Digital Currency Gains Traction as CBN Appoints Technical Partner IMF urges caution on adoption of cryptocurrency as national currency Ndubuisi Francis and currency, also known as e-Naira. Emefiele said the Central Bank targeted social interventions, as well been a long and thorough process cent of central banks were consider- James Emejo in Abuja CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Digital Currency (CBDC) would as improvement in monetary policy for the apex bank following its ing adopting digital currencies in Emefiele, disclosed this in Abuja. bring about increased cross-border effectiveness, payment systems resolve in 2017 to digitise the local their countries. The Central Bank of But the International Monetary trade, accelerate financial inclusion, efficiency, and tax collection. currency after extensive research The CBN pointed out that the (CBN) yesterday announced the Fund (IMF) cautioned that coun- and lead to cheaper and faster CBN’s Director, Corporate Com- and exploration. selection of Bitt Inc. from among formal engagement of global fintech tries seeking to adopt the digital remittance inflow. He said the munications Department, Mr. Osita Nwanisobi said CBN’s decision highly competitive bidders was company, Bitt Inc., as technical currency should be wary of its digital money, also known as Nwanisobi, explained, in a state- was in line with an unmistakable partner for its proposed digital disadvantages. cryptocurrency, would lead to easier ment, that the e-Naira project had global trend in which over 85 per Continued on page 40 N1.5 Trillion Spent on COVID-19 Management, Says FG... Page 5

Tuesday 31 August, 2021 Vol 26. No 9640. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com T RU N TH & REASO Insecurity: We’re Lucky to Have Buhari in Govt, Says Shehu of Borno Declares president’s administration has changed Lawan applauds ongoing surrender by terrorists, rallies support for initiative Deji Elumoye in Abuja of were lucky to have significantly. Haram terrorists turning themselves be encouraged to end insurgency courtesy call over the loss of his President This is as the President of the in to the Nigerian troops, saying in the NorthEast. elder brother, said his people had The Shehu of Borno, Abubakar El- in government as his reign has Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, has the move should be seen as a The Shehu of Borno, who Kanemi, yesterday, said the people changed the tide against insecurity also lent his support to the Boko welcome development and should spoke when Lawan paid him a Continued on page 40 CJN Moves to Save Judiciary, Summons Justices over Conflicting Court Orders Says NJC has always warned judicial officers to be circumspect in granting Exparte NBA threatens to sanction erring senior members SANs welcome Muhammad’s intervention Tobi Soniyi, Alex Enumah and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja In obvious reaction to THISDAY lead report yesterday, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Tanko Ibrahim Muhammad im- mediately swung into action by summoning six Chief Judges of State High Court in the country in a bid to halt the apparent decay in the judiciary, often occasioned by indiscriminate granting of court orders and injunctions by some pliable judges who have by their dishonourable conduct brought the Bench to disrepute. Some of the states Chief Justices invited before the NJC include that of Rivers, Anambra, Jigawa, Kebbi, Continued on page 40 Cholera: NCDC Records 2,035 BRIEFING ON ECONOMIC RECOVERY... Deaths, 58,698 L-R: Statistician General of the Federation, Dr Simeon Harry; Minister of Information, Culture and Orientation, Alhaji Lai Mohammed ; Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning , Cases... Page 5 Zainab Ahmed; and Minister of State,Budget and National Planning, Clement Agba, during a press briefing on the economic recovery in Abuja... yesterday. PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI 2 THISDAY • TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021 THISDAY • TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021 3 4 THISDAY • TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021 TUESDAY, ͻ͹˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY 5

Group News Editor: Goddy Egene Email: [email protected], 0803 350 6821, 0809 7777 322 NEWS

NIMASA VISITS OBASEKI… L-R: Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Chairman, NIMASA, Barr. Margaret Orakwusi and the Special Adviser to the Director General of NIMASA on Communications Strategy, Ubong Essien, during a courtesy visit at the Government House in Benin City, Edot State...yesterday N1.5tn Spent on COVID-19 Management, Says FG Declares economic activities back to pre-pandemic levels Predicts 5% GDP growth in Q3 Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abuja Ahmed took a holistic look at According to the NBS Q2 GDP “Overall, a total of 42 out of conditions expected as economic that is happening now and the the recent second quarter (Q2) report, the economy grew 5.01 46 economic activities expanded activities and normalcy returned improvement of funding of this The federal government yesterday 2021 Gross Domestic Product per cent (year-on-year) in real during the quarter, compared to across major economic sectors, year’s budget, the third quarter revealed that it spent over N1.5 (GDP) report released by the terms in the second quarter of only 13 at the same time last year, and local conditions continued of this year is going to record a trillion in managing the effects of National Bureau of Statistics the year (Q2 2021), compared while 37 activities performed to improve to allow business tremendous success. COVID-19 in the country. Minister (NBS), which showed a 5.01 to the -6.10 per cent recorded better than they did last quarter activities, the Nigerian economy “In managing an economy, of Finance, Budget and National per cent growth. She said the in Q2 2020. This marked three (Q 1).” would maintain a steady path you don’t expect magic if there Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, growth rate was an indication consecutive quarters of growth The minister explained further to more inclusive growth. is no adequate funding of the disclosed this during a media that business and commercial following the negative growth that the non-oil sector was a On the growing domestic and economy. So far so good, this briefing in Abuja. activities had fully returned to rates of -6.10 per cent and -3.62 major driver of growth during external borrowings, the minister year has been recording timely The briefing was attended pre-pandemic level. per cent in Q2 2020 and Q3 2020 the quarter, recording a growth maintained that the federal releases of budgetary allocations by Minister of Information and The minister also predicted that year-on-year, respectively. rate of nearly seven per cent. This, government was borrowing for all MDAs and we expect that Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; if necessary economic measures Explaining the specific activities, according to her, represents the responsibly, saying, “if we don’t to have multiplier effects on other Minister of State for Finance, and policies were put in place and which recorded growth during the fastest growth in the non-oil sector invest now, we will regret it later.” sectors of the economy. So, what Budget and National Planning, sectors, such as agriculture, were quarter under review, the finance since Q3 2014. Speaking on the cost of we need to do to encourage this Mr. Clem Ikanade Agba; and the improved upon, the economy minister said trade, transportation, “When these estimates are managing the effect of COVID-19, is to look at other sectors that are newly appointed Statistician– would maintain a five per cent coal mining, metal Ores, and considered along with declining the minister revealed that the not performing; for instance, in General of the Federation, Dr. growth rate in the third quarter insurance recorded double-digit inflation rate, which slowed from federal government spent over Q2, agriculture performance was Simon Harry. (Q3) of the year. growth. 18.17 per cent at the end of Q1 to N1.5 trillion in managing the not encouraging. Ahmed stated, “The report, 17.75 per cent at the end of Q2, effects of the pandemic. “But with improvement in however, also indicate that and as at July, which stands at Speaking at the occasion, funding, we are hoping that some activities, such as oil 17.38 per cent, it is clear that the the statistician-general said the agriculture and other sectors Cholera: NCDC Records refining, crude petroleum, and economic recovery is gradually federal government only needed under it will improve. Overall, natural gas production, as well picking up steam.” to improve and sustain its revenue we are expecting that by end of as financial services, recorded Ahmed was hopeful that drive. the year, the economy will able 2,035 Deaths, 58,698 Cases negative quarterly growth. with favourable global economic According to Harry, “From all to grow above five per cent.” Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja (454), Yobe (216), Sokoto (196), Jigawa (187), Kano (80), Niger A total of 2,035 deaths through (79), Borno (30), FCT (11), cholera was recorded in the Adamawa (6) and Kebbi (3). country as of last Friday, the Of this, there were 35 RDT NNPC’s Project Funding Shortfall, Nigeria Centre for Disease confirmed cases from Katsina Control (NCDC) has disclosed. (14), Yobe (7), Adamawa (6), According to the latest Cholera Zamfara (4), Borno (2), Jigawa JV Cost Recovery Hit $1.84tn in July epidemic report by the NCDC (1) and FCT (1).” yesterday, the total number Also the disease control of suspected cases of Cholera centre stated that 13 culture OPEC may leave supply volume unchanged for September infection in the 23 states of the confirmed cases were from Yobe Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja in May, $202 million in June, was 8.4 million barrels, an and continues with its planned federation was 58,698. (6), Adamawa (6) and FCT (1) while it hit $240.6 million in increase of 98 per cent compared modest production increase. This The report disclosed that there "In addition, there were 63 The Nigerian National the month under review. to the previous month. was revealed yesterday. was a 44 percent decrease in deaths from Katsina (19), Bauchi Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Shortfall in funding was $259.6 According to the report, JV OPEC and allies, including the number of new suspected (16), Niger (7), Zamfara (6), underfunded its priority projects million in January, $283.1 million cash call arrears stood at $1.46 Russia, collectively known cases in week 33 (3098 cases) as Jigawa (4), Sokoto (4), Borno and under-serviced its Joint in February, $228.3 million in billion, with total payment to as OPEC+, would meet on compared with week 32 (5476 (4), Yobe (1), Kano (1) and Venture (JV) obligations to March, $296.7 million in April, date being $3.22 billion out of September 1, to discuss the cases) Adamawa (1) states," it added. the tune of $1.84 trillion in July, $143.8 million in May, $333.7 the total negotiated debt of previously agreed increase of The NCDC report stated that, It further stated that of latest report from the national million in June, and $295.3 $4.68 billion, although Mobil 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) "As at 27th August 2021, a total of the suspected cases since the oil company has indicated. million in July. Producing Nigeria’s debt of $833 for the next several months. 58,698 suspected cases including beginning of the year, age group While the projected amount of According to the report, some million had been fully paid. US President Joe Biden's 2,035 deaths (CFR 3.5 percent) 5 - 14 years was the most affected $536 million was budgeted for of the government’s priority Monies from crude oil and administration had urged OPEC have been reported from 23 states for both male and female cost recovery and government projects include the Excravos- gas sales were paid by 13 and its allies to boost oil output and FCT in 2021. It further stated that of all priority projects per month, Lagos pipeline expansion phase companies, including Bono, to tackle rising gasoline prices There was a 44 per cent suspected cases, 51 per cent rounding off at $3.7 billion for 1 and 11, Odidi-Warri expansion Duke, an NNPC subsidiary, that it viewed as a threat to decrease in the number of new were males and 49 per cent the year, actual dollar funding pipeline, gas supply to Egbema, Mocoh, Cepsa, Sahara Energy, the global economic recovery. suspected cases in week 33 (3098) were females. was $1.911 trillion as of July Ogidigben gas city and the and MRS, it stated. Furthermore, On Monday, Brent was down compared with week 32 (5476)." The NCDC further stated this year, leaving a deficit of Obiafu/Obrikom-Oben project. the quantity of crude sold by 16 cents or 0.2 per cent at $72.54 The latest report gave the that 23 states and the Federal $1.84 trillion. Others include the Trans-Sahara the companies was 6.8 million a barrel, but rose more than 11 breakdown of the suspected cases Capital Territory, FCT had so A breakdown of the figures gas pipeline, West Niger Delta barrels at a unit price of $65.7, per cent last week in anticipation of Cholera as Bauchi (1,145), far reported suspected cholera released by the national oil project, Egbin gas project, Sapele totalling an equivalent of N171.3 of disruptions to oil production Katsina (691) and Zamfara cases in 2021. company showed that in January, metering station, upgrade of billion, and royalties of N32.8 from Hurricane Ida. (454) account for 73.9 percent The states were Benue, Delta, funding was $276.4 million, it Oben metering project, and billion. But OPEC+ sources said the of 3,098 suspected cases reported Zamfara, Gombe, Bayelsa, was $252.9 million in February, Gbaramatu gas supply facility. Meanwhile, the Organisation recent rise in oil prices was in week 33. Kogi, Sokoto, Bauchi, Kano, $307.6 million in March and was In all, the report showed that of Petroleum Exporting temporary, driven mainly by It stated that in the reporting Kaduna, Plateau, Kebbi, Cross $239.2 million in April. crude oil export sales increased Countries (OPEC), with its allies disruption of supply in Mexico week, "12 states reported 3,098 River, Nasarawa, Niger, Jigawa, In addition, NNPC funded the by two per cent to hit 178,185,000 (OPEC+), may likely keep its and the severe storm hitting suspected cases including, Bauchi Yobe, Kwara, Adamawa, Enugu, projects and its JV obligations barrels, while domestic crude oil oil output policy unchanged the U.S. Gulf Coast over the (1,145), Katsina (691), Zamfara Katsina, Borno, Taraba and FCT. to the tune of $392.2 million production due in September when the group meets tomorrow weekend. 6 TUESDAY, ͻ͹˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY NEWS 1,033 MDAs Fail to Submit Audited Report to OAuGF 65 FG's agencies never audited since their establishment Dike Onwuamaeze Workshop on Auditor General’s galloped to 109, 215 and 323 in may continue to progress. We are no information was given to the this across over 800 agencies for Queries- The A-B-C of Responses 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. really considering putting stiff OAuGF.” four years and you will realise Chairman of the Public Account and PAC Technology Innovation Oke, who was represented by penalties for any MDAs that The Technical Adviser to PAC, how much that is being wasted Committee (PAC) of the House and MDAs Compliance,” which Deputy Chairman of PAC, Hon. refused to render its accounts House of Representatives, Dr. in documentations.” of Representatives, Hon. Oluwole was held in Lagos. Abdullahi Abdulkadir, at the to the OAuGF. Greg Ezeilo, said the lawmakers Chairman of ICAN’S Lagos Oke, has disclosed that 1,033 Min- The workshop was put together workshop, explained, “Prominent “If we allow this conduct to con- had come up with technology Mainland District Society, Dr. istries, Departments and Agencies by the ninth Assembly PAC of among these issues were refusal tinue it will mean that the whole innovation for rendition of Kenneth Okpala, said, “This (MDAs) of the federal government the House of Representatives, by the MDAs to render accounts essence of the anti-corruption fight accounts because, “it takes a workshop is meant to demystify have failed to submit their audited the Office of the Accountant of stewardship and in many cases, has been defeated as we have minimum of N1.5 million for the auditor general’s report and reports to the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation, and the these accounts were rendered detected that a lot of infractions each agency to produce sacks queries. If for many years a lot of General of the Federation (OAuGF) Institute of Chartered Accountants very late. were committed by the MDAs but of documents that they submit queries have not been answered for decades. Oke revealed this of Nigeria (ICAN). It was to, “It becomes obvious that we can- no questions were asked because to the National Assembly. Take it means that there are issues.” yesterday during a “National among other things, find ways not make any meaningful progress Workshop on Auditor General’s to enhance compliance through and make valuable contributions Queries – The A-B-C of Responses the use of information technology to national development if we fail and PAC Technology Innovation to eliminate manual submission to change our current mind-set PDP Mocks APC over Amaechi’s and MDAs Compliance.” of reports in hard copies to the with respect to audit issues raised Oke said a breakdown of the National Assembly by over 800 by the OAuGF.” Alleged Looting Confession figures showed that, “12 MDAs MDAs at a minimum cost of N1.5 Abdulkadir told journalist that Chuks Okocha in Abuja Buhari administration had The spokesman of the PDP have never been audited from million per agency. the workshop was meant to raise been providing cover for cor- said Nigerians now know how 1993 to 2010; and 65 agencies According to the figures pro- awareness about issues of rendition The Peoples Democratic Party rupt officials, who have turned billions of naira reportedly have never been audited since vided by the PAC chairman, 76, of audited accounts to the OAuGF (PDP) has said the confession government agencies to cash cows stolen from various agencies, they were created.” 85, 109, and 148 MDAs were not and enable various accounting of- by Minister of Transportation and Automated Teller Machines including the National Health He also disclosed that 956 MDAs audited in 2011, 2012, 2013 and ficers and chief executive officers Chibuike Amaechi that stealing (ATM) for themselves, their Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the did not submit their reports to the 2014, respectively, while 215 and of the MDAs to see the OAuGF was going on quietly under the cronies, family members and National Emergency Management OAuGF between 2011 and 2016. 323 MDAs were not audited in as their partner, “because some President Muhammadu Buhari-led mistresses. Agency (NEMA), as well as the According to Oke, the House of 2015 and 2016, respectively. of the queries that were brought All Progressives Congress (APC) According to the National N500 billon Social Investment Representatives would include stiff The figures for 2011 to 2016 before us shouldn’t have arisen if administration vindicated the Publicity Secretary, PDP, Kola Programme fund, as revealed by penalties in the Federal Audit Bill showed a festering impunity, as the they had proper communication opposition party’s allegation that Ologbondiyan, "The situation First Lady, Aisha Buhari, were for MDAs that fail to render their number of unaudited MDAs grew with the OAuGF.” the ruling party was a haven of as presented by Amaechi shows siphoned. audited reports to the OAuGF. progressively each year from 76 He added, “Until, maybe, thieves and treasury looters. that quiet stealing is a policy of The party further said, "Amae- Oke revealed these numbers in 2011 to 85 and 109 in 2012 and we put sanctions, penalties for PDP said the alleged looting the APC administration. This chi’s confession has also shed more yesterday during a, “National 2013, respectively, and thereafter defaulting MDAs, this ugly trend confession confirmed that the explains why the administration light on the circumstances behind is heavy on propaganda and has the alleged stealing of N165 billion failed to prosecute its officials and in the Nigeria Ports Authority the APC leaders openly indicted (NPA) under his ministerial for corruption, but only resort to purview, the N1.5 trillion and “easing out” such thieves with $9.5 million reportedly stolen from a pat on the wrist. Nigerian Maritime Administration Ologbondiyan said, "The and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the confession by Amaechi exposes $65 million (N31 billion) frittered why the APC administration has from the Federal Mortgage Bank failed to recover the over N25 of Nigeria (FMBN) as well as trillion reportedly stolen by APC the N90 billion looted from the leaders in various government Federal Inland Revenue Service agencies. (FIRS), among others. "Nigerians now have a clearer "This is in addition to the al- picture on how the N9.3 trillion leged secret looting of huge part as detailed in the reported NNPC of foreign loans and repatriated memo was stolen, how over N2 funds placed at the disposal of trillion was allegedly siphoned the APC and its administration," under fraudulent subsidy regime,” he said. the PDP added. The PDP charged Nigerians The party stated that was in to hold the APC and its leaders addition to the revelation by responsible for all the woes that the National Security Adviser have befallen the nation in the (NSA), Gen. Babagana Monguno, last six years and ensure the party that billions of naira meant for is not allowed anywhere near security under the APC could the governance of the nation, not be traced. come 2023. Tegina Islamiyya’s Parents FCC VISITS ABIODUN… Vow Not to Allow their L-R: Chairman, Federal Character Commission, Dr. Muhabat Dankaka; governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and commissioner representing Children Return to School Ogun State on the Board of FCC, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, during a courtesy visit to the governor at Abeokuta, Ogun State... yesterday Laleye Dipo in Minna there is no insecurity. According to findings, the Some parents of the pupils of the school management informed the Salihu Tanko Islamiyya School, aggrieved parents that a four-week Tegina, in the Rafi local govern- holiday had been given for those Experts Peg Nigeria's Infrastructure Gap at $3tn ment area of whose who would like to return to enable Kuni Tyessi in Abuja standards, reducing poverty, and "So this thematic group comes the RDSC. Bogoro said he was wards regained freedom from the the management upgrade the contributing to environmental in at a time when all of us are in contact with the leadership den of bandits last Thursday have security architecture of the school Research experts have estimated sustainability." looking at how to ensure that of RDSC and other relevant vowed never to allow their children and for the released children to that Nigeria has an infrastructure He said with rapid growth we do significant backward stakeholders for the purpose of return to the school. get proper medical care. gap of $3 trillion, which according of the country's population, the integration; how can we ensure offering informed advice on the The parents even said their The state government has been to them is about six times the demand for infrastructure was that we make the environment final document that will leave his children would no longer pursue urged through the Commissioner size of the country’s annual outpacing its supply, adding that very competitive enough that desk, and proceed to the Federal either Islamic or Western education for Education to assist in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). the country's weak infrastructures not only do we meet the needs Ministry of Education, for it to as a result of insecurity. renovation and upgrading of Senior lecturer at Ahmadu Bello were exposed in the wake of the of our people locally, but good be considered as a document Those affected made the declara- the school since " it is not a few University, Zaria, Prof. Muhammed global pandemic in 2020. enough for the outside market worthy of being taken to the tion in Tegina, at a community paying educational institutions" Usman, in a virtual presentation Earlier, Chief Executive Officer that we can export. federal executive council. meeting organised by the school the source said. of the Nigerian Economic Sum- "Nigeria has been a nation Speaking on TETFund's inter- management and attended by The Head Teacher of the school yesterday, said between 2009 and majority of the parents, representa- Alhaji Alhassan Abubakar Garba 2013, Nigeria invested a paltry mit Group, (NESG), Mr. Laoye where we are still at a very ventions, he said, "We have raised tives of the Rafi emirate council when contacted confirmed that $664 annually in infrastructure, Jaiyeola, who chaired the meeting, primary level of industrialisa- our interest to the level of knowing and that of the local government the meeting took place, saying which represents three per cent noted that infrastructure was a tion; by this I mean we have the microscopic application of our council. steps were being taken to renovate of its GDP, compared with an major hindrance to the country's abundant resource of crude oil funds that have impact on the A source at the meeting the school. average investment of $3.060 competitive development. but we spend significant amount key areas of not just the Tertiary informed THISDAY that virtually Asked about the threat by some or five per cent of the GDP in Jaiyeola said one of the chal- of money importing fuel. institutions. That we are directly all the parents at the meeting parents to withdraw their children developed countries. lenges facing the private sector "And so we can't use this crude funding but the ancillary partners, lamented what they and their from the school and even from Usman noted that this had wid- was infrastructure, adding that the oil to get all the assorted benefits including research institutes, the children went through in the pursuing Western education the ened the country's infrastructure country needs funds annually to we have yet we export our raw industry, the larger picture of couple of months, insisting that Head Teacher said " have heard gap posing a major impediment finance infrastructure if it must materials in terms of cocoa and yet Nigeria in the biggest of context." they are not prepared to undergo such thing but we will talk to them to economic growth. get out of the rocks. bring back coffee and chocolate He expressed gratitude to the such trauma again. that it is not the wise thing to do". He noted that this "poses a He stated, "I have been involved to the country. Or export our Academic Staff Union of Universi- In fact one parent according to A total of 93 abducted pupils major funding challenge in the face in a lot of surveys that look at hides and skin, and yet bring ties (ASUU), for proceeding to the source immediately after reunit- of the school mostly girls and of the current fiscal imbalances. the competitiveness of nations, back leather to the country." identify the institutionalisation of ing with his child on Saturday, aged between three and 15 years Besides, the country is currently and each time we look at our Speaking also, Executive NRDF as part of its negotiations evacuated all the family members regained freedom last Thursday grappling with the hydra headed ranking around where we are in Secretary of TETFund, Professor with the federal government. and their movable property from after more than 80 days in captivity. problems of inflation (17.33%), the world competitiveness index Suleiman Bogoro, said the fund In his remarks, Chairman of Tegina and relocated to Kaduna. Governor Abubakar Sani Bello unemployment (33.3%) and of doing business, one thing that was reviewing a report on the RDSC, Professor Njidda Gadzama, It was learnt that when the had received the children at the rising debt. stands out is the poor level of our draft executive bill on the establish- stressed the importance of infra- parent was informed of the government house Minna last "Infrastructural development infrastructure, and the extent to ment of the National Research structure, saying whatever is done insecurity situation in Kaduna Friday, before they were taken plays a pivotal role in enhancing which it has hindered us from and Development Foundation in terms of development cannot be he said he would settle down in back to Kagara where they were economic growth, improving living significant development locally. (NRDF), earlier received from successful without infrastructure. a local government area where reunited with their parents. THISDAY • TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021 7 8 TUESDAY, ͻ͹˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY NEWS

ON A CONDOLENCE VISIT... L - R: Deputy Governor Borno State, Usman Kadafur, Senator Sadiq Umar, President of the Senate, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan and Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni on arrival at the Airforce Base during a condolence visit on Monday to the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Elkanemi, and the Kingibe family. Lalong, Lawmakers at Loggerheads over Jos Crisis Heavy security presence in assembly as gov relaxes 24-hour curfew Seriki Adinoyi in Jos He said: “The attention of the well as Local government in the security agencies and desist mainstream and social media situation in the three Local Government has country. from peddling falsehood also chose to play to the gallery Government Areas where the The crisis in Jos, on Monday, been drawn to allegations made “It is therefore not possible against the Executive arm of and fanned the embers of hatred curfew was imposed, as well assumed a new dimension with by the Speaker of the House, for him to be associated with Government and His Excellency and disunity. However, majority as other parts of the state. Governor Simon Lalong getting Rt. Hon. Abok Nuhu Ayuba, any action that will impede the the Governor.” of media platforms performed “At the end of the review, at loggerheads with members of who appeared on Channels activities of the House, which has Earlier, the governor, who has their duties diligently and government took the decision the state House of Assembly over TV programme on Monday its rules and conventions. The relaxed the 24-hour curfew, had highlighted government’s efforts that the curfew in Jos North is purported attempt to seal the state 30th August claiming that the Governor remains the longest in a statewide broadcast blamed in discharging its constitutional to be relaxed. Beginning from House of Assembly. Assembly Complex has been serving Speaker of the House some political and religious obligation of ensuring the safety Monday 30th August 2021, THISDAY observed on Monday sealed. This false allegation has in the history of democracy in leaders, as well as a section of of lives and property. the curfew shall be enforced morning, there was a heavy further been circulated on social Plateau State, understands the the media for escalating the crisis “I must commend people of from 6pm to 6am until further presence of security personnel media associating the Executive workings of the House, and has in the state with their utterances. conscience across different faiths, notice. The curfew in Jos South including the Police and the DSS arm of Government and the demonstrated uncommon respect Lalong said, “During these ethnic and political backgrounds, and Bassa is to also be further in and around the Assembly Governor as being behind it. to the leadership and members trying times, I have watched that have remained objective, relaxed. As from Monday 30th complex, denoting that there “We wish to make it of the Assembly. with great disappointment the dispassionate and resolute August 2021, the curfew shall was a problem in the arena. abundantly clear that the “To the best of our knowledge, unfortunate comments and towards condemning the criminal be enforced between 10pm to Speaker of the Assembly, Executive arm of Government the House of Assembly remains utterances of some citizens actions of the attackers and 6am until further notice. Hon Abok Ayuba, later raised and the Governor are not aware open for legislative business. The including religious, political offering useful suggestions to “The Ban on Tricycles (Keke the alarm that the assembly or behind the purported sealing good people of Plateau State and community leaders from government on ways to improve NAPEP) and hawkers remains complex was being sealed by of the House as he (governor) and members of the public are within and outside the state, who public safety.” in force within Jos/Bukuru security agents, thereby creating does not dabble into the affairs advised to ignore the allegation rather than calm nerves and join While reviewing the 24-hour metropolis. The Plateau Economic more tension in the city. of another independent arm of and refrain from dragging the hands with the government to curfew, the governor said, “After and Investment Summit earlier When THISDAY visited the government. It is on record that Executive arm of government ensure the quick restoration of my visit to Yelwa Zangam village, scheduled for the 1st and 2nd assembly, there was actually His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Simon and the governor into the affairs peace, resorted to pushing out I took a tour of the Jos metropolis of September 2021 has been unusual presence of heavily Bako was the first governor to of the House. ethno-religious sentiments that to see things for myself. I also postponed; new date will be armed security personnel in and implement full autonomy for “Those who have any concerns further created tensions. engaged the security agencies announced and communicated around the complex, but it was the legislature and judiciary as should channel them to the “Some sections of the to review the general security to all our invitees.” not sealed as purported, because people were seen going in and out of the complex. However, the extra presence Lawan, Omo-Agege Commiserate with Senator Na'Allah over Son's Death of armed security men raised questions. THISDAY gathered that it might not be unconnected with Lawmaker speaks on son’s murder, how killers gained access to his house the position of the Lawmakers, Deji Elumoye in Abuja and "We must not allow the crimi- Na'Allah and all members of by the numerous calls, messages were currently leaving no stone in which they expressed worries John Shiklam in Kaduna nals to overwhelm our capacity to his family, the fortitude to bear and visits we have received so far, unturned in compliance with the that the Presidency was bias in secure our country and drag all this irreparable loss". we have every course to thank directives. its condemnation of the attacks President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad of us under the reign of terror". Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Almighty Allah for his love and Jalige said, “On the 29th in Jos. Lawan and the Deputy President He prayed Allah to comfort Senate Committee on Airforce has mercy to the family. August, 2021 at about 1530hrs The House had said the of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo- the family and repose the soul of said the killers of his son gained “We assure the public that the Kaduna Police Command Presidency was quick to condemn Agege have commiserated with the departed in Aljanaah firdausi. access to his residence from the though we fill greatly diminished received an unfortunate report the attack on Muslim commuters the family of the Chairman of the On his part, the Deputy Senate roof top and were not armed in the manner he was killed, we of the assassination of Capt. that were on transit from Bauchi, Senate Committee on Air Force, President, Senator Omo-Agege with guns shall remain steadfast in our Abdulkarim Ibn Na-Allah 'M' but did not find a voice to Senator Bala Ibn Na'Allah, over condemned the killing of the In a statement yesterday, unshakable believe in the will 36 years and a son to Senator do same, when a Christian the gruesome murder of their son, eldest son of the lawmaker the senator said his son was of Allah. Bala Ibn Na-Allah. community was heavily attacked Abdulkarim Na'Allah, in Kaduna. representing Kebbi South in the strangulated to death by the “We shall persevere and “The report has it that the and over 35 were massacred. Abdulkarim Na'Allah, a civil National Assembly. assailants. overcome this tragic loss of one assassins forcefully gained The House also gave two pilot, was strangled to death at Omo-Agege, in a statement “Let me on behalf of Na'Allah's of the finest Ambassadors of our access into the resident of the weeks to the governor, whom his GRA, Kaduna residence on called on the police to fish out family specifically confirm the family who has done us proud deceased at Umar Gwandu they accused of being complacent Sunday. the perpetrators and bring them death of Abdulkareem Na'Allah in his life. Road Malali, Kaduna during with his handling of the crises The two presiding officers to book. who was attacked and killed by “We express hope that his death the night hours, choked him to to put an end to the persistent of the Ninth Senate in separate This, he stressed, would serve yet to be identified persons. will play a major role in finding dead in cold blood and made attacks and killings, urging him messages yesterday, condoled as deterrent to others. “From the reports received so solutions to the problem facing away with his Lexus SUV to to stop playing politics with the with the Na'Allah family over The ranking Senator urged the far, his attackers were not armed our great Nation. May Allah grant an unknown destination. lives of the people. the loss of their son. family of the deceased to find with guns. They simply gained him Aljannah fiddous”. “The deceased was until his The stand of the House was Lawan, in his condolence mes- solace in the Islamic faith and access to his house through the Na’Allah also thank the untimely death, a pilot by profes- allegedly seen as confronting the sage expressed sadness over the the good memories left behind roof and strangulated him to Nigerian Police and the Govern- sion and not an army captain as high authorities, a development dastardly murder of the young by their late son, emphasising that death. ment of for their being peddled in some quarters that didn’t go down well with pilot by yet unidentified cowardly his legacies should be kept alive. “As a family we will continue intervention so far. of the media.” the governor and indeed the criminals. According to Omo-Agege:"It is to love him even in death because In a related development, the The statement added: “The presidency, leading to the beefing He urged security agencies to from God Almighty that we came he was such a wonderful person Kaduna state police command, Command is deeply saddened up of security at the Assembly. thoroughly investigate the incident and unto Him we shall all return. in his life”, the statement said. said it was saddened by the killing by this incident and extend its Reacting, the governor denied and bring the perpetrators and It is the positive difference we are Na’Allah said his son’s life is of the junior Na’Allah, adding condolences to the grieving fam- having a hand in the unusual others unleashing terror across able to make for the betterment not better than any other Nigerian that the Police Commissioner, Mr. ily as CP Abdullahi Mudassiru drafting of heavily armed security Nigeria to justice. of the people around us during adding that the family has left Abdullahi Mudassiru had since have since directed that a full to the Assembly, urging the According to him: "We have our earthly sojourn that matters. everything in the hands of God. directed a full scale investigation scale investigation be carried speaker to direct his worries to to continue cooperating with "We all know the pains that He said, “As a family we with a view to unraveling the out with a view to unraveling the appropriate security agents. the security agencies in their such a tragic loss inflict on leave everything in the hands identities of the culprit and the identities of the culprit and Commissioner for Information, onerous tasks of protecting us every family, especially in this of Almighty Allah to whom we bringing them to book. bringing them to book. Mr. Dan Manjang, described against heartless criminals who unfortunate circumstance. have since surrendered in pursuit In a statement in Kaduna, “Detectives are currently leaving the Speaker’s alarm as “false are indiscriminate in their assault "I pray that God Almighty of the strength to bear the loss of spokesman of the command, no stone unturned in compliance allegation”. on the security of our nation. grants our dear Senator Balla Abdulkareem in our family and Mohammad Jalige, said detectives with the directive.” THISDAY • TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021 9 10 THISDAY • TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021 THISDAY • TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021 11 12 THISDAY • TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021

