEOLQJHQYLURQPHQW The fact is that people are dealing with issues and they can’t we have students online and they take their classes online and IRUEXVLQHVVHVOLNH\RXUVWRWKULYH" even talk. They need someone to talk to. This is where a counsellor everyone goes to zoom. That is one thing COVID-19 has changed. It’s important we pass the mental health act into law, even if comes in to guide them and to make a diͿerence. it’s not so huge. It’s still going to beneÀt mental health counsel- $VWKHH[HFXWLYHGLUHFWRURIFRXQVHOOLQJLQ1LJHULD+DVWKH ling in Nigeria. It’s di΀cult to register this kind of entity, the :KDWLVWKHGL;HUHQFHEHWZHHQPHQWDOKHDOWKFRXQVHOOLQJ JRYHUQPHQWPDGHH;RUWVWRVXSSRUWWKLVVHFWRU" government needs to make it easy for them. LQ1LJHULDDQGDEURDG" Government making eͿorts? I really do not know what that means; There is a diͿerence between mental counselling here and abroad. you don’t even make eͿort in what you don’t really understand. 7HOOXVDERXWDKLJKO\GLͿFXOWSHULRGZKHUH\RXWKRXJKW In Nigeria, you see people in churches, they make altar calls and Mental health counselling is one thing that is so di΀cult to explain RIJLYLQJXSDQGKRZ\RXRYHUFDPHWKHVLWXDWLRQ" say counsellors will write down your name and number. Now to people. In most cases when our students come into the institute of A highly di΀cult period, I faced a lot, and at the beginning those are not counsellors, they are administrative people. The fact counselling, you become a born again and start thinking diͿerently. of my journey, I was counselling for free, people come into my is, professional counsellors do not advise; we oͿer professional Now, until we begin to have a mind shift, I don’t think anything o΀ce and when they are going, I will still give them transport counselling and we use therapeutic interventions. We use our can get better as Nigerians. after counselling them for free. It wasn’t easy at all! theory to intervene in issues. Impossibility is not in my dictionary, you can say no, but I The accessibility of counsellors is another issue entirely. What are the challenges you have faced so far in running the believe in my dreams and what I want to achieve. Another thing is the area of education. How do I even begin EXVLQHVV" to explain that? The students grow through pain because they The number one challenge is the level of ignorance, so am in a A young female entrepreneur thinking of following your want to be a doctor or to have a master’s degree. Àeld where people don’t understand. I started pushing the crusade IRRWVWHSVZKDWZRXOG\RXWHOOKHU" There are people who have that in-born ability to counsel people of mental wellness in Africa. For a female entrepreneur, the Àrst question I would ask you is: and all they need is a certiÀcate or diploma. Education is a continu- People don’t see the need for counselling, they will rather talk to who are you? Because you need to discover yourself, when you ous process, but the Nigerian system will not make it happen. their pastor or Imam or one herbalist that will give you something. discover yourself, every other thing becomes easy. SUNDAY APRIL 18, 2021 • THISDAY 25 26 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡APRIL 18, 2021

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ƵƌŽďŽŶĚƐ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƚŽ ďĞ ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ͕ ƉĞƌͲ ŚŝŐŚĞƌƚŚĂŶƚŚĞĂŵŽƵŶƚŽŶŽīĞƌ͘^ƚŽƉƌĂƚĞ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶƐĚƵĞƚŽŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ͛ƐƌĞĂĐƟŽŶƚŽƚŚĞ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐƌĞŶĞǁĞĚŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚŝŶƚŚĞƐƉĂĐĞ͘ ĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞǁĂƐďĞĂƌŝƐŚǁͬǁĂƐϱŽƵƚŽĨϲ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ϯϲϰĚĂLJ ŝŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚ ŝŶĐŚĞĚ ŚŝŐŚĞƌ ƌŝƐŝŶŐŚĞĂĚůŝŶĞŝŶŇĂƟŽŶĂŶĚE͛ƐKDKΘ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ͘dŚĞ/ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞŝŶĚĞdžůĞĚ ďLJ ϭϬϬďƉƐ ƚŽ ϵ͘Ϭй ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ ϵϭ ĂŶĚ ϭϴϮ dďŝůůƐ ĂƵĐƟŽŶƐ͘ ĐĐŽƌĚŝŶŐůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ ĂǀĞƌĂŐĞ ƚŚĞůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ͕ĚŽǁŶϰ͘ϮйǁͬǁĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ĚĂLJ ŝŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚƐ ƌĞŵĂŝŶĞĚ Ăƚ Ϯ͘Ϭй ĂŶĚ LJŝĞůĚĂĐƌŽƐƐƚĞŶŽƌƐƌŽƐĞϴϴďƉƐǁͬǁƚŽ ƐĞůůŽīƐ ŝŶ DE&/d ;ϭϮ͘ϴйͿ͕ DEͲ ϯ͘ϱй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ ^ƚƌŽŶŐ ĚĞŵĂŶĚ ǁĂƐ ĐůŽƐĞ Ăƚ ϭϭ͘Ϯй͘ dŚĞ ƐŚŽƌƚ ƚĞŶŽƌ ŝŶƐƚƌƵͲ ^Z ;ϴ͘ϮйͿ ĂŶĚ h^dK/ ;ϭϳ͘ϵйͿ͘ ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ ďŽĂƌĚ Ăƚ Ă ďŝĚƚŽĐŽǀĞƌ ŵĞŶƚƐƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚƚŚĞŵŽƐƚƐĞůůŽīƐĂƐĂǀĞƌͲ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ƚŚĞĂŶŬŝŶŐĂŶĚŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ ƌĂƟŽŽĨϭ͘Ϭdž͕ϯ͘ϭdžĂŶĚϰ͘ϰdžĨŽƌƚŚĞϵϭ͕ϭϴϮ ĂŐĞLJŝĞůĚƌŽƐĞϭϬϬďƉƐǁͬǁ͘^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ƚŚĞ 'ŽŽĚƐŝŶĚŝĐĞƐĨĞůůďLJϭ͘ϱйĂŶĚϬ͘ϲйǁͬǁ ĂŶĚ ϯϲϰĚĂLJ ŝŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚƐ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ ůŽŶŐ ĂŶĚ ŵĞĚŝƵŵ ƚĞŶŽƌ ŝŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚƐ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJŽŶƚŚĞďĂĐŬŽĨƉƌŽĮƚƚĂŬŝŶŐ  ŝŶĐŚĞĚŚŝŐŚĞƌďLJϴϴďƉƐĂŶĚϴϭďƉƐǁͬǁ ŝŶ 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        !       !         !  28  ˜ ˾ APRIL 18, 2021 MARKET NEWS NGX Lists additional 2.4 billion shares of eTranzact Plc Goddy Egene last week listed 2,434,566,483 arose from the company’s rights kobo per share on the basis of of the additional 2,434,566,483 eTranzact Plc increased to ordinary shares of eTranzact issue of 4,666,666,667 ordinary 10 Rights issue was 52.17 per ordinary shares, the total issued 6,634,566,483 ordinary shares The Nigerian Exchange Limited, Plc. The additional shares shares of 50 kobo each at N1.50 cent subscribed. With this listing and fully paid up shares of of 50 kobo each. 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 15- NAV: Is value per share of the real estate shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Apr-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 151.49 152.96 -6.37% Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 3.95% GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Nigeria International Debt Fund 309.93 309.93 -16.62% Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Afrinvest Dollar Fund 110.27 110.27 -1.61% 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 2.74% AIICO CAPITAL LTD [email protected] Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Vantage Balanced Fund 2.69 2.75 17.12% 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 4.11% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 147.89 148.33 -4.84% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.33 3.49 -6.16% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.08 1.08 5.45% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fi[email protected] Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 1.66% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Equity Fund 125.88 127.33 -5.36% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.08 1.08 -18.80% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD [email protected] Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 10.40 10.47 ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 18.30 18.85 0.88% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 3.61% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 404.18 416.36 0.95% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] ARM Ethical Fund 36.22 37.32 7.45% Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.20 1.20 -2.03% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.29% PACAM Balanced Fund 1.58 1.61 7.54% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED [email protected] PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.16 12.29 -0.59% Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 1.60% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Equity Fund 1.56 1.58 -1.21% AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 103.60 103.60 1.86% PACAM EuroBond Fund 110.20 113.05 0.79% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED [email protected] SCM CAPITAL LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A SCM Capital Frontier Fund 128.35 130.40 6.99% 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 1.00 1.00 2.10% CEAT Fixed Income Fund 1.99 1.99 -25.87% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.16 2.20 -12.54% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,085.83 3,109.33 -4.06% Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 3.28% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 228.16 228.16 1.47% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.14 1.15 -2.97% Paramount Equity Fund 15.26 15.55 -4.55% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 298.94 298.94 1.45% Women's Investment Fund 129.65 131.00 -2.63% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 210.21 212.75 -3.82% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 2.61% Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 9,801.03 9,924.66 -6.68% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.25 1.25 1.63% Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 3.07% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 113.11 113.11 1.83% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 126.57 127.43 UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 110.82 110.82 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT [email protected] United Capital Balanced Fund 1.30 1.32 -4.72% Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 United Capital Bond Fund 1.92 1.92 1.77% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Equity Fund 0.87 0.89 0.37% Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.21% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.01% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.13 1.15 -5.57% United Capital Eurobond Fund 119.39 119.39 1.97% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.35 1.35 -15.08% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.06 1.08 -2.58% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] United capital Sukuk Fund 1.03 1.03 2.84% Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 2.33% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 2.28% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,171.69 1,176.83 -2.27% Zenith Equity Fund 11.95 12.05 0.66% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Zenith Ethical Fund 13.27 13.35 8.48% Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Zenith Income Fund 24.28 24.28 1.25% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.83% FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,356.18 1,356.18 6.16% REITS FBN Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn FBN Halal Fund 110.68 110.68 4.25% SFS Skye Shelter Fund 122.37 1.35% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 3.43% Union Homes REIT 53.06 1.26% N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 124.02 124.02 3.01% EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 147.18 149.14 -2.65% Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund 12.37 12.47 -6.39% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] SIAML Pension ETF 40 118.41 118.41 -2.74% Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund 92.62 94.35 -6.79% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD [email protected] Legacy Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Legacy Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 3.57 3.61 -5.37% Legacy USD Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 5.46 5.54 -3.97% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 16.52 16.62 1.11% Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.38% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 18.61 18.81 -9.26% Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 165.32 167.32 -24.65% Coral Growth Fund 3,783.85 3,833.90 0.95% Coral Income Fund 3,353.86 3,353.86 2.37% INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 1.98% Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund 107.30 13.11% The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only. A WEEKLY PULL-OUT 18.4.2021

iving in the nation’s capital, Abuja, has been a journey of almost 25 years for Ferguson Uzomah. It started after his mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps, which was in Abuja. As a graduate of Project ManagementL Technology from the Federal University of Technology Owerri with a master’s degree in Finance, it does not come as a surprise that he spent 18 years in the banking sector’s most coveted and hardest roles as an investment banker. It is no surprise that the average day in an investment banker’s life is long and stressful. Those who manage to survive the adjustment period often go on to have long and financially rewarding careers. However, what separates Uzomah from the pack in the tourism sector is the skills garnered as an investment banker, requiring excellent social skills. Aside from the skills to perform the job’s technical functions, he has the stamina, social grace, and the right personality to deal effectively with clients. When he left in 2011, he set up a project management consultancy firm, QPMC Consultants. Ferguson held many fun memories: boating, travel, and adventure, things he feels are absent today, especially amongst the lower-income families. Is there a region in the country he has not stepped foot? Growing up in coastal Lagos opened him up to experience the peace, quiet, spirit, and serenity of the waters and FERGUSON UZOMAH beaches. “Leisure, however, minute, is a part of life,” he says, smiling. This seed germinated into Jabi Boat Club, which has surpassed its FROM BEING A BANKER TO threshold in the last four years. This he believes is just a gateway to as a whole. BECOMING A BOAT CLUB OWNER Uzomah, a lover of novelty, likes to sail in the blue ocean. This he has achieved with the Jabi Boat Club. He is debonnaire, simple, decent, loves fun, adventure, and water. With many regions untapped, he believes tourism and the The suave tourism investor is known to keep a low profile, yet he face of business will change if the government dredges sits atop a profitable tourism operation in the nations’ capital. He the water of the Niger Delta, starting from the delta. This has explored tourism’s exciting depth from investment banking, makes Asaba in Delta his next point of call. With the strategic growing up in the coastal Lagos town. Chief Executive Officer, alliance and involvement of the Jabi Boat Club, Ferguson Uzomah, tells Adedayo Adejobi Delta government in providing infrastructure, partnerships, about his revolution in the tourism industry and concession between the

ASSISTANT EDITOR OLUFUNKE OLAODE/[email protected] 54 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͯͶ˜ͰͮͰͯ COVER Testing the Waters with Both Feet government and private owners, encouraged to fish. Pontoon boats’ he would generate revenues choice, a flattish boat that relies on and employment to cater to floats to remain buoyant, is making the needs of Nigeria’s young Jabi Boat Club visitors burst at the teeming population. seams. A pricing review now gives At Jabi Boat Club, inclusivity more time for the boat cruise of an is the key factor. hour that was N150,000 for family “Everyone should be able to and friends with food and drinks afford our service. Our model is and music and games. the people. Driving the people On the part of the job he loves to the point they have a reason the most, Uzomah says, “I like the to come again or tell a family or whole part. I’m the chief executive friend about Jabi Lake. We hope officer, and I have an executive to revolutionise the perception director who is in charge of the of the average Nigerian on the food and beverages. I oversee the street,” he enthuses. business, stakeholder management, There are several ways to and government relations. I like have safe, pocket-friendly the cruise because the experience is pleasures without the heat of beautiful. keep-me-coming-keep-me- “I used to travel to Lagos to going.” experience some of these things in He adds, “With our pocket- Lagos, but in the last five years, not friendly family fusion, Jabi Boat seen myself on a Jet Ski in Lagos. Club is home to a range of water Ever since the business took off, I’ve sports. From Kayaking, Jet skiing said no to Lagos and indeed the to mundane swimming, boat whole world.” cruising, and other indoor games Playing host to Femi Kuti, Burna like volleyball and basketball are Boy, Tuface, Teni, Mayorkun, already finding a home with us.” amongst others, must have seemed With the hindsight that some like gathering new steam, but of these sports were already COVID-19 did a number on Jabi a norm in southern cities like Boat Club like any other business Lagos, Warri, and Calabar, The enterprise of such nature. With enterprising businessman made relaxed restrictions, business is it a mission to bring it to Abuja. picking up. Patronage is on the There was a lot of re-education rise without the music or the on cost and rendered services internationally acclaimed stars. provided—many with the COVID-19 has forced Jabi Boat Club, intention of a one-off experience like every other business, to work having been converted to staple more on enforcing regulations, both customers. old and new, and its protocols within Now, they have come to the their business premises. point of managing the surging With the current trend of the expectations and numbers boating industry locally, Jabi Boat of newcomers and recurring Club has concluded they may never customers. Wanting to run an make money from that section going exclusively privately-owned by their N20,000/hr rate, but this club, Uzomah found out early loss can be made up for by the other doing that in the capital city services they provide. Boating is a would lead to running at a loss. new venture at Abuja compared to With his insight, business model, the southern states of Cross-river, Uzomah and experience in investment Delta, and Rivers. In Lagos, revellers banking, a re-modelling is in can go far into the lagoon or sea. the works to combat that. With the limitation in growth, With the dawn of a new day Uzomah believes only the is the rise of variance birthing government’s involvement can change. With that said, there turn the nation’s eye, perhaps the is the inculcation of the types world, to Jabi Boat Club with water of boats most of the customers sports tournament, which will bring demand. boating associations across the “The need to go above and country to come up with the right beyond for our customers product for the right event. makes it impossible to ignore Signing a new project with the all their requests,” said Delta government with the provision Uzomah. of the River Niger waterfront, Jabi At this point, he will Boat Club is elevating the existing need a lot to protect the Lander Brothers into a lake. Being at the city modern heritage with breathtaking centre calls for a lot of architecture that will house attention thus maintenance. restaurants, bars, event centres, and This would be a great beachfront locations. The company medium to reach out to is in talks with neighbouring Rivers, the UNDP, Ministry of Bayelsa and Cross River. Environment, and other Taking a walk down memory stakeholders to come to lane, Uzomah adds, “The their aid. The government government understands, but at the made two road trips in a year. I major issue and downfall of tourism. as a regulatory body would same time, the same government looked forward to these road trips There is no safe place. These are profoundly affect introducing is not doing much to get ready during Easter and Christmas when things the government needs to measures and possibly for business. Look at Kenya, my father would drive us t o t h e take care of for certain industries to investors to create a healthy Namibia, Tanzania, South Africa, village, and we would thrive.” balance amongst competitors. and Seychelles-these are smaller spend a week or two. He believes the Asaba Jabi Boat Club prefers countries getting it right. Now, no one would want to endeavour would be funded the surface for storage on its “A lot of factors affect us here. I go on a road trip for a holiday when by one of the government’s 4km lake. The revellers are grew up in Lagos, knowing that we bandits are everywhere. Security is a interventions. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͯͶͰͮͰͯ 55 GLITZ FOCUS Dealing with Misinformation About Cerebral Palsy After her child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy eight years ago, lawyer and author Bukola Ayinde has been on a mission to educate people on cerebral palsy while nudging policymakers to make society more inclusive for people living with disability, Vanessa Obioha reports

ight years ago, Bukola Ayinde social skills of vulnerable children. Ayinde had her perfect life shattered. discovered that this kind of education Her first child, Oluwalonimi, helped children with disabilities imitate had been diagnosed with their peers’ actions such as standing and cerebral palsy. Her initial walking. It also helped them to interact reaction was rejection. A while teaching others to have respect and a devout Christian, accepting sense of empathy. the reality of her child’s “If we teach them now how to treat medical condition challenged her faith in people with disabilities, then they will God.E She didn’t find solace in the thoughts change the narrative because they of friends and colleagues either. understand that people with disabilities are “Someone said that my husband and human beings just like them and are entitled I must have committed a sin and that to their own fundamental human rights.” we need to sit down and think of what The trip to was indeed an we have done, then ask for forgiveness. eye-opening experience to Ayinde. Over Another told us that we’re not desperate there, she saw the government’s conscious enough for a cure because we have money efforts to make society as inclusive as for her treatment,” she explained. possible for people living with disabilities. Ayinde felt alone in her world. When There are well-equipped special facilities she visited malls and outdoor spaces for dedicated to children suffering from children, the young faces that stared back cerebral palsy and infrastructure are at her looked hale and hearty. The few who developed with people living with had disabilities didn’t suffer from cerebral disability in mind. In Nigeria, such palsy, a congenital disorder of movement, infrastructure is visibly missing. muscle , or posture usually caused This realisation fired up Ayinde. by an abnormal brain development often Since then, she has been advocating for before birth. an inclusive society for children with When she finally accepted her fate, she disabilities and nudging the government was challenged by society’s acceptance. and policymakers to make infrastructure Doors were closed at her in schools; people provision for people with disabilities in stared at her child as if she was an alien Nigeria. in churches. During these moments of Compared to other countries, Ayinde rejection, Ayinde realised the volume of opined that Nigeria is not yet an inclusive misinformation about cerebral palsy in Ayinde and her child Nimi society. She argued that even when Nigeria. building roads, the government does “My journey was like walking through not consider people without cars, let a maze blindfolded, but then I started alone vulnerable people. She advised researching on the subject. I heard all sorts that the government should make ramps from people, so I realised that there was available for people with disabilities in so much misinformation out there about BUKOLA public places such as malls, car parks, children with disabilities, and I wanted restaurants, and schools. Making them people to see the child first before the inclusive in society, she said, gives them disability. a sense of belonging. However, President “I have this beautiful girl with a AYINDE Muhammadu Buhari signed into law lovely smile, whom I had discovered was the Discrimination Against Persons with intelligent, and I wanted the world to see Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, in 2019. that part of her as well, not just the part that Access to healthcare is another area she can’t walk, use her hands, and have that the government needs to weigh in. poor neck control. There was a whole lot She disclosed that most mothers who about her that other people didn’t know, live in Lagos’ outskirts have to walk long and I wanted them to see that part.” distances, carrying their children on their A trip to Hungary further enlightened backs to visit public health centres. This, her, and Ayinde began documenting her she said, often results in backaches for the experience online. By doing that, Ayinde parents. She stated that there is an ongoing discovered mothers who were in similar conversation with the Lagos government situations. They would send messages to deploy corps members serving the state and share their encounters with her. Their and are good in physiotherapy to go to ordeals did not only give the lawyer and communities to help these mothers. author a sense of belonging but inspired Today, Nimi is eight years old and a her to support mothers with special needs brilliant visual learner. Though she still has children. a speech impairment, she performs well According to her, when a parent in her class. Her mother described her as receives her child’s diagnosis, the first an easygoing child with a good sense of person who needs therapy is the mother. humour. Today, she runs a non-governmental “And she loves cake a lot, particularly organisation, Diary of a Special Needs chocolate cake,” enthused Ayinde. She also Mum Initiative, that supports parents with enjoys watching cartoons and throws kisses vulnerable children. if they were outcasts. Ayinde took the onus interest in her child, and she longed to a lot. She shares a special bond with her The World Health Organisation (WHO) to change the narrative. To achieve this, she meet Nimi, as her daughter is fondly younger sister and is generally a darling to estimated that over one billion people live targeted the younger generation, because called. anyone who encounters her. with some form of disability globally, and according to her, they are the best way to She partnered British Council Like Nimi, Ayinde exudes a bubbly the percentage is higher in developing create the future. to organise an essay competition disposition that is a far cry from the woman countries. In Nigeria, there are more than “Today’s future is the children; those in for secondary schools where they she was eight years ago. Even now, the 100,00 cases of cerebral palsy. elementary and secondary schools.” plumbed different ways to make a horrors of those harrowing days linger, but More research revealed the growing For students in primary schools, Ayinde child with a disability comfortable in they no longer give her nightmares. Instead, misinformation about the medical wrote three storybooks: ‘My Name is Nimi,’ their school environment. they help her live a purpose-driven life and condition as schools and churches turned ‘Peter is Different,’ and ‘My Sister is Special.’ Inclusive education for special make her super confident to take on the their backs at persons with disabilities as The books told different stories about people needs children is one way to help the world. with disabilities. The books triggered an COVER 2 A WEEKLY PULL-OUT 18.4.2021

s a kid, I loved to play dress up. My mother will always make our dresses, and then I would give her styles and how I want my own dress to be. I really don’t like wearing the same outfit as my siblings. “I neededA to create something different every time. I think that was just the spark, and then over time, I assisted my mother much more than my siblings.” Rita Ufot, the emerging fashion designer with a scintillating difference, who is breaking barriers with her edgy designs, advanced — with her voice carrying a tinge of warmth — towards the reporter seated a respectable distance from her. The weather outside was good, and the curtains in her living room were parted to allow enough sunshine. A little while later, her husband walked in. He looked different from the gentleman in the wedding photos on the coffee table. Today, his facial hair have a tinge of grey. However, he still retains a sprightly bounce in his steps like an athlete. The bond between the Ufots is unmistakable. One clear example is her trade name, Rajuu, which combines all of their names. The name may not sound ‘Ritzy’ like that of her mother’s fashion house, “but it’s unique and very distinct,” she explained. Having grown up in a fashion environment, she feels any name can tick if the right factors drive it. “I want to be a solution to the problems of a woman who is not secure about her body. I work with different body types when it comes to fashion,” she said, emphasising that as the major accomplishment she hopes to achieve. “We do mostly contemporary outfits, which also helps a woman to stand out and be very distinct. I think I’d love to achieve that.” Ufot, who lives and works in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, has a rich background in fashion from a mother who has put in 30 years in the business. In 2016, her mother, having been convinced she could set up shop, gave her blessings, and Ufot moved on to establish Rajuu, starting small, as many do, from her home. Things have happened fast. And last year, when the whole world was reeling from the negative impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Rajuu admitted that she made her biggest sales. This improvement in her financial fortune was a big approval of her strategy to concentrate sales on online shops, which has helped grow her clientele in Lagos, Abuja and outside the shores of Nigeria, increasingly raising her confidence in the Rita Ufot fashion business. But she did not make a quick dash to relative success in 2020. First was the crawl. A period of “more low points than high points; a roller coaster.” She recounted a familiar story with her peculiar imprint. “I started in a room Adjusting the Charts to in my house, with one machine, with just myself having to do all the cuttings, sewing, and all that before I decided to go for help. Gradually, I got people to work with me. There’s been ups and downs over four years. In four years, I’ve been able to get myself into a runway show in Lagos. I also think 2020 Fit the African Woman was the best year, so far, when it comes to my brand opening up into society and the world at large. My lowest point will be financial impairment and power supply. But I’ve been Over a long session of interview, Vanessa Obioha spoke able to go through those times. I’m grateful.” It was good to hear someone say 2020 to Rita Ufot, the confident face of Rajuu, an emerging was a good year for her because, for many, it was very challenging. For Ufot, the trend, people in fashion and fashion news are fashion brand, who paints a picture of determination, important to note, but she does not follow trends. When it comes to fashion, spontaneity discipline and professionalism is her game.

