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Ogun Nets N21bn IGR in Q1, Targets N100bn in 2021 Eyes N30 billion in second quarter Obinna Chima N21 billion in the first quarter Abiodun spoke at a special stressed that his administration was due to drop in earnings second quarter of 2021 was of this year. Governor Dapo Iftar (breaking of fast) with was committed to putting the from the Pay As You Earn N30 billion. Despite the decline in its Abiodun disclosed this in a members of the House of state on a strong financial and (PAYE), tax incentives given to Abiodun stated, "Our IGR Internally Generated Revenue statement on Friday, saying Representatives, House of economic footing through industries in the state, and lack dipped in 2020 and there are (IGR) last year due mainly to the state has perfected plans Assembly, State Executive creative governance. of revenue from the education some reasons for that – there the effects of COVID-19, Ogun to generate over N100 billion Council, and the Body of The governor said the dip sector. State Government raked in in 2021. Permanent Secretaries. He in the state’s IGR in 2020 He said the target for the Continued on page 10

INEC May Approve 176,996 Centres for 2023 Elections… Page 8

Sunday 9 May, 2021 Vol 26. No 9526

www.thisdaylive.com T N400 RU N TH & REASO UK Parliament Worried about ’s Growing Insecurity Debates frequent students’ abductions, boko haram attacks Bayo Akinloye the House of Commons, attacks by Boko Haream’s the situation in Nigeriaand Democratic Unionist Party Buhari's administration on has held consistent debates insurgents. subsequently providing MP for Strangford, sought helping to prevent the kidnap Worried about ’s between April 12 and 22 over The lawmakers debate, assistance to her government. to find out what discussions of children from schools. unceasing insecurity, the the continued abductions of THISDAY understood, For example, on April 12, the UK government had had ’s parliament, students and the sustained centred around understanding lawmaker Jim Shannon, the with President Muhammadu Continued on page 8 El-Rufai, Ortom Trade Blame over Insecurity in Nigeria Kaduna Gov: Ortom attacks the president to hide his failure Benue Gov: El-Rufai is misleading Buhari and has divided Kaduna George Okoh in Makurdi The disturbing security situation in the country appears to have turned two governors against each other as the Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai and his counterpart, Samuel Ortom have thrown caution to the wind, attacking each other over the security situation in the country. Nasir el-Rufai fired the first salvo, ostensibly in support of President , when he claimed Governor Ortom only uses the insecurity in his state to attack the Buhari-led administration as a way to cover up for his own failure. But an obviously agitated Ortom immediately fired back and came down heavily on RECEPTION IN HONOUR OF LATE FADAYOMI... his Kaduna State counterpart, accusing him of not only L-R: Mrs Lande Akinluyi, Dr Alexander Thomopulos; wife of the deceased, Mrs Eniola Fadayomi; Publisher, misleading President Buhari Newspapers, Maiden Alex Ibru; Mrs Judith Alakija and in law to the deceased, Eric Idiahi, at Continued on page 10 the funeral reception for Late Kehinde Fadayomi held at the wings Complex, Victoria Island, on Friday 2 SUNDAY MAY 9, 2021 • THISDAY SUNDAY MAY 9, 2021 • THISDAY 3 4 SUNDAY MAY 9, 2021 • THISDAY SUNDAY MAY 9, 2021 • THISDAY 5 6 SUNDAY MAY 9, 2021 • THISDAY SUNDAY MAY 9, 2021 • THISDAY 7 8 ΁˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER PAGE EIGHT INEC May Approve 176,996 Centres for 2023 Elections Centres to have between 750 and 1000 voters Chuks Okocha in There are indications that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may approve up to 176,996 polling centres across the 36 states of the country and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of the ongoing expansion and verification of polling centres ahead of the 2023 general election. But the adjustments of the lower and upper thresholds for voting points, according to INEC, would be from 750 and 1000, to 500 and 750. The implication is that INEC would be creating additional 57,023 polling units nationwide, although the breakdown is not known yet. A memo dated April 20, 2021 was said to have backed the development. The document with reference number INEC/ DE/No:72/2021 and titled: “Decision Extraction on the Amendment of the Threshold for the Conversion of Voting Points to Polling Units,” reads in part: “The Commission at its meeting held on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, deliberated on the above subject and approved as follows: The adjustment of the lower and upper thresholds for Voting TYING THE KNOT... Points from 750 and 1000 R-L: Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Callistus Onaga; his Awgu Diocese counterpart, bridegroom to 500 and 750, respectively and son of Prof. Frank Ezeugwu, Provost, ESUT College of Medicine, Enugu, Ifeanyi; his bride, Mmesoma; and Most Rev. Ifeanyichukwu John Okoye, during “That the ICT and Electoral the couple's wedding, at Holy Trinity Parish, Independence Layout, Enugu... yesterday Operations Departments and the state and local information and necessary create new polling units from the existing polling units, Under the former INEC as widely known and government area offices action, please.” the existing 119,973 polling which INEC has been using. , headed by accepted by stakeholders, of the Commission should Maryam Iya Musa, a centres. Okoye said INEC Under the new polling Professor Attahiru Jega, was based on lower and adopt these new thresholds director at the Commission, would create additional centres, units would have the commission planned upper thresholds of 750 in implementing the ongoing signed the memo. 57,023 polling units, to make between 500 and 750 voters. the creation of 30,000 and 1,000 registered voters, programme of expanding INEC’s National the proposed 176,996 polling Putting all elements polling units. In the new respectively. voting access to Polling Units. Commissioner in charge centres into consideration, INEC, polling centres before it was But, as at press time, the “You may wish to refer of Voter Education and This is coming 25 years THISDAY gathered, had rejected, northern states had commission was yet to give the extract to all Resident Publicity, Festus Okoye, had after the defunct National settled for the application over 21,000 while the entire a breakdown of state-by-state Electoral Commissioners earlier told THISDAY that Electoral Commission of of 500 lower limit and 750 South got a little above 8,000. or zone-by-zone of the (RECs) and Directors for the commission planned to Nigeria (NECON) created upper limit. Voting point platform, polling centres. UK PARLIAMENT WORRIED ABOUT NIGERIA’S GROWING INSECURITY In response, James Ibrahim Gambari, on terrorist groups, including also showed that 60 to 69 views," he said. The UK envoy also told Duddridge, the Secretary December 15, 2020. Boko Haram and Islamic UK-based staff were posted He further told the the House of Commons of State for Foreign, "Our High Commissioner State West , continue by the then Foreign and House of Commons that about the issues of LGBT Commonwealth and in Abuja spoke to the to attack local communities. Commonwealth Office and intercommunal violence in Nigeria, noting that the Development Affairs, said, Inspector General of the Shedding more light on his Department for International across multiple states also UK government is worried "We are deeply concerned Nigerian Police on improving assessment, he noted, "Recent Development and currently "has a devastating impact" about the criminalisation of by the kidnapping and school safety and addressing attacks on Damasak in Borno Foreign, Commonwealth, and on Christian and Muslim homosexuality, recognising continued captivity of kidnapping in March 2021." State, in which civilians, Development Office to all communities and disclosed that there is a long way to schoolchildren by Boko Duddridge explained that humanitarian workers, posts in Nigeria as of March that the "underlying drivers go before all LGBT people Haram (BH) and Islamic the UK provided mentoring and facilities were targeted, 31, 2021. of violence are complex, can live free and equal lives State West Africa (ISWA) and capacity building for have led to a worsening On April 20, another and frequently relate to in Nigeria. in North-East Nigeria. units of the Nigerian Police humanitarian situation, and legislator Hilary Benn, the competition over resources Speaking of the country “The British High Force to improve their anti- the displacement of local Labour MP for Leeds Central, and increasing criminality." and others in Africa, Commission continues to kidnap capacity and response residents and internally asked specifically about the On April 26 and 27 April, Duddridge explained, "We raise these cases with the to organised crime groups displaced people to Niger threat to Christians amid the UK minister disclosed make regular representations Nigerian government, most in Nigeria. or other areas of north- killings in Nigeria. that he met with "a range to governments around the recently in March 2021. We The following week, east Nigeria. As the UK In response, Duddridge of Nigerian interlocutors, world on this issue, including are also concerned by the on April 19, another UK government has repeatedly stated that the UK including governors" from in Uganda, Ghana, Namibia recent attacks on schools in lawmaker, Stephen Doughty, made clear, humanitarian condemned all violence some northern states and and Nigeria. We work Zamfara, Niger, Kaduna, and the Labour (Co-op) MP workers should never be against civilians in Nigeria, Nigerian government through our Embassies and Katsina states, conducted by for Cardiff South and a target." irrespective of religion. He representatives, including High Commissions, as well criminal groups." Penarth, demanded from He reiterated to the House pointed out that in the the foreign affairs minister, as international organisations, He further stated: "I the British government an of Commons that the UK North-East, terrorist groups, . including the UN, Council publicly condemned these assessment of the security remained "committed to including Boko Haram and "I raised the need for all of Europe, Organisation for attacks and stressed the and humanitarian situation helping Nigeria tackle the ISWA, "continue to cause communities to be protected Security and Cooperation in importance of all children in the North-East following threat posed by the terrorist immense suffering to both amidst increasing insecurity... Europe (OSCE), and the being able to access an recent attacks and the groups" in the North-East, Muslim and Christian" We will continue to encourage Commonwealth, to promote education without fear. displacement of people in adding, "We are providing communities. the Nigerian government non-discrimination towards The UK Deputy National the Damasak area. significant humanitarian "These groups seek to to take urgent action to LGBT people, and to address Security Advisor discussed Duddgride explained that and stabilisation assistance undermine the right to protect all communities discriminatory laws." the abduction of Nigerian the UK government was to support affected freedom of religion or belief and to implement long-term He added: "We directly schoolboys in Kankara concerned by the security communities, including those by indiscriminately attacking solutions that address the challenge governments that in Katsina State with the and humanitarian situation who have been displaced." those of all faiths, who do not root causes of violence," he criminalise homosexuality at president's Chief of Staff, in the North-East, where THISDAY's findingssubscribe to their extremist told the parliament. the highest political levels." SUNDAY MAY 9, 2021 • THISDAY 9 10 ΁˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER NEWS

TINUBU IN MECCA L-R: House of Representatives member, representing from State, Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Usman Rurum; Lagos Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola; House of Representatives Leader, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa; Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje; Oba Saheed Elegushi and another guest in Mecca, Saudi Arabia...yesterday US Dollar Share of Global Forex Reserves Drops to 25-Year Low Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja role of the US dollar in the US dollar. fourth quarter. composition of their reserves. Republic of Nigeria signed global economy, in the face According to the survey, the The value of the US dollar A few countries, such as a Currency Swap Agreement The share of of competition from other share of US dollar assets in has been broadly unchanged, Russia, have already announced with the People’s Bank of dollar reserves held by central currencies used by central central bank reserves dropped while the US dollar’s share of their intention to do so. China (PBoC) on behalf of banks across the world fell to banks for international by 12 percentage points—from global reserves has declined, But despite major structural the People’s Republic of China. 59 per cent—its lowest level transactions. 71 to 59 per cent—since indicating that central banks shifts in the international The swap deal, an agreement in 25 years, during the fourth If the shifts in central bank the euro was launched in have indeed been shifting monetary system over the with a three-year tenor, allows quarter of 2020. reserves were large enough, 1999, although with notable gradually away from the past six decades, the US dollar both the CBN and PBoC to This is according to the they could affect currency and fluctuations in-between. US dollar. has remained the dominant swap a maximum amount of just-released International bond markets. It noted that the share of Some expected that the international reserve currency. 15 billion Renminbi/Chinese Monetary Fund's (IMF) The dollar acts as the the euro has fluctuated around US dollar share of global Any changes to the US dollar’s Yuan (CNY 15 billion) for N720 Currency Composition of primary reserve currency 20 per cent, while the share reserves would continue status are likely to emerge in billion. Official Foreign Exchange for the global economy, and of other currencies including to fall as emerging market the long run, the survey noted. This amount is equivalent to Reserves (COFER) survey. foreign exchange reserves in the Australian dollar, Canadian and developing economy The $2.5 billion using the prevailing Some analysts claimed this central banks around the world dollar, and Chinese renminbi central banks sought further (CBN) had on April 27, 2018, exchange rate of N305:$1 at partly reflected the declining account for the bulk of the climbed to 9 per cent in the diversification of the currency on behalf of the Federal the time. OGUN NETS N21BN IGR IN Q1, TARGETS N100BN IN 2021 was no Pay As You Earn half of what we got last year database of Land Use Charge owned property alone, all those to the continuous payment of Abiodun urged members (PAYE) for us during the in one quarter. This present for over 1.5 million people. that have built on government the new wage to its workforce. of his party, All Progressives COVID-19 period, we gave quarter, we will do at least "This will translate into a lot property will have to come He stated, "Not only did we Congress (APC), to incentives to industries because N30 billion, and by the end for our administration," he and regularise their papers,” implement it, my colleagues are democratically put their best they couldn't work during of this year, by the grace of stated. he said, adding, "We are not now reversing the minimum candidates forward at the that period, and because we God, we will do over N100 Abiodun stated that talking about those that built on wage because they can't pay forthcoming local government are the education capital of billion in Ogun State." his administration would any other land, we are talking it. Some of my colleagues elections in the state. He the country, a lot of our IGR The governor said his soon launch Ogun State of government land alone, so have even asked me if I am assured that everything would was coming from the tertiary administration discovered Land Administration and we bring them in to regularise sure I can keep on paying the be done in consonance with institutions and because there that Land Use Charge was Management System (OLAS) their papers." minimum wage, I told them the principles of democracy. were no students in schools, not being paid in the state, to help residents of the state Commenting on the that Ogun State is not like other Speaking earlier, the deputy the revenue did not come in. stressing that it inherited a who had built on government state of the nation and the states, that in Ogun State, we governor, Mrs. Noimot "Let me tell you what the database of 14,000 people from property to come and regularise intended reversal of the new have to keep on paying the Salako-Oyedele, commended good news is, the good news the previous administration. their papers. minimum wage by some wage. the governor for his quality is that first quarter of 2021, He said the discovery led “That system using ICT, states, the governor said his “So, I am committing to the leadership, saying this is we already got N21 billion. his administration to put in we are going to ensure that administration, being one of very excellent public service behind the giant strides of “Last year, we did N58 place mechanisms, which had all those that have built, we the first to sign the minimum that I have that I will continue his administration in the last billion, so we've already gotten helped the state to realise a are starting with government wage into law, was committed to pay the minimum wage." two years.