ADVERTORIAL THISDAY • TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021 13 14 THISDAY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA COMMENT Email [email protected] ENSURING SAFETY IN THE SKY Tunde Olusunle urges a dispassionate look at the aviation sector

he mishaps happened in quick succession. First it was the The body also made suggestions on the reorientation of air- Bellview Airlines flight 210. It originated from the Murtala worthiness inspectors on the necessary steps and checks they are to Mohammed International Airport in Lagos that Saturday effect concerning ageing aircraft. Aviators are also to ensure that the October 22, 2005 and was destined for the Nnamdi Azikiwe most experienced professionals are assigned to inspect ageing aircraft International Airport in Abuja. A few minutes after takeoff, and ascertaining the air-worthiness of ageing aircraft. Aviation agencies however, even when it was still within the precincts of the were also mandated to develop in-house maintenance manuals, to serve TLagos-Ogun megalopolis, the Boeing 737-200 aircraft nosedived in Lisa as a standard against which maintenance performed levels could be village in Ogun State, about 30 kilometres north of Lagos, killing all 117 measured at anytime. The Paul Dike task force, made recommendations people on board, including passengers and crew members. Top level of what the federal government was supposed to do in the short, functionaries in the administration at the time and senior private sector medium term long terms. chiefs were among the victims of the crash. The nation was enveloped in Compliance with, and enforcement of the recommendations of the palpable lachrymose. The air mishap was a monumental calamity, even Paul Dike task force, imposed some sanity on the aviation sector for as interrogations into the cause of the air accident continued. Earlier that a few years. Except for the crash involving 12 senior ranking military year, on March 27, 2005, another Boeing 737 in the Bellview fleet, had officers who died in an air crash aboard a military aircraft in Benue crash landed with one of its engines catching fire. State, en route Obudu in September 17, 2006 and an Less than two months after the Lagos Bellview incident, December 10, ADC airliner with 114 passengers on board which crashed after takeoff 2005, a McDonnel Douglas DC-9-32, owned by Sosoliso airlines, crashed in Abuja October 29, 2006, the recurrence of fatal air accidents, were at the approach into the International Airport, after taking substantially reduced. Indeed, but for the crash of a McDonnel Douglas off from the federal capital territory. Flight 1145 had 110 passengers MD-83 operated by Dana Air on June 23, 2012, the frequency of air on board, including many students of the Abuja-based Loyola Jesuit mishaps, reduced considerably after the work of the 2005 task force. The College, a highbrow secondary school, with students from across the said Dana Air crash claimed 153 passengers, including the crew. country. Initially, there were seven survivors from the crash, but only While, thankfully, there has been no crashes by passenger aircraft two eventually made it. Those two air incidents were not the only ones in recent years, developments in the aviation sector, that is recent to have been witnessed during the administration of former President experience in the mainstream civil aviation sector and the military . A Boeing 727-200 aircraft operated by Chanchangi segment, compel very urgent and holistic appraisal of this all-important Airlines, overshot the runway on June 11, 2005, at the Murtala Moham- sector, by the federal government. March 16, 2021, the NCAA had med Airport. Another airplane had also overshot the runway at the cause to suspend flights on *Azman Air* for about a week. The aviation airport in Jos, a day before the Lagos incident. Back on regulatory body stated that it observed series of incidents involving the May 4, 2002, a BAC 1-11 aircraft operated by EAS Airlines, killing all Boeing 737 aircraft in the fleet of the airline. 75 passengers on board, including Nigeria’s Sports Minister at the time, Two months later, May 18, 2021, a Boeing 737 aircraft belonging to Ishaya Mark Aku. An additional fatality of 73 persons on the ground, *Max Air* originating from Kano and destined for Abuja, had to make brought the total number of victims of the tragedy, to 148. The Bellview a quick air return shortly after takeoff. The aircraft was hit by a bird and Sosoliso incidents, however, jolted Obasanjo to action. strike which damaged three of the blades in one of its engines. The The deeply perturbed former President, immediately set up a Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero and 139 other passengers were on Presidential Task Force on the Aviation Industry, to probe into the root board the flight. On the same day, an *Aero Contractors* flight which causes of the serial air crashes the nation had witnessed over the years, took off from Port Harcourt, was also hit by bird strike 10 minutes after with particular emphasis on the air accidents which occurred under ascent and had to return to base. The aircraft, also from the Boeing 737 Obasanjo’s watch. The task force was headed by Paul Dike, an Air stock, had 90 passengers on board. Roused by the twin occurrences Vice Marshal, AVM, at the time and Air Officer Commanding, AOC, in one day, the House of Representatives mandated its Committee on Tactical Air Command, Markudi. Dike would go all the way to become Aviation to investigate both occurrences, which were ascribed to bird Nigeria’s first four star air force general, when he was promoted Air strikes leading to engine failure. Bala Sani Umar, a legislator who spoke Chief Marshal, under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua administration, under “matters of public importance,” noted that there were allegations following his appointment as Chief of Defence Staff. on the part of airliners in applying safety precautions, culminating in Dike, by the way, was not Obasanjo’s kinsman. One of Nigeria’s best these near fatalities. ever aviators, Obasanjo inherited Dike as Commander of the Presidential On Friday July 23, 2021, an Air Peace flight into , the Kwara Air Fleet, known for short as PAF in government circles, from his im- State capital, lost one of its tyres upon landing. While the incident was mediate predecessor, General Abdulsalam Abubakar. Abubakar himself initially misconstrued as a near crash, the NCAA and the Accident met Dike, who hails from Delta State, in the State House in the same Investigation Bureau, AIB, denied that there was a crash at the airport. capacity, when fate thrust him to the leadership of the country in 1998. The development ensured that there were no flights into the Ilorin The air force chief was deployed to that office by General in airport, for about 48 hours. The aeroplane was subsequently moved to 1997 and served diligently until Abacha’s demise. A substantial degree of the hangar of the Nigeria Air Force, NAF, abutting the Ilorin airport. meritocracy and competence still characterised public service, away from The story is not any better in the military aviation sub-sector. This the suffocating nepotism in contemporary statecraft. year alone, the air force has been involved in at least four air crashes, The Dike-led inquiry made far-reaching recommendations including: with varying degrees of fatalities. February 21, 2021, a Beechcraft King Measures to tackle manpower shortage in the aviation industry; Need WE CANNOT AFFORD TO WAIT AS A Air 350i, went down in Abuja, killing all seven officers on board the to provide bailout funding for troubled airlines; Imperative for the NATION UNTIL WE HAVE TO ERECT flight. They include Flight Lieutenants Haruna Gadzama and Henry revival of aviation facilities; Recapitalisation by the airlines and the need ANOTHER CENOTAPH IN SOME FOREST, Piyo. Flying Officer Michael Okpara was the third pilot who lost his for autonomy for the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCCA. The life in the accident. On March 31, 2021, an Alpha jet, came down at task force also proposed an age limit for aircraft flying in the nation’s SWAMP OR MARSHLAND, IN MEMORY Abba-Jille in Konduga local government area of Borno State, while airspace, which hitherto was popular among operators seeking to cut OF OUR COMPATRIOTS, WASTED BY THE supporting Nigerian troops battling insurgents in the North East of the corners, so as to minimise the free reign of deathly contraptions in the INSENSITIVITY AND NONCHALANCE OF country, claiming the lives of the pilot and co-pilot. nation’s air territory. GOVERNMENT Dr Olusunle is a Member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors LIFTING NIGERIANS OUT OF POVERTY The new phase of GEEP offers higher funding to more beneficiaries, writes Chido Nwakanma new phase of the Government En- NPOWER, GEEP, the Conditional Cash Transfer affordable loans to finance their businesses”. and job creation, while Market Moni will focus on terprise Empowerment Programme and the National Home-Grown School Feeding GEEP emphasises “credit and financial inclusion indigent and marginalised women in communities. (GEEP 2.0) took off on 24 August Programme, which collectively have so far impacted for over 37 million Nigerians at the base of the The Buhari administration has been driving 2021 with one million beneficiaries, over 12 million households since inception and the pyramid who are involved in active commercial the National Social Investment Programme as the four schemes and higher funds for numbers are growing. activity but have never had the opportunity to pivot of a poverty reduction effort. GEEP is a major beneficiaries. It is an increment on The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, access loans.” component of the NSIP. theA first phase of the scheme that commenced in Disaster Management and Social Development The Humanitarian Affairs Ministry says GEEP Hajiya Farouq called on potential beneficiaries 2016. GEEP offers three programmes: TraderMoni manages the NSIP. The Ministry says “The GEEP has provided “incremental loans of between N10, of GEEP2.0 to ensure that they take advantage and for marginalized youth, MarketMoni that targets Programme was designed to give access to credit for 000 and N300, 000 to about 2.3million beneficiaries enrol. The ministry also enjoined beneficiaries to vulnerable women, and the FarmerMoni specifically poor and vulnerable people who are at the bottom under the three programmes. Beneficiaries are register with cooperative societies aligned with the focused on rural farmers. of the economic pyramid; this includes persons traders, artisans, agricultural workers and enterpris- scheme. “Part of the new strategies include an increase in living with disability. The target beneficiaries will ing youth and other micro-service providers. GEEP2.0 is structured along federal, state and the loan portfolio of TraderMoni and Market Moni be people who are already engaged in business Umar Sadiq Farouq said GEEP2 builds on local governments. It would deploy two poverty- loans from N10,000 to N50,000, while the Farmer enterprises such as traders, artisans, enterprising presidential approval to expand the scope to reach reduction models. One is the Grameen Model that Moni is now N300,000 along with the provision youth, farmers and agricultural workers, and other one million beneficiaries. She stated further that brings poor and vulnerable but economically active of value chain and creation of digital marketplace categories of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises GEEP2.0 will effectively deliver soft loans and skills groups together to improve their access to finance. (E-platform) for beneficiaries to sell their products”, (MSMEs) in furtherance of poverty eradication, to a wide range of unemployed citizens including “Grameen model only gives out loans to people in so said the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Hajiya employment generation, growth, and development persons living with disability, marginalized women cooperative groups. The recovery rate of Grameen Umar Sadiya Farouq. of MSMEs throughout the Federal Republic of and unemployed youth amongst other vulnerable model loans have been 90-99% performing”. The GEEP2.0 will also include “a digital integration Nigeria.” groups in our society”. other is the Associations Model that targets persons and coordination platform along with a strong and Hajiya Umar Sadiq Farouq, minister, elaborated Under GEEP2.0, TraderMoni will empower and in trade associations of common business interests. centralized monitoring and evaluation system aimed at the launch of GEEP2: “The GEEP programme is uplift vulnerable youth “like scavengers, market The various loans will be demand-driven, the at enhancing loans recovery”. a veritable tool designed to end poverty in many wheelbarrow boys, orphans and youth with special ministry asserts. That means that “Only beneficiaries GEEP2 is a component of the National Social ways. In other words, GEEP targets the unbanked needs” and have a nationwide reach. that need the loan will come forward for enumera- Investment Programme (NSIP), a cluster of poverty poor and vulnerable but skilled population that GEEP2.0 will do more. It will empower farmers, tion” while the ministry will sensitise prospects reduction interventions approved by the federal have always been left out on credit delivery scale up FarmerMoni into agropreneurship to through public communication in jingles, announce- government in 2016. The NSIP clusters include the programmes and is directed at providing soft and increase agricultural production, food security ments and more. THISDAY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021 15 EDITORIAL MASARI AND THE SELF-HELP CAMPAIGN

Resort to self-help will worsen the security challenge

pparently frustrated by the the government has failed without accepting responsibility. widespread criminality and With Nigeria gradually descending to the Hobbesian state of wanton killings of innocent nature where life is “nasty, brutish and short”, this is an open persons in Katsina and environs, invitation to anarchy. Governor Aminu Masari recently asked residents of his state to stand eanwhile, Masari is not alone in the call. In up and defend themselves against February, Defence Minister, Bashi Magashi, banditry and terrorism. Last made a similar call that citizens should weekend, Masari doubled down on his call which he defend themselves against criminal gangs saidA was informed by the reality of existence in Katsina, Mbearing arms. We dismissed his call because the rule of the home state of President Muhammadu Buhari. “The law, as opposed to that of the jungle, presupposes that situation we have on ground is such that bandits would anybody accused of a crime, however heinous, is entitled come to a village, kidnap and collect over N500,000 from to a fair trial before punishment could be meted if found villagers and in some cases get N5 million from them,” guilty. That perhaps explains why more and more said Masari. “And in the same village, when you ask Nigerians are shunning the instrumentality of the law in them to contribute and train vigilantes to defend them at the settlement of disputes. Because the state is not only night, they would not give you N20,000.” powerless, but also showing in words and deeds, includ- We understand Masari’s desperation, given how sundry ing negotiating with bandits for the release of students criminal cartels have made life difficult for residents of his abducted from schools) that it has surrendered power to state. In the last two years, he has tried several measures to criminals. restore peace to his domain. On two different occasions, the The danger ahead is real. According to reports, many governor entered into an individuals, and communities in the Northwest and North THE PROLIFERATION agreement with bandits central are already contributing money to acquire weapons THISDAY OF WEAPONS THAT IS terrorising the state. EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU to self-arm in response to the security challenge. These are BOUND TO HAPPEN WILL He has had to engage DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA weapons that may lead individuals and communities to rise MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO FUEL AND AGGRAVATE representatives of gangs DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU against one another and worsen the security crisis. Only re- INSECURITY IN THE STATE of criminals – cattle CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI cently, former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar said there rustlers, armed robbers, EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN are estimated six million weapons in the hands of nonstate AND BRING IN MORE MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI DISTRESS. kidnappers, for an THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE actors in the country, adding that the numbers “exacerbated agreement to maintain the insecurity that led to over 80,000 deaths and close to three the peace. In the process, the state government bought off the million internally displaced persons.” weapons of the gangsters at enormous cost. But the bandits THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED Without any doubt, the most pressing challenge facing soon reneged. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA the nation today is that of insecurity. The solution to the crisis GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, However, as much as we appreciate where Masari is com- ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI cannot be in everybody carrying arms to defend themselves. ing from, resort to self-help is no solution to the challenge at DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, As Masari also suggested at the weekend, we must embrace a hand. It can only worsen the security situation in Katsina and ANTHONY OGED ENGBE multi-level policing system. But for it to make any meaning, it DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI beyond. The proliferation of weapons that is bound to happen SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH has to be under a holistic restructuring of the current system will fuel and aggravate insecurity in the state and bring in ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI to ensure a devolution of more powers and resources from the CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI more distress. Besides, advocating that Nigerians should DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO federal to the states. defend themselves against criminals is an admission that TO SEND EMAIL: first [email protected]

TO OUR READERS Letters to the Editor Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details [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. WAITING FOR REPENTANT BANDITS YOBE AT 30: SO FAR, NOT SO GOOD

he war against Boko Haram is kings. They impose taxes and only allow nearing an end. Cheering news local farmers to harvest their crops if certain t has been 30 years since Yobe State right time is where it all fails. Apart from the is emerging daily that many levies are paid. In the last three months, there was created by the then head of state, local buildings, the issue of teachers’ treatment members of the deadly group are have been increasingly cases of students’ General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida by the state government is something to focus surrendering. Although mixed abduction for ransom. The continued abduc- on 27th August, 1991. The state has seen on. Those teachers sacrifice their time and reactions have continued to trail tion of students has forced government to grace and glory; it has also witnessed energy to teach thousands of children in an Ttheir repentance. Since the group emerged close schools with dire consequences to the downturns and menaces. There have effort to support better education. Devastat- to wage war against Nigeria, Boko Haram is education development of the region. Sadly, Ibeen achievements recorded so far, but still, ingly, policies on promotions, salaries, welfare, reported to have killed over 100,000 Nigerians these daredevil bandits have continued to there is a need to call the attention of the and academic support are run aground and in addition to displacing millions of others. rake billions of naira from the victims’ poor current administration to work harder to buried. Since the state is getting older, toeing However, our committed and gallant soldiers families. Disturbed by the continued killings improve the socio-economic development of the path of its golden jubilee, such a system deserve a pat on their back for ensuring of his people, Governor Aminu Bello Masari the state. of running education by the state government they sustained the onslaught against the of Katsina State recently directed his people to Yobe State, for its democratic running of needs to change. The state government should insurgents. At least, the north east states, arm and protect themselves against the rapa- the education sector for 30 years, could be cherish teachers, by paying attention to their especially Borno which is ravaged by the cious bandits. Governor Masari’s self-defence deemed as being unsatisfactory at all levels. basic needs. activities of the group, is heaving a sigh of statement indicates government’s failure or Cases such as children dropping out of school, For health issues, it is very important to relief after many years of horrible experience. inability to protect the lives and property of come from the poor attention being paid to look thoroughly at how the state government, For the members of the group believed to Nigerians as guaranteed by the constitution. schools by the state government. Even though from independence to date, has handled have a strong link with ISIS to back track, The last straw that broke the Camel’s in some areas, like Damaturu, Potiskum, health management. Yobe was ruled under repented and embraced amnesty, it is an back was the shameful invasion of Nigerian Nguru, and Geidam, that are considered as democracy by (Dr.). Bukar Abba Ibrahim, late. indication of victory over them. Also, in a Defence Academy (NDA), recently by bandits. the eyes of the state, the state government Sen. Mamman B. Ali, Alhaji Ibrahim Geidam, country overwhelmed by myriad of security Whether it was security breach as alleged renovated only a few schools without support- and currently Governor Mai Mala Buni. The problems, the news of their repentance is a by the military or not, the audacity of those ing them with technical and financial aid. aforementioned dignitaries governed the state welcome development. bandits proved the poor security network However, around the local governments, with their style of government, building, Ironically, while many Boko Haram in our military formations. The unfortunate numerous public schools have been built renovating, and restructuring hospitals and members are surrendering and government attack should serve as a wake-up call to for more than 60 years. The schools need health care management. It would be good is rolling out programs to rehabilitate the government that like Boko Haram, the renovation, academic materials, and the for the government to initiate a committee them, bandits in the Northeastern states are bandits are not only attacking soft targets, but welfare of both teachers and their students that will observe how health management is inflicting more harm on the helpless poor also highly secured places. should be greatly considered. The efforts on being run and take adequate actions to change communities. In Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara Ibrahim Mustapha, Pambegua, Kaduna education shown by the state government things for the betterment of society. and Niger States, bandits have become State seem believable, but getting things done at the Kasim Isa Muhammad, Maiduguri 16 THISDAY • TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021 THISDAY • TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021 17 18 THISDAY • TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021 THISDAY • TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021 19 20 THISDAY ˾ TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG POLITICS Email [email protected] (08114495324 SMS ONLY) Like Sulhu, Unlike Amnesty Beyond pampering terrorists through the federal government Sulhu programme, security agencies should adopt a more responsive and spread-out approach that could address the threats of the anti- social elements, like the amnesty programme of the Niger Delta region. Iyobosa Uwugiaren reports

Buhari Irabor Yahaya

ven though insiders in the Defence The development, according to the of the North-east. have surrendered their weapons and crossed Headquarters say the horrendous exclusive report, is coming at a time “In his early thirties, with a wispy goatee, over since 2019. To be sure, in the last few state of insecurity created by the intelligence agencies have launched Aliyu has remarried to a forthright woman weeks, security experts said that there has been deadly activities of terrorist groups in investigation into the recent surrender from the North-eastern city of Maiduguri. a separate surge, related to internal feuding Nigeria have reduced by 39 percent of over 1,200 terrorists and their families She is also former Boko Haram, and they within the jihadist movement following the Ein the last two months - due to dexterous strate- in the last three weeks. The investigation, have been set up with the rent-free house death this May of Abubakar Shekau, who had gies by the nation’s security agencies, the new THISDAY gathered, seeks to establish in Kaduna, a business license, and a small led Boko Haram since 2009. strategy – Sulhu programme, being executed whether the surrender was genuine or monthly stipend provided by Nigeria’s Some of those Mujahideen, like Aliyu, were in the northern part of the country to tackle a ploy to activate and coordinate terror domestic spy service, better known as commanders, known as Qaid – in charge of terrorists, is generating mixed reactions. sleeper cells across the country. DSS,” the report stated. several districts. Such was the importance From the analysis of many security experts and The planned investigation may have The strategy is to get Aliyu to work with attached to the initial group that they were defence headquarters, radical Islamist terrorist been prompted by different protests by security agencies to turn other terrorists invited to Abuja, where they reportedly met groups like Boko Haram and the breakaway North-east communities, Arewa Con- and jihadists under a clandestine project with representatives of President Muhammadu Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) sultative Forum (ACF), Afenifere and known as Sulhu – Arabic for peace-making. Buhari. Insiders say that under Sulhu, defectors in the scrubland of the North-east, remain the traditional institutions against the potential It was gathered that the security project are enrolled in a six-month “deradicalisation” local terrorist threat to the country. reintegration of the terrorists/insurgents is so controversial that no government course in the military’s demobilisation and These groups consistently stir up and into different North-east communities. agent would go on record to discuss it. reintegration centre in Mallam Sidi, in North- capitalise on the nation’s weak governance, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno But Sulhu is applauded by those who eastern Gombe State. conflict, political instability, ethno-religious State, Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar designed it - as smart warfare – a means After promising to reject violence and be good crises and longstanding political whinges to Umar Garbai El-Kanem and Audu to remove terrorists and senior jihadists citizens, they are issued with a graduation cer- pursue their deadly aims. And of recent, they Ogbeh-led ACF raised concerns that the from the battlefield more effectively than tificate, signed by a high court judge – and some have employed different ways and means that communities where thousands of people the stuttering orthodox military campaign. of them are said to have to set up businesses, have hugely challenged the security agencies were killed by the terrorists and houses As insider put it, “We have a foolproof from cap-making to chicken-rearing. Sulhu is counterterrorism hard work, including setting destroyed might not be in the right frame of concept; it’s working. It’s depleting the run by DSS and the military, but is separate state-like governing institutions within some mind to accept the surrendered terrorists, enemy’s fighting force.” from the army’s much larger disarmament, local government areas in the North-east and who recently sought the forgiveness of But there are reports that the men on demobilisation, and reintegration initiative, North-west parts of the country, and employ- Nigerians. the Sulhu programme are almost certain known as Operation Safe Corridor (OSC) and ing sophisticated weapons – so much so that However, a report by a United Nations’ to have been involved in noxious atroci- also based in Mallam Sidi. they can now bring down military fighting publication, The New Humanitarian, ties. They have not been granted a formal OSC is aimed at low-risk former combatants, helicopters. indicated that a concealed Nigerian amnesty, but they have also not been held although as many as 75 per cent of those on the Many believe that the attack on the Nigerian government programme was reaching to account for any crime committed in a programme may never have held a weapon – Defence Academy (NDA), the nation’s institu- out to senior jihadist fighters in the bush brutal conflict in the past 12 years. The just villagers snagged in the military’s catch-all tion that recruits and trains the military person- to encourage and inspire them to abandon UN reports said it’s a war that has killed dragnets, with years spent in detention without nel, killing two senior officers and abducted a their deadly activities and their goal of 35,000 people – 350,000 if you include the trial. Those on the Sulhu initiative are said military personnel, by the insurgents signals building a caliphate by force of arms, and victims of the accelerated humanitarian to be the turbaned Rijal seen in the low-res the fact the nation’s insecurity has reached a to defect. crisis – and upended the lives of millions YouTube videos, exultant in victory, killing frightening level. Going by the design, security officials more. without remorse. Commenting on the attack on NDA, His Royal and experts strongly believe that Sulhu Sulhu was said to have emerged out of The report indicated that before joining ISWAP, Majesty, Retired Air Vice Marshall Lucky Ararile, could open the door to a “peace deal’’, the behind-the-scenes attempts to free the prior to the 2016 split from Boko Haram, these the Ovie of Umiagwa Kingdom in Delta State, ending a stalemated conflict/violence more than 270 Chibok schoolgirls seized men had been obedient to a maximalist “Takfir” said that the bold attack by bandits on NDA, that is now in its 12th year. But there is by Boko Haram in 2014. After years of creed, promoted by then-leader Shekau, who shows that nowhere is safe in Nigeria. “We are apprehension in some quarters that such painstaking contact-making through a declared that anybody living outside their zone not sure that even Aso Rock or any military unit a deal would amount to rewarding mass network of mediators, it may have dawned of control was an infidel, punishable by death is safe any longer. Government has to tackle killers and rapists. on the negotiators that not only did they or enslavement. these bandits or whatever they call themselves According to the UN report, one of have an opening to secure the release of THISDAY reported recently that more than with the seriousness it deserves. These embar- the ex-commanders and beneficiary of some of the schoolgirls, but there were 1,000 Boko Haram fighters have surrendered to rassments are becoming too much,” he said. the Sulhu programme, Aliyu, now has a also Mujahideen - signalling they might the army in the last few weeks – handing over The Chief of Defence Staff, Major General new life. The old was the decade he spent be open to dialogue – a prospective leap the weapons they carried. ISWAP is militarily Lucky Irabor, also described the incident as fighting with Boko Haram and then with forward in a deadlocked conflict. on the front foot, but there can be exhaustion worrisome, but said the military was looking the breakaway ISWAP in the scrubland A total of 150 Mujahideen were said to with the years of conflict for any number of into it with keen interest. The Defence Chief, reasons, explained a Nigeria-based researcher, who did not rule out insider collaboration, said who asked not to be named so they could speak the military authorities would get to the root freely. of the attack. “Some [defectors] have lost faith in their THISDAY recently reported that a United In Nigeria, without the contractual means to leaders, accusing them of corruption; some Nations (UN) publication has detailed a secret have even forgotten why they were fighting; government programme tagged, Suhlu, cre- maintain or enforce behaviour, the CJTF has others just want their children to go to school,” ated to pull commanders of terrorists groups, developed into a rogue actor in some areas despite the report revealed. including Boko Haram and the Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP) out of the receiving a state stipend, drawing-in criticism NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the forests, rehabilitate them and provide them online edition on www.thisdaylive.com with a means of livelihood. for human rights abuses,” the scholars explained THISDAY ˾TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021 21 POLITICS How PDP Governors Are Striving to Rescue Party There is no doubt that the Peoples Democratic Party is witnessing a most trying period in its over two-decade existence, but Nigerian governors elected on the party’s platform have waved an olive branch at the warring camps in the party, writes Chuks Okocha

Tambuwal Secondus

or months, the crisis threatening the taking place today, 28th August, 2021@ party for the crisis to linger the resolution to bring forward the national soul of the main opposition party, 12 noon, in my absence. It is therefore expected among stake- elective convention of the party to October, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) All these backward and front, the PDP holders that the resolution of the crisis two months before the expected expiration appeared insurmountable. For a party governors have not relented to see to the is now in sight as the date of the national of the tenure of incumbent NWC. desirous of journeying to the centre resolution of the leadership crisis. As at convention has been confirmed. It was not just the demonstration of sufficient inF the 2023 election cycle, the self-inflicted the last count, they have endorsed the One of the resolutions reached which leadership will that mattered but the manner troubles couldn’t have come at a worse time. position of Elder Yemi Akinwomni as cannot be changed is that a national con- Tambuwal, with the backing of his colleagues, Although, forces bent on shoving national the acting chairman of the party. They vention would hold between October seized the moment to drive home some salient chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus were instrumental to the setting up of a 30 and 31 in Abuja, except by a court points that arguably drove fears into the psyche out of office have been at work for close to six man committee led by former senate order. A new NEC meeting is expected of the All Progressives Congress (APC). one year; internal squabbles hit new heights president, David Mark to resolve the to hold September 9 to ratify the zoning According to the governor, Nigerians must when a few weeks ago, a member of the party crisis. of the offices for a new National Working learn to dismiss insinuations that some PDP and former Commissioner of Information in The role and the importance of the Committee of the party governors were nursing intentions to defect Edo state, Prince Kassim Afegbua accused governors is crucial for more reasons than A fortnight ago, the plot to ease Secon- to the APC, stressing that “if you want to go, him (Secondus) of financial recklessness, an one. They are the funders of the party. It dus out of office grew intense following go where?” allegation he denied, availing journalists the is through that capital they provide that the resignation of seven national officers In an extempore speech, reminiscent of state of party finances with regards to accruals the PDP is funded as a political party. They who branded the national chairman a politicians of the First Republic famous for from sales of nomination forms. are also relevant because, they control lone ranger, running the affairs of the peerless oratory; Tambuwal jibed the ruling Despite the various efforts of the PDP the delegates. party almost like a personal fiefdom. party this way: “There is no party to defect governors, the leadership tussle has remained Their aim, is to ensure that all court To worsen an already bad situation, to, no government to defect to,” even as he unabated At a time, the embattled National cases are resolved out the court. As the Mr Sunday Udeh-Okoye, National reminded anyone who cared to listen that all Chairman, Uche Secondus was give a relief by chairman of the PDP governors forum, Youth Leader of the party joined the 13 governors elected on the platform of the the court in Kebbi state, another court threw Tambuwal said, “PDP cannot afford to anti-Secondus forces and claimed that PDP, including deputy governor of Zamfara him off balance go into the 2023 general elections as a in the event of the PDP boss’ failure to state, Mohammed Mahdi Gusau attended the A Port Harcourt High Court had restrained divided party.” throw in the towel, some members of the meeting. Secondus from parading himself as the National This position informed their several National Working Committee, NWC, of The way out to salvage Nigeria from the Chairman of the party and his membership meetings to bring peace to the party. The the party would leave. clutches of backwardness, according to him, is of the PDP. PDP governors assumed this yeoman’s Almost simultaneously, more voices, for all Nigerians regardless of status or political The Rivers High Court interim order in the role because the party is in the opposition. including placard carrying youths, joined affiliations to stay united and work assiduously suit No HC/240/2021, specifically restrained Hitherto, this role was played by the the call for the sack of Secondus and to send APC packing in 2023. Secondus from assuming the office of National President because the occupier of the seat despite the attempt by highly-placed Perhaps, the biggest take away from that Chairman of the 2nd Defendant, (Peoples is seen and acts as the leader of the party. PDP stalwarts to resolve the crisis; it meeting with the possible exception of the Democratic Party, PDP). As in the days of Presidents Olusegun only festered and grew more intense resolution of the crisis, was Tambuwal’s apt Twenty four hours later, to the NEC meeting, Obasanjo, Umaru Yar’adua and even with each passing day. admonition to party chieftains to stop seeing a Kebbi state High Court reinstated him as the , in crisis, issues were Conscious of a possible implosion, the governors as their financiers. chairman of the party. resolved at the presidential villa, where PDP Governors’ Forum, ably led by its In his words, governors remain the servants Secondus had obtained a Kebbi High Court the resolution becomes binding. But in the chairman and governor of , of the people, the ambassador of the electorate order to reinstate him as national chairman circumstances, the PDP governors have Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, swung who defied obstacles to queue in sunny and last Thursday following an earlier injunction stepped in albeit through persuasions, into action and convened series of meet- rainy ambience to elect them to power. obtained against him from a High carrot and stick policies. ings in a bid to resolve the crisis. The Given the resolution of the crisis, the gover- Court. At the moment, through the actions governors, acting in sync with party’s nors are expected to go the whole distance to The victory did not last long ago as a new of the governors, the David Mark com- organs went to the heart of the matter by ensure party cohesion in their various states, twist was added to the leadership crisis mittee has intensified efforts to resolve inviting warring parties to brainstorm preparatory to the 2023 general elections. plaguing the PDP. A court in Calabar, Cross the crisis. The committee has met with on the way forward. The efforts of the PDP governors in bringing River State restrained the embattled National both Secondus and Wike. It is expected It is to the credit of the Tambuwal- the crisis to an end would not be complete Chairman from presiding over the National that there would be light at the end of led Governors’ Forum that both par- without the admonition of the former governor Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the the day, as it is not in the interest of the ties conceded grounds and accepted of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson who party billed for Saturday is also a serving senator. The injunction granted by a Cross River In his intervention, Dickson said that the High Court also barred the PDP from allowing party cannot stand the risk of a caretaker Secondus to function as national chairman or The victory did not last long ago as a new twist was committee in the face of the 2023 general preside over the NEC meeting of the party. election. The former governor cautioned The interim order was issued by the court, added to the leadership crisis plaguing the PDP. A court that the issue of a caretaker committee is presided over by Justice Edem Kufre, on Friday in Calabar, Cross River State restrained the embattled unknown to the party. upon an application brought by a member of He explained that stakeholders have the party, Enang Wani, ahead of the PDP NEC. National Chairman from presiding over the National observed for sometime the growing tension, But in a deft political move, Secondus Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party billed recriminations and outright attack on the asked the Deputy National Chairman (South), National Chairman and members of the Na- Yemi Akinwomi, to preside over the National for Saturday. The injunction granted by a Cross River tional Working Committee by some leaders Executive Committee meeting of the party of the party. in his stead. High Court also barred the PDP from allowing Secondus Secondus in a letter to Akinwomi, said, “I to function as national chairman or preside over the NEC NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the hereby request you to preside over the National online edition on www.thisdaylive.com Executive Committee meeting of the Party, meeting of the party 22 THISDAY ˾ͱͯ,ͰͮͰͯ

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi FEATURES Email [email protected], 07010510430 30 Years After, Akwa Palm Set to Become Multibillion-dollar Plantation Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, has embarked on an aggressive revamping of the Akwa oil palm plantation left moribund for over 30 years, writes Charles Ajunwa

The vandalised oil mill

overnor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa during the inspection, the bulldozer deployed Ibom is using his private sector to the plantation had cleared 12 old roads experience to drive aggressive covered by bushes. Eno also revealed that economic reforms. Since assum- the Nigeria Institute For Oil-Palm Research ing power in 2015, Udom, who (NIFOR) would provide Akwa Ibom seeds inheritedG a civil service state, has brought his yielding two to three years. experience to bear on such sectors as housing, "But what we have there still has a three-year health, water, road, education, aviation, oil/ life span to produce. So we can’t cut those gas, environment and agriculture. trees down now. We have to prune them, get a The governor’s Midas touch accounted for proper mill; all the mills there were vandalised,” the IGR increase from N15 billion to N30 billion Eno added. On the viability of the oil palm monthly. Even with the devastating effects of plantation, the commissioner said the state had the COVID-19 pandemic on global economies, already received letters of intent from major the governor did not only muster the political companies such as Cadbury, PZ and others. will to start resuscitation the abandoned oil “Now, Cadbury has said they will buy from palm plantation. He mobilised funds to revamp us. PZ too. The off-takers will come from within the over 3,000 hectares of oil palm plantation, the country. But the mill within the country is which past successive governments neglected. difficult. Right now, I am communicating with The oil palm plantation, which stretches across a company in Portugal. They can give us a mill three local government areas: Uruefong Oruko, within a year. It will come with tank farms Mbo and Esit Eket, currently has 200,000 oil to produce and store the oil, and then you palm trees and a 300,000 capacity nursery for Udom...driving development in Akwa Ibom Eno can distil," Eno explained. “Now the CBN is oil palm seedlings. prepared to loan us up to N10 billion. But you Entrusted with the responsibility of resus- must show good faith. Now, the government citating the oil palm plantation is the state's ranked the second-largest producer of There are plans to open up roads has said revamp, and we are opening up all Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, palm oil in the world after Indonesia. in the next six months, build new the roads. Now all the roads in Akwa Palm Pastor Umo Eno, who is deploying his private “The managing director of NIFOR administrative blocks, and secure the are open, and tractors are working there. Akwa sector experience to drive the administration’s came here, saw Akwa Palm and cried,” entire oil palm plantation where the Palm seats within three local governments. I agenda of making Akwa Ibom a self-sustaining Eno said. locals have encroached. At the last count am going to bring in 500,000 Tenera oil palm state. seedlings. Akwa palm will need 200,000 while Eno, executive director of Agricultural 300,000 are for out-growers.” Investments, a directorate in Akwa Ibom State According to the commissioner, the state Investment Corporation (AKICORP), said the government has finalised plans to engage Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) oil palm initiative In the early 1960s, when Nigeria was the world's the over 400 AKADEP staff and others to informed the state government's decision to largest oil palm producer, the South-east region work as agric extension officers to improve revisit the abandoned oil palm plantation. productivity in the oil palm plantation. “When According to him, the oil palm plantation, accounted for 90 per cent of the total output, with we do that, unemployment will be reduced. which can employ over 500 workers during If anybody comes to tell you in Akwa Ibom its active years, contributed 34 per cent of Akwa Ibom state alone contributing about 60 per your employment is this, you say no. These Nigeria’s palm oil export in the 1970s and cent, Eyiboh recalled that this led the World Bank are people who will show statistically how 80s. The commissioner, who lamented the you have engaged people because you cannot long neglect, said the late businessman MKO to declare the region as the global fastest-growing employ everybody into the civil service, you Abiola brought Malaysians who took palm oil can create jobs and agriculture is the biggest seedlings from Akwa Palm. Malaysia today is regional economy in 1964 employer of labour,” Eno added. THISDAY ˾ͱͯ,ͰͮͰͯ 23 FEATURES

Eno (4th right) during an inspection at the Akwa Palm

A youth leader in Etebi, Mfon Etang, who The diverse use of oil palm makes it versatile was part of the inspection, said the state and capable of lifting millions of people out of government’s decision to revamp Akwa poverty. In Asian countries, oil palm planta- Palm, apart from attracting investments into tions have created millions of well-paying jobs the state, would create jobs for the teeming and enabled tens of thousands of smallholder unemployed youths who are being lured into farmers to acquire their own land. crimes because of idleness. With enough political will, Akwa Ibom and The oil palm plantation, said Etang, survived Nigeria can achieve the same feat. because the various communities constituted If palm oil is produced in commercial committees headed by village heads appointed quantities in the state, it will encourage the agile youths to secure the Akwa Palm in the springing up of micro, small and medium past 30 years. enterprises (MSMEs) where the commodity He further disclosed: “The youths of our will be used to produce body care products community are ready to join hands with the such as soap, toothpaste, shampoo and other state government to ensure that this massive household cleaning agents. oil palm plantation bounces back to life. If it "In the area of foreign exchange earnings, starts full operations again, most of the youths a steady increase in the local production of who presently don’t have anything to do would palm oil will promote export and reduce the be gainfully employed, and they would be amount of revenue used to import the item," able to fend for their families.” stated Eyiboh. Commenting on the move by the Akwa He disclosed that Nigeria spent about $500 Ibom government to resuscitate the palm, million to import 600,000 tons of oil palm in ex-lawmaker in the House of Representatives, 2016 alone. Eseme Eyiboh, applauded the governor for “The amount doubled in 2017," said Eyiboh. having the political will and vision to revamp A bulldozer clearing roads in the oil palm plantation "This is a reverse of what obtains in Indonesia the palm which laid waste for over 30 years. where the oil palm industry accounts for 1.6 Eyiboh said Akwa Palm was the most important per cent of the GDP, employs 4.5 million source of income for the South-East region government areas of Esit Eket, Mbo and no distant future. people and brings in more than $18 billion in the 1960s, with Akwa Ibom contributing Uruefong Oruko. "Modern palm plantations, as seen in a year in foreign exchange. If the Akwa Palm 60 per cent. Akwa Palm plantation had 500 staff Southern Asian countries, are designed as is reactivated and made to work optimally, Akwa In the early 1960s, when Nigeria was the in its workforce and contributed an a fully-integrated agro-industrial establish- Ibom state will, in no distant future, become a world's largest oil palm producer, the South-east estimated 34 per cent of Nigeria’s crude ment, equipped with oil palm trees, palm designation centre for manufacturers who are region accounted for 90 per cent of the total palm oil export in the 1970s and 80s. oil mills, palm kernel extraction plant and looking for natural seed oils, like palm oil, as output, with Akwa Ibom state alone contributing With 200,000 stands of palm trees and vegetable oil refining and fractionation an alternative to unhealthy hydrogenated fats." about 60 per cent, Eyiboh recalled that this a 300,000 capacity nursery for oil palm plants," said Eyiboh. "The Akwa Palm The Akwa Palm should not be seen as a led the World Bank to declare the region as seedlings, the plantation can produce should not fall short of this standard. political gimmick to settle party supporters. the global fastest-growing regional economy thousands of tons of palm oil annually Those handling the project should adopt But as a people-oriented scheme that should in 1964. worth billions of naira. strategies that will enable the company receive the support of all, irrespective of political However, with the advent of crude oil Eyiboh, a former director at the Akwa to obtain international certification as a or ethnic background, Eyiboh warned. in Nigeria, the sector was relegated to the Palm Industries Limited, said plans by member of the Global Roundtable on He urged the Akwa Ibom government to background. The hitherto busy substation of the Akwa Ibom government to reactivate Sustainable Palm Oil, RSPO. This will use the same level of zeal and commitment the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, the plantation came at a time when the enable its products to compete favourably applied in executing the Ibom Air project to NIFOR, in Abak that donated oil palm seedlings average price of a ton of palm oil has in the international market." bring the Akwa palm reactivation to a reality. to Malaysia in 1960 became a shadow of itself. reached a decade high of $1,241. When fully reactivated, Eyiboh believes “Just as Ibom Air has almost assumed the He added, "Visitors from Malaysia were “Current price of palm oil in Nigeria the economic benefits of the Akwa planta- status of a national carrier, the Akwa Palm said to have collected oil palm seedlings and is about N100,000 ($758) per metric ton, tion to the state in particular and the Plantation scheme, if well implemented, will cross-pollinated them in Ikot Okpong, in the while the current international price is $438 nation, in general, are enormous. The equally become the cynosure of all eyes, attract- then south-eastern state. Today, Malaysia is (N57,816) per metric ton," he revealed. plantation will work in partnership ing international recognition and generating the second-largest producer of oil palm in "Also, the COVID-19 restrictions have with small scale oil palm farmers to income to many households," he stated. "If the world after Indonesia. Though Nigeria further increased global demand for address the current fluctuating trends states must survive in the post-COVID era, is ranked third in the world in terms of land palm oil. The fact that the local price in the production and marketing of there should be a healthy competition among area planted with oil palm, the country is of the commodity is skyrocketing every palm oil in the state. "Furthermore," he them, in investment in productive ventures only the fifth-largest palm oil producer in the day is a clear demonstration that any explained, "this investment will boost that will diversify the economy away from world due to low yields. The reason for the investment in the sector is futuristic and the state’s internally generated revenue, crude oil." low yields is not far-fetched." worthwhile." IGR, thereby reducing dependence on The reactivation of Akwa Palm Oil Plantation Nigeria’s oil palm cultivation is by small scale Eyiboh also stated that the Udom federation allocation." in Akwa Ibom is one of such investments farmers, who grow oil palms with other crops administration should go beyond mere In economic terms, he further pointed expected to enhance the state's economic instead of the industrial oil palm plantation rhetoric and political pronouncements out, oil palm has a long shelf life span, fortunes and add the much-needed value to approach practised by the "Asian Tigers and to ensure that the ongoing work at the and it is used in more than 50 per cent the national drive for non-oil exports. the Latin Americans." oil palm plantation was completed in of all the products sold in supermarkets. According to Eyiboh, a federal agency It is against this backdrop that the decision like Niger Delta Development Commission of the Akwa Ibom government to reactivate (NDDC) should inject funds into projects like the moribund Akwa Palm Oil Plantation the Akwa Palm. was made, he pointed out. The move is in “Current price of palm oil in Nigeria is about N “An interventionist agency like NDDC bluntly response to repeated calls for states to identify refused to see the prospects in the prosperity one specific dominant crop in their locality and you100,000 ($758) per metric ton, while the current of the people. If NDDC spent all the money cultivate it in commercial quantities for local they are wasting, if they had put one-quarter consumption and for export. The 3,000 hectares international price is $438 (N57,816) per metric of that money into Akwa Palm, I’m sure that Akwa Palm Oil Plantation was established ton," he revealed. "Also, the COVID-19 restrictions this place would have by now increased the by the government of the then South-eastern state’s IGR and created employment for the state in 1962. It stretches across three local have further increased global demand for palm oil teeming youths,” Eyiboh lamented. TR N TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021 UTH ASO TR N & E A U WEEKLY PULLOUT TH ASO R LAWYER& RE