ASSISTANT EDITOR OLUFUNKE OLAODE/[email protected] THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͯͶ˜ͰͮͰͯ 57 COVER 2 My Vision is Beyond Fashion

Her inspiration comes from many things, including the fabric, to create her distinct designs. This does not mean that she does not pick one or two ideas from other brands. However, she distances herself from copy- and-paste designs. “I really can’t say I follow trends because it comes very natural to me. I could get inspired anytime to bring up something that is out of the ordinary, what people would want to know, would want to wear. So I’m not following a particular trend. I have few brands that I look out for and get inspired.” Humility is another virtue that comes naturally to Ufot, as she readily mentions some persons who inspire her designs. She also talked about what she is passionate about in fashion. “SMR is in Lagos. She’s doing an amazing job.” Vicki James, an upcoming fashion designer from Akwa Ibom, also catches her fancy. “I have a number of them, but these two are very close to my heart.” Fashion, for Ufot, can be a tool for reformation. She is passionate about being a solution to the fashion problems we have here in Nigeria and Africa at large. One of her goals is to end the dependence on the UK and the US for standard sizing. She explained, “We are different in our making, in our body shape and type. Most Ufot women have the problem of getting their sizes she said. “In Akwa Ibom, contemporary wear correct. We are very improper in our sizes. A is not so popular. I think five per cent of those normal UK size 12 will tell you the bust is this. who can afford it appreciate very contemporary With that, they give you a rundown. They outfits. The rest are in my mom’s generation work with their own body size. The Western and will have the laces, the skirts and blouses-l people aren’t like us. We have curves. We’ve — very traditional outfits. It’s a few of us that got a lot of backsides. I’m trying to adjust the are here doing this. And then trying to help the charts to fit the African woman; adjust our people adjust their fashion style.” kind of dressing to fit the African curve. That’s With more maturity in the fashion business, what I want to achieve and globally produce Ufot continues to grow in confidence. ready outfits that will suit the woman, “I think the contemporary outfits have different aspects of their lives. I will come from become edgier. Also, the fabrics that are coming the corporate side, the semi-casual and the in are making the style more appreciated and very casual.” more outstanding. That’s what I feel. You could The no-airs simplicity around Ufot blends say they’re the same thing but individual styles easily into her natural beauty. Interacting matter. Having to know what fabric to use for a with her is an experience. Everything particular style also creates that distinction.” appears so well planned. As we walked into Ufot looks fondly at known names who her expansive home at Shelter Afrique, an wear her Rajuu brand. upscale residential estate in Uyo, the reception “I have a few people who patronise Rajuu. I from her domestic staff raised my curiosity feel proud to have them wear my brand. A few — where they pre-warned or was it for the of them are in Lagos and then a few boutiques in familiar face of the one that brought me? As if the UK and US. You can use the post to get my on queue, Ufot was descending the staircase supplies. I feel very proud that they wear my to welcome us. The brilliance of her yellow brand,” she confessed. apparel and the deliberate swing of her long She added, “Social media has been a great legs revealed proclivity towards modelling. help. On a scale of one to 10, social media has She smiled sweetly and raised her right taken me to a high level. I’m always happy hand in a gesture of friendship in keeping when I get requests on Instagram. My brands go COVID-19 protocols. viral. The sales come in, and demands come in. Her monotone dress accentuated her There have been more sales from social media beauty and urbane disposition. Ufot is the first than the shops.” face of her products. Though fashion is a promising business for She said, “I wear my designs. I patronise Ufot, there are a couple of improvements she a few other Nigerian designers. Sometimes, will love to see. The first is to ensure a steady just to put up that thumbs up for them. It’s supply of electricity. The dearth of skilled supporting each other in the business. And it personnel in the fashion industry is of great also helps.” concern to her. It is standard practice for her to model her Lastly, she mentioned that “the production outfit. From experience, “people appreciate of quality fabrics for fashion designers will put when you are the wearer of your brand. more energy into industrialising the country. People tend to see exactly what they’re We’ll be able to have fabrics in quantities that we looking for. So I model my outfit, all of them,” don’t need to depend on the West.” she confided. For all the hoopla about Ankara and the As the conversation progressed, her Adire, the Rajuu boss is comfortable following a brilliance unfolded, the experiences that different path. She believes that there are quality shaped her personality came to the fore. For issues with Ankara. instance, her late father was a professor of “They bleed a lot, and since we do a lot of Visual Arts at the University of Uyo. Her washing, I can’t use a fabric that will be gone husband is a builder. She is a fighter who once the owner washes it,” she asserted. She follows her dream and originally wanted to Ufot advanced more reasons, “That’s why most be in the airline industry. She is friendly and people import fabrics. I work with fabrics that chatty. around my reach here in Akwa Ibom.” her mother’s generation obviously wouldn’t stand the test of time for my clients.” “I wanted to be a pilot,” she said, looking If she is pressured to move to Lagos, really come to terms with the fashion or the In four years, Ufot has overcome some of the way of her husband coyly. “I won’t forget Nigeria’s undisputed fashion capital. Her style that she is bringing to the table. It also the initial challenges that beset her. By her own crying that I needed to go to school outside the definite answer will be “no.” Getting an outlet gave her the ability to illustrate an outfit since admission, she is still grappling with getting country to study Aeronautics.” in Lagos and elsewhere is a “yes”. Akwa her father was a Fine Artist. the kind of finance to reach more clients around In love with Uyo, Ufot can’t trade Ibom State has won her heart for its serenity. “So we all grew up drawing. My mother Africa and the world. The unsteady supply of her beloved city for anywhere else in the “It’s quite affordable and peaceful,” she said didn’t. I have clients that come to me. And electricity is still a hindrance. But she triumphed world, although she finds it limiting for her with a giggle. “So I will still maintain a home they’re like, if I take it to your mom, she over the problem of human resources. work. But, out of her humble Akwa Ibom here, but I’ll get outlets for easy consumption wouldn’t understand how to achieve this, “A lot of fashion designers have the problem background came the mother’s ingenuity of my outfits.” but some come to me. I’m like it’s my mom of keeping their workers intact and also having for over 30 years. Ufot has proudly taken the This very peace that she has found is what that will best understand you. She’s making good hands. They have this habit of moving baton from her mother. She is running with many are asking her to sacrifice. Constantly, clothes for her age bracket. I’ve improved here and there. I have been able to keep a great the vision, determined to go farther than her her attention is being drawn to the suggestion a lot on what she taught me by developing number of my tailors counting five years now. mother. “Certain things stopped her from that she shouldn’t be in Akwa Ibom. She has things.” I’ve been able to overcome the pressure of achieving that. I am taking it from where she developed a standard response. She tells them From working with her mother to having to lose them back and forth. When you stopped or where she may not be able to take it’s not really about where she is but about striking out on her own, it took a long time to treat them well and pay them for the work done it to, which is outside Akwa Ibom State. Being what she is putting out there. Living and master the fashion business. She keeps trying on time, they stick with you. When they also inspired in Akwa Ibom State is really hard. working out of Akwa Ibom feels like a plus or to make clothes that this generation can know that you know the business and do a few Mostly, my inspiration comes from social minus for some people. appreciate. But she finds it a tough call. “It’s things, they respect you. It keeps them in check,” media. I see other things that are not really For Ufot, it gives her the conviction that the environment and also the class of people,” she said proudly. 58 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͯͶ˜ͰͮͰͯ

with KAYODE ALFRED HighLife ͮͶͯͯʹ͵ͳͷͶͮ͵˜E-mail: kayfl[email protected] ...Amazing lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous Tonye Cole ‘Finally Marital Bliss: Yobe Governor Buni Marries Settles Down’ Abacha’s Daughter as Fourth Wife

These are happy times for Governor finders do not let treasures go to waste, Mai Mala Buni of . A few days and Governor Buni is one of such treasure ago, at a private ceremony, he got married finders. to Gumsu Abacha, the late Gen. Sani Thus, at 45 years of age, Gumsu has Abacha’s daughter, making her the fourth become the happy wife of Governor Buni, wife in his happy Buni household. the fourth to come after Ummi Adama As expected, their status as governor Gaidam, daughter of Buni’s predecessor, and daughter of a former military Head Adama Ibrahim Gaidam. Ummi got of State did not dim the happy couple’s wedded to Buni in 2019, a few hours after happiness. Instead, it served to accentuate the latter took over the Yobe mantle from her that the binds of love acknowledge willing father. But this was likely former Governor hearts and nothing else. This is especially Gaidam’s idea since he convinced Buni to apparent considering the marital history of vie for the governorship seat in the first place the new bride. (before then, Buni was only the National Besides her identity as Abacha’s Secretary of the All Progressives Congress daughter, Gumsu married one of (APC)). Cameroon’s wealthiest men, Bayero Fadil Overall, the Buni household is set to rise Mohamadou. Thus, Gumsu was thought in status and glory in the coming years. The to be a lucky woman. But the marriage fell addition of Abacha’s daughter will beautify through after 20 years, and they went their the governor’s life further and bring great fortune and excitement to the home. separate ways in 2020. However, treasure Buni Cole

he news that Tonye Patrick Cole had decided to go back to school was initially received with Bukola Saraki Becomes mixed emotions. Nobody could understand why Ta man accomplished in virtually Poster Boy for PDP everything related to him would already undergone a baptism of identities Majority Leader, Mulikat Akande. Score one subject himself to classes and and expressed their intentions to run the for visibility. assignments and the other elements presidential race. In his capacity as PDP peacemaker, of formal Western education. It According to reports on the latest moves Saraki has managed to glue the majority has been a while, and folks still towards the 2023 presidential election, of the PDP membership pie, binding the have no clue. In the meantime, the campaign posters featuring Bukola Saraki have grassroots to the elite and impressing them centrepiece to the narrative is not begun to crop up in the FCT. Saraki intends well enough to consider chorusing “Power holding back. to continue his enterprise and reconcile all to the people!” In other words, Saraki has of Nigeria under one umbrella—the PDP. placed PDP under the consideration of According to insiders, Tonye On this note, Saraki is likely the first credible Nigerians. Another score for meritorious Cole has fully been assimilated into and notable candidate vying for President contributions. the National Institute for Policy and Muhammadu Buhari’s mantle. Overall, things are looking really good Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Much has been said about Saraki’s for Saraki, but only the PDP primary election Jos, Plateau State, and has begun to momentum. Having taken on the charge to will reveal whether Saraki’s popularity is make progress in his short course. unite warring party members and factions, worth anything. Saraki also emerged in 2018. In the few weeks that Cole has worn Saraki Saraki has been flitting from one end of the However, both the extensive associations of his school bag, he has reportedly TV screen to another as the Chairman of a six- Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and the deep brushed up on his basics and will The 2023 presidential election is like a member reconciliation committee. preparations of Atiku Abubakar pushed soon undergo the main course. storm that will soon be upon us. In recent The committee includes former Secretary Saraki to third place. Whether Saraki will days, the buzz of likely candidates has to Government of the Federation, Senator prevail over his peers this time is the buzz on Even knowing this, folks are still Anyim Pius Anyim; former Governors Liyel the streets and social media. What he does scratching their heads to guess only increased and is now about to reach a crescendo. Nevertheless, like former Senate Imoke, Ibrahim Dankwambo, and Ibrahim next might very well decide where the tides Cole’s underlying intention. But this Shema; one-time House of Representatives will fall. is simplicity itself—the man wants President Bukola Saraki, the brave ones have to educate himself. To those who don’t know, Cole is neither illiterate nor semi-literate. With Honours in Ooni Picks Toyin Kolade as Iyalaje Oodua Architecture from the University Growth is the ambition of every kingdom, In 2017, the Ooni recognised her distinctive of Lagos and another from the and the denizens of that kingdom are the understanding of—and regard for—Oduduwa Universidade de Brasília, Cole can facilitators of that growth. Knowing this, the lineage’s peculiarities. Thus, he made her the walk as proudly as is permissible. Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Cultural Ambassador in charge of the Aje Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, festival. Even so, Princess Kolade’s passion for How else could he have built a has elected to share the burdens of the Ile-Ife fierce public reputation over the the culture and traditions of her fathers has not Kingdom with notable personality, Princess waned. years? (Dr) Oluwatoyin Kolade. The decision has Besides his political ambition, In recent times, Princess Kolade has raised brought much joy and celebration to the good the pillars of these traditions onto global Cole’s business motions are people of Osun State. renown. After organising five successful something worth pondering. The announcement of the Ooni’s editions of the annual festivities, it is no longer Certainly, a former Group choice of chiefs was released only a few surprising to find foreigners who have never Executive Director of Sahara days ago. According to the communiqué, been to Nigeria but know even the Yoruba Group, a business empire that the Ooni has conferred the title of Iyalaje culture and people’s subtle novelties. As a has duplicated itself in over 35 Oodua on Princess Oluwatoyin Kolade, an side note, the whole of bore witness to countries of the world, has enough accomplished international businesswoman Princess Kolade’s efforts in September of 2019 and philanthropist, recognising her when she launched the Aje festival in Rio De self-awareness? Thus, if such a accomplishments for her hometown, state and person goes the length of seeking Janeiro and won accolades for the Ooni and all Kolade country, and tasking her with being a paragon of Ile-Ife. instruction in a humble college in worthy of immediate emulation. Little wonder the Ooni has appointed her strength and ability comes great responsibility. Jos, it is unlikely that he intends to This is not the first time Princess Kolade the Iyalaje Oodua, a representative of the deities Doubtless, Princess Kolade can perform take over the institution. He just is proving her mettle as a daughter of the soil. and peoples of Oduduwa. After all, with great beyond expectations. wants to educate himself. But the doubts cannot be helped. To think that the same Death is an enemy of all things. There’s no measuring the pain that it has caused since Friends, Relatives Remember Keniebi Okoko ivory tower that has been spurned man appeared on the earth. But its penchant for in recent years for mass-producing stealing lives at prime ages is more than anyone helpless school leavers would attract can bear. It has been a year since death took part of the world; the next, he had already left it. of the Salvation Ministries, Port Harcourt, one as accomplished and erudite as Keniebi Okoko from this world, and much has Even though the relatives and friends of Okoko Rivers State, and half a political figure. Tonye Patrick Cole. In any case, the changed afterwards. are keeping up an appearance of resignation, the He was a gubernatorial candidate man has settled down, is keeping a Time is a healer of wounds, they say, but angst can be seen in their eyes and heard from for Bayelsa State. One thing, he the 365 days’ worth of time has done nothing to their words. was entirely and unquestionably low profile at NIPSS, and gradually Keniebi Okoko passed away last April, only a philanthropist, a young and brilliant moving towards his goal. blunt the pain of losing Keniebi Okoko to death. One moment he was a living and breathing 42 years old. He had already begun to make his philanthropist who would give his life for mark as a champion of the people, half a pastor someone else if he could. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͯͶ˜ͰͮͰͯ 59 HIGHLIFE From Nigeria to Canada with The Many Battles of Honours for Billionaire Ikpea Rochas Okorocha All roads led to Ontario, Canada, when The humble and quiet billionaire has o say that Senator Rochas Chief (Dr) Leemon Ikpea, the Executive helped over 100 children, most of them without Okorocha has run the Chairman of Lee Engineering & Company Ltd, parents, to become graduates. whole length of Nigerian was honoured with the “award for excellence “The effects of your contributions and politics and politicking is and recognition of service to humanity.” support to infrastructural development in rural With an avowed devotion to hard work, communities in Nigeria’s South-South region to put things mildly. After honesty, and integrity, the billionaire Ikpea have reverberated across the nation and indeed two terms in office as Imo is a testament to dedication and selflessness. the international community and deserves the TState Governor, Okorocha has been For those whose paths have crossed his, the recognition that this award provides,” said JEN plagued with one confrontation conclusion is the same: few rich individuals are Canada. after another. But while it appears as benevolent as he is. The award is an endorsement of Ikpea’s as if the native of Ogboko (Ideato The billionaire oil and gas mogul was strategic implementation of ALIF’s youth South of Imo) has a penchant for rewarded for his magnanimous philanthropic employment initiative through the coordinated Ikpea being in the eye of storms, one acts over the years by JEN Canada on April skills acquisition programmes offered to wonders how long it’ll be before 12. The group specifically singled out his disadvantaged youths in rural communities in lightning crashes down on his head. Agbonjagwe Leemon Ikpea Foundation South-South Nigeria. JEN Canada is a Canada-based (ALIF), felicitating with him for his Over the years, Ikpea has demonstrated relief, advocacy, and social development Since leaving the Owerri seat “excellent leadership and veritable milestone exceptional leadership, integrity, and honesty as organisation that provides a platform for the of power in 2019, the general achievements in the areas of employment of a shrewd entrepreneur and investor. youth of African descent and newcomers to assumption was that Rochas youth, widows, and indigent rural women.” Canada to actualise their Canadian dreams. Okorocha would vie for the Imo West District Senatorial position— and he did. It was then foretold that Okorocha would stir the Seyi Makinde Humbles Fayose Senate with his characteristic’ bossman-ness’—and he did. And same for politics and politicking. After West PDP chairmanship seat, whereas then Okorocha was expected to many attempts of grappling between Oyo Eddy Olafeso was under Fayose’s canopy; take a break, savour his victories Governor Seyi Makinde and former Ekiti that Arapaja won and therefore Makinde and spring out of self-imposed Governor Ayo Fayose, one party has finally won, and that Makinde has effectively retirement just before the 2023 come out on top. pummelled Fayose to the ground. presidential elections—but he did Based on recent reports, the Chairman The leadership of PDP in the Southwest not! Instead, Okorocha got involved of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ‘s has been an alleged source of contention with his successor, Governor Hope greatly disputed seat in the South-West has between Makinde and Fayose. According found an occupier. This is the conclusion to reports, each does not want the party Uzodinma, and it has been one of a Congress election that witnessed the or region to become the playground for thing after another ever since. triumphant candidate (Taofeeq Arapaja) unruly politicking and privileged self- Proud men, both of them, clinching the victory by 13 votes. However, interests. Okorocha and Governor while this development unites all members Unfortunately, they do not seem to Uzodinma, have allegedly never and affiliates of PDP in the Southwest under agree on pushing both the South-West been able to work things out over one umbrella, folks are already speculating and PDP up a tier or whose hands should a private evening meal, as others Makinde that certain ‘losers’ within the party might do the pushing. Thus, Fayose has only might have considered. On the soon find somewhere else to hide their heads. continued to pit his years of experience contrary, both of them reportedly Like the of ancient times, Very few things are secret about politics, and alliance against the young Makinde, hurled enough skeletons at the South-West captures the resilience governance and PDP in the Southwest. It whereas the latter resorts to his lineage each other until Okorocha of a people forged from hassles, tough is known that Makinde and Fayose do not and erudition to have things go his way. decisions and blood, sweat and tears. Thus, hasten to offer flowers to each other. It is also This time, Arapaja’s victory has made it overstepped his boundaries, leadership in the Southwest is not like not unknown that Taofeeq Arapaja is the easier for one party to walk on the other’s and Uzodinma promptly got him leadership anywhere else in Nigeria—the candidate chosen by Makinde for the South- head figuratively. arrested. President Muhammadu Buhari and many other notable figures had to intervene before Okorocha regained his freedom. Fresh Battles Trail Rotimi Akeredolu Now, there are reports that he is on the watch list of the and former Ondo Deputy Governor Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and has , admittedly nicknamed the petitioned the Police against Ajayi’s abuse of already been arrested since he ‘Sunshine State,’ has a way of taking centre power and disregard for government property. refused their cordial invitation stage in political intrigue and drama. Governor Based on reports, Ajayi has gotten wind to sit and have a chat. Rotimi Akeredolu, with his sharp eyes of of Akeredolu’s petition to the police and has All in all, it is one thing discernment and his sharper tongue, has responded in the affirmative—that he has not for revolutionaries to claim thrown a fresh kick against his former deputy, returned the vehicles and will wait for the police credibility from sitting on Agboola Ajayi. Based on reports to this effect, to get through to him before deciding on the a jail bench; it is another for this round might last a while. next course of action. Ajayi does not intend to an incumbent Senator. Thus, From the reports, Governor Akeredolu has make things easy for his former boss. written the Nigerian Police to report the conduct Whoever has followed the tango between Okorocha’s present engagement of Agboola Ajayi. Purportedly, Ajayi has Akeredolu and Ajayi is doubtlessly aware of with the anti-graft agencies bodes refused to return government properties in his their history and conflict. Before the October ill for his political future. possession even though he has been stripped of 10 Ondo gubernatorial election, Ajayi was The biblical Job said that man is these properties’ rights since two months ago. rumoured to have his eyes on Akeredolu’s seat. born for trouble as surely as sparks The allegedly captured properties are four Not long after, Ajayi left the All Progressives Akeredolu fly. Okorocha was born for trouble vehicles: one new Toyota Land Cruiser SUV, Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic as surely as there are fires. one new Toyota Hi-Lux, and two other Hi- Party (PDP). Because he did this while still a understandably peeved and has been after Lux models. Thus, Akeredolu’s government member of Akeredolu’s cabinet, the latter was Ajayi since then. Royal Hugs Empire Surprises Celebrates Sixth Anniversary in Grand Style It is the commemoration of six years of good Some of these upscale personalities were work and productivity for Royal Hugs Empire present at the 6th Anniversary event. Alongside Surprises. This outfit has made a name for itself others like Aremu Afolayan, Nkechi Blessing, by colouring Birthday celebrations, anniversaries, Bianca Ugowanne, Chinko Ekun, Adediwura and many other honorary events. Expectedly, Gold, Samuel Olatunji, and Idris Connecting the anniversary event was held in grand style Lagos, they all honoured the invitation of Toyin with nothing but the best organisation, class and Oyesanya, the CEO. And Oyesanya did not spectacle. disappoint, having Comedian Dee-One and To those who are unaware, Royal Hugs MC Ajele on the mic and SB Live and Laolu Empire Surprises is a venture that only plays Gbenjo on the bandstand. to assist in organising events. Adding to the According to Oyesanya, when fears of typical decoration services, the company pandemics plague the world, it is an honour to goes all out to make events truly worth have so many celebrities in attendance. She expressed remembering, putting smiles on the faces of disappointment that Royal Hugs Empire Surprises celebrants and guests. could not celebrate its anniversary last year because Owned by serial entrepreneur Toyin Oyesanya of the pandemic and remarked that this year’s Oyesanya, Royal Hugs Empire Surprises celebration had made up for it. has carved a niche and name for itself among Mercy Aigbe, Iyabo Ojo, Toyin Abraham, Timi With so many entertainers around, up-and-ups of the Nigerian society. Thus, it has Dakolo, AY the Comedian, Kolawole Ajewole the event was memorable and constituted come to be associated with big names like King something of a big thank-you to Royal Hugs Osas Ajibade, Mercy Eke, Adedimeji Lateef, and Okorocha Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, Burna Boy, , many others. Empire Surprises’ clients. 60 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͯͶ˜ͰͮͰͯ

LOUD WHISPERS with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791) Dilemma of a Medical Tourist After watching that Reno protest treatment stay alive. You see that decision shoes and at his age and at whatever it is in London and followed some of the if na me, na very simple decision. I will that is worrying him even if it is a boil up arguments against daddy’s constant push not because of PR or image and be doing his backside, would you risk these clinics towards medical tourism, I come dey certain risky things so that Reno and his because you want to prove point? Which look the thing from another angle. You band of misfits will be happy. If they don’t kind point? Point kill you there. Will you see the problem with our people is that abuse me on this one, they will still use as Buhari go and bend down and allow we sha like to always join the bandwagon other things to abuse me, so why don’t doctor or nurse that has not used original without looking at things very critically and I just kuku stay alive for my children stethoscope in their whole career to be robustly. You see the angle with which I am and let them be shouting. Abi, he no putting Aba-made thermometer inside looking at is putting myself in daddy’s pass coming in front of my flat and be your bum and be looking for the cause of shoes. So, the choice here is showing shouting. Is it me that cold is catching? your headache because you want to be a that I am patriotic and a good leader and Even the yeye Reno, if he were faced with popular President? Mbok, let’s be realistic risking inevitable death by going to State the same choice, will he go to Onikan and allow Daddy o. He needs to stay alive House Clinic where no less a personality Health Centre? Mbok, make una leave me even if na just to dey siddon there dey use than madam has said they don’t have o, I get grandchildren to see their wedding toothpick till 2023. Let him stay alive for paracetamol. Or taking my motorcade day o. So, guys, you see the dilemma. It’s us. We just don’t know the consequences if complete with a siren to National Hospital not as if daddy will just be jumping every anything happen to daddy just yet. Abeg where I will face certain death from the little time to go and let blonde big breast in leave am 2023 go soon come. No be London incompetence and eye-service that I will London be touching him anyhow. There are clinic be our problem abeg, our problem is face there or just pack small bags enter reasons. Seriously, let’s even be very realistic even giving those who created us a rethink. plane and enter London and get better here. If any of us critics were in Buhari’s Thank you. Buhari