EL-RUFAI, ORTOM TRADE BLAME OVER INSECURITY IN NIGERIA to gain favours, but also one of helpless but we are in a a state, where Christians have acts of terrorism are still fresh el-Rufai. held Nigeria together over the real enemies of the country. situation, where the Armed a huge population is certainly in our minds. El-Rufai is on “Aside the much celebrated the decades. Nasir el-Rufai El-Rufai, who first hit at Forces and the Police have not one to preach unity and record to have said repeatedly cases, it has been estimated that doesn’t possess the credentials Ortom while responding to a lost significant confidence peaceful co-existence." that Fulani people must retaliate at every given time, not less to counsel anyone on payment video, which featured Ortom in themselves and their The statement noted that, any wrong done to them no than 300 persons are abducted of salaries and the welfare of addressing protesters after institutions.” El-Rufai’s attack on Ortom was matter how long it takes. in Kaduna by kidnappers, workers. This is a governor, some killings in Benue State, He, therefore, said the merely a ploy to make him look "Is Governor Ortom who are always identified as who recently sacked 4,000 during a webinar organised by security agents needed more good before the Presidency. "He responsible for El-Rufai’s el-Rufai’s kinsmen. He pays workers for no just cause. the Africa Leadership Group, weapons and that there was a has apparently fallen out of inability to ensure peace in them billions to embolden them. He ought to be ashamed of claimed he no longer took his need to increase the manpower favour at the Villa and wants Kaduna State, where bandits He has turned the state into himself. What happened to Benue colleague seriously. of the agencies. to use Governor Ortom as a have taken over some one of the most unsafe places the lofty promises he made “I did not hear what But, in a statement by his launch pad back to reckoning,” communities while kidnappings to live in Nigeria today. to Kaduna people in 2015." Governor Ortom said (in the Chief Press Secretary, Mr Terver that statement alleged. and killings occur on daily "Talking about taking Ortom warned el-Rufai that video) but I know him and he Akase, the Benue governor said It further questioned El- basis?" someone seriously, if other Benue State would not repeal is not somebody I take very El-Rufai was instead a failure Rufai thus: “How has he Ortom also disclosed that Nigerians take El-Rufai the Open Grazing Prohibition seriously, frankly. He has other in many respects, even as his handled his own problems El-Rufai admitted to paying seriously, we in Benue do and Ranches Establishment issues of governance that he is state remained one of the most in Kaduna? This is a man, Fulani herdsmen whom not do same. A man, who Law, no matter the amount of using the Federal Government unsafe places to live in Nigeria. who has insulted almost every he invited from other West has no regard for humanity blackmail, hatred and threats as a punching bag to distract According to him, el-Rufai prominent Nigerian, including African countries in the does not deserve our attention. against the state. attention from his failures. had failed in several aspects the late President Umaru Musa name of stopping attacks in Nasir el-Rufai is a sycophant, "We advise the Kaduna State “Go and find out how many as governor of Kaduna State Yar'Adua and former President Southern Kaduna, adding that ethnic champion and religious governor to focus on addressing months’ salaries are being owed and had no moral justification , a man who since he made the confessional bigot, who hates anyone, who the numerous problems he has teachers and public servants to accuse another governor. is his former boss and one who statement, attacks on the does not share the same faith created in his state and leave in Benue State then you can The statement stated: “A brought him to limelight." people of Southern Kaduna with him. He is among the Governor Ortom to lead Benue understand a lot of what Ortom governor, who has divided the Berating E-Rufai for saying have escalated. The Benue very few persons who have in peace," the statement said. is doing,” he said. good people of Kaduna against unprintable things during State governor stated, "This is misled President Muhammadu THISDAY checks confirmed El-Rufai, however, admitted one another by not hiding his President Goodluck Jonathan’s why he wants men of good Buhari. that Governor Ortom is that there was a fundamental hatred for indigenes of the state era, Ortom said, "He insulted conscience, like Governor “El-Rufai is one of the real owing workers in his State problem with the capacity of the on account of religion and the then president and publicly Ortom, to be silent to pave way enemies of this country, who several months salary arrears. Armed Forces and the police. ethnicity is not qualified to supported terrorists attacking for the conquest and expansion do not hide their divisive However checks also revealed His words: “We have a judge another governor on any parts of the country. His agenda to succeed. Kidnapping tendencies by elevating that farmers in the state face serious national problem. I issue whatsoever. A governor, statements on the abduction of has become a common crime nepotism and ethnicity above security challenges each time wouldn’t say we are totally who chose a Muslim deputy in Chibok girls and several other in Kaduna State under Nasir the good values that have the venture out to their farms. SUNDAY MAY 9, 2021 • THISDAY 11 12 ΁˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER NEWS In Show of Unity, Oshiomhole, Oyegun Urge APC Members to Close Ranks, Work Together Adibe Emenyonu in Benin harmoniously in the overall University of Ibadan, appealed Earlier, Imuse described the data base of its members, is confident of undisputable City interest of the party. to party leaders to recognise just concluded membership in every unit across the victory. But this does not mean On his part, Oyegun while the role of party members in registration exercise as a entire country. Our party is we should rest on our oars. Appearing to have put reiterating his membership of the growth of the party. huge success, adding that the now a stronger and more We must stay focused, awake, their personal animosity the party said, "Let us put the "Every member of the party turnout of eager voters to join united party as a result of and be alert to the whiles of aside for the larger interest past behind and let us look including party leaders have the party was quite impressive the exceptional membership our opponents. We must keep of their party, two former at the future", adding, "I am a contribution to make for the against the backdrop of the registration exercise. working as one, united and National Chairmen of the All APC. I belong to APC – body improvement and success of fact that the party is in "The implication of this indivisible members of the Progressives Congress (APC), and soul.” the party", he said, adding, opposition in . healthy development is APC, so that, we can stop Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and Oyegun, who is also the "No individual can be greater "Right now, the APC has that in subsequent, free them, very early, on their Comrade Adams Oshiomhole chairman, Governing Council, than the party". a very credible and reliable and fair elections, our party nefarious tracks," Imuse said. have urged party members in Edo State and Nigeria at large to close ranks and work as one in the interest of the party. The duo made the appeal in Benin weekend at a stakeholders meeting of the party on the heels of the just concluded membership registration exercise in the state. The two APC chiefs fought bitterly on opposite side in the last governorship election. While Oshiomhole supported the aspiration Pastor Ize Iyamu on the platform of the APC, Oyegun supported the re- election bid of the incumbent, Governor , who had earlier defected from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), after he was disqualified by the APC Governorship Screening Committee. But, last weekend, the two men, who commended the State Caretaker Committee of the party led by Col David Imuse, Rtd, for the success of the exercise in the state, expressed optimism that the "future is very bright for the APC as a party." Oshiomhole urged party members in the state to IGBO LEADERS VISIT DAPO ABIODUN... close ranks and work with the leadership of the party at L-R: Eze Ndigbo of Ogun State, Willy Ejimnkeonye, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and the Eze Ndigbo of Republic of Guinea, Fidelis Okafor, during the state and all other levels, a courtesy visit to the governor by Igbo leaders at Oke Mosan, Abeokuta... Friday Group Claims over 200 People Killed in Benue this Year As LG head leads vigilante group in Plateau Cleric tasks government to tighten security Bennett Oghifo, George Okoh over 200 people killed were “For the avoidance of doubt, doing so will endanger our complement the efforts of other the security apparatus of the in Makurdi and Seriki Adinoyi scatted across such councils as we stand with the Governor lives in the line of duties." security agencies in the fight nation. in Jos Logo, Kwande, Guma, Makurdi, of Benue State to demand that He said there was an urgent against the menace of banditry "The government should Gwer West, Apa, Agatu, Ado President Muhammadu Buhari need for government at the and kidnapping that have now tighten the security apparatus of A group, MINDA Strategic and Okpowku local government should rise up to his duties as three tiers to support the become a lucrative business in the nation and we the citizens Contact Group (MSCG) has areas of the state with wanton President and Commander-in- vigilante group of Nigeria by the country. should obey simple instructions. disclosed that over 200 people destruction of farm crops, Chief of the Armed Forces of the training and empowering them Administrative commander We appeal to the federal and have been killed by suspected produce and property worth Federal Republic of Nigeria to to support the fight against of vigilante group of Nigeria, state governments that they herdsmen between January and billions of naira. protect all Nigerians irrespective crimes such as armed robbery, Plateau State command, should security the April of this year in Benue In a statement read by a of tribe, religion or sex because banditry, kidnapping and all Abubakar Sadiq said the importance it deserves, because State. former Permanent Secretary, this is the primary responsibility forms of anti-social behaviours chairman was chosen from all of us know we are not safe, This is as the Chairman Government House, Dr. of government as enshrined in in the society. among many others to be especially, the Church. of Langtang North Local Tivlumun Nyitse, the the constitution for which he "It is no longer news that their Patron, because of his "I won't deceive you, they Government Council Area of group called on the federal also swore on oath to do,” the the capacity of the Nigerian contribution to the growth and are after the church but we Plateau State, Hon. Ubandoma government to live up to its statement emphasised. Police today cannot curtail the development of his immediate know as Christians we are Joshua Laven, has been full constitutional responsibility However, from Jos, Laven, rising trend of criminal violence community . normal, we don't fight if there decorated as state patron of and provide security for the who spoke shortly after his in the society, hence the need According to him, to whom is any problems, we pray to Vigilante Group of Nigeria lives and property of the people decoration at the council's for community policing like much is given, much is God. The states have a group VGN, with the mandate to of the state. secreteriat in Langtang North the VGN. expected and as such expressed called Amotekun. In some states get rid of criminal elements The group also condemned at the weekend, said peace, "I make bold to say that the confident that the chairman, now they have already defeated in the state. the recent unprovoked armed security and the well being of vigilante group are closer to the now their patron, would do the bandits, so, the federal But the Archbishop of the attack on Governor Samuel Nigerians remainedparamount communities and if properly better than he has been doing government should do more African Church, Lagos Province, Ortom and the one on Abagana and a panacea for economic engaged, they can contribute in in the past. on security, especially, because Most Reverend Julius Oludotun, IDP Camp by suspected and political development of addressing the overwhelming On his part, Oludotun they are after the Church now. has called on the federal and herdsmen in which seven the country. security challenges bedevilling made the appeal at a press "We as Christians need to state governments to make people lost their lives and The chairman also called for the nation," he said. conference held yesterday at turn back to God. We are efforts to tackle the seemingly many others injured. adequate support to all other The Council boss further the African Church Saviour's equally guilty of some of the intractable security problem. While calling on President volunteer security outfits to rid said experience has shown Cathedral, Diocese to sins committed. Our God is However, on the Benue Muhammadu Buhari to rise and the society of criminal elements. in recent times how vigilante commemorate the 3rd Biennial able just as earlier stated to killings, the MINDA group turn against insecurity He argued that vigilante groups mostly comprising of Congress and the 5th year deliver us from every challenge has also raised the alarm over in the country, he urged him groups should be permitted volunteers, operating under founder's day anniversary of and unpalatable situation we what it described as threat to to arrest the drift to a failed by the federal government to the mandate of community the Lagos Province with the may be going through now. We exterminate Benue by suspected state, eschew provincialism carry small arms so that they consensus to fight crime have theme: "He is able". know with God all things are Fulani herdsmen. and be the president of all could effectively police their recorded huge success. The cleric raised fears possible, Nigeria needs prayer The group, while briefing Nigerians so as to preserve, environment, adding: "We can He therefore advised about the worsening trend of at crucial time, by the grace of reporters at the BIPC center, protect and enhance the unity not go after kidnappers and Nigerians to communally abductions and kidnappings God peace will come back to Makurdi, disclosed that the of the country. bandits with bare hands as police their environment to that is clearly overwhelming Nigeria.” ΁˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER 13 NEWS REVIEW 943 MDAs, 541 Corporations, Huge Drain on Nation’s Fragile Economy Kinsley Nwezeh in Abuja allocations to INEC." Last Tuesday, the Professor Bolaji Owasanoye- Effects of High Governance Cost led Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Akabueze examined the effects of high organised a high profile policy dialogue cost of governance on the economy. He and zoom conference titled, "Corruption asserted that low revenue collections and and Cost of Governance in Nigeria." The high recurrent costs, actual capital spending conference revealed that government at a had trended below N2 trillion for a decade. critical time like this in the country's history According to him, the investments required still retained 943 Ministries, Departments, to bridge infrastructure gap are way beyond and Agencies (MDAs) and 541 state-owned the means available to government. corporations. He said, "Due to funding constraints, The policy dialogue was attended by many capital projects are abandoned, or Senate President Ahmed Lawan; Minister of uncompleted. Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed; and Head of “Government’s huge recurrent expenditure Service of the Federation, Mrs Yemi Esan; has constrained the provision of good roads, among several academics. steady power supply, healthcare services, Director-General, Budget Office of the quality education, quality shelter etcetera. Federation, Mr Ben. Akabueze, declared "This has contributed to observable at the meeting that 943 MDAs and 541 underperformance of the economy, slow corporations owned by the federal growth and current infrastructural challenges. government had become a drag on the No country can develop where a large part economy. Akabueze said the present size of of its earnings is spent on administrative the federal bureaucracy was unsustainable. structures rather than on capital investment." He identified bloated civil service, high He noted that budget objectives had been number of political office holders, cabinet difficult to achieve. size, corrupt budget practices, election cost, Akabueze said, "Poverty rate remains and multiplication of MDAs as drivers of high; NBS’ latest estimate is that 40.1% high cost of governance. of the population (82.9 million people) He noted that there was a growing are poor. High poverty is worsened by concern over huge government spending high unemployment. Unemployment rate on recurrent expenditure at the expense increased from 27.1% in Q2 2020 to 33.3% of capital projects. in Q4 2020. Akabueze said, "There have been "More than half of the labour force persistent calls for reduction of governance (56.1%) are unemployed or underemployed. cost in Nigeria in view of the impact on The infrastructure required to translate government’s fiscal situation. The current President Muhammadu Buhari opportunities in the Nigerian economy system is clearly unsustainable." to economic value is in deficit." He disclosed that recurrent spending "Mr. President has directed that the salaries evaluation is imperative to determine the In his welcome address, the chairman accounted for more than 75 per cent of committee that I chair, work together with right size for the federal civil service without of ICPC said the policy dialogue and its actual MDA expenditure between 2011 the Head of Service and other members of any adverse effect on efficiency in the service. concomitant policy brief were part of and 2020, personnel costs accounted for the committee to review the government To avoid disruptions in the civil service, the key performance indicators in the 40 per cent of actual recurrent spending payrolls in terms of stepping down on the staff rationalisation process should be implementation of the National Anti- in 2020, while overhead was just three per cost,” she said. gradual and handled fairly. Staff salaries Corruption Strategy (NACS), 2017-2021 and cent. Actual MDA recurrent spending rose The minister disclosed that the federal need to be consolidated and harmonised government would review the number across MDAs while allowances should be the Policies, Programmes and Projects Audit sharply from N3.61 trillion in 2015 to N5.26 Committee (PPPAC) Roadmap (2019 - 2023) trillion in 2018 and N7.91 trillion in 2020, of government agencies in terms of their role-based." mandates, adding that the government In a paper titled, "Reducing the Cost adopted by the federal government at the he said. commencement of its second term in 2019. Akubueze said beyond Nigeria’s 27 would consider merging agencies with of Governance in Nigeria," Akabueze similar mandates. stated, "This will reduce disparity, boost Owasanoye noted that the documents ministers, 16 ministers of state, and 27 required that stakeholders be engaged as ministries, there were 561 federal government- According to Ahmed, “We need to work staff morale and reduce the motivation for together, all agencies of the government, to corrupt practices. In addition, it is important part of activities "to promote an improved owned corporations whose duplicated legal, policy and regulatory environment functions had significantly shot up the cost cut down our cost. We need to cut down to amend sections in the act establishing unnecessary expenditures, expenditures some agencies, which allows their boards for the fight against corruption". of governance. He said the multiplicity of He said, "For us at ICPC, this is not only a ministries and extra-ministerial bodies had that we can do without. to periodically review staff salaries without "Our budgets are filled year-in-year-out considering government’s fiscal position. stakeholder engagement but a key component become a huge drain on the economy. of our prevention mandate as we beam On the bloated federal civil service, with projects that we see over and over again "Also, the National Salaries, Incomes and also projects that are not necessary." and Wages Commission needs to consider the searchlight on one of the drivers of Akabueze stated, "The current structure corruption in Nigeria. and size of the federal bureaucracy is clearly government fiscal position in approving Reducing Cost of Governance salary structures. To control abuse associated "In the PPPAC document, government unsustainable for the size of the Nigerian committed itself to increase revenue economy." with non-regular allowances paid through Akabueze maintained that it was imperative GIFMIS to house officers and interns in the from existing and new sources, improve He, however, said "current efforts aimed coordination and cohesion amongst agencies at eliminating ‘ghost’ non-existent staff to minimise corruption and reduce health sector, limit the number of such staff, governance cost in Nigeria to engender their exit period and introduce mechanism in the revenue generating and expenditure on FGN payroll are yielding some result; ecosystem, drastically cut costs, including however hardly any sanctions against the development. He recommended critical for monitoring the implementation." steps to be taken to include prioritising He argued, "Payment of allowances should reducing all kinds of subsidies while perpetrators.” protecting the poor and vulnerable, reduce He lamented the huge number of political the completion of on-going projects to be role-based. Hence, for example, medical enable the country reap the benefits of doctors in allied institutions and research the cost of delivering government services office holders and their retinue of aides, by streamlining payroll, reducing cost of saying they are driving up the cost of such projects and save variation costs; institutes should not be paid shift allowance allowing only properly conceptualised, unless they are practising." contracts and procurement, and improve governance. coordination and avoid duplication of efforts At issue at the conference was the high designed, costed, and appraised projects; The director-general of budget maintained exclusion of projects that relate to matters that regarding recruitment abuses, the Budget by MDAs etcetera. cost of governance in Nigeria, which was “At a time the nation is facing myriad weighing heavily on the economy. that are the responsibilities of state and local Office and the Office of the Accountant governments; and exclusion of recurrent General needed to work more collaboratively of challenges, including insecurity, high In her submission, Minister of Finance, unemployment, high indebtedness, cost Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab expenditure items from the capital budget. to prevent abuses in personnel cost. He also advocated the amendment of the He said, "We need to adopt a cost effective of funding political office holders and a Ahmed, said the federal government had near empty treasury, running such a nerve- initiated a raft of measures to cut the cost constitution to restructure the federation to electoral system and limit the number and six regions, instead of the current 36 states. aides of political office holders. wracking, bloated bureaucracy is unwelcome. of governance in the face of dwindling It is most imperative that urgent steps are revenue occasioned by the headwinds of In addition, he said the constitutional provision on appointment of ministers Conduct of Elections taken to address this stunning revelation. the COVID-19 pandemic and the attendant “Overall, it is important to note that the global economic tailspin. Ahmed said the should be amended to reduce the number measures were targeted at reducing recurrent of cabinet ministers. Akabueze identified elections as a major Independent Corrupt Practices and Other expenditure, which was projected to gulp "The president is obliged to appoint not driver of high cost of governance. He said Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has about 41.5 per cent of the total provisions more than 24 to be appointed from the the conduct of periodic elections and the so far lived up to its name and mandate.” of N13.588 trillion in the 2021 budget, six geopolitical zones, reduce the number resultant litigations in tribunals and courts The Owasanoye-led commission has tried amounting to N5.64 trillion. of federal ministries from 27 to not more contributed to the high cost of governance to identify loopholes deliberately created She stated that the proposed cost-saving than 20,"Akabueze said. in Nigeria. by bureaucracy, and it has conducted measures were aimed at streamlining He said the United States with 54 states According to him, "Although the conduct investigations, arrested culprits, and secured government expenditure with revenue. and Washington D.C. had 15 departments/ of open, free, fair and competitive election convictions. “We still see government expenditure ministries. is important in democratic governance, its The continuing policy dialogue is a multi- increase to a terrain twice higher than our On the federal bureaucracy, Akabueze management should not be so costly to stakeholder approach aimed at finding lasting revenue," she said, and urged all government stated, "To build a more efficient civil service, the government. solutions to the hydra-headed challenge of agencies to come together to trim the cost. we must stop treating the civil service as "The budget for the 2019 general elections corruption, and a dialogue that could be The minister said the national budgets some other form of political, ethnic, and exceeded N200 billion while about N40 adopted nationally to confront the challenge were filled every year with projects that religious patronage. billion is allocated to INEC in the annual of misgovernance, and widespread corrupt were not only recycled but also unnecessary. "A comprehensive staff audit and job budgets. Every year we see extra-budgetary practices. 14 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 9, 2021 OPINION BOLA TINUBU AND THE LAST NIGERIANS Tinubu is fit and proper to run for the presidency, argues Ike Okonta

atchers of the Nigerian political scene are truism more than most. This is why, after he left the governorship powerful and mighty in the country would attract the necessary grappling with two major questions at of in 2007, the Action Congress (AC), the political winning votes. But uppermost in Tinubu’s mind was the desire the moment. Will the presidency move to party he helped found, fielded Atiku Abubakar, a northerner from to plug the hole which the death of Musa Yar’Adua had left in the southern part of the country in 2023? Adamawa State, as its presidential candidate to challenge Umaru the country’s political firmament with the northern part feeling Will Bola Tinubu, national leader of the Musa Yar’Adua that same year. Obasanjo, a southerner from Ogun shortchanged. If Ribadu won the presidential election flying All Peoples Congress (APC), throw his State, had just relinquished power as president and it was clear to the flag of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), this would hat into the ring and contest the presiden- Tinubu that it was time for the office to return to the north. Unfortu- see presidential power return to the north, thereby mollifying tial election? nately, the election was heavily rigged by the departing Obasanjo northern politicians. The Northern Peoples Summit, a coalition of northern political and Atiku Abubakar and the Action Congress were unjustly denied Like Atiku Abubakar before him, Ribadu failed to win the Wand social groups including the Arewa Consultative Forum and power. Even so, Tinubu’s desire that presidential power return to 2011 presidential election. But Tinubu was undeterred. As 2015 Northern Elders Forum, fired a warning shot after a two-day the north was fulfilled in the person of Yar’Adua flying the flag of neared, he began to prepare the ground for a grand coalition meeting in Kaduna last April when it declared: ‘The North the PDP. of opposition parties to take on the PDP. The All Progressives believes that restructuring the country is now a vital necessity for The death of Yar’Adua in 2010 threw the country into the political Congress which emerged in 2014 with Muhammadu Buhari as survival as one united entity. The North will not be stampeded wilderness. The cabal behind the late president was most reluctant presidential candidate was largely Bola Tinubu’s doing. Ever or blackmailed into taking major decisions around rotating the to hand over to Vice President Jonathan, a southerner. Bola Tinubu’s faithful to the unwritten agreement of 1999 on presidential presidency.’ Put in stark terms, northern politicians and leaders was one of the leading voices that insisted that the provisions of the power rotation, it was necessary that power move from Good- of thought are saying that now that they have the presidency 1999 Constitution be respected and that Jonathan should be im- luck Jonathan, a southerner, to another northerner. Tinubu had on their lap, they will not willingly let it return to the south as is mediately sworn in as President. Invoking a ‘doctrine of necessity’ nothing personal against Jonathan: the future political stability expected. the National Assembly and the Federal Executive Council worked of the country was far more important. Tinubu’s long-held wish The Fourth Republic which began life in May 1999 was together and Jonathan was duly sworn in. Even so, Bola Tinubu was fulfilled when Buhari won the presidential election in 2015 founded on the unwritten agreement that the presidency would recognized that northern politicians would be aggrieved and that and again in 2019. rotate between the south and north after two presidential terms. the path to political wisdom and fairness lay in placating them. Come 2023 and northern politicians will be called upon to This is what informed President Olusegun Obasanjo’s decision Consequently, he chose another northerner – the second time – to replicate the Tinubu example and ensure that presidential to support Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, a northerner from Katsina fly the Action Congress flag during the 2011 presidential election. power returns to the south. Such northern governors as Aminu State, to vie for the presidency in 2007 after his term expired. Tinubu’s choice of Nuhu Ribadu was significant. At the time Masari of Katsina State and Babagana Zulum of Borno State Unfortunately, Yar’Adua took ill and died in September 2010 Ribadu had absolutely no political experience, nor did he have a have led the way in this regard, stating in clear and unequivocal before he had even completed one term and the presidency political base of his own in the north or anywhere else. His claim terms that it is the turn of the south to produce the president. went to Goodluck Jonathan, his deputy and a southerner. This to fame was headship of the Economic and Financial Crimes That is as it should be. It is not clear yet whether Bola Tinubu, development did not go down well with northern politicians Commission (EFCC) between 2003 and 2007 where he acquitted the kingmaker, will now move to be king by contesting the 2023 who were quick to remind their southern counterparts of the himself creditably. Tinubu’s calculation was that Nuhu Ribadu’s presidential election. If he does take that decision, then clearly unwritten 1999 agreement on presidential power rotation. fame as a corruption fighter and his fearlessness in taking on the he deserves to be supported fully by the north, after all one good Northern anger made itself felt in 2015 when even northern turn deserves another. politicians in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the platform However, if efforts are made to frustrate Bola Tinubu’s on which President Jonathan contested the 2015 election, legitimate ambition to be president, this will give new life to campaigned openly for Muhammadu Buhari of the All the secessionist currents presently roiling the southeast and Progressives Congress (APC) and the latter went on to win the It is not clear yet whether Tinubu, the the southwest. Champions of secession will point to what has election. Northern anger was understandable. A multi-ethnic kingmaker, will now move to be king been done to Tinubu in spite of his ardent support for a northern and multi-religious country like Nigeria just emerging from president in 2015 and argue that the north is not interested in a several decades of military dictatorship needed to spread power by contesting the 2023 presidential fair, balanced and inclusive federation. Others who are presently between its various constituent groups and ensure that no election. If he does take that decision, undecided will begin to see reason with the secessionists and one was left out. Democracy, properly understood, is all about continued Nigerian unity will be imperiled. If this happens, then inclusion, and denying power to a key social group will not only then clearly he deserves to be this present generation will turn out to be the last Nigerians. threaten national cohesion, it will threaten the continued practice supported fully by the north, after all ––Dr. Okonta was until recently Leverhulme Early of democracy itself. Career Fellow in the Department of Politics, University of Bola Tinubu, a leading Nigerian politician, understands this one good turn deserves another Oxford. He lives in Abuja. Remembering Innocent Chukwuma Jacob Olupona pays tribute to Chukwuma, former director, West African office of Ford Foundation