Federal Gazette Provides for Grazing Reserves: Fact or Fiction? II TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021 • THISDAY IN THIS EDITION

Propriety of

N TR SO UTH & REA Making Similar

N TR SO A WEEKLYUTH & REA PULLOUT LAWYERTUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021 Applications at the Supreme and Appeal Courts Simultaneously Page IV

NBA, Partner Federal Gazette Provides Agencies to for Grazing Reserves: Tackle Money Fact or Fiction? Laundering, Financing of Terrorism QUOTABLES Page V There is enough work for God to do. But, we haven’t done our own share. In our daily conversations now, there’s too much God.’ - Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, Minister of ‘Police Must Works and Housing; Governor, Charge Glory (2007-2015) Okolie to Court ‘Our unanimous position is, what or Release Her is needed now is to wipe out the Bandits. We must go into Unconditionally’, this forest; nobody living in that forest is innocent, and just kill A2J them all.’ - Nasiru El Rufai, Page V Governor, Kaduna State, Federal Republic of Nigeria

EFCC and Charge of Witch-Hunting Opposition Page VI THISDAY• TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021 III THE ADVOCATE Of Insecurity and Wrong- Headed Policies Standing My Ground to go scot free, then, I submit that, every inmate s I expected, I had some feedback on in every prison in Nigeria should also be allowed my piece of last week, 'Kano Hisbah: ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE to go home, once they openly declare that they A Clear and Present Danger?' - both have repented. Fair is fair. Should the suspected good and bad. I have absolutely [email protected] Herdsmen/criminals who cruelly murdered the nothing against Islam, nor was I [email protected] 36 defenceless people in Plateau State, majority being partial to Christianity in my of whom were women and children, be forgiven Asaid editorial - I was simply telling the truth, and Twitter: @TheAdvocate because they claim to be repentant? They are upholding the provisions of the Constitution. murderers, and law amply provides for their crimes. As a student and teacher of the Constitution, Thankfully, President Muhammadu Buhari clearly its provisions must come first. So, for those who stated in the recent past, that his administration condemned me as being partial to Christianity - rather, would “continue to deal with insurgents, bandits, I am partial to Section 10 of 1999 Constitution of kidnappers and other criminals who constitute a the Federal Republic of Nigeria, because I am a The threat to innocent citizens across the country”. I supporter of peace and One Nigeria; and one of concur. My dear readers, what is your opinion on the only ways that we can achieve peace in a multi- the issue of amnesty? religious society like ours, is by strictly adhering to the provisions of Section 10 of the Constitution, and Advocate Conclusion laying less emphasis on religion publicly. I stand While this administration is not particularly the cause my ground on this issue. Religion is personal, and of many of the issues Nigeria is presently facing, best kept that way. they cannot be absolved of a good deal of blame because they have compounded matters with the Some Other Truths: “If coldblooded killers, kidnappers and way they have responded to them. Government’s Since I seem to have ingested a good measure of decision to then cow the media into submission truth serum, here is the truth about two other issues with intimidation, threats of arrest and closing down which occupied the front burner recently - Workers/ rapists are forgiven because they claim to be media outfits in order to stop them from reporting Doctors strike and granting amnesty to Nigerian their failures, not only runs foul of Sections 22 and criminals. repentant, and they are allowed to go scot 39 of the Constitution, if yet another truth be told, is a further step in the wrong direction. 1) Labour free, then, I submit that, every inmate in every This is a home truth - the remuneration structure Dear Editor of this country is warped, and Government is prison in Nigeria should also be allowed to go doing nothing to improve it. We have Incessant strikes, caused in my opinion, by Nigeria’s age-long home, once they openly declare that they have Re: Kano Hisbah: A Clear and inequitable remuneration system; a system which is Present Danger? very much at variance with Sections 16 & 17 of the Constitution. Take for example, Teachers, Medical repented. Fair is fair” Dear Editor, Doctors, and Judges - they are being exploited by revenue, the sector where we have the most which sets out the educational objectives of Hisbah under Ganduje, who fancies himself as Government, while their conditions of work are FDI, the economy was affected badly. A drop Government - eradicating illiteracy and providing unjust and inhumane. “Khadimul Islam” (servant of Islam) has been in oil production and export, coupled with free education up to tertiary level if possible, empowered, and is thus, metamorphosing into In civilised countries, the wealthiest professionals dwindling oil prices, IOCs going to look for plus adult literacy programmes. are Doctors, while Judges, Teachers and Lecturers something else. Though, they have always been safer environments to continue their business, Do the Boko Haram insurgents, who have present in Kano, under this Government which function in optimal conditions and are well taken care the global trend going in the direction of seeking been recognised by the Global Terrorist Index as of. In Nigeria, NASS members, a good number of seems to not only accommodate but praise their alternatives to oil, you will all agree with me, the third deadliest terrorist group in the world, petty atrocities, Hisbah acts with impunity at a whom possess only basic educational qualifications, that this was not a good combination for the deserve amnesty, when Governor Zulum has are paid fabulous salaries and allowances for doing whim, despite they themselves being found wanting Nigerian economy. declared that at least 100,000 lives have been in morals and character. In February, the Hisbah little or nothing, while for instance, Doctors, who The fact that the Niger Delta is seriously lost due to the heinous crimes they have com- risk their lives and save lives daily, are paid peanuts. Commander was caught in a hotel cheating with polluted and lacking in infrastructure, amongst mitted? Or would this same fact be the reason a married woman. This shows you that there is a Imagine a $10 hazard allowance! Apparently, Nigeria other drawbacks, is no secret. And, so we could to grant amnesty, in order to stop the killings? has about 72,000 registered Doctors, out of which deficiency of Islamic Knowledge and ethics, even see that even if some believe that the Niger I wondered whether Governor Zulum’s position within Hisbah members. only about half are practicing. Already, the ratio Delta militants had gone about registering their on amnesty for repentant insurgents was borne of Doctors to our population of over 200 million I am not, however, against Sharia law, as most dissatisfaction the wrong way, they did/do out of helplessness more than anything else, of the culture in the Northern States that practice people, is inadequate; and now, a good number of have a genuine and legitimate cause. Having since over 10 years later, the insurgents have them are trying to ‘check out’ to places like Saudi it has been almost completely usurped by the mumbled and grumbled about this cause to not been decimated by Government, and are Islamic way of life. Therefore, it seems a suitable Arabia to seek greener pastures and better working not much avail, maybe they felt that taking still causing chaos in the Northeast, possibly conditions. Is Government just going to watch them alternative to regard as customary law in these drastic steps, would be the only way to get with no end in sight. That this is the position parts. However, like you rightly pointed out, Shari’a go? I guess so, if Government is not prepared to Government’s attention - and they did. that Governor Zulum and other proponents improve their working conditions. After all, freedom law needs to find a way of existing within our Luckily, the solution that Government put of amnesty have been constrained to take in constitutional framework, and by any means, it of movement is a fundamental right, and nothing in place - amnesty and training for the Niger the interest of peace for their people, with no stops Doctors from relocating to places where they should not trample on the rights of innocent citizens Delta militants etc, proved to be fairly effective other solution to stop the violence and mayhem who do not adhere to the Islamic Faith. One of the are better appreciated. in this situation. But, is it the proper step to in sight, just as Government was forced to I still cannot quite understand a system where main facets of Shari’a law is that it applies to only take, and will it be effective in the case of the take the same position in the interest of our Muslims, as practicing Islam is itself part of the those who are less educated and do less work, are insurgents and bandits? A pertinent question economy in the Niger Delta situation. better remunerated than those who are not only Shari’a. Therefore, people who are not Muslims to also ask at this juncture, is whether the Boko Do we then restrict this amnesty to the Boko should not be compelled to practices which are alien educated, but perform crucial tasks in society. It is Haram insurgents even have a legitimate cause Haram insurgents, or extend it to the Bandits, not only inequitable and therefore, unconstitutional, to their chosen way of life. The Qur’an has a verse or any cause at all, in looking at some of the Kidnappers, and Herdsmen who rape, destroy which categorically says: “There is no Compulsion it shows Nigeria’s lack of appreciation of educa- conditions which may qualify them for amnesty? and kill for one form of financial gain or the tion. No wonder there are so many out of school in Religion” (Qur’an 2:256). This verse automatically That Western education is an abomination? other, be it for ransom payments or forcefully negates the acts perpetrated by the Hisbah. As for children! Why bother to go to school, at least beyond I think not, because Islam, the religion they making use of peoples’ crops and farms for primary or secondary level, when you will just end the Hisbah itself, it should be constrained to Shari’a claim to profess, encourages the quest for their cattle to graze, some of whom Sheik Gumi Courts and administrative offices. It should by no up being unemployed, or paid next to nothing if knowledge, for both the female and male. Their is seeking amnesty for? If coldblooded killers, you are even lucky enough to secure a job after means be given the power to act like the Police, outlandish belief also goes against the spirit kidnappers and rapists are forgiven because neither should they be allowed to carry on without graduation? You are better off becoming a Politician and purport of Section 18 of the Constitution they claim to be repentant, and they are allowed after secondary school! some sort of supervising body Section 16(2)(d) of the Constitution provides that workers should be paid at least a reasonable minimum A.W., living wage. Is N30,000 reasonable in this day and Abuja age? No. This is the plight of majority of workers in Nigeria; and this type of ridiculously unrealistic Dear Editor, salary structure, is a major catalyst for corruption and criminality. There is no better time than this, A clear and present danger. But, is there enough for Government to re-evaluate our remuneration consideration and provision for adherents of Islam structure. within the context of our constitution? The counter argument is that, the Nigerian Constitution is 2) Repentance and Amnesty built strict on a judeo Christian foundation and Another truth to be told, is about this issue of core values. There is a school of thought (which ‘repentant' Bandits and Boko Haram insurgents, should not be discountenanced) that states that the and what to do with them. A few weeks ago, I coloniser - Britain, founded all Nigeria's national shared my views on amnesty, and concluded that institutions, systems, processes and legal grundnorms I did not particularly believe in it, at least not what on Western based cultural idiom, and on a purely Sheik Gumi is asking for ‘Bandits’ anyway. And, Christian worldview. As a result therefore, Islam even if it may seem to have worked in the Niger has to find its own space, and this is the reason for Delta, it is definitely not a blanket solution to all this disequilibrium we are now experiencing; and the different types of insecurity we are experiencing until an accommodation of Islam is achieved on an today. Amnesty is usually for political crimes, arising equal footing within our constitutional framework, from those who may have been fighting for a cause, these disquieting experiences such as those you just and should not be for vicious criminals. One of the described and even the extremes ones, will continue. main arguments against granting amnesty, is even B.I., that it encourages criminality. Abuja Truth be told, it wasn't as if granting amnesty to the Niger Delta militants was a voluntary, joyous Dear Editor, step that Government took. On the contrary, Govern- ment was constrained to do so. It was an economic That’s how Afghanistan started. Ditto Iran. Sudan. decision. With all the bombing of oil pipelines and Too many examples. As Saudia is moving forward, installations, kidnapping of oil workers and so on, Kano is going backwards. the militants had leverage, because their activities impacted extremely negatively on oil production S.J., and output; and oil being Nigeria’s main source of Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum Abuja IV TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021 • THISDAY LAW REPORT Propriety of Making Similar Applications at the Supreme and Appeal Courts Simultaneously

Facts Court of Appeal; more so, where the period The Federal High Court, Lagos delivered its for appealing against the judgement of the judgement in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/50/2012 - Court of Appeal has expired, only the Supreme Mrs. Francis Pablo-Amaran v Virgin Atlantic Court can extend the prescribed time by virtue Airways & 2 Ors – on 30th November, 2016. The of Section 27(4) of the Supreme Court Act – Judgement Creditor/Respondent (the Respondent) AFRIBANK NIG. PLC. v AKWARA (2006) commenced the enforcement of the judgement 5 NWLR (Pt. 974) 619. The court held that by an application ex-parte for a Garnishee Order, where there is no want of bona fide, a process which Order Nisi was granted by the trial court on issued in accordance with law in pursuit of the 13th January, 2017 and the proceedings adjourned due process of justice, cannot be an abuse of the for the Garnishees to show cause why they should process of court. not pay to the Judgement Creditor, the amount Regarding the objection that Applicant was not standing to the credit balance of the Judgement a party to the Garnishee Proceedings and that it Debtor’s account with them. could only appeal against the Garnishee Order The Judgement Debtor/Appellant/Applicant Nisi as an interested party after obtaining the (the Applicant) who was listed as a party in the leave of the Court of Appeal, which it failed to ex-parte application and named a party to the obtain, thereby robbing the Supreme Court of proceedings, thereafter, filed a Notice of Appeal jurisdiction to entertain the appeal, the Apex Court against the judgement of the trial court delivered found that the Applicant was a nominal party in on 30th November, 2016 and the appeal was the Garnishee Proceedings up to the making of entered on 7th February, 2017, following which the Order Nisi. The Applicant became an active the Applicant applied to the trial High Court for party after filing an application to challenge the a stay of execution of its judgement, setting aside Garnishee Proceedings on the ground that its appeal of the Garnishee Order Nisi and stay of further against the decision sought to be enforced had garnishee proceedings pending the determination been entered at the Court of Appeal, and the trial of the appeal. Based on the foregoing applications, Honourable Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, JSC court upheld its objection. The decision of the the trial court declined further jurisdiction in the trial court on this objection, was what resulted matter, and declared every application and orders In the Supreme Court of Nigeria in the appeal leading to the Supreme Court. made in the proceedings, as nullity. Thus, the Applicant was not only a party to the Holden at Abuja Garnishee Proceedings, but a main Respondent to Aggrieved by the decision of the trial court, On Friday, the 5th day of February, 2021 the Respondent appealed to the Court of Appeal, the appeal against the Ruling of the court below. The court held further that a named party in which appellate court allowed the appeal, restored Before Their Lordships the Garnishee Order Nisi, and ordered the trial a trial proceedings or party who actively Olabode Rhodes-Vivour participated in the proceeding has a right to court to await the determination of the substantive Amina Adamu Augie appeal at the appellate court. The Applicant, who appeal against any decision in the said trial was dissatisfied with the outcome of the appeal, Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju proceedings, and does not require the leave filed a trinity application against the judgement Abdu Aboki of the court to appeal against a decision in of the Court of Appeal delivered on the 29th Emmanuel Akomaye Agim such trial proceedings as person interested June, 2018. The application was initially filed at – Section 243(a) of the 1999 Constitution. Thus, the Court of Appeal. However, the said motion Justices, Supreme Court the argument that the Applicant has no right to could not be heard before the expiration of the SC.918/2018 appeal against the ex-parte Garnishee Order Nisi three-month period provided for. Consequently, by virtue of Section 14(1) of the Court of Appeal the Applicant then filed a Motion on Notice at the Between Act 2004 is unnecessary, as the instant appeal is Supreme Court dated 3rd October, 2018 seeking the a further appeal resulting from the Applicant’s trinity prayers for an Order of the Supreme Court objection to the jurisdiction of the trial court, and Virgin Atlantic Airways … … … Appellant/Applicant not against the ex-parte order of the trial court. extending the time within which the Appellant can And seek leave to appeal against the judgement of the Being a party to the appeal, the Applicant can Court of Appeal, leave to appeal the decision, and exercise its right of appeal to the Supreme Mrs. Francisca Pablo Amaran… … … Respondent Court by virtue of Section 233(2) and (5) of extension of time to appeal to the Supreme Court. And In its affidavit in support of the application, the the 1999 Constitution. By this, the Supreme Applicant stated the reasons for the delay. It stated Court dismissed the objection of the Respondent that the application was filed on the 3rd October, 1) Zenith Bank Nigeria Plc to the application. 2018 because the 29th and 30th of September, 2018 2) Guaranty Trust Bank Plc … … … Garnishee/Respondent Now, considering the merit of the application fell on a weekend while the 1st October, 2018 was seeking the trinity prayer before the Supreme declared a public holiday. The Appellant further Court, their Lordships held that by the provi- stated that, the processes had to be conveyed from (Lead Ruling delivered by Honourable Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, JSC) sions of Order 2 Rule 31 of the Supreme Court Lagos to Abuja on 2nd October, 2018 for filing on (Amended) Rules 2014 which regulates the practice 3rd October, 2018. However, the Appellant did and procedure in respect of an application of this not disclose why it had waited for two months nature, the conditions stipulated in Order 2 Rule 1. Whether the Applicant has a competent Court of Appeal did not strike out the said 31(2) must be complied with. In essence, every before filing the initial application at the Court application before the Honourable Court to application until 16th October, 2018 follow- of Appeal, which could not be heard within the application for an enlargement of time in which vest the Supreme Court with jurisdiction, ing the withdrawal by the Applicant. The to appeal or in which to apply for leave, is three-month period stipulated for appealing the having not complied with Order 28 Rules Respondent also challenged the application decision of the Court of Appeal. to be supported by an affidavit setting forth 3 and 4 of the Supreme Court Rules, 2014. on the basis that the Applicant was not a good and substantial reasons for the failure to The Respondent filed an objection contending 2. Whether the Honourable Court ought party to the Garnishee Order Nisi, and can that the Applicant’s application was an abuse of appeal or to apply for leave to appeal within not to grant the Appellant leave to appeal only appeal against same as an interested the prescribed period, and there should also court process, as a similar application was filed against the judgement of the Court of Appeal, party after seeking and obtaining leave of at the Court of Appeal which was subsequently be exhibited grounds of appeal which prima Lagos Division delivered on the 28th day of court. In response, counsel for the Applicant facie show good cause why the appeal should struck out on 16th October, 2018 following the June, 2018 by their Lordships; Hon. Justice submitted that in accordance with Order 2 Applicant’s withdrawal of same. The Respondent be heard, amongst others. Failure to satisfy Ugochukwu Anthony Ogakwu and Hon. Rule 28(4) of the Supreme Court (Amended) these two conditions would result in such contended further that, as the Applicant is not a Justice Jamilu Yammama Tukur in Appeal Rules 2014, the Appellant had filed a similar party to the Garnishee Proceedings where the application being dismissed by the court – No. CA/L/471/2017- Mrs. Francisca Pablo- application for leave to appeal before the SEBASTIAN ADIGWE v FEDERAL RUPUBLIC order Nisi was made, it can only appeal against Amaran v Virgin Atlantic Airways & 2 Ors. Court of Appeal, but same was not heard the said order as an interested party after obtaining OF NIGERIA (2015) S.C. 115. In this case, owing to the court’s annual vacation. The the reason given by the Applicant for its failure the leave of the Court of Appeal, and when such Arguments Court of Appeal resumed sitting on the 17th leave had not been sought or obtained, then the to apply and obtain leave within the prescribed By way of objection to the competence of the October, 2018, but the Applicant could not time, was owing to the annual vacation of the Supreme Court lacked the requisite jurisdiction application before the court, the Respondent get a date for hearing of the motion for leave to entertain the application. court for the year 2018. The Applicant however, had submitted that the application before the because the time prescribed by the Rules for failed to disclose why it waited for about two Issues for Determination Supreme Court, filed on 3rd October, 2018 seeking leave to appeal at the lower court In its determination of the application and the months after the delivery of the judgement of was an abuse of court process, because a had expired; hence, the Applicant had to file the Court of Appeal before applying to the Court objections of the Respondent thereto, the Supreme similar application was filed at the Court the application at the Supreme Court, while Court considered the following issues: of Appeal for leave to appeal the decision. The of Appeal on 24th August, 2018, and the waiting to withdraw the first application at Supreme Court concluded that, the affidavit in the Court of Appeal. support of the application did not disclose good “Order 2 Rule 28(4) permits a second and substantial reason for the failure to appeal or Court’s Ruling and Rationale apply for leave to appeal within the prescribed Deciding the objection to the competence of period, so as to be entitled to the discretionary application to the Supreme Court, in the application, the Supreme Court found power of court in its favour. that the Applicant provided a satisfactory circumstance(s) where it is impossible to explanation to show that the filing of the Application Dismissed. second application at the Supreme Court was apply to the Court of Appeal; more so, not made in bad faith, and that withdrawing Representation the first application was the proper thing to Victoria Adedapo for the Appellant. where the period for appealing against do in the circumstance as the three-month P. Amaran with J. Okogbo for the Respondent. period allowed under Section 27(2) of the the judgement of the Court of Appeal Supreme Court Act to appeal had expired B.B. Lawal, Esq. for the Garnishee/Respondent by 30th September, 2018. Order 2 Rule has expired, only the Supreme Court can 28(4) permits a second application to Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, the Supreme Court, in circumstance(s) Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law extend the prescribed time….” where it is impossible to apply to the Reports (NMLR)(An Affiliate of Babalakin & Co.) THISDAY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021 V NEWS

Glory Okolie NBA President, Olumide Akpata Hon Justice Nicholas Oweibo ‘Police Must Charge Glory Okolie to Court or Release Her Unconditionally’, A2J On the 17th of June, 2021, and a breach of the Police Act, the public at all times. Attorney-General of the take action on this matter, ensure the enforcement of Glory Okolie, a young girl of 2020 and the Administration iv. Notifies the Inspector- Federation that should there a suit will be filed against Glory Okolie’s fundamental 22 years left home and never of Criminal Justice Act. Even General of Police and the be a delay or reluctance to all concerned parties, to human rights. returned home, leaving her more worrying, is the fact family and friends perplexed, that there was no formal or especially because it was not informal communication made customary for her to keep to Glory’s family notifying Court Dismisses Bankruptcy Case Against late nights or sleep outside them of her arrest since the the house. The emotional 17th of June, 2021, giving ex-Staco Insurance Boss torment from the sudden her arrest and her illegal Tobi Soniyi carried out by Ernst & Young, and the allegations. He stated that he were deferred benefits he was disappearance of Glory detention the appearance of that despite repeated demands had for 25 years invested and entitled to, and subsequently Okolie continued until late an abduction and enforced A Federal High Court in Lagos, for payment, he has failed to pay, dedicated himself to the company, approved for payment by other June 2021, when a young man disappearance. has dismissed a bankruptcy and as at the date of filing the as the founding Managing Directors, and for which other released from the Inspector petition filed against the former Petition, he owed the company Director and shareholder. He Directors were similarly compen- General of Police, Intelligence Access to Justice therefore: Managing Director of Staco Insur- N575,943,276.70. denied that he was indebted sated. He told the court that all Response Team (IGP-IRT) i. Expresses dissatisfaction ance PLC, Dr Sakiru Olanipekun Consequently, the company to the company. He asked the the allegations were trumped up disclosed to Glory’s family with the manner in which Oyefeso. The court also awarded as the creditor, urged the court court to dismiss the suit, on the charges made against him, as that she was in the custody Glory Okolie has been han- costs of N50,000, against the to issue an order declaring grounds that all the allegations a conspiracy to remove him as of the IGP- IRT, Tiger Base in dled by the Police, especially Insurance firm that wrote the Oyefeso bankrupt. The creditor against him were false, contrived the MD/CEO of the company Owerri, , and was regarding the violations of petition against Oyefeso. also sought an order directing and biased. at all cost. made to cook and clean for her rights, and thus, demands In its statement of facts, Staco that all assets, interests, and his He tendered and relied on a His Lawyer, Mr Seni Adio, the Police Officers. Armed that Glory Okolie be charged Insurance had alleged that while holdings, either held personally or forensic report conducted on the SAN, while asking the court to with this new information, to court if the Police have in office, the Managing Director/ through third parties and privies, company by the National Insur- dismiss the suit, argued that the Glory’s parents went to the evidence to back their claim Chief Executive Officer of the be liquidated and the proceeds ance Commission (NAICOM). company has no grounds to have IGP-IRT office to secure or release her unconditionally. company, Dr Oyefeso obtained applied towards off-setting the Oyefeso said that the funds his client declared bankrupt. her release, but their efforts A2Justice is a non-profit, unauthorised loans in the name debtor's debts, particularly the that the creditor alleged were In his judgement, Justice were unsuccessful. Instead, non-governmental organisa- of the company and converted sum of N575,943,276.70. An order loan, were monies he personally Nicholas Oweibo said "In this the Police transferred Glory tion working to promote same. He was also accused divesting Oyefeso of all shares, provided to the company in order case, there is an allegation by the Okolie to Abuja. integrity, transparency, ac- making illegal expenditures to interests and holdings in all public to facilitate its business when creditor (Staco Insurance) that As the story of Glory’s countability and independence himself, his relatives and other and private companies. It also required, and that the supposed the debtor Dr Sakiru Olanipekun predicament began to filter in legal and judicial institu- third parties from the funds of asked for an order of perpetual loans were repayments by the Oyefeso is indebted to it in vari- out into public space, it tions, and to protect the rights the company. injunction, restraining him from company to him as reimburse- ous sums. Acts of bankruptcy generated public outcry, and of individuals and groups to The company said the alleged taking up appointment as a Direc- ments. which will entitle a creditor to individuals and civil society justice. A2Justice is the 2009 irregularities were discovered in tor in any company in Nigeria. He explained that some of the file a petition are listed in Section organisations began to call for recipient of MacArthur Foun- the course of the forensic audit However, Oyefeso denied all alleged unauthorised payments 1(1)(a)(I) of the Bankruptcy Act. the release of Glory Okolie. dation’s Award for Creative This prompted the IGP to and Effective Institutions and order an investigation into also the 2010 recipient of the NBA, Partner Agencies to Tackle Money the matter. Within a couple of first- ever Nigerian Bar As- days, and in a rather shocking sociation’s Gani Fawehinmi Laundering, Financing of Terrorism twist, on the 22nd of August Award for Human Rights and 2021, the Deputy Force Public Social Justice. Steve Aya terrorist financing within finan- sustained oversight and com- Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act. Relations Officer, CSP Aremu ii. Questions the integrity cial, non-financial institutions and mon definition of designated The gathering called for Adeniran, issued a press state- of the investigation which led A resolution by Nigerian Bar other professions, the Financial non-financial institutions. They deeper synergy between ment purporting that Glory to the conclusion that Glory Association (NBA), and its Action Task Force (FATF) and highlighted that the establish- CBN, NFIU, SCMUL and Okolie is an informant of the Okolie is a spy for IPOB/ partner agencies have been United Nations Convention ment of the SCUML under the NBA to further clarify, define proscribed Indigenous People reached, to ensure that the fight Against Corruption (UNCAC) Ministry of Industry, Trade and and establish clear compliance ESN, and therefore, calls on are applying measures. Investment, though laudable, of Biafra and Eastern Security against money laundering and with the Act. the Police Service Commission financing of terrorism is won In his address CFTIW Direc- may have missed the mark. The Lawyers urged agencies Network (IPOB/ESN), and to carry out an independent in Nigeria. tor, Umar Yakubu, stressed Participants cited how black- involved in the AML/CFT labelled her a ‘militant spy investigation into this case to The resolution was reached, the need for Nigeria being an listed countries are subjected implementation, to foster better girl’. determine the substance of during a workshop which took integral member of the global to sanctions by FATF member- engagement with partners such As an organisation that the matter, and to sanction place in Abuja. The event was community to be bound by the States. The stakeholders said as the NBA Anti-Corruption pursues justice for everyone, all persons involved in the organised by the Centre for Fis- preventive actions. this would affect trade and Committee. Access to Justice finds Glory’s violation of the rights of the cal Transparency and Integrity “The support of legal finance, in addition to the dent The professionals, however, case to be especially disturbing detainee. Watch (CFTIW). In attendance practitioners and the legal com- on Nigeria’s credibility, decline commended the Association because, prior to the press iii. Demands that the were the Central Bank of Nigeria munity are key, in order to foster in global business networks, and for exploring options for a release issued by the Police National Assembly should (CBN), Nigerian Financial Intel- cooperation between the NBA, the attendant financial hardship. self-regulatory billing system. and the allegation slapped call the IGP to order, and ligence Unit (NFIU), Special the Judiciary, anti-corruption In a communique, they agreed “That NBA members consider on Glory Okolie, she had impress on him to ensure that Control Unit Against Money agencies, regulators, and civil to scale up capacity building themselves as being on the same been detained for over 70 Police officers must be seen Laundering (SCUML), the civil society groups”, Umar noted. sessions for NBA members, team on AML/CFT matters, days without access to legal to employ due process, and society, among others. The participants admitted to improve awareness on the establishes and strengthens the representation, a clear viola- work within the provisions of With the negative effects of Nigeria’s deficiencies regard- Anti-Money Laundering/ capacity of anti-corruption units tion of her right to fair hearing the law when dealing with corruption, money laundering, ing inter-agency collaboration, Combating the Financing of in all branches. VI TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021 • THISDAY

Introduction orruption has been the bane of national development of Nigeria, which showed so much potential back in 1960. Billions of dollars have been lost to the scourge, thereby making mendicants out Cof most of her citizens. Nigerians therefore, heaved a great sigh of relief when the then administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo established the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) ,and it took off in 2004 under the pioneer leadership of Malam Nuhu Ribadu. Abdulrasheed Bawa was appointed the Commission’s youngest Chairman at barely age 40, earlier this year. I have listed his ground breaking achievements in earlier articles published in many national newspapers, and so there is no need here to take do so again.

PDP’s National Publicity Secretary’s False Report It was with dismay that I read a report credited to the National Publicity Secretary of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kola Ologbondiyan, that the EFCC is being used by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to witch-hunt the opposition and coerce them into joining its fold. The statement was titled: ‘2023: PDP Accuses APC of Using EFCC to Hound Opposition, Dissenting Voices’. The statement reads in part: "Our party, however, states that no amount of intimidation, harassment and use of anti-graft agencies to clampdown on its leaders on trumped up corruption charges, can cow or make the PDP EFCC Chairman, AbdulRasheed Bawa surrender…..”. "The APC knows that it has been rejected by Nigerians, having failed woefully and that there is no way it can win elections under any condition. As such, it seeks to use the State EFCC and Charge of Witch- apparatus of power to decimate and muzzle opposition and dissenting voices, and foist an anti-democratic situation on Nigerians. Part of this heinous plot by the APC is to use Hunting Opposition the EFCC to bully, harass and hound PDP leaders, who are rallying Nigerians for the task ahead, with a view to coercing them This article by Erasmus Ikhide roundly calls out the National Publicity Secretary of to abdicate the mandate of the people and join the APC. the People’s Democratic Party, Kola Ologbondiyan, accusing him of going against the "This explains why the EFCC and other security agencies have been harassing PDP cardinal principle of his profession, Journalism, which mandates that facts must be sacred, leaders such as former Senate President, Dr , former PDP State Governors, as a result of his allegations against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Abia State, Senator Theodore Orji, Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, his counterpart, (EFCC) of partisanship and the witch-hunt of high ranking PDP members on trumped Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and other key PDP leaders, on trumped up charges, while their up charges, in order to force them to switch allegiance to the ruling All Progressives counterparts in the APC with similar allegations as well as others who defected to the APC Congress (APC) which the PDP sees as a sinking ship. Mr Ikhide buttresses his argument, are moving around freely. "Even corrupt officials of the APC administra- by citing examples of three key APC leaders who have been investigated by the EFCC tion who are looting our national treasury, are doing so freely under Buhari’s watch. not compromised our national security cannot save the APC in 2023". agency from performing its investigative duty? Furthermore, our party has been made aware and threw our nation open to bandits, The EFCC Boss disclosed to the Independent of the plots by the APC administration to insurgents and terrorists, would it not be Bile and Falsehood: In Defence of Newspaper on June 21, 2021 that the National use the EFCC to further harass outspoken celebrating by now instead of this plot to EFCC and Bawa Leader of the APC and former Governor of chieftains in a bid to muzzle our party, force force its people to submission? This statement, full of bile and falsehood, is Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a one-party State and deny Nigerians a voice "In all, the APC should know that the evil unfortunate, and speaks of the personality under investigation by the body. He said he to challenge the atrocities of the APC and its enterprise cannot bend our leaders, or sway of Ologbondiyan who tragically started wouldn’t be tempted to engage in any form administration. We alert Nigerians at how Nigerians to jettison their determination his career as a journalist with the This of media trial, and Nigerians should allow many of our leaders are being harassed by to oust the APC from office at all levels Day Newspapers, one of the nation’s the anti-graft agency to do its work in the emissaries of the APC, in a bid to get them across the country come 2023. Nigerians best national dailies, where he rose to best interest of the nation. to compromise their stand against the corrupt already know that they are saddled with become its political editor. He violated Why did Ologbodiyan ignore the fact and inept APC administration." a “failed President” and his “failed APC”, a cardinal principle of journalism which “If the APC had done well; if it had not that these three APC leaders have been for the remaining of his second and final the legendary Editor of the Manchester investigated by the EFCC? His statement is devastated Nigerians and brought so much term which will end in 2023. However, Guardian made into a journalistic creed pain to the people; if the APC had managed nothing short of propaganda, which exposes the PDP calls on the EFCC Chairman to ‘Comment is free, but facts are sacred’. his shallow thinking. Was it wrong for the our national resources well, instead of engaging quickly insulate the Commission from The EFCC under Bawa’s watch in unbridled treasury looting, stealing over EFCC to investigate the aforementioned PDP APC’s manipulative enterprise, which thoroughly investigated Senator Rochas leaders with the gargantuan allegations of 15 trillion Naira and turning our nation into ruined the former leadership of the Okorocha, a prominent member of the the poverty capital of the world; if APC had corruption against them? Should the fight Commission, especially as the clampdown APC and staunch supporter of President against corruption be viewed based on party Muhammadu Buhari. It secured a court lines? Shouldn’t the battle against corruption order which has seized numerous assets, be fought in national interest, devoid of party allegedly acquired illegally when he affiliation? “Why did Ologbodiyan governed the State between 2011 and 2019. Okorocha plans to build a tuition Conclusion free Islamic University in Daura the It is a monumental tragedy that Ologbodiyan, ignore the fact that these hometown of Buhari. Did that stop the Bawa led EFCC from investigating him, and whose skills as an Opposition Spokesman, in ensuring that his assets were confiscated? my view, are questionable, should be ascribing three APC leaders have been Does that speak of any form of bias? Did partisanship to the EFCC. We urge him to praise the EFCC neglect its duty because of the the EFCC for its fight against the hydra-headed ‘philanthropy’ of Okorocha? monster of corruption, whether it involves investigated by the EFCC? His The same EFCC investigated former his party members or not. He should stop Governor of Abia State and current Chief spewing petty garbage, as the fight by the Whip of the Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu. It EFCC isn’t selective, since some prominent statement is nothing short of ensured that he was briefly detained, members of the ruling ,party are also being before a court order set him free. It is investigated. a well known fact that Kalu is close to propaganda……” Buhari, but did that prevent the anti- graft Erasmus Ikhide, writes from Lagos THISDAY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021 VII

TALKING CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY DR. MIKE OZEKHOME, SAN 0809 889 8888 SMS ONLY The Existence of Grazing Routes in Nigeria: Fact or Fiction (Part 2)