GENERAL IBRAHIM ATTAHIRU – CALM DOWN laugh want kill me. You know we have to be well, let me pass, and I know Nigerians, they the Chief Press secretary gave me magazines If you missed the video clip of the recent very careful now that Marwa is in charge of will clap, and some will even follow you home and materials showing the work, I just took it engagement between the Chief of Army staff NDLEA and is running around looking to to make sure you got home safely. So this talk as one of those things. As I no want annoy the and some legislators( not sure anymore if na prove a point. If someone say something about about Chinese people hawking vegetables on madam, I collect the book and put for my bag Reps or na Senators) that five minutes threw igbo, the Duke and his Shomolu early days, the road being economic sabotage is funny. say I go use am kill mosquitoes when I reach up so many issues that I can write a whole Marwa will just jump and come and catch Some things in my head to talk, I for like say, Anyiam Nsit, my village. But as I got there book on the encounter showing exactly where someone. That Oga is not joking. So I keep face to face before they say I disrespect ogbeni, and in an engagement with the community our problem dey for this country. First, general quiet o and let me warn this Bayo Mustapha who I am not sure of his spiritual inclination. leaders, the work of madam was mentioned, wear oversized uniform come the thing while person that he should desist from sending me You know these people before they carry cow I sat up. My village head talked glowingly the legislators some of them dress like say that kind of video o. Anyways, I sha watched horn for me and these school fees I dey find I about the First lady’s people’s engagement on them just dey come from beer parlour. But that and was entrapped by the mindset, the depth no go come see am again. But let me just say rape in the community without prompting. is not the problem. The general was so irritable of thought and the lucidity in which the something at this point, I have not seen any This made me sit up. that he was struggling most of the time to stop speaker engaged. I quickly sent the video to Chinese hawk vegetable anywhere o. The one I When I got to Ibeno, my mother’s village, I himself from just shouting – ‘come on gerrout’ my Gambian Oga Mustapha Njie and said, see na those ones that used to give me massage engaged a councillor cousin Nse who also to the legislators who in themselves were ‘Lord is this our candidate’. I will not tell you on Victoria Island and be asking if I want a confirmed what I had heard in Anyiam. In just behaving like toddlers who were excited his reply. Left to Mustapha alone, the candidate happy ending and I will say, ‘are you mad, this guise, I will seek Governor Udom to about something. Both sides were just very will end up on a hemp farm harvesting the common do the thing’. Is it oil that I cannot rub invite Her Excellency on a date anywhere funny not really understanding the roles and thing. The guy looking as dirty and scruffy on my body in my house that I will be coming of her choice in Uyo to discuss her work expectations of each in a relationship like this. as they look, with dirty and scattered teeth, here? So my brother, even if they are hawking extensively to say thank you. Before I shoot There was no mutual respect but disdain and kept shouting, don’t judge a book by its cover. vegetables and aphrodisiacs, that can never be my mouth and kill my bank account, let’s irritation. The general was so contemptuous of He needed to keep emphasizing it because economic sabotage. But instead, that is their do the Castle at Ewet Housing, the afang the legislators, and you could see if there were this book was really dirty despite his intellect contributing, their own quota in reflating the there is exciting and delicious, but much a rollback to the Abacha years, what would which was at a very high level, higher than the economy. When you go to London, don’t you more important it is very cheap. Mbok I ate have become of these ‘irritants’. Na Amnesty ones who are parading themselves here with see Nigerians sell fufu in Thames mead, or afang at one place, I will not mention the International documentary, we go dey hear very clean Agbada and suit but who will be Guinea people sell fake wristwatch in New name, and they gave me a bill of N6,700 plus them story. On the part of the legislators, the going to shopping Malls to buy sex toys or go York? My brother, if you are looking for real vat. Afang in Uyo. Kai, madam, let’s do the excitement that they had a caged lion within and be fighting parking attendants because economic saboteurs, open that your kembe Ewet Housing and please come with only their space was so apparent. One with the they went to buy Tokunbo phone. When they and look down into the thing you will see a one person o except you will pay for the open-necked shirt was shouting with spit all asked the candidate if he would support the shrivelled, disused economic saboteur hanging entourage. Me, I cannot shout. over the place - you can’t teach us our job. If legalization of igbo, he said he would o, but loosely there. Where we get these kinds of you ask that one what his job is, you will see would also table it for national debate. I felt actors beats me. OMOJUWA AND EZEKWESILI – FIGHTING him waddle. All these pretensions should like slapping the journalist. Why would you DIRTY even just stop. What are we even achieving? be asking such an obvious question? You see MARTHA EMMANUEL UDOM – ‘AFANG’ FOR THE You see, when things were rosy, they did not The so-called oversight, we know where he junkie, and you dey ask what you should be LADY involve us o. Now everything has scattered; dey end, and that is why the general showed asking are his plans to expand psychiatric You know, because of this, my new play, they are now begging us to come and listen. very clearly that this was a major waste of time facilities in the era of legal marijuana use IBIOM, I have been traversing the length and They are now throwing all sorts of letters when as he said, there is insecurity everywhere under his regime. I sha love the Gambia. You breadth of my homeland Akwa Ibom in the from lawyers and disturbing our peace. You in the country. I think a major capacity building should visit. Na old white women looking for last month. I have rediscovered Akwa Ibom see, this is why the government never takes session be carried out for all of these people to something full the place, I hear say na them in a way that has made me very very proud all these sometimes activists serious because make them better. own oil be that. I go soon go back. of my heritage. The food, the people, the their actions are never backed by ideology development going on there. I have even gone or genuine interest, na wetin we go chop GAMBIA – THE HEMP CANDIDATE RAUF AREGBESOLA – SILENCE IS GOLDEN to reclaim my ancestral land hitherto dashed be all that one. The government knows that Now please, if you all know Bayo Mustapha, At times when we really have nothing to say, the community to see if I can start some form it is ‘na we na we’. That is why you will the short insurance expert, kindly call him we should sha just keep quiet. It is not every of farming. In my journey through the state, see government just look on the other side. and ask him why he felt I should be very time that because we are minister and there is what has really touched me has been the first Omojuwa is my friend, very cerebral and interested in a dirty hemp-smoking Gambian occasion, we must talk. We can stand up and lady’s work, especially in two areas - rape influential. He has good followership on presidential candidate. He send me the video greet everybody and say, I am sorry, I just took and shelter. All Local Governments have been social media and has done well. From his and says Duke, you will be interested in this. the COVID-19 jab, and I am not feeling too touched by her message, and I must say when own admission, even as a corper, he already Look like Bill Clinton, I never inhaled - mbok had access to El-Rufai and Ezekwesili, who

Attahiru R-L: Omojuwa and Ezekwesili Aregbesola THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͯͶ˜ͰͮͰͯ 61 LOUD WHISPERS was minister at that time, that was remarkable influential media personality was having but see as everything don scatter now. Usually, her 50th and she pulled in the whole social when things have come dry, and famine has establishment. entered, you begin to see these kind things. Her power was on show as everybody who For madam, she has recently been sounding mattered in media and entertainment was kinda desperate with the attendant effect there. I saw them all. From Dele Momodu to on her public ranking. She is really not that chike Ogeah to Ruth Osime to Fidelis Anosike influential again, and this her fight with her and the rest. Nollywood was represented - Ini ‘son’ is worsening her case. Exposing her Edo, Rita Dominic. The great dames were in letter to social media is ‘agbaya’ things. Abeg. full flight, Mo Abudu, Senator Ita Giwa and Letting the ‘boy’ be insulting her anyhow. So All. As I sat to observe the falsehood that is she cannot summon the boy that she used to Lagos social establishment, something struck feed before and have a motherly conversation me. There was no beautiful woman in the with him and resolve whatever the matter room. The only beautiful women were those is. It is until Omojuwa release ‘nude tape’ serving. The rest looked like something out that common sense will enter abi? You sef of Michael Jackson’s thriller. God will punish Omojuwa, didn’t they bring you up well? make-up artists in this country o. They turn How can you fight a woman that you call our otherwise very beautiful women into mother? Be like say you no get sense. Me, I caricatures. I even admire them how they can never fight a woman like that in my life no make someone look ghoulish and the person matter what. Where are you from sef, didn’t will still pay thousands of naira and be happy. they teach you home training? If mummy Why are they doing this, I don’t know. stubborn, it is expected, all mummies are like I even saw one big actress with a personal that abi you want to swear that your own make-up artist dabbing her face per second, mama no be like that? Please stop all this per second yet she still looked very- let me no rubbish and go and sit on her feet and explain talk. In trying to outdo themselves or push quietly and beg for her understanding. Don’t Udom Adefarasin back the years, we see things. The push-up let me hear that you are fighting mummy bras, the many wigs, the very expensive but again; otherwise, I will come and knock that is running it for you, creating jobs and robust renaissance in the industry, throwing up garish looking gowns and the stilettos that that your big head. Stop this crap abeg, it’s impacting? No. So why would you be waiting such giants like Bolanle Austen Peters, Bikiya look like it will break an ankle anytime from nauseating. for the government even for the little that you Graham Douglas, putting thousands of actors now. It’s the make-up that kills me o. They will can do? Nigerians should please start looking to work and generally engaging the industry now be holding small fan to make sure there TEMI POPOOLA – A GREAT ASSET TO STOCK inwards because if we continue waiting for and the industry allied sectors. Nonny is is no sweat. It’s a struggle even to eat on such EXCHANGE this jagajaga government, we will wait forever. cerebral and passionate about development. occasions because the tapes lifting the breast Mbok, there has been a massive development So pastor, kindly change that your narrative Her essays and opinions make for an engaging must not loosen, the stapler holding down the at the Stock Exchange. After 60 years, the or just stay in the lane you better understand. read, and she will be really missed as she wig must stay, the tight elastic holding down Nigerian Stock Exchange has transitioned Let’s be talking about King Solomon and try to moves from MTN Foundation to some the belle must keep holding it down and the into the Nigerian Exchange Group, with understand how without Viagra, he was able obviously higher calling. Well done, my sister. I bike shorts not letting the huge thighs rub my brother Oscar Onyema moving up to to achieve those things they said he did in the wish you well. together must always be lubricated per second Group Chief Executive. The development Bible. I don run o. with Dustin powder. As I sat with my boys, I also includes a robust name change that WHY ARE NIGERIAN WOMEN DISCARDING tried not to laugh. It’s really a serious matter. I keeps its international contemporaries abreast NONNY UGBOMA – MOVING TO GREATER THEIR BEAUTY? look with pity as self-doubt eats into even the with a new branding and logo connotation. HEIGHTS I know I will be abused and insulted for this most brilliant and most accomplished woman. When next I see him for that Mama Bakassi You know, sometimes the galaxy stands up to write-up and in fact, fear has been catching The icing is now the envy. They will now be Restaurant he go hear am. But my joy is with sing for a star. Nonny Ugboma is someone like me since I had the urge, but the need to say looking at each other comparing notes seeing Temi Popoola, who has emerged as the CEO that. While at the MTN Foundation, she led a something seems to be stronger than the fear whose breasts are better lifted and wondering of Nigerian Exchange Limited. You see, Temi revolution that revitalized culture in Nigeria. of abuse. It’s even a plea sef. Look I went to a if it was Julius Berger that did the job. and I have history. We were together at FCMB. The Foundation is the engine room behind the very high-octane soirée. A very popular and When my food came, I saw her, she was a He was Head of International Trade, and I, waitress and she had no make-up. She was Head Local trade CSL, the Investment banking beautiful and dark and wore simple slippers subsidiary of FCMB. The boy can disgrace and a short gown which made her shape me that time. For Monday meetings, while he AZUKA OGUJUIBA – THE ONE WHO SAW MY TOMORROW proud. Every man on my table agreed that this will be declaring billions in trades, I will say, was the belle of the evening but then my friend ‘Gboyega- our oga please don’t vex NLC strike It was her 50th last week, and she savvy. Oya, let me say the truth, noted that if she was a guest, she would most affect my performance, don’t be annoyed, had a nice soiree at the Federal if not for Azuka, you will not be likely join the cat race. next week, I will deliver. You see why today, Palace Hotel. Me I stormed the reading this column. She gave me Pls anybody who wants to abuse me cos of me na actor and Temi na major player for the place with my crew – Mudi, Olisa, this opportunity, believing in me this, please remember that I am a father o and economy. I am so so proud of him. You will and Tade. We sat at a far table and selling me to Shaka Momodu, an elder in church, so abuse me with small not get any more intelligence and brilliance and were watching proceedings. who said Edgar, go write me five regards in one boy. The guy is sound; take it from me. The party was a testament to articles. So, in essence, Azuka I have worked closely with him, engaged Azuka’s social pull. Everybody discovered me, and I will forever GODWIN OBASEKI – CARELESS WHISPERS him, and I must say there is really nobody who matters in the media be grateful to her. Azuka not only It was my friend Tony Omoregie who who understands the market like this boy. In and entertainment was there. discovered me, but she has also dropped this report on the Duke Summit. fact, the capital market has scored a coup by The Duke Summit is a political WhatsApp Very iconic names, Azuka got been there for me in guidance group that has major people discuss the securing his service — well done bro, well everybody out of their holes. The and allowing me to leverage her done, bro. Nigerian situation in a robust manner. I say tributes were very apt. She is very experience as a major journalist. na fake news. No public official can make PASTOR ADEFARASIN – I BEG TO DIFFER hard-working, intelligent, and Happy birthday my sister. this kind of statement, especially an official I know this one is very touchy o. Does not like Obaseki, as an investment banker. Tony like yabis o. The last time I yabbed him he say no be fake, and before you knew it didn’t like it o. But how can I not comment on somebody else posted a video of him making his latest video that has gone viral? He said the statement. Thankfully the authorities some very strong things there. Populist talk have come out to debunk it. But me I know, and hot breeze after which everybody will go say na true, the authorities have done the home, bathe, eat, make love, and forget about right thing by trying to calm nerves and the whole thing. You see, my problem with throwing doubt into it. You see this kind of all this talk which is plenty in this country talk by my brother Obaseki is what they call is the totally wrong but wholly acceptable loose talk. Real loose talk and this is why notion that robust change has to come from in government we have a kitchen cabinet. government or leadership. This is the narrative With this kind of talk any time they want that continues to kill us in this country. It is to take very serious confidential decision, wrong and misleading. The government needs will they call Obaseki into the matter? A help. They, too, are in trouble. Can’t you even government official must be very cautious see it in the way they are doing things? We of statements. This kind talk of printing have the freedom to rebuild this country from money can scare aware foreign investors, the bottom-up, and the government will not throw the economy into a tailspin and have a choice but to begin to do what they are make economic analysts begin to review their expected to do, which is to create an enabling positions on Nigeria’s prospects in the view of environment for private wealth to grow. the hyperinflation that the act can throw up. Pastor, it is not the government’s job to provide This kind of information should be carefully jobs. The lacklustre atmosphere that hovers managed, with strategic economic managers around our head is not the government’s job to carried along and sensitively engaged. It is remove it. Are you not American? Didn’t you not information for the public because it will hear what JFK said? ‘Ask what you can do for lead to panic, hoarding and capital outflow, your country and not what your country can to say the least. So this Obaseki, if na IBB do for you.’ Buhari is not the problem. We are time, we would have been seeing frog jump the problem. We are the fools; we are the ones and koboko in the Edo buttocks. But this na waiting for manna to come and drop from democracy and immunity so we will leave the sky, and the government will come and him. But his managers should do more work share it for us. Mbok, let’s wake up and smell in engaging His Excellency, this diarrhoea the coffee. Government cannot do it. We will kind of talk will not bode well for us. Ok as have to do it ourselves. Is it the government for the printers, na wa sha. Is this where we that built your multibillion-naira church that Ogujuiba have found ourselves? Wuruwuru to the looks like Noah’s ark? Is it the government answer? 62 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͯͶ˜ͰͮͰͯ

Adebayo Adeoye   [email protected]; 08054680651

Hajia Bola Shagaya’s Staying Power Successful businesswoman Abacha, the late Stella Obasanjo, and and socialite Hajia Bola Shagaya Dame Patience Jonathan. is glamorous. She oozes a peculiar aura of self-assurance, an attribute Only last week, she again became associated only with a few women in the subject of interesting discussions our society. in some quarters after she was She is also revered for excelling in sighted at the public presentation business and has rubbed shoulders of Aisha Buhari: Being Different, a with other top-flight and high-net- biography of Hajia Aisha Buhari, wife worth women worldwide. But there of President Muhammadu Buhari, at is more to Hajia Shagaya than her the Banquet Hall of the presidential catholic taste. villa, Abuja. Therefore, her presence The woman of substance has her at the event has laid to rest the fingers in many pies, all of which insinuation that Hajia Shagaya may have given her fame and wealth. It is have lost relevance, especially among no news that she traverses the world, the current power brokers. making contacts and breaking new In a chat with Society Watch, a grounds. source revealed: “Many are not aware Interestingly, her fans are always that her closeness to past and present quick to condemn those who first ladies goes beyond what she wonder what the Kwara State- benefits from them. She also adds born billionaire’s staying power Shagaya value to them; hence, her staying is. To them, those who mouth power. Her kindness, brilliance, and this are ignorant of her high-wire many former first ladies, including the perceptiveness are the reasons they connections. She has been friends of late Maryam Babangida, Hajia Maryam cannot do without her.”

Ighodalo Jubril Adewale Tinubu’s Characteristic Charity For so many reasons, the story of the he is always in a constant quest to lift the needy Group Chief Executive of Plc, Jubril individuals around him while also contributing to Pastor Ituah Adewale Tinubu, would make a compelling his society’s development. read for anyone who desires to know the ABC In his characteristic magnanimity, Tinubu, of running a successful business, particularly it was gathered, has been giving food and Ighodalo’s oil and gas. Though he started out as a lawyer, cash donations to Muslim faithful since the Oando, under his leadership, has expanded commencement of this year’s Ramadan. to the delight of shareholders. But as Tinubu A source revealed that the oil and gas guru, Birthday without continues to make giant strides in his varied for many years now, had expended millions of businesses, he never trivialises the need to Naira towards this worthy cause. impact humanity positively, especially as “It is like a vow he has made to God. Ibidun enjoined by his faith, Islam. He does it annually during Ramadan and Perhaps, this explains why he is constantly Ed- il- Kabir festival. This is just one of in the quest to lift the needy individuals around his several philanthropic deeds, as well few days ago, the Senior him while also contributing to his society’s as interventions, to help the course of Pastor of the Trinity development. In fact, he has chosen charity and humanity,” the source said. The source added House Church, Ituah act of kindness as his hobby. The trained lawyer that “unlike some others, he never talks about it, Ighodalo, celebrated his believes it is far better and more gratifying to believing that his faith frowns on a showy display 60th birthday amidst an make a difference in the poor’s lives. He has of kindness.” outpouring of emotions. been giving without looking back and blinking Indeed, Adewale Tinubu is not a stranger During the well-attended diamond an eyelid and without making any noise about to success. He is a proverbial man with the A it. jubilee celebration by the society’s Midas touch as everything turns into gold. The Over the years, the serial entrepreneur has indefatigable and intelligent business mogul crème, the revered cleric spared always been guided by this philosophy. He some moments for his late wife, with a series of milestone achievements started does not wish to be respected for his wealth but from a humble beginning before becoming the Ibidun, who passed on nearly nine for the grace to impact the lives of the people months ago. reference point and colossus that he is today. He is Tinubu around him. a trailblazer in whatever he does. Speaking at the occasion, which Those whose paths have crossed his say held at his famous Trinity House Church, Lekki, Lagos, he was quoted as saying that, “This was not how my late wife, Ibidun, had Billionaire Tunde Folawiyo: A wanted to plan my 60th birthday. However, I give thanks to the Almighty God for His grace and mercy.” Phenomenon Evolving at 61 In his sermon at the birthday party, which was organised in strict compliance with COVID-19 personal experiences to share with the world His father, Chief Iyanda Folawiyo, will be protocols, Pastor Niyi Akenzua that he jettisoned the textual project. Certainly, smiling in his grave as the younger Folawiyo eulogised Ighodalo, saying he is he has lived so many seriocomic experiences made him proud by keeping his legacy afloat. that can make the yet-to-be-documented book a Today, the company is recognised worldwide. “a man with a big heart, who has compelling read. The Lagos State-born oil mogul has been listed helped so many less privileged But for some reason, Folawiyo, Society Watch as one of the richest in Africa. homes.” gathered, is not in a hurry to release his memoirs Folawiyo has remained a strong advocate Also, in his speech, Ogun for public consumption because he believes that for the exploration of Nigeria’s lucrative crude State governor, Dapo Abiodun, he is still an evolving phenomenon. oil. In an effort to expand the Yinka Folawiyo was reported to have said that Though he would have loved to throw a Group, he founded the Folawiyo Energy he attended the event because lavish party to celebrate the day and played host Limited in 1989. of “Ighodalo’s life of worth as a to some of his friends and associates, the country’s This singular effort, in 2004, led to the servant of God,” while his wife, prevailing circumstances robbed him of the construction of a world-class storage facility, Bamidele, praised the celebrator opportunity. which can contain approximately about 30 per for his kindness. In the same Commendations and eulogies were poured cent of the country’s petrol. vein, the wife of Edo governor, on him by those who have met him during the His contributions to the nation’s energy Betsy Obaseki, thanked God for birthday celebration. sector earned him vice giving Nigeria a man of Ighodalo’s Reason? His life is a challenge to those who Association of Indigenous Petroleum calibre. were born with the silver spoon but, out of Explorers and Productions. Other dignitaries at the event sheer indiscipline and lack of focus, abused the The graduate of the London School of were Minister for Transportation, privilege. His life is also an inspiration for people Economics currently sits on the Board of Rotimi Amaechi; Dr Babatunde Folawiyo from humble backgrounds that they should never various educational institutions, providing a Fowler and wife; former Governor entomb their dreams, even in the face of adversity. unique perspective towards improving the If Nigerian businessman and Managing It was gathered that while he was growing up, he conditions for students in Africa and other of Anambra State, Peter Obi; Director of Yinka Folawiyo Group, Tunde had displayed traits of a child destined to be great parts of the world, with his membership of Sen. Tolu Odebiyi; Olori Ladun Folawiyo, had penned his memoirs as he in life. He had also nursed a beautiful dream to be the esteemed Global Advisory Board of the Sijuwade; Princess Folake St. turned 61 last Monday, many would have one of the world’s greatest businessmen. African Leadership Academy. Mathew-Daniel; Mrs Funmi found it simply unputdownable. Alternatively, In the thinking of many, his paths had He has also demonstrated a passion Teller; Mr Jimi Agbaje and if he had engaged a creative writer to document been already laced with roses because of his for fostering the next generation of African wife; Mr Chike Ogeah; Pastor his earthly sojourn from birth to the age of 61, background. But what those who hold this view leaders. He is also a fellow of the Duke of Femi Faseru; Olufunke Amosun; the book would not only have enjoyed rave do not know is that he himself has been able to Edinburgh’s World Fellowship, a global Gboyega and Bukola Adewuyi; reviews, but the biographer too would have, no maintain the legacy left by his father with sweats, network of philanthropists dedicated to Oba Gbolahan Lawal and his wife, doubt enjoyed a rising profile. determination, hard work as well as discipline. inspiring youth development. Olori Maryam. However, it was not for lack of interesting THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹΀˜ͺ͸ͺ͹ 63

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#RSVP #myLGA '89.:-; !1! #-2-0.:, 64 AP ͹΀˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER INTERNATIONAL Northernisation as a Major Dynamic of Nigeria’s Deepening Insecurity: The Independence and Parliamentary Foundations