any who mourn Innocent Chukwuma today, will Ife Summer Institute’s 2020 participants, Innocent’s presence at Unknown to him, Innocent had conveyed to the Fellows a take comfort from the memories of the good times the opening will continue to loom large in their memories as an masterful speech on Ford’s process and progress of championing shared with him. His departure, at a very difficult unforgettable experience. worthy projects that add practical value to the Institute's lectures time in Nigerian life, has left a vacuum, particularly His remarks on that day demonstrated that education was one through transparency, visionary leadership and nation-building. among civil society compatriots and we hope that of his primary interests and quite close to his heart. The speech as It is also no surprise that since Innocent’s transition the Institute God in his mercy will fill this emptiness. reported by THISDAY newspaper recognized him as one of the for Advanced Studies has been receiving condolences on the Our paths crossed, barely about two years very few transformative leaders the nation has ever had. That day, departure of the Institute’s loyal friend and a benefactor. Sadly, ago, when I paid a visit to his office to discuss Innocent remarked that the Summer Institute realized that, since Innocent will never know how much his remarks inspired the the programs and activities of the Institute of Advanced Studies at Ile the World Bank and IMF-inspired structural adjustment programs minds of almost two hundred young scholars who participated MIfe, which began in 2017. It was at the urging of Olusegun Adeniyi, were implemented in Nigeria and the rest of Africa, the fortunes of in the online Institute from Nigeria, Africa and other parts of the a former Fellow of the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs public education in Nigeria had dwindled. By his estimation, every world. and Editorial Board Chairman of THISDAY Newspaper. As we sat academic of African descent living outside of Africa complained My sadness also emerges from the unaccomplished dreams down to talk, Innocent reminded me very quickly that, like himself, about the quality of doctoral dissertations in Nigeria and by and projects Innocent was mapping out for his post-Ford career. I had schooled at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. And like him, I extension the academic research coming out of African universities. In what turned out to be our last telephone conversation, I shared also read Religion and was very actively involved in Student Union However, very few of them have done anything to remedy the with him several items that I considered to be important areas of activities in the early 1970s. This coincidence led me almost to forget situation. national need, which he could explore. Surprisingly, he already the purpose of my visit. While I was thinking about the sheer force of When I told him about the summer initiative two years earlier, had a catalog of projects he had lined up for the present and this introduction, he quickly added that my BA long essay, written in he said, “Prof. we want to support your work. It is only a matter of future pursuits, such as writing his memoir, rethinking philan- 1975, still lies in the department of religious studies library at Nsukka. finding an appropriate framework and a robust approach to it that thropy in Nigeria, fostering and shaping political participation, We then sat down to talk about the program I had wanted to discuss will align with our strategies and priorities at the Ford Foundation.” reorienting our youth into more rigorous civil engagement and with him, and I was quite amazed that he knew about the annual Ife He understood how important the work of the Institute was, but social services. This is why his transition is very painful and sad. Summer Institute, had read about it, and had indeed been following more importantly he was vocal about what the Ford Foundation Innocent’s sharp mind, his joy in waving the flag of freedom the progress of this scholarly endeavor and training offered to the wanted to support that year. During our discussion, Innocent in our country, his contentment and his very well-lived life younger scholars in the academy. mentioned how impressed he was with the gender representation of service among us are some of the reasons that lead us to The monumental work and services that Innocent offered at the in the composition of the Fellows, and how the empowerment of give thanks to God for sending him our way. We know that Ford Foundation, as director of its West African office, his leadership women and girls aligned well with Ford’s strategic initiatives. It Innocent would have loved to depart Nigeria as a nation in a role in developing and enhancing several civil society groups will be did not take much for him to make the connection between the better state than he met it. But fate did not allow him to do so. his lasting legacy. Further, the provision of support to many fascinating Summer Institute and the Ford Foundation. Innocent was an open-hearted person and had a very amiable initiatives which patrons like myself brought before him will remain Innocent’s speech also applauded how the Institute quickly and humble personality. His vibrancy and hard work were fillips in our memories for a long time. His tenure at the Ford Foundation pivoted when the COVID-19 pandemic destabilized the world. He to all his admirers. His energy and commitment were amazing. opened up an exciting new chapter on several fronts. He stood for highlighted how institutions should take advantage of pitfalls and It is a blessing to have known him and connected with him two social justice in a country that is increasingly disintegrating, supporting disappointments to model creative ways of finding solutions to the years ago. numerous civic organizations, young and upcoming scholars and challenges they face. He challenged us to embrace the infinite op- I pray that Nigerians, at home and abroad, will continue to community workers and making necessary interventions in the portunities available to advance our vision for the global academy, honor Innocence legacy of hard work, friendly disposition, and important sector of Gender and Women’s Studies. and also through the virtual model, appending other programs deep love for Nigeria. May God console his family and all his We were honored to have Innocent speak at the opening session which could extend our offerings into areas beyond the humanities loved ones. And May his memory be a blessing to all of us. of the 2020 Summer Institute, Ile Ife and serve as the guest of honor. and social sciences. In 2022, we hope to include Science Technology –Olupona, NNOM, is Professor of African Religious Innocent shared theplatform with the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Engineering and Math programs in the Summer Institute, thus Traditions, Harvard Divinity School and Professor of Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede and (now entering a new frontier of academic training excellence for Nigeria African and African American Studies in the Faculty of former) Chairman of First Bank, Nigeria, Dr Ibukun Awosika. For and the rest of Africa. Arts and Sciences THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 9, 2021 15 LETTERS HOW THE MEDIA CAN GET ITS GROOVE BACK

t’s that time of the year devoid of attribution and of the accusers against the The role of media houses when the significance of quotation by other persons accused, it further lends in enhancing the capacity a free press is brought to that she mentioned in the to the victimisation and of journalists to recognise the fore. Globally known story. Clearly, the reporter, stigmatisation of the victim. and value the elements of as World Press Freedom who broke the news was The right place for that information as a public good Day, it is a day set aside plagued by emotions. A CCTV video remains the cannot be overemphasised. Ito celebrate press freedom diligent reporter would have court of law where it is This will further help them by reminding governments verified some of the claims admissible as evidence. to defend and promote the of the need to respect their in her story. As the fourth estate of the type of content which they commitment to press Under no circumstance realm, the media wields a gather, produce and dissemi- freedom, and as well remind should a journalist be over- powerful influence in the nate for public consumption. media professionals of issues whelmed by emotions. In society. In addition to report- Information as public of press freedom and their fact, his emotional quotient ing the society and holding good underscores the respect for ethics. should have suggested to governments accountable, irrefutable substance of veri- As announced by the him the need to seek for one the media system, using fied, reliable and beneficial Educa- or more relations or institu- its product – information information to the society. tional Scientific and Cultural tions, who were referred - enables citizens to know Once again, it is a clarion Organisation (UNESCO), the to in her unsubstantiated their rights, duties and call to the essential role of theme of this year's com- story. Sadly, none of the prerogatives, just as it also professional journalists in memoration isInformation media organisations which contributes to the general the gathering, production as a Public Good. This is an reported the story did interest, and the service of and dissemination of auspicious nudge for media anything close to that. The sustainable development. information, by trashing professionals to acknowl- story which attracted the As the world celebrates misinformation, and edge their importance in the goodwill of kind-hearted and remembers world press other contents which may be society and take pleasure Nigerians ended on an freedom day, this year’s considered harmful in the in their role as source of uncharitable note of fudged theme is apt and timely for society. news and information in claims. Nigerian media in particular, ––Yinka Adeosun, the society. As purveyors of Such shoddy reportage especially at a time like this. Akure, . Obaigbena, President of NPAN a service that is classified is our bane at the moment. as public good, journalists They fuel the pitch of are obliged to pay serious anti-press sentiment, attention to the veracity and erosion of public confidence, My Views on ‘The Platform’ relevance of information mistrust and violence they dish out to the public. against journalist. How sad e’s got a gift of the gab darkness, which in no doubt is ment that is non. The topic Culture, Inclusion, Conversa- The current state of the that social responsibilities and dresses smart. your choice of my voice to hear is given up-front, no neutral tion, System, Structure…” and media is also aggravated and restraint are falling But unlike the other loud and clear. invigilators or honest arbiters. one do double talk on security, by the weakening of the short of professional ethos, guys, does some of You know what am talking But they gather, all them that so Pastor asked “…are you resistance by journalists especially by mainstream the things he says. about, yours is a programme think not on what they spend saying that Governors cannot to trends as permitted by media organisations. Gaffes HI was getting furious at ushers of anti-ethical in arts theatre, but spend on whatever they secure their states” I think some the system. Here, truth is by these respected media for not letting me and here he artificial-church, look we’re not like, get on the platform from governors will but can’t, instead the victim. Lies, unverified channels is fast eroding was, not to be noticed yet waved gold but shine on you….” By the market-place to lace their some more double talk. claims have found their the trust and confidence them away and at me at once to the way, I forgot that today is sermon with anecdotes that Then his body-language way into the prominent we have placed in these go ahead. I dashed to the front 1st of May, that’s why I don’t underscore how wise or great interjects “…you minister in the pages of many publications. organisations. Beyond the clutching my handbook of Igbo remember who said ‘happy they were. Church, I was once a cabinet The decentralization of the ordinariness of mediocrity glossary to represent or rather new month’. I now mean this One gets unto the podium, minister, I got no degree in media and the unrestrained and mad rush for breaking present to one of those in the other platform of wolf-gang, a look of disapproval on security now you drag me out access to air your views the news, the sanctity of front pew and in a moment was where wolf down VOM, eat front-row faces ‘this man wants from my academic and work which technology provides professionalism and the making my way out of the hall Von. Gang with woman that to eat his cake and have it, he’s experience, for which I was not with the social media should sacrilege of publishing of fame. Famous individuals don’t gang-up, man does not had his fair-share’. To serve in sober. Super-artificial honorifics, not repudiate time-tested falsehood in any guise come to teach in the Church. I reveal his secret for he cannot any government you’ve got to you’re done for. principles and values upon cannot be accepted. got to focus later in view of “The go round. be a hypocrite but in Nigerian Men! This platform got no which journalism was Same is the release of the Platform” this time around. Man cannot teach woman government you’ve got to be traction, church overlook much founded. CCTV footage of the minor The thing is not all bad, her duty, woman cannot teach an Actor. And I don’t mean to oversee. I used to be both a Just recently, the story of molested by the popular people got to talk and try to man her responsibility. They those elected or appointed politician and administrative Ojonuwa Onu, the amputee entertainment personality. speak. Now, I got the view in are there ‘as you like it’. Prof into executive but the boys staff, civil servant-leader, If only hawker, who was identified That video is awful and focus, when one of the guys de teach student wey neva quartered in the legislature, the you knew am your ruler.” as Mary Daniel, went viral. distasteful. Many claimed like a movie-star began to talk pass-out, come teach govern- full castrated judiciary and the Pastor own body speaks “… It is strange that the story that the video was released and I read his lips, so we went ment wey don start to work. incarcerated press. no, I now have to take to or as published by the main- out of public interest. While he on …I come from ‘govern- Now back to annual Church The one that will save his give into choosing my words, stream media and copied it may have aided the ment school’ yours is a show of platform organized as govern- country must have learnt hahaha, a round of delirious by other online media, was believability of the claims the chosen to receive light from to do without things good applause” that is followed in themselves. But now the by more jesting forbidden in Church try to out-do even Eph5:4 but they hire comedians BREAKING THE JINX ON ATAN - AGBARA ROAD pre-empt the world, so they to church these days and it gets trudge in, including some of even more hilarious. those guys you’d come across or the people liv- of the most important of industrial destination of that lay the golden egg be no matter which route you –Eleje Willy, Lagos. ing or engaging in all public assets because choice in Nigeria and abandoned for so long? chose to take. Some boring Read the full article online - business activities apart from easy movement the fact that this axis The deplorable condition phrases begin to fly ‘’ Strategic, www.thisdaylive.com in and around of people from one place provides the federal and of the road is such that Ota, Atan, Igbesa, to another, it also helps in Ogun State governments anyone who is visiting the Lusada, Agbara moving raw materials to huge Internally Generated Atan, Lusada-Agbara road HOW MUCH IS Fand its environs, the deplor- factories and goods from Revenue (IGR), the Ogun for the first time would able condition of the road point of production to the State Government under think that the area had that links Atan to Agbara final consumers. Prince Dapo Abiodun, recently witnessed war. THAT PUPPY NOW? has been a source of worry. Despite its essentiality, decided to do what the The award of contract Apart from losing valuable good road network has previous governments for the reconstruction of uppies have become But what will happen when lives as a result of incessant continued to remain a in the state and even the this road is an indication the new must have life returns to normal? accidents, the sorry state of mirage in Nigeria. From federal government could that the Prince Abiodun is toy over the COVID The gardens will go to the road has caused them Sokoto to Calabar, Maidu- not do by putting an end keeping to his words not time, the must have weeds, the jigsaws will be to lose properties and valu- guri to Lagos, the major to many years of hardship to focus on developing accessory. Many of put away but what of all the able time. Some companies complaint of Nigerians is and misery of those plying one section of the state to Pthe COVID lockdown restric- now grown up dogs? They even closed shop in the the issue of bad roads. The the road on daily basis. the detriment of the other. tions permitted walking a are too 'valuable' to give away, axis due to the fact that the deplorable conditions of To this end, 29 April One is happy that dog and thus there was a need they can't be returned easily, deplorable condition of the roads have made an hour 2021 would remain succour has finally come for dogs. The simplest rule they cost money and walking road added to their cost of journey to last for four indelible in the minds of to the people and the from economic theory is that them each day will get boring. production. It appears that hours or more. Nowadays, the people of these areas. 19km road, scheduled if there is a demand beyond There is just another, quite the road is jinxed because apart from praying not to It was the day Governor to be completed in 19 supply then prices rise and sad, example of how COVID of the many years it had fall victim to kidnappers Abiodun turned the sod, months, would bring back so puppies cost thousands of has changed many people's been abandoned. and other criminals, signalling the commence- smile on the faces of the dollars. Similar upsurges in lives and not always for the It is incontrovertible Nigerians spend a lot ment of the reconstruction people and the economic interest occurred with home better even if they were never that good road network of time praying against of the 19Km Atan-Lusada- activities in this axis gardening so there was a run affected by the Virus itself. contributes to economic accidents as a result of bad Atan road. would come back in full on vegetable seeds, library How long will it take before development and growth roads. The question any swing soon. borrowing went up and we can safely return to the old which brings important so- Knowing the significant right-thinking person ––Elijah Udofia, people returned to old hob- ways? cial benefits to the people. role that axis plays in would ask at this point in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, bies and there were queues ––Dennis Fitzgerald, Road infrastructure is one making Ogun State an time is, how can the goose Ogun State outside hobby shops. Melbourne, Australia 16 MAY 9, 2021 ˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA EDITORIAL Email [email protected] A FINAL NAIL ON MUSHROOM PARTIES

Fewer political parties will serve the nation better

n a major blow to those who have perfected the art of registering political parties at every hen in February last year INEC deregistered 74 political election season, essentially for transactional parties, based on Section purposes, the Supreme Court on Friday 225A of the 1999 Constitution reaffirmed the deregistration of 74 political (as amended), its chairman, parties by the Independent National Elec- Mahmood Yakubu, explained toral Commission (INEC). And with that, Wthat there were 91 political parties before the 2019 general election with another one one of the impediments to credible polls in registered by court order shortly after, our country has been removed ahead of the 2023 making a total of 92 political parties. He Igeneral elections. We hope the verdict will also added that the last alteration to the 1999 compel a change in the polity so that people Constitution in 2018 specifically empowers INEC to deregister political parties on the begin to form political parties based on shared following grounds: Breach of any of the ideals. requirements for registration as a political Since collective problems are common in party; failure to win at least 25% of the societies, the essence of political parties is to votes cast in one state of the federation in aggregate ideas on how to solve these prob- a presidential election or 25% of the votes cast in one local government area in a lems. But that is not what obtains in Nigeria governorship election and failure to win at where these platforms are mere vehicles for least one ward in a chairmanship election, seeking political one seat in the national or state assembly What has become offices. Indeed, election or one seat in a councillorship clear in recent years what has become election. None of the 74 deregistered parties could meet that simple requirement. is the increasing clear in recent years Even if people have the right to form desperation is the increasing political parties, proliferation is coun- for power not desperation for terproductive to our democracy. Beyond necessarily to power not necessarily the logistical nightmare of administering to advance public good elections without creating room for endless advance public good litigations that we have witnessed over the years, but rather to target the SUNDAY NEWSPAPER a largely illiterate electorate will find it difficult but rather to target enormous spoils of EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU making informed choices in a situation where too the enormous spoils office attached to politi- DEPUTY EDITORS OLAWALE OLALEYE, TOBI SONIYI many parties and candidates are on the ballot. of office attached to cal positions at all levels Besides, these parties are not built around any MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO of governance. It is this ideology or interest group and from experience, political positions DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE majority of them never exert any remarkable same reason that drives CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI influence good enough to win elections. And they the establishment of political parties that have, for EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN never do. all practical purposes, become business ventures. MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE For years, INEC has been burdened with repeat As we have argued in the past, there is a fun- elections that are needless and that trend has only multiplied as the number of political parties and damental reason why the best democracies in the candidates grew. Under what is termed ‘unlawful world gravitate around two major parties. Such a THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED exclusion’, elections are often nullified on several choice even among the most enlightened electorate grounds, including a wrong spelling of names, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA even if such candidates were electoral no-hopers. tends to be binary: either apples or oranges. But GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, In terms of logistics and cost to INEC, the previ- even under a multi-party arrangement, a maxi- ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI ous close to 100 parties is a nightmare. For the mum upper limit that is robust enough to accom- DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI , PETER IWEGBU, sake of growing our democracy therefore, the modate all ideological options, makes more sense ANTHONY OGEDENGBE fewer the parties, the better for democratic choice. than what currently obtains in Nigeria where DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI Now that the Supreme Court has affirmed the SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS ERIC OJEH, PATRICK EIMIUHI every politician aspires to have his own party. For position of INEC, there may be an urgent need by ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR SAHEED ADEYEMO the National Assembly to revise electoral law (and democracy to thrive, core belief, national presence, CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI possibly amend the constitution) so that political spread of membership and basic infrastructure DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO parties deregistered after an election do not, on and not the whims of individuals should guide HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA the eve of another, seek and secure fresh registra- party registration. TO SEND EMAIL: first [email protected] tion.