Introduction ast week, we commenced this vexed issue on the existence of grazing routes in Nigeria, fact or fiction. Today, we shall continue our discourse. Read on. LThe Southern Governors’ Accord and Reac- tion of the Federal Government (Continues) He revealed that he had asked the AGF to begin the process of recovering land from persons who have allegedly converted cattle grazing routes for their personal use. In his words: “What I did was ask him to go and dig the Gazette of the First Republic, when people were obeying laws. There were cattle routes and grazing areas. Cattle routes were for when they (Herdsmen) are moving up country, north to south or east to west, they had to go through there. “If you allow your cattle to stray into Open Grazing any farm, you are arrested. The farmer is invited to submit his claims. The Khadi or they were difficult to enforce. There did exist created, is to create grazing reserve areas with that are for the public good.” the Judge will say pay this amount, and if grazing routes in certain parts of Nigeria, as a necessary legal requirements, and criminalise Reacting to the Presidents comment on grazing you can’t the cattle is sold. And, if there form of informal arrangement; but, there was grazing outside the grazing areas. routes, the National President of Middle Belt is any benefit, you are given and people never a National law on grazing suggested “Under those laws, animals are only Forum (MBF), Dr. Bitrus Pogu, poignantly pointed were behaving themselves. In the grazing by President Buhari to back this up, except allowed to graze in the grazing reserve or out the way forward thus: areas, they built dams, put windmills in in some States in the North. “trade route”. In fact, Section 37 of Grazing “We know that yes, there was the grazing some places, there were even veterinary The Senate Spokesman, Dr. Ajibola Basiru Law CAP G3 Laws of , provides reserve law that was passed by the regional departments so that the Herders are limited. (APC, Osun Central), while speaking on this that an offence is committed by any person, government of Northern Nigeria. And, the Their route is known, their grazing area issue, opined thus: being the owner of specific animal or the grazing reserve is for the animals to remain is known. So, I asked for the Gazette to “Nigerians should be concerned over person in taking care of who; “(a) allows within the reserve. It was not a ranching thing make sure that those who encroached on whether the Nigerian President is actually such animal to graze anyhow other than per se, but the herders were supposed to remain these cattle routes and grazing areas will getting the correct legal advice from his grazing reserves or trade route established within the grazing reserve area, and not to be be dispossessed in law, and try to bring Attorney-General and the legal team. As far pursuant to this law; or (b) fails to control roaming around. some order back into the cattle grazing.” as I am concerned, as a legal practitioner, such animal and the animal causes damages “Now, but here we have a President who there is nothing like grazing routes or to any crops. is taking us backward, by trying to impose Reactions to Mr President’s Statement grazing reserve law, in the Laws of the “Section 40 of the law also prohibits pos- open grazing on a progressive Nigeria which The kite flown by President Buhari, expectedly Federation of Nigeria. There is nothing sessing, carrying or using for any purpose, not tenable. He mentioned other things that provoked reactions from different quarters across like that. any firearms or other weapons for other suggest that, he is more inclined to his people Nigeria. “There is no Federal legislation that the purposes in the grazing areas. There is in Niger Republic. If you remember what he President can implement over such matter. also provision for a constitution for local said, when he was answering the question on Are there Grazing Routes in Nigeria? The executive powers of the President, government grazing reserve, in the law. why he is doing projects in Niger Republic, he When this question was thrown up by the merely rely on the powers of the National “Rather than making reference to laws said there are three tribes, Kanuri, Fulani and Guardian newspaper, Prof. Agu Gab Agu, Assembly to make laws, when you look that do not exist or not applicable, what Hausa that have their nations there. Professor of Law and a former Dean, Faculty at Section 5 of the Constitution. is required and should be pursued by our “But you see, whether you are talking about of Law, replied thus: “Any area where the National Assembly Government and my great party, the All grazing reserves or we are talking about the “What do you think about the move by cannot make laws, and there is no express Progressives Congress as the way forward to original laws of Northern Nigeria then, the the Federal Government to reopen grazing grants of powers to the President under address the issue of Farmers and Herdsmen important thing is that the policies he is talking routes for cattle rearers? Where will those the Constitution, a purported exercise of crisis is to adopt, promote and finance the about, that is opening grazing routes and all cattle be going? I was encouraged when power by the President in that regard, will modern animal husbandry by way of ranches that, are not tenable in modern Nigeria. they were rebuilding train stations and be null and void because it is inconsistent and modern grazing reserves.” “And whether the law prohibits open grazing tracks, because that, to me, is required for with the Constitution by Section 1(3) of According to a report obtained from the or not, the opening of grazing routes is no more improvement on economic development. Why the 1999 Constitution. Vanguard online, Nigeria has 415 grazing tenable in modern Nigeria, it is not tenable in should we be talking about cattle routes “I am aware that there is a Northern reserves in 21 States, with just two in the the modern world. What is obtainable in the at this time? They should be talking about Nigerian law on reserve and grazing routes, entire South, of which 141 are gazetted. modern world, is ranching. donkey and camel routes as well. It does which was promulgated by a 1964 Decree This is contained in a statement issued by the “And the earlier Mr. President revisits the not exist in this part of the country. I think by the Premier of the defunct Northern Director, Department of Animal Husbandry ECOWAS Treaty allowing for free movement, it is only in the North that they have such. Nigeria region. It is not a Federal law, Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and which allows herders to roam about from Mali, But, I am not even sure that it is backed by unless the legal adviser to Mr President Rural Development, Winnie Lai- Solarin. the Central African Republic, Burkina Faso into adequate legislation; so on what point is is equating a Northern Nigeria law, which Solarin gave a nebulous and fictitious Nigeria, in order to stop it, the better. the person going to stand to implement it? was not applicable in the West, Mid-west, description of grazing routes in Nigeria. “He should revisit the law and tell other “There were a few things that were done and Eastern Region or in anywhere in According to the Punch of 19th June, 2021, countries that this thing is responsible for the in those days to aid movement of people, the Southern part of Nigeria, to be a Winnie Lai-Solarin said that: instability, the killings and for the insecurity in so that they could reduce congestion on Federal or a Nigerian law. “… there are some stock routes that Nigeria. So, every country should retain their major ways. It does not have legal backing, “The President does not have the power we have across the country, and in the herdsmen and let them practice ranching. Whether and it is anachronistic to think about cattle to implement that law, because it is not past, we had monuments along these the law prohibits open grazing or not, what is routes at this time. Is there any law backing a Federal law. He can only implement stock routes, particularly the primary tenable is ranching, and that is the way forward.” cattle as having rights to free movement in Federal legislation made by the National stock routes… And in the course of Nigeria? Those fuelling this should consider Assembly or deemed to have been made farming or other human activities along Serious and Trivial some of these things. It is unfortunate that by the National Assembly. The grazing those stock routes, the monuments were There are two sides to every coin. Life itself we are thinking in this direction, instead routes law is not a National Assembly altered, but we know where they are. contains not only the good, but also the bad of issues that should deepen development law, so there is nothing for the President So, we are saying that some of them and the ugly. Let us now explore this. in Nigeria”. to implement. It is regrettable that, the can be retraced. And this is particularly “If a Nigerian youth makes a false President has not been properly advised for areas that are not encroached upon promise of marriage to a woman and In the past, there were what could be called by his Attorney-General and the legal as of now. The pastoralists know the obtains money from her, the EFCC will footpaths and motor paths. Those were drawings team”. routes, and on some of those routes, you arrest him for ‘romance scam’. Yet, Buhari made and eventually improved on by our local “The purport of the Grazing Reserve Law, will see the pieces of the monuments made false promises to restructure Nigeria, technicians, with no legal backing whatsoever. So, contrary to the impression being sought to be along them….So, for those that are not and obtained votes from Nigerians based on encroached upon and are not in conflict that. Is that not ‘election scam’? The biggest zones, we will go ahead to retrace and issue General Buhari campaigned on in “….. whether the law prohibits open grazing guide the pastoralists along them. We 2015 was restructuring, now, he says those didn’t get to where we are today in advocating for restructuring have nothing or not, the opening of grazing routes is one day, and so we cannot expect that to say? That is deceit. That is obtaining every pastoralist should suddenly start votes by false pretences. That is why the no more tenable in modern Nigeria, it is ranching now… Some would still have Southwest and Southeast are agitating for to move, but let’s keep the movement secession….” - Reno Omokri. as safe as possible and in areas that are not tenable in the modern world. What is not conflict zones. That is what I am THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK saying. We are not going to retrace stock “Government's first duty is to protect the people, obtainable in the modern world, is ranching” routes, where there are infrastructures not run their lives”. (Ronald Reagan) VIII TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021 • THISDAY COVER

Federal Gazette Provides for Grazing Reserves: Fact or Fiction? Since the Northern Governors Forum, the Southern Governors Forum, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and other stakeholders, seem to agree that open grazing is an anachronistic method, and ranching is a better approach to animal husbandry in today’s modern times, it has continued to baffle and confound many, the reason why the Presidency, despite Government’s National Livestock Transformation Plan, is still talking about Federal Gazette on grazing reserves and routes, claiming to have identified 300 of such reserves in 25 . In this Discourse, Femi Falana, SAN and Dr Osagie Obayuwana insist that no such Gazette or nationwide grazing reserves exist, and see Government’s claim as an attempt to somehow try legitimise open grazing, a regressive move which should be rejected by all

resolved to ban open grazing and communique issued at the end of attacked the resolution of the Southern Illegality of the Open adopt the Livestock Transformation the meeting, it was expressly stated Governors Forum to ban open grazing. Grazing Policy of the Plan of the Federal Government. The that: "The current system of herding In dismissing the resolution of the 36 State Governors, Central Bank mainly through open grazing is Governors, the Presidency said that FG Governor and Minister of Finance, no longer sustainable, in view of the proposed ban on open grazing are all members of the National growing urbanisation and popula- "is of questionable legality, given the Femi Falana, SAN Economic Council which is chaired tion of the country." Consequently, constitutional right of all Nigerians by the Vice President. Owing to the it resolved to sensitise herders on to enjoy the same rights and freedoms Background delay in the implementation of the the need to adopt new methods within every one of our 36 States (and n April 4, 2018, the Na- policy of the Federal Government, of herding, either by ranching or FCT) - regardless of the State of their tional Economic Council the violent clashes between herders other acceptable modern methods. birth or residence." reviewed the incessant and farmers continued leading to It appealed to the Federal Govern- The position of the Presidency was violent clashes between incessant killing of farmers, rape of ment to support States with grants faulted by many Lawyers who pointed herders and farmers, women and destruction of properties. to directly undertake pilot projects out that the fundamental right of citi- which had led to mind- The disturbing development of modern livestock production, that zens, including herders to freedom of lessO killings and wanton destruction of was reviewed by the Northern would serve as a springboard for the movement and right to settle in any properties in many parts of the country. Governors Forum, in a meeting full implementation of new methods part of Nigeria, do not extend to cattle Consequently, the members of the Council held on February 9, 2021. In the of livestock production. and other animals. Two days later, the Nigeria Governors Forum held a virtual Grazing Reserves and Routes in “Since the land in every State is vested in the meeting where the 36 State Gov- Nigeria ernors unanimously rejected open Regrettably, the confusion of the Federal Governor….and the Federal Government grazing and adopted the National Government was compounded, when Livestock Transformation Plan of President Buhari announced that he had never acquired any land for grazing reserves the Federal Government. On May given instructions to the Attorney-General before the enactment of the Land Use Act, it is 14, 2021, the Southern Governors of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami, Forum met in Asaba, Delta State SAN (AGF) to produce the Gazette on submitted that open grazing cannot be enforced and reiterated the plan to ban open all grazing reserves and routes in the grazing with effect from September country. Even though it was pointed outside the Federal Capital Territory” 1, 2021. Curiously, the Presidency out that the 1965 Grazing Reserves Law THISDAY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021 IX COVER Federal Gazette Provides for Grazing Reserves: Fact or Fiction? was not of general application as it was only applicable in the former Northern Region, the Federal Government has announced that it has identified over 300 grazing reserves in 25 States. Since the Federal Gazette on grazing reserves and routes never existed, the AGF has not been able to produce it! However, it is submitted without any fear of contradiction, that the Federal Government never acquired land for grazing routes and grazing reserves at any time, in the history of Nigeria. To that extent, it cannot reclaim what never belonged to it. It is on record that, the Government of the Northern region had grazing reserves in the 1960s. The assets of the Government of the Northern region have since been distributed among the 19 States in the Northeast, Northwest and Northcentral zones. The grazing reserves being identified by the Federal Government, are deemed to have been taken over by the respective States in the North. In other words, they are now owned by the State Governments under the Land Use Act. In any event, since the Federal Government has adopted the National Livestock Transformation Plan including ranching, the attempt to legitimise open grazing by the Presidency Femi Falana, SAN Dr Osagie Obayuwana should not be allowed. More so, that the Northern Governors Forum, the Southern Governors Forum, Miyetti Allah and advertisement calling for interested Beyond (ASCAB) has urged Presi- President and his team would proffer other stakeholders have kicked against companies and consultants that will dent Buhari to jettison the planned arguments in rebuttal of what has been open grazing, and adopted ranching participate in construction”. implementation of grazing reserves argued to be a frontal challenge to the for animal husbandry. in any part of Nigeria. provisions of the Land Use Act, a piece Indeed, based on the ban on open Ranching Funds and Surrounding of legislation that enjoys constitutional grazing, not less than 24 State Govern- Controversy Conclusion status. Is Mr President, by his silence, ments have submitted applications to the The implication of the special al- It is time the attention of the Federal arguing that the Constitution does not Federal Ministry of Agriculture, for grants location of the sum of N6.25 billion Government is drawn to the position confer powers of management of land to facilitate the establishment of ranches to the Katsina State Government, is of the law, to the effect that while the use on the State Governors, with the in line with the Livestock Transforma- that President Buhari has adopted land in the Federal Capital Territory exception of the Federal Capital Territory? tion Plan of the Federal Government. ranching to replace open grazing is vested in the President, the land Meanwhile, Governor Umar Ganduje in line with the National Livestock in each State of the Federation is Gazettes: Do they Really Exist? of Kano State has invited herders who Transformation Plan of the Federal exclusively vested in the Governor of In the latest rare direct public statement are adversely affected by the ban on Government. However, the President that State pursuant to the provisions on the issue, Mr President informed open grazing in other States, to move was embarrassed last week, when of the Land Use Act, Cap. L5, Laws the nation that he has charged the to the RUGA Settlement established by Governor Samuel Ortom criticised of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. Attorney-General of the Federation the State Government. While commis- the special allocation to only Katsina In view of the foregoing, it is and Minister for Justice(AGF) to, in his sioning the first batch of 25 out of the State. Apparently embarrassed by indisputable that the 36 State Govern- words, “dig up and fish out Gazettes 200 of the settlements, the Governor the criticism, the Presidency claimed ments have rejected open grazing on the subject-matter, dating back to said that his Government engaged in that the Ebonyi State Government and opted for ranching. Since the 1963”. To date, neither the AGF nor the project for two fundamental reasons; has been given the sum of N6 billion land in every State is vested in the the Presidency has formally presented “first and foremost is to avoid clashes for ranching. But, the Government Governor pursuant to the Land Use the Gazettes and their contents to the between Farmers and Herders; secondly of Ebonyi State has denied receiving Act, and the Federal Government nation. Rather, what Mr Garba Shehu, the to avoid movement of Herders, which any funds for ranching. However, never acquired any land for grazing Presidential Spokesman has as recently is the source of conflict and to avoid since what is good for the goose is reserves before the enactment of the as 19th August, 2021, said through a cattle rustling”. good for the gander, we call on the Land Use Act, it is submitted that Press Statement to the nation, is that On July 16, 2021, it was disclosed President to approve the allocation open grazing cannot be enforced the President has “approved the review that President Muhammadu Buhari had of the same sum of N6.25 billion to outside the Federal Capital Territory. of 368 Grazing Reserves in 25 States approved the sum of N6.25 billion, for every other State Government for To that extent, President Buhari ought across the Country”. Up till this mo- the immediate establishment of ranching ranch development purposes. This to drop the planned implementation ment, the Gazettes are not a matter of in Katsina State. The disclosure was demand is in consonance Section 17(1) of open grazing in the country. public knowledge, and the location of contained in a statement issued by the of the Constitution, which stipulates the reserves and the States where they Senior Special Assistant to the President that the people of Nigeria shall have Femi Falana, SAN, Human Rights are, remain a matter of mystery. As on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba equality of rights, obligations and Lawyer and Activist; Recipient of of Friday August 27th, 2021, Officials Shehu in Abuja. In confirming the dis- opportunities before the law. the Bernard Simmons Award of of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture closure, Governor Aminu Bello Masari Since the Northern Governors the International Bar Association pointedly refused to disclose the States. of Katsina State said that: "Mr. President Forum and the Southern Governors Mr President is said to have based has graciously approved the sum of Forum have rejected open grazing his Order on the recommendation of a N6.25 billion, for ranch development and adopted the National Livestock Open Grazing Committee, the existence of which before purposes in Katsina State. Part out of Transformation Plan of the Federal now has not been formally declared, this amount, N5 billion, is already in Government including ranching, the Controversy: Why but said to be chaired by Professor the account of the State Government, Alliance on Surviving Covid-19 and FG Must Rescind , the Chief of Staff to and within a few weeks you will see the President. This so-called approval its Decision Now of the Committee’s recommendation, clearly signifies a commitment to self “…..the Gazettes are not a matter of Dr Osagie Obayuwana service and disdain for popular opinion, and no room for public input. What the public knowledge, and the location of Perhaps, nothing captures the attitude Committee’s Main Report looks like, of the Buhari Presidency to gover- based on which it made recommendations the reserves and the States where they nance in Nigeria today, more than now said to have been accepted by Mr its position on the issue of grazing President, rather than being in the public are, remain a matter of mystery. As of reserves and grazing routes. The realm, is all shrouded in mystery. position symptomises a mindset, the This leaves the entire country to con- anchor of which is insistence on a tinue to wonder whether indeed, there are Friday August 27th, 2021, Officials of line of action, irrespective of public Gazettes that provide for grazing routes opinion and the law. One would and reserves. Is it not true that those the Federal Ministry of Agriculture have expected that, in view of the Gazettes, if they exist, are subsidiary various articulations on the issue, pointedly refused to disclose the States” particularly the illegality of it, Mr cont'd on page X X TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021 • THISDAY COVER Federal Gazette Provides for Grazing Reserves: Fact or Fiction?

cont'd from page IX instruments to regional laws which are clearly inferior to the Constitution, and by implication, overtaken by the Land Use Act? Curiously, among the terms of reference of this select Committee, is for the Committee “to gazette grazing routes and reserves that have not been gazetted”. One has to wonder what the authority and legal basis is for a Presidential Committee to gazette grazing reserves and routes that, before now, had not been in existence. Can a Presidential directive be sufficient authority for this? Interestingly, the same Committee has been saddled with the task of creating a ‘data base of national cattle herders, a census of sorts, of cow owners in Nigeria. This connotes preparation for the allocation, presumably by Mr President, of the grazing routes and reserves, once identified by the Committee. The question is, why does Mr President feel he can present the country with a fait accompli on this matter and get away with it?Furthermore, what is the altruistic interest of the Federal Govern- ment, and in particular, the Presidency, in the issue?

The Plight of the Herders Cattle rearing has been recognised to be a private business, just like fish farm- ing, poultry, snailery or piggery. As a President Muhammadu Buhari Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN profitable venture, there are business expenses that go with cattle rearing, like to take Nigeria over irrespective of the nation, on how his insistence unfortunately proposes to continue to for the others; and these expenses include all opposition, even through military on grazing routes relates to the inflict, by conferring unearned and feeding of the cows, and attending to might, is now, that President Buhari, Transformation Plan, or is it that undeserved privileges on the foundation their medical needs. It has also come one of their own, is the President the Presidency has jettisoned the of nepotism, will leave scars that will out clearly in the debates, that generally, of Nigeria. Livestock Transformation Plan? If, define the relationship between the Fulani the Herders do not own the cows; the One would have expected General as it is reported, that Mr President and the rest of Nigerians for a long time millionaires who do, live in the comfort Buhari to have frontally addressed has released the sum of N6.5 billion to come. Successive Governments after of their air-conditioned opulent homes this issue, dispel the misconceptions to Katsina State, which by the way him, will have to contend with this. with their children, who are given the of his fellow Fulanis and allay the is not one of the pilot States for the opportunities to feed and clothe well, and fears of those who are non-Fulanis purpose of ranching, one would The Presidency needs to appreciate receive the best education and healthcare. who are targeted, and who in fact, have thought that the focus of the that those telling President Buhari to Thus, the Herders are no more than have suffered uncountable loss of Presidency now should be on how have a rethink, are patriots concerned workers, whose entire lives are tied to lives and property for years now, to treat all other States equally, and about the present and future of Nigeria. tending the cows from birth to sale, as under the Buhari Presidency. It allow the implementation of the The Buhari administration is touted to a product. There are no work hours, will be recalled that the RUGA plan following due appropriation have done very well, in the development and no defined periodic pay cheques. proposal as championed by the and budgeting, instead of propping of the railway network in Nigeria. One They are denied of the right to found a Federal Government under President up the ghost of grazing routes. has to wonder whether Mr President family for the most part, and therefore, Buhari, was roundly rejected as a Routes are known to originate from has given a thought to movement of do not enjoy the consort of a marriage pretext for planting Fulani settle- one point, and destined for another. cows by rail? Whether of live cows, or partner. Little wonder the pervasiveness ments in all Local Governments of This suggests that the movement of slaughtered cows in refrigerated coaches. of rape of farmers wives and daughters Nigeria, particularly in the South the cows to different parts of the Obviously many Fulanis believe that as they roam with their herds of cattle where these have not been. Those country is for a purpose, which is, their time is now, to maximise what they for months and years without female who argue that the Fulanis enjoy supply of cow meat to the intended can get out Nigeria, and that they are companions. Only this also, explains the constitutional right to live and markets. In the light of reports in getting desperate that time is running pictures and videos showing some of carry out their business in any the past, of people out of protest out. them mating with the cows. part of the country, choose not to organising to boycott cow meat, Nobody else bears the task more respond to the counter-argument that does this not envisage the need for than President Buhari himself, to let Is there a Conflict of Interest? freedom of movement and right of existence of a mutually beneficial the Fulanis know that he is the President The question that remains is, whose residence does not justify exclusive relationship based on concord? Can not just for Fulanis, but for all persons interest in the final analysis, is the usurpation of land holdings for Mr President use his fiat to compel in Nigeria. He needs to reassure the Presidency seeking to protect, that of exclusive occupation by a group, the people of Nigeria to patronise, Fulanis and all Nigerians, that the new the impoverished herdsmen or those effected by Presidential fiat and at and live in peace with sellers of Nigeria in the process of being born is of the millionaires who own the cows? public expense. cow meat who have ruined their one in which no persons, irrespective of How does Mr President extricate himself It is generally known that the livelihoods? ethnicity and religious belief, will have from the charge of a conflict of interest National Livestock Transformation It seems to me that Mr President any special favours or privileges which in this matter, given his widely known Plan is one that virtually all the hopes to ride roughshod over all the people will not enjoy. Failure to status as an owner of a large herd of State Governors of the Federation public opinion and opposition by publicly discharge this duty, will be the cattle? have bought into, whereby in a his insistence on grazing routes, ultimate failure that President Buhari Many have accused the President of 10 year period (2019-2028) through without the use of sound reasoning, fears would mark his years as President. encouraging the belief on the part of the instrumentality of ranching, the logic and the tool of persuasion. President Buhari and his supporters Fulanis, not only in Nigeria but in the mode of cattle rearing in particular, This only fuels the suspicion of need to appreciate that Article 3 of the West and Central African regions, that would have been changed. Mr an ulterior motive, and a hidden ECOWAS Protocols on Free Movement Nigeria belongs to them; that the time President has failed to address agenda. of Persons and Goods, is not intended to provide a free passage for armed What Mr President Should and robbers, kidnappers and bandits from “….the Herders do not own the cows; the Should Not Do the West African and Central African millionaires who do, live in the comfort of Mr President needs to appreciate sub-region, as their heinous crimes does that, by his reliance on Presidential a grave injustice to the lofty ideals of their air-conditioned opulent homes with their powers to foster sectional interests, ECOWAS and the African Union, for which are subject to legal and po- the oneness of African People, and the children, who are given the opportunities litical challenges, he is damaging urgent need for social and economic to feed and clothe well, and receive the best inter-ethnic relations in Nigeria, integration. and creating problems that will Dr Osagie Obayuwana, former education and healthcare. Thus, the Herders are outlive his Government and himself. Attorney-General of Edo State; He needs to know now, that the National President, Committee for no more than workers…..” wounds already inflicted which he Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) THISDAY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021 XI

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed The Unconstitutionality of NBC's Attacks Media Freedom For Emmanuel Onwubiko, the recent attack on Channels Television by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), is one too many. He believes that the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, is using the NBC as a tool to deploy tactics to stifle press freedoms contrary to the provisions of Sections 22 and 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria Background curtailing free practice of broadcast journalism fined Arise TV, Channels, and AIT over their so- Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) ince coming to office in 2015 and winning a in Nigeria, as against the provisions of Section called ‘unprofessional coverage’ of the #EndSARS warned the National Broadcasting Commission to tumultuous and indeed, pyrrhic victory in 22 of the grundnorm, which makes the media protest on 20 October, 2020. stop obstructing citizens’ exercise of their constitutionally 2019, the All Progressives Congress (APC) the fourth estate of the realm and the conscience The NBC said it fined Channels Television, protected fundamental freedoms, including freedom has done everything it had said a lot against, of the nation. AIT and Arise TV N3 million each over their of expression. prior to winning power. Specifically, the “unprofessional coverage” of the EndSARS protests Against the backdrop of the reported warning then opposition APC, had prior to the 2015 Lai Mohammed v Alhaji Modibbo Kawu and the crisis that followed it. letter sent to Channels Television by the NBC on electionS and the inauguration of the former military & NBC The then controversial Acting Director-General the interviews of the Governor and ruler Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd) as Lai Mohammed and the hierarchy of the NBC in of NBC, Prof Armstrong Idachaba announced the a security expert and erstwhile Naval Intelligence elected President, made extensive use of the media 2015 had running battles regarding the overbearing sanction at a press conference in Abuja. He stated Officer, Commodore Olakunle Olawunmi; HURIWA of mass communication and especially the social influence of the Minister, who was alleged to have that, if the Commission escalates the violations warned the NBC to avoid taking the laws into its media platforms to market their party, and to seek handicapped the then Director-General, Alhaji that emanated from the misuse of social media own hands, by constituting a clog in the wheel of the to win the minds and hearts of the electorate against Modibbo Kawu; and this squabble dovetailed into sources by broadcasters, sanctions according to progressive enjoyment of right to media freedoms. the then ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party a supremacy battle regarding the administration of the provisions of the law, NBC can comfortably However, in a media statement by the National (PDP) which had the former University Teacher and the funds domiciled in the NBC for the digitisation shut the stations down. Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, and the one time Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr Goodluck of the broadcasting industry in Nigeria, from the Idachaba said the stations’ offence was capable National Media Affairs Director, Miss Zainab Yusuf, Ebele Jonathan, as the President. The APC had the analogue system to the global best practices of of leading to a breakdown of law and order, but HURIWA said the NBC does not have an overriding current Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji digital. That was the fight on one hand. And the option of the fine will serve as a warning to supremacy over the clear provisions of the Nigerian Lai Mohammed, as its spokesman, and it was this this fight led to prosecution by the Independent the stations and others. Ironically, he was sacked. Constitution enshrined in Chapter 4, and in many spokesperson who was frequently seen by Nigerians, Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences The television stations he fined, challenged this international legal instruments which speak to the freely making extensive and unrestrained use of the Commission, regarding the administration of the illegality. issue of democratic freedoms. media to demonise the then Government; and the funds and the dispensing of some to a private So, President Buhari on June 10, 2021 then HURIWA stated that the agency of the Federal then opposition party had a lot of foot soldiers who business concern that won the licence to carry out appointed one Balarabe Ilelah as NBC DG, about Government, such as the Broadcasting Commission spent a lot of time and resources mainly working on the digitisation programme alongside the publicly 15 months after Modibbo Kawu’s suspension in set up by an inferior legal statute cannot, and must the psyches of the Nigerian electorate through all kinds owned Nigerian Television Authority. That fight February 2020, bringing to an end the dictator- never be allowed to destroy the different ramifications of opinions, some of which were toxic and outright between the Minister and the Director-General ship of Idachaba against private broadcasters in of fundamental freedoms that citizens are entitled falsehoods. then, did not allow the Minister to achieve his Nigeria; but the dictatorship against the media to, just as the Rights group said that constitutional overall programme of crippling the democratic had only just got escalated by the appointment democracy will collapse the moment the NBC is Lai Mohammed’s Anti-People and Unconstitutional practice of the media industry, which he had of Ilelah, who was hitherto, relatively unknown allowed to dictate to broadcasting stations who to Plots wanted to deploy the NBC to achieve. in media circles. interview. The National Broadcasting Commission on However, it's ironic that Lai Mohammed who headed President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Thursday, queried Channels Television for granting an the media wing of the then opposition APC, was made And, the NBC Swung Into Action: Idachaba Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, a Broadcaster, as the interview to Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State. the Information and Culture Minister in 2015, and his and Ilelah substantive Director-General of the NBC. Alhaji Lai NBC said the move followed “inciting, divisive and first task was to fashion out all kinds of anti-people The then embattled DG lost the battle, leading to Mohammed, announced Ilelah’s appointment in a unfair comments” made by the Governor during a and unconstitutional plots, to seek to limit the extent to the appointment of an acting DG, who slavishly statement on Friday, Armstrong Idachaba having programme, ‘Sunrise Daily’ last Tuesday. Interview, which the citizens are allowed to enjoy their unfettered allowed the NBC to be deployed for a vendetta had held sway as acting DG of the Commission how to interview and what the citizens of Nigeria freedoms as guaranteed by the Constitution of the against private broadcasting stations, who grant since Kawu’s suspension. He worked with the should or should not say, as if Nigeria has become Federal Republic of Nigeria in Chapter 4. interview times to persons the APC Government Information Minister to amend the country’s communist country like China, or as if Nigeria is Lai Mohammed has attempted to protect the National does not like their faces and opinions. Broadcasting Code which some stakeholders under a repressive dictatorship. Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and to influence This acting DG, Idachaba, went to work by objected to. His stint as NBC acting DG was HURIWA cited Sections 22 and 39 of the Constitution, that agency of Government to introduce all kinds of slamming a range of fines on some of Nigeria's characterised by controversies. The NBC under as those finest provisions that empower the media obnoxious and unconstitutional guidelines aimed at reputable privately run television stations. NBC him, recently asked all social media platforms to act as the social vanguard of Nigeria. and online broadcast platforms to register with Specifically, Section 22 of the Constitution states as the NBC. The Commission also asked broadcast follows: “The press, radio, television and other agencies stations to deactivate their Twitter accounts, of the mass media shall at all times, be free to uphold “…..acting DG, who slavishly allowed following a suspension of the microblogging the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter site by the Federal Government. and uphold the responsibility and accountability of Alhaji Mohammed said the new DG, Ilelah, the Government to the people”. Then Section 39(1) the NBC to be deployed for a vendetta has a tenure of five years. As recently as 48 of the grundnorm provides thus: “(1) every person hours ago, the new DG fired a warning salvo shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including against private broadcasting stations, at Channels Television for their interview with freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart the Governor of Benue State, Mr Samuel Ortom, ideas and information without interference”. who carpeted President Muhammadu Buhari Besides, Section 1(1) of the Constitution states thus: who grant interview times to persons for undermining national security. The NBC “This Constitution is supreme, and its provisions shall summoned the Reporters who conducted the have binding force on the authorities and persons interview. throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, including the APC Government does not like HURIWA’s Reaction Alhaji Mohammed and the NBC. Angered by this continuous tyranny against media freedoms, and for the umpteenth time, Emmanuel Onwubiko, Head, Human Rights their faces and opinions” a leading Civil Rights Advocacy body, Human Writers Association Of Nigeria (HURIWA) XII TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021 • THISDAY

Palestinian/Israeli Conflict Palestinian/Israeli Conflict: “Reality On Ground” In this piece, Felix Eghie Sugaba examines the issues at play in the Palestinian/Israeli Conflict, and attempts a journey into the future of what is arguably the most protracted conflict in the Middle East

eno Omokri`s recent piece on the Organisation is yet to recognise the State gradually coming to grips with the “reality by blocking or selectively disallowing essential Palestinian versus Israeli conflict, of Israel. on ground”. Negotiations between the two goods and services from flowing into Gaza and made an interesting reading. One parties, are stalled. The roadmap to final other Palestinian enclaves. In addition, a large must commend him for the write up. What is militating against the two-State status, leads to no destination. The recent percentage of the land meant for production, has It served to educate those of us, who solution? It is quite simple: East Jerusalem. normalisation of relations between Israel been occupied by Israel. The Palestinian economy, erroneously believe that the conflict As part of her proffered solution, Israel has and other Arab States of Sudan, Morocco, is in shambles. Even where production is possible, betweenR the two entities is based on religion. indicated time and again that she is willing and more notably, Bahrain and UAE which resources are scarce. Education is completely at the Even as I do not intend this as a rejoinder to that to embrace the two-State solution, if the is termed Abraham Accord, is the clearest mercy of foreign donors. Movement and freedom of Reno Omokri, I am however, tempted not to Palestinians renege on their claim to East indication that ‘things are falling apart’ for the for Palestinians, is drastically curtailed. Why Israel ignore some of his assertions that I disagree with. Jerusalem as their future capital, a proposal Palestinians, ‘the centre can no longer hold’. considers induced poverty as an effective weapon, the Palestinians regard as “haram” (forbidden) That Israel is being courted by its decades remains to be seen. It is a strategy that has defied Two-State Solution and vehemently refuse. This stalemate over sworn enemies, speaks volumes. These develop- its purpose. Instead, it induces frustration, and Let me pick on the two-state solution. Two-State East Jerusalem, is the primary reason for ments are no footling gestures towards Israel. weaponises the anger in the land. Palestinians Solution Omokri wrote in his piece, “Islamic Jihad, Israel’s refusal to accept the two-State solution. They are quite remarkable, a paradigm shift are collectively emboldened, by poverty and Hamas not recognising the right of Israel to exist, is The strategy is premised on a simple logic: in Middle East politics, with a clear message hopelessness. “what is militating against the two-state solution”. a head is not desirable without a body. It that the status quo is no longer sustainable. Israel’s current policy is simply brewing suc- Permit me to disagree. Indeed, the destruction of simply means that without a Palestinian State The realignment in the Middle East shows cessive generations of stone throwers and suicide the State of Israel was enshrined in the creed of (body), Palestinians would have no need for how wearing, exhausting and costing the bombers, who live in desolation and see the road not only Hamas and Islamic Jihad, but also in the East Jerusalem as capital (head). Palestinian/Israeli issue has become. It to their future paved with squalor and perpetual Charter of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation indicates that the Arab countries are ready bondage. Israel needs to reverse its course to bring (PLO). The Reality on Ground to move past the current stalemate, and have prosperity to Palestine, and dispel this present However, during the Oslo accord in April The gloom and despair that is witnessed begun to prioritise their own security and despair that contributes an existential threat to 1993, this issue was addressed in an exchange over the Israel/Palestine conflict, simply economic needs, as well as other domestic Israel’s security. That way, the new generation of letters between PLO leader, Yasser Arafat, and underlines the very nature of it; age-long, and international policies. They have no more of Palestinians will be provided jobs to occupy Israel Foreign Minister, Shimon Peres. In those intertwined, ancestrally knotted, protracted appetite to dwell continuously on a conflict, their hands that are currently deployed for letters, the PLO unambiguously conveyed its and frustratingly, irreconcilable. It is obvious, the outcome of which is predictable, and much throwing stones at their “occupying masters”. acceptance of UN Resolution 242 and 338, and even to the wildest optimist, that the issues seems concluded. At least, not any longer at Hunger and hopelessness prompt all manner its recognition of the right of Israel to exist. In are virtually unresolvable. The international the expense of their own strategic interests. of questions that could otherwise, be ignored. response, Israel reciprocally recognised the PLO, community has begun to reconcile itself to Massive infrastructure development, job creation as the representative of the Palestinian people. what it calls “the reality on ground”. The My Summary and prosperity, would undoubtedly serve as a This measure was formally ratified by the entire reality on ground, is the Israeli continuation Given the share intractable weight of the vital catalyst to bring about some measure of Palestinian National Council (PNC), whose meeting of settlements in the West Bank; it is the contentious issues that are referred to as peace in Palestine. took place in Gaza in December 1998. (Source: ongoing forceful displacement and removal stinking points, namely: the claim to East Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Guide to the of Arab residents from East Jerusalem, to Jerusalem, Return of Palestinian Refugees Time Solution Mideast Peace Process). pave way for an undivided Jewish capital in to their ancestral homes and Return to Ancestral attachment weakens with the passage Note that, the PNC is an amalgam of all Jerusalem; it is the declaration of Golan Heights pre-1967 borders, here is my summary of of time. Moreover, time has a way of dampening Palestinians and their representatives, in and and other annexed enclaves by Israel as her the outlook Israel appears to have casted on the will to forge on. The current generation of out of the occupied land. Part of its functions territories, despite UN Resolution 242 which stones: (a)East Jerusalem: Never will it be Hamas officials and their stone throwing children, is to formulate policies and programs for the calls for withdrawal from such territories; the capital of a Palestinian State. Jerusalem is are probably the second or third generation of the Palestinian Government. The major outcome of It is the Israeli State policy to maintain the the undivided capital of Israel. (b)Return of Palestinians that witnessed the forced “Exodus” that Gaza meeting in 1998, was the unanimous demography of Israel as a purely Jewish Refugees: Palestinian refugees would never from Israel. The newer generation’s attachment decision to abrogate from the Palestinian Charter, State, thereby indicating that the return of be allowed back to their ancestral homes in to their ancestral land, cannot be as ferociously the clause that calls for the destruction of the Palestinian refugees is a forgone conclusion. Israel. Such a move will alter the demography bonding as that of their earlier generations. The State of Israel. The State of Israel was formally The reality on ground in effect, is the solution of the Jewish State. (c)Borders: Israel will sentiment and anger that boil over in the later recognised, and the right of Israel to exist was Israel has unpretentiously carved in place never recede to pre-67 territorial borders. generations come more from their poverty condi- unequivocally pronounced and upheld by all the which is playing out in all her actions and The security of the State rests on it. tion, immediate environment and the general Palestinian factions (including Hamas and Islamic inactions against the Palestinians. The Arab It is my contention that, it is no longer circumstances of deprivation they live under, than Jihad) who were represented at the conference. It world and other Middle East players are appropriate or feasible to talk about solutions from the ejection and injustice their ancestors is therefore, not correct to state that any Palestinian or amicable solutions, to be more precise. suffered in the hands of Israel some decades ago. The question that readily comes to mind, Of course, other factors are not to be undermined is whose solutions? As the warring parties and taken for granted. The issue of territorial “In my opinion, the solution lies mainly clutch their non-negotiable set goals to their borders, is significant. In this respect, the continued chest, the word solution becomes relative and acquisition of Palestinian land and expansion of subjective. The bigger question therefore is, settlements by the Israelis, is an albatross to any in prosperity for the Palestinians….. what next? Can we be rational and pragmatic meaningful negotiation between the warring sides. in our pursuit of solutions? In my opinion, The current Israeli policy of wanton destruction the solution lies mainly in prosperity for the of lives and property at every opportunity, can Israel needs to reverse its course to Palestinians. yield Israel neither peace nor security. Finally, with no formidable opposition beyond Solution: Poverty Alleviation rhetoric, Israel’s massive arsenal against the bring prosperity to Palestine, and dispel It is an understatement to say that, poverty Palestinians in this asymmetric conflict speaks for is quite severe and punishing in Palestine. It itself. The future seems bleak for the Palestinians. is important to emphasise that, the situation I foresee a reminiscence of the Kurdish situation, this present despair that contributes an has its root in Israelis policy of blockade that in the Middle East. Take it or leave it, the “reality is akin to Nigerian policy of deprivation on ground” is real indeed. during the Biafran war. The strategy aims existential threat to Israel’s security” to strangulate the Palestinians to submission, Felix Eghie Sugaba, Zurich, Switzerland 31.8.2021 /13 14/ 31.8.2021 31.8.2021 /15 16/ 31.8.2021 24 TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021 •THISDAY TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021• THISDAY 25 26 THISDAY • TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021

Text THISDAY ˾TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021 27

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Email [email protected] BUSINESSWORLD 08056356325 RATES AS AT AUGUST 30,2021 MONEY MARKET REPO S & P INDEX S & P INDEX EXCHANGE RATE OBB 6.50% CALL 4% INDEX LEVEL 562.93% 1/4 TO DATE 5.62% N411.63/ 1 US DOLLAR* OVERNIGHT 7.17 % 1-MONTH 6% 1-DAY 0.11% YEAR TO DATE – 16.02% *AS AT LAST FRIDAY 3-MONTH 10% MONTH-TO-DATE 4.78% At Average of $73pb, NNPC Loses $438m Oil Barrels to Shut-ins in June