igeria was a problem unto herself before, at, of the Parliamentary Committee that everything possible should and after, independence. Before independence, VIE be done to increase the proportion of Nigerians of Northern origin the prevention of Southerners from settling in the Federal Public Service and that a careers (sic) officer should be down in the old cities of the North, was the INTERNATIONALE appointed for this purpose.’ epicentre of the problem. The ultimate objec- Senator Ukattah raised a point of order on the basis of Section tive of the prevention, by then, was to avoid 29(1) of the Revised Standing Orders, according to which debates the corruption or contamination of traditional  upon any Motion, Bill or Amendment, except in the case of a culture, values and patterns of behaviour by Substantive Motion for adjournment of the House and also on foreign or strange elements. As explained by Nigeria’s former Bola A. Akinterinwa the basis of the Revised Standing Order 26(2) on Rules of Debate, plenipotentiaryN High Commissioner to Botswana and Lesotho which required a member to ‘confine his observations to the subject and Professor of Political Science, Dr. Alaba Ogunsanwo, ‘after the Telephone : 0807-688-2846 under discussion and may not introduce matter irrelevant thereto.’ amalgamation of Nigeria, certain policies, adopted by the colonial e-mail: [email protected] The President of the Senate, Senator Chief Denis C. Osadebey, administration at the behest of some of the traditional rulers, ruled against the point of order, arguing that the Minister’s point inadvertently created migration centres designed to ensure the was relevant and that the Minister should continue with his non-contamination of traditional culture, values and patterns of submission. On this basis, the Minister explained that ‘in the ad- behaviour by foreign or strange elements. The phenomenon first ministrative and professional grades, out of 1,203 Nigerian officers, emerged in the northern part of the country, where the traditional there are only 34 officers of Northern origin; in the Executive grades, rulers succeeded in persuading the colonial officials to ensure of 1,150 Nigerian officers, there are 30 officers of Northern origin; in that Southerners were not allowed to establish their settlements the clerical and technical grades, of 16,770 Nigerian officers, there or places of abode near the old cities. These settlements where are only 381 officers of Northern origin.’ From this submission, the ‘’strangers’’ elements lived were quite some distance at the time Minister was simply drawing attention to the fact that there were from old traditional cities.’ fewer Northerners in the Federal Public Service. He did not explain Professor Ogunsanwo, who was also Nigeria’s ambassador whose responsibility it was for the situation. to with concurrent mandate to and the In his response to the specific issue of housing discrimination, the European Union, has noted that ‘what was troubling was the Minister had it that the case of some Nigerian officers who ‘were translation of the inner feeling of ‘’you are different from us and, asked to vacate their quarters for newly appointed Northern Ex- therefore, should not stay among us or near us,’’ into policy. That ecutive Officers... arose from the recent appointment of 17 Assistant was to lay the foundation of future distrust and discord. There was, Executive Officers of Northern origin to the Federal Public Service. of course, discrimination and it continues today, as the Ibrahim It was urgently necessary to provide temporary accommodation Zakari panel set up recently by the Northern States governors because of the difficulty that they would experience in Lagos if such pointed out in its comprehensive report on the extremely slow pace were not done. It would, in fact, have been impossible to persuade of development in the North.’ (vide Alaba Ogunsanwo, Selected them to take up appointments in Lagos if no quarters were to be Essays on Politics and International Relations [Ibadan: Concept made available to them.’ Publications Limited, 2015], p. 230 et s.). The question arising from this submission is why should senior Even though Professor Ogunsanwo noted that the phenom- officers be asked to vacate quarters for newly recruited junior of- enon began in the northern part of Nigeria without pinpointing Buhari ficers? If the senior officers were already in such quarters, why were the Fulani as the main traditional rulers involved, subsequent Beyioku referred to press reports according to which ‘some sections they allowed to be there? If it was public policy to accommodate empirical cases clearly showed that the phenomenon is essentially of the Senior Service are asked to quit their quarters for another public officers temporarily, when was the ‘temporariness’ to be about the Fulani. Let us begin with a cursory look at the Official Section of the Service, and whereby there was a statement that the removed? This question is necessary because asking an occupant to Report on the Parliamentary Debates in the Senate, during the Government was committed to providing quarters for a Section.’ vacate his residence under emergency can be very disturbing. 1961-62 Session, covering the period from November 25 to He was so disturbed to the extent that he expressed his disbelief as In this regard, the Minister explained that ‘those non-entitled December 1, 1961. follows: ‘I can never believe that it is the policy of our own Govern- Nigerian officers who were warned that they might have to give ment to single out a Section of the Community for protection way to these officers were those who had been occupying quarters Discrimination at, and After, Independence against the interests of another Section of the Community. All these for such periods that should reasonably have allowed them to find A 27-year old primary school teacher, Mr. Modiyu Adeniyi Odu- things must be clarified and have to be discussed, and we must alternative private accommodation in the town, knowing as they nowo complained bitterly about how Chief , know the policy of our Government on all these things.’ did that they were only allocated government quarters on a strictly was mistreated at the time of independence celebrations. In sum, Senator Fagbenro-Beyioku moved the Motion so that temporary basis.’ Aggrieved by the shabby treatment, he said: ‘let’s have our own Government could ‘set yardstick by which we shall measure Even though Senator Fagbenro-Beyioku attempted to withdraw Pakistan. If they could rubbish Awo like this, sooner or later, they our national policies and by which we shall remove entirely his Motion and some Senators objected to it, submitting that once a will be defecating on our heads. Let’s have our own sovereignty.’ from our national policies anything that stinks or anything that Motion was tabled for discussion, it could no longer be withdrawn, He was assassinated five years after, but there is no information on suggests discrimination, either tribal discrimination, clannish there were proponents and opponents of the Motion. There was the who killed him Whatever is the case, the foundation for suspicions discrimination, favouritism, Regional discrimination, or any form particular perception of deliberate discrimination, largely induced had been laid and Government has not prevented the deepening of discrimination.’ by northernisation agenda: that of Senator Chief T.A. Doherty, one of further suspicions since then. Rising to second the Motion, Senator A. E. Ukattah, representing of the representatives of Lagos. On, on Tuesday, 28th November, 1961 at the Senate, Chief O.A. the Eastern Region, submitted that the motion was a desideratum In his words, ‘we all know what the situation is in this country Fagbenro-Beyioku, representing Lagos, introduced a Notice and that ‘if we allow this situation to continue, the consequences today and we have only been going round the fence rather than of Motion, entitled ‘Discriminatory Practices in the Federal which will follow shortly will, indeed, be tremendous. In most of getting to grips with the problem. Even the mover of the Motion Territory.’’ The motion stipulated that ‘this House deplores all our establishments, and in nearly all our offices today, we find third- was guilty of the same thing.’ More notably, he said ‘discrimination forms of discriminatory practices, either in the National Policy of rate and second-rate people displacing the most eligible, the most means tribalism, in plain language; we should not beat about the the country or in the Public Service Administration of the Land, suitable and first-rate people, who offer their services to the nation. bush, the Northerners are in control of the Federal Government to- which are capable of creating tribal disaffection among the several The danger is there. This leads to frustration.’ day, and Easterners are playing second fiddle. That is the position in millions of the peoples of the Federation, thereby endangering the In fact, Senator Ukattah asked the Senate why he should not our country today.’ Again in his eyes, ‘in the Federal Public Service, solidarity of the Nation.’ be frustrated if he were ‘the most qualified and able man and the when the Federal Government took office, the first thing they did Put differently, Senator Fagbenro-Beyioku was directly com- one who should merit promotion’ and he was ‘pushed aside was to remove the Chairman of the Public Service Commission plaining about discriminatory practices that had the potential to on grounds of discrimination.’ Considering that discriminatory and to put a Northerner there. The Northerners know where they generate tribal disaffection in Nigeria. In his eyes, ‘the only way we tendencies and practices were then very rampant in the country, are going, and we are not going to sit down unconcerned, while can bring about that situation of developing, that sense of feeling and had, before then, not always existed, Senator Ukattah said the our rights and liberty are being invaded.’ Above all, he said ‘we do at home anywhere in Nigeria, is to make sure that our National motion was clear, its aims were lofty and required seriousness of not say that Northerners should not come into the Federal Public Policy, as well as everything we project, has roots radiating from the purpose, and therefore, seconded the motion. Service, but we insist that they should come in, in a proper and minds of Nigeria. There is one thing that we must keep ahead of us, The debate that followed the motion was heated, especially that honourable way. We should behave like brothers to one another... and that is that nothing shall be done which shall injure the feeling the Minister of Lagos Affairs, Hon. Mallam Musa Yar’Adua, tried it is not by serving some people with eviction notices and asking of one tribe or one class or one religion. As long as we are able to do to stop the debate by invoking Sessional Paper Number 2 of 1960, the Northerners to take their place that we can have unity in this that, we will be building the Nigeria that we all love so much and a government policy, arising from the final report of the Parliamen- country.’ The foregoing was a major pillar of Nigeria’s deepening will be making things really very easy and sweet for ourselves.’ tary Committee on Nigerianisation of the Federal Public Service. In insecurity and crescendo of intolerance of what is considered as The background to the Motion is interesting: Senator Fagbenro- the ‘Sessional Paper,’ ‘Government accepted the recommendation Northernisation, and particularly Fulanisation as at today. Fulanisation and Foreign Policy Dimensions Insecurity in Nigeria has been largely fuelled by Northernisation agenda. The idea of secession of Many Nigerian notables, including former President Olusegun the former Eastern Region was first mooted in 1962 before its actualisation attempt in 1967. Even Okikiola Obasanjo, have said that President Muhammadu though the genesis of the centralisation of power is traceable to Decree 34, promulgated under General Buhari (PMB) has, not simply a northernisation, but particularly a Fulanisation agenda. In the view of many other observ- Aguiyi Ironsi, an Ibo man, to foster national unity, GeneralYakubu Gowon did not succeed in fostering ers, the agenda has been in the making for quite a long time but national unity by restructuring the regions into 12 States. Power was not decentralised. Today, PMB reaction to it has been that of ‘’wait-and-see’ strategy: what will be is hostile to restructuring but has no control over quests for self-determination and foreign policy the modus operandi? The modus vivendi? The leading dramatis implications: those funding the Boko Haram are in ; the Yoruba have asked the UN to personae? The strategic format? The strategic implications? And at organise a plebiscite on their intention to exist as a separate sovereign State. This request cannot what costs? Many questions but few answers. True, PMB has taken many decisions that clearly suggest that he supports Northernisa- but have the support of proponents of self-determination. The war scenario cannot but be between tion and Fulanisation agenda per excellence. Some critical ex- the North and the South, and therefore, PMB will need to secure an entente with either Cameroun amples for illustration purposes will do here. First, PMB appears to or Benin Republic to have access to the seas for military supplies, for reasons of being landlocked. be giving expression to the perceived Fulanisation agenda in three Also, the Foreign Service Officers will be divided. Defending Nigeria, in whatever ramifications, will main ways: institutionalisation, abuse of politico-constitutional be conflicting. Consequently, PMB must address the issue of Northernisation with seriousness of powers to appoint, and reckless disregard for the rule of law and public opinion. purpose and must not make haste slowly in preventing the destruction of Nigeria Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com ARTSARTS && REVIEWREVIEW A PUBLICATION 18.04.2021

KANYE’S REALLY GOT SO MUCH TO SAY Cover continued on Page 66 Kanyeyachukwu with one of his paintings EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ [email protected] 66 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 18, 2021 ARTS & REVIEW\\ARTICLES KANYE’S REALLY GOT SO MUCH TO SAY Buoyed by his prodigious artistic skills, Kanyeyachukwu (more often known as Kanye) expresses himself in bright colourful spurts of illumination and earns the laurel as the poster child for the advocacy for autism, Okechukwu Uwaezuoke reports

ears of hogging the limelight should, of Arts in the Wuse area of Abuja. “The first day by now, have inscribed Kanye’s she met Kanye, she called me and said, ‘You name in flaming letters into the art have brought a genius to me,” Kanye’s mum, industry’s consciousness. This is why Sylvia Tagbo-Okeke, recalls. his latest exhibition – which opened On Kanye’s daily activities, his mum says on Friday, April 16 and ends tomor- they are “very organised”. This is, therefore, row (Monday, April 19) at the Abuja what his typical day looks like: He gets up from Transcorp Hilton Hotel – should go his bed, showers, brushes his teeth and dresses down in the annals of the local art scene as a landmark up very neatly before his breakfast. After his Yevent. True, he is only an 11-year-old. But he found breakfast on the days that he doesn’t have to go fame when he made history as the youngest and to school, he hops from one room to the other first-ever African winner of the prestigious Flamme for two hours. Then, he picks up a paper or des Friedens (Flame of Peace) award in the Austrian asks for a canvas to begin his artistic activities. capital, . This was on Thursday, September 6, When he gets hungry, he goes to his nanny 2018, about two months shy of his ninth birthday. to ask for chicken with jollof rice or spaghetti He had, alongside three other Nigerian artists, as his mood dictates. He jumps around and participated in that year’s edition of the OPEC Fund for plays with his three-year-old younger brother International Development (OFID) annual art exhibi- Mekalianna and afterwards with his iPad until tion, whose title was Scenes of Peace. The exhibition, the time of his appointment with his therapist, held at the Museum of Young Art (MOYA), featured 70 who arrives by 1:30 pm and leaves by 2:30 pm. artists from all over the world. It was in this museum His next appointment is with his basketball that the Prince and Princess of Tuscany, The Archduke Sor Sen in his studio coach, who comes in at 4 pm and leaves at 6 pm. and Archduchess of , conferred the award, Afterwards, he takes a shower, eats his dinner and goes to bed which is for promoting peace with art, on him. then, there are those moments when assailed by flashes of anger, at 9 pm. Instituted in 2007 by the Austrian non-profit organisation, he throws tantrums. And there are also times when he simply Born on Tuesday, November 17, 2009, Kanye is preceded by Association for the Promotion of World Peace, the award has retreats into spells of melancholy. a girl Uzoamaka, who is 16 years old, and a boy Ozichukwu, been previously conferred on such distinguished personalities In this conceited rationalist world, Kanye lives like an who is 12 years old. When he was named Kanyeyachukwu in as Ali Abdullah Saleh (who served as the first Yemeni president outsider. Insulated from the tyranny of a society that sets the Igbo – which roughly translates as “Let us commit him to the after the country’s unification on May 22, 1990), the Ambas- rules, his perceptive faculties grope for meaning like antennae Almighty” and is now often shortened as Kanye – his parents sador of Jordan to Austria, Hussam Al Husseini (who was in into realms that remain inaccessible to superficial existence – an were oblivious about the fact that they were predicting their office from 2007 to 2012) and Atifete Jahjaga (the first female existence that limits itself to purely earthly matters, thus closing third child’s threads of fate. The other names they gave him – president of Kosovo, whose tenure ended on April 7, 2016), itself to real life. Tobenna (Igbo for “Praise the Almighty Father”) and Omozee among others. He was just about four years old when he was officially (Edo for “Because of this child, I feel accomplished”) – seem to Fast-forward to November 2019. His first solo exhibition, diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. But then, his reinforce the direction of his earthly paths. titled Impossibility is a Myth, opened in Terra Kulture in Victo- parents (Tagbo and Sylvia Tagbo-Okeke) were already trying Through his foundation Kanye Autism Foundation (KAF), ria Island, Lagos. He had, sometime in March that year, hosted to wrap their heads around something else. And that was his Kanye gives back to society and has become a poster child for an art exhibition featuring his many works alongside displays propensity for drawing. For drawings, indeed, his abstract the advocacy for autism. by other children living with autism and Down syndrome expressions deserved to be called – not doodles – since there His paintings adorn the walls of both private collectors’ from the Our Lady of Guadalupe Centre for Children with was something about them that hinted at his being focused and homes and institutions within and outside Nigeria. Among Special Needs in Abuja. Months later, not so long after another purposeful. Because he had easy access to A4 papers, he would the institutions and personalities listed as his collectors are: the exhibition held in the Moroccan city of Casablanca, he became use up a full ream in just one day. Under such circumstances Museum of Young Art (MOYA) in Vienna, Austria, the Transcorp a recipient of the Indomie 2019 Independence Day Heroes when he ran out of papers, or if they were discreetly kept out of Hilton Abuja, the Nigerian Embassy in Vienna, Austria, the Award for his Autism Awareness Campaign. his sight, he would begin to draw on the walls. Repainting the Australian Embassy, the Syrian Embassy, the Egyptian Embassy, No doubt, Kanye’s ever-fluctuating moods have found an walls, his parents would soon find out, made no difference since the Venezuela Embassy, the Thailand Embassy, the Lebanese expression in his fiery palette. he would resume his drawing on them. Embassy, the Embassy of , the Embassy of , the Could that be why the founder and owner of the Vienna If the Tagbo-Okeke couple suspected a connection between Ministry of Women Affairs, the Louis Edet House (Nigerian (Austria)-based Museum of Young Art (MOYA) Dr Kolja the third child’s restiveness and autism, it was because the Police Headquarters Abuja), Chief Dr Ernest Azudialo Obiejesi/ Kramer thinks highly of his artistic skills? The latter was indeed drawings were abstract and they did not understand them. Nest Oil, Aiteo, the Pakistani Embassy, the Kuwaiti Consulate, quoted to have described Kanye’s art as “deep, highly intel- It took a discerning female visitor to draw their attention to the Embassy of Finland, Mr Nzam Ogbe, Barrister Mrs Jennifer ligent and unbelievably very mature for his age.” the creative depth and potentials of these visual expressions. Abubabkar, Archduke and Arch Duchess of Austria, Miss Still on the 11-year-old’s shifting moods, he like everyone Indeed, it was she, who suggested that Kanye be enrolled in an Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, the OPEC Fund for International else revels in his joyful and exhilarating moments. But, of art class. Development, Suleiman J. Al Herbish (OPEC Fund for Inter- course, these are interspersed with bouts of listlessness, which But, getting an art teacher was no easy task. They were later national Development’s director-general), African Museum in have been observed to be “very long and frequent”. Now and introduced to Kokab Farrukh the proprietress of Kokab House Vienna (Austria), BBC Abuja and Save the Children. MOVIES Coming2America: Feminism served on Afro-American Themed Menu Yinka Olatunbosun artist, Davido performing as himself in the movie. of Wakanda in the movie ‘Blank Panther’ but in to his depiction of Saul, a white customer. That is There seems to be a loathsome wind around sequels. reality, it is a cry for women to be allowed into arguably the best make up role in Murphy's career. leadership roles since that is not accomplished As regards the primitive Africa narrative, t's not clear what critics were expect- Very easily, the new installment can be written off by testosterone. Many women who had man- Africans should not be quick to resent the lion's ing to find in the sequel to Coming to as not having any shock value, or too predictable. aged to shatter the glass ceilings to accomplish whiskers test that Lavelle Junson is made to America, a 1988 box- office hit produced Quite ridiculously, some reviewers wrote that Eddie their dreams had been labelled “prostitutes” or undergo to qualify to rule. The political landscape by Productions. Dubbed Murphy is old. Really? Subtract 1988 from 2021, made subjects of harmful gossips that question in many parts of Africa is still governed by similar Coming 2 America, the movie-upon its the result is well, old. And for old time’s sake, the the merit of their achievements. History is tilt- unwritten and obsolete traditions. Leaders are release last month had received mixed bromance between (Semmi) and Eddie ing to forget how African women have shown usually persons past the youth age bracket and reviews, toxic and positive reviews. Murphy (Akeem Joffer) is still timeless and nostalgic courage in war and activism. Queen Amina of many young men who had dared to approach the Some called the storyline dated and in of the previous story of their sojourn to America to Zaria, Moremi Ajasoro, Osun, Yaa Asantewaa, corridors of power have had to go through some Nigeria, many were thrilled to see the Afrobeats find love. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and many more procedures that are as daunting as collecting whis- With Coming 2 America, movie buffs have only had laid the foundation for women to be kers from a lion. For instance, the voting system I reckoned in leadership roles. and electioneering process are grossly challenging. discovered that Akeem Joffer found more than just love. With his father's dying wish to see his out-of- Now to Davido. It would seem that one Ballot-snatching and burning are still the order of wedlock grandson as his successor, the conflict of of Africa's most successful contemporary the day with no punishment for perpetrators of drama is cooked, spiced by the intrusion of General artists was made the opening act to Sexual electoral violence. Izzi and his several attempts to make his children Chocolate, a fictional band with a retro vibe Asides having the potential of being nominated heirs to the Zamunda Kingdom through arranged with a lead singer, Randy Watson played by and winning best picture, Coming2America marriage. Eddie Murphy. But his damask suit emits boasts of rich costumes, regal and colourful. The But from an African viewpoint, the movie has glamour and class which had been the style allure of the costumes celebrates the African taste some merits in its refined thematic focus asides of leading artists from Africa like King Sunny for fashion. And to bring Queens to Zamunda is a its being a romantic comedy. Akeem's daughters Ade, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Mariam Makeba way of showcasing Africa to the world that in spite represent the new spirit of African women who dare and the likes. With the proliferation of artists of our obsolete traditions, Africa is still one of the to conquer in spheres that are considered as strictly who could play multiple characters in one film, most sophisticated continents in world history, rich A scene from the movie male territories. Many thought this echoed the spirit the Randy role was such a slapstick compared in art and potentials for impacting global economy.

Read full article online - www thisdaylive com THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 18, 2021 67

Editor:Olawale Olaleye CICERO mail:[email protected], SMS: 08116759819 IN THE ARENA Alleged Money Printing: Did Obaseki Goof?

Dodgy counter-positions from the federal government to explain away Governor Godwin Obaseki’s allegation that it printed N60 billion as part of allocation to states for March 2021 hardly illuminate the issue, writes Louis Achi

lthough a graduate of tion of the subject matter: “The dif- Classics, Governor God- ference between what the governor win Obaseki of Edo State is saying and what the minister is is an economist, former saying is like trying to differentiate investment banker and between six and half a dozen.” member of the National But if Rewane was being Economic Council (NEC). coquettish in grabbing the bull by At a public forum re- the horns, other experts of kindred cently, he painted a gloomy picture of the disciplinary plumage were not so ANigerian economy. hesitant. Speaking at the Edo State Transition Palgrave MacMillan, a think tank, Committee stakeholders’ engagement argues that inflation in Nigeria is penultimate Thursday, the governor said caused by government’s expansion- the economy was imperilled and that ary fiscal policies, devaluation of the rising debt profile was worrisome as the naira and the impact of climate dependence on crude oil was no longer change on the domestic agricultural sustainable. industry. His words: “The current price of Whereas overheads gulp about 70 crude oil is only a mirage. The major oil per cent of government budgetary companies, who are the ones producing expenditure, the exchange rate of the are no longer investing much in oil. Shell naira to the US dollar is N380, going is pulling out of Nigeria and Chevron is by the usually ignored Central Bank now one of the world’s largest investors of Nigeria rate, or N485, going by the in alternative fuel. generally preferred parallel market “So, in another year or so, where will rate. we find this money that we go to share Money printing, more technically in Abuja?…When we got FAAC for known as monetisation or “money- March, the federal government printed financed fiscal programmes” occurs additional N50-N60 billion to top-up for when the government finances itself us to share.” by issuing non-interest-bearing For good measure, the governor said liabilities. Those liabilities could be the federal government must act quickly currency or they could be reserves to end the monetary rascality rather than that banks hold at their central bank playing the Ostrich. Financial gurus and economists In countering Obaseki’s bombshell five have warned that Nigeria faces the days later, first, the Minister of Finance, risk of falling off the fiscal cliff if Budget and National Planning, Zainab Obaseki and Emefiele the federal government continues its Ahmed, daintily dismissed the claim as “untrue”. reckless reliance on ‘Ways and Means’ to fund its According to Ahmed, “The issue that was raised “What I keep saying is that it will be irresponsible widening deficits. by the Edo State governor for me is very, very sad, for the CBN or any other federal reserve bank to stand While every country prints money, the experts are because it is not a fact,” and insisted that FAAC idle and refuse to support its government at this time. concerned that with an inflation rate that is tending allocation was from revenues from different agencies And what we are doing here is being done in any towards 20 per cent and extremely low productive of the federal government. clime. At the last MPC meeting, I gave data on what is capacity, the economy cannot absorb a reckless money “What we distribute at FAAC is revenue that is being done in other climes to shore up their economy supply expansion. generated and in fact distribution of the revenue is and take them out of recession. According to Dr. Bongo Adi, an economist at the public information. We publish revenue generated by “Nigeria is, unfortunately, in a very bad situation, Lagos Business School, it is difficult to determine the FIRS, the customs and the NNPC and we distribute I’m not going to pretend about it. We are facing a extent of mess Nigeria’s ‘Ways and Means’ financing at FAAC. So, it is not true to say we printed money to problem about productivity output, which is GDP. has caused as nobody knows the amount printed so distribute at FAAC, it is not true,” she stated. Luckily, we managed from recession, now we looking far. He, however, warned that the economy cannot bear But, in what seemed more like a tetchy fight- at how to get our head above water.” an unrestrained expansion of the money supply, which back, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria To defog the Obaseki’s allegation on money printing he blamed for the current stagflation and associated (CBN),Godwin Emefiele described Obaseki’s position and distill the essence of the finance minister’s counter challenges. on printing about N60 billion to shore up March position, economist, banker and financial analyst of no For Prof. Uche Uwaleke, of the Nasarawa State subvention by the Federal Account Allocation Com- mean repute, Bismarck J. Rewane was enlisted. University, Nigeria cannot afford uncontrolled print- mittee (FAAC) as totally inappropriate. Rewane, the Managing Director/Chief Executive ing of the currency to finance the budget, because Noted Emefiele: “If you understand the concept of Officer of Financial Derivatives Company Limited the economy cannot absorb it. He insisted that the printing of money, it’s about lending money. That is in Lagos, is a Chartered member of the Institute of continuous resort to Ways and Means would worsen our job. To print is about lending money. So, there Bankers of England and Wales and also a Fellow of inflationary pressure and lead to further depreciation is no need of putting up controversy about printing the Nigerian Institute of Bankers. of the naira, because the production capacity is low. money as if we go into the factory, print the naira and Curiously, Rewane left many Nigerians scratching Cut to the bone, the unfolding controversy simply start distributing on the streets. their heads with his coded, ‘fence-sitting’ interpreta- puts Buharinomics on the spot! POLITICAL NOTES Bawa, EFCC Can Do Better! he operational style of the Economic and Financial fitted into the familiar practice of the EFCC. Unfortunately, only Crimes Commission (EFCC) has always been the EFCC could have either set the record straight, corrected the gross and highhanded. It is largely predicated on misinformation if any, or controlled the information ab initio. media trial – a conscious choice to name and shame But the EFCC would rather watch while people are embar- suspects even when they have not been found guilty rassed only to turn out that the information in the public space was of the alleged offences. And guess what? It is hardly not correct. Even more niggling is the fact that such sensationalised difficult to dissociate the personality of the individual reports were usually leaked by EFCC agents, whose sole respon- heading the EFCC from its modus operandi. sibility is to name and shame people – whether or not they are TBut the emergence of a new EFCC boss, 40-year-old Abdulra- politically exposed. sheed Bawa, had signaled some hope that, perhaps, things might If at all Bawa means business and wants people to believe it is begin to assume a different slant, only if he was disposed to doing not going to be business as usual, then, the poor operational style of things differently with the sole aim of setting a standard for better the EFCC, which often casts aspersion on its image must be done results. away with. Bawa must not only speak about his intention to be The news of the alleged arrest of a former Imo State governor, different, he must act and be seen to be, indeed. Only then can he Rochas Okorocha and his own narrative that he was merely be said to be living the age of his ideas and the promises made. The Bawa invited for interrogation is a road many had traveled before. It EFCC should stop playing to the gallery. Enough! 68 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 18, 2021 BRIEFINGNOTES El-Rufai: Between Idealism and Reality Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is noted for making hard choices in governance and holding resolutely to his position. Thus, the recent mass sack of workers was consistent with his style and choices, writes John Shiklam

overnor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State is known for his courageous stands, whenever it comes to taking difficult decisions concern- ing governance issues. Unlike many of his colleagues, El-Rufai, is one governor, who is not afraid of taking the bull by the horns, when it comes to taking very hard decisions that border on public interest, even if such decisions would negatively affect his political profile. GHis principled stand against negotiations or payment of ransom to bandits, who kill and abduct people in communities across the state, almost on a daily basis, stand him out among among his counterparts in Zamfara, Katsina and other states facing same challenges and which, despite negotiation and payment of ransom to the criminals, have not succeeded in stopping them. Since assuming office, El-Rufai has never shied away from taking very hard decisions on issues he thought were in the best public interest, even though there were always stiff opposition to some of his actions by some sections of the state. He successfully steered through during the reforms in the civil service and education sector despite opposition, especially, by those affected by the polices. In 2016, many civil servants and school teachers lost their jobs following the reforms. The governor seemed to have raise the dust again with yet another mass sack of civil servants, whichhas pitted him against the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and his other critics. The state government had reportedly sacked about 3,000 workers due to dwindling financial resources and a high wage bill of workers without corresponding revenues from the Federation Account Allocations Committee (FAAC). In a statement on Monday in Kaduna, the government declared that it had no choice than to reduce the workforce due to high wage bill. In the statement by Muyiwa Adekeye, Media aid to Governor El-Rufai, the state said, “government finances have been severely stretched by higher wage bills at a time when revenues from the Federation Account Allocations Committee (FAAC) have not increased.” Adekeye explained that what the government has been Nasir El-rufai receiving from FAAC since the middle of 2020, could barely pay salaries and overheads. According to him, in November 2020, the This, according to him, significantly increased the wage “Kaduna State is earning about N4.8 billion monthly from the state received N4.83 billion from FAAC, and that after spending burden of the state government and immediately sapped up the federation account. Our salary bill as I am talking to you is N3.6 N4.66 billion, only N162.9 million was left. funds of many local governments. billion and 36 per cent (N1.296 billion) of this amount is spent on Adekeye said in the last six months, personnel costs accounted He said the state government, therefore, has no choice but the payment of political appointees. for between 84.97% and 96.63% of FAAC transfers received to shed some weight and reduce the size of its workforce. He “Equally, there are internal and external grants coming to the by the state. In March 2021, for instance, the state government also disclosed that political appointees would be affected by the the state. Summing all these incomes per month, I don’t think received N4.819 billion from FAAC and after settling personnel rationalisation exercise to save funds for development projects. N3.6 billion will be an issue against almost about N10 billion. So, costs, only N321million was left. Unfortunately, the sacking of workers had been widely con- there is no justification for sacking workers”, the NLC chairman This, he said, did not include standing orders for overheads, demned, especially, by the state chapter of NLC, which accused said. funding security operations, running costs of schools and the state government of being economical with the truth on the But in the final analysis, the issue is between the idealist and hospitals, and other overhead costs that the state had to bear for reasons for the sack. the realist. While the idealist mostly pander to emotion and the machinery of government to run, for which the state tapped In an interview with THISDAY, the state Chairman of NLC, what’s ideal in a different situation, the realist is inoculated into IGR earnings. Comrade Ayuba Suleiman, said the government gave flimsy against sentiment and works with facts and figures of what is “The state government was elected to develop the state, reasons to justify the “illegal sacking of workers at this difficult currently obtainable. not just to pay the salaries of public servants. It was elected to times. If with the facts before the state, government could no promote equality of opportunity, to build and run schools and “The reasons for sacking workers is because the government longer sustain the allegedly non-productive works force, then, hospitals, upgrade infrastructure and make the state more secure said people must have diploma certificates. That is the reason something needed to be done and core essence of leadership is and attractive to the private sector for jobs and investments”, they gave for this latest disengagement of workers; it is not about the capacity to make hard choices. Adekeye’s statement stated. redundancy”. For those that understand governance and its intricacies, it is He also explained that in September 2019, the state was Although he admitted that it was important for people to hard to condemn Governor El-Rufai for his choices, particularly, the first to pay the new minimum wage and consequential upgrade their knowledge, he said the government ought to this very controversial one, because if the recurrent expenditure adjustments, stressing that this was followed by increasing the have given workers notice and a window period within which takes so much, development becomes overtly impossible and at minimum pension of persons on the defined benefits scheme to to acquire the certificate, insisting that government was also not the end of the day, he takes the blame for the overall rating of his N30,000 monthly. being truthful about its earnings. government. NOTES FOR FILE Is Killing Police Officers a New Sport? Today, in different parts of the country, particularly, in the Southeast had lost their lives to the attacks by hoodlums, who had hijacked what geo-political zone, the killing of police officers appears to be the new was ordinarily a peaceful protest. sport, which its players appear to have seriously taken to. From Abia An end must come to this madness by these irreverent youths, who to Imo, Ebonyi, Anambra, with the exception of Enugu, police officers are taking laws into their hands and complicating the already fragile have suddenly become endangered species in the Southeastern part of peace of the society. Or is it until the federal government unleashes its the country. venom on them like the military did recently in a community in Benue Although this ‘sickening pushback’ started during the #EndSARS State, where about 11 of their men were killed and used the excuse to protests, which took its root from Lagos and later replicated in other level up the place. parts of the country, the rate at which the police are being killed today in It’s time for common sense to prevail. Let the opinion and com- the Eastern part of the country is worrisome and calls for concern. munity leaders in the South-east speak to their youths to stop this It is bad enough that the aftermath of the #EndSARS protests had madness. It is nothing but sheer madness. The assumption that the succeeded in intimidating men of the Nigerian police and stifling them federal government is vulnerable at the moment and as such, could get Acting IG, Usman-Baba from being alive to their responsibilities, the reason it took them a long away with these crimes is delusional. Whatever their grievances, they time to return to their respective beats after many of their colleagues are going about it the wrong way. Certainly! THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 18, 2021 69 CICERO/ISSUE