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact Letters to the Editor details to [email protected]. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to [email protected] along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer. NIGERIA AND CORRUPTION LAWS s the Economic anti-corruption federal law investigation of allegations type of federal money, the EFCC corporations involved in public and Financial enforcement agency of the of fraud related to federal remains the principal anti- corruption has no grounds. Crimes Com- United States - exactly the government procurements, corruption body to assist the Now that anti-corruption mission (EFCC) same standing the Eco- contracts, and federally- federal government in investi- commissions are being set up remains at the nomic and Financial Crimes funded programs. The gating and prosecuting public in various states, these local forefront of the maintains as the federal Nigerian government officials and agencies within any anti-corruption-based agencies Afight against federal and anti-corruption law enforce- through the EFCC works state and local government. should on ethical grounds state corruption, bribery, ment body that serves as together with international In its capacity as the federal be in the position to help in and other financial crimes a national watchdog with law enforcement partners financial crimes watchdog, un- coordinating and showing in Nigeria, the newly investigative powers across to investigate Nigerians like a state like Lagos or other collaborative efforts in terms established anti-corruption the nation. anywhere who are complicit states that have anti-corruption of providing information, commission for Lagos State It is responsible for in paying bribes to foreign agency, the EFCC can investigate assistance and other support to is a welcome move. Every investigating corruption officials. and prosecute individuals federal agencies investigating state should have its own violations of federal laws No state government and firms engaged in bribery, public corruption offences in watchdog covering its by public officials at the has such powers. Unlike contract extortion, bid rigging, their states. Combating the local jurisdiction; with the federal, states, and local state governments, federal illegal cash payments, kickback threat of public corruption EFCC remaining the federal levels of government. A role watchdogs like the EFCC schemes, illegal gratuities, against our young democracy anti-corruption authority (although duplicative) that mainly prosecute corruption corporate schemes where federal should never be seen as a form across all states and local also involves the Indepen- offenders at the highest money and interest are involved. of competition between entities governments. dent Corrupt Practices and levels of the court systems As such, the talk that state at the regional and federal Like the United States of Other Related Offences like the federal courts. So, domestic anti-corruption laws level. America, whose constitution Commission (ICPC). all states and local govern- are motivated to shield persons –––Prof. John Egbeazien ours was modeled after, the Just like the FBI, the ments whether they have an such as politicians, ex-politicians, Oshodi is an American Federal Bureau of Investiga- EFCC is mandated to anti-corruption commission state officials, ex-officials, based police/prison scientist tion (FBI) is the principal oversee the nationwide or not, if they receive any influential individuals, and and forensic psychologist. SUNDAY MAY 9, 2021 • THISDAY 17 18 MA΁˜ͺ͸ͺ͹˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER INTERNATIONAL Relocating the AFRICOM to Nigeria: The Geo- Political Dimensions of an Unwanted Necessity

FRICOM is the acronym for Africa Command, now listening to public opinion. and also a short form for United States Africa VIE Partly again commendable is the fact that the PMB administra- Command, which was created within the tion does not have all the required wherewithal to contain the framework of the reorganisation of the US INTERNATIONALE multidimensional insurgency in the country. The need for public Military Command structure in February 2007, safety and national survival makes PMB’s request a desideratum. under the George W. Bush administration. As From this perspective, the proponents of welcoming an AFRICOM explained by the first Commander of the AFRI-  may therefore be right. On the contrary, requesting for AFRICOM COM, General William ‘KIP’ Ward, the rationale cannot but be an unwanted necessity, because it is more critically for establishing the AFRICOM was to enable good governance Bola A. Akinterinwa detrimental to national security to the extent that the purpose of Ain Africa without undermining the national sovereignty of any requesting for AFRICOM cannot but be defeated in various ways. country. What is good governance in this case? Telephone : 0807-688-2846 President Bush explained the mission statement of the AF- e-mail: [email protected] AFRICOM as Obstacle to African Personality RICOM thus: ‘this new Command will strengthen our security First, in conception and design, the AFRICOM is supposed to cooperation with Africa and help to create new opportunities to be an instrument of US foreign and defence policy and, therefore, bolster the capabilities of our partners in Africa. Africa Command cannot be subjected to any supranational authority, even in its host will enhance our efforts to help bring peace and security to the country. The land of its location cannot but also have a diplomatic people of Africa and promote our common goals of development, exterritorial status. This is why the AFRICOM has the potential to health, education, democracy, and economic growth in Africa.’ negate whatever Africa may purport to be. It should be recalled In fact, as President Bush further presents it, ‘Africa is of strategic that in April 2007, some top American defence officials visited and economic importance. Our focus is to build the capacity of not only Nigeria, but also South Africa, Senegal, Ghana, Kenya our African partners to reduce conflict, improve security, defeat and Ethiopia to canvass the goodness in the AFRICOM for the terrorists and support US Government activities across Africa to whole of Africa. US security support may be good and needed, it integrate US interagency efforts and assist diplomacy and develop- necessarily conflicts with the decision of the Maritime Organisation ment efforts.’ of West Africa and Central Africa to set up a single coast guard to Additionally, President Bush made an important statement that curb various maritime crimes, like the spate of armed banditry and should have largely convinced African leaders about the serious- piracy. The AFRICOM necessarily prevents Africa from owning its ness of purpose and non-imperialist agenda of the United States, own home-grown instrument of anti-insecurity, especially in light when he said his country did not have any intention of establishing of the fact that the United States wants to control the Gulf of Guinea, a military base in Africa, but, at the same time, admitted that this which is also the natural sphere of influence of West and Central never meant that there would not be an office in Africa. As he put it: African countries. ‘we do not contemplate adding new bases... I know there’s rumour Second, with AFRICOM, the strategic agenda of the United in Ghana... That doesn’t mean we won’t develop some kind of States is to bring the whole of Africa under one single umbrella, but office somewhere in Africa. We haven’t made our minds up. This with the exception of Egypt, which is attached to the US Central is a new concept... I want to dispel the notion that all of a sudden, Command. The exception of Egypt cannot but be fraught with America, you know, is bringing all kinds of military to Africa. It’s suspicions and difficulties. Egypt is both an African country by geo- just simply not true... The whole purpose of AFRICOM is to help Buhari political location and an Arab country by religio-cultural affinities. leaders deal with African problems (vide ‘’No Plan for Military Egypt cannot be expected to behave like a typical black African Base in Africa - George Bush,’’ , 21 February, 2008, interests and promote regional security, stability and prosperity.’ country when its security interests run into conflict with those of the p.4). For these purposes, a military base was established in Stuttgart in Arab world. This is one of the main reasons why Africa has always When Donna Blair resumed duty as US Consul General to Germany, which used to ‘house the former Air Force base which been divided against itself. Nigeria, she submitted that ‘there is no anti-Americanism in served as the facility where over 400,000 US soldiers, who fought Egypt also poses another problematic at the level of possible Nigeria. The AFRICOM will further strengthen the existing ties the Second World War, withdrawn between 1948-1992, were kept’ permanent representation of Africa at the level of the United with Nigeria and other African countries. We urge them to receive (Julianah Taiwo, ‘’Location of US African Command Worries FG,’’ Nations Security Council (UNSC). Following the heated contro- it positively rather than negatively...We are very concerned about The Guardian, 02 October, 2007, p.9). versial debates in Addis Ababa and the Ezulwini Consensus on the Niger Delta, but it is a domestic issue for Nigeria. We are willing However, for various reasons, including domestic pressure from candidates to be sponsored by the African Union for the UNSC to assist Nigeria on the crisis based on request.’ Thus, The way the the host State, Germany, the US began to make efforts to relocate seats, there were three main contending countries, Nigeria, South AFRICOM is presented gives the impression that the Command the AFRICOM to Africa in the mid-2000s, but the efforts have been Africa and Egypt. In this regard, contrary to the wishes of the was altruistically created to serve the purposes of Africa, whereas to no avail. In Nigeria, for example, the Nigerian military favoured African Union that wanted five Permanent Members on the basis the USA only wants to assist Africa in order to better secure its the AFRICOM to be in Nigeria. On 23 October, 2003, the Chief of of one representative per one region of Africa, the international national development and live in peace. If AFRICOM will be Defence Staff, General Andrew Owoye Azazi, justified the need community only agreed in principle for Africa to be represented allowed to function on the basis of win-win, without military base, for it. As he explained it, ‘I want to believe that wherever the US has by two countries. By implication, one of the three contending there are no qualms about it, but there are. some business, they want relative peace to undertake their busi- candidates must be withdrawn. ness. Anywhere you are talking of defence of an environment, it is In this case, the United States wanted a Permanent Seat for the AFRICOM: An Unwanted Necessity a cooperative venture. So would it be wrong if you say US troops Arabian world but which does not constitute a region of the world AFRICOM formally began its operations on October 1, 2007, are interested in Gulf of Guinea because they want to make sure as defined by the United Nations. Representation in the UNSC is with the objective of building its headquarters and having its that as we undertake the normal business of oil exploration, there not only determined on the basis of how much of assessed dues members of staff within the following one year. There is yet to be is relative peace in that environment for everybody to partake. is paid and extent of involvement in UN missions, an African office for the Command, which is currently located in So I think it (US troops’ presence) is in the interest of ensuring that the conditionality of regional representation must also be met. Kelley Barracks in Stuttgart-Moehringen, Germany. On October there is relative peace in that environment for the business of oil to Consequently, in the strategic calculations of the United States, 1, 2008, the AFRICOM was unified and made an independent go on (The Guardian, 24 October, 2007, p.3). In this regard, can it be Egypt should be assisted to be an African candidate, leaving Command, combining military and civil functions. Explained expected that there will be relative peace in Nigeria with PMB’s call Nigeria and South Africa to struggle for the other one seat left. It is differently, even though AFRICOM was headed by a four-star for AFRICOM? Does the call imply the establishment of a military against this background that a whole AFRICOM without Egypt Army General, General William Ward, the deputy commander base? should be seen. was a civilian, an ambassador from the State Department. This True enough, PMB appealed to the international community Third, complaints by the people in countries playing host to was unique to the AFRICOM at the time of inception. According during a virtual meeting with the US Secretary of State, Mr An- American Military Command have not been complimentary. It is to US Ambassador Loftis, the AFRICOM resembles the mission thony Blinken, on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 for support in the efforts generally observed that ‘America cares more about the prosperity statement of other regional Commands but the ‘difference is that by his government to contain insecurity in Nigeria. His request of its people than the suffering of other peoples under tyrannical building partnership is first and foremost of the strategies.’ can be partly commended, but should mostly be condemned for regimes.’ There should not be any qualms if the US Government What is noteworthy at this juncture is that, the United States particularly not investigating well the implications before making seeks to give priority to the protection of its citizens. Only respon- has 11 Combatant Commands, one of which is the AFRICOM. the request. In spite of this, the plea is still partly commendable sible Governments can do that. Each Command has its specific mission. According to the US because many concerned Nigerians have asked him to seek However, when seeking to protect the national interest, it must Department of Defence, the ‘US Africa Command, with partners, foreign help, because of the criticality of the struggle against the boko be done on the basis of truth and objectivity of purpose. It must counters transnational threats and malign actors, strengthens secu- haramic insurrection in the country. Calling on the Washingtonian never be done by destroying other people to enable Americans rity forces, and responds to crises in order to advance US national authorities for possible help from the AFRICOM means that he is to survive. When there are people who are hostile to Americans living in peace and harmoniously, yes such people should be seriously dealt with and neutralised, but only on the basis of truth In essence, to what extent can the spirit of cooperation between the United States and Nigeria as determinant. be sustained on the basis of PMB’s call for AFRICOM, which was suspended in January 2008 for For example, the objective of the United States in sending troops ten years because of the unwelcoming reactions of African countries? In 2012, the AFRICOM to Africa and also to Iraq was to protect its economic interests. The Commander, General Carter Ham, at a Military and Media Symposium held in Garmisch near United States invaded Iraq, certainly not because of any possession of Weapons of Mass Destruction, but because of the need to have Munich, Germany, said the US would no longer establish the headquarters of the AFRICOM in access to its huge crude oil reserves. Besides, there is the case of any part of the African continent due to its heavy financial demand (THISDAY, 07 September, South Koreans where the United States has a military base and 2012, p.12a). In this case, will PMB’s call imply heavy financial demand and a military base in where the host people do not see the Americans as a protector but Nigeria? Whatever is the case, Nigeria does not need and does not want any military-based as people whose presence on their soil has the potential to provoke AFRICOM because it unnecessarily subjects Nigeria’s sovereignty into ridicule through dependency. a North Korean attack. And true enough again, South Koreans have been publicly demonstrating against US military presence, Assistance of the US, through equipment donation and capacity development is what is needed. which is also one major issue militating against a better under- The US should support Africa’s Standby Force, rather than sponsoring the AFRICOM and standing between the two Koreas. Perhaps one should also ask help to fight terror without tying it into establishment of a military base and undermining why Germans also want the relocation of the AFRICOM from their Nigeria’s sovereignty. PMB’s call for AFRICOM can seriously undermine national sovereignty, soil? Why the people of Nigeria also kicked against AFRICOM in and therefore, most unfortunate. AFRICOM cannot solve the problem of intra-governmental Nigeria? corruption responsible for the recidivist boko haramic insurgency in Nigeria Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡MAY 9, 2021 19

Editor: Kunle Aderinokun BUSINESS 08033204315, 08111813084 Email:[email protected] When Will Nigeria’s Investment Potential Materialise? The government must ensure that the right investment policies are created and clear all obstacles towards ensuring that both local and international investors don’t just express passing interest in the economy but back investment announcements with action. James Emejo writes

xecutive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Prof. Uche Uwaleke, while reacting to the Promotion Commis- investment announcement, said, the sion, Ms Yewande chances of investment intentions crystallis- Sadiku, recently at the ing depended a lot on the extent to which quarterly media interac- the rising insecurity is tackled. tive session, stated that He said”Any foreign investor will investors had shown consider security paramount in making their willingness to invest a total of $8.41 investment decision. billionE in various sectors of the economy “Another important factor will be liquid- during the Àrst quarter of year. ity in the forex market and associated ease The revelation is particularly exciting, of repatriating proÀts.” given the dearth of foreign portfolio in- Also, Managing Director/Chief Ex- Áows in recent times, as the impact of ecutive, Credent Investment Managers the COVID-19 pandemic takes its toll on Limited, Mr. Ibrahim Shelleng, pointed global and domestic economies. out that with the current insecurity and Amidst rising unemployment rate at political instability in the country, it will 33.3 per cent, according to the National be somewhat naive to think that these Bureau of Statistics (NBS), foreign capital investment potentials will crystallise as injection to boost job creation had become actual investments. inevitable for stimulate the economy. “Potential foreign investors analysing Unfortunately, the investment an- the investment opportunities in Nigeria nouncements tracked by the NIPC are will undoubtedly be put oͿ by the multiple more of a wishlist, with no immediate risk factors that may signiÀcantly aͿect impact. their investment. According to Sadiku, although there’s “Aside from the obvious insecurity, clear gap between announcements and they may also consider foreign exchange investments, nonetheless, this “gives us risk given the volatile nature of the naira a sense of who is looking at investing in presently. Nigeria”. “Whilst Nigeria may still draw potential According to the report on investment investors with the prospect of an abundance announcements for Q1, the $8.41 billion of natural resources and a large population, investment prospects were tied to 15 it must be noted that the current state of projects spread across eight states of the the economy will make it very di΀cult to federation with Bayelsa, accounting for attract signiÀcant investment.” $3.60 billion of the total share. Shelleng further argued that there had Delta, Akwa Ibom, Lagos and Bauchi been no obvious strategy from the gov- followed respectively, recording $2.90 ernment to curtail the economic malaise billion, $1.40 billion, $0.15 billion and adding that more stable countries within $0.07 billion. the country’s geographical location will Interests were mostly indicated in the continue to attract FDI over Nigeria. manufacturing, construction, mining and Also, commenting on the development, quarrying, electricity and agricultural Managing Director/Chief Executive, Dig- sectors of the economy. nity Finance and Investmemt Limited, However, more disturbing for the Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu, said though the country’s economic managers is the fact country was replete with potentials in all that investment announcements had been Minister of Indsutry, Trade and investment, Niyi Adebayo sectors, waiting to be harnessed, the cur- on the decline in recent times, partly ow- rent state of insecurity may limit results. ing to the pandemic and unfavourable whatever countries appeal to them”. Nigeria, you will Ànd out that basically, He said”These investment announce- investment climate. She said all the states of the federation the government needs to do much more ments may not be actualised if we do not Investment potentials stood at $66.35 had a lot to do to woo investments into to ensure that we increase FDI Áow. deal with security challenges of the country, billion in 2017, rising to $90.89 billion in their respective jurisdiction in the interest “The major spike or growth occurred which are worsening instead of improving. 2018, but declined to $29.91 billion in 2019, of the country in general. when Nigeria introduced very proactive “Every business opportunity that may $16.74 billion in 2020 and $8.41 billion in “But we would like every single state in government policy. Around 2003 was the come into the country can only stem from Q1 2021. Nigeria to be trying to appeal to investors sale of GSM licenses and around 2005 to our ability to reduce insecurity.” Sadiku, however, noted that the decline to get the to come to that state. Any state 2006 was banking consolidation and 2011 On his part, Managing Director/Chief may not be unconnected with security that wins at that game , Nigeria is the to 2012 witnessed the sale of indigenous Executive, SD&D Capital Management challenges in the country as well as a lot winner. assets. Limited, Mr. Idakolo Gbolade, however, of issues relating to foreign exchange. “The more states have the capacity to “So, we believe at NIPC that bold and explained that investment announcement She pointed out that a more proactive, promote investments to themselves, to coherent policy changes and deep economic has a great potential of being turned to all of government approach towards inves- sell themselves the better of Nigeria as a reforms will be required to reverse the actual investment. tor support across the federal and state country is, “ she said. decline in investment inÁows seen in 2020 According to him, investment an- governments was required to convert more According to her, the government at all and even beyond. nouncement had recorded higher degree announcements to actual investments. levels must move to clear obstacles that “For us, there are low-hanging fruits of actualisation in the past years and only The NIPC boss further explained that could hamper actualisation of investment that the states can work on to bring their witness a drastic reduction during 2020, some investment announcement might not aspirations going forward. aspirations to realisation.” due to the COVID-19 restrictions. necessarily translate to actual investments NIPC Director, Department of Strategic Gbolade said”Most of the investments in the same year the interests were made Communication, Mr. Emeka OͿor, further Analysts Express Concerns in oil and gas and the capital markets have know for various reasons. explained that though the announcements However, analysts, in separate inter- higher actualisation potential because of She added that while the FDI slump were not actual investment, they rep- views with THISDAY, identiÀed a litany the higher margin of proÀt to investors remained a global issue which did not resented “low hanging fruits and they of problems which may hamper invest- in these sectors.” aͿect Nigeria alone, the country had could be actual investments if we all work ment drive as well as actualise current He, further argued that the issue of in the recent past made material policy to together to help the investors realise aspirations. insecurity which is a major factor determin- reforms which had resulted massive inÁow their investment potentials.” They said the current security challenges ing investment pattern had not been seen of capital. “Basically for us, it’s a Àrst step of what posed by terrorists and banditry, policy to seriously aͿect investments in these Sadiku, particularly pointed out that needs to be done in attracting investments summersaults by the government and sectors. the competition for capital remained Àerce to Nigeria. foreign exchange crisis, among others, “However, federal and state governments globally as countries struggle to reÁate “FDI Áows were greatly impacted by constituted major risks to foreign capital policies on ease of doing business could their economies - “which is why we are COVID-19 and we expect that there will inÁows. be a major hindrance to actualisation of talking about investments going to another be some recovery. “ The Chairman, Chartered Institute of investment announcement in agriculture, country because investors would go to OͿor said”If you look at the case of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Abuja Branch, mining among others, “ he said. 20 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡MAY 9, 2021 PROPERTY %ULGJLQJ+RXVLQJ'HÀFLWLQ1LJHULD Among the many problems plaguing the Nigerian populace, shelter happens to be a more biting crisis. At over 17 million in deÀcit and tens of millions homeless, housing issue in Nigeria has assumed an alarming proportion. COVID-19 came in 2020, crashed economies and deepened the housing crisis among others. In the midst of this, however, the real estate sector is improvising its way around the pandemic and shelter scarcity, to develop creative designs and themes to ameliorate the hardship to provide accommodation for as many as are economically able. The operators are rising above the challenges that are speciÀc to their trade and the larger economy. Chris Paul looks at the industry using the experience and example of Purple Group