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja such incidents throughout its 200 billion, dwarfs the entire barrels was from Qua Iboe, with the assets. axis following a shutdown as a facilities in the country. funds shared in the joint pool a breakdown of 200,000 bar- This was followed by losses result of protests by community The Nigerian National Petroleum At an average of $73 which by the federal, state and local rels due to production shut-in from the Forcados facility, workers as well as a loss of Corporation (NNPC) lost 6.035 the product sold in June, that governments. arising from flare management which shed 200,000 barrels, 80, 000 barrels due to a fire million barrels of crude oil to would be a whopping $438 It is also roughly the same and low well head pressure. 84,000 barrels, 30, 000 barrels incident. emergency shutdowns in June, million shortage posted for amount to be allocated to the Still on Qua Iboe, a further and 80,000 barrels respectively Anyala Madu shed 105,000 latest data released by the the month and roughly N219 host communities’ fund in the 530,000 barrels were lost to shut- on different days, with reasons barrels, Bonny suffered total national oil company, has shown. billion at N500 exchange rate Petroleum Industry Act (ACT), ins following tank top concerns, ranging from leak repairs, tank shut-ins of 335,000 barrels, In its August presentation to to the dollar. if the law was to take effect 650, 000 million barrels as a top issues, a fire incident and Ugo Ocha lost 30,000, Okono’s the Federation Account Allocation Put side by side the NNPC’s in the beginning of this year. result of production cut-back as declaration of a force majeure. shutdown led to loss of 96,000 Committee (FAAC), which held contribution of N47.162 billion A breakdown of the losses, directed by the Department of Forcados continued its shut- barrels, while Sea Eagle lost between the 18th and 19th of to the federation account in the according to the document Petroleum Resources (DPR) as ins, shedding an additional 750,000 barrels. this month, the corporation month under consideration, the indicated that the highest com- well as a loss of 240,000 barrels 405,000 barrels of crude oil revealed that there were 32 of huge 6 million barrels worth over bined shortage of 1.62 million due to a gas leak on one of at the Uzere/Afisere/Kokori Continued on page 28 Flood: Allocate 1% of Your Annual Budget for Early-warning Tools, NiMet Tells States, LGs Kasim Sumaina in Abuja This is even as its counterpart, tions, governments, especially The Director General/ sitting back to manage its full pening within and outside the National Emergency Manage- at the sub-national level failed CEO, NiMet, Prof, Mansur occurrence. country to strategies and unfold As the country approaches ment Agency (NEMA), hinted to heed to the advisories therein Bako Matazu, in his goodwill Matazu, represented by on ways to address events as flooding cycle, the Nigeria that it would not hesitate to contained. message at a recent National the General Manager, Agro they unfold. Meteorological Agency activate it’s emergency opera- The agency had advised Consultative Workshop on 2021 Meteorology, Mr. Haruna According to him, “We must (NiMet), has called on states tions centers for search, rescue 34 States across the nation flood preparedness, mitigation Zakari, advised that with the develop a mechanism whereby and local governments to as a and needs assessment as the to prepare for three days of and response activities organised manner climate change events all are engaged and tasked to matter of priority allocate 1 per need arises. flash flood, noting that the by NEMA in Abuja, noted are unfolding globally, whereby continuously monitor and report cent of their annual budgets NiMet, lamented that it is occurrences could increased that stakeholders must make a number of predictions are on serious deviations that will to enhance the development regrettable that with all efforts likelihood of cars skidding of concerted and deliberate efforts upturned, stakeholders must counter to the predictions so of early-warning tools for dedicated to the development the road, chances of car crashes, to, as much possible, strive to continue to come together to that necessary measures are put disaster risk reduction across of the early-warning tools and destruction of settlements, prepare very well to minimise review and brainstorm on the country. the analysis of their implica- farmlands and bridges. flooding rather than always emerging extreme events hap- Continued on page 28 MARKET DATA AS AT MONDAY, AUGUST 30, 2021 FGN BONDS BILLS OTC FX FUTURES CPs DESCRIPTION Price Yield Change MATURITY Discount Yield Change (%) CONTRACT Current MATURITY Discount Yield Change (%) (%) TENOR Contract Rate ($/₦) 11.150 FGNSB (MONTH) TTNG CP II 31- 100.25 3.28 -0.01 NTB 9-Sep-21 2.80 2.80 0.00 4.73 4.73 -0.02 11-SEP-2021 1 NGUS SEP 29 2021 420.93 AUG-21 12.364 FGNSB NTB 16-Sep-21 2.96 2.96 0.00 SIBP CP I 2-SEP- 4.27 4.27 -0.01 12-SEP-2021 100.32 3.28 -0.01 2 NGUS OCT 27 2021 422.38 21 NBRP CP XIII 12.175 FGNSB 0.00 NTB 30-Sep-21 3.27 3.28 0.00 4.95 4.95 -0.01 10-OCT-2021 100.98 3.31 3 NGUS NOV 24 2021 423.83 2-SEP-21 DUFL CP III 11.244 FGNSB 0.00 NTB 14-Oct-21 3.59 3.61 0.00 5.80 5.80 -0.01 16-OCT-2021 101.00 3.32 4 NGUS DEC 29 2021 425.28 3-SEP-21 UNCP CP IV 10.296 FGNSB 0.01 NTB 28-Oct-21 3.90 3.92 0.00 5 NGUS JAN 26 2022 426.73 6.23 6.24 -0.01 13-NOV-2021 101.40 3.35 6-SEP-21 28 TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021˾THISDAY BUSINESSWORLD NEWS

OUTSTANDING POLITICAL BRAND LCON… L-R; Vice Chairman, Troyka Group of Companies, Mr. Jimi Awosika; Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Wife of CEO, Marketing Edge, Mrs Modupe; Founder/Group CEO, First Primus, Otunba Seni Adetu and Publisher/CEO, Marketing EDGE, Mr. John Ajayi during the presentation of Marketing EDGE “Outstanding Political Brand lCON of the year” to Sanwo-Olu at the 2021 National Marketing Stakeholders Summit & Brands and Advertising Awards of Excellence of the Company in Lagos... weekend PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA Stakeholders: Central Bank’s N250bn Gas Support Fund to Unlock 206TCF Reserves, Spur Growth Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja of the economy, especially The African Refiners and of natural and refined gas at local utilisation at an affordable for the government to support industrial activities, including Distribution Association the international market. rate could be a mirage. the private sector for massive The N250 billion National Gas petrochemicals. (ARDA) had recently warn of While the current consump- “The importation of Liquefied investment in gas production Expansion Programme (NGEP) According to the CBN, the imminent danger if Africa fails tion of gas stands at about one Petroleum Gas (LPG) inflates in Nigeria. being funded by the Central fund will further support large to quickly adopt modern clean million metric tonnes, the the cost of gas in the country Adeleke noted that the exclu- Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in col- industries enhance growth in cooking energy as over 600,000 country has set a five million making it unaffordable for most sion of importation associated laboration with the Ministry of agriculture, can be deployed for Africans, mostly Nigerians may consumption target for 2021. Nigerians. Coupled with the cost, economies of scale and Petroleum Resources, has the industrial applications as well die yearly due to household Speaking on the need to increasing cost of living in the participation of multiple players capacity to unlock Nigeria’s as textile and help stimulate air pollution like firewood and support local production, country, increasing unemploy- would catalyse competition 206 trillion standard cubic feet investment in the gas value charcoal. Executive Director, International ment, unabated increase poverty which would crash the price of gas reserves, some industry chain. Currently, a kilogramme Support Network for African rate. of LPG in the country. stakeholders have said. Aside that, as a cleaner source of cooking gas, which traded Development (ISNAD-Africa), “The vast majority of Nige- He added: “Local production In addition, it is expected to of fuel, it will be of benefit to for about N300 earlier this Adedoyin Adeleke, stated rians will be pushed to resort for local consumption is the create about 2 million direct Nigeria’s poor and vulnerable, year now sells for over N500 that if Nigeria continues to to firewood for cooking hence way. While it would be good and indirect jobs annually by who are exposed to harmful across the country, following import over 70 per cent of increasing deforestation in the to export, local consumption harnessing existing gas resources carbon emissions through the use continuous weakness of the gas product, especially LPG country, ”Adeleke said. should be the priority. Farmers to spur other critical sectors of archaic sources like firewood. naira and the increasing price without domestication, boosting He added that there was need do not sell their seeds. PIA: Efficient Implementation, Competent Regulation Top Experts’ Call Peter Uzoho implementation of the Act. managerial competences were regulatory and fiscal uncertain- all these would only be realised in 2023. The experts, who spoke with appointed as heads of the new ties in the operations of the if the Act is implemented “So, to avoid any frustration As the federal government THISDAY in separate interviews, National Upstream Regulatory Nigerian oil and industry. promptly and efficient and in a in implementing the PIA, through the Timipre Sylva- called for the committee to Commission and the National The Act comes with a number manner that prevents potential the committee must make led committee sets out to immediately embark on wide Midstream and Downstream of benefits for the country and crisis arising from ill-feeling by a state-wide consultation to discharge its mandate of stakeholder engagements and Regulatory Authority (NMDRA). investors, including increase some critical stakeholders. find a soft landing for this implementing the Petroleum consultations in order to find President Muhammadu Bu- in foreign direct investment “One of the challenges government that is already Industry Act (PIA), oil and gas ways to harmonise the conten- hari had signed the protracted (FDIs), increase in oil revenue, the federal government will in transition,” Chairman of and economic policy experts tious provisions in the Act. Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) attractive fiscal terms for opera- face is that we are already in Entek Integrated Resources have advised the committee to They also advised the com- into law on August 16, 2021, tors, massive host community electioneering, like any other Limited/Lead Promoter of take steps that would lead to mittee to ensure that persons bringing into existence the PIA, development, and job creation. incumbent government, they EnergyhubTM, Dr. Amieyeofori efficient, effective and smooth with high technical and which has removed the legal, But, according to the experts, would want to hold on to power Felix; told THISDAY. Nigeria, Others to Chart Way Forward for Global Food Systems Gilbert Ekugbe countries across the globe in line with the AU’s Agenda governments on the UNFSS to transform food produc- early warning systems, have agreed to have a common 2063 and the Sustainable process in order to have a tion, will adopt nutritious adding that, the UNFSS To address failing agri-food position at the forthcoming Development Goals (SDG’s) common position for the food policies, support local should take decisive action systems, Nigeria and other United Nations Food Systems for Africa to pursue solutions continent ahead of the US markets to get access to food, to transform food systems, Summit (UNFSS) scheduled in its priority areas. summit. invest in agro-processing, especially due to time lost to hold in New York, United He said African Union’s Rwanda holds the chair of make agricultural financing due to the COVID-19 global States next month. (AU’s) New Partnership for the African Union (AU) and available and facilitate stake- pandemic. The Rwandan President, Africa’s Development (NE- by virtue of that, Kagame is holder farmers to establish He noted that digital and Paul Kagame, at the official PAD), is the African Union’s the chairperson of the NEPAD cooperatives and to ensure biotechnology play a role in opening of the UNFSSS Pre- implementing agency as he heads of states and govern- women participation in food global food production, but Summit held in the Italian was quoted as saying that ments orientation committee. production. stated that farmers in Africa capital, Rome, stated that NEPAD has been providing Kagame said Africa as He said Africa will also do not have access to this Group Business Editor Africa’s common position is support to African national part of its priority areas invest in climate change technology. Eromosele Abiodun Comms/e-Business Editor FLOOD: ALLOCATE 1% OF YOUR ANNUAL BUDGET FOR EARLY-WARNING TOOLS, NIMET TELLS STATES, LGS Emma Okonji in place to mitigate against such NIHSA, that could be used to (SCP), and the Annual Flood the expedient steps necessary are reported cases of flooding Aviation Editor deviations and the unwanted avert and minimise flooding Outlook (AFO).” to collectively prepare for in 210 local government areas Chinedu Eze effects that may occur.” across the country, “we still Speaking in similar vein, and provide strategies to in 32 states and FCT with at- Asst. Editor, Money Market Matazu, further lamented seem to not to find the right the Director General, Na- strengthen flood risk mitiga- tendant loss of lives, livelihood Nume Ekeghe that despite the very useful strategy to utilise these tools tional Emergency Management tion and effective response and properties, adding that early-warning tools issued optimally to achieve that objec- Agency (NEMA), Mustapha among disaster management the agency will activate the Senior Correspondent annually and, updated peri- tive. I am referring here to the Habib Ahmed, stated that the stakeholders in the country. Emergency Operations Centers Raheem Akingbolu odically by both NiMet and Seasonal Climate Prediction national workshop is one of He stated that, already, there if needs arises. (Advertising) Correspondents James Emejo (Finance) AT AVERAGE OF $73PB, NNPC LOSES 6M OIL BARRELS TO SHUT-INS IN JUNE WORTH $438M Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Usan shed 585,000 barrels in nington shed a total of 195, barrels lost to the shutdowns With the price of $67.64 “Though petroleum products Chineme Okafo (Energy) June, Brass lost 200,000 barrels, 000 barrels, while Ima posted and shut-ins for that my month. per barrel at the time NNPC theft on the system 2B pipeline Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) Erha lost 230,000 barrels and a loss of 30,000 barrels in the These figures are however Group Managing Director, has reduced considerably due Reporters Yoho lost a cumulative 280,000 month under review. separate from the roughly 200,000 Mallam Mele Kyari, made the to support from the security Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT) barrels during the month. The June figure trumps that barrels of crude oil daily which disclosure, Nigeria was losing agencies, but the nation is still Peter Uzoho (Energy) Agbami shed 630, 000 barrels of May which was 4.1 million the NNPC said Nigeria loses to N5.1 billion ($13.5 million) daily losing about 200,000 barrels Ugo Aliogo (Development) during the month, Egina lost barrels and almost doubled that theft and vandalism, another very to the activities of the oil thieves of crude oil daily to theft and 70,000 barrels of crude, Pen- of March, which was 3.6 million big challenge for the industry. an vandals. vandalism, ”he told Nigerians. TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021˾THISDAY 29 BUSINESSWORLD OIL & GAS Unpacking the Petroleum Industry Act A lot of controversies and misinformation have dogged the newly-signed Petroleum Industry Act, a piece of legislation meant to streamline the operations of the oil and gas industry. In this piece, Emmanuel Addeh attempts to break down the component parts of the law, which have attracted so much public attention

n August 16, President Muhammadu “So, we need to have this money so that than that accruing to the host communities. like last year most of the companies operating in Buhari signed into law the much we don’t look for money or don’t need to “For instance, when you say 30 per cent of this sector actually reported losses, you will get talked-about Petroleum Industry be going around looking for money when NNPC oil and gas, it’s a very small number, 10 per cent of nothing. Bill (PIB), which seeks to provide a we want to invest.” you know the percentages may appear very “So, we think that this 3 per cent as it is today legal, governance, regulatory and fiscal Wherever oil is found in the country, in outrageous, but 30 per cent of what? Nobody now is already in law. The fact that we have 3 per frameworkO for the Nigerian oil and gas sector. some sense, Nigeria remains a federation and has sat down to look at this. When you say cent of the operating expenditure of the preceding In all, the Act comprises five chapters, 319 so monies from the basins will be pooled back profit percentage, it will probably come down fiscal year, if it was 3 per cent of profit, we would sections as well as eight schedules, dealing with into the joint account for the entire country to less than $400 million per annum. have said it’s bad, if it was 3 per cent of capital governance and institutions, administration, host to share. “And then the other side of it is that 30 per expenditure, it would have been bad. communities’ development, fiscal framework and cent is a big number, but when you come to the “But operating expenditure is there because the miscellaneous items. 3% AND 30% CALCULATION host community fund, you have 3 per cent of company must operate, pay salaries, the company However, questions have arisen, especially The question that most Nigerians wants an operating expense. We spent about $16 billion must expend some sizeable amounts of their fund concerning various contentious parts of the bill answer to is if 3 per cent and 30 per cent be in fiscal year 2020 across the industry and that on operating expenditure,” he maintained. involving frontier basins, administration of host calculated on same basis? No, Not exactly. In number comes above $500 million, far above However, he said that the challenge is to make communities funds, among others. This treatise fact, there’s no basis to calculate both on the the budget of the Niger Delta Development sure that funds are used judiciously, so as not will untangle some of the knotty areas. same equivalence. The host communities’ fund Company (NDDC),” he argued. to have issues like what is currently happening Frontier Exploration Fund will be calculated on the basis of oil companies’ While stressing that there’s no wrong in with the Niger Delta Development Commission While many of the frontier basins may be found operating expenses from the previous year, looking for more oil because of the direction (NDDC). in the northern part of Nigeria, other parts of the while the frontier exploration fund will be the industry is now moving, Kyari mentioned “So, our advocacy is that this amount of money country in the south also boast of a number of computed on the profit oil and profit gas that whether there’s profit oil and gas, the that is to be set aside should be used judiciously such areas. from the NNPC. oil companies must have operating expenses for us not to have issues like the ones with the Unlike the host communities fund, which So, the 3 per cent and the 30 per cent will which the host communities fund is built into. NDDC, ”he said. goes directly to the oil-producing communities, not be from the same pool, meaning that it’s “But you must spend money, so we are very But the PENGASSAN chief advocated that there the frontier exploration fund is not going to be not as straightforward as a case of giving sure that the provisions that are meant for the should have been a deliberate attempt to start spent by people found in the frontier areas, whether Peter a paltry N3 and handing over to Paul host communities will be implemented and will developing renewables because a lot of companies in the north or south. a humongous share of N30. be delivered. But then when we even come today are transiting from being just oil and gas In fact, in sharp contrast with the host communi- So, for instance, going by last year’s figures, to the frontier exploration, what is the issue? companies to energy concerns. ties’ fund, which will be managed by a board to if the PIA were to start functioning from the “There is this common understanding that “ So, that was our advocacy, that some percent- be jointly set up by the settlors (oil companies) beginning of this year, what would accrue when you say frontier, you mean northern ages should be set aside to start developing our and their hosts with oversight from the proposed to the communities and for oil exploration Nigeria, it’s absolutely wrong. renewables, so that the energy transition will commission, the frontier basins funds will have to respectively? “Frontier is a very technical word and it not catch up with us, because from the research be appropriated by the national assembly. The NNPC has estimated that if this were to means where you haven’t found oil, but there’s currently ongoing, it is really difficult for us to In any case, the Nigerian National Petroleum be so, for the whole of 2021, the oil-producing potential for finding oil and this spreads across predict the future of oil in the next 30 years. So, Corporation (NNPC) already operates a frontier communities will earn $500 million, based on the country, from the Chad Basin, to Sokoto the time to act is now,” he added. exploration services, for which N50 billion was the operating expenses of $16 billion by the basin, the Bida basin to the Anambra platform, budgeted this year and out of which N14.514 billion entire oil and gas sector in 2020. the Calabar embankment, including the ultra MONITORING COMMUNITY FUND had been released as of July this year. Conversely, given the NNPC’s profit deep water in the Niger Delta which has not You may also want to know if state governments While it is befuddling to some that Nigeria is oil and gas for 2020, if the law were to be been explored,” he added. and Niger Delta Affairs Ministry have any role in continuing to spend scarce resources in search of a operationalised this year, exploration funds monitoring community fund. No. Indeed, part of product like oil which in the next two decades or will get $400 million. While profits are not YAR’ADUA 10% APPROVAL the reasons the 3 per cent is going directly to the so is projected to lose its relevance in the energy guaranteed in the industry, oil companies Another contending issues is the fact that oil-producing communities is the perception that mix, proponents of the fund have argued that the must always spend on payment of salaries former President Umar Yar’adua approved the governors have not dealt fairly with local host country has to quickly get the commodity from and other such expenses included in their 10 per cent for host communities. Yes. But communities when it comes to the disbursement under the ground and make the best use of it operation basket. according to those in the know, the late former and deployment of the 13 per cent derivation, before it becomes useless. To ensure that these monies are not frittered, Nigerian leader envisaged that the monies which they get from the joint account every month. On this, the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, the law makes it mandatory that 75 per cent will be taken from NNPC’s profit oil and In addition, neither the Niger Delta ministry nor Chief Timipre Sylva, says: “Thirty per cent of that must be spent on capital projects, 20 per cent gas, while this new legislation says it must the NDDC has any role to play in the manage- crude profit is what is going into reinvestment fund as retained earnings or put in the reserve be pulled out of the outgone year’s operating ment of the fund. Responding to a question on we call frontier exploration and it’s a reinvestment and 5 per cent is expected to be spent on expenses. comments allegedly credited to the Minister of fund because we have to commit to find more administrative expenses. On this, the President of the Petroleum and Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Godswill Akpabio that oil in the frontier territory. When the sum, which is 30 per cent of the Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria the ministry will be part of the management of the “The ultra deep offshore is a frontier territory. proposed NNPC Limited’s profit oil and profit (PENGASSAN), Mr Festus Osifo, while stressing fund, Sylva jocularly said it’s possible that maybe You have the Anambra basin to explore and there’s gas is added to the estimated $500 million that although the figure for the Niger Delta people were already proposing amendments to already some gas finds in the Anambra basin. The to be spent on host communities, being the could have been better, explained however, the new legislation. Calabar basin is also a frontier basin. The Chad 3 per cent approved by the Act, both cost that it is a good way to start. “I am not aware of that and there’s no role basin is also a frontier territory. centres will gulp a cumulative $900 million He argued that the Umar Yar’Adua specifically for the Niger Delta ministry that I “ So there are a lot of other territories out there. or roughly N450 billion every year. government in 2008, proposed 10 per cent am aware of. Maybe that’s an arrangement they So, these funds will be available to invest in these Group Managing Director of the national oil of oil and gas profit, whereas the new one are already proposing, I don’t know. frontier areas so that we can find new oil especially company, Mallam Mele Kyari, while throwing proposes 3 per cent of operating expenses in at this time when we actually need to urgently more light on how it will be calculated said the previous year. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in produce the oil in Nigeria, because the oil era is that although the exploration fund percentage “So, the 10 per cent would have meant that almost getting to a close. may be appear outrageous, it is indeed lower any year that the companies don’t make profits, the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com 30 THISDAY ˾TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021 BUSINESSWORLD INDUSTRY AfCFTA: Guide for Export-oriented Nigerian Manufacturers, SMEs The National Action Committee on AfCFTA provided needful guide on how Nigerian enterprises could participate effectively in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), writes Dike Onwuamaeze

he Managing Director of Macjames Global we sell our goods abroad.” submitted to the African Union but they have nominated but not yet approved. Resources Limited, Mr. Chinenye Justin On hand to answer their questions and not been published. These products (schedule) The duty of the DCA of the exporting state Nwaogwugwu, came all the way from remove any perceived confusion about how need to be adopted by the Heads of State and party is to authorise any exporter, who frequently Port Harcourt to to attend the Lagos trade under the AfCFTA is the Secretary, NAC then published. The first step is adoption. When exports products to the satisfaction of the customs Chamber of Commerce and Industry on AfCFTA, Mr. Francis Anatogu, who is also it is adopted, the customs union in Africa will authorities, all the guarantees for verifying the (LCCI)T seminar on “AfCFTA: The Roadmap for a Senior Special Assistant to the President on update their tariff book. That is when you originating status of products as well as compliance Exporters Successful Participation,” which was held Public Sector Matters. can go to the custom portal and say I want with all other requirements to make out origin on Thurday, August 26, with two nagging questions. to export under AfCFTA. declarations regardless of the value of the products Nwaogwugwu kept silent throughout the AfCFTA AND TRADING “However, these products must also be concerned. He shall issue to the approved exporter proceedings of the seminar until the microphone Anatogu started by showing the participants liberalised in the country of export destination an authorisation number, which must appear on was handed to him during the question and answer the steps they should take trade in AfCFTA, for trading under the AfCFTA.” the origin declaration. session and he ceased the opportunity to voice which took effect on January 1, 2021. However, his concerns. trading has not commenced under the agreement REMOVAL OF TARIFF IDENTIFIED COMPANIES He said: “Good day all. I have two basic questions because member states are still negotiating trade If the eventual removal of tariff on 97 trad- In addition, the NAC has identified 25 companies for Mr. Francis. Sir, I want to know whether the rules and protocols. able items could be described as the unique from different stakeholders’ organisation in Nigeria products regulatory authorities will harmonise He said: “What is important is to know the selling proposition of the AfCFTA, then the to do the trial runs in terms of going through the certifications for manufactured products under steps and how to take them. It is important Rule of Origin (RoO), would be viewed as process of assessing the compliance of their products the AfCFTA project so that we do not need to to know what is in place and what are still its central issue. to the AfCFTA’s RoO. The process has just started certify products country by country in Africa. being discussed to enable businesses to get The RoO simply means the percentage local and might run for the next two months. These are Two, how is your committee working with the up and do what that are needed to be done. content of a product that is derived from Africa. to ensure that Nigerian businesses would take off regulatory authorities in Nigeria to make it faster “The AfCFTA is about rules and making It would be the key determinant of trading on a very strong and robust footing. for SMEs products to be certified if they meet basic them clear; about reducing tariffs and harmonis- under AfCFTA with the implication that any He advised businesses in Nigeria to locate their requirements?” ing policies, standards and operationalising product that did not satisfy the RoO would export market by finding out goods that Nigeria is Nwaogwugwu, who is a manufacturer with eyes corporation among African countries so that not be acceptable for duty waiver under the exporting beyond $10 million that Africa is importing on the African continental market, also narrated a we can increase trade among ourselves. It is AfCFTA. in billions of dollars, which Nigerian businesses are recent experience that informed his questions. He also about exporting and earning FX,” adding He explained that, “unlike the ELTS, the not playing in? These includes automobiles and spare exported a sample of its water treatment innovative that the agreement offered those who are able AfCFTA has what we call product specific rule parts, electrical, machineries, and pharmaceuticals product, SaferEx, to Stubhub (Pty) Limited, Botswana. to produce, the market to sell at discretional of origin, meaning that the rules are different amongst others. “We must develop capacity to play The Botswana Water Utilities Corporation (BWUC) terms. for different products. It could be 100 per in these segments,” Anatogu said. did laboratory runs with it on their two rivers water Anatogu disclosed that the negotiation around cent local content for some and substantial He identified ECOWAS as Nigeria’s core market which lasted for six months or so and found the protocols on trade in goods, services as well as transformation for others, which is adding along with Egypt, Kenya, Morocco and South Africa. product satisfactory to be used as a disinfectant the mechanism for dispute settlement have been substantial value on materials sourced from “These will give us 50 per cent of the continental and coagulant. concluded under Phase One of the AfCFTA outside the continent.” market,” he said But the BWUC demanded that the product should while negotiations have just commenced under The criterion for substantial transformation It would be unwieldy, according to him, for be certified by the NSF International, which is in the Phase Two for protocols on intellectual is broken into four. It includes the level of Nigeria to target all the AfCFTA member states Belgium. “We wrote to this certification body, which property rights, competition policy, etc. transformation that would warrant a change in because of the logistics and the strenuous nature after giving us the cost, told us that it cannot come He further disclosed that there are 6000 the entire classification. For some, it might be a of contracting customs cooperation and mutual to Nigeria to take a sample of our product for tariffs lines under the free trade agreement change in sub-classification. The third is value recognition agreements. the certification process because of the prevailing but emphasised that the agreement offered of non-originating materials for measuring what He added that effective custom cooperation security challenges in our country. elimination of tariffs on 90 per cent tradable was imported outside Africa. The fourth one would be able to solve AfCFTA’s biggest issue: the “It also cannot allow us to send the product to items. is manufacture or processing operation, which infiltration of goods made outside Africa through Belgium for certification because Nigeria is rated However, it would take a period of 10 years, is about the kind of operation the product one African country into the Nigerian market. below 50 percent by the Transparency International. starting from the day the clock started ticking, has undergone. The Managing Director of Ecobank Nigeria, So, Sir, what is the National Action Committee to wipe out 90 per cent of the tariffs. But the For instance, wood from the forest is exported Mr.Patrick Akinwuntan, who was represented by (NAC) on AfCFTA doing to ensure that African clock has not started ticking yet. under HS Code 4403. Sawing it moves the code the Executive Director of Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Kola manufactured products that have been certified Besides, there is another seven per cent to 4407, which is a change in subheading. If Adeleke, stated that the AfCFTA provided Nigerian in Africa would be acceptable in any AfCFTA that is classified as sensitive list, which would you make it into furniture it will move to 94.03. businesses with a market to earn FX that would member countries without repeating the certification require a longer period for their duties to be Anatogu added: “For you to be able to export, facilitate smooth running of their business without outside Africa?” removed. Again, Anatogu stated that every you will follow the normal exporting process depending on the central bank. Nwaogwugwu was not alone. Another participant member country has the right to designate that we have today, but you need to obtain He said: “Export is very important because it adds at the seminar, the Proprietor of Dasun Integrated some products as sensitive products that will your AfCFTA certificate of origin as well as on the GDP. It also adds on the employment rate of Farms Limited, Ms. Bosun Solarin, who is also the be subject to liberalisation over a longer term meeting all the export requirements of the any country. It provides businesses the opportunity chairperson of the LCCI’s Export Group, said: “I am period. destination country.” to earn their own foreign exchange since the CBN still a little bit confused today about what AfCFTA He added that the remaining three per cent Moreover, there will also be enterprise cannot meet all the FX demand. holds. I want to know how I can be able to export would be used to protect infant industries of registration for companies to have their AfCFTA “What some Nigerian businesses are doing now my products under the free trade regime to Egypt member states that could not compete under a numbers that will identify them in any African is to export part of their products to be able to and other African countries. I am still confused on liberalised market. Therefore, the import tariffs country along with their products approval earn FX. I know of a firm that generated $2million how to export my goods. That is why I am here on these three per cent would never be removed. or registration. within one month by exporting to Ghana. This today. We want you to tell us how we can get into “The ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme He explained that companies would obtain reduced its FX pressure and gave it the opportunity those countries and sell our products. The bankers (ELTS) has identified those 90 per cent that will their certification from a designated competent to grow more capacity. We are financing its business should tell us how we can quickly get paid when be subjected to liberalisation, which has been authority (DCA) for Nigeria, which has been expansion to enable it to produce more.” TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021˾THISDAY 31 BUSINESSWORLD AGRICULTURE Border Closure has Revived Idle Milling Plants, Increased GDP, Says Agric Minister

Gilbert Ekugbe Product (GDP), maintaining that important areas. One is in the Togo, Niger Republic or Benin tons per day and in addition to from Lagos with their trailers the directive to shut the borders area of direct production of rice. Republic, No? They were from employing people between 200 coming to pick up local rice The Minister of Agriculture was one of the best decisions ever Nigerian farmers were given Thailand India or elsewhere and to 400 and that is something and they do not even see it as and Rural Development, Mr. taken by a sitting administration. incentives to grow more rice; most of them are over 10 years for the country and not only imported rice and that was a Mohammed Sabo Nanono, has He noted that policy would secondly, our milling plants old in production. So when we that, you know, it integrate the surprise to me. And for many stated the decision of the federal set Nigeria on the right path of were just lying idle because closed down the borders, this rice country more in terms of both Nigerians, I realize that most government to shut the country’s achieving self sufficiency in food of smuggled imported foreign movement was gravely affected production of rice or movement people in the South prefer the borders has started paying off production while also serve as rice. One of the reasons why imported rice as all our milling of rice from the North to the local rice than imported rice and with the resuscitation of many a catalyst for agro-allied and we put emphasis on rice is plants started going full blast. South. ironically, in the North, where rice milling plants. industrial development that a lot of imported rice in “You know, if you take in Kano “I was particularly happy we are producing the local rice, Nanono said that the policy The minister in a chat with our neighbouring countries for instance which is the center when I met one of the largest because of smuggling business, also impacted positively on the THISDAY said: “The policy were being shipped into Nigeria of these processing plants, there rice producing communities we prefer to market the smuggled nation’s agricultural sector’s con- did a lot especially in regards and that is the only market and are now about 52 rice milling in Kano, called Kura. I met rice than the local rice that is tribution to the Gross Domestic to the production of rice in two these rice are not produced in plants in Kano doing about 400 some groups of rice traders the irony.” Mastercard, Agrolog Target 60,000 Farmers to Boost Ginger Production in Nigeria

Gilbert Ekugbe are selected will receive sup- port ranging from training to The Agrolog General Services farming implements that they Limited (AGSL), in partnership could immediately use on their with Mastercard Foundation, farms to cultivate ginger and has announced plans to food crops. empower 60,000 smallholder “The ginger value chain, if farmers to boost the production well harnessed can transform of ginger in the country. livelihoods. Ginger products Nigeria’s contribution to such as ginger spices, powder, total global output of ginger oil, medicine, tea, and tonic is low when compared to other confectioneries hold massive countries despite being ranked opportunities for smallholder first in terms of percentage of farmers, young people, and total hectares under cultivation women across the entire value because of the country’s reli- chain. From planting, harvesting, ance on smallholder farmers’ cleaning, cutting, processing, old traditional production bagging, storage, and sales, techniques. this initiative offers a ray of The Managing Director of hope to thousands of families Agrolog Limited, Dr. Manzo in their local communities who Maigari, explained that in have been further paralysed addition to improving yields by the pandemic. Now, they of ginger from 18 metric tons will be able to rely on a steady AFRICAN HALL OF FAME… per hectare (MT/ha) to 25MT/ and sustainable income stream L-R: Director-General, Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isah Hayatu Chiroma, Hon. Minister of Finance, Mrs. Zainab ha, the intervention would also through ginger farming and Shamsuna Ahmed; Director-General, Center for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) Hon. Oluwabunmi create 60,000 on and off the processing,” he said. Amao at the Open House Commissioning of Black and African Hall of Fame held in Abuja... recently farm jobs that will benefit the He said the partnership farmers and their communities would unlock a multitude of by providing economic recovery, benefits to farmers and the growth, and social stability. farming community, includ- Wheat Production: Olam Empowers Female According to Maigari, only ing mechanisation, training smallholder farmers that and capacity building, farm belong to existing organized mapping, standardisation of Wheat Farmers with Irrigation Equipment cooperatives within these lo- measures, increased yields, cal government areas would improved processing, access Gilbert Ekugbe aimed at raising the current access to land and farming tools, wheat farming experience, participate in the initiative. to organized markets, and local production levels of wheat especially irrigation equipment. Maryam Ahmad, who has been He added that farmers who financial inclusion. Crown Flour Mill (CFM) in the country. To CFM, access to modern practicing crop cultivation for Limited, a subsidiary of Olam The irrigation equipment, irrigation infrastructure on the many years but went fully into Nigeria Limited, has empow- according to the flour milling farms boosts the yield of crops. wheat farming four years ago ered some female wheat farmers company, is meant to assist “Meanwhile, wheat crops yield and Atika Shuaibu, another Agric Devt: Firm to in Kano State with farming the female smallholder wheat higher returns when properly 40-year-old female farmer irrigation equipment to boost farmers and ultimately enhance irrigated. The presentation of who started wheat farming Empower 10,000 Youths wheat production in Nigeria. their productivity levels. the pumping machines to the two years ago. Indeed, wheat production The company explained women smallholder farmers The farming profiles of the has declined in Nigeria due that the irrigation equipment marked a needed upturn in CFM’s wheat recipients indicated in Kogi, Nassarawa to harsh weather conditions comprising mainly of a high- women farmers’ aspiration to that Shuaibu owns a very big and seed varieties according pressure water pumping scale as well as support and farm where she plants rice and Gilbert Ekugbe and had interactive meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture and to Wheat Farmers Association machine, were formally pre- meaningfully contribute to the other crops and a wheat farm, Worried over the aging popula- Rural Development, Nasarawa of Nigeria (WFAN). sented to the female farmers at ongoing federal government’s but has no pumping machine for tion of farmers, the management State; Ministry of Agriculture, The CFM stated that the a ceremony held in Giyamusu, agricultural development irrigation. Hasiya Muhammad, of SEEED Multipurpose Coop- Kogi State and the Office of the move was part of its ongoing Ajingi Local Government Area programmes,” CFM said. who has had to rely on her erative Society Limited is set to Special Adviser to the Executive strategic investment drive to of Kano State. The Olam’s subsidiary husband’s farming equipment empower over 10,000 youths in Governor of Kogi State on Special support Nigeria’s food produc- The firm noted that the firm further stated that the to sustain operations on her Kogi and Nassarawa States to Projects and Social Investment tion self-sufficiency and food realisation of the productivity recipients of the farming farmland, and 40-year-old Liti boost Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Programmes, to discuss mo- security aspirations, and its potential of women smallholder irrigation equipment were Audu are the other beneficiaries A research by the Federal dalities and strategies for the short to medium term value farmers in the country has Lauratu Kassim, a 40-year-old of the farming infrastructure University of Technology, Ondo implementation of this initiative. chain developmental efforts largely been constrained by poor wheat farmer with three years support. State, revealed that Nigerian farm- “It is interesting to note that ers are old, with their average in this digital age where most age pegged at 65 years, which youth occupy the social media has made the need to get more space, we must all collaborate AFEX Partners Ogun State Government, youths involved in the nation’s to explore that space for our food sector a matter of categorical mutual benefits,” he said. imperative. He noted that OLOAP, an Agric Firm, to Boost Staple Food Production The President and Chief Execu- initiative of SEEED MCS, was Gilbert Ekugbe The partnership was an- agreement is a very important to raise financing for the tive Officer, SEEED MCS, Mr. designed to expand the capacity nounced at an MoU signing step in that agenda. Together project and enable market Lugard Okonobo, at a prepara- for agriculture production in Nigeria’s leading commodity ceremony at the deal room with AFEX and SWAgCo, we access for the products derived tory stakeholders meeting, stated areas of each local government’s player, AFEX has partnered of the Feed Nigeria Summit are creating a Staple Crop from the project. that the 10,000 youths would comparative advantage. with agricultural investment 2021 with focus on cassava, Zone as a vital part of the The Chief Executive Officer, be selected through the use of He explained that this could company, South-West Agricul- rice and maize. execution of the Special Agro- AFEX, Ayodeji Balogun said agromediapreneurship to promote be achieved by leveraging on the ture Company (SWAgCo), and The Commissioner of Ag- Industrial Zone (SAPZ) for the partnership with the Ogun and expand agro-products in each demography of the youth to use the Ogun State Government riculture for Ogun State, Dr. the State, being developed in State government and SWAgCo local government of the states. the social media space to create to boost production of staple Adeola Odedina, highlighted partnership with the Federal is integrating the private sec- He stated that the prepara- massive awareness and campaign food in Nigeria. the alignment of the project with Ministry of Agriculture and tor’s efficiency and innovation tory stakeholders’ meeting on the 5Ps of agriculture which The partnership would also the ambitions for agriculture Rural Development (FMARD) with the forward-thinking was to validate the One Local includes Production, Processing, bring to fruition the develop- in the State. and the African Development plans and agenda of the Government One Agriculture Potentials, Preservation Tech- ment of 5000 hectares for the “Our agricultural agenda Bank (AfDB).” government of Ogun state to Product (OLAOP), saying that niques, Packaging Possibilities production of multi-crops in the as a State continues to be He noted that AFEX will create jobs and enable wealth SEEED has paid working visit and Promotional opportunities. South-West region of Nigeria. bold and exemplary, and this deploy its exchange platform creation for the country. 32 THISDAY ˾TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021 BUSINESSWORLD NEWS Doubts Over Shell’s Reasons for Planned Onshore Exit, Litigations, Environmental Obligations Swell Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja it has degraded over the years noted. as well as pay compensation The company already has a Royal Dutch Shell’s decision to before any talk about leaving number of cases brought against exit Nigeria’s onshore and shallow its onshore and shallow water it by locals who have felt short- water may not be unconnected operations in the region. changed by the activities of the with growing litigations against “We do not dispute the fact that oil company. the oil company and pressure they can go green or whatever, For instance, in 2008 four to force it to carry out environ- but there has to be some closure. Nigerian farmers filed three mentally friendly operations, a You have a business running and separate suits against Shell in THISDAY review has shown. there are issues emanating from The Netherlands, where Royal After over half a century of those businesses. You do not wake Dutch Shell (the parent company) pumping oil out of Nigerian up and say you are going green. is headquartered, with each one swamps, Shell, in May acknowl- All the issues have to be fixed addressing the impact of oil edged that its spill-prone and resolved. spillages in the three villages operations there were no longer “We are totally against it namely Oruma, Goi and Ikot compatible with its plans to go and we will do everything to Ada Udo. green. frustrate them and send a petition In January 2021, the Dutch The Anglo-Dutch company has to the federal government and Court of Appeal held Shell been gradually selling onshore the concerned ministry that we Nigeria liable for damage caused assets in Nigeria for more than vehemently kick against it. We by the oil spills as the court a decade, as it sought to put cannot hold then ransom if they pronounced that the company aside chronic problems such want to leave, but they have to owed a duty of care to affected as pollution caused by ruptured have a closure of the previous villagers and liable for a failure pipelines and the resulting legal business they have done, the to prevent future oil spills. battles with local communities. degradation of the environment, It noted that the Shell Nigeria But the company has attempt- the oil spillages and all,” he said. subsidiary must compensate for ing to turn the tables on its host According to the Niger oil spills in two Niger Delta communities, which have borne Delta youth leader, the clean-up villages over 13 years ago and the brunt of its operations for shouldn’t take much time since must build warning systems to about six decades, saying that the company already has a idea detect future leaks. most of the pollutions were of what it will cost to carry out In February, a UK Supreme from self-inflicted activities the reversal of the destruction Court ruled that oil-polluted like vandalism. In May, Shell’s done to the environment. Nigerian communities in Bille Chief Executive Officer, Ben van “You cannot start a new busi- community and the Ogale of Beurden told investors that: “The ness until that old one is totally Ogoniland could sue Shell in balance of risks and rewards settled. If they try that, we will English courts, a decision seen as associated with our onshore move for the federal government a victory for the communities after portfolio is no longer compatible to nationalise them until the issues a five-year battle that overturned with our strategic ambitions,” are resolved. There should be a a Court of Appeal ruling. adding that the company “ cannot clean-up of Ogoni and the entire Although Royal Dutch Shell solve community problems in Niger Delta and if they agree, did not dispute that pollution the Niger Delta.“ no problem and it should be a had been caused, it argued that it With a litany of lost and pend- full package. could not be held legally respon- ing court cases, the company may “The closure that I am talking sible for its Nigerian subsidiary. be looking for an “escape route” about should include compensa- Similarly, in 2015, Shell accepted to avoid taking responsibility for tion. If they are serious, they responsibility for two spills and years of damage to the Niger have the records already, having agreed to pay £55 million ($76 Delta environment. consulted with the companies Million) to the Bodo community Secretary General of the Niger doing the clean-up. Once they and assist in the clean-up. The Delta Ethnic Nationalities, Capt. pay and bring in the indigenous company recently consented to Bassey Henshaw, told THISDAY people to be part of it, then they pay N45 billion to some Ogoni yesterday that the oil company can exit. They can’t use us this communities in a legal tussle that must clean up the environment this time, it will backfire,” he has lasted over 31 years. Foreign Firms Jostle for Nigerian Market as Incubator Presents Opportunities