The Mai Mala-Buni committee presenting the APC registration and revalidation timetable to Buhari 2023 and APC National Chairmanship For an equitable power distribution, the APC must zone its national chairmanship to North Central, writes Louis Achi

fter closely evaluating the national Democratic Party, late Chief Solomon Daushep produced from the North Central Zone, will no political situation ahead of the 2023 Lar, a second Republic Executive Civilian Gover- doubt, give APC its needed leap to victory in the general election, particularly, the nor of old Plateau State between 1979 and 1983, 2023 presidential and general election. impending national convention of came from the North-Central Zone. Further, the Aliyu-led APC body reasoned that, the ruling All Progressives Congress “Late Chief Solomon Daushep Lar, saw the “The capacity of all elected representatives to (APC), the APC Patriotic Ambas- enormous electoral potentials housed by the states successfully manage the gains of their electoral sadors of Nigeria, led by Dr. Aliyu that make up the North Central geo-political zone, successes, remain the most vital component of all Ibrahim, is pushing a a case for which his party exploited to full advantage in variables or factors that define the functionality of zoning the national chairmanship to the North terms of electoral investments & return on elec- any good governance infrastructure and system ACentral. toral investments, respectively, ostensibly, manag- globally.” In a recent official memo to Governor Mai Mala ing the gains of the ELECTORAL RESOURCES This footing, the body held, will help the top Buni of Yobe State and Chairman, APC Caretaker available for usage. hierarchy of the APC, to enhance the functionality Committee, obtained by THISDAY, the group pas- More, it held that, “Here in the year, 2021, with of the party’s determination towards sustaining sionately appealed to all APC chieftains, members just less than two months to the National Conven- and retaining the hold on political structure of the of the National Working Committee, all elected tion of the All Progressives Congress, zoning the current President Buhari-led federal administra- representatives, governors and National/State National Chairmanship of the Party to the North tion “as well as attract greater number of states Assembly members to back zoning of the party’s Central geo-political zone, will greatly help the for the party, ahead of the 2023 presidential and national chairmanship to the North Central geo- President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal ad- general polls.” political region. ministration, in ushering a new sociology of voting Willy-nilly, the initiative to zone the APC na- “The entire North-Central Zone, which also behaviour that will place the APC on good elec- tional chairmanship position to the North Central, houses, what is politically labeled as the Middle- toral advantage during the secondary elections, fundamentally puts Kogi State Governor Yahya Belt, will equally swell the electoral advantages in come 2023 Presidential and general election. Bello’s signaled presidential bid on the spot. favor of the APC, as a political party that had been “Having a National Chairman from the North Traditionally, the position of national chair is not able to change the political narratives of political Central geo-political zone of Nigeria, will provide zoned together with the presidential position to interests-aggregation, old system of power-play, a solid balance between the Southern and North- the same geo-political region. power-game and entrenchment of novel ideals ern planks of Nigeria.” With about two months to APC’s national and ideas that modern polity, allows globally,” the According to the APC Patriotic Ambassadors convention, the emerging consensus among many memo, to Mala Buni, signed by Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim, of Nigeria, this strategy will clearly form a buffer political stakeholders and pundits is that zoning elaborated. against the political infiltration of the zone by the national chairmanship position to the North Tracking back to the nation’s recent democratic other rival political parties ahead of the 2023 elec- Central, beyond greatly helping the Buhari admin- history, the group reasoned that, “A tie-back to tions. The group also strongly believes that having istration, would signal that the party might have the 1999 return to democracy experience, during a very experienced political leadership figure with resolved to zone the presidency to the South. which period, one of the founding fathers of G-38, huge administrative wherewithal, competencies, The major opposition Peoples Democratic Party which later metamorphosed into the Peoples robust knowledge-base and bureaucratic skills (PDP) closely watches. 70 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 18, 2021 SUNDAYINTERVIEW Abdullahi Sule

Sule Calling Buhari a Failure Is Unfair With an unusual candour, the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdulahi Sule, spoke on the state of the nation particularly the growing insecurity, Nigeria’s unity, agitation for zoning and restructuring, plan to build an hydro-power station and the need to promote tourism in the state and why he’s throwing his weight behind his predecessor to become the next APC Chairman, amongst other topical issues. Adedayo Adejobi presents the excerpts:

year after becoming governor, how in on the backbone of my predecessor, Senator Umaru state and ways to make it independent. Before I came in, would you describe the journey? Tanko Al’makura, who has supported me very strongly. the state was generating very negligible revenue, being My ascension to the post of a governor During the handover process, I spent a month working the 31st on the revenue generation list. The Internally came from the urge to contribute my and understudying him closely. In that process, we Generated Revenue was nothing to write home about. quota to the development of my state. travelled to most parts of the state and I saw first hand Therefore, we depend on federal government allocation. Nasarawa State is one of the newest all the projects he had done. I used the opportunity to We seek to break away from the culture of depending on A states, although its over twenty years learn and pick-up from there. So, I’ll say the experience the federal government. now. When it was created in 1996, I has been very interesting, fascinating and encouraging, Nasarawa is one of the richest states in Nigeria, but wasn’t in the country. I was outside Nigeria. So, I feel I and I don’t feel any regrets whatsoever for seeking public all its wealth is in prospects. It’s called the home of didn’t participate in the struggle for the creation of my office. solid minerals and we have all the major minerals. We state, and so there was some emptiness in me. have one of the best and purest barite in the oil and I felt the only way to meaningfully contribute to the Coming from the private sector, you must have Gas industry. When I used to work in the oil and gas development of the state would be by being at the helms experienced some culture shock in the civil service. industry in Port Harcourt, we used to see trucks of barite of affairs. My exposure, working life and blessings God How have you dealt with the public service? from Nasarawa State being brought into Trans-Amadi, to has bestowed on me, having attained the pinnacle of The private sector is performance and profit-driven but be taken to oil fields in Onne. But it was abandoned, and my career in the corporate world, has inspired me to see with government, it’s mostly service-driven, and so that’s instead, they were importing barite and tantalite into the what I can contribute to my state. Coming to power, I where the shock comes in for someone like me who’s country. brought to bare my experience, contacts and exposure to been in the private sector. But, luckily for me, even whilst In addition, we have gemstones unexplored. In most develop my state. in the private sector, I’d mingled with lots of politicians cases, they are explored and mined by illegal miners. We My experience from the private sector blended with the and lived with them. I understand a thing or two about saw the opportunities in Karu local government, which is experiences of the civil servants, traditional rulers, youths, politics and politicians. That has helped in preparing me like Ogun State to Lagos State. The housing industry and community and religious leaders and all those whom for the realities of public service and a state like mine, land opportunities are not explored. I’ve met in the process of rising to this position, have where government is the industry and biggest employer But the biggest of them all is Agriculture. We are been merged alongside a strong team that has provided of labour. blessed by having river Benue coming through Nasarawa support and guidance in charting the way to go. State. With the river and huge virgin land measuring Before I came in, we developed a blueprint called the What is your government’s main economic strat- over 27,000km, yet a population of only about two Nasarawa Economic Strategy, and since I assumed office, egy? million. We are blessed with the best soils to grow any we’ve been on the trajectory of the economic plan. I came Coming into power, we looked at the prospect of my crops. And so we’ve been pursuing these areas. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 18, 2021 71 SUNDAY INTERVIEW t /0)*%&0654'03#"/%*54*//"4"3"8"t

Today, we have Dangote in Nasarawa State and in the next few years, we’ll be producing one-third of the total consumption of sugar for Nigeria. We have Olam that is already producing rice and Azman looking to also start producing rice in the state. We have Dams and are looking to develop them for power generation.

What are you doing to stop illegal mining and exploitation of these solid minerals and resources? We have been monitoring most of these mineral sites. We have invited most of these miners and now have records of who they are. We have been engaging the miners and the community in order for us to monitor and stem the tide of illegal mining in the state. I have met with the illegal miners, who have turned a new leaf and now legally mining, and this has seen us generate a lot of revenue from these mining sites. We have encouraged mining by ensuring that we construct the road to the site. We don’t want to have a situation where people come with helicopters and take out what have been mined without records. For that reason, we’re constructing roads to these mining sites so that we can also monitor. We’ve also engaged the communities so the mining companies can pay royalties and also be socially responsible to the host communities.

What major projects are currently under way, and how will they benefit the citizens of Nasarawa? We have two kinds of projects. We have projects of the various structures that are ongoing by the government. Some of them are revenue-yielding projects. We also have the Mega Bus terminals to reduce traffic in and out of Nasarawa. We have Keffi Market, which is almost completed. We have some that may not be yielding revenue presently but will in the future. The Dam-Farin Ruwa in Wamba Local Government will provide for irrigation. The waterfall will serve as a tourism site in Nasarawa State. So, we constructed a road that has been completed and would be handed over next week. That encouraged the federal government to award a contract for the construction of a dam and its governors, who called to sympathise with him, because Tanko Al’makura came in and joined the CPC. He was construction has commenced. he’s my neighbour and brother. Today, I was going to the only governor, who joined the alliance. He was part We invited a delegation from the Ministry of Arts and visit him alongside a few governors in the North Central, of the alliance that formed the All Progressives Congress Culture led by the Minister, Lai Muhammed, to see how but I understand he was invited to Abuja and that’s the (APC). He knew what happened! Most of the meetings we can promote the site and idea of investment in an only reason we were not there to see him. Most of the were held here. He understands the whole process and event and tourist centre to attract people to the site. So, things being said are being investigated. But I think we he is a very close ally of the President. Because of his when people have events on the hill, they can enjoy a have seen more people being attacked. knowledge of the alliance and the association, he under- good view of the waterfall. Tourists can also visit. President Buhari was attacked in Kaduna. General Bade stands what to do to carry the people along in order to In addition we also want to attract a hydropower was also attacked. There were instances where people just keep the flag flying. investor. Initially the Abdullahi Adamu government happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. But He’s been a governor for eight years and he did very started to see if they could generate 25 megawatts of the attack on Governor Ortom is an unfortunate situation well to the extent he’s being named the architect of mod- power, and now we want to generate 40 megawatts of and I think the government is doing everything to be on ern Nasarawa State. He’s passionate about development. I power at two different locations. It all depends on how top of it so that it doesn’t happen. Attacking very impor- don’t know any enemy he has within the top contestants, the arrangement goes. tant personality, the common man or school children is an but my predecessor, Senator Umaru Tanko Al’Makura has There are on-going agriculture-based projects by the attack on all and I think it should worry us. It’s not good. the capacity to heal the wounds and re-focus the party. investors like Dangote, Flour Mills and Azman. We have some Chinese companies carrying out mining projects on Zamfara Governor, Bello Matawalle, has offered How are you consolidating on his achievements? the sites and the only indigenous publicly quoted mining to resign if taking such a step would bring a lasting He started an airport and we will complete it. If not for company in the country based in Awe local government, solution to the high level of insecurity in his state. Covid-19 and the fact that we’re waiting for the controlled mining lead and zinc. We will work with, support and Should every governor in the North assume this cabin, it would have been completed and fully operation- partner investors so they can create employment for our posturing? al. He started some road network and we have completed people and develop the state. Not many Governors think like him. You know most of them. The only one remaining is the road from Kwandare us are fighting the crime. Is resigning a solution? I doubt to Keffi, and because of the challenging economy, paucity Nasarawa was very safe and peaceful. But it. The lives of all citizens are the responsibility of the of funds and large investment required to undertake the recently, there have been cases of insecurity, tribal Chief Executive and every governor must worry about project, we haven’t been able to complete. Its only one and banditry issues, and fresh reports of Boko the safety of his people. I know there are governors, road project he left half done that we haven’t completed. Haram terrorists regrouping in the state. What do who would go the long haul to ensure the safety of their you think is responsible for that? people. I am in that fold, because I’ll do everything to May 29, 2021 will mark the sixth year since Nige- Abuja is an attraction for some of those bandits. make my state safe and comfortable for my citizens, but ria’s President Muhammadu Buhari took office with If you look at where they hide and commit some of resignation doesn’t solve the problem a promise to safeguard the lives of the electorate, their crimes, they hide in places where Abuja becomes fight crippling corruption and improve livelihoods in accessible to them. That’s why you have heard that Your predecessor, Senator Umaru Tanko Al’Makura, Nigeria. More than half a decade later, analysts have some motorists coming from the east to Abuja were was believed to have demystified governance. How described president as “weak” and see him as having kidnapped. Part of the regrouping when they left the have you managed fitting into his supposedly big “failed” in his mandate. That doesn’t rob off well on north east was to come to Abuja to see if they could take shoes? your party. Does it? some kind of revenge, and so Nasarawa State has the We consider ourselves transition and I consider myself The President came on three legs: security, corruption hills that some of these bandits hide. one of the very few governors to have that kind of luxury and the economy. If you want to be fair to him, you can’t A lot of the hills are huge, virgin and no people live transition. I spent a month with him in his office and rate him a failure. We don’t have perfect security, but I there and so they can move to such locations and have around the state. Till date, I have an excellent relationship don’t know who does, because yesterday somebody killed camps. No bandit can go to the middle of Ikoyi, because with him. I have completed most of the projects he left 10 people in . In the areas of security, I don’t know there’s no free land, but in Nasarawa they have hideouts. behind. where is perfect. Thanks to President Buhari, who has been supportive. Even the projects that those before him started, we have Could it have been better? Yes. But is he a failure, definitely Luckily, all the security operatives and our son, the completed some of them and carrying on new projects, not. Even if you say some people in Nigeria are corrupt, you Inspector General of the Police has also been supportive although concentrating more on projects that have cannot look at Mr. President and say he’s corrupt. For people in attacking the hideouts where they regroup, whilst they direct impact on the people either in form of revenue or who are close to him or know him, they know he wouldn’t have demolished these hideouts. prospects. tolerate corruption. However, has he been able to fight So, you just find one or two of them here and there. Last night, I was with him and we discussed several corruption to a certain level? Yes. Has he fought corruption Luckily for us, we have our vigilantes. Our traditional issues. Today, I’m at the forefront of campaign for his completely out of the country? No! rulers have been very hard on the criminals. The Fulani election as the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress At the time he came in, most states in the federation owed have re-grouped and come up with strong vigilante, (APC). I enjoy a wonderful relationship with him. We are salaries for months. When he came he revived the economy. and because they know the areas they have been going lucky in Nasarawa State. I came from the corporate world and by the time he came around attacking and destroying these bandits. That’s into power, I was the Managing Director, Dangote Sugar. If why the bandits are on the run now here in Nasarawa. But, are the odds in his favour for the APC chair- you look at the share prices of most of these institutions that They don’t have any hiding place. manship? were declaring profits of say N40bn, now they declare profits If indeed Tanko Al’Makura is ‘big shoes’, then he of over N200bn, including the banks. Since he came in, food A few days ago, a sitting governor’s was has the capacity. The All Progressives Congress (APC) production has doubled. We no longer import rice. As an ambushed and attacked by Fulani Herdsmen. This came into being as a result of an alliance. I was never a APC man, I’m proud of what the President has done. Has he sends a signal and raises heightened concerns that Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) person. I was solved all the problems of Nigeria? No. Has he even gone even you governors are unsafe if you continue to an Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) person in 2006 fifty per cent solving the problem? No. watch and do nothing. Doesn’t that disturb you? through 2007, when I contested for the office of Governor Immediately it happened, I was one of the first few in 2007. I returned to the corporate world. (See full interview online - www.thisdaylive.com) 72 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 18, 2021 OPINION Buhari’sBuuhahaarri’si’ssYo YouthYooututhth EmpowermentEmmpopowoweweermrmemeentnt ProgrammePrProrogogrgraraammmeme in North-CentralNoortrthth-h-C-CeCeentntrtrararalal

Adakole Mohammed region in particular, there is a large harvest of positive testimonies. In Kwara State for instance, it is reported that A total number of hose who have known President Muhammadu 2,560 beneficiaries are to benefit from the cash grants of N20,000 Buhari, right from his days as a military officer, each to uplift the socio-economic status of the rural women in the will easily locate where his constituency lies. As State. Again, it is also reported that Kwara State has received a total a military head of state, General Buhari, through sum of N1,946,196,000 from the federal government’s conditional his lifestyle, decisions and policies, had pitched his cash transfer programme from inception till date, impacting the tent with the army of the down-trodden in society. lives of 34,304 poor and vulnerable households in Kwara State. For the greater part of his public and private Eight local government areas are benefiting from the conditional life, he has been identified as a fighter for the cash transfer in the State. have-nots, the talakawa, so to speak. His ascetic lifestyle shorn of It is therefore not surprising to hear an elated Kwara State Tevery modicum of ostentation remains an eternal testament to his governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, declare that the flag-off support and defence of the hoi-polloi among us. of the Conditional Cash Transfer for rural women is another It is crystal clear that the suffering of the masses in the midst of testimony of the love that President Muhammadu Buhari has affluence in the country over the years is the leitmotif that pushed for the vulnerable and poor people. “Mr President’s exceptional Buhari into partisan politics with the return of democracy in 1999. interest in the welfare of the poor is one of those things that stand As he regrets his inability to change much in the lives of the masses him out among his peers.” of his countrymen and women as a military leader, he saw the The success story of the Buhari SIP in Kwara is not different in great opportunity to change things in a constitutional governn- other states of the North-Central region. Also in Kogi State, lives ment. And this explains why he sought the presidency on four are being changed as many are being daily lifted out of poverty. different occasions, until he succeeded in 2015. According to reports, no fewer than 3000 indigent women would Campaigning during the 2015 presidential election, Buhari Buhari benefit from the Federal Government’s Cash Grant for Rural wondered why there was so much poverty in the land in the Women Project’ in Kogi State. This was disclosed by the Minister midst of plenty. He was greatly appalled and pained by the entrepreneurs with a focus on young people and women. This of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social sufferings in the land by the poor masses while their supposed programme provides no-cost loans to its beneficiaries, helping Development, Sadiya Faro, recently. The Minister announced the leaders eat and belch. And, so in all his campaigns, he promised reduce the start-up costs of business ventures in Nigeria. Finally, plan during the flag-off of the Federal government Cash Grant for to fight the rampaging poverty in the country by creating a robust the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSF) is the one Rural Women Project at Government House in Lokoja. welfare package that would take care of the alarming army of way the government is attempting to increase school enrollment She said that a cash grant of N20,000 would be disbursed to unemployed graduates, youths, rural women and the most by providing meals to schoolchildren, particularly those in poor about 125,000 poor women across the 36 States of the Federaa- vulnerable in society to help lift them out of poverty. and food-insecure regions. tion and the Federal Capital Territory. ”It is consistent with the Thus, when President Buhari was elected in 2015 and subsee- It is worth celebrating that President Buhari graciously gave President’s new national vision of lifting 100 million Nigerians quently sworn in, his opponents in the opposition parties gloated the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management out of poverty in 10 years. It is designed to provide a one-off grant as the price of crude oil nose-dived in the international market, and Social Development, Sadiat Umar Farouq, his approval to to some of the poorest and most vulnerable women in rural and leaving him with significantly dwindling revenue. These naysayy- launch N-Power Batch C, on Thursday, March 11, 2021. Batches semi-urban areas of the country”, said the minister. ers wondered where the President was going to source the funds A and B with about 5,000 beneficiaries catered to, and provided Still in Kogi State, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, for his audacious welfare package that he promised the nation. opportunity for 109,823 N-Power beneficiaries to utilize the skills Disaster Management and Social Development, has employed Yet that turn of national fortune did not deter President Buhari. they acquired, and savings, to become business owners. It is in line and trained some youth volunteers to monitor the impacts of the He reached out to his well-known virtue of integrity and judicious with this great success story that President Buhari approved the integrated National Social Investment Programmes (N-SIP) on management of state resources as he marched on to change expansion of the scheme to “enable on-boarding of one million the people of Kogi State. This move is in line with community the lives of the masses. First, he started a vigorous fight against young Nigerians.” accountability principles to enhance effectiveness of the proo- corruption and recovery of looted funds and then the blocking In other words, Batch C of the N-Power programme is gramme. of various loopholes from which state funds were stolen. He was structured to reach out to one million young Nigerians starting In Nasarawa State, over two million households are to benefit good to go. out with initial 500,000 participants. What makes the scheme even from the Federal Government Social Investment Programme and So, in 2016, President Buhari launched the National Social more attractive and effective, unlike other past schemes by previi- lives in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are being transformed Investment Programme (NSIP) “to ensure a more equitable distrii- ous governments, is its inbuilt independent monitoring scheme. daily. In FCT for instance, not only are youths and women benefitt- bution of resources to vulnerable populations, including children, Trained monitors were selected at the federal level to monitor ing from cash payments, they are also being trained in financial youth, and women.” Under the scheme, government has created programme implementation at the states. These monitors applied management to secure their investments and consequently, their four programmes to address poverty and help increase economic online, and they were selected based on the LGA/communities future. Accordingly, “the SIP programme has captured over six development. they lived in. thousand beneficiaries with six payment circles in three Area The N-Power (Nigeria) programme provides young Nigerians According to the minister, “While implementation is done by Councils, and the training module would also help teach the with job training and education, as well as a monthly stipend the states, monitoring is carried out by the Federal Government beneficiaries the culture of savings.” of 30,000 (USD $83.33). The Conditional Cash through the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster In the past five years, President Buhari has rightfully changed Transfer programme directly supports the most vulnerable by Management and Social Development. The purpose of the the narratives in the politics and governance of this country. He providing no-strings-attached cash to those in the lowest income monitoring exercise is to ensure that objectives of the NSIP are is saying it loud and clear that government should be about the group, helping reduce poverty, improve nutrition and self- achieved, and that the programme is reaching beneficiaries people. The SIP in general and the launch of Batch C N-Power in sustainability, and supporting development through increased in efforts to achieve Mr President’s vision of lifting 100 million particular, represent a clear statement in this direction. And there consumption. Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years.” are many testifiers in the North-Central region! The Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme While these programmes are changing lives countrywide and ––Mohammed, a social commentator, contributed this (GEEP) is a micro-lending investment programme targeting lifting targeted populations out of poverty, in the North-Central piece from Abuja. Culture,Cultltuturere,e, EthnicEthnic RivalryRiRivivavalry andand thethe RoleRole of thethe MediaMedia A paper delivered by the Chief Press Secretaryy to the Governor of Kwara StateRafiu Ajakayej y at a one-day seminar organised by400 Level Students of Kwara State University Malete on April16,2021

feel honoured to be asked to give an However, what we cannot run away humankind will be to live sustainably with militants kill Hausa traders in Port Harcourt are address on this important national from is the fact that we come from different our planet. It is becoming clear that the second inimical to corporate existence of the country. discourse which, in my opinion, is at the backgrounds and had indeed been raised to see great struggle will be to live with each other The media is encouraged to align with core of Nigeria’s national security crisis. things in different ways — often time based on ‘graciously’ in the words of Isaiah Berlin.” peace journalism, rather than war journalism The topic — Culture, Ethnic Rivalry and sociocultural and religious perception of things Discussing a subtopic he called Reputational which I’m afraid seems to be in vogue in our the Role of the Media — is especially in our own ‘environment’. This is sometimes Politics, Saggar added that “at the start of the country today. War journalism plays up the important because of this audience. In the called the implicit bias, which is considered to twentieth century, British and American societies so-called ‘elite positions’ which hardly represent next one year or thereabouts, many of you be unintentional or unconscious stereotyping. were filled with influential assertions that the the views or dreams of the majority. War in this hall and your contemporaries nationwide Nonetheless, it is agreed that people differ absorptive capacity of either country immigrants journalism favours reporting only the differences wIill likely hold the key to what we read and whether in their tongues, idiosyncrasies, physical had been reached. This was not based solely on between (warring) parties and downplays their how we read them in the media, whether frame, or even belief system. Above all things, calculations about homes, jobs, or hospitals, but similarities, previous agreements and progress conventional or the new media. Our perception however, we are first and foremost humans and rather couched in terms of foreign, alien threats on common issues. In its worst form, war of ourselves as Nigerians — Igbo, Fulani, descendants of Adam. to the perceived Anglo-Saxon inner character of journalism props up the concept of zero sums. Yoruba, Hausa, Ibibio, Muslims, Christians, The interesting fact again is that our world these societies.” Renowned scholar of international relations farmers, herders, and many others — will be will get increasingly more complex as we evolve, I believe those words of Saggar were as true Joshua Goldstein says zero sums is an extreme shaped largely by what you write, how you and it would take more than profiling along of the identified American system yesterday and case where a party feels that its own survival write it, and the language you choose to write ethnic and cultural differences to build a society today as they are today about Nigeria where, is guaranteed only when and if the other party it. In Kwara here, for instance, the language that can weather the challenges of the 21st despite attempts to bridge the gap, people are ceases to exist. We have a perfect example in of the media in reporting issues bordering on century. getting increasingly territorial and stoking the how a section of the media constantly frames the ethnic and religious relations will go a long Shamit Saggar, author of the famous book ember of discord under whatever guise. herders-farmers crisis in zero sums terms, often to determine whether a Fulani Prince from Pariah Politics, made this point more pungently So where is the media in all of these? The role deploying ethnic slurs like Fulani herders in the Sheikh Alimi dynasty will be friend to an when he remarked that: “This century is likely of the media is critical in peaceful coexistence and the process. It is assumed that farmers can only Igbomina Prince from Kwara South. to see more movement across the globe by development. Our perception of one another, survive if herders are perpetually demonised I implore the academics in this gathering to more people than at any time in human the nature of our relationship, and the kind of and vice versa. This zero sums reporting style kindly let me jump over the niceties of defining history. To put it in another way, more of us rivalry that exists in our communities are largely in a section of the media has led to a dangerous what culture and ethnicity mean. I believe these would be encountering more people different influenced by what we read or see in the media. national narrative, the consequences of which are are terms we are all used to. Going into definii- in many ways from ourselves than any of our For example, headlines like Fulani herders burn better imagined. tions may tempt us into going into subtopics of ancestors…. “We already know that increasingly, churches in Katsina; Odua People’s Congress the complicated issues of culture and ethnicity. the first great battle for the twenty-first-century closes Igbo shops in Alaba market; Niger Delta ReadRead ffullull text onlineonline - www.thisdaylive.comwww.thisdaylive.com THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾PRIL 18, 2021 73 DISCOURSE Another Nuclear Arms Limitation Talk