ousing in Nigeria, like manufacturing industry continues to be a most of her crisis is dire stretch on right product pricing for the domestic strait. According to the market, as appropriate items continually have report titled Address- to be sourced oͿshore. ing Housing DeÀcit in “This coupled with the downward direction Nigeria: Issues, Chal- of the Naira continues to increase the cost of lenges and Prospects, developments, limiting developers in terms of written by Emmanuel Ànishing and Ànance to innovate further. Abolo Moore, a recent study of housing situation “Notwithstanding, we continue to innovate in HNigeria put existing housing stock at 23 per and form alliances with our network of contrac- 1000 inhabitant. tors, building partnerships that align our interest Currently housing deÀcit in the country stands of delivering value to our consumers based on as at December 2018 is estimated at a whopping attractive pricing,” he said. 20 million units, which is about 15.0 per cent In terms of development and operations, increase from the Àgures in -anuary 2019. Purple found a way to work with the best of the Funding the deÀcit will require an estimated domestic space it operates in whilst delivering N21 trillion. With a population of nearly 200 international standard Àt-for-purpose assets. million, the current deÀcit is alarmingly high. Agboola said ¶We need to ensure we are not Housing deÀcit in Nigeria, as at 1991, was at losing our best hands at all levels of the real seven million and rose to 12 million in 2007, 14 estate value chain to the Diaspora. Taking on million in 2010 and currently 20 million units. international expertise at greater cost is at the Growing ahead of general inÁation, on the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola Agboola detriment of the Nigerian 5eal Estate develop- other hand, are the costs of houses and rental ment Industry and can only lead to stagnation if payments for houses. Making matters worse, the best minds and artisans are brought in and the composition of houses for sale and rent in do we deliver on the proposed assets amidst prices should be a major priority for a smart never home grown.” the market has been inexorably shifting towards lockdowns and a contracting economy" real estate player. Recent economic development in Nigeria very expensive houses. “Fortunately, our mixed use development The Purple CEO noted that prior to a lower has made investors to be wary, indicating that According to experts only 10 per cent of those, products have been designed, speciÀcally, for interest rate regime currently being experienced, the conÀdence level in the country’s policy who desire to own a home in Nigeria can af- this market, based on deep research analysis attractive naira-based Ànancing for real estate environment and in the markets needs to be ford it either by way of purchase or personal and as a response to the market both in 2016 lifestyle especially around hospitality had not rebuilt. Fortunately, he said, Purple’s product construction as against: 72.0 per cent in USA and now validated as the appropriate product been entirely forthcoming. oͿerings work for its partners, pointing out 78.0 per cent in U. 60.0 per cent in China 54.0 for our Nigerian market even in 2020,” he said. “We also need supportive policies and eco- that, “Our short, long and residential product per cent in .orea and 92.0 per cent in Singapore. According to him, Purple’s relationship with nomic laws to ensure we are all driving towards are essentials. We have witnessed a signiÀcant In Nigeria, the need for private sector partici- its tenants/partners and the growth of their busi- resolving shelter deÀcits in every form whether oͿ-take despite the turbulence associated with pation that would support the government’s nesses remain paramount to the operators. This, it be residential or hospitality. 2020. For Purple, we continue to build conÀdence target is a major focus in the Federal Government he said, has made those partners remain with the “There is obviously an infrastructural gap that our investors have in us. Economic Sustainability Plan on Mass Housing. company despite the several economic issues. that can only be driven by investors. Our plan is to continuously deliver value to Uplifting millions of people from poverty, as “We have continuously prioritised brand “This is even more apparent now than ever them. We aimed to remain liquid prior to the an economic strategy without integrating the awareness, our product and partner products with the collapse of the oil price coupled with pandemic whilst restructuring our books. housing sector and its entire ecosystem will awareness and marketing with an unusually the pandemic, we can feel the need for domestic “We are achieving that via a combination of a remain an impossible task for any government. lower priced rental regime derived from our players and institutions to back leading domes- second round of equity investment achieved in the In 2020, China achieved the development of lower priced building strategy supported by tic players that have boots on the ground and chaotic year of 2020 plus additional domestic debt 15million housing units, which speaks further smaller Àt for purpose spatial planning. neck deep in the development cycle of our dear funding for our expansionary activities within to the need for the government in Nigeria to This has been our strategy in maintaining our country, Nigeria. the essential space despite market conditions.” explore a robust policy on “Social Housing” that 97 per cent occupancy level. Albeit, this has not “We are not a portfolio international company Purple’s residential developments are a func- the private sector can key into. been without some sort of grant period in 2020. or investor. We are Nigerians and we are on the tion of co-habitation principle towards real estate Although, there is adequate data and research It has been an unusual year and has required us ground. Our focus is to develop Nigeria, but asset classes in the Àrst instance let alone the in the Nigerian 5eal Estate and Housing Market to deliver unusual responses tailor-made across Nigeria must provide an investment climate multiuse as aparthotels, short and long stay as abound, accessibility, interpretation and applica- our partners to arrive at sustainable businesses that is evidently supportive of growth so as the well as co-living. tion remain a challenge. Quality of infrastructure, within our build environment going forward. domestic players and institutions do not shy “The concepts discussed here are alien and security, demand and supply are some of the This also speaks to the resilience of the busi- away from investing locally especially at a time somewhat new to the market, but the market factors that have led to the rising cost of apart- nesses within our centre. However, this year like this. We are all we have. Our target is to must adapt. We had conducted that research as ments and rents across the country. has also reinforced our belief in our mixed use continuously work on delivering value assets to far back as 2018 and began our quest for delivery When COVID-19 disease became a pandemic, retail strategy, focusing on essential services and our customers and partners at attractive prices ever since then. it devastatingly disrupted economic activities domestic retailers, who are Áexible and have irrespective of the exchange rate movements We are here now. The quest to create unique, across communities, countries, continents and the shown adaptability to the peculiarities of the experienced. but yet attractively priced living solutions for entire world. The unique challenges faced in 2020 Nigerian Market,” said Agboola. “These movements form a threat to our margins the mid-market, a discerning investor’s haven,” arose from the global pandemic and lockdowns .nown as a property development company, created from lower interest rate regimes as our he said. to the unrest, speciÀcally that aͿected Nigeria, Purple has seen numerous shifts in the past few ultimate plan is not to continuously pass on this In a post-pandemic era, values that include recently, that left several businesses gasping for years, from the rise of shared spaces and services exchange rate changes in our lifestyle develop- perseverance, audacity, collaboration and survival. This year has been a steep learning bringing about co-working and co-living to this ments to our consumers,” Agboola said. transparency are features that will distinguish curve for many businesses as it has shown the year, which Agboola said, “has also shown us Besides development challenges, there are innovative players in the sector. “Although survival instincts of businesses in the face of the value of mixed use assets, but also a need operational challenges bottlenecks such as these principles have guided us thus far, we unexpected economic disruptions. for privacy and self-sustainability.” cost of power, good access roads and other have only just better deÀned these such that For some real estate players like Purple Group, “We believe there is gradual shift towards infrastructural deÀcits, meaning developers our end users feel the purple way. We want to owners of purplemaryland and purplelekki, these smaller, mixed used facilities that give customers have to bear these costs. ensure our investors also remain very much at challenges have led to a continuous reconÀgura- some sort of balanced, but aͿordable and Áexible “We are very mindful about pricing and the centre of all we do as a business. With our tion of their capital structure, quick response to lifestyle. This is the immediate future of real estate continuous increase in prices in a down market. new products, we are only ensuring that we market changes and customer/partner changes and it is what our purple nano product line brings Our ability to sell or lease products at attractive oͿer our investors a diversiÀed portfolio that to the market. to complement our purplelekki and eventu- prices can only be sustained where we do not enhances better returns. The Purple Group Co-founder and Chief ally would complement our purplemaryland have variables moving constantly. With the “Nanos will feature top tier hotel management Executive, Laide Agboola, said the organisation (formerly Maryland mall) product oͿerings. The current economic recession as well as reduced services. has been able to test its products in the worst of drive is to be able to deliver on work, shop, eat, spending power, real estate tends to be seen as “Merging this hotel management approach market conditions both in 2016 and now in 2020. play, drink and live concept across our product luxury rather than an investment. We bank on with a residential style building has created a “We continue to work towards maintaining our oͿerings and back it up with a strong online the fact that the pandemic has shown the real unique well catered experience for occupiers as continuous conÀdence amongst our domestic marketplace, purple.shop,” he explained. importance of work, shop, eat play, drink, live well as a viable professionally managed asset and international alliances. The questions have For us as a lifestyle and real estate develop- in a singular location. However, this must be for investors who are able to receive an assured remained the same: How do we assure our in- ment business, the ability to deliver products to at the right price point. tenancy return for these nanos at purplelekki, vestors their returns are achievable" And, how customers and partners at sustainably attractive “Material sourcing and a weak domestic only where they choose to. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡MAY 9, 2021 21 FOCUS Access Bank Targets Domination Goddy Egene with steady growth in financial performance, rapid expansion and drive, Access Bank Plc is moving to dominate and deliver better value to all stakeholders

hen Access Bank tariͿ on qualifying trade and increase Ànancial Plc merged with Áows,” he said. Diamond Bank Plc Wigwe said that on the domestic front, Nigeria in 2019, it was in presents several opportunities due to its large line with its vision population, huge payments and remittance “to be the world’s Áows, and an emerging insurance market. “To most respected capture these opportunities, Access Bank will African bank.” transition into a holding company structure that After the merging Access Bank became one of will enable it tap into the market opportunities Africa’sW largest retail banks by retail customer that are available in the regulated banking and base. With over 900,000 shareholders (including consumer lending market, electronic payments several Nigerian and International Institutional industry and retail insurance market. Through Investors), the bank has enjoyed what is arguably the restructuring, we will create new product Africa’s most successful banking growth trajectory revenues without taking incremental risks for in the last 12 years and going by its latest Ànancial the enterprise, ensure diversiÀcation of earnings, performance and strategies, Access Bank Plc is and support outside of Africa,” he said. on its way to dominate the African continent in The CEO noted that the series of mergers and the very near term. acquisition they had undertaken since 2005 have For the year ended December 31, 2020, posted all been value accretive, adding they had com- gross earnings of N764.7 billion, showing a growth menced green Àeld operations in Mo]ambique of 15 per cent from N666.8 billion in 2019. Interest and completed the acquisition of Transnational and non-interest income contributing 64 per cent Bank and Cavmont Bank in Kenya and Zambia and 36 per cent respectively. ProÀt before tax respectively to strengthen and increase their (PBT) grew by 13 per cent to N125.9 billion, market presence. from N111.9 billion in 2019, while proÀt after tax Last week, Access Bank formally acquired (PAT) rose from N94.1 billion to N106 billion on Grobank Limited of South Africa and renamed the back of on the back of a 32 per cent growth the bank Access Bank South Africa Limited. The in operating income which oͿset the rise in deal was Ànalised after Access Bank’s acquisi- impairment charges and operating expenses. tion of controlling shares in the former Grobank Impairment chargers stood at N62.893 billion, Limited, South Africa. compared with N20.189 billion in 2019. According With this new development, Access Bank to the bank, net impairment charge of near N43 South Africa Limited is positioned to deliver billion arose principally from a Structured Trade a robust banking operation that connects key Finance(STF) portfolio in the Access Bank UK. It African markets. explained that the STF impairment is one-oͿ/ The CEO of Grobank, Bennie van Rooy, had COVID related and recoverable over the said the acquisition was an extremely exciting 12-18 months against insurance cover from world day for the South African banking industry. class insurers. Given the improved bottom-line, “Our corporate customers will now have the board has recommended a Ànal dividend of increased access to trade Ànance, treasury, 55 kobo per share bringing the total dividend international payments and loans through the to 80 kobo per share for the year. wider distribution network oͿered by Access The CEO explained that Access Bank Plc Bank’s presence in the key trade corridors that recorded a consistent growth in its retail bank- Wigwe connect Africa to the rest of the world. Banking ing business, reporting a 5.8 million growth in with Access Bank South Africa means greater customer sign-on during the year through its security as well as access to more products and Ànancial inclusion eͿorts. customer sign-on during the year through its our cost of funds,” he said. services through a best-in-class digital platform, “This increase in customer base led to a retail Ànancial inclusion eͿorts. He said the increased adoption of digital and a full retail banking suite will soon be on revenue of N177.2 billion, a 64.4 per cent increase “This increase in customer base led to a retail channels and the growing customer base, the oͿer,” Rooy said. from its 2019 Àgures of N107.8 billion. The bank’s revenue of N177.2 billion, a 64.4 per cent increase bank recorded a 29 per cent growth in USSD On his part, Wigwe said the acquisition in South customer deposits also grew by 31 per cent to from its 2019 Àgures of N107.8 billion. The bank’s transaction value and 40 per cent increase in Africa sealed their commitment to delivering N5.59 trillion in December 2020 with savings customer deposits also grew by 31 per cent to mobile and internet banking transaction value. their strategic aspirations of becoming Africa’s account deposits standing at N1.31trillion. N5.59 trillion in December 2020 with savings “In line with our risk appetite and e΀cient Gateway to the World, in line with their vision Similarly, net loans and advances grew by 18 account deposits standing at N1.31trillion. risk management, our asset quality continued to be the World’s most respected African Bank. per cent to N3.61 trillion in comparison to 2019 Similarly, net loans and advances grew by 18 to improve as guided with NPL Ratio of4.0 per “We look forward to the many opportunities Àgures of N3.06 trillion,” Wigwe said. per cent to N3.61 trillion in comparison to 2019 cent (Dec. 2020 4.3 per cent), as we intensiÀed our our collective experience and deep understanding He disclosed that as the bank intensiÀed Àgures of N3.06 trillion,” Wigwe said. recovery eͿorts. Likewise, we expanded our loan of the African market brings to our valued clients, recovery eͿorts, undertook signiÀcant write He disclosed that as the bank intensiÀed portfolio cautiously as reÁected by the marginal and the journey ahead being one of great promise oͿ and leveraged its robust risk management recovery eͿorts, undertook signiÀcant write growth in our net loans and advances to N3.65 for our institution and the continent,” he said. practices, its asset quality improved to 4.3 per oͿ and leveraged its robust risk management trillion year-to-date (Dec 2020: N3.61trillion). The Chairman of Access Bank Plc, Dr. Ajorit- cent compared to its 2019 report of 5.8 per cent, practices, its asset quality improved to 4.3 per Furthermore, we maintained robust capital sedere Awosika, at the AGM had disclosed that noting that this is expected to continue to trend cent compared to its 2019 report of 5.8 per cent, and liquidity positions, well above regulatory in 2020, the bank made several investments to downwards as it strives to surpass the standard noting that this is expected to continue to trend levels with a Capital Adequacy Ratio of 22.2 strengthen relationships with its customers in it had built in the industry prior to the merger downwards as it strives to surpass the standard per cent and a liquidity ratio of 48.3 per cent, the year. with Diamond Bank it had built in the industry prior to the merger positioning us to support our customers across “By redeÀning our approach to customer Commenting on the results, the Group Chief with Diamond Bank. various markets and adequately execute our service through streamlining our internal Executive O΀cer of Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Despite the challenging operating environment, expansion strategy,” he added. processes, and digiti]ing about 30 per cent of Wigwe, said the institution’s resilient performance Access Bank delivered strong results in the Àrst Wigwe stated that in furtherance of their vision customer journeys, we were able to improve was testament to the eͿectiveness of their our quarter (Q1) ended March 31, 2021 with the to be the World’s most respected African bank on our customer experience. Also, we were strategy and capacity to generate sustainable gross earnings printing at N222.1 billion was and Africa’s payment gateway, they remain able to manage our expenses in line with the revenue. recorded, up by six per cent above the Àgures committed to a disciplined and thoughtful target for 2020 despite double digit inÁation and “The strategic actions that the bank has taken posted in the corresponding period of 2020. PBT expansion strategy. overall cost of running the enlarged enterprise. over the past 12 months evidence a strong focus rose by 30 per cent to N60.1 billion, from N46.2 Considering the growth the bank is witness- As a result, we achieved a Cost-to-Income Ratio on retail banking and Ànancial inclusion, an billion, while ProÀt After Tax (PAT) grew by 28 ing and Wigwe, at the annual general meeting (CIR) of 63.4 per cent from 66.1 per cent in 2019. African expansion strategy and a drive for scale per cent to N52.6 billion compared with N40.9 (AGM) held recently, assured shareholders of We worked hard to recover and dispose of a for sustainable value creation. In 2020, Access billion in 2020 on the back of a 13 per cent growth sustained healthy dividend payout saying the signiÀcant portion of our non-performing assets. Bank proudly opened its doors for business in in operating Income and a 16 per cent reduction bank is well positioned to achieve signiÀcant With a decline in the portfolio of overdue loans, Kenya and Mo]ambique, further increasing our in interest expense. growth in proÀtability and pay higher dividend. our asset quality improved across our retail and footprints across the African Continent. Access According to Wigwe, the performance showed He said the shareholders should expect better wholesale segments. Our capital and liquidity Bank Zambia also concluded the acquisition of the strong capacity of their business to gener- dividend that would be sustain given the various ratios were also well above regulatory limits with Cavmont Bank Limited in January 2021 and ate sustainable earnings on the strength of their strategies put to grow the business. our capital adequacy ratio remaining strong at the group recently announced the approval by balance sheet, diverse revenue streams and their According to him, Access Bank is best posi- 20.6 per cent,” he said. relevant regulatory authorities for the acquisition dedicated people. tioned to maximi]e the identiÀed opportunities Looking ahead, Awosika said Access Bank of Grobank Limited, creating an inroad into the “As a result of eͿective implementation of in Africa on the back of a growing customer base would grow its businesses and continue to invest South African market in realisation of the group’s our cost reduction strategy, operating expenses and the move to a cashless economy. in IT capacity until it becomes an incredibly strategic ambitions,” he said. remained Áat, despite the inÁationary environ- “We have identiÀed Africa to be a vast pool of strong bank for retail and wholesale customers Wigwe had said that going into the fourth ment and increased regulatory cost. Our retail opportunities with over 370 million unbanked around the world. year of their 5-year cyclical strategy, their focus banking business also showed steady growth adults, US$9.2 billion in remittances and cross “As we continue to consolidate the gains from remained on consolidating their retail momen- with a 112 per cent increase in revenue to N57.5 border payments, 89 cities of over 1.3 billion our decisive approach to pushing our retail fran- tum and expanding their African footprint in billion and a 941,631 new customer sign-on via inhabitants by 2025 and the overall African chise, we have identiÀed several opportunities a sustainable manner. our Ànancial inclusion drive during the quarter. Ànancial ecosystem. We also see opportunities within Africa and beyond, for Access Bank to The CEO explained that Access Bank Plc This improvement is evidenced by the consistent coming from the new African Continental Free deepen its Ànancial services oͿerings to banked recorded a consistent growth in its retail bank- and robust savings account growth to N1.3 Trade Area (AfCFTA), as it is expected to expand customers as well as extend Ànancial services ing business, reporting a 5.8 million growth in trillion , leading to a signiÀcant reduction in intra-Africa trade to 53 per cent by 2022, eliminate to the unbanked,” she stated. 22 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡MAY 9, 2021 THE EXECUTIVE TONY ELUMELU Exiting UBA as CEO at Age 47 was a Blessing In the African corporate community, the name Tony Elumelu rings loud as one of the top five multi-sectorial big players in the continent’s economy. Originally a banker, Elumelu, who plays big in the Nigerian economy, regional economies and notable in the global terrain, is breaking grounds in sectors unrelated to his core skills as a banker. He holds sway at the commanding height of various sectors including banking, hospitality, power, oil and gas, health and philanthropy. In this interview with Arise News, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, Elumelu, who is the President of Heirs Holding Ltd and Chairman of United Bank for Africa Plc, speaks on a wide range of issues in the economy, investment, power sector, entrepreneurship, amongst others. Nume Ekeghe, Chris Paul and Nosa Alekhuogie bring the excerpts:

n 2010, you left your position as the GMD/CEO of UBA and then ventured into serial entrepreneurship. Today, you run Heirs Holdings, Transcorp, you are into oil and gas, the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) and many more. How do you manage to juggle all of these and what are challenges you face in terms of managingI all your businesses? In 2010, when I left United Bank for Africa (UBA), I founded Heirs Holdings which is a family invest- ment company that invests in key sectors of the African economy. We basically are driven by our philosophy of Africapitalism. We want to see the private sector-based role in the economic develop- ment of our continent and that is why we founded Heirs Holdings. When we started, the ambition was to help to improve lives and transform the continent and we thought that the way to do this is by investing in critical sectors of the economy such as Power. Access to electricity we believe, is very critical for the economic upliftment of our people and the development of our country. We also decided to make sure we have an integrated energy, not just Power, but we made sure there is gas that helps the Power to operate. That is why we are also investing in oil and gas. For us, it’s just to make sure the ecosystem is complete, and we help to power our country out of poverty and into economic prosperity. We also believe hospitality is critical for attracting investment into our country and the continent hence the acquisition of Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja and today, we are doing a lot. In the area of healthcare, we are also doing quite a lot to help improve the human capital of our country. We’ve seen with the pandemic that health is wealth. Talking about the challenges and how we have been able to juggle all of this, as I’ve always said, investment and success in the private sector to a large extent depends on leadership surrounding itself with capable hands that are more intelligent than the leadership. In our group, we have quite a lot and it seems to people that it’s stressful, yes it’s tough, but I’m blessed with capable hands. If you look at Transcorp, we have competent leadership. The President/Group CEO of Transcorp Owen Omogiafo; CEO of Transcorp Hotel, Dupe Olusola; CEO of Transcorp Power, Chris Ezeafulukwe; CEO of Trans-Afam Power, Elumelu Vincent Ozoude; and others, they are very capable people. They help to Àre our growth. Also, if you look at the area of healthcare, Dr. Awele Elumelu, empowerment of our young ones. some directors said no, we have to go to court to 24 hours, we appointed a successor. The pipeline my wife, runs our Avon Medical business; while contest it, and about one or two other directors for succession at UBA is always there, about 1-5 Simbo Ukiri leads Avon HMO, our health insurance Taking it back to 2010 when you were forced did not think so. But I spoke and I told the board people are always there to step in. Looking back Àrm. So these are great leaders, who help to make to step down as MD/CEO of UBA at the age of members that there are Àve critical stakeholders: today, we’ve come a long way, and it’s always this enterprise not as di΀cult as it would have ZLWKVRPXFKWRVWLOOR;HUWKHEDQNZRXOG the customers of UBA, will they like to know that been about impacting humanity, improving lives been. My job today is more of thinking, sitting at you look back and now say especially with we took our regulator to court" No Then the staͿ and transforming everything we do. In business, board sessions with them, providing some level the trajectory you have achieved that the then of UBA, will they be comfortable working in a we are known as turnaround experts, we take of strategic direction at that level, but allowing governor of CBN, Lamido Sanusi, did you a bank that took their regulator to court? No; then businesses and transform them. In philanthropy, them do what they know how to do. The challenge huge favour? the shareholders, and then the regulator wouldn’t we are also catalysing the creation of a new crop we face is basically the challenge as it is with any So that day, we had a Bankers’ Committee like it. So, four constituents will not like us going to of African leaders. It’s all about transforming our other enterprise, which is how to manage the meeting and at the end of the meeting, the then court, there is only one constituent that may like society and making sure we leave the society better macro and socio- economic issues. But basically CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, said the it and that’s Tony Elumelu, which makes it one than we met it. For me, that opportunity to start we are happy with what we are doing, and with CEOs who had done 10 years will step aside. I over Àve, that’s 20 percent which is certainly not all these three years ahead of the planned time, the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), we are also immediately called the Chairman of UBA to explain enough to go to court. And by the way, 10 years is a blessing. happy that we are able to impact lives and help what happened, and the next day, we conveyed is not bad. Also, I had been planning to move to transform our continent through the economic an emergency board meeting. At the board meet- on and leave at the age of 50; so what happened What’s your take on the power sector in Nigeria ing, it was a divided household for the Àrst time: kind of fast-tracked this. It was also why within today, what do you think needs to be done to THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡MAY 9, 2021 23 THE EXECUTIVE Transmission Company of Nigeria Should be Privatised

PDNHLWPRUHHͿFLHQWSDUWLFXODUO\LQWHUPVRI happy to say that it is a truly indigenous oil and service delivery? gas company owned by Nigerians, operated by In the power sector, there are three parts to it: the Nigerians and between when we took over and generation, the transmission and the distribution. now, there has been an improvement. Today, we Transcorp, through Transcorp Power and Trans- produce over 31,000 barrels of oil per day, which is Afam Power as at today in Nigeria, we own the a slight improvement from what it was. We think highest generating capacity in the country. We have we are just starting. The CEO of the company a generating capacity of about 2,000 Megawatts resumed just yesterday (Tuesday). Our ambition (MW) of electricity a day, but unfortunately we is to produce over 100,000 barrels of oil per day do less than 500 MW at this point in time. A major because the asset in the past has produced close constraint in this area is gas, then there is the issue to that. We want to do what we know how to do of transmission and evacuation of the generated which is extracting value for stakeholders. We electricity, and there is also the issue of payment. are really happy to have that responsibility to For us to be able to generate more, we need to operate this asset and we think it will be done to have gas, and this is why our Group invested in the beneÀt of all stakeholders, the government, oil and gas. Investing in oil and gas as a Group host community and the investors. isn’t necessarily because of oil, it is more because of gas. We want to be able to ensure that we have There are concerns expressed by market observ- gas from our oil and gas production to convert it ers that those acquisitions are funded by UBA. to electricity. With the acquisition we did recently, What’s UBA’s exposure to your companies by I’m happy to say it is already supplying gas to our the way of insider lending? Trans-Afam power plant, but we also need to make Let’s start with the Oil and Gas acquisition we sure we stabilise our transmission lines. This country just made, UBA didn’t participate in the funding. needs at least 100,000 MW of electricity a day to It’s a club of international and local lenders. For power the economy, but today we operate less than people to know, the local receiving bank for our 5,000.We need to do more. Some other critical parts proceeds is Union Bank of Nigeria. The interna- are payments, distribution, and metering. I must tional receiving bank for the proceeds of our oil commend the CBN Governor, Godwin EmeÀele, sales is Standard Chartered Bank, London. The he has done very well because he came in to help transaction, if people read, would have seen it increase revenue in that space. Up until end of last was funded by a consortium of banks, Standard year, we used to get less than 20 per cent payment Chartered bank, ABSA in South Africa, Union Bank, for power supplied, but today, it’s improved to Fidelity Bank in Nigeria, and a host of others. We 50 per cent. Transcorp Power alone is owed over are mindful of all these issues and we are very N100 billion, but it’s gradually improving. For prudent in making sure we do not put pressure the power sector in Nigeria to work well ² if we on the bank. So, we do go out to seek funds to want to drive this economy ² we need to increase support our operations. We also put in equity generation, make sure we address gas, supply investment, our own investments but when we to generating companies, we need to make sure need to get funding, we try not to put pressure on the transmission lines are capacitised to evacuate the institution. The other businesses like Transcorp the power, we need to also make sure that power Elemelu Power, UBA, participated in the syndication that generated is taken by DisCos and the metering was done for the Transcorp power acquisition. In should be right for the end users to pay. If I generate total ² UBA, AFC, FCMB, Fidelity, and two other electricity, I should be able to get money so that I can signiÀed interest to be involved in the transmis- Afam GenCo as required? Could you please banks. This is the limit of the exposure, but what service my obligations as well as make sure that sion so that collectively, we will be able to make clarify the situation of things? is important to note is that it is within the single the spares in particular are serviced to ensure the it work. But even when that works, we need to Transcorp has two companies in the power sector obligor limit and it is performing very well. generating plants keep running. It is a critical sector, make sure that the last mile, people are metered which are Transcorp Power and Trans- Afam Power we need to invest in it, and the stakeholders need and they pay. The distribution companies should and they are all limited companies. Transcorp With the issue between First Bank of Nigeria to make sure that it works. If it works, the country’s also take what is supplied to them and they pay Power owns the Ughelli power plant and the in- (FBN) and CBN over insider trading, insider economic development becomes more real, if it to NBET who will in turn pay the GenCos. So, store capacity is about 980/990 MW of electricity, lending, do you think that the situation could doesn’t work, it’s going to be a problem. I, through each of the three critical parts must work well; we own that 100 per cent. The second Trans-Afam KDYHEHHQKDQGOHGGL;HUHQWO\" the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), empower the generating companies must generate, the Limited, which comprises Afam Power Plc and I am the chairman of a competing institution, young entrepreneurs and if you ask them what transmission company must transmit, and the Afam Three Fast Power Limited, is a $300 million UBA, it may not be prudent for me to express the challenges they face in this country are, they tell distribution company must make sure it gets to acquisition. Our deal with the federal government judgment or comment on this. It may not be very you that it’s poor access to electricity. And so, any end users because that’s where people feel the is hinged on the fact that the plant has not been professional of me. I know the shareholders in the amount you give, some of them will not succeed impact of electricity. completed. General Electric (GE) is handling the bank, the regulators and the regulatory mindset. because they spend so much on electricity. Even fast power and they promised to complete it this The regulators want a sound and safe banking in the hospital business, healthcare, every sector What is the update on Transcorp Hotel Glover year, but the Government believes in what we have environment. I believe the shareholders also seek in our economy, we need to Àx the power sector. Road, ? done at the Ughelli power plant. When we took that and in due course I believe they will be able We need to prioritise it more, but I commend the It is in the pipeline. We had issues with certain over the Power Plant, it was generating 150MW to resolve the issues. I believe the issue will be eͿorts going on now making sure we privatise government authorisations and that slowed things of electricity per day. We took Ughelli¶s generation resolved. What is important to me is best practices, the remaining GenCos. But the transmission lines down. We have done a lot and we are in a good to 750 MW and the Federal Government was very sound corporate governance, and survival of the needs to be Àxed and the payment system needs place now. I must commend the leadership in our impressed ² that was under President Jonathan’s Nigerian banking system. I must say that the Ni- to be improved. hospitality space; it is about having good people regime. Now, under President Buhari’s regime, gerian banking sector has done very well, both the work with you. They are doing quite a lot, being we completed the Trans-Afam power plant deal. participants and the players and the regulatory Do you think the Nigerian government should very creative and innovative. Watch this space, The current government impressed with our track body. UBA operates in 20 African countries, it is the KDQGVR;WUDQVPLVVLRQDQGDUH\RXJRLQJWR I believe before the end of this year, you will see record in Ughelli allowed us to invest there, and only African bank that operates in the United States make a bid for some of those GenCos that the a lot. The hotel is a medium-to-long term plan the understanding is that GE will complete it. But of America (USA) with a deposit-taking license, government is proposing to privatise? but in the short term, the team want to do certain while that’s pending, we wanted to take over the and a member of the Federal Reserve Clearing We will be interested in one of the Hydros. In the things. I think before the end of this year, you will plant and say, pay 25 per cent, while supervising System in US. We are also in the United Kingdom area of the transmission line, I think that ultimately, see some commercial activity going on there. the completion of the installation which is ongoing. (UK). The toughest regulatory environment in it should be privatised. What some of us have Thanks to the Federal Government, thanks to the the world is the USA. UBA, a bank with Nigerian advocated is that the GenCos and DisCos, the Is the project of the old Falomo shopping Minister of Finance, and the CBN, because they heritage, operating in the toughest regulatory entire power stakeholders should come together complex still ongoing, what is the state of that? are making the payment so that GE can complete environment in the world with a 2 rating which and have a deal with the Federal Government, About the Falomo shopping complex, we were it. When they do, we make the Ànal payments. is 80 percent in the USA, is something that must take over the transmission lines, and it will be in extremely excited, we wanted to put up something Trans-Afam Power and Transcorp Power combined give pride to Nigerian regulators that an oͿshoot our self-interest to make sure it works. If you have very magniÀcent because Falomo is kind of the have about 2,000 generating capacity, which I earlier of the Nigerian banking system is doing so well. the transmission lines and it doesn’t work, there is heart of Lagos. We ran into di΀culty with the spoke about. We have a track record of turning Across Africa, we see the standards, and I must no way to evacuate your power. That sector is so Ambode government. Again, it had to do with around businesses, and in this case, seeing what we say that regulations have changed. I commend critical and pivotal for the survival of our power government authorisation and we kind of went did at Ughelli, moving it from 150 to over 750MW the regulators, not only them, also those being sector, it’s critical for improving access to electricity. to court, but at some point, there is a limit to how per day. Nigeria needs huge electricity, we don’t regulated because it’s a two way thing to create What is important to us as operators is to have you can litigate on these things. But where we are have enough. I think the government is doing the this kind of environment. expanded capacity, but I’m sure if you talk to people at now is very good. Last Sunday I had meetings right thing in encouraging people who have the in the transmission line, they will also give you on this and I’m happy to say that the government, capacity to help improve electricity to do so. We How have you dealt with the challenges reasons why they have their own constraints. But the company, the investors in the company, are want to do that and we want to even do more in brought about by COVID -19 and the macro- to us, we want to see massive improvement, we Ànally coming together to start it again. This time, the country in this space. With our gas supply to economic challenges that we have now. How should be able to capacitise that space. I think the we are thinking of putting up an o΀ce complex, a the power plant, we think we are just starting. will you want the federal government to ensure Ericsson deal I’m told is able to make that happen, hotel and a small mall because there is also concern that other businesses thrive and jobs are created? the details of that I don’t know but I’m told it’s to about the tra΀c conditions there. We have Ànally Earlier this year, Heirs Holdings acquired a It’s been tough. The Àrst time I saw the CEO help capacitise the transmission line. come to terms under the new leadership in Lagos 45 per cent stake previously held by Shell, Total of UBA since March last year was on the 6th of State, which is quite interesting as it started with and ENI in OML 17. Does that deal give Heirs April during the Annual General Meeting. Things Do you subscribe to the unbundling of the Fashola’s regime, Ambode’s regime truncated Holdings operatorship or is that going to be have changed, we never anticipated this, the world Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for it, and now the new government, Sanwo-Olu is handled by the Nigerian Petroleum Develop- has moved. I tell you a story: Last year at Heirs HͿFLHQF\LQWKHSRZHUVHFWRU" reviving it. So, we are happy we are there now. ment Company? Holding, our HR organisation made a presentation What I do know is that we need to improve Unfortunately, it costs more to do now compared to Again, the acquisition of investment in Oil and on new modes of working, asking us to consider capacity in the area of transmission, and whatever what we would have achieved if we had put it up Gas by Heirs Oil and Gas is one that speaks to our oͿ-site working arrangement. When they were we need to do to make that happen should be done. then because of the exchange rate then compared overall energy strategy. Our energy strategy is presenting it, I told them to stop, don’t get too The time is now because we are all suͿering this. to today, it’s totally diͿerent, it will cost three times integrated to make sure we help the least person excited, how can people work oͿ-site, you have At times, the generating plant runs into di΀culties more. That’s why we are also changing the initial in Nigeria and Africa to have improved access to to come to work 8am in the morning and close. because you generate and it can’t be taken, and concept but we want something extremely iconic electricity. So we acquired the OML 17 from the That was just January 2021, fast-forward to March the power plant can just break down. We don’t in that place. international oil companies you mentioned and 2021, how do we work today? O΁ine. Things need all of that frustration in the power sector. then we made a case to the NNPC and we justiÀed have changed, the world has moved, the digital Whatever it takes to Àx that sector, we should do Afam Power plant costs over N100 billion, that we have the capacity and capability to operate evolution is here. so. Some of us in the power generating space have why haven’t you concluded the payments of the asset and they approved for us to operate. I’m See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com 24 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡MAY 9, 2021 BRANDS & MARKETING Sanwo-Olu Leverages Brand with Video Communication Government o΀cials in Nigeria often walk the jaded path of communicating with the citizens through daily press releases which often look predictable and pedestrian. If you simply swap the names of some o΀cials, the press releases will look the same. But just before Nigerians give up, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State chose to be diͿerent. In this report, Raheem Akingbolu x-rays the governor’s recently released video communication asset aimed at keeping Lagosians abreast of inauguration of activities marking his second anniversary in o΀ce

id you see that video asset indeed depict innovation and creativity. A fact released by Governor Akosile alludes to when he says, “When you Babajide Sanwo-Olu look at how Governor Sanwo-Olu and his by the way? If you team have raised funding for the red line rail didn’t, you may need project right in the midst of a global economic to search for it online. meltdown and a pandemic, you cannot, but Stunning would be an agree with the governor’s description of it as under-statement. In an a feat built on creative Ànancing.” approach that is refreshingly diͿerent in every Akosile further reveals that the cluster of way,D Sanwo-Olu introduced a video commu- skyscrapers is emblematic of the growth and nication asset to inaugurate commencement development Governor Sanwo-Olu and his of the presentation of his administration’s team envision for Lagos. The embedded two-year score card and give Lagosians a compass in the horizon, according to him, glimpse into what is to come. And yes, he connotes the state’s audacious leverage of did And in a refreshingly diͿerent manner technology to drive socio-economic growth In the one-minute, 23 seconds Video News and development. Under the Smart City initia- Release (VNR) to herald the series of activities tive, Lagos is currently building the Àrst ever commemorating the anniversary, Sanwo-Olu state-owned 6,000km Àbre optic infrastructure is seen in a white shirt on a pair of blue jeans, round the state. The Àrst phase of 3,000km a clear departure from the usual style of our has taken oͿ. This infrastructure is what the elected leaders speaking to us in full ceremonial 2,000 security cameras being installed round dresses best suited for social gatherings or the state will rest on. Lagos will in fact extend state functions. the infrastructure to the telecoms companies Perhaps the governor’s handlers are deliber- for use too. No sub-national in Nigeria has ate in the choice of his outÀt. A white shirt on tried this yet. Only countries like South Africa, a pair of jeans reminds discerning citizens Rwanda, Mexico, Russia and Kenya have tried that Sanwo-Olu is indeed a governor at work. what Lagos is showing the audacity to do. If that was the intent, the message was well The creative rendition of the campaign delivered. With Lagos, by every breaking of material also features the full complement the day, now looking more like one massive of the brand colours of Lagos State stylishly construction site with infrastructure renewal embedded with each equally communicat- works dotting the landscape everywhere you ing key attributes of the state as a brand. For turn, that image of the governor connects with example, the yellow symbolises the state’s reality. This is what public relations epitomises. positivity, and the joy Lagos gives to all and It is never an attempt to whitewash a sepulchre sundry. Ask a new comer into Lagos. The Blue full of dry bones. It must connect with reality. represents stability, harmony, peace and calm, This one does. the key requirements of development. Red The governor hints in his address that the symbolises the passion and the high energy campaign, themed “Sanwo-Olu:731 Days & Lagos is known for. Prior to COVID-19, this Beyond”, is a Social Accountability Report city runs on its own energy. In branding, Green featuring his colleagues and himself giving symbolises growth and productivity. On a accounts of their stewardship to the people of balance of scale, this is true of the story of Lagos. the state. In the simple, but high-quality video The framers of the campaign then introduced communication, the governor summarises his an additional colour, Orange. Akosile says this administration’s scorecard with the assurance is deliberately to underscore the youthfulness that the story to be told of Lagos would be of the Lagos population, the importance of an audacious saying, “our best days are on Sanwo-Olu the youth demography, the friendliness of their way.” Governor Sanwo-Olu added with the people and the invigorating energy Lagos undoubtable optimism that, “the Greater Lagos future”, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, some harmony to inspire thoughts of what evokes. we envisioned is closer now than ever before.” Gboyega Akosile, enthuses. the new Lagos Ànancial centre would be like In all, the overarching look and feel of the The short, but impactful video closes with a One impactful element running through the in the foreseeable future,” Akosile explains. creative treatment given to the video com- visual picture of the envisioned Greater Lagos video asset is the eye-catching smart creative He further says that the number ‘731’ in the munication is not an accidental breath of fresh in the closing frames, with a cluster of high-rise thread. “Our creative choice is deliberately video is rendered in big, bold streaky lines as air, but a well-thought-out campaign by some buildings amidst immense lights, among other rooted in the journey motif. It is a fact that we an a΀rmation of the fact that the state is on of the best brains in Sanwo-Olu’s team. Now cues to depict what Lagos can become in the are not there yet, but that we are well on the track in her journey to Greater Lagos. The lines that they have raised the bar of excellence foreseeable future. journey to the envisioned Lagos. That explains inside the numbers are creative expressions again with this, all eyes are on them. Will they “It is about the awesome sensory. It is an the symbolism of the road in the creative treat- of tracks. keep this mojo? invitation to Lagosians to travel into a possible ment. The cluster of the high-rise buildings as A deeper understanding of creative sym- For now, Governor Sanwo-Olu and his future of Lagos. It is a quest to make people seen in the video, along with immense lights, bolism will make one agree with the framers team can take a bow for the creative mastery take a mental leap into the Greater Lagos of the bright colours and the skylines rest in awe- of the campaign that the bright Áashy lights displayed with this campaign.