Peter Uzoho Africa and help foreign investors the continent through our eyes the better understand the continent’s way that we see Africa,” he said. A number of multinational business landscape. He added that the visits by companies from the United Attracted by the nation’s over foreign investors would provide States, Japan and Latin America 200 million population which clarity to them and help them have indicated their eagerness presents a huge market for them, understand that Africa was like to expand their businesses into some of the companies who other parts of the world. Nigeria and other countries in visited the Unicorn Incubation He stated that the initiative Africa and take advantage of the Centre in Yaba, said Nigeria was which kick-started in Nigeria and continent’s market. full of business opportunities, Kenya, will be done annually, and Some of the foreign multina- great human capacity as well that different investors would be tionals stormed Lagos, recently as rich socio-cultural heritage brought in to visit two countries to acquaint themselves with the that they need to succeed in on the continent yearly. nation’s huge market and other the country. “The initiative is new and as opportunities and kick-start the Their coming was facilitated by we continue to bring in investors process of their investment in Platform Capital, a financial and to visit different Africa countries the country. investment services group and yearly, within the next 25 to 30 Among them were US-based promoters of Unicorn incubation years, we would have taken trio of MaC Venture Capital, an in- centre, as part of the company’s different investors all across vestment group passionate about strategy of linking investors every country on the continent,” investing in technology start-ups; with Nigerian technological Osibo said. GE Capital, the financial services start-ups that need to scale up Speaking on the economic division of General Electric, and their business. impact of the initiative, he said the Trident Capital, an equity firm Speaking at the launch, initiative would help drive foreign investing in Software, Services Partner, Platform Capital and direct investment, generate more and Internet. Director at Unicorn Group, Dr jobs for the continent’s economy Also, Japanese multinational Ponmile Osibo, said despite the and drive economic growth. tech conglomerate, SoftBank opportunities across sectors on According to him, five foreign Group Corp, which boasts of the African continent, there was investors and three companies $342.34 billion asset base as at still huge misconception about its from the United States and Latin 2020, according to information narrative. Osibo explained that America are already in Nigeria on its website, was among the the Africa Walk initiative was and would be visiting Kenya foreign investors jostling for the launched to demystify Nigeria under the Africa Walk initiative. Nigerian and African market. and Africa to international inves- Also speaking, Managing SafeRoom - a SaaS platform tors, by inviting them to come and Partner, MaC Venture Capital, that provides secure messaging see the country and the continent Marlon Nichols, said his company for businesses was also readying for themselves, particularly the had been looking at investing in to invest in the country. culture, and opportunities. Nigeria owing to its large and The highlight of their few “We wanted to change the young population. days stay in the country was the misconception about the reality A seed-stage venture capital launch of ‘Africa Walk Unicorn of Africa. We wanted to create an firm, MaC Venture Capital invests Day Exhibition’, by the Unicorn initiative and environment where in technology start-ups leverag- Group, an initiative intended to we demystify Africa, where we ing shifts in cultural trends and change misconceptions about would help investors understand behaviours. THISDAY • TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021 33 34 THISDAY ˾ TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021 PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT Parkland Estate Promoter Promises Good ROI, Lifestyle Upgrade rospective investors in the proposed upgrade the lifestyle of its residents while enhanc- unspecified amount to clear the canal to enable for residents.” Parkland Estate, promoted by Wealth ing urbanisation in the neigbourhood, particularly a boat cruise by residents. His company, he said would their type of Island Properties (WIP), are sure to because of the world-class infrastructure they On the reason they are investing so much on infrastructure to correct the ugly experiences of receive good returns on their invest- plan to build, adding that “every great city is infrastructure, he said: “Majority of Lagos can residents in some highbrow estates in Lagos, ments, the Managing Director, Tade built on great and innovative infrastructure.” be categorised as urban slum areas. Most prime stating that “where one lives determines how PCash has said. They intend to provide 24 units of 3 bedrooms neigbourhoods like Victoria lsland, Lekki and he lives.” Parkland Estate is planned on 14.5 acres of and 2 bedrooms, costing N18.9 million and other parts of Lagos are a mixture of shanties The cost of estate development in Lagos, land and designed to have 150 housing units. N14.5 million, respectively with a 600-metre and cities. This is what has brought about a he said was hampered by the high cost of The piece of land is surrounded by a lake and road network. The project includes site and high deficit in infrastructures. The problem approval fees, poor infrastructure provision residents can enjoy a boat ride to adjoining area services scheme but owners of such would urban slum areas pose is that it could become where developers are expected to provide like Ajoa Estate that is close to the Murtala build to the promoter’s specifications. a hideout for social miscreants and that defeats needed infrastructure, delays and multiple Mohammed International Airport. He said they would spend over N150 mil- the overall goal of the government’s vision to taxation that discourage investment from the Cash said the estate was designed to also lion to build a bridge and would invest an build great cities and have a safe environment private sector. The managing director urged both state and federal government to “provide an enabling environment and competitive infrastructure to enable businesses such as ours thrive.” Cash said his holding company would provide financing for subscribers for between five and 10 years on 13 per cent interest. According to him, he believes in the maxim that says generosity is a winning strategy and would want every prospective subscriber to be part of their strong customer base that can serve as a referral point. He said: “Our mission is daring it is driven by a fundamental philosophy to make cities in seemingly impossible places. Some people call this whole area a canal but looking at the level of infrastructure we are bringing here bringing here, we decided to call it ‘the love canal. Boats will be able to cruise around and it is going to be a healthy environment for the residents. The philosophy driving us as an entity is to build cities that enable the prosperity of all.” Other limiting factors, according to him, are the high cost of building materials, he said when they started building in the estate the price of cement was relatively manageable but regretted that today the prices has hit the roof Architectural drawing of homes in Parkland Estate with 200 per cent increase. Imo Govt Stalls Multi-billion Naira Gee Plaza Hotel Project The need to bring investment nearer home to promote job creation and expansion was a clarion call by former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha but he failed to live by it, writes Amby Uneze When former Governor Rochas especially considering the the old Ama Jay Kay Park, of jobs. industry thrives and provides of quality hotels such as Gee Okorocha of Imo State came fact that Imo State being the a gracious luxurious piece of Owerri, by its nature, is a jobs for not only the employ- Plaza would have added value to power in 2011, he appealed “Eastern Heartland’’ which greenery, distastefully ruined tourism town and like Las ees of hotels but suppliers, to industry in the state that to investors and businessmen enjoys equidistance, according by a government to make way Vegas in the United States technicians, car hire services, currently lacks little or no to relocate to the state for its to the present governor, Senator for an ill-conceived multi storey of America, the hospitality decorators etc. The presence heavy industries. expansion and job creation. Hope Uzodimma, with other car park, which has become Many expressed interest to neigbhouring states. another Siamese elephant, invest in the state. One of However, not too long after abandoned project and ugly those investors/businessmen, those serious-minded inves- to sight. who developed the idea to tors/businessmen returned The proposed Gee Plaza bring their businesses to their and started putting their hotel is powered by billionaire fatherland in the spirit of “aku dreams to fruition and in an businessman, Senator Athan ruo ulo” (invest in your home effort to realise the intention Achonu and is built near the to promote employment and of the government at the time old Imo hotels complex which develop the area), was Senator that saw those beautiful ideas is owned by Senator Achonu Athan Achonu who attracted nose-diving due to political sen- and the Imo state government his investment to Imo with timents, etc. Those optimistic in a 60-40 per cent share ratio, the hope of actualising his sentiments were soon dispelled meaning that Senator Achonu dream and in line with the as land grabs, discouragement is the majority shareholder in state government’s clarion call. of investors and investments, the arrangement. Many had expected a more meaningless and non-durable Interestingly, the conception progressive way of encouraging projects and mindless victimisa- of the Gee Plaza hotel was businesses and investments, tion of those who disagreed that of a five star hotel with as the former Governor was with the government, especially conference halls, malls and a reputed businessman who business and commercial dis- relaxation/games arcade. Apart was also reputed to have agreements began to filter out from the plans to turn it into investments all over the to the general disappointment a tourist hot spot, additional country, in particular, heavy and amazement of everyone. subsidiary industries such as investments with the capacity Eleven years after construc- water bottling and Tissue paper of creating meaningful jobs tion, it was unkindly halted factories were to be added badly needed then in the state. by that administration, the to the investment to service To the unsuspecting intending graceful shell of the proposed the hotel and relaxation area investors, that was the spirit, Gee Plaza Hotel still overlooks thereby creating hundreds Abandoned Gee Plaza hotel, Owerri Building Industry Can Turn Around Nigeria’s Economy, Says Daniel

Bennett Oghifo (NIOB) held in Lagos, recently. the Institute and guests were that “Israel’s money stays in most construction jobs done in I was governor for eight years, The theme of the AGM: Ad- welcomed by the National Israel.” the country and that when they I did not award contract to any Former Governor of Ogun State, vancing technologies, systems and President, Bldr. Kunle Awobodu. He said, “The problem we are not favoured, the benefiting company outside Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has said standards in building construction The former governor, who was have in Nigeria is that Nigeria’s foreign companies repatriate the and when I could not find in that the building industry has practice, actuated by the need to Chairman of the occasion, gave money is not in Nigeria. The money to their countries. Ogun State, it is then I opened capacity to turn around the ailing refresh the members of NIOB an example with Israel, stating system is primed in such a He said even when they it up to the rest of Nigeria.” Nigerian economy. and keep them abreast of the that the desert space that was way that most of the money support Nigeria with loans, Also, the Keynote Speaker, Daniel, an engineer of repute, state of the art and emerging Israel was transformed into a that should stay in Nigeria does all the equipment and technical renowned legal luminary, Femi stated this at the 2021 Conference technology options for deliver- first-rate nation with agricultural not stay in Nigeria.” knowhow would be provided Falana stated that only certified and Annual General Meeting of ing the complete building and and technological prowess, using According to him, Nigerian by these foreign countries to the builders should engage in build- the Nigerian Institute of Building its components. Members of a “closed system”, which ensures companies are not favoured in total exclusion of Nigeria. “When ing construction in Nigeria. THISDAY ˾TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021 35 PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT Fashola Gives Ultimatum to Berger-Kara Bridge Mechanics Fadekemi Ajakaiye world best practices, no mechanic Fashola stated that the ongoing Responding to appeals for trade with more ease. he said. operations take place under the rehabilitation of the highway alternative space, Mr Fashola The Minister also visited the “There are fines for those who Minister of Works and Housing, bridge, rather it is in a workshop would soon extend under the advised the association to of- Wey bridge, which is being exceed the specified tonnage Babatunde Fashola, has given or yard. He explained that the bridge, in addition to the coming ficially engage the Ogun state refurbished along Berger way. per hassle load ranging from an ultimatum to the mechanics then government of Lagos, ember months repairs by the government to make their He stated that” no matter how N1million to N10million. The operating illicitly under Berger/ Ogun and Oyo states gave the Ministry of Works. request, promising to help them beautiful the highways are built, reason for this enlightenment Kara Bridge, Lagos-Ibadan land as right of way of 47.5m, He stated that their activities fast-track the process. they are built with specifications. is because, we want to make Expressway to leave. both to the left and right to the like burning, spilling, cooking The Minister advised the Once you don’t comply with those it cheaper to comply and very He stated this during his in- Federal government during the and so on, cause a lot of damage occupants to write to Ogun specifications, you are misusing expensive to break the law. spection of the ongoing work on construction of the bridge. to roads and bridges, which in State Government and put in or abusing the assets,” he said. That way, people will choose the bridge and its axis, recently. Fashola gave the new ulti- turn is costing the government copy, the Controller of Works in “Nigeria is a signatory to the to comply that paying excessive He warned the technicians matum of leave as November a great fortune. Lagos and Ogun states to request ECOWAS hassle load regula- penalties”, he said. who initially defied the evacua- 30, 2021, so as to enable them The representative of the for assistance on their relocation. tions, signed by all ECOWAS “At the end of the day, we tion notice, that the government to cater to ember months plan mechanics appealed that the He said once the letter is sent, countries and imbibed also by are slowly hoping to return would be left with no other for travellers. He stated that, Federal government assist in he will be able to also appeal President Buhari through the governance, law and order on option than to enforce the law going with what the law says, providing an alternate location on their behalf. regulations laid down, even as enforcement and compliance if they fail to leave the axis this they should have been given for the workers who are over He assured them that a suit- seen published on the walls of to not just our highways but time around. just seven days to relocate, but three hundred, in order for them able and more befitting place this place, showing approved our general way of life, as all In a meeting with the mechan- on compassionate grounds, he to be able to provide for their will be provided for them, and hassles per truck, type of trucks of us would be better for it”, ics, he told them that according to is given them an extension. families. they will be able to run their and what each truck can carry”, he said. Stakeholders Seek Youth Inclusion in Global Biodiversity Framework Bennett Oghifo and other environmental and remained critical, stressing that made towards the achievement Adeleke feared that waning economic and social impact health threatening issue. initiatives on intergenerational Sustainable Development Goals rate of the ecosystem may lead of the Covid-19 pandemic, An EcoKnowledge Derivative Executive Director of ISNAD- knowledge, language learning (SDGs). to the extinction of over one Adeleke said the roles of the policy, an initiative of the Inter- African, Adedoyin Adeleke said and transmission, especially by “Therefore, the harmony of million plants and animal spe- youths in addressing some of national Support Network for effective youth engagements indigenous peoples and local the post 2020 GBF with the cies across the world, especially the challenges faced by nature African Development (ISNAD- in the implementation of the communities, are institution- SDGs would promotes policy in Africa could be a game changer. Africa), with support from the framework, beyond aware- alised and supported through coherence that breaks silos and With minimal contribution “The inherent and associ- World Wide Fund for Nature ness creation was sacrosanct, government policy and funding, fosters synergies, thus reduc- and focus on the youth in policy ated losses that accrue to na- (WWF) has called for youth adding that strategies for among other instrument was ing the duplication of effort formulation and decisions- ture are indeed undermining inclusion in post Covid-19 resource mobilisation should equally key. which result in coherent and making process in countries biodiversity framework to be conceptualized and operated “ISNAD-Africa strongly complementary actions towards like Nigeria, Adeleke said the increasing investment for address prevailing challenges. based on intergenerational supports the harmony of the green growth.” projected gains of United Na- sustainable development in the The group raised concerns equity as well as ensure ad- post 2020 Global Biodiversity Adeleke said the GBF would tions Convention for Biological run-up to 2030. Therefore, the over the rate of nature degrada- equate resources allocated Framework (GBF) and the be a major milestone in global Diversity, especially the Strategic Post-2020 Global Biodiversity tion, insisting that exclusion towards capacity- building United Nations’ 2030 Agenda agreements on the protection Plan for Biodiversity (2011-2030) Framework (GBF) need to of youth in policy making, and empowerment of youth for Sustainable Development. of biodiversity that would set could remain a mirage. acknowledge the urgency to especially in the African and youth-led organisations. While the post 2020 GBF would the international ambition for Regretting the over $4 trillion continent is disastrous. Adeleke said: “Improvement contribute to the implementa- the new decade, adding that loss in the tourism sector for stop and reverse the nature According to the stakehold- in the availability, accessibility, tion and realisation of the 2030 the framework intends to years 2020 and 2021 and the and biodiversity losses if the ers, Nigeria and other African and dissemination of informa- Agenda, the implementation promote and strengthen equity over $125 Billion spent by aspirations of the United countries are losing as much as tion resources with special atten- of the post 2020 GBF will considerations by upholding the World Bank to combat Nations 2030 Agenda must $3.8 billion to erosion, pollution tion on the youth at all levels” also leverage on the progress the rights-based approach. the impact of the health, be achieved,” Adeleke said. Rotary Club of Akowonjo Spreads Development Projects in Alimosho

Fadekemi Ajakaiye the Rotary Club of Akowonjo club has been known for its Government and proceeded to been sponsoring for over twenty Shasha and a royal visit to the has gone the extra mile in ensur- humanitarian guestures for Rauf Aregbesola Nursery and five years. King of Egbeda Kingdom, Oba Rotary Club of Akowonjo under ing that the Rotary International thirty six years of its existence Primary School, Akowonjo, where Also as part of the club’s Aremu Orelope Kareem Laka, Rotary International District standard is upheld despite the and development activities it donated qualitative books to programme was a visitation and inducting him a honorary 9110, on Monday August 16, global economic downturn owing in its catchment community, students of the Adult Literacy donation of generous gift items member of Rotary Club of 2021stormed Alimosho Local to the raging Covid-19 pandemic. Akowonjo-Alimosho. Programme which the club has at the Little Saints Orphanage, Akowonjo. Government Area of Lagos According to him, “although Speaking with reporters, in its usual style spreading Rotarians, the world over have had Rotarian President Victor humanitarian services to impact their own share of financial chal- Amaraegbu said “let me lives and the environment with lenges with regards the Covid-19 make this clear, this is not the the commissioning of renovated pandemic, I am glad we are able first time we are embarking on blocks of classrooms and tree to tackle that to make sure the projects commissioning in our planting at State Senior High club’s dream remains intact”. community, we have been doing School, Alimosho by the District The visitor to the club admon- so for thirty six years now”. “It Governor Rotarian Remi Bello ished that “the commissioning of has been known as our annual (FCA) as the high point of the the school to support education rite to give back to the society”. event. and tree planting in support and “It is not about the millions The club whose aim is ensur- beautification of the environment we are spending annually on ing that society witnesses positive as part of the seven areas of focus humanitarian services but about development, embarked on this of Rotary International were just the awareness we are creating exercise to mark the official tips of the iceberg compared with for people to learn how to share visit of the District Governor, the grand plans we are about to love and develop the society with Rotarian Remi Bello (FCA) execute” adding that “I am sure the little they have”. “We are not for the 2021/2022 Rotary year Rotary Club of Akowonjo will getting any financial reward in under the club’s leadership of do more in the years to come,” return but happy making positive Rotarian President Comrade he assured. impacts and developments in Victor Amaraegbu. In his own reaction, the our community,” he stated. In an interview by journalists, President of Rotary Club of As part of the District Gover- R-L: President, Rotary Club of Akowonjo, Rotarian Victor Amaraegbu; Past District Governor, Otunba the District Governor, Rotarian Akowonjo, Rotarian Victor nor’s itinerary, the club paid a Bola Onabadejo; Past Assistant Governor, Kayode Odebode and Past President Gbenga Ojo at the com- Remi Bello (FCA) stated that Amaraegbu disclosed that the courtesy call to Alimosho Local missioning ceremony... recently 6th Construction Industry Hall of Fame Holds in September

Activities leading to the host- Planning and Urban Develop- in 2011 is an initiative designed Surv. Kayode Oluwamotemi, Covid-19 Pandemic”. Other is organised and managed by ing of the 6th edition of the ment, Engr. Dr. Mrs. Abiola to recognize outstanding FNIS, President, Nigerian speakers at the event include Century 21 System Commu- Nigeria’s Construction Industry Kosegbe, FNSE, FNICE and practitioners, organizations and Institution of Surveyors with Mrs. Doris N. Okechukwu nication Ltd and promoted by Hall Fame, the industry most the National President of the key players in the Nigeria’s Engr. Mustapha Balarabe Mbadiwe, Executive Direc- Construction and Engineering prestigious event/platform Nigerian Institution of Estate construction industry and Shehu, FNSE, Executive Vice- tor, Inter-Bau Construction Digest (CED Magazine) a pub- is hitting up as Minister Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), allied sectors. President World Federation of Limited who will be speaking lication focused on information of Water Resources Engr. Esv. (Chief) Emmanuel Okas This year event, the 6th Engineering Organizations on the key areas of women centered on the Construction, Suleiman H. Adamu, FNSE, Wike, FNIVS are among the edition will hold at Sheraton (WFEO) delivering the keynote in construction: “Challenges engineering and allied sectors President, Nigerian Academy Class of 2021’s confirmed for Hotels Ikeja, Lagos with strict presentation on the theme: and Opportunities” in Nigeria and the world as of Engineering, Engr. Dr. Alex induction. adherence to Covid19 event “Changing the Dynamism Nigeria’s Construction related to Africa. The event is O. Ogedegbe, FNSE, FNSChe, The Nigeria’s Construction protocols on Thursday, the of Professional and Business Industry Hall of Fame an initia- also endorsed by the Nigerian FAEng, Permanent Secretary, Industry Hall of Fame, a 23rd of September 2021. Practice in the Construction tive of Construction Industry Institution of Estate Surveyors Lagos State Ministry of Physical biennial event which started The event will be chaired by Industry - Lessons from Development Foundation-NGI and Valuers (NIESV). 36 THISDAY ˾˜31, 2021 BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE Edo State, BOI Launch N2bn Fund for Over 50,000 MSMEs The Edo State Government and available to small businesses, He stated: “We have continued the Bank of Industry (BOI) have which are currently domiciled to create opportunities for Edo unveiled a Micro Small and in our production hub, to support youths as our administration is Medium Enterprise (MSME) and encourage them to grow their open, transparent and competent development fund worth N2bn businesses. in all we do. We urge Edo people to support entrepreneurs in the “BOI has the capacity and to trust us, as all the opportunities state. resources to support this kind that we present are real, and The fund was launched during of programme. From this N2 life-transforming for Edo people.” a citizens’ engagement session billion fund, we estimate that On his part, Managing Direc- organized by the Edo State we can impact as many as tor/Chief Executive Officer, BOI, Skills Development Agency, also 50,000 businesses in Edo State. Mr. Olukayode Pitan, said: “in a known as EdoJobs, held at the We have other facilities with quest to grow and develop MSME Government House, in Benin other institutions like the Central businesses in the country, the Bank City. Speaking at the event, Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This is has resolved to continue to col- Governor Godwin Obaseki said, a start-up fund, as we expect it laborate with existing enterprises, “The Bank of Industry (BOI), to continue to grow: If you start as well as reputable local and which is a reliable partner, is with N50,000, now and when international partners. here today to launch the MSME you do well tomorrow in your “This MSME fund is aimed fund. The initial amount is N2 business, you will need N200,000. at providing business loans to billion. Edo State Government Borrowing is part of business, enterprises located within the provided N1 billion, while BOI provided you continue to grow,” state, while the second fund is provided the other N1 billion, the governor stated. the N165m Edo Production Hub making it N2 billion, with an The governor assured that de- Fund, financed by the Edo State attractive interest rate.” spite the COVID-19 pandemic, his Government. The Edo Production “In addition, we have a administration remains committed Hub Fund is managed by the N165 million fund, as part of to improving the livelihoods of the BOI and is to support businesses the first tranche from the Edo people and creating opportunities located within the state-owned State Government. It will be made for the youths to thrive. production hub.” MARKET INDICATORS FCMB Partners Mercy Corps to Uplift 500,000 MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) Farmers, Vulnerable in North East JANUARY 2021 Money Supply (M3) 38,779,455.43 First City Monument Bank’s through expanded opportunities. “We are extremely proud to (FCMB) and Mercy Corps, Speaking during the MoU be supporting initiatives that -- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors 1,039,129.55 have announced a partnership signing ceremony in Lagos, the drive recovery and increase Money Supply (M2) 37,740,325.88 That will ensure that about Managing Director of FCMB, investment in North-East Nigeria. 500,000 farmers and vulnerable Mrs Yemisi Edun, expressed Mercy Corps has been work- -- Quasi Money 21,779,302.69 people in Nigeria’s North-East appreciation to Mercy Corps and ing in the nexus as an Agency, 15,961,023.19 zone can now access farming other partners for confidence in implementing several programs -- Narrow Money (M1) friendly and demand-driven the Bank’s capability to drive the that aim to sustainably transition ---- Currency Outside Banks 2,364,871.13 financial services. initiative successfully. people in conflict-affected areas A bold and landmark According to her: “We are out of humanitarian assistance to ---- Demand Deposits 13,596,152.06 intervention, the partnership delighted to play another recovery through development”. Net Foreign Assets (NFA) 7,414,275.50 supported by USAID-funded crucial role in developing our The Chief of Party, Feed the Feed the Future Nigeria Rural local communities and society Future Nigeria Rural Resilience Net Domestic Assets(NDA) 31,365,179.93 Resilience Activity, will deliver at large. This partnership will Activity, Mrs Margarita Aswani -- Net Domestic Credit (NDC) 42,916,586.63 funding and capacity-building significantly improve the living said, “We are delighted that this support to smallholder farmers standards of farmers and other partnership will enable FCMB ---- Credit to Government (Net) 12,304,773.44 and vulnerable people living vulnerable people by boosting to adapt its loan products and in the conflict-affected states of food sufficiency and reducing offerings to fit the context in ---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA 0.00 Adamawa, Borno, Gombe and poverty. It will also de-escalate North-East Nigeria. It will ---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA) 0.00 Yobe. insecurity in the North-East. All empower farmers, small ruminant The Feed the Future Nigeria of these align with FCMB’s com- producers, and microenterprise ---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS) 30,611,813.19 Rural Resilience Activity aims to mitment to creating opportunities owners to grow their businesses --Other Assets Net 3,892,112.74 facilitate and promote economic for individuals and businesses and increase yields. The Activity, recovery and growth in the vul- to attain their growth potential.” proudly aims to facilitate access Reserve Money (Base Money 13,264,585.14 nerable, conflict-affected areas and Also speaking, the Country to national and international sustainably move people out of Director of Mercy Corps Nigeria, technical expertise to support --Currency in Circulation 2,831,167.19 chronic vulnerability and poverty Mr Ndubisi Anyanwu, said: FCMB’s strategies for expanding --Banks Reserves 10,433,417.96 ˾ÙßÜÍÏ̋ --Special Intervention Reserves 317,234.17 Stakeholders Commend Nigerian Bottling Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Company’s Waste Management Initiatives Month March 2018 Inter-Bank Call Rate 15.16 Chinedu Eze around issues affecting the envi- manufacturing sector, to emulate ronment, NBC has demonstrated NBC’s ambitious commitment Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Leading stakeholders in Nige- its commitment towards finding to rid the environment of plastic ria’s manufacturing and waste a solution to the issue of waste wastes and prioritize the lifecycle Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) 14.00 management sectors have ap- management in Nigeria. This is of their packaging materials in Treasury Bill Rate 11.84 plauded the Nigerian Bottling commendable because not many their production processes. Company Limited (NBC), for manufacturers have this kind of In his remark at the virtual, Savings Deposit Rate 4.07 its innovative initiatives aimed forum where the facts can be Managing Director of NBC, Mat- at optimising plastic packaging laid out” he said. thieu Seguin, said the company 1 Month Deposit Rate 8.82 and waste management in the The Special Guest of Honour at would continue to collaborate country. the virtual session and Minister with key stakeholders in the 3 Months Deposit Rate 9.72 Speaking during the annual of Environment, Mahmood plastic packaging and waste 6 Months Deposit Rate 10.93 NBC Stakeholders Forum themed, Abubakar, represented by the management value-chain to “Packaging & Waste Manage- Director of Pollution Control and ensure that challenges in the 12 Months Deposit Rate 10.21 ment: Key Drivers, Challenges Environmental Health, Charles waste management ecosystem are and Solutions,” they commended Ikeah, echoed similar sentiments converted to viable economic op- Prime Lending rate 17.35 the company for leading efforts and commended the company portunities for Nigeria’s teeming Maximum Lending Rate 31.55 to ensure the eradication of the for organising the Stakeholders population. Seguin, who spoke menace of plastic waste in the Forum and for being at the on the economic significance and country. forefront of the fight against reusability of plastic bottles, said: ˾ÙØÏÞËÜãÙÖÓÍãËÞÏ̋ͯͱϱ The Keynote speaker and environmental waste. “We believe every package has Special Adviser to the Ogun State Abubakar highlighted the value and life beyond its initial OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜ͱͮͰͮͰͯ Government on Environment, Ola federal government’s commitment use and that it should be collected Oresanya, applauded NBC for to awareness creation, enforce- and recycled into a new package”. The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $71.48 a barrel on Friday, compared holding the forum, which would ment of relevant regulations, as He further reiterated the with $70.75 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC go a long way in entrenching the well as provision of an enabling company’s recycling sustainability Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), culture of internal self-regulation environment for private sector policy thrust saying that “as Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran in the fight against waste. participation. manufacturers that use plastic Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider “I want to congratulate NBC President of the Manufacturers packaging, we want to be part Association of Nigeria (MAN), of the solution. The message (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey for their consideration for the (Venezuela). environment. In putting together Ahmed Mansur, urged other here is clear: we want all our this forum for open conversations organizations, particularly in the pet bottles back. THISDAY ˾˜ͱͯ˜ͰͮͰͯ 37

   Stock Market Decline by N82.83bn on Profit-taking in Dangote Cement, 17 others Darasimi Adebisi (ASI) reduced by 158.98 basis and medium capitalised stocks with a gain of 9.84 per cent to N6.96, while Linkage Assurance poration of Nigeria (Transcorp) points, representing a decline of amongst which are; Dangote Ce- close at N2.01 and Associated Bus shed 6.45 per cent to close at 58 topped the activity chart with Transactions on the Nigerian 0.40 per cent to close at 39,326.67 ment, Eterna, Oando, Ecobank Company went up 9.09 per cent kobo, per share. 51.691 million shares valued at equities market yesterday closed basis points from 39,485.65 basis Transnational Incorporated (ETI), to close at 36 kobo, per share. Oando lost five per cent to N46.840 million. Honeywell Flour the first trading session of the points. Champion Breweries and Zenith Presco up by 8.90 per cent close at N4.56, while Caverton Mills followed with 43.733 million week on a negative note with On sectors, the Industrial Bank. to close at N79.50, while FTN Offshore Support Group shed shares worth N167.914 million, a decline of N82.83billion as Goods (-1.4 per cent), Oil and As measured by market Cocoa processors appreciated 4.86 per cent to close at N1.76, while Consolidated Hallmark profit-taking dominated all the Gas (-1.2 per cent) and Banking breadth, market sentiment closed by 8.33 per cent to close at 52 per share. Insurance traded 17.606 million major sectors. (-0.2 per cent) indices declined, positive, as 21 stocks gained, rela- kobo, per share. The total volume of trades shares valued at N10.632 million. The overall market capitalisa- while the Consumer Goods (+1.2 tive to 18 losers. Honeywell Flour On the other hand, Champion increased by 38.0 per cent to Oando traded 16.119 million tion dropped to N20.490 trillion per cent) and Insurance (+0.8 per Mills followed with a gain 9.86 Breweries led the losers’ chart by 301.014 million units, valued at shares valued at N71.450 million, from N20.57trillion it opened for cent) indices recorded gains. per cent to close at N3.90, per 7.73 per cent to close at N2.03, N1.535 billion and exchanged while UPDC transacted 15.114 trading, while Nigerian Exchange The market lose was driven share. UACN Property Develop- per share. Eterna followed with a in 4,715 deals. Transactions in million shares worth N29.913 Limited (NGX) All-Share Index by price depreciation in large ment Company (UPDC) followed decline of 7.20 per cent to close at the shares of Transnational Cor- million. PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED AS OF 30/08/2021

MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED PRICE TRADED ( N ) PRICE TRADED ( N ) 38 TUESDAY, ͻ͹˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021 • THISDAY 39 MARKET NEWS A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an ETF are bought by investors. Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. investment vehicle that allows both small and Bid Price: The price at which Investors Investors with similar objectives buy units of the large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total that willl generate their desired return. investments. The assets are divided into shares that return an investor would have earned on An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. his investment. Money Market Funds report of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, Yield while others report Year- to-date Total bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDE TO DATA: Return. etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 27- NAV: Is value per share of the real estate shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Aug-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 155.53 156.88 -3.92% Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 4.98% GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Nigeria International Debt Fund 323.48 323.48 16.02% Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Afrinvest Dollar Fund 110.54 110.54 -1.38% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD [email protected] GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 ACAP Canary Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Income Funds N/A N/A N/A Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.83% AIICO CAPITAL LTD [email protected] Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Vantage Balanced Fund 2.68 2.74 -6.10% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.47% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 152.62 152.90 -1.85% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.31 3.47 -2.68% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.28 1.32 1.78% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected]@anchoriaam.com Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.10 1.10 0.91% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fi[email protected] Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 7.75% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Equity Fund 139.23 140.91 4.67% Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.43 1.45 4.86% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.14 1.14 -14.08% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,146.91 1,146.91 5.62% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD [email protected] MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 19.62 20.21 8.18% Meristem Equity Market Fund 11.47 11.51 9.20% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 432.15 445.18 7.94% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 9.30% ARM Ethical Fund 38.17 39.32 13.22% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] ARM Eurobond Fund ($) N/A N/A N/A Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 ARM Fixed Income Fund 0.97 0.98 -7.24% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.15% PACAM Balanced Fund 1.67 1.69 7.15% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED [email protected] PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.55 11.54 -5.06% Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 6.10% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Equity Fund 1.65 1.66 4.24% AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 105.9 105.9 4.12% PACAM EuroBond Fund 112.93 114.80 2.81% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,029.21 1,029.21 2.92% 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 131.60 134.17 8.84% 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 1.05 1.05 10.00% CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.03 2.03 -8.57% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.13 2.17 -7.34% Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com ; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,292.74 3,327.56 2.52% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 232.53 232.53 3.42% CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.01 1.01 2.64% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.22 1.23 3.81% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 306.45 306.45 4.00% Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 225.25 228.57 3.20% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.74% Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.03% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,406.03 10,552.59 -0.85% Paramount Equity Fund 16.54 16.84 3.41% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.27 1.27 3.60% Women's Investment Fund 136.73 138.31 2.74% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 115.43 115.43 3.92% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 103.35 103.35 - Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.74% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 118.56 119.31 United Capital Balanced Fund 1.30 1.32 1.64% Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A United Capital Bond Fund 1.91 1.91 4.35% United Capital Equity Fund 0.87 0.89 9.18% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 107.98 107.98 United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.40% CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT [email protected] Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 United Capital Eurobond Fund 119.95 119.95 4.79% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.06 1.07 3.79% Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.88% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.06 1.06 6.05% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.21 1.22 0.57% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD [email protected] Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.40 1.40 -11.38% Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Zenith Equity Fund 12.87 12.98 8.43% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Ethical Fund 14.24 14.37 16.56% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A Zenith Income Fund 24.32 24.32 1.39% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.19% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] REITS Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS REIT 125.36 10.94% FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,408.07 1,408.07 11.23% Union Homes REIT 51.90 2.86% FBN Balanced Fund 191.14 192.46 1.84% EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS FBN Halal Fund 112.16 112.16 8.37% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.89% Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund 13.35 13.45 0.98% SIAML Pension ETF 40 121.75 124.78 1.25% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 126.93 126.93 3.54% Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund 97.18 99.30 -2.05% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 156.65 159.97 3.62% MERGROWTH ETF 17.45 17.55 FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] MERVALUE ETF 18.26 18.36 Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.75% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Debt Fund 3.96 3.96 2.47% Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 3.91 3.95 3.55% Legacy Equity Fund 1.59 1.62 4.43% Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 5.53 5.61 -2.86% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.19 1.19 4.33% Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 17.49 17.59 7.77% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.32% Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 19.67 19.87 -4.14% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 157.22 159.22 -28.49% Coral Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn Coral Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund 107.40 13.11% The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only. 40 TUESDAY, ͻ͹˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY FOURTY