epresentatives of the world powers that absolute peace to rain and avoid unnecessary nuclear signed a 2015 nuclear deal are in Vienna proliferation, I expect all parties to the negotiations since Tuesday to save the landmark must have a clearer vision of what all sides need to do accord, but the path forward appears to return to their commitments JCPOA at the end if long and arduous. Iran and six world Vienna talks. powers known as P5+1(China, France, In other to make meaningful progress at the end of Germany, Russia, United Kingdom and this whole iran’s nuclear deal, I believe that it will be the United States) reached a historic fool hardy to think that the process will be favourably nuclear deal on July 14th, 2015 that limited Iran’s conclusive under a single session. There must be more Rnuclear programme and enhanced monitoring in than 1 session to make progress. But this first session exchange for relief from nuclear sanctions. Prior to must not fail. It is not hard to predict that there will be this, Iran had been engaged in efforts to acquire the a mismatch between the Iranian expectations and what capability to build nuclear weapons for more than The sound of death nail to this agreement was quite the US is willing to offer. But with smart pragmatic 2 decades. Although it remains uncertain whether an implosion when Trump unilaterally pull the plugs approach, both sides would be able to find a mutually Tehran would have made the final decision to in 2018. A year later, Iran started scaling back it’s acceptable way forward. The key factor here is how build nuclear weapons. It had developed a range of commitment under the deal in response to the upscale the restoration of the JCPOA is sequenced. But I guess technologies, including uranium enrichment, war pressure from the US maximum campaign despite op- that if Tehran goes in with a maximalist expectations, head designs and delivery systems that would give position by other signatories to the nuclear agreement. it would come off the meeting empty handed. I also this option in relatively short time frame. In spite of Trump’s scorched earth policy to destroy Iran didn’t don’t see Iran accepting a step by step plan to lift the apprehensions of the international community help matters in this relationship. Trump unleashed, layers of American sanctions and expect the US to take in allowing Tehran that’s relatively short-fused in imposed, reimposed or relabelled some 1,600 sets of final step of all sanctions imposed by Trump. their usual serial altercation with Isreal whom they sanctions on Iran and inflicted a US1 trillion dollars threatened to obliterate at some point over issues worth of direct and indirect economic damage on Iran. Why The Talks Now that bother on the Palestinians over the years, Tehran In navigating through a renewed negotiation process, The seeming exertion of energy to restart the nuclear insists that it’s nuclear activities are entirely for it’s quite unclear how these sanctions will be revoked talks was actually influenced by the fact that Iran and peaceful purposes. or how many of the sanctions eventually maybe lifted China signed a 25 years comprehensive cooporation What, however follows is a chronological recount for Iran for iran to make good on its promise of com- agreement in late March after Foreign Minister Wang of the most significant development in Iran’s nuclear ing back to full compliance with the nuclear deals. Yi travelled to Tehran. Nuclear experts believe this programme. International efforts to negotiate a Trump administration officials made it a strategic Iranian move has an impact in influencing the US mood workable settlement to address this lingering contro- mission in 2020 to impose sanctions with new desig- for this meeting. For one, a 3 months agreement Iran versial issue and implementation of the agreement nations namely : terrorism and human rights abuses reached with the INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY with Iran and P5+1 was signed on the 14th July, 2015. on already sanctioned individuals in an effort to make AGENCY (IAEA) to temporarily keep the camera tapes This contract hit a bump when Donald Trump got it more difficult for a potential Joe Biden administra- off it’s surveillance of nuclear sites comes to an end in elected as the 45th President of the US on November tion to come back to the nuclear deal. Going forward May. That averted a crises in late February as without it, 8th 2016. He had threatened to cancel the agreement however, Iran expects all sanctions under any labels, the global nuclear watch-dog would face a significant on the campaign trail. He’d referred the nuclear pact imposed by Trump to be lifted for the ease of further gap in its monitoring of Iranian nuclear activities. as the worst agreement. He pledged to renegotiate negotiations. Moreover, the Iranian Presidential election in June is it while in office. The US allies however resisted any It appears officials in Tehran understand the condi- fast approaching. A likely promising Conservative or efforts and plans for Trump to renegotiate it before he tions within US and the Joe Biden’s administration hardline president possibly with an audacious military abysmally failed to win a second tenure. The world’s well. But at same time, that’s an issue that’s related to background who may not be in favour of preserving the community heaved a sigh of relief over the renewed US, not Iran. This negotiation is expected to be tough, JCPOA as the relatively moderate outgoing president, efforts to restart the nuclear negotiation with erratic especially since there maybe stark contrasts between Hassan Rouhani. Baring last minute change.of mind, I and bombastic Iran. In their estimation, you can’t what different sides expect each other to do or strongly believe that the Iranian President, Hassan Rou- handover a nuclear bomb to a temperate nation. That restore. However, expectations must be strategically hani would wish to leave power and legacy of lifting will be an untamed implosion on 4 legs. The ding reconciled to save the world from an erratic Iran with these raft of draconian sanctions as an ex president. His dong eyeball to eyeball stare has actually come to an nuclear war heads and probably supported by rogue administration is basically working hard to lift these end with the resumption of this important meeting. nations including, perhaps China and Russia. For sanctions as soon as possible.

Iranian President, Rouhani Russian President, Putin US President, Biden 74 APRIL 18, 2021˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER THE ALTERNATIVE with Reno Omokri How I Predicted the Fate Now Befalling Oby Ezekwesili he piece you will soon be reading was first pub- I am under no illusion that former President Jonathan was a Jonathan. lished on Sunday, April 19, 2020, in my column, saint. He had his flaws, one of which was allowing persons like At that time, she had some considerable credibility, which #TheAlternative, on Sunday ThisDay. Today, 365 Chief E K Clark and others speak for him, almost as his alter ego, she then used to further the campaign and candidacy of then- days later, and on another third Sunday in April, without calling them to order. But on a scale with his predecessors candidate Muhammadu Buhari. Oby cannot deny that her my words appear to have turned full circle in Oby and successor, I cannot find any Nigerian President or Head of public and private utterances and behaviour convinced many of Ezekwesili’s life. State who meant as well for Nigeria and Nigerians, as he did, and her followers to support the APC in 2015. As at the time it was published, the piece who took action towards making life better for the people. And then the APC won the 2015 Presidential election, after below went viral, with people giving me Dr. Jonathan did not deserve what Buhari, Nasir El-Rufai, and which General Buhari was sworn in on May 29, 2015. A year later, feedback to the effect that I hit the nail on the head. But there were Oby Ezekwesili conspired to do to him. And all of them will reap he appointed Hadiza Bala Usman, co-founder of Oby Ezekwe- aT few others, who felt that I was too harsh on Oby. what they showed, in this lifetime, and in the one to come. sili’s Bring Back Our Girls movement as the Managing Director To those few, I hope you have followed the events of the last This verse is just so apt: “For God is not mocked: whatever a of Nigerian Ports Authority, in keeping with Ogbeh’s proclama- week, as Oby Ezekwesili has been outed by one of the attack man sows, that shall he also reap.”-Galatians 6:7. tion that the BBOG was “led by members of this party”. dogs she and Mallam Nasir El-Rufai groomed to use against real Enjoy reading it again below. I am a researcher and a keen watcher of the APC and its and imagined enemies, and almost burned down Nigeria in the How APC Used Oby Ezekwesili, Rubbished Her, Then government, and I can tell you that it was not until it became clear process of actualising their plan to return to power by tarring the Dumped Her Like a #CoronaVirus Infected Cloth to Oby Ezekwesili that she was not going to get any appointment Jonathan administration. Do not be fooled. Oby Ezekwesili, for all her religious preten- from the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, that The revelations are sordid, and should not even be mentioned sions, is a self-righteous hypocrite. I know this because I have she turned on him and began to criticise his administration. in decent company. incontrovertible proof that lays her hypocrisy bare. Oby cannot claim altruism. She wanted a job badly. We know The worm that Oby fed until it became a snake has now Oby is a woman that loves to criticise others, but cannot stand to she is over-ambitious. When it was clear she would not get a job, turned against her. Meanwhile, both former President Jonathan, be criticised. While I was one of President Jonathan’s spokesmen, I she opted to run for the Presidency in 2019 against her previous and those who remained loyal to him, despite the unrelenting watched her criticise my boss using polite and impolite language. benefactor, Buhari. She refused to step down for a more electable barrage of lies from Oby’s surrogates, keep soaring higher. Then one day, I saw her respond to criticism by another person candidate. Despite her snake’s petition, Dr. Mrs Ngozi Okonjo Iweala is against her, and all hell broke loose. She attacked me like a mother Her then running mate, Gani Galadima, said that Oby was now the Director General of the World Trade Organisation. hen whose chickens were under threat and promised to report never serious about her Presidential run and that ‘Dr. Obiageli The only thing her former snake has not said concerning her is me to my boss. You can imagine! Reporting me to the very same ‘Oby’ Ezekwesili only wanted to use the platform of the ACPN to that he saw her nakedness, and slept with her, and even fathered authority she had been undermining. How rich! Typical Oby. negotiate to be Nigeria’s finance minister.’ His words, not mine. her twins. Well, knowing how vile and dirty they both are, it And then I wrote a parable tweet directed at someone who is Now, I urge Nigerians to situate her criticism of the Jonathan may yet get to that point. Both of them have neither shame nor now serving in Buhari’s government and called that person a administration against these facts and in retrospect, you begin to decorum. ‘wicked stepmother’. The narcissism of Oby then came to fore. see Oby for what she truly is. How could anyone have risen so high, only to fall so low? It She insisted that she was the one I was referring to (she was not!) And this has now been further corroborated by the allegation is the same old story from the celestial to the physical. Lucifer and then she savaged me again. made against her by Bello El-Rufai, the son of the Kaduna state wanted to be God, and ended up as a fallen angel. She wanted to Throughout the time that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was President Governor, who accused her of being a beggar while stating that be Ngozi Okonjo Iweala so badly. Wanting to be where God has of Nigeria and after his tenure, this woman verbally assaulted he has dates and receipts for her beggary. not placed her, and hating those who are where she wants to be, him, sometimes using the most savage and impolite terms. The younger El-Rufai’s words were as follows “I’ll attach and being willing to bring them down, no matter how low she I later got informed that her grouse was not really about Presi- receipts later and begging days’. has to go to achieve her aim. dent Jonathan, but instead about Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Even sadder still was the fact that this young man who used But I knew what and who Oby is and I warned Nigerians. The who she felt had left her behind. That is a tale for another day. to call Oby Ezekwesili as ‘Aunty Oby’ reverently, simply ad- only reason she is embittered about the Buhari administration Oby cannot deny that she was used by the All Progressives dressed her as Oby! Look how low she has fallen in the esteem is because El-Rufai became a Governor, Hadiza became head of Congress to undermine the Jonathan administration and rise of those who used and dumped her. She celebrated the young the Nigerian Ports Authority, and their various monster children to power. She and her co-travellers in her Bring Back Our Girls man when he disrespectfully called the sitting President of of hate became commissioners, board members, and contrac- movement were celebrated by the APC itself as “our members”. Nigeria ‘Ebele’, now she is aghast when he turns on her. tors. While she got-NOTHING! On October 15, 2014, a major chieftain of the APC, who later Oby should be aware that a slave who laughs when the In my Number One bestselling book, Facts Versus Fiction: became Minister of Agriculture under the party had said at the man fighting for his emancipation is killed and buried in a The True Story of the Jonathan Years: Chibok, 2015 and the Presidential declaration of General Muhammadu Buhari as shallow grave should expect no sympathy when the same Conspiracies, I said that the Chibok abduction actually occurred, follows: “We commend the #BringBackOurGirls movement led or worse is done to him. What has Bello El-Rufai said to Oby but that it was knowingly allowed to happen by forces within by members of this party”. that is not as bad as what he said against former President the All Progressives Congress, as part of moves to de-market the Moreover, on March 6, 2014, Oby Ezekwesili was the keynote Jonathan, which Oby Ezekwesili herself tolerated and even Jonathan administration, and that Oby Ezekwesili’s #Bring- speaker at the first-ever All Progressives Congress Economic celebrated? Summit, an event at which she did not lose the opportunity to sav- BackOurGirls was a willing tool for the de-marketing of former Read the full article online www.thisdaylive.com President Jonathan. Unfolding events are now vindicating me. age the person and administration of former President Goodluck

with Chido Nwakanma @ChidoNigeria THE PUBLIC SPHERE https://www.facebook.com/chido.nwakanma As Abia State Engages its Diaspora Community n a landmark legal and policy move, Abia State has term. Mrs Iro-Uchime was an active player in the Nigerians in and her successor, Dr Ogbonna-Erondu, for taking it to the become the first subnational to domesticate the federal Diaspora movement from her base in the . home stretch. legislation for the involvement of its citizens in the Iro-Uchime, a lawyer, did the spadework. Governor Ikpeazu diaspora in state affairs. The Abia Citizens in Diaspora approved the proposal requesting the setting up of the Abia The politics of international flights from Commission became a parastatal by an Act of the State Citizens in Diaspora Commission. On 29 June 2018, Enyinnaya Akanu Ibiam Airport Enugu Assembly on 22 March 2021. Okezie Esq, Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Aviation authorities have engaged deliberate obfuscation Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and the State House of Ministry of Justice commenced the legal process based on on the resumption of international flights from Akanu Ibiam Assembly’s Speaker have shone in the limelight deserv- approval of a draft by the Governor. It then went through the Airport Enugu. The airport is the only gateway from Eastern edly, but two women with pluck deserve even more accolades bureaucratic labyrinth until March 2021. Nigeria with the approval to offer such flights. However, the forI this happening. In the period, Mrs Iro-Uchime moved to another assign- belief in the streets and offices of Eastern Nigerian towns is The Abia Citizens in Diaspora Act and Commission reprises ment while Dr (Mrs) Ngozi Ogbonna-Erondu took over as that it seems some persons do not like it and seek to deny it the Nigerians in Diaspora Act 2017 and the Commission over Special Adviser on Diaspora Matters and Special Duties. Hon that right. which Hon Abike Dabiri presides. It sets out to ensure the Onyekwere Mike Ukoha sponsored H.A.B 21 or The Abians in Ethiopian Airlines is the only airline currently servicing the protection of Abians in the diaspora and project and facilitate Diaspora Commission Bill, 2020. Enugu route for international flights. Aviation Minister Hadi their effective participation in the state’s economic, political, Countries all over the world pay keen interest to their Sirika assures that international flights to and from Enugu and social development. Its objectives include providing a diaspora for economic concerns as well as the transfer of would resume on 3 May. As of Friday, 16 April 2021, there direct link to the involvement of Abians in the diaspora in knowledge and skills. The PWC white paper reports that was no indication that this would happen. the state’s development, exploring the “huge reservoir of Nigeria accounts for over a third of migrant remittance Why? There is suspicion of a deliberate policy impediment skills knowledge and experiences” of Abians abroad for state flows to Sub-Saharan Africa. PwC estimated that these flows from the Federal Government. Conspiracy theorists say development and exploring the most attractive and cost- amounted to US$23.63 billion (2017: US$22 billion) in 2018 and Africa’s leading airline may cease servicing the Enugu route efficient means for capital inflow or remittances, investments, represented 6.1% of Nigeria’s G.D.P. because of discriminatory taxes on that route by the aviation and transfer of technology among others by Abians outside “The 2018 migrant remittances translated to 83% of the bodies. the homeland. Federal Government budget in 2018 and 11 times the FDI The authoritative Enugu Metro.com reported that Ethiopian The Abia Citizens in Diaspora Commission will have an flows in the same period. Nigeria’s remittance inflows were Airlines is yet to open its portal for flights out of Enugu or sell Executive Chairman, a Director General, seven ministries’ also 7.4 times larger than the net official development assistance tickets. Travel agents await clarity from the aviation authorities. representatives and Abians in Diaspora in America, Asia, and (foreign aid) received in 2017 of US$3.4 billion. PwC estimates Stakeholders of the South-East must wake up to this danger, Europe. It did not mention Africa. Then there would be per- that migrant remittances to Nigeria could grow to US$25.5bn in whether it is a mere conspiracy theory or an actuality. Gover- sons from the Abia Investment Commission, Human Rights 2019, US$29.8bn in 2021 and US$34.8bn in 2023. Over 15-years, nors of the five states and various groups such as Ohanaeze Commission, three serving or retired diplomat. A curiosity PwC expects total remittance flows to Nigeria to grow by Ndigbo, Nzuko Umunna, Aka Ikenga and others should get is that the Chairman would be Chief Executive Officer with almost double in size from US$18.37 billion in 2009 to US$34.89 into the matter. accounting responsibility for the Commission yet serve on billion in 2023.” I have the testimony of entrepreneurs in , including part-time basis in the draft bill this correspondent saw. States and countries that harness this powerful economic my cousin, about the benefits and reduced expenses of The Abia State journey to tapping into what PWC calls force will derive many benefits. Kudos, therefore, to the travelling from Enugu rather than coming to Lagos for trips “strength from abroad: the economic power of Nigeria’s Abia State Government team for thinking long-term on this to China and other destinations. The F.G. must eschew any diaspora” began with the Okezie Ikpeazu leadership. He tremendous source of soft power. Commendation to Mrs actions that could raise suspicions about its intendments provided policy and strategic direction by appointing Mrs Vivian Iro-Uchime for bringing her passion, expertise and regarding Akanu Ibiam Airport after spending N10billion on Vivian Iro-Uchime as S.S.A., Diaspora Matters in his first experience in diaspora matters to deliver on this assignment fixing it. Clarity, please. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 18, 2021 75 with Chidi Amuta ENGAGEMENTS e-mail: [email protected] THE OBASEKI HERESY Economists, Politicians and the Death of Nations etween economists and their enabling politicians, free market economy with privatization and commercialization as the the fate of nations often hangs precariously on guiding mantras of reduced government participation in the economy. a balance. On their own, economists can be a The guiding creed, influenced by the Reagan and Thatcher effect, was miserable enough bunch in ordinary circumstances. that “government has no business in business”. Their professional relevance hangs on the precarious President Obasanjo was similarly confronted with the major uncertainty that all things may never become equal economic challenge of managing a post military economy. Again, in real life. Like Delphic oracles, economists keep Obasanjo took recourse in some of Nigeria’s best economics brains their relevance and stay in business because the at the time. The collective of Charles Soludo, Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala, politicians they serve are an insecure lot who need reassurance about Obiageli Ezekwesili joined hands with others to tackle the debt crisis, re- theB unknowns of economic life. The misery of economists is heightened organize the banking sector, introduce the GSM revolution, reorganize when as counselors to power they have to contend with recalcitrant or the stock market and work towards putting the commanding heights ignorant politicians. Quite often, when cornered by dreadful economic of the economy in the hands of Nigerian entrepreneurs. circumstances of their own making, politicians dig into their partisan Nigeria is neither the first nor will it be the last country where trenches, defy wise economic counsel and aim for short term wins to economists have assisted politicians to salvage the national economy retain popular appeal. and hence the nation itself from collapse. Ghana in the 1980s was a Yet, when they are lucky to find listening and enlightened politicians, basket case. It fell on the late Jerry Rawlings as civilian president to economists have been known to retrieve nations from the brinks of restore Ghana to economic life and some sovereign respectability. He catastrophe. But if they are burdened with ignorant politicians and took a recourse to a corps of IMF and World Bank economists to help pompous bureaucrats, economists can sometimes become accessories fashion economic policies that would help Ghana attract much need to the death of some nations. But in every circumstance, a politician multilateral assistance to restructure and reenergize its economy. It is who also understands real economics and is ready to tell its truths can on record that Rawlings kept Kwesi Botchwey whom he borrowed end up as either a blessing or a pitiable outcast. from the World Bank as his finance minister for 9 years first and another Edo state governor Godwin Obaseki has wandered into the grey 5 years under a subsequent administration to initiate and manage zone where economic counsel can signal either the demise or salva- Ghana’s recovery and economic transition. With a disciplined political tion of a nation. Before he sauntered into partisan politics courtesy leadership and stable economic policy thrust, Ghana returned from of Adams Oshiomole, Mr. Obaseki could pass as a financial sector Obaseki the precipice to become the pearl of foreign investment and political technocrat and investment banker of lean repute. With that back- awaiting trials holding cell congestions. Support staff of the National stability that the world knows today. Politicians and economists in ground, he should ordinarily know a thing or two when he is talking Assembly and their state colleagues are gearing to join in the parade of beneficial harmony! about matters of finance and economics. He recently stepped away strikes which will shut down the legislature, a development that will In recent African history, bad politics has been assisted by disastrous from the politics of his office to mount the pulpit of economic prophesy- transform the federal and state governments into virtual autocracies. economics to accelerate the demise of some nations. In the dying years ing. In the process, he definitely jumped on a few sore toes by choosing Staff of NAFDAC the agency that certifies the safety of drugs and foods of the Mobutu autocracy in what used to be Zaire, the economy had to comment on the troubled state of the nation’s economy. Mr. Obaseki have commenced a nationwide strike. The atmosphere in our public literally ceased to exist. Civil servants could hardly remember when last is first and foremost a politician who is governor of a state on a partisan universities and polytechnics remain unstable as academic and non- they received a salary. A primitive barter system and the elastic limits platform that pits him in opposition to the ruling party at the center. academic staff shift relays for sporadic strikes that have paralysed the of the African extended family system sustained an invisible economic His curiously timed critique of our current economic habits did campuses for over a year. thread. If and when civil servants did receive any remuneration, it not contain much ground breaking points. He drew attention to the In response to all these, Nigerians are yet to hear a coordinated was worthless as the national currency was hardly worth the paper danger in the familiar ritual of states heading to Abuja monthly to position on the state of the economy from the government and its on which it was printed. Even soldiers and the police went for months pick up cheques to pay recurrent bills or service mounting debts. He economists. President Buhari’s Economic Advisory Council has since without pay. Men and women heavily armed by the state were left to further lamented the decline of oil and fossil fuels as a revenue sources its inception remained ominously silent. Neither has any one heard their own designs, fleecing locals and extorting virtually everyone else. in a global environment that is phasing out fossil fuels. He alarmed from the president’s Chief Economic Adviser (whoever that may be!). It To sustain some illusion of a state and sovereignty, Mobutu resorted the deaf about the ongoing massive divestment of oil majors from is hard to decipher the precise economic policies and measures that are to printing as much of the worthless currency as possible for distribu- places like Nigeria to alternative destinations with alterantive energy being deployed to contend with current and looming disasters. tion to the populace just to sustain the illusion that the failed state was propositions. Ordinary folk have no business with the technical frays among the still alive. Since the banks had since closed their doors to angry daily Most importantly, Mr. Obaseki repeated the public alarm at the economic and political elite. Ours is to live life affordably. We know the mobs, the government still needed to get the worthless new notes massive indebtedness of government and continuing unrestrained state of the economy when things begin to bite. Economists may call across to the populace. People had resorted to daily protests and borrowings. Current domestic debts, according to him, now stand at it inflation at the current 18.1%, an increase from last month’s 17.1%. gatherings in public squares in the hope that something would happen. over16 trillion Naira and still counting. The most frightening charge But we know increasing hardship when it comes knocking as now. The Central Bank and its cast of useless economists had quietly bolted in the Obaseki treatise is the allegation that the federal government Economists call it GDP contraction. But we see higher gasoline prices, away. But Mobutu, the wily African fox, had not run out of tricks yet. resorted to printing of N60 billion in worthless currency to shore up its increased electricity tariffs, higher food prices and astronomical rents He decided on a short cut to deliver the notes to the people. Helicopters funding of last month’s FAAC obligations to states and local govern- on residential space. We see multiple taxes on small businesses by states loaded with the worthless notes were flown low over Kinshasha on ments. and local governments. The money changer has been adjusting the specific days to scatter the notes among the beleaguered throngs. In the As an opposition state governor, Mr. Obaseki merited the ire of Naira/Dollar exchange rate every week till it got to the present N475 to feverish scramble to get as much of these pieces of paper as possible, officialdom in the form of polite partisan insults. The Central Bank $1 USD. many were injured and the old and infirm ended up in hospitals that has quickly risen in fiery defense of the government, first roundly The hospitals have scant drugs and if you have no money, you had neither personnel nor medicaments. denying Obaseki’s claims on the currency printing. After a few days, go there only to come out feet first. The school proprietor is fed up of However, the country was still ‘rich’ being home to some of the most the CBN governor readjusted the defense into a tacit admission. The endless excuses on deferment of school fees and has decided that junior valuable minerals in the world(Gold, diamond, uranium, copper states are being doled worthless new Naira to repay what they owe the cannot remain in school without paying up arrears of fees. At work and cobalt). It was easily the most mineral rich country on earth but federal government. Similarly, the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Amina today, the office manager, wearing a long face, told us that the business the state had collapsed beyond redemption. Mining activities were Zakari Mohammed joined the CBN in the initial stiff denial. The CBN has regrettably had to fold up since even the option of working from mostly in the hands of illegal gangs- bandits, militias, private armies, governor has merely accused Obaseki of playing politics with a dire home cannot sustain the business. He hands out some worthless and some government troops on rent to gangster collectives. They economic situation. But politicians play politics with anything at hand! envelopes whose contents are known in advance. Check back when the were all paying royalties to gangster politicians and their powerful All the public knows and can feel are the signs of desperate economy improves! foreign allies. Mobutu and his family were shareholders in this jungle economic times. A combination of oil market distress, global Corona In all fairness, this is not the first time that our economic fortunes economy. Literally nothing went to the national treasury. The state had virus disruptions and unparalleled insecurity have added to Nigeria’s have been on a precipice. The only novelty now is that we are facing collapsed. Only Mobutu personified the state in a cruel parody of the pre-existing economic conditions. Add these to ramped up corruption economic distress at a time of unprecedented insecurity. Even then, the Medieval absolutist dictum of L’etat c’est moi!. On 17th May 1997, his (Transparency International, US Government), fiscal irresponsibility, Civil war posed serious economic challenges at a bad time. It required bodyguards loaded Mobutu and his family into a hurriedly arranged gross mismanagement and a rudderless economic policy environ- the homegrown economic wisdom of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and exile flight to Morocco. He never returned, except as a corpse. ment and you get the profile of Buhari’s Nigerian economy. his economists to navigate Nigeria through a war time and the immedi- A variant of the Zaire situation was enacted in the years preced- Currently, the government is in trouble on how to fund the deficits ate post-war economy of the 1970s. ing the toppling of Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe. In spite of the in the 2021 budget. It has stumbled from creaming off balances from As civilian president, Alhaji inherited fewer economic controversial confiscation of lands belonging to white farmers and the dormant accounts of bank depositors to stealing unclaimed dividends challenges than he and his NPN politicians created. But he and his virtual nationalization of strategic assets from white business owners, from either dead or uninterested small investors. Even more desperate colleagues justified incurring debts, insisting that Nigeria was under the economy tanked on a year by year basis. The national currency is the recourse to selling off national assets ranging from the National borrowed even though it had continued to dutifully fulfill its financial continued to be freely devalued until it had literally no value. In one of Theatre, public squares, stadia and uncompleted power plants. That obligations to multilateral lender institutions like the World Bank those silly brainwaves, Mugabe decided that it was best to replace the a government in such dire straights could go the extra step of printing and the IMF. In response to this pro-debt rhetoric of the ruling party, Zim Dollar with the US dollar. There was dire shortage of the US dollar. worthless naira notes is well within the zone of desperate possibility. Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria(UPN) countered So he returned to a dual currency regime- the increasingly worthless After selling off these assets just to fund the 2021 budget, who knows and warned that debt service would cripple the economy in the Zim Dollar side by side with the US dollar were briefly legal tender. what else will be sold to fund next year’s budget. And that would be future. Shagari’s liberal and conservative economists led by Professor Shortages of essential consumables became the norm. Social goods the year to plan for transition politics and the usual lame duck season Emmanuel Edozien stood their grounds. On the other hand, Chief like electricity and water followed as the government treasury ran out when government goes into a sleep mode of unproductivity. Awolowo and kindred spirits like Prof. Sam Aluko led the charge of of foreign exchange to sustain essential services. Protests and hunger Therefore, desperate denials of Obaseki’s charge of printing of progressive and social democratic economists who insisted that a debt riots became a daily occurrence. Shops ran empty. Factories ground to a useless currency notes will not do. Economic doom is a subject that trap was avoidable. The partisan divide had economists on both sides halt. Government offices worked on staggered roasters. The army and defies political grand standing. The reality is the reality. Instructively, in of the ideological gulf. Each side marshaled facts, figures and statistics to security forces concentrated on protest management. The people had less than a week after the Obaseki ‘heresy’, a rash of state governments buttress its stance. That was Nigeria’s season of enlightened economic become the enemy. have screamed out loud. According to a cross section of governors, discourse. Inflation figures ran up to the millions and then billions until they are on the average spending above 90% of their federal revenue From 1985, former military president General Ibrahim Babangida economists ran out of digits and the wise ones sneaked out of town. receipts on workers salaries and pensions obligations. Some states like was faced with an even more daunting economic situation. The According to Old Mutual, the inflation rate was a staggering 79.6 billion Gombe and Kano have already slashed salaries of political office hold- economy had literally collapsed under Buhari’s draconian authoritari- percent as at November 2008! The Zim Dollar was losing half its value ers by upwards of 50%. Many states have been in arrears of workers anism. Babangida assembled easily the most comprehensive economic every 24 hours and 42 minutes. On the eve of Mugabe’s ouster, the salaries and pensions obligations for several months on end. team to initiate an appropriate set of policies that saw Nigeria out of the exchange rate of the Zimbabwe Dollar stood at 35,000.000, 000,000,000 On a national scale, massive labour unrests loom. Resident doctors desperate times. The collective of Ojetunji Aboyade, , Zimbabwe dollars to $1 US dollar! Mugabe was escorted home by have just suspended a strike that began as president Buhari jetted off to Chu Okongwu, Michael Omolayole, Olu Falaye and others walked his deputy aided by the army. The economists melted out of town. London on medical vacation. Staff of the nation’s judiciary have been the nation through a difficult Structural Adjustment Programme. The Zimbabwe is still reeling under the weight of a long night of disastrous on strike, causing courts to shut down with the attendant prison and nation was migrated from a centralized planning mixed economy to a economics and perilous politics. 76 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͯͶ˜ͰͮͰͯ