Celebrating Olu Maduka, Nigeria’s Oil & Gas Icon, at 80

Chris Paul accomplishments and track record, Joanna Women Engineers Nigeria; Friends of the the Nigeria National Petroleum Corpora- Olutunmbi Maduka, is the Àrst to attain Environment (FOTE); was Chairperson, tion (NNPC) and member of the founding In the twilight of last week, Nigerian several feats among the female gender of Better Life for Rural Women; Foundation executives of the Nigerian LiquiÀed Natural women in energy, oil and gas community Nigerian engineers. Board Member, International Network of Gas Company (NLNG), she played a major celebrated Engr. Joanna Olutunmbi Maduka, With a B.Sc. in applied physics in 1965, she Women in Engineering & Science (INWES). role in the facilitation of the full take-oͿ of one of the pioneering engineers, who shat- passed the Graduateship Examination of the First female fellow and president Council the company’s operations in Nigeria. tered the glass ceiling and made great strides Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE), (UK) for the regulation of Engineering in Nigeria Maduka is the epitome of an energy woman in the early days of the nation’s oil and gas in 1966 and earned an M.Sc. (Engineering) (COREN), Àrst female Vice President of the closing energy gap and moving nations industry. degree from Trinity College, Dublin in 1969. Nigerian Society of Engineers NSE; First forward. In 2008, she was conferred with It was the 80th birthday celebration, on She worked brieÁy in the media and later Female President of the Nigerian Academy the national honour: Member of the Federal May 6, of the Àrst female engineer to break moved to engineering consultancy in 1970 of Engineering (NAE). Republic of Nigeria (MFR). grounds in the hydrocarbon terrain in the she became a partner of Leccom Associates Maduka also served on boards of several She is currently the Chairperson of the country. in 1975. polytechnics & Universities across the nation. International Forum for Women in Energy Noted for her distinguished and unique She founded Association of Professional First female governing board member of OIL and Gas (WEOG). SUNDAY MAY 9, 2021 • THISDAY 25 26 SUNDAY MAY 9, 2021 • THISDAY A WEEKLY PULL-OUT 9.5.2021

eing 60 is a milestone for Nigerians, especially for professionals in show business. It also came with a different reality for Yeni Anikulapo- Kuti, whose father died at 59. In her younger years, Yeni was a dancer with her father’s band and later joined the Positive Force- her brother’sB band in 1986. She retired almost two decades later but remains inseparable from her brother. “To be 60, I don’t feel much different from when I was 50,” she began. “I feel a lot different from when I was 21 and when I was 30 and 40. The difference between 50 and 60 is not that much except for more bones hurting than when I was 50. When I was 50, I didn’t have ankle pain, but now I have ankle pain. The pains are increasing with age. For me, it is really exciting. I was driving here today, and I was thinking, wow! I am going to be 60.” “Sixty is the age that a lot of people retire and use drivers. I was just thinking to myself that very soon, I may not be able to drive myself. Let me just make use of my ability to drive and feel young. I call 60 the young age of old age. We are the babies of old age. Fifty is the ‘agbalagba’ of youth,” she said in her usual bubbly self. Dancing was an unpopular profession at the time she ventured into it. Even though she had trained as a journalist at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, she loved the stage and was even happier knowing she was dancing with her family members. But that doesn’t mean she was oblivious of the public perception of dance at the period. “It wasn’t easy. People say ‘dancer’ with derogatory tones. I just love to be proud of who I was and what I wanted to do. I wouldn’t let anybody judge me. As long as I am not begging anyone for money and I am making my own money and earning my respect. We (myself and my sister) just weathered the storm. I am happy to see that dance has become a recognised profession in Nigeria. I look at myself as one of the forerunners and flagbearers of dance. With due respect, I mustn’t forget Tessy. She died YENI KUTI last year, and she was quite big in her time. She danced for Shina Peters, and she was an inspiration to me as well. I am still dancing. I can still move, and I can still shake if I want to. I wouldn’t dance on stage anymore because the other girls are much younger than I am, SIXTY SHADES and there is no way I can have that same energy. All the pains I told you about are there. Also, there is a time in your life where you make way for the younger people to take up the mantle. What I can do is to do a few OF YENI KUTI’S dances here and there but not professionally,” she said. As the eldest child of Abami Eda, her responsibility is huge owing to the generational legacy that trails her 60 YEARS consciousness. Apart from music, her family members are renowned human rights activists. Her grandmother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, was a women’s suffrage activist documented as the first woman to At 60, Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti, a dancer, businesswoman, media personality and the first child drive a car in Nigeria. Yeni’s ease at wheels in a busy city has some maternal genesis. Very of Fela, the Afrobeat Legend, is arguably one of the sassiest women of her generation. She likely, too, her leadership streak may have is a co-host on the breakfast show YOUR VIEW on TVC. Raised by a maverick father who been cultivated firsthand from her father in the way he led his commune and the band. was once married to 30 wives, Yeni has fast become a reference point in coordinating a It is an unusual turf for a woman to take a prominent lead in a Yoruba household blended family comprising five surviving children and some loyal ‘Kalakuta queens.’ Upon because, according to tradition, the first male her father’s death on August 2, 1997, YK, as she is fondly called, took on the mantle of child is naturally bequeathed with such a role. Yeni thinks her family shares a realistic point uniting the family and immortalising her father’s music legacy by instituting the annual of view in this regard. “That doesn’t happen in my family. All week-long music festival . A vivacious grandmother who turns 60 on May 24, of them give me that respect as the eldest. I Yeni recounts her story of self-determinism, single motherhood, trauma, perseverance, think it happened naturally. Starting from Femi, who gave me the respect that is due, the and tolerance in this interview with Yinka Olatunbosun rest just followed. I am there for all of them.

ASSISTANT EDITOR OLUFUNKE OLAODE/[email protected] 28 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER MAY 9 2021 COVER My Life, Fela, Femi, Dance and Music

I never thought it would be this bad - total mismanagement,” she said. If there is any child of Fela who has the same fashion gene as the Abami Eda, it is Yeni. She often sports clothing and accessories with the same colour theme. She even had a stint as a fashion designer before embracing dance as a full-time practice. Dance paid off as it keeps her fit, camera-ready with a pulsating sex appeal. Unsure about throwing any party for her 60th birthday on May 24, she had contemplated travelling to a quiet place, but with the travel restrictions occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, whatever celebration plan is low-key. Besides, she is weighing the cost of a birthday bash against her budget for a new car. Many who had worked for or just encountered her father had written books and held lectures on their experiences. Still, Yeni is yet to write any memoir on her childhood with Fela. After prodding her for some hilarious chronicles, she remarked that she would rather do such in collaboration with her brother. “Fela was a very hilarious person. People may not know that side of him except those who came to watch his shows then. Femi tells people some of these stories. We would roll in laughter. I wish to have a tape where we could record all those. Maybe one day, Femi and I would tell our story. It is just different aspects of our life. I am trying to think of when Fela took the coffin to Dodan Barracks, but no one knows the build-up to that. On the way there, they met one serious traffic on . There was a checkpoint there mounted to stop Fela. So, they were checking every car. Fela has passed Iddo to and made it to Dodan Barracks. He caught them off guard because they thought he would have been arrested on the way. Fela and his people brought out the coffin and dropped it. The soldiers surrounded the bus and started to shake the bus. Fela said he would not carry Kuti PHOTO: Kunle Ogunfuyi any coffin, and so he came down. They started to beat Fela. Fela now held the commandant tightly, and when they were beating Fela, they They can call me. Sometimes, we quarrel, Yeni recalled. were beating the commandant too. So as they “I really don’t like talking about religion were beating Fela, part of it would hit the but they give me that respect. And when because it is very controversial, and everyone She compared her experience with her it comes to the inheritance, I don’t cheat daughter’s own in the UK, which she was commandant too,” she said, laughing really is entitled to his or her own religion. Like I say, hard at the memory. them. Everyone takes equal share. I won’t here again, tolerance -- if you are a Christian or a privileged to witness at NHS, and urged say because I am the most senior, then I governments in Africa to improve on this Meanwhile, the remaining people on the Muslim, I am not going to hate you or disparage bus, including band boys and the backup should take the lion’s share. No, I don’t do you. I will only tell you why I think the way I do. current situation. that,” she said. “Then, I remember my own experience, singers known as the ‘Queens,’ were beaten. I really hate it when I say I believe in the African The soldiers reportedly formed a line all the way Panning away from her matriarchal religion, and people say you are juju people. and I thought, ‘we have a long way to go.’ role, she reminisced on her life as a The mortality rate is so high here. You will to the guardroom, and each soldier thrashed Believing in African religion doesn’t mean you are each passenger that disembarked from the Fela divorced mother raising her daughter, a juju person. African religion does not mean you go to a hospital, and you’d see dead mothers Rolari. She explained why her only child wheeled out of the wards. The child would bus. Femi was the first to disembark from the are a witch doctor,” she explained. bus after Fela. did not continue in the music business like Having lived for six decades, it is inevitable survive, but the mother would have died. I others in the family. realise that in England if you are going to die, “They beat him till he got to the guardroom. that she would like to rewrite some moments When he got there, he saw Fela laughing, and “First and foremost, when my in those years if possible. Though she has no it is your time. In Nigeria, whether it is your daughter was growing up, I was broke. time or not, you’d go. I thought, ‘When are we he asked his son, “They beat you?” Abdul (a regret, she sees mistakes as opportunities to gain journalist) was there too. He was beaten too. I couldn’t afford piano lessons for her. I experience. But the trauma of the loss of her sister, going to be like this in Africa?’ The only thing would have really loved her to learn the I can do is to go on ‘Your View’ and talk about Before then, soldiers had been beating Fela. But Sola, would remain indelible in her mind. this time, Fela carried himself to their ‘doormot’ piano, and I remember stopping at a school “My sister’s death was the most traumatic it. We need to change the narrative in Africa,” to ask how much it would cost, and I she said, with a look of pain etched on her to go and collect beating. thing that had happened to me. Growing up, “Meanwhile, it was three days before simply turned away. I would have loved we were close in age. I am 60, Femi is 59, and she eyebrows. her to play the piano. It was tough, and at As someone from a family of activists, Obasanjo would hand over to Shagari, so what would have been 58. We were all close in age, they did was to lock all of them up in that police that time, I had to pay for her school fees. and I didn’t believe that she would die so young. she had firsthand experience of how fighting Her father supported me, but then it was against an oppressive system can impact one’s station on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi. They didn’t I am sad about her death. I wished things had give them food. We went to see them, but they not easy. I couldn’t afford to buy a new car worked out differently, but they didn’t. We have family financially, physically, and emotionally. because I saved all my money towards her But did she think this is the way Nigeria didn’t let us enter. They were chanting, ‘We are to move on from there. But that doesn’t stop me hungry oh! We are hungry!’ Fela would say, university and my daughter was so fixated from missing her or wishing that she were alive. would be by the time she turns 60? on going to England for her education. “No. When I look back at Nigeria then, ‘Continue singing.’ Then they gave them watery Yesterday, I was going through my pictures. And rice. On the day after the handover, they put all But, my daughter draws very well. She is I came across pictures of her, and I felt really sad,” Nigeria was 1,000 times better than it is today. a very good artist. So I used to beg her to As a child, how can I believe that Nigeria was of them in a Black Maria and took them to court. Yeni said as she was moved to tears. After fetching It was very stuffy inside the Black Maria. They do the arts and bring some money to the some tissue paper to wipe her tears, she added, “I going to be like this? We had military, and family. But she did Computer Science. She later civilians, and those ones chop, chop, didn’t want Fela to disrupt Obasanjo’s handover miss her.” to Shagari. But they later released all of them,” has started developing her love for arts. Yeni linked her sister’s death to the failure of chop and passed it to the military. It is just But I don’t think that she has much interest ‘football’ government. Fela had one song she narrated. the Nigerian health system. She finds it worrisome Although unmarried at 60, Yeni is full of in the arts. I am not the kind of person that that despite its nagging problems, not much had that he never released till he died with that will force you to do what you don’t want title, ‘Football government.’ It is just like that. life and zest. In her view, many women have changed since her sister died. Yeni insisted that allowed themselves to be sucked in by societal to do,” she explained. the healthcare delivery needs to be revamped and When I was a child, the naira was 60 kobo She also recalled how Made and her to one dollar. Today, it is N477 to one dollar. pressure to get married, thereby missing out on all healthcare workers retrained to treat patients great opportunities. While reflecting on the toxic other cousins, with whom they grew up as humans. She recounted how own distressing We were not rich people. So I didn’t go on together, enjoyed music lessons and how vacation abroad. I remember when I told Fela nature of many marriages today, she encouraged experiencing. people to make decisions based on the right she never really showed any interest in “While pregnant, I didn’t miss antenatal I wanted to go for summer in England, Fela joining them. Instead, she pursued her damned me. So, I went to England for the first motives. sessions. At 38 weeks, I was told that the baby’s “I don’t think people should be judged by studies in Computer science even though head was engaged. She came really late at 41 time in my life, when I was 21. My mother art runs in the family. Yeni’s former mother- bought the ticket for me as a gift. I changed their marital status. I was married before. I was weeks. Then I got to the hospital. I was in labour. very unhappily married. Na so I carry my bag in-law, Mabel Segun, is a leading poet who But I was told to lie down. I am the kind of person money. I changed N500 to £498. The first car still keeps a picture of Yeni, her daughter my mother bought was a Beetle brand new comot and my baby’s bag. There was nothing that can endure a lot of pain. So, I didn’t make that people did not tell me to convince me to go Rolari and grandchildren. For Yeni, the noise while in labour. I kept quiet. Because I for N3,000, which was £2,800. family bond is everything, and even if “That is why I really hate it when one back, but I wasn’t happy there. I didn’t believe wasn’t shouting, I was there from 9 pm till 9 am. I that should define me. I am in a relationship the marriage didn’t work out, she didn’t gave birth at 9 am, and they gave me a caesarian person who has been president maybe some disconnect totally from her now 91-year- 10 years ago come and start criticising the now, but we are not married - we are partners. section after I had been in pain for 12 hours. This I am happy as I am. I even believe that perhaps old mother-in-law after her son, Yeni’s was a private hospital. The nurse did not attend present government. I would think they did ex-husband, died some years ago. not fare any better while they were there. if we had married, we would have fought to me. When I was in pain, I was crawling to the and maybe divorced by now. I went from my Whilst discussing other areas of life bathroom. She would just say, ‘Eeya! Pele! Sorry!’ They are all trailing a bad system, so there is where tolerance is important, she narrated no exception. All leaders are to blame. They parents’ house to my husband’s house, and I She didn’t call the doctor. She even said the doctor had not experienced life. I was not a tolerant her experience on how many Africans still was sleeping - a doctor that was on call. It was should stop throwing shades. They should disparage others for their choice of religion. beat themselves and say, ‘we are all useless person at that time. Maybe if I had married a bit until my mother called the son of the owner of later, I would have been able to tolerate him, and She described herself as a free thinker and the hospital that the doctor rushed in. I was five leaders.’ I can’t believe that Nigeria is even a believer in the African religion but still worse than when I was 21 and even 13. I I am not saying he was not the right person. I fingers dilated. My baby was breached. But she think we were too young,” she said. open to attending church services. had not checked me. The doctor was furious,” can’t believe that there is so much insecurity. SUNDAY MAY 9, 2021 • THISDAY 53 54 SUNDAY MAY 9, 2021 • THISDAY SUNDAY MAY 9, 2021 • THISDAY 55 56 SUNDAY MAY 9, 2021 • THISDAY SUNDAY MAY 9, 2021 • THISDAY 57 58 SUNDAY MAY 9, 2021 • THISDAY SUNDAY MAY 9, 2021 • THISDAY 59 60 SUNDAY MAY 9, 2021 • THISDAY SUNDAY MAY 9, 2021 • THISDAY 61 62 SUNDAY MAY 9, 2021 • THISDAY SUNDAY MAY 9, 2021 • THISDAY 63 64 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ͷ˜ͰͮͰͯ

with KAYODE ALFRED HighLife ͮͶͯͯʹ͵ͳͷͶͮ͵˜E-mail: kayfl[email protected] ...Amazing lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous Idowu Lamidi Akwa Ibom Guber...Who’ll Akpabio Support? Reshapes Ibadan For those interested in large-scale before 2023 because he has found a political drama, the forthcoming 2023 candidate after his own heart. Interestingly, general election has been advertised as the name accompanying this augury is none with Dollar packing a lot of punches. Asides from the other than Akanimo Udofia, the billionaire contest for the seat of presidency, Nigerians businessman, Harvard graduate and MD of might see domesticated cats becoming wild Desicon Engineering Limited. Construction lions. Akwa Ibom is a case in point. So far, it does not look like Akpabio will As is the case in a certain politically stand behind Akpaudoedehe—not for all ‘happening’ state, there is a bit of a tussle the wealth in this world. In this regard, the for the top chair under the All Progressives Akwa Ibom APC division has reportedly Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom. The former split into two groups: the Akpabio loyalists’ Senator and Governor of the State (now group and those kneading the shoulders Minister of the Niger Delta), Godswill of Akpaudoedehe and urging him onto Akpabio, is allegedly baring his fangs gubernatorial heights. The latter group is against Senator John Akpaudoedehe, responsible for the latest report from the the current national secretary of the APC Land of Promise that Akpabio is not the caretaker committee. Since Akpaudoedehe party leader, contrary to the declaration intends to run for the governorship seat in of the former group a few weeks ago. 2023, he must wrestle the party’s leadership Do you still remember that Senator power from Akpabio or face greater John Akpanudoedehe was in charge of opposition from the political elites of Akwa Akpabio’s Campaign Organisation in 2006? Ibom. Times seem to have changed. According to recent reports on All in all, although Akpabio once Akpabio Akpaudoedehe’s gubernatorial ambition, reportedly promised to not meddle in the Akpabio is all against it. Analysts have 2023 Akwa Ibom governorship race, folks Will it be his old campaign Chairman submitted that Akpabio flexes his muscles are still wondering whose yard will win or Akanimo Udofia, the celebrated and to thrust Akpaudoedehe out of the limelight the support of the Niger Delta Minister. fertile businessman? The stage is set.