CJN MOVES TO SAVE JUDICIARY, SUMMONS JUSTICES OVER CONFLICTING COURT ORDERS Imo and Cross River. Progressives Grand Alliance or who to be governor of Rivers State. make no dent in the pockets of to public ridicule.” Also reacting, a former President A copy of the letter of invitation would finally be governor assuming The court had hinged its decision such lawyers. Akpata said the NBA would of Lagos State Court of Arbitration, seen by THISDAY indicated that the APGA won the election as both on the grounds that it was a political This development is fast making “urgently seek audience with the Mr. Yemi Candide-Johnson (SAN) affected Chief Judges are to appear parties will certainly fight to the party that contested election and not people to lose faith in the judicial Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria said the recent wave of conflict- before the Chief Justice of Nigeria, finish, up to the Supreme Court. an individual. Although the court system and if not checked, lawyers to address this issue holistically,” ing court judgement showed the as a prelude to the larger one by However, worried by the has found a way of correcting itself and judges might put the country adding that he would “enlist the recklessness of the judiciary. the NJC to explain what warranted development, the CJN summoned after it later held in another case in bigger problem, because accord- support of the Chairman of the Speaking on Arise News Channel, issuance of conflicting orders by the heads of those courts involved that for a candidate to be declared ing to the analysts, the situation NBA Judiciary Committee, Dr. Candide-Johnson said the federal courts of coordinate jurisdiction. in what is becoming a real threat winner, he must participate in all in Nigeria, "is unbelievably very Babatunde Ajibade, SAN as well as system of governance which the While the High Courts of Imo, to Nigeria’s democracy. the processes of an election. bad. Black market injunctions are the Chairpersons of the NBA Section country operates is founded on Jigawa and Anambra need to Unlike other times that the Thirty years after the first attempt, dished out on a daily basis to the of Legal Practice (NBA-SLP) and separation of powers and rule explain their roles in the Anambra National Judicial Council (NJC) some judges are still in the habit of highest bidder. The courts no longer NBA Section on Public Interest and of law. governorship election, the High would wait for a petition from doing the biddings of money bags dispense justice. They merely dish Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), He added that the rule of law is Courts of Rivers, Kebbi and Cross the public before investigating against the interest of the country, out orders to whoever can afford Mr. Oluwaseun Abimbola, SAN the most important aspect of any River on the other hand are involved and disciplining any erring judge, legal profession and even the oath them." and Dr. Monday Ubani for this constitutional and legal arrange- in the case of the PDP Chairman, the CJN has on his own taken the of office they swore to. Sharing the same position as the proposed engagement.” ment and therefore identifies how Prince Uche Secondus. decision to look into the issue and According to some public CJN, the Nigerian Bar Association Two Senior Advocates of Nigeria important the judiciary is. THISDAY gathered that the might wield the big stick on the analysts, the development has (NBA) also yesterday waded into (SAN), Dayo Akinlaja and Abdul Candide-Johnson was of the CJN complained bitterly on the erring justices. since put the nation’s judiciary the development, saying it would Mohammed, while reacting to the opinion that the Judiciary could huge embarrassment caused the Although this is not the first time in a big mess. punish any member found wanting. CJN moves, welcomed the invitation only maintain its status as the Nigerian judiciary by the actions the intervention of the courts have Before the suspension and The NBA said it “has observed extended to the chief judges by guarantor of rights of individuals of those who issued the conflicting threatened the nation’s democracy, return to office orders on the with dismay the unfortunate and Muhammad and of rights of government if the orders upon ex-parte applications this instance has generated real PDP National Chairman, Uche recurring trend of contradictory Akinlaja said the decision by judiciary is competent, independent by some politicians. worries about the future of the Secondus, by three High Courts court decisions and orders, espe- the CJN to stop judges wading and impartial. The summons dated August 30, country's democracy. in Rivers, Kebbi and Cross River cially, among courts of coordinate into political issues was ‘a pleasant He stated: "And decisions like 2021, read in part: “My attention Justice Bassey Ikpeme of the States, former National Chairman of jurisdiction, typically arising from and heartwarming development.’ these...which indicates the lack of has been drawn to media reports Abuja Division of the Federal the All Progressives Congress (APC), exparte applications and almost According to him, the spate of consistency and very often the to the effect that some Courts of High Court was the first to attempt Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, was always in political matters.” conflicting orders from the courts recklessness of consequences of coordinate jurisdiction were granting to truncate Nigeria’s democracy, also last year before his sack by the In a statement by its President, of late has been extremely troubling decisions to be taken. It seems to me conflicting Exparte Orders on the when on June 10, 1993, he issued APC National Working Committee Mr. Olumide Akpata, the NBA and disquieting. that they have so severely damaged same subject matter. a restraining order on the then (NWC) restrained and later ordered chided especially, senior lawyers for He said: “For any discerning the reputation and credibility of "It has become expedient for me electoral umpire from going ahead back to office by High Courts in the malaise, saying, “Astonishingly, mind, the idea of giving conflicting the judiciary that it has become to invite you for a detailed briefing with the scheduled June 12, 1993 FCT, Abuja, Benin and Kano. Court that commitment (to the Rules of orders of injunction does not bode ineffective for the purpose of which on the development. presidential election. order are now so cheap that they Professional Conduct for Legal well at all for our justice sector. It it was been established - which "This is even more compelling The judge had granted the order now worth less than the paper they Practitioners 2007) is now being is axiomatic that justice is rooted is to maintain the stability of our having regard to earlier NJC despite clear provisions of Decree are written on. threatened by the conduct of some in confidence. A situation, where government, our democracy and the Warning to judicial officers on the number 13, which stated that no Analysts, however, stressed that of our own members, the majority conflicting orders of injunction is safety and conduct of our people. need to be circumspect in granting court of law could interfere with the judges are not alone in this trade, of whom are senior members of the order of the day, doubtless, "If people can't have confidence in Exparte applications”. conduct of the election. because according to them, some the Bar, who continue to yield fundamentally erodes the confidence the independence and impartiality, Similarly, the Nigerian Bar The restraining order was sequel very senior lawyers share in the themselves to be used as willing the public might otherwise have the competence being assumed of Association (NBA), which shared to an exparte application by a blame, by the way and manner tools by politicians to wantonly in the judiciary.” judges, then the entire system will same position as the CJN, has also shadow organisation, the Association they file frivolous applications. "It abuse the judicial process.” He stated that as the chairman come into a grounding halt and condemned the now rife develop- of Better Nigeria (ABN), led by a is the willingness of the judges to Indicating that it might sanction of NJC, it was not out of place there would be disorder." ment, saying it would be willing disqualified presidential aspirant entertain these applications and erring members going forward, for the CJN to issue the letters of On the summon of the judges, to sanction any member found in the person of Arthur Nzeribe, issue consequential orders that the NBA said, “By the issuance invitation to the various heads of Candide-Johnson noted that the wanting. now late. has baffled many." of this statement, the NBA confirms the courts. CJN does not have the power to THISDAY, yesterday, had ob- The National Election Commis- These senior lawyers allegedly unequivocally that it will not stand “It is my personal wish and sanction the judges, saying the Chief served and exclusively reported the sion (NEC) had though defied the go from court to court shopping for by and watch a ridiculing of the desire that all that is needful is done Judge of respective states should menace of indiscriminate issuance order and went ahead to conduct interim injunctions. Only last year, profession and the justice adminis- to nip in the bud the new wave be directly held responsible. of injunctions and orders, which the presidential election as scheduled the apex court, while delivering tration system by a handful of its of abuse of ex parte injunctions. Candide-Johnson stressed that he it reckoned if not checked could on June 12, 1993, the commission ruling in an application for the members and will be considering its Our nation is at crossroads at the has no doubt that one of the judges derail the country’s hard-earned was however restrained from going court to review and vacate its own deterrence options in this regard.” moment on all fronts. The judiciary was guilty of judicial misconduct. democracy as the 2023 general ahead to release the results of the judgment, slammed a whopping While not sparing the judiciary is highly critical if we must make He added: "Let me start by election began to gather momentum. election. N30 million each on two very senior in the debacle, the NBA said, “The a headway out of the disturbing correctly characterizing what In the last two months, several But, while the candidate of the lawyers. Bench, respectfully, is also not state of affairs in the country. In appears to have gone wrong orders and counter orders had been defunct Social Democratic Party Justice Amina Augie, who had blameless. We certainly concur light of this, all hands must be on with these decisions. There is issued against the Independent (SDP), Chief , was read the ruling of the Supreme with the Honourable Justice Chioma deck to prevent the judiciary from no doubt in my mind that one National Electoral Commission already on the cusp of victory after Court with tears in her eyes Nwosu-Iheme of the Court of Ap- losing the trust and confidence of or more of those judges is guilty (INEC), particularly, as it related leading in 15 states where election lamented that, “very senior” lawyers peal in her condemnation of the the public. of judicial misconduct. And if to the November 6 governorship results were announced, Justice were responsible for filing the suit. indulgence by some judicial officers “To me, the CJN deserves the in a series of high profile cases, election in . Saleh had in a ruling on an ex-parte Regrettably however, nothing of politicians, who go round the felicitations of us all for rising, as it inconsistent decisions were given On one occasion, the court had application on June 15, 1993 stopped till date has been done to deter country shopping for judgments, were, to the occasion. It is a case of by Judges across States and judges ordered the electoral umpire to NEC from further announcement such apart from small fines that and who thereby bring the Judiciary a stitch in time saves nine,” he said. Continued on page 41 recognise a particular aspirant as of the election results. the candidate of a political party And due to the actions of the and within a short while, another court, Abiola till his death never INSECURITY: WE’RE LUCKY TO HAVE BUHARI IN GOVT, SAYS SHEHU OF BORNO order of court equal jurisdiction became president as the former "seriously suffered as a result of back by the troops, adding that Recently, there had been reported the legal processes but we must had directed INEC to drop that Military President, General Ibrahim Boko Haram crisis," but added normal business activities had also cases of thousands of Boko Haram ensure that we encourage Boko person and, in his stead, fill in Babangida, annulled the election, that they were "lucky" to have returned in the state. insurgents laying down their arms Haram elements and those they another person. adjudged the freest and fairest at the Buhari government, which He also rejoiced at the news and surrendering to government have taken by force to come out to As at today, it’s hard to say the time in Africa. eventually changed the tide. that Boko Haram elements troops in the North East zone. surrender so that this unnecessary between a former Central Bank In this fourth democracy, the According to him, all the local were surrendering, saying, "it’s Specifically, Governor Babagana insurgency placed on us comes Governor, Chukwuma Soludo and intervention of the court also made government areas in the state, a welcome development", because Zulum of Borno State disclosed last to an end. Chukwuma Umeoji, who would somebody, , who which were under the control "Borno is a home of peace and week at the State House, Abuja, "I believe there is no need for finally be on the ballot for the All did not contest an election in 2007 of Boko Haram had been taken we are for peace." that 2,600 repentant Boko Haram any controversy over what we insurgents were currently being need to do with people, who DIGITAL CURRENCY GAINS TRACTION AS CBN APPOINTS TECHNICAL PARTNER profiled in Maiduguri by the state surrendered. In any war, in every government in collaboration with based on the company’s technical have N10 million and you want of cash is declining everywhere providers, and facilitate cross- war, surrender is the ultimate and the military and other security if we can achieve it, we should do competence, efficiency, platform to move N2 million out of your in the world, just as in Nigeria border transfers. agencies. security, interoperability, and N10 million into a digital currency. and with the advent of digital However, IMF stated that everything and anything possible But Lawan, who spoke Monday to encourage more and more to implementation experience. "They'll debit your account commerce, which is booming the potential benefits were not in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, The statement said, "In choosing and move it to your wallet of in the country, more and more a straightforward process, as it come out so that we are able to at the Palace of Shehu of Borno, come to the end of this unnecessary Bitt Inc. the CBN will rely on the N2 million digital currency, which people are adopting the use of required significant investment as in company with the Yobe State company’s tested and proven digi- you can spend across countries." electronic money to facilitate digital well as difficult policy choices, such insurgency that has taken our states Governor, Mai Mala Buni, used back for so many years in terms tal currency experience, which is Emefiele added, "So we think commerce. as clarifying the role of the public the opportunity of the visit to already in circulation in several that this is a noble idea and we are "So our e-Naira is a digital and private sectors in providing of development. reassure the Borno people that "Your Royal Highness, I want Eastern Caribbean countries. not the first...many other central representation of cash, which and regulating digital forms of the federal government would "Bitt Inc. was key to the develop- banks are at advanced stages of means as a fiat currency, it is money. to also commend the Governor continue to work with the state of Borno State, our brother and ment and successful launch of the revealing their own digital currency. a fiat currency that will be just It observed that some countries to restore peace and stability in Central Bank Digital Currency "Our own digital currency, as acceptable as the physical or might be tempted by a shortcut friend, who has shown so much the region. commitment, dedication and (CBDC) pilot of the Eastern which is tagged e-Naira, will analogue naira. -adopting crypto-assets as national "I want to take this opportunity Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) certainly come into operation, “We recognise the need for currencies, adding, "many are to mention that the federal leadership in ensuring that Borno in April 2021." by the special grace of God, by wide stakeholder engagement indeed secure, easy to access, government of Nigeria will State, as much as possible, is safe Emefiele had recently hinted October and we are working very and education to be able to create and cheap to transact." continue to work with Borno and the people of this state are that a national digital currency hard for this." awareness for the use of e-Naira The IMF stated, "We believe, State government to ensure that protected from insurgency. would be launched in October. He also said, "We believe that as alternative to cash to further however, that in most cases, risks there is restoration of peace and "The federal government is The apex bank had also said the transactions will be cheaper and drive towards a cashless society." and costs outweigh potential stability in this state and in this devoting so much resources for digital currency would be treated more efficient, as there will be Meanwhile, just like the CBN benefits. Crypto-assets are pri- part of the country," he said. our security agencies to fight as a critical national infrastructure less to complete. had warned previously, IMF sued vately issued tokens based on He stressed that the recent and bring insecurity to an end. to protect it from operational and “The Nigerian economy, just for caution by countries seeking to cryptographic techniques and surrender by Boko Haram elements Recently, the National Assembly cyber-security risks. like the rest of the world, is going use crypto-assets as their national denominated in their own unit was a good development for the approved over 800 billion naira Further clarifying the e-Naira digital and cash cannot play in that currency. The multilateral institu- of account. security of the country. for our security agencies in a project, the CBN governor had space. Therefore, e-Naira, which tion reiterated that the demerits of "Their value can be extremely Lawan emphasised that the supplementary budget and Mr. said, "You have some naira in will represent the digital equivalent adopting crypto-assets as national volatile. Bitcoin, for instance, federal government needed to work President has assured us that he your account and you chose to of cash, will be used as the fiat currency outweighed its merits. reached a peak of $65,000 in with the Borno State government will bring more request for more convert part of your naira into a currency to effect transactions. The Washington-based institu- April and crashed to less than and other states in the North East resources for our security agencies digital wallet by way of a digital "And in terms of financial tion gave the advice in a blog half that value two months later. geo-political zone to ensure that the in 2022 appropriation bill, which currency. We will support that. inclusion, we believe that with post, titled: "Crypto-assets as "And yet, Bitcoin lives on. Boko Haram elements that have may be presented at the end of "If, for instance, you have N10 over 30 per cent of bankable adults National Currency? A Step Too For some, it is an opportunity been received were appropriately September by the Grace of God. million in your account. Of course, still outside the financial system, Far." It acknowledged that the new to transact anonymously—for processed. "We pray Almighty God to when this starts, the CBN will the ability to have offline payment digital forms of money had the good or bad. For others, it is a He said: "Those that have no continue to guide our leaders at move some of the balances of through our e-Naira initiative will potential to provide cheaper and means to diversify portfolios and issues to answer are sanitised and all levels, to protect our leaders at banks with CBN to those banks bring most of them into the formal faster payments, enhance financial hold a speculative asset that can taking back to their communities. all levels and of course, to protect in digital currency. financial sector." inclusion, improve resilience and bring riches but also significant Those that may have issues to the people of this country," Lawan “So you go to your bank, you According to him," The use competition among payment losses." answer should be taken through said. TUESDAY, ͻ͹˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY 41 NEWS

FARE THEE WELL TO AKPABIO EKPA… L-R: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Amb. Anthonia Akpabio Ekpa; Barr. Akpabio Ekpa; Hon. Justice Theresa Mimi Shija; Dati-Abasi and Dr. Yene Abasi at the funeral service of Mfon- Obong Akpabio Ekpa, son of the Permanent Secretary, in Abuja… recently Nigeria, Others to Share 10m Doses of AstraZeneca, Pfizer Vaccines As France Partners AU Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The vaccines would be allocated at least 50 per cent of their needs. of the AU member states by an AVAT had already acquired enough the beginning of the pandemic, and distributed by the initiative The African Export-Import alliance of the Africa Centres for vaccines for African countries to President Macron of France has Nigeria and other African Union known as the Africa Vaccine Bank (Afreximbank) explained Disease Control and Prevention vaccinate 400 million people, or been a powerful advocate in (AU) member states will receive Acquisition Trust (AVAT) and the in a statement yesterday that (Africa CDC), the United Nations one-third of the African popula- support of Africa’s need to have an additional 10 million doses of COVAX global vaccine initiative. AVAT worked closely with the Economic Commission for Africa tion, by September next year, at equitable access to vaccines and AstraZeneca and Pfizer COVID-19 The AVAT initiative was set up as COVAX initiative, which sought (UNECA), as well as Afreximbank, a cost of $3 billion, supported by was the first leader to welcome vaccines over the next three months a pooled procurement mechanism to provide the other 50 per cent which also provides the funding an innovative partnership with the and acknowledge the efforts of through a new partnership between for the AU member-states to be able through donations. for the acquisition of vaccines. World Bank. the AU member states to build the French government and AU. to buy enough vaccines to meet AVAT is managed on behalf The statement revealed that The statement said, “Since institutions like AVAT. “He had met several times with AU's leadership and has also travelled to South Africa where the French development Be More Proactive, Creative in Security Management, NGE Tells Govt agency, Proparco is helping to Dike Onwuamaze with a theme, “Media in Times to go in order to push back and The NGE expressed apprecia- argument by conflict management expand Africa’s largest vaccine of Crisis: Resolving Conflict, arrest the spate of banditry and tion to the government and people experts is that mass media ever so manufacturing facility.” The Nigerian Guild of Editors Achieving Consensus.” kidnapping for ransom, which of for the conducive often, plays a key role in conflict. France would also contribute (NGE) has described the recent The Guild acknowledged has continued to occur in some environment provided during its “Their role may take two to the World Health Organisation compromise of security at the efforts by the government to parts of the country, in spite of Standing Committee Meeting in different and opposed forms: (WHO) supported hub, which Nigerian Defence Academy in achieve better results in tackling continued onslaught by security Dutse. It is either the media takes an would enable mRNA vaccines Afaka, Kaduna State, by gunmen the nation’s security challenges forces against the perpetrators. Meanwhile, the editors said active part in the conflict with technology transfer to the African as a worrisome dimension to but said much more need to be The NGE also highlighted the this year's All Nigerian Editors obligation for increased violence, continent. insecurity challenge in the country. done. constitutional role of the media Conference (ANAC), the largest or stays independent and out The French government has been In a communique announcing It stated: "We acknowledge in holding government officials gathering of Nigerian editors of the conflict, in that way a strong advocate of vaccine sharing the decisions reached by the efforts by the federal government accountable to the people, while and owners of newspapers, contributing to the resolution in the fight against COVID-19 in Standing Committee in Dutse, to achieve better results in tackling noting that the government has magazines, radio/television of the conflict and mitigation order to accelerate global vaccination the Jigawa State capital, that was the nation’s security challenges, a duty of providing an enabling stations and online newspapers of violence." rates and ensure equitable access jointly signed by the President, but the August 24 compromise environment for the media to in Nigeria would hold at the The Guild said its annual con- to safe and effective immunisation Mustapha Isah and the General of the security of the Nigerian perform its role devoid of Nigerian Air Force Conference ference would attract its foreign against COVID-19, the statement Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the Defence Academy in Afaka, intimidation, with journalists Centre (NAF) in Abuja between partners: World Editors Forum added. NGE called on the government Kaduna State, by gunmen is having the responsibility of October 21 and 22. (WEF), West African Editors In April, France became the at all levels to be more proactive a worrisome dimension to ensuring they operate in line It said the editors conference Forum (WAEF), African Editors first country to share doses with and creative in tackling insecurity, insecurity. with the ethics of the profession. was aimed at achieving, “con- Forum (AEF), International Press COVAX, a global vaccine initiative and also in carrying out their "We call on the government to “We restates that a free press sensus and collective agreement," Institute (IPI), World Association managed by CEPI, Gavi, WHO, constitutional duty of securing be more proactive and creative in remains one of the bedrocks of among media owners, managers of Newspapers (WAN). and UNICEF. life and property in the country. the fight against insecurity, and democracy and nothing must be and senior editors on, "what role Also expected at the two-day Through its new partnership with The NGE also announced in carrying out its constitutional done to shrink the space. to play in helping government conference are top security officers AVAT, the French government will that its 17th All Nigerian Editors duty of securing life and property “We commend the intervention resolve the seemingly intractable in the country, chief executive add to these efforts and advance Conference (ANEC) would hold in the country." of the Nigeria Press Organisation conflict enveloping the nation officers in the private sector, state its commitment of sharing at least on October 21st and 22nd, 2021 The umbrella body of all in protecting the freedom of press today." governors, lawmakers, academics 60 million doses before the end in Abuja, focusing on the current editors in Nigeria said taking in the country,” the Guild stated. The Guild added: "The strong and others. of 2021. security challenges in the nation, proactive measures was the way CJN MOVES TO SAVE JUDICIARY, SUMMONS JUSTICES OVER CONFLICTING COURT ORDERS of coordinate jurisdiction, I myself has a cumbersome procedure. courts do not exercise jurisdiction in terms of capacity development. Kaduna Shuts Down Weekly Markets will consider that there was warrant He explained that the NJC over. Today, foreign law firms are begin- for a corruption enquiry. was primarily concerned with “Though facts have their ning to encroach into practices in Five Council Areas over Insecurity "That's being said, the CJN, al- the integrity and the dignity of peculiarities, trials courts must be that Nigerian law firms should John Shiklam in Kaduna weekly markets in Birnin Gwari, though he has no direct supervisory judges rather than the effectiveness weary of politicians, who use the ordinarily be engaged in. Igabi, Giwa, Chikun and Kajuru authority over individual judges, of their functions to the people courts to play political theatrics.” “The big foreign law firms like The Kaduna State government local government areas with he has the responsibility as the and accountability to the people Also, a legal commentator Dentons, White and Case, Skadden has suspended weekly markets immediate effect. leader of Nigerian Judiciary...in that who they serve stated, “Nigerian judge could Apps, Ashurst, Norton Rose etc in Birnin Gwari, Chikun, Giwa, “The government has also regard, he has the very least the Candide-Johnson said if the restrain God Almighty Himself are setting up offices in Nigeria Igabi and Kajuru Local Govern- banned the selling of petrol in powers, not coercive power, but people have no confidence in the from the very thing that gave us and using their vast experience ment Areas of the state, over the jerrycans within and outside we must recognised the fact that judges, they have already failed life: creation. You read lawyers garnered from practice in multiple growing insecurity in the state. premises of petrol stations in judicial discipline is going to come in their function, stressing that the asking the court to restraint jurisdictions to scoop out most The state government also the five local government areas before a committee that he chairs. system of accountability needs to the president from traveling or of the juicy briefs in telecoms, banned the sell of petrol in listed, with immediate effect. "Now, for a judge in a state to be improved to a great degree restrain the National Assembly oil and gas, financing, mergers jerrycans within and outside Security personnel have been give a decision which may well Mohammed, on his part, said from making laws or mandate and acquisitions, trademarks etc. I the premises of petrol stations directed to ensure compliance prove to be unfounded and the invitation was a right step in the National Assembly to support wonder how many of the known in the five LGAs. with these directives.” potentially corrupt, the Chief Judge the right direction, wondering why Biafra. The jurisprudence is all over local law firms in Nigeria will In a statement on Monday, Aruwan, therefore, urged of the state is the person to be held the judges would issue the orders the place. You can literally choose still be in existence in the next Commissioner for Internal Security citizens of the areas to cooperate directly responsible. Because the they granted without hearing the what results you want and find 15 to 20 years.” and Home Affairs, Samuel Aru- with the government as necessary assignment of cases in the state, other parties. the line of case to get whatever.” He concluded that Lawyers wan, said the decision was taken steps were being taken against is a part that belongs to the Chief He said: “The Supreme Court While likening Nigerian law who aid in the destruction of the following a thorough review of banditry and criminality across Judge and if the Chief Judge can- in the case of Onuoha v Okafor to Nigeria, he said, “No sensible nation’s judicial system would one the security situation in the areas. the state. not guarantee that the judges he (1983) 2 SCNLR has since settled foreign company including those day wake up to realise that the He added that security person- He added that the Kaduna assigns the cases to or he allows to the question of jurisdiction of court operating in Nigeria today ever courts have become like motor nel have been directed to ensure State Security Operations Room have cases assigned to them and to determine issues of membership agrees to use Nigerian law as parks, where rickety injunctions compliance with the directives. remained open for receiving useful to conduct themselves in a way of political parties. applicable law in their contracts could be obtained by agberos. The statement stated: “After information on: 09034000060 and that is responsible, that is lawful “The Supreme Court in the with Nigerian entities or Nigeria Although the CJN has taken a a thorough review of the 08170189999. and that is credible. One needs to recent case of of PEOPLES courts as forum convenience. Even very commendable step, Nigerians wonder about the confidence and DEMOCRATIC PARTY v. SENA- local companies doing business would be waiting to see what will security situation and recom- The five LGAs are said to be the in Nigeria are resorting to foreign come out of it, because “disciplin- worst hit by bandits terrorising the the capacity of the Chief judge." TOR ALI MODU SHERRIF & mendations put forward by the Candide-Johnson noted that there ORS (2017) LPELR-42736(SC) laws and foreign jurisdictions for ary process is slow and at times security agencies, the Kaduna state, with the hoodlums raiding is a mechanism for disciplining reiterated the point that issues dispute resolution. difficult to activate. In the end, State Government,wishes to communities, killing and abducting judges through the National Judicial of leadership of political parties “Our legal jurisprudence suffers no one gets punished,” another announce the suspension of all people almost on a daily basis. Council (NJC) but added that it are political questions, which the and local lawyers continue to suffer lawyer said. 42 TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021 ˾THISDAY NEWS Ondo Gets Anti-Open Grazing Law, Suspends All Activities in Forest Reserves Goddy Egene no more free areas. Amotekun forest reserves. the state government to contain to access Churches, Mosques, expiration of this two weeks, has been mandated to carry The information commissioner the spread of the Delta variant Hospitals and other public evidence of vaccination will be Governor, Arakunrin out to the fullest the issue of said the council has also decided of the virus. places including government the condition to access public Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, enforcement,” he said. that all residents of the state He said the council also offices. places, churches, mosques. will today sign the Anti-open The spokesman said the state must be vaccinated against the approved that residents are “Aside all existing protocols, The Head of Service has been Grazing Bill into Law, just as the government would soon set Covid-19 pandemic, stressing giving two weeks ultimatum for all residents in the state must mandated to drive this process state government has suspended up a committee to deal with that the decision was made in vaccination after which evidence be vaccinated with effect from in the public service,” Ojogo all activities in the state forest the issue of the activities in the view of the ongoing efforts of of vaccination will be criteria two weeks from now. After the stressed. reserves including free areas and flitches with immediate effect. Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, said the suspension was part of the far-reaching decisions made at the state executive council meeting on Monday. According to him, the State Security Network codenamed Amotekun has been directed to enforce the council decision, adding that anyone found engaging in any activities at the state forest reserves will be made to face the full extent of the law. Ojogo explained that the Head of Service had been directed to restructure the Ministry of Natural Resources so as to make it work in tandem with the expectation of the government and serve the interest of the people. “The council has directed the Head of Service to embark on administrative overall at the Ministry of Natural Resources. We observed that some interested persons have turned the reserves REGULATOR VISIT MUTUAL BENEFITS… into their private resources. L - R: Managing Director/CEO, Mutual Benefits Life Assurance Limited, Mr. Ademola Ifagbayi; Commissioner for Insurance/CEO, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Government has suspended all activities in the forest. There are Mr. Sunday Thomas; and MD/CEO, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Femi Asenuga, during the commissioners’ visit to the company in Lagos…yesterday ABIODUN AJALA Unongo Backs Ortom’s Eight of Igboho’s Associates Finally Regain Freedom Alex Enumah in Abuja process against the Director General detention with no charges filed in like sum while the remaining Condemnation of of the DSS over his refusal to release against them, the agitators were granted bail in the sum of Eight associates of Yoruba nation them days after a Federal High subsequently filed a fundamental N10 million because the DSS had Killings in Benue agitator, Mr. Sunday Adeyemo, Court signed the warrant for their human rights enforcement suit opposed their bail. George Okoh in Makurdi Fulani herdsmen and that the otherwise known as Sunday release on bail. against the DSS, asking the court After perfecting their bail, the development was becoming Igboho, on Monday regained their The DSS following a mid-night to order for their unconditional court then issued a warrant for Elder statesman and former unbearable. freedom from the custody of the raid on Igboho’s residence in Oyo release. their release, but it was alleged that Minister of Steel in the Second He said Governor Ortom, Department of State Service (DSS). State on July 1 had arrested 12 In his ruling, Justice Obiora the Director General of the DSS, Republic, Wantaregh Paul whom he described as “my Their release may not be persons; 11 males and one female Egwuatu of the Federal High Mr. Yusuf Bichi blocked lawyers Unongo, has thrown his weight son”, is not fighting the unconnected to threat by their and brought them to Abuja for Court, Abuja admitted eight of from giving effect to the release behind Governor Samuel Ortom President as alluded by the lawyer, Mr. Pelumi Olajengbesi, interrogation. the applicants to bail in the sum warrants since Monday when they of Benue State, insisting that Presidency and some Nigerians to commence committal to prison However, after weeks of of N5 million each and two sureties were served on him. the governor is not inciting in certain quarters but sectarian crisis or spreading demonstrating his constitutional falsehood in the country. role. Man Bags Six Months’ Jail for Stealing Yam in Kwara Unongo, who spoke at The former minister, who Hammed Shittu in Ilorin the suspected thief had formed his neighbours in . “Abubakar Bani has been a stakeholders’ meeting until recently was a member the habit of stealing tubers of yam “According to the complainants, charged to Kaiama Magistrate put together by the state of the ruling All Progressives Kwara State Command of the from people’s farms in the area the Fulani boy has been stealing Court immediately, just as the government in Makurdi Congress (APC) expressed Nigeria Security and Civil Defence on a daily basis in recent time. their yam tubers in the farm on suspect pleaded guilty to the yesterday, said the message disenchantment on the killings, Corps (NSCDC) has arrested In a statement issued by the a daily basis. “The suspect had crimes. the governor had consistently stressing that he was ready to a 28-year-old man, Abubakar Public Relations Officer of the confessed to have committed the “He was, therefore, sentenced passed across to the President raise two million fighters in Banni, for stealing yam tubers state command of the NSCDC, crime, and immediately, the to six months imprisonment Muhammadu Buhari and the 2018 when 73 Benue citizens, from people’s farms in Tenebo Mr. Babawale Afolabi, the Corps state Commandant of NSCDC, by Magistrate Yusuf Kide, for entire country is that Benue who were killed by armed village, Kaiama Local Government said: “The suspect was arrested Makinde Iskil Ayinla, gave the criminal trespass and theft at people are being killed like herders were given mass Area of the state. yesterday at about 6 a.m. by one directive that he should be New Bussa Correctional Centre chickens by suspected armed burial in the state. THISDAY checks revealed that Ismaila Ebbo Mohammed and charged to court. in Niger State.” NLNG Denies Responsibility Ondo: Residents Seal Akure BEDC Office over High Estimated Billings James Sowole in Akure alleged nonchalant attitude of BEDC’s Business Manager, Mr. Meters;” “BEDC is Cheating for Rising Cooking Gas Price the BEDC, towards improving Andrew from entry. Us,” “We Are Ready to Pay for The Residents of Graceland their services despite efforts of It took the intervention of What We Consume,” among Peter Uzoho to cook. Estate, Obaile, in the outskirt the landlords and landladies soldiers on duty at the BEDC’s others. THISDAY’s check revealed of Akure, the Ondo State capital, of the estate. office to allow some staff to go Speaking with journalists, As the rise in price of Liquefied that currently, a 12.5 kilogram yesterday sealed off the Akure The card carrying protesters, about their duties. the Chairman of the Graceland Natural Gas (LPG) commonly (kg) of LPG now costs between office of the Benin Electricity who occupied the BEDC’s head Some of the placards carried Estate, Mr. Popoola Martins, known as cooking gas continues N6,000 to N7,000 to fill in some Distribution Company (BEDC), office in Akure, as early as 8:30 by the protesting residents read: said they have paid for pre paid to escalate and some fingers locations in the county while it over alleged crazy electricity a.m., locked the entrance gate “We say no to crazy bills: “We metres but the electricity firm being pointed towards the now costs marketers an average bills. of the company and refused to don’t want estimated billings;” refused to provide the metres Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas of N8 million to import 20 million The residents also decried allow the workers including the “BEDC, Give us Pre-Paid for them. (NLNG) Limited as part of the tons of the product into Nigeria cause, the company has denied as against between N6.8 to N7.2 the allegation. million it was a few months ago. Rivers CJ Tasks Staff on Performance NLNG said it was erroneous NLNG in a statement issued that it contributed to the supply yesterday and signed by its Blessing Ibunge in Port during a workshop organize for administration of justice service According the CJ, the duties shortfall of cooking gas in General Manager, External Harcourt staff of the state judiciary with delivery in the society. and responsibilities of the Nigeria and consequent hike Relations and Sustainable the theme “Repositioning the He disclosed that the essence judiciary staff are very important, in the price of the product in Development, Mrs Eyono The Chief Judge of Rivers staff of the state judiciary for of the workshop was to equip as no court or courts can function Nigeria. Fatayi-Williams, in response to State, Justice Simeon Amadi, effective service delivery”. them for the task ahead and with out the registrars and other The continuous rise in the a publication (not in THISDAY) has urged staff of the state The CJ described the registrars, improve the standard of their categories of the staff. price of cooking gas has plunged said the price of LPG in the judiciary to improve on their assistants and other categories of job performances and service “You are all aware of your many users of the product, domestic market was dependent job performances and services staff of the Judiciary as important delivery in line with the present roles, no court can function particularly the low income on several market factors, delivering. and integral part in the judiciary administration mandate of which without registrars, assistant earners and rural residents into including the forces of demand Justice Amadi gave the advice administration, adding that centered on effective service registrars and other support using firewood and charcoal and supply. on Monday in Port Harcourt, they play a crucial role in the delivery. staffs. TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021 ˾THISDAY 43 NEWS XTRA NAFDAC Advises Nigerians on Use of Herbal Medicines Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja after 14 days of preparation, saying could make people sick. “If you prepare herbal medicine scorching sun, saying the heat care. Some people take herbal such medication should always “It’s the measure, quantity in liquid form you don’t know generated could have a way of medicine as vaccines. No, herbal The Director General of the be refrigerated. and then the stability,” she added. how stable the medicine is going causing decomposition of the active medicines are derived from plants National Agency for Food and The NAFDAC DG, in a Adeyeye explained that the to be in water. If it is not stable ingredients in the medicines being mostly, sometimes from animals Drug Administration and Control, statement by the agency’s Resident problem associated with herbal and it is degrading to another sold, which may pose significant in few cases. Vaccines are different. (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola medicine are many because, “our thing, it may hurt,” she added. health risks to those buying and Vaccines are from human or animal Adeyeye, has advised Nigerians to yesterday, further explained that people don’t understand that it She cited example of those consuming these preparations. cells that have been programmed use herbal medicines with utmost after 14 days of being liquid, it is all supposed to be driven by who engage in hawking herbal “That’s why herbal medicine to elicit immunologic effects in the care in order to prevent avoidable may start to develop bacteria that science.” drugs on the streets under the in Nigeria has to be handled with body,” she posited. deaths and complications. She further advised against simultaneous use of both herbal and conventional medicines by members of the public. Adeyeye gave the warning in Abuja, in a message to mark the World Herbal Medicine Day holding today. Adeyeye said: “The general public should use herbal medicine with care. First of all, we don’t know the quantity that you are supposed to take. And the fact that it is natural doesn’t mean it is not toxic.’ Speaking further, she said, “toxicity is not about the volume consumed. It is not about the amount. Something can be in a micro quantity and kill. It just depends on the type of drug or chemical. “It is extremely important not take it as you see it. Just because you prepare it in your house doesn’t mean you can drink it like water. It may be dangerous,” she added. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY… She also advised that for L-R: Head, Private Banking Division, Investment One Financial Services Limited, Mr. Akindele Ogundepo; Chief Financial Officer, Sam Enuechusue; Deputy Commissioner of Police, safety reasons, no liquid herbal Administration, Bassey Ewah; Divisional Police Officer, Ikoyi Police Station, CSP Mustapha Tijani; and Chief Technology Officer, Fisayo Fagbemi, at the inauguration of borehole formulation should be ingested facility by the company in Falomo Police Barracks in Ikoyi Lagos….recently Edo Community Protests FG Distributes Cash to Beneficiaries of Poverty Illegal Activities of Alleviation Programme in Lagos Segun James down the poverty line. explained that the major benefit beneficiaries in their communities. Herdsmen The state focal person on National of the programme is capacity “Beneficiaries are trained on Life The federal government has Social Investment Programme building, which are built at all Skill (LS) and Savings Group Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city our Land’; ‘Ogbona People commenced the fifth and sixth (NSIP) and Commissioner, tiers to enhance empowerment Mobilisation and Micro Business of Edo North are Farmers. bimonthly cash payment exercise Ministry of Wealth Creation of beneficiaries’ household to be Development (SGMB) which is The sleepy town of Ogbona Government Come to our Aid as to support the poor and vulnerable and Employment, Mrs. Yetunde self-reliant. targeted at enabling the beneficiaries in Etsako Local Government our Crops are Being Destroyed in Lagos State. Arobieke, who flagged off Arobieke further stated that to save form cooperative groups; Area of Edo State yesterday by Herdsmen’, among others. The aim of the programme is the payment in Apapa Local training was carried out at three tiers- make financial plans and engage in Benin-city, the state capital, The protesting community to improve consumption, reduce Government Area, said the support officers at the state level and local in viable business activities within protested what they described marched through some major poverty and prevent vulnerable would help to build the beneficiaries’ government level are trained, who their communities in order to as “illegal activities of Fulani streets in Benin-city to register households from falling further resilience to withstand shocks. She in turn cascade the training to the strengthen their livelihood activities..” herdsmen in their community,” their displeasure. demanding they leave their Spokesman of the community, domain immediately. Chief Vincent Usoh, accused the The agrarian community, herdsmen of wanton destruction Ganduje Opposes Legalisation of Cannabis as Marwa Visits Kano located about 200km North-east of their farmlands and crops Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano Chief Executive of the National State and Nigeria because of drug abuse and trafficking, of Benin-city, is the hometown with their cattle. Drug Law Enforcement Agency the significance of his current the predominant religion in of the Peoples Democratic Party Usoh lamented that the cattle Kano State Governor, Dr. (NDLEA), Brigadier-General assignment, which is equally the state, Islam, is against the (PDP) National Vice Chairman, rearers allegedly uprooted their Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), key to winning the battle twin evils of drug abuse and South-south, Chief Dan Orbih. cassava to feed their cattle while opposed any attempt to legalise led top officials of the agency against insecurity in the country. trafficking. The protesters were armed trampling on other crops in cannabis sativa in Nigeria, even on a courtesy visit to him as While granting the requests He said Kano State has the with different placards with their farms. as he vowed that no lawmaker part of his ongoing War Against for land and accommodation highest number of federal various inscriptions such as He further disclosed that from the state will support such Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy for a zonal command, the lawmakers in the National ‘Ogbona People of Etsako yam tubers were not spared bid in the National Assembly. visit to the state. governor assured his guest Assembly, adding that none of Central LGA Protest against in the destruction spree by the Ganduje made the declaration The governor said Marwa that beside the stand of the them will support any attempt Cattle Rearers Destroying herdsmen and their cattle. yesterday when the Chairman/ is very important to Kano state government against to legalise cannabis. Enugu CP Solicites Relocate from Kogi Now, New CP Warns Criminals Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja to perpetrate evil in any part Lokoja yesterday, explained Ayuba Ede, stopped in a bid Cooperation of Paramilitary of the state, as they will be that the state is a familiar to curb criminality in the state, Kogi State Commissioner of made to face stiff opposition terrain to him, stressing adding that Ede had done for Improved Security Police, Idris Dauda Dabban, from the security operatives that he was formerly the excellently well in the fight has warned criminals in the of the command. Deputy Commissioner of against criminals in the state. Gideon Arinze in Enugu in containing both existing and state to relocate from the state, Dabban, who gave the Police in charge Criminal Dabban appeal to all rank emerging acts of crime and as the state Police Command warning while speaking Investigation Bureau (CIB) and file of the command The Commissioner of Police criminality. will make the state a hell for shortly after resuming in the state before he went to cooperate with the new for Enugu State, Mr. Lawal He noted that it was only criminal elements. as the new state police for advanced course. management, noting that new Abubakar, has solicited through collaborative efforts that He pledged that no commissioner at the Police He vowed to continue from strategies will be deployed to cooperation from paramilitary the goal of providing safety and criminals would be allowed Command headquarters in where his predecessor, AIG combat crimes in the state. formations in the state to ensure security could be provided for the sustenance of safety and citizens and residents in the state. security in the state. He said: “We must work Kwara Gov Meets Fulani Leaders, Seeks Partnership on Security, Devt Abubakar, in a statement made together to tap and gain from Hammed Shittuin Ilorin crimes and guarantee peace terms of infrastructure projects focusing on peaceful coexistence available to newsmen yesterday each individual agency’s strength and security for all. and social security programmes”. and security. by the Police Public Relations through partnership, joint patrols Kwara State Governor, Alhaji In a statement issued in Ilorin The meeting was attended by AbdulRazaq said the meeting Officer, ASP. Daniel Ndukwe, and brainstorming meetings as AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq by the governor’s Chief Press Fulani leaders and representatives was to forge a consensus on spoke during his familiarisation well.” on Monday met with the Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye from across the 16 local how to manage herders-farmers’ visits to paramilitary formations In their separate responses, the Fulani community in the ,after the meeting, the governor government areas of the state. relationship amid ultimatums on in the state where he sought paramilitary agencies assured state, reassuring them of fair stated that, “The Fulani in Kwara, It came a few weeks after cattle grazing in some southern the consolidation of existing the commissioner of police of treatment and urging them to like other communities in the the governor held consultative states and mass movement of partnerships and support of the their maximum support and work with the government and state, will receive government’s meetings with traditional rulers herders to the north, especially paramilitary security agencies cooperation. other stakeholders to prevent protection and patronage in and grassroots influencers Kwara. 44 TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021 ˾THISDAY NEWS XTRA Oil Edges Higher as Producers Assess Hurricane Ida Damage Goddy Egene with Agency Report River on Sunday. U.S. and Europe. Meanwhile, Hurricane Ida pummeled storm drove a wall of water a flyover by the U.S. Coast Both crude oil and gasoline the Organisation of Petroleum New Orleans and the Louisiana inland when it thundered Guard on Sunday afternoon Oil edged higher in New York have been hit by volatile trading Exporting Countries and its coast overnight with lashing ashore Sunday as a Category showed Royal Dutch Shell as offshore explorers assess this month as investors weighed partners will meet later this rain and ferocious gusts, 4 hurricane and reversed the Plc-operated Mars, Olympus damage from Hurricane Ida the challenge to consumption week and are expected to leaving much of the region course of part of the Mississippi and Ursa crude and natural and as investors shift focus to posed by the resurgence of the go ahead with an increase in without electricity and bracing River. gas platforms remained on an Organisation of Petroleum pandemic in parts of Asia, the output. for widespread floods. The After Ida passed the Gulf, location. Exporting Countries (OPEC)+ meeting that could see more supply added to the market. Futures in New York were trading just over $69 a barrel after falling as much as 1.6 per cent earlier. While Gulf of Mexico producers had shut in about 1.7 million barrels a day of crude output ahead of the storm, refineries in Louisiana may be slower to bring back operations. “The market is regarding the impact on crude production as minimal at this point from Ida unlike refining,” said Bart Melek, head of global commodity strategy at TD Securities. “This means less demand for feed as refiners have a reduced capacity, which could see crude scarcity worries go away.” Gasoline futures spiked more than 4.0 per cent earlier in the session before paring their advance. About 2.11 million barrels a day of refining REDTV’S NEW OFFERINGS… capacity –about 12 per cent of the U.S. total — was being L-R: Cast members, RED TV’s Assistant Madams, Dark Hearts, Sharon Onoja; Cynthia Nwadiora; Group Chairman, United Bank for Africa Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu; other cast shut or brought to reduced rates members, Osas Ighodaro; Dillish Matthews; Enado Odigie; and Producer of Assistant Madams, Mr. Tola Odunsi, at the private screening of RED TV’s Assistant Madams, at plants along the Mississippi Dark Hearts in Lagos in Lagos…recently IPOB: Again, Anambra Shuts Coalition Protests Obaseki’s Compulsory COVID-19 Vaccination Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city The state Governor, Godwin is causing devastating effects through the streets of Benin-city Down as NSCDC Denies Obaseki, at a briefing last week, across the country, hence with placards with various Some members of the civil stated that for residents in the the need to introduce stiffer inscription such as ‘Obaseki Attack on Personnel society organisations in Benin- state to access large gatherings measures to reduce the effect. Can’t Force Us to Take David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka with, the group suspended the city, the Edo State capital, like churches, mosques, banks, But yesterday, some civil COVID-19 vaccines’; ‘I Have exercise following a wide outcry yesterday protested against plan wedding or burial receptions society groups defiled the the Right to Go to Mosque’; ‘We For the fourth Monday in a by the people on the danger by the state government to make among others, they must present early morning downpour in Have Right to Decide’, among row, streets, markets, banks, it portends for the South-east it compulsory for residents of vaccination certificate from the the state to protest against others, said the plan by the schools, motor parks and other economy. the state to take anti-COVID-19 second week of September. the state government planned government is tantamount to public offices were yesterday The group said the exercise vaccine before accessing large Obaseki had stated that the compulsory inoculation. trampling on the fundamental shut down in Anambra State in would only hold on days Kanu gathering in the state. third wave of the COVID-19 The protesters, who marched rights of the citizens. observance of the sit-at-home would be taken to court. order already called off by the But three Mondays since Indigenous People of Biafra after its suspension, cities in the 2023: Group Demands 40% of Elective Positions for Female (IPOB). South-east region, especially in Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole election. to contribute to national “We demand female inclusion IPOB had a month ago called Anambra State, have continued in Abuja It unfolded its position during development urgently, and adoption of gender for the shutdown of the South- to observe the exercise. a press conference on Monday NFF Communications Officer, equality across all spheres in east economy every Monday In Onitsha, Nnewi and A women advocacy group, in Abuja where it highlighted the Angela Nkwo, stated that the Nigeria in solidarity with its leader, Awka, Anambra State, Nigerian Feminist Forum (NFF), merits and demerits of women group demands for 40 per cent “We demand that women Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who is yesterday, THISDAY, who went has called on the 18 registered exclusion and exploitation by quota in all the 18 registered be fielded as governorship being detained by the federal round the towns to monitor political parties in Nigeria to their male counterparts. political parties candidates especially the government, and undergoing the situation, observed that reserve 40 per cent of their This is coming at a time that “The NFF calls for a 40 per supposed big controlling trial. markets, streets and motor executive positions for women. the advocacy group feels that cent quota system strictly for parties. All political parties After the first Monday of the parks were all deserted. Banks The group also called on the women in Nigeria are being women across the 18 accredited make women their national exercise, which was adjudged and other public offices were the parties to present female subjected to inhuman treatment political parties for the 2023 chairpersons, especially the to have been wholly complied also shut down. candidates in the 2023 general and not given enough space general elections. top-rated. Imo Community in Diaspora Onyeama Appeals to Embassies over Growing Cases of Kidnapping Michael Olugbode in Abuja cases of kidnapping in Nigeria. Human Rights Commission required to buy the needed ICT Condemns Attack on Oil Workers Onyeama, who was (NHRC) and the CLEEN and equipment to check against Peter Uzoho investigate, unmask and The Minister of Foreign Affairs, represented by the Director, Foundation, said that incidences the upsurge in kidnapping. prosecute the perpetrators Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, has Consular and Legal Department, of kidnapping and abduction The minister lamented that The Ohaji People in Diaspora of the unfortunate incident. appealed to foreign embassies Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the country has become kidnapping affected both (OPID) has condemned the It, however, advised in the country to assist Nigeria in Ambassador Bolaji Akinremi, worrisome and required urgent Nigerians and foreigners who recent attack on oil workers law enforcement agencies getting their home governments at the public lecture to mark attention. are being kidnapped on a daily affiliated to one of the oil to be professional in their to assist country to procure ICT the “2021 International Day of He said that Nigeria needed basis in the country, adding that companies operating in Assa, investigations and ensure and other needed equipment it the Disappeared,” which was assistance from friendly nations “this has become a thing of Ohaji in Imo State by unknown that innocent citizens of the would need to check the growing organised by the National to afford the large financial outlay worries to the country. gunmen, which led to the area were not made to suffer death of not less than four abuse of their fundamental men and left several others human rights. Jos Crisis: NANS Wants Families of Slain Students Compensated severely injured. The statement reads; “We, Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti country, especially in Plateau states of the country. ugly trends. The OPID said the attack the entire members of OPID, State, which culminated in The National President of He said: “The NANS under occurred on a bus conveying totally and unreservedly The National Association of the deaths of students and NANS, Mr. Sunday Asefon, our leadership will vigorously the Lee Engineering Company condemn the recent attack Nigeria Students (NANS), country’s future leaders, and said yesterday these in a pursue compensations for the (LEC) workers on the on the bus conveying LEC’s has assured Nigerians that demanded that these gory statement that was made families of our slain members Etekeuru-Assa Road in Ohaji- workers on the Etekwuru-Assa the body would press for incidents must be halted to available to newsmen in and many students who lost Egbema Local Government Road in Ohaji /Egbema Local adequate compensations for safeguard the future of the Ado Ekiti. valuables to this emergency. Area of the state. Government Area of Imo State. the families of killed students Nigerian nation. Asefon disclosed that the We call on government at The group, in a statement “The attack led to the death and those who lost valuables The NANS said it was NANS would holds a National all levels, security agencies that was signed by its of about four oil workers and in the recent Jos crisis. burdened and overwhelmed Security Summit on October to ensure that perpetrators President, Mr. Mezie Lawson several others injured while The NANS bemoaned by the spate of killings and 28 to harness intellectual of this evil are brought to Treasure, called on relevant on their way to their facility the upsurge of religious kidnappings of students in the capacities of various groups book and made to face the authorities to thoroughly in Assa community. and communal crises in the North-west and North-central in the country to tackle the full weight of the law. TUESDAY, ͻ͹˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY 45 Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: [email protected] TUESDAYSPORTS 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY 24 Super Eagles in Gym Session as Camp Opens for Liberia in Lagos