News Editor: Gboyega Akinsanmi NEWS E-mail: ÑÌÙãÏÑ˲ËÕÓØÝËØ×Ó̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙט͸΀͹ͽͺͻͽ΁ͺͽͻ Illegal Arms Threaten Nigeria’s Survival, Ex-Generals Warn ‡ Canvass declaration of a state of emergency on illegal arms ‡&KDOOHQJH)*WRZRUNRQVXSSO\VLGHWRVWRSDUPVLQÁRZ

Gboyega Akinsanmi Another report by SMB Intel- Nigeria can ill afford, particularly, state of emergency.” in circulation at 6.145 million. in and there is a ready market ligence and Open Society Initiative in the face of the unguarded He, equally, recommended, “If we have one million illegal for them, it means it is a matter Four retired generals of the for West Africa (OSIWA) revealed statements by some governors a special operation for the arms in Nigeria, we will not sleep. of demand and supply. What is Nigerian Army yesterday warned that the armed forces and law and high-profile individuals in Nigeria Armed Forces (NAF), It means it will outnumber the the demand for? How well do the federal government that enforcement agencies “collectively respect of encouraging the arming Nigeria Police, and other security number of arms in the hand of military and security agencies Nigeria might cease to exist with account for 586,600 firearms, of the citizenry for self-defence services, “to retrieve all weapons the military and security agencies. protect the arms they carry? over 6.145 million small arms and representing about 8.71% of the and protection of livestock.” illegally imported or smuggled With the situation that we have, “Aside, are those arms so cheap light weapons (SALW) illegally total small arms and firearms in He, therefore, said it was a into Nigeria through our porous it means that we are not working that anybody can afford to buy in circulation nationwide. circulation.” matter of national urgency “to borders. Otherwise, we stand a risk on the supply side of where the them when they come in? What The ex-generals, therefore A former Head of State, Gen. rejig the security and intelligence of losing Nigeria, as a failed state.” arms are coming from.” are our intelligence systems doing asked the federal government Abdusalami Abubakar, at a architecture of the nation, by However, Williams, founder of He challenged the federal either at the border or within to declare a state of emergency meeting of the National Peace issuing a presidential directive, Pan African Strategic and Policy government “to work on the the country? For instance, who on arms proliferation and try to Committee (NPC) in Abuja on supported by the National As- Research Group, disputed the report supply side, the arms will continue authorised Fulani herdsmen to stop them from coming into the April 8, stated that there were sembly, to declare a “national that put the number of small arms to come in. When arms come carry arms. country instead of focusing on over six million weapons in the the demand side only. country. In separate interviews with Expressing grave concern about THISDAY, the ex-generals warned arms proliferation in the country, that the growing trend of arms Bajowa warned that Nigeria might proliferation “portends grave threat cease to exist if strategic measures to national peace and security if were not adopted to address the the federal government does not challenge. address it decisively.” He observed that such a state- They are a former Com- ment coming from a retired army mandant, Training and Doctrine general, a former Head of State Command, Nigerian Army, Maj.- and current Chairman of Nigeria Gen. Ishola Williams; a one-time Peace Committee portrayed the Permanent Secretary, Federal security situation in Nigeria, Ministry of Defence, Maj.-Gen. serious, scary, and worrisome. Oluyemi Bajowa; and a retired In an asymmetric warfare General Officer Commanding, 1st situation, Bajowa revealed that six Division, Maj.-Gen. Abiodun Role million are enough “to arm 6,000 and an erstwhile Chief of Staff, battalions with each unit having Nigerian Army Infantry Corps a strength of about 1000 fighting Centre, Brig.-Gen Saleh Bala. men, or about one thousand five The Small Arms Survey, a hundred (1,500) Brigades of four publication of the Graduate Battalions each or at worst three Institute of International and hundred and seventy-five (375) Development Studies in Geneva, Divisions of 4 Brigades each. , had put the number “Such an illegal force, if properly of small arms in the hands of organised and well commanded, DADDY G.O. IN EKITI. . . civilian non-state actors nationwide can easily overrun a federation L-R: Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Bisi Fayemi; General Overseer, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor E.A. Adeboye; Ekiti State at 6,145,000. of 36 states. This is a situation Governor, Kayode Fayemi, during the cleric’s visit to the Government House, Ado-Ekiti…yesterday FG Inaugurates Warri-Itakpe Railway Line After 30-Year Neglect

Sunday Okobi and Kasim due to paucity of funds. within five years, the federal administrations of the late of the 1,067 mm narrow gauge been awarded to China Sumaina This was disclosed during government started the rail President Umaru Yar’Adua and on the Western and Eastern Civil Engineering Construction the unveiling of the rail infra- project in 1987 then under the President Goodluck Jonathan. lines. Corporation (CCECC). The federal government structure on Friday at Ujevwu, administration of Gen. Ibrahim But it became the priority of He said the first 198 kilo- “It is a prelude to the has unveiled the Warri-Itakpe a Delta State community close Babangida who left office on President Muhammadu Buhari metres of rail line constructed eventual construction of the standards gauge railway 30 to Warri, the state’s commercial August 27, 1993. when he assumed office on in Nigeria by the colonial standard gauge under the years after it started construct- city. The project had suffered May 29, 2015. government was from Lagos Strategic Railway Moderni- ing the rail line designed to At the inauguration were outright neglect under the At its inauguration, Musa to Ibadan in 1898-1901 and sation plan,” NRC’s board transport iron ore from Itakpe the Minister of Transportation, regimes of late Gen. Sani said the construction of Warri- was 1,067 mm narrow gauge chairman said. to Ajaokuta and Aladja Steel Rotimi Amaechi, Chairman, Abacha and Gen. Abdulsalam Itakpe Railway was designed classification. When properly integrated, Rolling Mills in Delta. Governing Board of the Abubakar. But the adminis- for the transportation of Iron He said: “The Lagos- Musa said, the rail line would The apex government Nigerian Railway Corporation tration of former President Ore from Itakpe to Ajaokuta Calabar coastal line and the provide efficient services for disclosed that the rail in- (NRC), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Olusegun Obasanjo brought and Aladja Steel Rolling Mills Kano-Maradi standard gauge high density flows of pas- frastructure was slated for and Group Managing Director, it back again, though could in Delta. railway project are in view for sengers, and cargo traffic completion within five years Nigerian National Petroleum not implement it substantially. He explained that the financing and commencement. over relatively long distances, after construction started in Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Also, no major progress was existing railway network “The upgrade of the Port including huge volumes of 1987, though claimed that it Mele Kyari, among others. recorded on the implementation nationwide covered 3, 505 Harcourt-Maiduguri nar- containerised cargoes or bulk was stalled for over 30 years Slated for completion of the rail project under the kilometres of single-track routes row gauge line has already freight. Johnson’s Will: Banire Drags Lawyer Before Disciplinary Committee Adeboye: Kidnapping Monarchs, Affront to Traditional Institution Tobi Soniyi to the Managing Director the estate of late Mrs. Helen Victor Olakitan in Ado Ekiti Suspected gunmen had who had earlier visited the place of Stanbic IBTC Bank made Aroon Gill Johnson briefed invaded the Palace of Obadu had retired. Legal tussle over the estate certain courteous and de- his firm, M. A. Banire & As- The General Overseer of the of Ilemeso, Oba David Oyewumi “In the process of shooting, they of late Mrs. Helen Johnson has famatory statements. sociates, to represent them Redeemed Christian Church of and abducted the monarch. gained entrance into the bungalow taken a new turn, following a Banire claimed that the in a number of cases and to God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye Ilemeso is a neighbouring town where the traditional ruler and petition written by Dr. Muiz letter was a violation of take immediate and necessary yesterday noted that abduction to Fayemi’s country home in members of his family were and Banire (SAN) to the Legal Rule 15 (2) (a), (3) (g) & steps in the pending suits. of monarchs was an affront to Oye Local Government Area. started beating them. Practitioners’ Disciplinary (j) of the Rules of Profes- The petitioner stated that, traditional institutions. Oyewumi’s abduction occurred “They were asking after the Committee over alleged sional Conduct for Legal his clients informed him that Adeboye, however, predicted within a week some suspected monarch which showed that they letter written by a junior Practitioners. since 2017, some of their that God would put an end to bandits rained bullets on a car really came for him and not any lawyer, Mr. Osho Oluyemi. He said the statement bank accounts had been the rising rate of banditry, abduc- belonging to Elewu of Ewu other person. Immediately they Banire has also filed a constituted a direct attack on frozen via three (3) Bankers’ tion, kidnapping and violence Ekiti, Oba Adetutu Ajayi along sighted him, they dragged him suit against the respondent his personality and integrity, Orders respectively dated nationwide, urging Nigerians Ewu-Ayetoro Road and wounded and took him out of the palace,” before the Lagos State High and that of legal practitioners 4 the October 2017, 16th to pray for the country amid the traditional ruler. the source narrated.” Court seeking N200 million in his law firm as well as October 201 7 and 16th diverse challenges undermining In the instant case, according to But speaking in Ado Ekiti compensation for alleged a Chief Magistrate I of the October 2017, 28th December her peace and security. reports, the gunmen, numbering yesterday, Adeboye said traditional damage to his reputation. Lagos Magisterial District. 2017, and 28th December 2017 He made these remarks six, had scaled the fence of the institutions deserved respect be- In his petition with Highlighting the facts obtained by the Inspector yesterday when he paid a Oba’s palace and shot sporadi- cause of the critical roles it plays in reference number, BB/ leading to the alleged act General of Police before the courtesy visit to the state cally to scare the occupants. society, saying, “It is condemnable LPDC/287/2020, Banire of unprofessional conduct, Magistrate Court, Lagos in governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi A source at the palace had nar- the flagrant disrespect to our stated that the respondent, the petitioner stated that the connection with a police at the Government House, Ado rated that the incident happened traditional institution in Ekiti Osho Oluyemi in his letter Executor and the Executrix of investigation. Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital. around 8.30p.m. when the chiefs state in recent times by gunmen.” THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͯͶ˜ͰͮͰͯ 77 NEWSXTRA Judiciary Sliding into Crisis without Hope of Recovery, NBA Laments David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Awuka said the committee in the action, including mobilising The resolution said: “The “The committee calls on all the Obiano, to immediately “is worried about the on-going a protest that would compel the committee fully lends its 36 state governors of the commence the implementation of The Committee of Chairmen of nation-wide strike action embarked government to listen to the support to the demands of federation, particularly the provisions of the constitution as the Branches of the Nigerian Bar upon by JUSUN which has now union’s cries, if the right thing JUSUN and shall sustain this the Governor of Anam- it relates to the financial autonomy Association (NBA) in Anambra lasted for more than one week was not done. support until the demands are met. bra State, Chief Willie of the judiciary. State at the weekend lamented that with no hope of its end in sight. the justice was gradually sliding “The governors of the 36 states into a destructive dungeon with have deliberately subjected the no hope of recovery. judicial arm of government to their The committee, comprising subservient appendage. This grossly eight branches of NBA in the state, unconstitutional situation has in said the over dependence of the turn eroded the autonomy and judiciary, as an arm of government, independence of the judiciary and on the executive “is killing the led to infrastructural and human justice sector. This is capable of resource deficit. breeding anarchy in the country.” “The justice sector of our country The committee expressed this is progressively sliding into the concern at a news conference its destructive dungeon with no Chairman, Mr. Kingsley Awuka hope in sight of its recovery,” addressed on Friday in the committee lamented. on the ongoing nationwide strike The committee read out a by the Judiciary Staff Union of resolution, backing JUSUN in Nigeria (JUSUN). the strike, pledging to support it Remita Commences Sale of 2021 JAMB ePINs Remita, a leading electronic net) and click ‘Buy JAMB form’, payment company, has said select ‘UTME’ or ‘Direct Entry’ it began the sale of 2021 Uni- and input their confirmation versal Tertiary Matriculation code, registered phone number, Examination (UTME) ePINs to and other necessary details. prospective candidates seeking “Candidates can make pay- WE SHARE YOUR GRIEF . . . admission into tertiary institu- ments using their debit/credit tions in Nigeria. card, internet banking, mobile Enugu State Governor, Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi with the Deputy Governor, Cecilia Ezeilo (middle); Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor, Vitalis The company revealed this wallet, USSD and others options. Ndu (2nd left); Managing Partner, Fit Consult Ltd, Loretta Aniagolu (2nd right) and Dr. Afam Ike, when the governor paid condolence to the Ike family in a statement at the weekend, Once payment is completed, during the funeral of their brother, Dr. Chinedu Ike, at Umana Ndiagu, Ezeagu LGA… yesterday. noting noted that the decision PIN is delivered to the followed a recent announcement candidate’s phone number by the Joint Admission and and also displayed on their Iyalode Tinubu Family Embraces Peace, Withdraws Suit Against Akindele Matriculations Board (JAMB), Remita receipt,” it added. of the sale of ePINs for UTME Product Manager, Ap- and Direct Entry registrations plications and Vertical Tobi Soniyi of the great Yoruba ancestor. the affidavit in support of the members to cause confusion till May 15. Markets at SystemSpecs, the After they agreed to work application sworn in support by which had resulted in legal It said” “Prospective can- providers of Remita, Kayode The family of the late Madam together, the family consequently one Gafar Babatunde Ibrahim, actions in courts. didates are to commence the Osinulu, said prospective Iyalode Efunroye Tinubu has finally instructed their lawyer, Mr and the fact that the family had These crises got to a head process by registering their candidates of the 2021 UTME agreed to settle the rift among them J.O.Ogunbiyi to withdraw the indeed settled their differences, sometimes in 2019, when some National Identification Number are guaranteed fast, reliable and by withdrawing a suit filed by suit filed challenging the legal therefore there was no need to members of the board of trustees (NIN) by typing the word ‘NIN’, seamless registration when they some aggrieved members of the status of Adamakin Investment go on with the matter. of the Iyalode Efunroye TInubu then space, adding their 11-digit buy their ePINs on the Remita family against Chief Akinfolabi and Chief Akinfolabi Akindele lyalode Efunroye Tinubu left Estate went to court challenging NIN and sending as an SMS to platform. Akindele as the holder of the as the authentic sole holder of large expanse of land to her family. the legal status of Adamakin 55019, e.g (NIN 00123456789). “Our payment system delivers power of attorney over the the power of attorney to Iyalode This has been a source of rift Investment and Chief Akinfolabi “They would receive a a seamless experience to every expanse of land left behind by Efunroye TInubu Estate in Lagos among the family. Akindele as the sole holders 10-character confirmation code candidate as they purchase their the late Yoruba warrior. state. However, following wise of the power of attorney to on the telephone number that PIN. They can also make this Prior to the discontinuation of After the application to dis- counsel, the family collectively Iyalode Efunroye TInubu Estate would be used to purchase their purchase at any time and from the suit, some elders of the two continue was moved, the trial decided to seek the path of unity in Lagos. ePINs,” the statement noted. anywhere through any of the warring families (the Shobowale judge Justice O. Mabekoye of in their efforts to recover their Earlier, in their statement of “They are to then proceed to multiple payment options family and the Lumosa family) the Ogun State High Court in family land from individuals defence, Mr Kunle Awoma, law- the Remita website (www.remita. available on Remita,” he said. had agreed to bury the hatchet Abeokuta struck out the matter. who in most cases are not family yer to Adamakin and Akindele and stop washing their dirty In his ruling on the applica- members, but detractors who had asked the court to dismiss linens in the public in the interest tion, Justice Mebekoya, noted insist on using some family the matter. Abuja Farmer Seeks Peaceful Settlement With NULGE Warns Lawmakers against Passing Bill Seeking to Scrap LGs Chibuzor Oluchi be vested exclusively in the state He said those behind the plot National Assembly, after which Fulani Herders houses of assembly “in accordance were insensitive to the plight and they would storm the country Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole but it all ended in fracas as he The Nigeria Union of Local with the principle and practice of governance needs of the majority homes of all members of the in Abuja and twelve members of his staff Government Employees (NULGE) true federalism”. of Nigerians in the rural areas. parliament. were attacked by the herders with yesterday threatened to occupy the The lawmaker had argued He said NULGE planned to “Our existence is being The Managing Engineer, matchetes leading to the sustenance homes of members of the House the bill would go “some good occupy the homes of all federal threatened; we will not sit EcoZone Integrated Services of injuries from machete cuts. of Representatives if it passed a way towards fixing the many lawmakers over the plan to scrap down and watch. There will Limited, Mr. Adedayo Adefarakan According to him, the workers bill seeking to scrap the local centripetal anomalies in the 1999 the local government system, be a national protest there at the has called on security agencies are scared of coming to work and government (LG) in the country. constitution”. warning that the sponsor of National Assembly,” he said. and traditional rulers within that the farm could not be run A member of the House of Warning against the passage of the bill and other lawmakers, “They are no longer represent- Gwagwalada Area Council of the effectively. Representatives, Mr. Solomon Bob the bill yesterday, the President who support it, would face the ing us, they are representing Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to He said that Adefrankan was had in December 2020 sponsored of NULGE, Mr. Ambali Olatunji wrath of the workers. themselves. Bob Emmanuel, find a lasting settlement to dispute seeking the help of all stakeholders a bill to remove the third tier of described those calling for the Olatunji said: “If the bill is who benefited from the local between his farm and herders. to ensure peace return to the area. government from the constitution. scrapping of local councils not killed immediately, the government system, has now A staff of the farm, who spoke He said: “The workers are scared Bob had asked that LGs as enemies of Nigerians and workers would in the next become so disillusioned that he with THISDAY on condition of and most of them are insisting on creation, powers and funding democracy. few days stage a protest at the wants the system scrapped. anonymity, said Adefarakan who staying away from work if security also runs AquaDew Ice Factory is not guaranteed as their lives Ltd in Gwagwalada, was desirous are under threat.” Businesses, Citizens Reeling under Multiple Taxes, Says PDP of having a peaceful co-existence The source said that since 2015 between his farm and the herders. Oluchi Chibuzor and hapless due to a hostile negative impact on business He challenged Sanwo-Olu when the farm took off, there had economic environment. and commercial activities to look into so many illegal He said that the dispute between been no violence as both the farm Adefarakan and the herders The Peoples Democratic The Chairman of Lagos and made life miserable for and multiple taxes being col- workers and the herders enjoyed Party (PDP), Lagos State, yes- PDP, Mr. Deji Doherty ex- the people in the face of a lected by force from Lagosians started on April 1st 2021 when a cordial relationship. some herders invaded the farm terday alleged that individuals pressed this concern during global pandemic. in every nook and cranny of The staff also said that Adefara- and corporate businesses in the a recent virtual town hall “The economic hard- the state. claiming that some of their cows kan was grateful to the police and died after eating oranges thrown state were reeling under the meeting, kicking against ship Nigerians are going Doherty alleged that some other security agencies for their burden of multiple taxation. what he described as illegal through brought about unscrupulous agents “are out of the farm. intervention so far but that his They alleged that the oranges Consequently, the main and multiple taxes imposed maladministration and working for a few political ultimate wish was for him, his opposition party claimed that on individuals and corporate mismanagement of public power holders,” describing were poisoned, an allegation the staff and their neighbours to live farm denied. the future of young people bodies in the state. resources by political leaders such acts as unlawful against in peace and harmony as that is in the country, especially Doherty said the adminis- in the state coupled with the the citizens, which he said can The staff said Adefarakan made the only atmosphere under which efforts to settle the matter amicably in Lagos State, “is not only tration of Governor Babajide global pandemic,” the party cripple the economy of any business could thrive. dim but has become hopeless Sanwo-Olu “has caused a chairman said. country. 78 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͯͶ˜ͰͮͰͯ NEWSXTRA IPOB: S’East Govs Compiling Our Names to Hand over to FG