PLAYERS IN CAMP Super Eagles Head Coach, Gernot Rohr (third right) addressing the team shortly after their light, gym work out in Lagos...yesterday Tyronne Ebuehi, Leon Balogun, Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Maduka Duro Ikhazuagbe 5pm on Fridayin one of the that Coach Rohr called the entire Okoye, Terem Moffi, Jamilu Match-day 1 clashes, with the WORLD CUP 2022 QUALIFIERS team together to give instructions Collins, Valentine Ozornwafor, Super Eagles preparations Eagles flying out of Lagos to the on the next agenda which was Innocent Bonke, Moses Simon, for the FIFA World Cup 2022 island of Mindelo to take on the one of the hotel’s managers came between the manager of the hotel, the volley outdoor session," the Shehu Abdullahi, Ahmed qualification match-day 1 clash Blue Sharks of Cape Verde in in to inspect and while the team his staff and some officials of the Media Officer clarifies. Musa, Samuel Kalu, Daniel with the Lone Star of Liberia aMatch-day 2 fixture on Tuesday, trained at another section of the Super Eagles was on, the gym Friday’s encounter will be the Akpeyi, Adekunle Adeleke, kicked off yesterday with light 7th September. gym just doing light stretches, he session continued and lasted 45 first FIFA World Cup qualifying Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho, gym workout with 24 players Team Administrator, Dayo yelled at his members of staff and minutes, which was 15 minutes game in Lagos since the Eagles Oghenekaro Etebor, Francis present. Enebi Achor, confirmed yesterday that caused a distraction to the more than the earlier scheduled defeated the Leone Stars of Sierra Uzoho, Henry Onyekuru, As expected, all the usual that only midfielder Joseph team's session which, although 30 minutes,” observed Raji. Leone in a 2002 FIFA World Cup Chidera Ejuke, Kingsley suspects were at the team’s Ayodele-Aribo and forward light, required concentration. He further stressed that it was qualifier at the adjacent National Michael, Wilfred Ndidi, Eko Hotel & Suites camp with Paul Onuachu are expected to “While the back and forth after the work out in the gym Stadium, Surulere in June 2000. Kenneth Omeruo Captain Ahmed Musa leading come into town today. 23 other players. Eagles will have their first Those in camp include; training session at the Teslim Maduka Okoye, Terem Moffi, Balogun Stadium today. Jamilu Collins, Valentine Meanwhile, Media Officer Amuneke to Miss out of Kano Pillars’ Top Job Interview Ozornwafor, Innocent Bonke, of the Super Eagles, Babafemi Moses Simon, Shehu Abdullahi, Raji, has dismissed online media Femi Solaja has been established with the Samuel Kalu, Daniel Akpeyi, reports that the team was thrown management whom I still hold in Adekunle Adeleke, Alex Iwobi, out of the gym by an official of The wish of former Super high regards anyway,” Amuneke Kelechi Iheanacho, Oghenekaro the hotel. Eagles forward, Emmanuel explained in telephone interview Etebor, Francis Uzoho, Henry According to the Media Officer Amuneke, to start another stint with THISDAY yesterday. Onyekuru, Chidera Ejuke, of the Super Eagles, Babafemi of football management in the The former African Footballer Kingsley Michael, Wilfred Ndidi Raji who was present at the country may have suffered a of the Year recipient has and Kenneth Omeruo. gym session, it was a minor temporary set-back as he will experienced coaching in Nigeria’s Leon Balogun, Tyronne Ebuehi, misunderstanding between an not be available to attend the top-flight having held the reins Ola Aina and William Troost- assistant manager at the hotel interview for the vacant post at Julius Berger and Ocean Boys. Ekong were the last quartet to and his members of staff on the of Technical Adviser of Kano He has also coached and arrive Eagles camp last night to usage of the gym facilities. Pillars FC scheduled to hold qualified Taifa Stars of Tanzania swell the list of those in camp "We were scheduled to train tomorrow in the ancient city. to AFCON 2019 finals for their to 24 players. just within the hotel with the The former FC Barcelona first time since 1980 and lately The three-time African gym session coming first then player, alongside ex-Super Eagles had a stint at Egyptian top-flight champions will tango with the outdoor volley session next. assistant coach, Salisu Yusuf, are side Misr lel-Makkasa. the Lone Star of Liberia at the “However, just as we were among the six coaches being Kano Pillars, in a statement Teslim Balogun Stadium from wrapping up the gym session, considered to fill the vacant released by the club’s Media Technical Adviser position at Officer, Idris Malikawa, said the the Nigeria Professional Football shortlisted coaches were selected League (NPFL) side. from a list of over 25 coaches Oluwafemiayo Strikes Gold, Sets Other intending coaches who applied for the job. include; Busari Hakeem Ishola, Emmanuel Amuneke...not available for Kano Pillars job “The six shortlisted candidates Erol Akay, Henry Makinwa are expected to appear before Paralympics Games World Record and former Enyimba manager, in charge. and the logistics to be at the the technical committee of the Team Nigeria increased her lifting 152kg to underline her Usman Abd’Allah are also in “I applied for the position and venue were not enumerated. club for an interview tomorrow medals haul at the ongoing complete dominance of the event. line for the exalted position. would be willing to contribute “I received an email in (Wednesday) “ the statement Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Obiji Loveline who lifted However, Amuneke whose my quota to the development of my base here in Spain at the added. Japan yesterday with a gold 147kg in the +86kg category recent stint on the local scene the game after my playing career weekend stating the date, venue The best of the candidates and a silver medals in Para- was only good enough for was guiding the Golden Eaglets and coaching at the cadet level and time of the (Kano Pillars job) will replace Ibrahim Musa who Powerlifting. the silver. to win the U-17 World Cup in in the country,” begins Amuneke. interview but no other details won the AITEO Cup with Pillars Oluwafemiayo Folashade Nigeria now has three gold, Chile in 2015. He was previously “I will not be able to come were listed. I replied the email, in 2019 but left the post after won Team Nigeria's third gold one silver and two bronze an assistant coach when Nigeria down (from his base in Spain) seeking further clarification and failing meet the club’s target medal of the Games with a medals after Day Eight of dominated the cadet World due to the fact that the notice of up till this moment (Monday), no of league win, rather the club world record performance, competition in Tokyo, Japan. Cup with Coach Manu Garba invitation was rather too short reply or further communication finished fifth on the log. 46 TUESDAY, ͻ͹˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY SPORTS SUMMER TRANSFER DEADLINE DAY... SUMMER TRANSFER DEADLINE DAY City, Chelsea, United Lead in £16bn Spent on Transfers in 10 Years Manchester City have spent more seen the influence of agents Despite leading the way for expensive transfer ever, although money on transfers than any club SPORTS BUSINESS grow massively, with the term total spent on transfers, City do they too do not feature in the in the world in the past ten years, 'superagent' attached to the likes not feature in the top ten most list for most costly transfers from aFIFA report has revealed as the clubs spent a combined $22.5bn contributions peaked at $67.7m of Jorge Mendes and Mino Raiola. expensive transfers for 2011-2020, 2011-2020. shifting dynamics of transfers in (£16.35bn) on transfers during this (49.2m) in 2018. FIFA says that agents' fees have although this summer's arrival Barcelona are responsible for modern football is underscored. time, equating to 47 per cent of FIFA is working on establishing risen from $131.1m in 2011 to of Jack Grealish, for £100m, is three of the top six transfers in The past 10 years has seen the the whole sum. a Clearing House which it hopes $640.5m in 2019. the sixth-most expensive transfer that timespan, with Antoine world transfer record shattered 12 of the top 30 clubs hail will ensure these payments are In total, $3.5bn has been spent in history. Griezmann, Philippe Coutinho three times, with transfer fees from England. They include City, fully and quickly distributed to on agents' fees over the decade, Chelsea's £97.5m signing of and Ousmane Dembele costing entering nine figures for the first Chelsea, Man United, Arsenal, the clubs and academies involved. with England accounting for Romelu Lukaku this transfer £346m. The club recently an- time in the sport's history. Now, Tottenham, Liverpool, Leicester, The past 10 years has also £919m of that sum. window is the seventh-most nounced a total debt of £1.15bn. a new report has laid out the Southampton, Wolves, Everton, eye-watering numbers behind West Ham and Newcastle. international transfers. English clubs spent big, but FIFA’s ‘Ten Years of Inter- also lost big. The report further national Transfer Report’ has outlined that English clubs made a detailed the huge sums involved net loss of £5.2bn from 2011-2020. in transfers from 2011-2020, with City were 11th-highest in terms English clubs unsurprisingly at of fees received over the same the heart of the big-money moves. period, with 44.6 per cent of And City, who have developed their 307 outgoing international into a European powerhouse transfers and loans involving them during this timeframe as a result featuring a fee. of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed City were involved in 232 al-Nahyan's ownership, top a list outgoing loans or loan extensions, of the 30 top spending clubs in according to the report. the world. Benfica, the Portuguese club All 30 clubs are European, with which sold star defender Ruben City leading the way ahead of Dias to City in the 2020 summer second-placed Chelsea, while window, earned the most from Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain international transfer fees, the and Real Madrid make up the report found. remaining places in the top five. The report said 14 deals were FIFA have not attributed exact completed which involved a figures to each club's spending, but transfer fee of $100m (£72.65m) highlight that City have completed or more, with Argentinian winger 130 incoming transfers, 59.2 per Angel Di Maria featuring in two cent of which have been with of them. fees - meaning they have not The average international been free signings or loan deals. transfer fee paid by the top 30 Chelsea, meanwhile, have spending clubs peaked at $17.8m completed 95 incoming transfers, (just under £13m) in 2018, drop- 80 per cent of which have been ping to $14.4m (£10.5m) in 2020. with fees. The report also found solidar- A global total of $48.5bn ity contributions from transfers (£35.3bn) was spent on interna- - which are paid to clubs in tional transfer expenditure from recognition of their role in the 2011-2020, with English clubs training and development of a accounting for over a quarter player - has sharply declined, of that figure with a staggering with the 2020 figure of $38.5m $12.4bn (£9bn). (£30m) only just above the $38m In total, the top 30 spending (£29.6m) recorded in 2011. The Manchester City’s Manager, Pep Guardiola (right) giving brief to new addition to the Etihad club, Jack Grealish ...recently Cristiano Ronaldo Passes PSG, Real Madrid Call off Talks Manchester United Medical Cristiano Ronaldo has passed his to Old Trafford before today’s on Mbappe, Third Bid Rejected medical ahead of his blockbuster 11pm transfer deadline. return to Manchester United. Ronaldo will join up with Kylian Mbappe's stunning transfer Lionel Messi made his debut. The Red Devils confirmed on his new teammates after the to Real Madrid is reportedly off That performance will do little Friday that they had reached international break, and could be after the Spanish club ended talks to loosen PSG's grip on one of an agreement with Juventus to in line to make his second debut with Paris Saint-Germain. the game's brightest young stars bring the fan favourite back to for the club against Newcastle Mbappe has been linked with a and Real know they face a fight Old Trafford, 12 years after he United on September 11. £154million move to La Liga and with the window ready to close. left the club for Real Madrid. The Portugal international was keen on a new challenge at They want Mbappe to make The news came just hours scored 118 goals in 292 games the Bernabeu. his LaLiga debut on September after it emerged that Man United during his first stint at Old But with time running out in 11 when Real Madrid return to were even in the running for Trafford, helping the club to the transfer window, negotiations the Santiago Bernabeu in front of his signature, with cross-town three Premier League titles, between the two European titans a reduced 40,000 capacity. rivals Manchester City having one Champions League, two have broken down. Despite the pandemic wiping previously been expected to League Cups, an FA Cup, a Real Madridmade a total of three €300m (£257m) off revenue since bring the 36-year-old back to FIFA Club World Cup and the bids for the World Cup-winning the pandemic they say two frugal the Premier League. Community Shield. Frenchman, who is out of contract summers without a major signing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side in Paris in 2022. have left them in a position to will pay just £12.9m up front for Real Madrid's first bid of smash their transfer record for the club legend, with a further £137million for Mbappe was swiftly the French forward. £6.7m in add-ons. rejected by the Ligue 1 giants before Madrid made no signings Man United’s announcement Los Blancos returned with an last summer and have so far confirmed that the deal was improved offer of £145million. Kylian Mbappe...eyes Real Madrid move signed only David Alaba on a subject to personal terms, a But once again, Paris Saint- free transfer from Bayern Munich, medical and a visa, but two Germain rejected Real Madrid's Ancelotti. Sporting Director Leonardo while selling Martin Odegaard to of those three issues are now third bid and according to reports Real Madrid have tried to accused the 13 times European cup Arsenal and Raphael Varane to understood to have been from French publication Telefoot, remain confident of landing holders of “illegal and disrespectful Manchester United. resolved. talks between the two clubs have Mbappe despite their second bid of behaviour.” Real boss Carlo Ancelotti refused Sky Sports News reports that now ended. €180m (£154m) being knocked back Nonetheless, Real Madrid to be drawn on his side's pursuit Ronaldo has now completed his French daily newspaper L'Equipe by Paris Saint-Germain President remain in position with club of Mbappe when he spoke to the medical, having undergone it had reported that a third and final Nasser Al-Khelaifi. Director, Emilio Butragueno, media on Friday. in Lisbon over the weekend. offer of £172m could be made to The improved offer, confirmed speaking at the Champions League PSG have landed Messi, The five-time Ballon d’Or force PSG into cashing in on their by the Spanish club to UK’s draw, saying the Spanish club was Sergio Ramos and Gianluigi winner has also agreed personal star striker but all that is in the Sportsmail, of €170m (£145m) 'calm and patient' over its push Donnarumma this summer among terms on a two-year deal which cooler for now. plus €10m (£9m) in add-ons was to sign the 22-year-old forward. other big names but Mbappe is will see him take a £6m pay cut, Mbappe, 22, has been Madrid's tabled on Thursday but Al-Khelaifi Mbappe started for PSG said to be desperate to move to but still become the highest-paid top priority for some time, with responded: “Our position is clear. on Sunday night despite the the Bernabeu. player in Premier League history. Cristiano Ronaldo...back at Old We will not change it or repeat it.” speculation and performed Los Blancos keen to land the He has continued to turn Gaining a visa is also not Trafford to pick up from where Frenchman during Zinedine PSG had reacted angrily to superbly on what he described down new contract offers and it expected to be a problem, Zidane's tenure and the objective Madrid's first bid on Tuesday as the 'perfect night', scoring twice is understood to be his 'dream' to paving the way for Ronaldo he stopped 13 years ago in Red remains the same under Carlo of €160m (£137m). in a 2-0 win over Reims in which play for the Spanish giants. to finalise his vaunted return Devils colours THISDAY • TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021 47 T RU N Tuesday August 31, 2021TH & REASO Price: N250 MISSILE Peterside to NNPC “There is an allegation that Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) dipped their fingers in the Federation Cookie Jar in order to announce bumper 2020 profits; they should come clean and publish details of all dividends received by them and tell us which ones they recently diverted from the Federation to themselves” ––IBTC Stanbic Bank founder, Atedo Peterside, doubting NNPC’s claim that it made N287bn profit, and challenges it to be transparent. TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI [email protected] PDP House of Commotion he People’s Democratic Party (PDP), PDP held yet another National Convention which political party system is underdeveloped, driven Nigeria’s main opposition party, is led to the emergence of Prince Uche Secondus as as it is by all the ugly narratives of the Nigerian currently in the throes of a commotion Chairman of the National Working Committee. experience. Today, in the PDP, after the cliché that that threatens to destroy the party’s But the seeds of discord and division that had the party’s internal mechanisms would be used to capability to put up any strong showing been sown within the party had germinated, and resolve the crisis, the other thing you hear is that Tin the 2023 general elections. Party stakeholders argue grown leafy branches. Each time there had been the APC is trying to sabotage the party, and yet no that there are enough strong internal mechanisms a conflict within the party, the leaders tend to one can say exactly how the APC is responsible that would rescue the party and restore it to good focus more on the party at the national level. They for the collapse of amity between the Chairman health, but those mechanisms do not seem to be overlook the damage that had been done down of the party and the Governor of Rivers State and working. It may not be too long before the party the line, all the way to the wards, states and local others. Secondus is a tested fighter. Wike is a man finds itself on oxygen support, as it struggles with councils. Before 2015, PDP was the party of choice of courage who likes to win wars. Both gladiators a self-inflicted ailment that is threatening to become for many Nigerians. The crisis at the Eagle Square know each other too well. All the persons taking a pandemic. in 2013, the loss of the 2015 general election, and sides in their matter are actually the ones who At the height of its power, the PDP was in charge the inability to pull the party back from the brink want to destroy the party. Secondus and Wike are of Nigeria as the dominant political party for 16 merely created greater tension from top to bottom. allowing themselves to be used by forces that they years: the party that produced Presidents Olusegun In 2019, the PDP practically donated the election to met in the course of their political journey from Obasanjo (1999 -2007), Umaru Musa Yar’Ádua (2007 the APC. The APC won in many states, not because the creeks of the Delta to the blinding heights of -2010) and Goodluck Jonathan (2010 -2015). In it could boast of a better record of performance Abuja. They both owe themselves a duty to resolve 1999, with the return to democratic rule, the PDP but because the PDP was yet to wean itself from whatever differences they may have. They have held 214 seats in the House of Representatives. the politics of ego and personality conflicts. both helped each at various times in the past. This increased to 263 in 2007, but dropped to Less than two years to the 2023 general elections, They can both help the PDP now by burying the 208 and later 137 in 2011. As of 2007, the party the party’s leaders have started again. They seem not hatchet! What does Wike want? Does he want to be controlled 28 states, and 87 seats in the Senate, to have learnt any lessons from the past. At a time a President or Vice-Presidential candidate in 2023 this dropped to 71 seats in 2011. That same year, the party should be organizing and strategizing to or a Godfather? What does Uche Secondus want? PDP was left with 23 Governors. Up till 2011, it take power from the APC, and provide Nigerians Does he want to have a say in who becomes the controlled 23 states of the Federation out of 36, with an alternative that they badly need now more standard bearer of the PDP in 2023? Or does he plus the FCT. Today, the PDP is a minority party Secondus than ever, they are busy promoting the perception want to succeed Wike as Governor of Rivers State? although it bears the comforting title of Nigeria’s that there isn’t much difference between the PDP They should not allow their personal ambitions to major opposition party. The changing fortunes of in the APC Coalition, and it was widely believed and the APC. The way the PDP is managing its ruin many years of friendship and brotherhood the PDP in terms of its scope of control over the that other aggrieved persons that did not walk politics, it will end up donating the 2023 Presidency and should not drag down the party. Enough legislative and executive arms of government away on that occasion, chose to remain within the to the APC. Governors are major stakeholders in damage has been done already. Although APC indicated a greater crisis. party to wreak havoc. Alhaji Bamanga Tukur who every Nigerian political party. They control the leaders have more serious problems of their own, The best illustration of this was how the party lost was Chairman of the party at the time, lost his constituencies. They are overlords in charge of they must be in one corner laughing with all corners the 2015 general elections to an emergent Special position to the crisis and was replaced by former the wards and organs of the party in their states. of their mouth. The worst legacy Secondus can Purpose Vehicle called the All Progressives Congress Governor, Adamu Muazu who was hailed as “the They do and undo. And that is why in the PDP leave behind is to hand over the 2023 general (APC) – an association of strange political bedfellows game changer.” Indeed, the game changed for today, the main conflict is between a governor elections to the APC on a platter of gold. whose only ambition was to put an end to the the PDP. But could the party have survived the (Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers) and the party The other problem are those lawyers running Jonathan administration and the PDP’s continued 2015 election if there was greater cohesion among Chairman, (Prince Uche Secondus). Once upon a from Port Harcourt to Kebbi and to Calabar, all stay in power. By the time the 2015 elections ended, its ranks? time, they were bosom friends but not anymore. in one week, to secure orders ex parte to ensure PDP lost the Presidency. It was down to 13 PDP It was perhaps in sober realization of this and the Party members are taking sides. Some are defecting the removal of Secondus from office. For many Governors. It also lost its majority status in the fact that many PDP candidates who initially won to other parties for both personal and pragmatic Nigerian lawyers, every election season, before, National Assembly. Many of its leaders abandoned during the 2015 general election eventually lost their reasons. The future of the party as a dominant during and after, is the season for them to eat, to the party. They include Alhaji Adamu Muazu, positions at the election petition tribunals and the vote-winning machine hangs in the balance. The make money. They forget the standards and ethics then Chairman of the PDP, former Chairman courts, that the party now decided to do an audit party is back to where it was in 2013 before the of the profession and transform into ambulance of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and former of the 2015 general elections. In November 2015, 2015 elections, and where it was in 2016 before chasers, looking for any desperate politician who Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr-Fix-It, Chief the party held a National Conference in Abuja on the 2019 election. needs an injunction from the courts to gain advantage Anthony Anenih. In 2015, the PDP could not fix “The Sustenance of Democratic Ideals in Nigeria.” I make these comments as someone who over a rival. Lawyers are trained to be officers anything. Much damage had been done earlier to As the party grappled with its post-election crisis, experienced and witnessed first-hand in 2014/15 in the temple of justice and respect established the party when former President Olusegun Obasanjo Prince Uche Secondus from Rivers State, emerged and again in 2018/2019 how the stubbornness of procedures. It is one of the reasons why since who served for eight years as President under as the party’s Acting National Chairman. Still, the political gladiators can sabotage a political party’s 1985, every Chief Justice of Nigeria and virtually the platform of the PDP publicly directed that party was not yet out of the woods. Secondus was chances. I was the Deputy Gubernatorial candidate every Chief Judge of the Federal High Court has his party membership should be torn into pieces. challenged in Court by Hon Ahmed Gulak who of the PDP in Ogun State in the 2019 elections. warned against the abuse of interim orders ex There have been many theories as to why the asked the court to remove Secondus because the A year to that election, it was widely believed parte, which is a remedy in civil law procedure PDP lost steam and eventually the 2015 General position he occupied had been zoned to the North that the State Gubernatorial election would be that is expected to be given under circumstances elections. The commonest submission is that after East. Justice Hussain Baba-Yusuf who presided won by the PDP. The APC in Ogun State was of a real urgency. But many judges have turned 16 years in office, the party could not manage its over the case ruled in Gulak’s favour and sacked practically in disarray. It had split into factions. such orders into an opportunity to jump into the success, or that the party had been taken over Secondus - who along with the PDP appealed the The incumbent Governor did not support the ugly arena of dirty, partisan, politics. They promote by those who wanted a Northern President and judgment. The party was under heavy pressure candidate of his own party. The PDP, was also personal interests in the process and bring the no-second-term for Jonathan or nothing. But whereas on all fronts. It lost the Kogi Gubernatorial election similarly divided, a victim of the Modu Sheriff/ judiciary to ridicule. one side of the story does not usually capture the to the APC. It had issues with the Gubernatorial Makarfi factionalisation of the party at the centre. In the on-going PDP crisis, judges presiding over full scope of a manifold experience, it was true that election in Bayelsa state. Key officials of the party Both factions were in and out of court till three the same courts of co-ordinate jurisdiction have been the PDP was sabotaged by the crisis of internal and those who served in the Jonathan administration days to the election. When eventually the court granting injunctions with appellate import which democracy, and the many tendencies within the were subjected to heavy harassment, policing and ruled in favour of the Buruji Kashamu faction, amounts to an abuse of the justice system. It is party pursuing their own narrow interests without interrogation by the new APC government. The APC it was expected that other stakeholders would shameful and reprehensible. I understand, however, a thought for the future. The eventual pain that the accused the PDP and the Jonathan administration respect the agreement that was reached earlier that the CJN has now summoned about six Chief party suffered was self-inflicted. The party played of being the cause of Nigeria’s woes. Oil prices that whoever won in court would be supported Judges whose courts have been involved in this into the hands of both fifth columnists and the had dipped. The country faced both revenue and and outstanding matters would be resolved after abuse with regard to the PDP case and election opposition. It will be recalled that in August 2013, debt crises. It would soon slip into recession. the party had achieved the objective of beating the matters in Anambra, Jigawa and Imo. Judges must the Convention of the party at the Eagle Square Later, in 2016, the PDP held a National Convention APC at the polls. Meetings were held. Leaders of be restrained and lawyers must be called to order. in Abuja witnessed an unusual spectacle. at the Sharks Stadium in Port Harcourt. It was the various factions waved the olive branch. But The judiciary is the last hope of the common man. Former Vice President , and the an exercise in chaos as the party was before then as it happened, within 24 hours after the court If it is turned into the playground of profiteers governors of Adamawa, Kwara, Sokoto, Jigawa, divided between supporters of the incumbent judgment that favoured the Kashamu faction, those and desperate politicians, the heavy cost will be Kano, Rivers, and Niger and all their delegates Chair of the National Working Committee Ali who swore that the party was more important borne by the entire society. But while it is good walked out of the Convention in anger. They later Modu Sheriff and other members of the party. to them than their own interests had dissolved to hear that CJN Ibrahim Tanko Muhammed is reconvened at the Yar’Ádua Centre to address Sheriff left Port Harcourt in a huff, brandishing into either the APC or its break-away faction, the making efforts to remind the judges involved of a press conference. The issue at stake was the a court injunction that was ignored. It was the Allied People’s Movement (APM). Their conspiracy established directives, is it not the case that the CJN election of persons into the 17-member National same Port Harcourt Convention that produced cost the party dearly. himself emerged as a beneficiary of a controversial Working Committee of the party. The Convention former Governor Ahmed Makarfi as Chair of a The point cannot be overstated that politicians ex parte order on the basis of which the Federal continued, but the party was already split down National Caretaker Committee. The party never in Nigeria do not believe in anything other than Government removed Walter Onnoghen, CJN (as the ranks. This was the incident that led to the recovered from the tussle for legitimacy between the their own ambitions. In our political parties, the he then was) before appointing him in his place? emergence of a new PDP, which became a partner Sheriff and Makarfi factions. In December 2017, the Machiavellian ethos reigns supreme. Nigeria’s Nigeria is never in short supply of ironies. Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, 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. 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