The Indigenous People of Biafra compiling their names with the country is that people will leave Network (ESN), which it runs as these efforts. which has been recording increasing (IPOB) has accused the Southeast support of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and their problems and make your a security arm. “The South-Eastern Governors in criminal attacks in recent weeks. governors of compiling the names some traditional rulers. problem their problem. ”But what “This wicked move was sug- collaboration with all the Traditional It said it has nothing to do of its members to hand over to This came in the heels of the some of these people are doing is gested by the Nigeria Government Rulers in the Zone and the PGs of with those carrying out the at- the federal government. pledge by South East governors to to incite the South-East into war and her security operatives with all the communities in the Zone tacks, adding: “We wonder why IPOB, a Biafran separatist resist attempt by IPOB, to frustrate and step aside, and we are not the hope to weaken IPOB and are compiling names of suspected the government will continue to organisation, alleged that the its new security network, code- going to buy into that; we’re not ESN making every effort to flush IPOB members in their respective associate us with that group without federal government and its named Ebube Agu. going to be deceived again.” terrorists out of our land,” Powerful communities to hand over to Ni- investigations. security agencies were behind the Chairman of the South East He said Ebube Agu was created said in a statement. geria security agencies for possible “The Nigeria Government must plan with a view to weakening Governors Forum and Ebonyi State primarily to protect lives and “Our efforts to stop terrorists in executions.” understand that IPOB cannot be the organisation and the Eastern Governor, Dave Umahi said the properties in the South East. the East have indisputably intensi- IPOB added that the purported decimated no matter what they Security Network (ESN). Eastern Security Network, ESN, set In its statement yesterday, IPOB, fied since the formation of ESN clampdown was because the ESN is do. The unknown gunmen are This was contained in a state- up by IPOB was an illegal entity which had been outlawed as a but regrettably, the politicians and seen as a menace in the south-east not ESN or IPOB,” the group said. ment IPOB’s spokesman, Emma which the governors would not terrorist organisation, also accused government officials including local Powerful issued yesterday, claiming want to lose sleep over. the Igbo leaders of attempting to authorities in some communities that the governors had started He said: “The problem of this clamp down on the Eastern Security in the South East are sabotaging PDP Commends Fayose for not Challenging Congress in Court

Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti the Ogun State Capital, on Friday was a good one and a right step The People’s Democratic Party towards ensuring unity and oneness (PDP), Southwest Zone, yesterday of the party in the zone. commended a former Governor of Atofarati stated that the decision Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose for of the Fayose’s Group to join forces the resolve of his group to unite with the zonal leadership of a former the aggrieved party members in Oyo State Deputy Governor, Alhaji the zone. Taofeek Arapaja “is a welcome The party, also, commended development that will further help Fayose for prevailing on Dr. Eddy to rebuild the opposition party.” Olafeso and other candidates that He also said that Arapaja lost out in the just concluded PDP leadership welcomed the resolve Southwest Congress held in Osogbo, of Fayose’s group that none of the Osun State capital, from chal- its candidates would go to court lenging the outcome of the congress to challenge the outcome of the in court. congress and maintained that the This was contained in a statement common enemy of the PDP and by Publicity Secretary, Southwest that of Nigerians was the APC. PDP, Chief Sanya Atofarati, thanking “Fayose’s group said they Fayose for displaying maturity would rather prefer to join hands and yielding to calls and appeals and work together to rescue the from the stakeholders to sheath people from the misgovernance of their swords. the APC instead of embarking on There had been uncertainty that internal bickering over the PDP WELCOME TO LAGOS. . . Fayose and his group might contest Southwest Zonal Congress L-R: Chairman, Set Top Box Manufacturers, Godfrey Ohuabunwa; Chairman, DIGITEAM Nigeria, Mr. Edward the outcome of the congress in court already held and concluded Amana; Acting Director General, National Broadcasting Commission, Armstrong Idachaba; Minister of which was majorly won by those peacefully,” Atofarati Information & Culture, Lai Mohammed; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Commissioner for loyal to Oyo State Governor, Mr. noted. Seyi Makinde while those loyal to He urged members to brace Information & Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, during a visit to the governor in Lagos...yesterday Fayose lost out. up for the challenges ahead of the In its statement, the party said Ekiti and Osun States Governorship the outcome of the meeting held by Elections holding in 2022 as well as South, Middle Belt Leaders Demand Nations out of Nigeria the Fayose’s Group in Abeokuta, the 2023 general elections. Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan conference held in Ibadan yesterday. of successor-constitutional sure demise as one political union, At the conference, Akintoye arrangements founded upon the group would use the period Corruption Fueling Factional South and Middle Belt lead- listed the five demands as follows: the self-determination rights to carry all the stakeholders along, ers under the aegis of Nigerian “To formally acknowledge the of the constituent components stating that the federal government Crisis in CAC, Says Cleric Indigenous Nationalities Alliance sovereignty dispute as declared of Nigeria and ratified by and elected office holders in the for Self-Determination (NINAS) by NINAS; to formally commit regional referendums, will regions involved have failed to Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti by the crisis. yesterday insisted that Nigeria to the wholesale decommis- be undertaken. acknowledge the demands. Gegeoju explained that the crisis should cease to exist demanding sioning of the repudiated 1999 He said the fifth demand was The text of the world conference Corruption is fueling the lingering “started long before 1990. But the for several ethnic nations. constitution and to formally to formally invite the constitu- read in part, “Today, the Train factional crisis brewing in the Christ internal crisis took another dimen- The alliance, also, disclosed that commit to the suspension of ent nationality components of NINAS Consultations and Apostolic Church (CAC) with sion and blew open in 1990 due it would be observing a 120-day further national elections under of Nigeria to work out Engagements on the December implications on members’ morale to differences in the rank of some ultimatum to consult with the the disputed 1999 Constitution. the framework, mandate, 16, 2020 Proclamation moves on and spiritual growth, a priest in highly placed leaders in the Church. people in the involved regions The fourth demand, ac- composition, timeframe and from the Government of Nigeria the church, Pastor Adeleye Gegeoju “Today, there are four factions on its five-point demand to the cording to Akintoye, is to other modalities for the said to the Peoples of Nigeria who are has alleged. of CAC with each parading fake federal government. formally commit to initiating transitioning.” the true owners of the sovereignties Gegeoju, a pastor at Tabernacle certificates of incorporation at The Chairman of the alliance, a time bound transitioning He maintained that with the forcefully aggregated and federated of Love District, an assembly of Corporate Affairs Commission Prof. Banji Akintoye made this during which a two-stage country continuing to wobble and as Nigeria, hence the conference CAC Worldwide, said this kind different from what Apostle Babalola demand during a world press process for the distillation fumble in what he described as its theme : ‘Activating People’s Power’. of crisis was not expected in any and other founding fathers handed religious setting, saying time “has over to the church. come for leaders to stop running “The certificate was handed Nigerian-American Journalists Fault Google the church like a political party.” over to the church in 1943 by I.B. He made this allegation in Ifaki Akinyele, Joseph Ayo Babalola and Ekiti, Ido-Osi Local Government David Odubanjo bore registration for Suspending T.B Joshua on YouTube Area (LGA), Ekiti State yesterday, number 147, but today a lot of ficti- while commencing a one-week tious certificates are in circulation Kayode Fasua Texas, United States yesterday. oppose all forms of hate speech! and vindictive in its entirety; as revival under a theme: ‘Let There with their leaders laying claim to NAPA is a major convergence We have had a long and fruitful there were no correspondence or Be Unity and Peace in Nigeria’. authenticity. The Nigerian-American Press of online editors representing relationship with YouTube and traceable records from YouTube, He alleged that the lingering “If truly we are serving God the Association (NAPA) has faulted leading mainstream media believe this decision was made earlier warning Synagogue factional crisis brewing in the way Apostles Babalola, Timothy Google LLC, an American mul- establishments in the United in haste.” Church of All Nations ministry Church was affecting the morale Obadare and Olulana Babajide did tinational technology company, States of America and Nigeria. After its emergency meeting of its alleged offence; even after it and spiritual growth of members. in CAC, then all these should not be for suspending Emmanuel TV, YouTube, an online video yesterday, NAPA in a resolution hastily singled out seven videos On the prolonged division in happening. But I got a revelation that a Christian television network platform of Google LLC and by its President, Mr George it tagged ‘hate-speech’. the church, Gegeoju said the crisis, vengeance will soon come against established by Founder of the the second most-visited website Otumu, said, “In a unanimous Also, the association said: which escalated in 1990 would have the masterminds of this crisis. Synagogue, Church of All Na- in the world, suspended Em- voice, we condemn the position “YouTube so decided under been long resolved, but alleged “CAC is not a political party. Some tions (SCOAN), Pastor Temitope manuel TV for uploading a taken by the management of the cover of darkness to take some highly placed leaders had leaders were even saying Apostle Joshua on YouTube. video content, which it claimed, YouTube to suspend the licence one out of the seven videos been profiting from the internal Babalola was from Odo Owa in The association rejected allegedly contained hate speech. of Prophet T.B. Joshua’s media as a reflection of its ban on squabbles. Kwara, but the late CAC founder SCOAN’s suspension in a In a statement on Friday, channel.” T.B. Joshua’s media channel, The cleric told the CAC leaders was from Ikotun Ile, which was a resolution its executive members SCOAN said: “Our mission is It explained that NAPA without allowing the Church that the solid and rocky foundation neighbour to the town. All these unanimously adopted after an to share the love of God with strongly believed YouTube’s in contention an avenue of a laid by its founder, Apostle Ayo misconceptions and lies must stop emergency board meeting via everyone – irrespective of race decision was “condemnable, rightful channel of reply to deny Joseph Babalola, was being eroded for our church to regain its integrity”. conference call from Houston, or religion – and we strongly ludicrous, hastily-made, biased the allegation.” THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡APRIL 18, 2021 79

Edited by: Duro Ikhazuagbe SUNDAY SPORTS email:[email protected] FA Cup: Chelsea End Man City’s Quadruple Dream this Season Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report

akim Ziyech scored Chelsea’s FA quarter Ànal lone goal winner at Wembley on Saturday evening to end Pep Guardiola’s dream of a historic quadruple titles for Manchester City this season. HBoth City and Chelsea had secured their places in the last four of the Champions League this week - but Pep Guardiola’s side had their sights set on a unique haul of four trophies as they close in on the Premier League title and also face Tottenham here in the League Cup Ànal on 25 April. Chelsea truly deserved the victory when Ziyech slid home Timo Werner’s pass in the 55th minute to set up an FA Cup Ànal against either Leicester City or Southampton. Ziyech had a goal ruled out for oͿside be- fore he scored but that was enough to beat a lethargic City, who made eight changes from their Champions League win against Borussia Dortmund and now have the added worry of the sight of Kevin De Bruyne limping oͿ injured in the second half. Chelsea had a very late scare as keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga clawed away Rodri’s injury-time header but manager Thomas Tuchel can now reÁect on a hugely satisfying week as his impres- Chelsea players celebrating Hakim Ziyech’s winner that ‘killed’ Manchester City’s dream of four titles this season sive start at Stamford Bridge gathers momentum. The German gaͿer faced a huge week as his as this part of his mission was accomplished Chelsea, from the Àrst whistle, showed more about this Chelsea side and they have put them- Àne start to life at Chelsea would be further in excellent fashion. City were seen oͿ after purpose and drive than a laboured and much- selves in with the chance of climaxing what shaped by the Champions League quarter-Ànal Porto were beaten over two legs to leave Chel- changed City side. started as a troubled season with silverware. second leg against Porto before this FA Cup sea moving towards the climax of their season Ziyech’s pace and Ànishing power troubled Guardiola before the clash with Chelsea always semi-Ànal meeting with a Manchester City side contemplating a Champions League semi-Ànal City from the start and it was Àtting the man of played down the chances of what many regarded in hot pursuit of all four major trophies. against Liverpool’s conquerors Real Madrid the match slid in the winner from Werner’s pass, as the Holy Grail of winning all four big trophies And it was no wonder Chelsea’s Tuchel was and an FA Cup Ànal. the latter getting his reward for tireless work. - the Champions League, the Premier League, sporting a beaming smile at the Ànal whistle No-one could begrudge them this victory as There is organisation, e΀ciency and threat the FA Cup and the League Cup. :HVW+DP6X;HU7RSIRXU%ORZLQ'HIHDWDW1HZFDVWOH 1ZDNDOLRQ7DUJHWDJDLQ Newcastle moved closer to Newcastle are nine points clear Willock settled a pulsating utmost.” Premier League survival after of the relegation zone with just six encounter with his thunderous The defeat was a big blow WR%RRVW6SDQLVK&OXE·V Joe Willock’s late goal capped a games remaining in a turbulent header, putting Newcastle in for West Ham as they chase an thrilling 3-2 win against 10-man season on Tyneside. position to avoid relegation. unexpected place in next season’s West Ham that dented the visi- The Magpies had taken control Staying up would be an impres- Champions League. Survival Hopes tors’ bid for a top four Ànish in in the Àrst half thanks to Issa sive achievement for Bruce, who David Moyes’ side remain the Premier League on Saturday. Diop’s own goal and a blunder has battled with dressing room fourth, but Chelsea are just one Nigerian international, Kelechi David Moyes’ West Ham how- from West Ham keeper Lukasz rifts and distracting takeover talk. point behind with a game in hand, Nwakali, scored his second goal for ever remain fourth with Chelsea Fabianski for Joelinton’s strike. “I’m not going to take anything while Àfth-placed Liverpool struggling Alcorcon to win 3-1 at Lugo just one point behind with a game West Ham defender Craig for granted. I’ve always said it’s would go above the Hammers and further boost their chances of avoid- in hand. Fifth-placced Liverpool Dawson was sent oͿ for two the accumulation of points, and if they beat Leeds on Monday. ing relegation. would go above the Hammers bookings in between those goals. 35, in my opinion, is not enough, “I wouldn’t say it was a chance Nwakali, who is on loan from La Liga if they beat Leeds on Monday. But the Hammers set up a tense so you won’t get me jumping and lost, it was an opportunity for us to side Huesca, followed up on his superb Steve Bruce’s side had squan- Ànale when Diop got one back hollering at the moment,” Bruce pick up three points,” Moyes said. free kick goal last week to score again dered a two-goal lead in the before Jesse Lingard equalised said. “We like talking about the from the penalty spot in the 80th minute. closing stages at St James’ Park, with a penalty 10 minutes from “We’ve still got six games to Champions League, we love the He was there after booked four minutes but Willock came oͿ the bench to full-time. play. Can we beat last year’s sound of that when everybody later. snatch a priceless winner. On-loan Arsenal midÀelder points tally of 44? We’ll try our says it, but we’re realistic.” Alcorcon are now two points clear of the relegation zone with 38 points from 35 matches. There are seven rounds of matches still to be played in the Segunda Division. Oparanozie Scores for Dijon against Stade Reims Meanwhile, time is running out for Atletico Madrid to reboot their La Liga Super Falcons’ forward, Desire although it was Amandine points from 19 games this season. title challenge, even as they still sit top of Oparanozie, was on the scoresheet Miquel’s side that earned the Oparanozie, who was in action the table with eight games left to play. despite Dijon bowing 2-1 to Stade opener through Noemie Carage’s from start to Ànish, has now scored Atletico remain in pole position, one Reims in Saturday’s French D1 13th-minute own goal. Àves times and provided six as- point ahead of Real Madrid and two in Arkema encounter. The hosts, seeking a four-game sists in all competitions for Dijon front of Barcelona, but their poor form The Nigeria international had winning streak, doubled their ad- this term, while Moroccan Salma means it is the chasing duo now consid- grabbed her sixth assist of the vantage when Rachel Corboz set Amani was an unused substitute. ered favourites to lift the trophy. season, with her eͿort ensuring up Melissa Gomes from the right On the other hand, victorious Four wins in Atletico’s last 11 games in- a 2-0 victory at Le Havre two Áank to beat goalkeeper Mylene Reims were without the services spires little conÀdence they will be able to weeks ago. Chavas in the 30th minute. of Cameroon internationals Marie keep pace with Real and Barca, who have Following her Àne performance, However, the visitors started a Aurelle Awona and Easther Mayi put early-season problems behind them to accelerate down the Ànal straight. the 27-year-old made her 14th start Àghtback in the contest when Ma- Kith, following their involvements But a victory at home to struggling of the season for Yannick Chandi- gou Doucoure teed up Oparanozie in the Olympic Games playoͿ in Eibar today would go some way to oux’s team and she made a fantastic to pull one back nine minutes from . reigniting belief. contribution again, despite her side half-time, but that was not enough The Nigerian will hope to It would put Atletico Àve points ahead crashing to the hosts. to save her side from the defeat. keep up her Àne form in the Ànal of Barcelona, trashed Athletic Bilbao In a quest for a second consecu- The defeat left Dijon in the eighth third when Dijon face Chiamaka in the Copa del Rey Ànal last night. tive win, Yannick Chandioux’s position on the French women’s Nnadozie’s Paris FC in their next Zinedine Zidane’s side are take on Getafe team made a promising start, top-Áight table after gathering 23 tie on May 8. Desire Oparanozie’s goal not enough to save Dijon at Stade Reims later tonight. T RU N Sunday April 18, 2021 TH & REASO Price: N400 MISSILE Book Your NBA to Governors COVID-19 Tests & Vaccinations “The governors of the 36 states have deliberately subjected the judicial arm TEXT‘COVID’ TO58123 of government to their subservient appendage. This grossly unconstitutional situation has in turn eroded the autonomy and independence of the judiciary and led to infrastructural and human resource defi cit” – The committ ee of chairmen of the eight Nigerian Bar Assocoation’s branches in Anambra State This service is provided in association with accredited service providers on the ongoing strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN). SIMONKOLAWOLE SIMONKOLAWOLELIVE! [email protected], sms: 0805 500 1961 And Four 2023: North or South? East or West? Other Things… ere we go again: in 2023, whose rotate between the north and the south, and also turn? In Nigeria, nothing within the geo-political zones in each region. GHANA VS NIGERIA excites us like politics. If you Every zone’s turn would be guaranteed. No Twitt er’s decision to locate its Africa want to get our attention, arguments. FIFA has achieved that with World headquarters in Ghana has generated a lot don’t waste your time writing Cup hosting among the continents. of debate. Some Nigerians are celebrating it, about quality of life, potable Ekwueme, a sagacious political thinker, also partly in the belief that it is an indictment on water, sanitation, maternal proposed six vice-presidents, each representing the Buhari administration. To be fair, Ghana health or out-of-school children. There are a zone. If, for any reason, the president does not has been beating Nigeria to many things moreH important things that excite us: political serve her full term (maybe because of resignation, long before Buhari came to power. Who still intrigues, permutations, elections, all that. I am impeachment or death), the VP from the zone in the news business and I know what I am will replace her, complete the term and power remembers that President Barack Obama talking about. Publish a story that says 63 million will move to the next region and zone at the visited Ghana and shunned Nigeria in 2013 Nigerians do not have access to clean water next election. This means a lot. A northerner and people said it was because the Jonathan and nobody will touch it. Speculate on who would have fi nished Yar’Adua’s term and the administration was corrupt? In all, Ghana is likely to be fi elded as the APC presidential bad blood would have been avoided. The high is more stable and orderly than Nigeria. If candidate and it will catch fi re immediately. tension over Buhari’s ill health in 2017 would we are wise, then, we should start asking That is how we are wired: more excited over also have been avoided. As things stand today, ourselves the hard questions on how Nigeria sensation, less over substance. any attempt to impeach a president will fail can reform and become a more hospitable The hottest topic in town now is what region because of the geo-political sensitivity: the VP environment to business. Introspection. will produce the next president. Between 1999 will become president. and 2023, northerners would have ruled for 11 If I recall correctly, Ekwueme also proposed PANTS DOWN? years and southerners for 13 years. It has gone a sunset clause. Power rotation would not be south-north-south-north since the dawn of this Ekwueme forever. When presidency has gone round all Alhaji Isa Ali Pantami, minister of communication and digital economy, has democracy. The street permutation would be Where do I stand in all of this? Perhaps the zones, it would be thrown open. By his that south should be the next. However, there is it bears repeating that I believe in equity as own calculations, Nigeria would have grown been in the news since it was reported that no legal binding on it. President Muhammadu much as I believe in merit and justice. In politically and outgrown rotation by then. I he was on the US watchlist over alleged Buhari, in particular, has never shown any simple English, I believe in power rotation. am not saying his proposal would solve all links to terrorists. The report has now been appetite for power rotation. He contested every Still, there are circumstances that may affect our political problems. That is not the point. In retracted with apology, but old tapes are presidential election between 2003 and 2019, the north-south arrangement — as we saw fact, it is not as if our sub-identities are settled. emerging tending to prove that Pantami used no matter the region that felt it was its turn. If with the death of Yar’Adua in 2010. Those Of the six zones, only the south-east is close to to be sympathetic to terror groups. He has we are to use this as a yardstick, we can say were extraordinary circumstances. Jonathan homogeneity in ethnicity and religion — the denied the allegations and argued, instead, he cannot be bothered what region produces was blamed for not respecting the rotation two biggest identifi ers in Nigeria. The rest that he was opposed to their murderous his successor. principle of the PDP when he ran in 2011 of us are far from homogenous. I admit that ideology. It shouldn’t be a crime that Pantami Many southerners typically assume that instead of allowing the north keep power. I rotation does not solve all problems but we is an Islamic cleric. There are pastors in power would return to the region after Buhari’s need some wisdom to manage our peculiar still would not blame him. In the absence of government, right? However, while I admit exit. That is just one leg of the argument. If any compelling law, things were complicated. complexities. it is coming to the south, what zone? That is For one, I don’t know anyone else who would If I were in a room where these decisions are that people change their opinions as they another leg. The south-west is staking a claim. have the constitutional right to succeed the made, I would raise up my hand and suggest grow older and wiser, we need to be assured Many will argue that the south-west should president and let it go just like that. that we should strongly reconsider and adopt that Pantami does not support terrorism. give way to other zones in the southern region There was a moral argument too — that even if the Ekwueme proposals as we amend the Imperative. having produced a president for eight years the constitution did not disqualify Jonathan from constitution. In fact, I would further suggest (1999-2007) and VP for another eight years running, he should still have been a gentleman that we should consider a similar arrangement PRINTER’S DEVIL (2015-2023, all things being equal). South-west’s and stuck to his party’s “zoning” arrangement. at the state level so that every senatorial district Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state counter claim, nevertheless, would be that the But I would also think that any northerner can be accommodated and no district can lord caused some sensation when he alleged that zone is where APC, the ruling party, is most who took over from him in 2011 would not it over the other as it currently obtains in many N60 billion was printed to augment March popular in the south and it should be allowed do one term only. No president would have states. I really admire what Delta state, and a allocations. Nigeria is in dire fi nancial straits to reap the reward of its political alliance. an opportunity of a second term and throw it few others, have been able to do in this regard. Whatever, many south-westerners are warming Many of those campaigning for power and because of COVID and low oil production. away, except it is Dr Nelson Mandela. We are Under such situations, central banks can up anyway. yet to get over the political bitterness caused equity at the centre are actually oppressing the The south-south is also making a strong by the consequences of Yar’Adua’s death. The minorities in their own states. But in Nigeria, “print money” for governments via “ways claim, having done only one term before. It bad blood generated by Jonatan’s decision to we have to heap all blame on Abuja. and means advances” (which are loans, as is the zone where the nation’s oil revenue is contest still runs deep. We saw how the 2015 For clarity, I would say again that I believe explained by the CBN governor, Mr Godwin derived. Dr Goodluck Jonathan accidentally election season went and how the poison is in merit as much as I believe in equity. I do Emefi ele). My litt le understanding of FAAC became president in 2010 after the death of very much in the system till this moment. not believe that merit and equity are mutually is that it only shares federally collected President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. Despite Unfortunately, the Yar’Adua situation exclusive. There is no state in Nigeria that does revenues as reported by NNPC, FIRS and strong opposition from the north over power has still not been adequately addressed. not have educated, experienced and competent Customs, etc. These are clearly itemised. So, rotation, Jonathan defi ed the agitation and made The starting point for us as a polity is to people who can be president. Take that from did FAAC list “printed money” as revenue? It a successful bid in 2011, defeating Buhari. But answer the question: do we really want to me. In fact, if you challenge me, I can give you appears Obaseki, a fi nancial expert, goofed Jonathan did not do a second term as he lost rotate presidential power? We need to reach a shortlist of fi ve solid presidential materials to Buhari in 2015. He did the unthinkable from every state of the federation. I do not but has gone too far to correct himself. a consensus on this. If the answer is yes, we Puzzling. by conceding the election while results were need to create the certainty that power would subscribe to the notion that only a part of Nigeria still being announced, although many of his rotate. That can only be guaranteed through can produce competent leaders. Inasmuch as supporters were embittered and felt he was the constitution. It cannot be left to individual our governors have not turned their states to IN MEMORIAM “chased” out of offi ce because he was a southern parties to decide — because the parties are paradise, nobody has the moral right to say Exactly one year yesterday, Mallam Abba minority. also in a competition and are trying to outdo one ethnic group or geo-political zone has all Kyari, the ex-chief of staff to President The south-east has the strongest claim, having each other. PDP and APC are carefully quiet the competence. That is my view. Buhari and probably the most hated human not produced a No 1 or No 2 since 1999. In on where their presidential tickets would go To my mind, federal character and power being in Nigeria, died aft er contracting fact, the zone has not produced an elected in 2023. Nobody wants to take the risk of rotation are instruments of accommodation COVID. Although he was said to have tested president since Independence, even though zoning to one region while the other picks in a multi-ethnic polity so that nobody is left negative aft er treatment, he did not survive the Igbo are one of the three biggest ethnic another region. A case of who blinks fi rst? out in the cold. In a society where there is the complications because of underlying groups in Nigeria (the others being Hausa/ If there had been legal certainty in 2011, mutual suspicion, where there are fears of Fulani and Yoruba). Ordinarily, therefore, if domination and marginalisation, where there conditions. If the dead could talk, he would Jonathan would not have been able to run. probably be thanking God that he escaped it is going to be the turn of the south in 2023 Rotation was a PDP, not a constitutional, is a fi erce competition for power, I will keep amid the “equity” talk, there should be no arrangement. If we can enshrine it in the arguing that it is in the interest of our peace and many things that would have been blamed on argument on where power should go. But there constitution, that can reduce the perennial progress to have an accommodating political him, such as the removal of Mallam Ibrahim is this impression that based on the activities tension over equity. Dr Alex Ekwueme, arrangement so that all the people will feel Magu as EFCC chairman, Mrs Aisha Buhari’s and rhetoric of IPOB and other groups, the former vice-president, came up with an that they belong. Attaining political stability prolonged stay in Dubai and the “printing of Igbo would genuinely rather not be part of elaborate proposal to take care of our complex is very critical to the development of Nigeria. N60 billion”. Kyari was certainly not perfect Nigeria. More so, APC, the ruling party, is least political confi guration at the 1995 constitutional We can only have peace and progress if we get but he unquestionably put in a decent shift in loved in the zone — where PDP has always conference. He proposed a six-zone structure the political atmosphere right. As things stand, his service to fatherland. Life. won convincingly. and a single presidential term. Power would we are too bitterly divided to think straight. Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, , Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja . All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: [email protected], [email protected]. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085, 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: [email protected]