Lamidi Toyin Subair Returns, he Chinese say that a rabbit does not eat the grasses around its hole but nurtures them to Launches New TV Station show that it too is a just so happens that it is valid for people aware that FreeTV is not Subair’s first foray cultured member of like ‘notorious’ media and entertainment into the media business. Not the second the environment. In the case of entrepreneur and serial TV investor Toyin either. Maybe the third. T Subair. After several projects, the business Toyin Subair is most notable for his the young Engr. Idowu Lamidi, MD/CEO of Dollar Group, the spirit in Subair remains strong and has role in the establishment of HiTV. It was a trailblazing construction company, brought forth a new blueprint for his multi-channel digital satellite television continued relevance in the media market. service that was expected to raise the bar is simply about paying respect to The word on the streets now is that Toyin for the pay-per-view decoder system. one’s roots. Subair has launched a new TV Station, Unfortunately, it failed for several Folks resident in Ibadan are cleverly named FreeTV. According to reasons. But HiTV is not the only TV celebrating their fortune for settling reports, the new station is expected to serve venture with Subair’s involvement that in a loved and cherished place by a minimum of 5.5 million households, and has failed to meet expectations after a few its natives. This is the response because it is situated in Lagos, Lagosians get years of operation. As evident from its following the blueprints and to take the first bite. Already, congratulatory near obscurity, PlayTV does not appear in projects expected to descend on messages are flowing in, and motivational the top ten of anything anymore. FreeTV Ibadan, thanks to the dreams and speakers are jotting down points to teach may be different. Subair takes advantage visions of Engr. Idowu Lamidi. the young Nigerian who is not entirely of the enforced transition from analogue Subair averse to quitting to look to the persistence broadcast platforms to digital platforms According to those in the know, and success of Toyin Subair. Considering from the speculations regarding this what Lamidi intends to do is raise If at first, you do not succeed, try, try, that the man has gone through what others new launch. Unquestionably, Subair has Ibadan a few extra bars on the scale and try again. This is a piece of reasonably would have classified as a failure but never timed his dream to manifest at this time. of tourism, allowing the city ‘among intelligent advice that is useful in all stopped pushing on, Subair is deserving Persistence is a key to success. Ask Toyin seven hills’ to sparkle and shine as a circumstances but suicide. However, it of this high placement. Folks are doubtless Subair any time. centre of tourist attractions. Lamidi’s first main project is named the ‘Dollar Estate’, an appropriate name for a massive edifice that occupies 46hectares of Ibadan land. What others are calling Mo Abudu Sees Better Days Ahead as EbonyLife Leaves DSTV the first of its kind in Ibadan is what Folks have begun to get curious further highlighted the advantages Lamidi had reportedly referred about unexpected changes in DSTV of this development, including that to as the first of many to come. Of channels. What used to be Channel EbonyLife TV subscribers will no course, to those in the know, this is 165, EbonyLife TV is no longer present. longer have to wait a week before not bragging but fact. From research, The word on the street is that the seeing their favourite soap operas— it has been shown that although beloved network will no longer be a they can watch everything at once. Lamidi’s Dollar Group company is part of the DSTV ensemble. Some folks Furthermore, the stress of waiting only about 11 years old, the young are worried, and others are confused. on PHCN and using generators is construction genius has been in Regardless, everybody wants to know now a thing of the past since folks the industry for much longer. The what is going on and what EbonyLife can download the app on their man also has thick fingers in Pan TV founder and president, Mo Abudu, smartphones and use it on the go. In Media, Fingerlick and Source Model is doing about it. other words, all good and all correct for Academy. Nevertheless, it is in Since the network’s first broadcast EbonyLife TV subscribers. construction that he stands the tallest. on DSTV in 2013, EbonyLife TV To polish the cake with extra icing, To his credit, there is a housing has come to become a well-liked it is no secret that the whole EbonyLife project with 105 housing units at the network with an understandably gig has had significant success in recent large following. This has been met years. It has not only brought Mo Jericho/Idi-Ishin GRA of Ibadan, that with happiness and celebration from Abudu boundless fame and fortune is, not counting the many completed all over Nigeria and the rest of West but has also allowed the development luxury housing projects in Abuja Africa. However, the news of the of similarity-themed media ventures, and Lagos. For Engr. Idowu Lamidi, network leaving DSTV has provoked including EbonyLife Films, Ebonylife it isn’t just about building edifices the ire of some subscribers because Place, and the many partnerships around his favourite city; it is about it was sudden and very few of these with Sony Pictures Television AMC giving others a chance to excel, subscribers knew the rationale behind Networks, Netflix, and Westbrook either by employment or imbibing the move. Studios, to name a few. Both EbonyLife the legacy of a son of the soil. In Mo Abudu has been reported TV and Mo Abudu are doing very well. either case, the man is doing well as clearing the air, explaining that The latter, after all, is still the Oprah for himself, a source of pride for all EbonyLife TV left DSTV for its own Winfrey of West Africa as a media Ibadan people. EbonyLife ON app platform. Abudu mogul and philanthropist. Abudu THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ͷ˜ͰͮͰͯ 65 HIGHLIFE Bella, Jameel Disu Celebrate 11 Years of Blissful Union Regardless of the bottomlessness of ceremony —every anniversary is no one’s pockets or the heavenly reach of different. one’s political stature, the life of a person Some people only know Bella is not described as a fairy tale unless Adenuga-Disu as a shoot of the old there is someone else in the picture, Adenuga tree. To be sure, she has someone who is beloved and Looks demonstrated that she is no less a forward to sharing the many years ahead, business genius than her father, Dr Mike whether these turn out to be happy Adenuga. The many awards that she years or otherwise. This is the life of Bella has won as the Executive Vice Chairman Adenuga-Disu and her happy hubby, of Globacom attest to this. Her most Jameel Disu. 11 years and counting and recent promotion to the chairmanship both parties have nothing but gratitude to of the construction company, Abumet God for being partners and lovers. Nigeria, attests to this. Despite all these, A few days ago, social media had for Jameel Disu, Bella is best at being much to say in the way of congratulations the love of his life and the mother of to Bella Adenuga-Disu and Jameel Disu. his children. And the proud wife likely Because it was their 11th anniversary, thinks the same. Why else would folks did not hold back with goodwill the couple prefer to share a quiet day messages and flattering comments that rather than thrust themselves into the smacked of mild envy and sheer awe. celebrations? A most fortunate choice The Disu couple, it would seem, are not indeed that the lovebirds found each going to have their love dimmed by the other. After all, 11 years together with passage of time or the accumulation the public constantly watching to see of wealth and prestige. 11 years ago, cracks in their relationship—it is no small Bella and Jameel Disu they got wedded together in pomp and accomplishment. Saraki

Grass-to-Grace Story of Greg Friends, Family Uanseru, Clocks 61 Soon Celebrate Senator Some folks are born to live a good life with one who escaped the cycle of the earth and sky a silver spoon as proof of their status. Others on his own terms. Gbemi Saraki at 56 are Saturday’s children who, as Countee For those who have read about him before, Cullen captured in a poem, “cut their teeth as it is no longer news that Greg Uanseru built his a black racoon for implements of battle.” Greg company from his acquired knowledge and A few days ago, the extended Uanseru is a case in point: the man started experiences over time in relatively humble job family and friends of the Sarakis from the bottom and rose steadily until he positions. Before the man we all know today gathered to celebrate the 56th could trample the sky. Soon to be 61, Uanseru as the president and CEO of Greg Continental Birthday of Senator Gbemisola has set many precedents in the Nigerian Agency (GCA) Energy Limited came to be, he Ruqayyah Saraki, Minister of society, a quiet and happy billionaire. worked as an ordinary cabin crew of Nigerian State for Transportation and Among the oil merchants that make Airways. After this time, perhaps from seeing Uanseru younger sister of the former Senate up the list of the Nigerian wealthy, Greg the other side of life, Uanseru geared up and Uanseru occupies a special position. A began taking bolder steps. Not long after, he President (of the 8th Assembly) brilliant man, on all accounts, Uanseru has founded his company, and it has continued to distributing palliatives and relief materials. of Nigeria), Bukola Saraki. The on the success coat of many colours, with grow ever since. His decision saved many lives and inspired State Transport Minister was hard-working brown and persistent green. Most people came to know Greg Uanseru his peers to do the same. At 61, Greg overjoyed at the respect paid to His story of ascending beyond the limits during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was Uanseru has touched many, many lives. her, did nothing to hide under of heritage, talent and association sets him one of the first to assist underprivileged And yet, it is the fact that he keeps such a the restrictions of her office, but apart from his peers and establishes him as Nigerians in bearing the pandemic’s burdens, low profile that endears him to some folks. showed herself a humble character capable of responding to the goodwill messages from common folks. May is a month of champions. Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Saheed Elegushi, The first of these champions to have her social media accounts flooded with congratulatory Gbolahan Lawal: What They Have in Common messages and toasts to the start of One of the distinguishing features of Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Kusenla III, the a splash of red to his every outfit. And his a year with boundless possibilities monarchy in Nigeria is style. Our kings and Royal Majesty of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom; outfits fit, for which he has become the was Senator Gbemi Saraki. A few queens do not only pave the way in their Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, paragon of style among his peers. of these messages might have been administration and governance; they also Abisogun II, the Oniru of Iruland and most The Oniru, Oba Lawal came from the perfunctory, but most of them present a picture of how the people ought recent addition to the mix of monarchs; and outside, interestingly. Because he spent were heartfelt celebrations of a to bear themselves in speech and suavity, Oba Adewale Rashid Akanbi, the Oluwo of most of his early years in active civil woman unwilling to be shackled among other things. In the case of the Iwo. service, folks were not always aware of by limiting conventions. Gbemi youngest monarchs of Yoruba origin, this Each one of these royals has his unique his royalty. Nevertheless, although he has is as common a fact as any. presence and style. What they have in style back then, it is nothing compared to Saraki has been in politics before Leaving aside a few quirks and common, which intrigues Nigerians far his style now. It would seem as if grace the advent of the Fourth Republic. peculiarities, it is not impossible to assume and wide, is their dedication to wearing has been tailored to fithis ascension. Before that, she had enjoyed the that some of the youngest reigning the colours of their respective domains What else is there to say? The Oluwo oils and wines of the corporate monarchs of Yoruba descent are blood with pride. of Iwo is the proof that opinions and world. Regardless, in the years brothers. These blue-bloods possess Oba Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, is a perspectives cannot soften a king’s that followed her foray into public the bearing and brilliance that so easily celebrity in this way. The blogosphere royal style. Maybe it is because they life, Gbemi Saraki has made more separate principalities from peasants and of traditional clothing and fashion is rife were all friends before their ascension. waves in the political sphere than the sense of style. with framed proofs of his style. Besides, Maybe it is because this new generation anywhere else. Most notable among these monarchs are there is hardly anyone else on this list who demands that kings set the tone for Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the amiable wears the colour white as if he were born everything. Whichever, these men are Considering her young age when Ooni of Ile-Ife and number one traditional to it. Oba Ademola Elegushi is a man of not only monarchs of their domains but she first came into the limelight ruler of Yoruba kingdom; Oba Alayeluwa many colours, literally. There is almost always also style and grace. in the executive halls of banking, it is obvious that Gbemi is more of a monster than her brother. One might say that she has been labouring in politics nonstop since 1999, and it has paid off. From being a member of the House of Representatives in ‘99 to being a Senator representing her Kwara Central District to working as a member of the ECOWAS Parliament to take up the Minister of State for Transportation—talk about a strong and passionate woman. And that is what Gbemi Saraki is from her 56 years of living—a strong and passionate Oba Ogunwwusi Oba Elegushi woman. Oba Lawal 66 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ͷ˜ͰͮͰͯ

LOUD WHISPERS with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791) Nigerian Doctors – Still on Your Matter My last week’s piece where I blatantly death of many. You see, in my eyes, as as nurses. Yes, I have seen it. I once had a called the whole incompetent lot killers long as just one Nigerian loses his life friend in Shomolu who was jobless. Me really got to them. Plenty of them reached through the incompetence of one doctor, and him will be sitting down at Folami out to me, including the beautiful Ngozi then all of them are complicit. That is me. street and be eating Agoyin beans, then who screamed, ‘Edgar WTF’. The Come and see the messages I have been one day, he started going to work. I wish generalisation of the piece angered them: receiving. Gory tales of needless suffering him well. that I cannot just say that all doctors are and deaths Nigerians have been facing. Then one day, my sister took ill, and incompetent and self-preserving cabal. It is not just Mena Joseph Edgar. Daily, her office took her to one private hospital For those who did not understand Nigerians are dying, and something has in Gbagada. Mbok, guess who was the literature, that piece is called a trigger to be done about it. We can’t all continue nurse that came to ‘chook’ my sister piece—deliberately aimed at causing a to be leaving it to God. Mbok, this is too injection? The mumu that was eating disturbance and shaking the table. They much. People will say it is the system. It is Agoyin beans with me o. I screamed and have said to me, why didn’t I go to the Nigeria. Well, I can pardon the education, almost died. My people, my sister-in-law, hospital in question and engage them. banking and the rest but not health. This is says I should leave it to God, that God That would be the most stupid thing to life we are all playing with. How do you will fight and that it was ‘sheri’ that killed do because then the matter will just be reconcile going to a general hospital and Mena through witchcraft. I cannot laugh isolated between Edgar and that rubbish get referred to a private hospital owned in tears from this statement. The truth is in Ikoyi. The matter is much bigger by the consultant you need to see at the that the government has to withdraw all than that. It is a systematic collapse. A general hospital? In that his yeye hospital, licences in that sector and recertify them. stupendous erosion of ethics cascades he is the only one that has sense? He The whole lot are just charlatans. Let them through the profession, weakening would have employed security men, part- come and beat me. I am waiting—killers Ehanire structures and causing the untimely time prostitutes and his driver to mask in white garments.

AKAN UDOFIA – THE RENAISSANCE people so that they can begin to see the for military intervention’ because my performance of my wonderful play MAN possibilities that surround us. People like mind was on the afang, I no catch am Ibiom, which held in Uyo over the When you see some people, you begin Akan have shown a strong resolve for a well. But it disturbed me sha. The next weekend. Daddy is just so gentle and to ask God wetin happen for your true renaissance and should be allowed day, I saw the statement by the military meek. I love him. When he arrived, own turn. I walked into Akan Udofia’s to spread this message using the 6million authorities decrying that statement the MTN people took him into their sweet place in Uyo last weekend and people in Akwa Ibom to trigger a and naming oga as the author of that lounge, and I met him there. I knelt met one tall, dark man. I look Duchess, national rebirth. Let’s listen more intently statement. When you want to yab SAN in full respect, and he said, ‘We talk say, ‘When did Idris Elba land for to him, the renaissance man. Thanks. you have to be careful, but after reading every Sunday’. I say me? He says yes. Uyo”, she laughed. He looked like that his statement as carried by Channels I come dey think wetin dey do daddy. talented actor. He sat with us, swigging ROBERT CLARKE (SAN) – THAT WAS TV, I say this is real mumu talk. That the How we go talk when I dey Shomolu precise brandy. I ask for my coke and talk UTTER BALDERDASH president should hand over to the chief of and me no get daddy number. Then start. He is a Renaissance man. He talked As I was crawling in the midnight to go defence or something like that, dissolve he said, ‘I read your column every about things that touched my heart. He and cheat (see you!) As I say cheat, I am legislators and all that baloney. Be like Sunday’. I say oh. Lord, you read my talked about demystifying governance, sure some of you have started thinking say oga did not eat breakfast before he column. He says yes o unfailingly, you giving the power back to the people, that Duke wants to go and knack house went on that TV interview. He must are truly crazy. My head swell. Deputy decentralising economic power and girl now o. God forgive you). I am not be drunk in love. You know when you Governor know me. He went in to see empowering the man on the street. The supposed to eat after 6:00 p.m. again, love something so much, you will not be the show, and at the end, he gave a one that killed me was him as governor, according to Dr Nwabuoko. But when rational again. rousing speech where he said he did walking into the humble abode of a civil you take Greek yoghurt and fruits by You will just be emotive towards that not understand why I was Duke of servant and having lunch with him and 5.30 p.m., by 11 p.m., Afang will start thing. Look, Nigeria of today is giving Shomolu, seeing that I was from Nsit his family to show appreciation for the calling you. You will begin to see afang everybody concern but not enough to ask Ibom in Akwa Ibom. He went ahead work and sacrifice. That messed me up. everywhere. In fact, even if Duchess soldiers to come back for anything. That to read His Excellency’s speech, and That is a populist penetration of the dresses like Playboy bunny and come cannot be any solution. It will just worsen even his Excellency hailed me as Duke psyche of a disenfranchised grouping to you, it is afang you will see. So, at the whole thing. Abi, haven’t you seen of Shomolu and thanked me for the giving them back their mojos and pulling night I used to sneak into the kitchen what they have told us about military effort. I was so proud. I stood on the them back into the grain of rediscovery. and cheat with Afang. I will lick the spending since this thing started, but yet stage and cried. As Akan spoke, I was seeing a new soup that she would have kept on the na white-bearded Gumi we dey listen to Nigeria. Some of us have been yearning cooker to cool. after all the trillions spent on defence? Mr THANKS TO HIS EXCELLENCY for a Nigeria but have been drowned by I used to steal only a piece of meat, so Clarke, if you really have nothing credible EMMANUEL UDOM AND FIRST LADY the cacophony of lousy short-termism. she will not notice before they give to say on TV, please go and enter Big I stood on that stage at Ibom Hall in What we need is a robust renaissance in me a bad name. So, this night as I was Brother House and bath. Imagine! Uyo with my hands covering my thought processes, a tugboat turnaround moving in on the kitchen, she had slept handsome face and trying unfailingly in narrative and a rehash of our essence, off. You know ZEE world don catch MOSES EBONG – NICE SEEING YOU to hide my tears. My people had all pushing towards reenergizing the that one. So she had slept off on the Moses Ebong is the deputy governor of couch, but the TV was on Arise TV, my state. He represented our Governor and I saw scrolling down ‘SAN calls Udom Emmanuel at the Command

Udofia Clarke Ebong Udom THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾Ͱ˜ͰͮͰͯ 67 LOUD WHISPERS accepted me. They had come out in TAIWO AFOLABI – COZY AMBIENCE OF droves to welcome the prodigal son. THE MARRIOTT His Excellency made sure it happened. I had the very good fortune to be When the call came from hard-working taken around the new Marriott Hotel Orman Esin, the Commissioner this great man just dropped in . of Culture and Tourism that His It was him and my lord Chike Ogeah Excellency had approved, I shook in that took me on tour: 250 exquisite fear. His Excellency had opened the rooms all built to the global taste of doors of Akwa Ibom to a son. He sent the Marriott, down to the scent that his Deputy and extremely beautiful pervades all of their hotels worldwide; wife, over 70% of his cabinet and such you can’t help but marvel at the huge great sons like Tony Ndah and Udeme confidence this daddy has in this our Ufot to see the show. Special mention economy. The hotel is a huge work must be made of my brother Gabriel of art. The hanging gardens, the Ukpe who made calls, agreed for his palm trees from the Middle East, the name be put in marketing letters, kai. Asian restaurants and the three floors Much more importantly, the people were underground parking space just hit there. Plenty. They stood up, embraced you with astonishment. Built to recover me, sang for me and gave me warmth. its cost in five years, I hear it cost a The biggest stage production in the whopping N45b, the Marriott, I tell South-South had just happened with you, will redefine the industry once the full support of His Excellency. He, it opens its doors. I will start working in his usual manner, had supported very hard so that by December 2024, I innovation, creativity and made sure a go fit to afford one night for the place. dream was fulfilled. The institutional Well done, and congratulations, my support was mad. From the attorney lord. general, who approved the use of the official seal of the state in promotions, Otudeko Afolabi BILL AND MELINDA GATES – KEEP THIS to the information commissioner, my FROM DUCHESS brother Ini Ememobong, to the Finance this August, and we can use some extra you come and want to sack me o. It is When this news hit me, I quickly Commissioner who is a brother down hands-on stage. You can help with well, my brother. This, too, shall pass. rushed to check my bank balance to Ini Akpabio, the Hotel Management costumes. No board seat here o before – Zenith N35,000, Access N24,000, Board Chairman, and the Dakkada Vbank, N10,000. GTB I dey owe them, people, Uwah and Meflyn down to the so I relax. You know, the kind of money private sector – Monty Suites, Ibom these women are making from divorce Air and the rest. Akwa Ibom rose up FATHER MBAKA – SACK HIM could inspire other women to be funny. and Akwa Ibom was one that night. I don’t know how to hide my one catch me cheating on her and So if Duchess try me, na wetin we go Thank you so so much my people, mouth or show fear for this kind went for confession, and instead share be that complete with the money I thank you so so much His Excellency thing. Last, he will see vision for of that Father to tell her to calm dey owe GTB, we will share everything and much more specially thank you me that I will die. What else is down that these things happen, equally. These two people have together so so much Her Excellency- wow she new? My mama has died. My papa he ask her to leave me, and if you created enormous wealth and have is beautiful. Kai. has died. My Erelu has died, and know how Catholics dey fear these impacted the world. Forget about all this we will all die? Mbok sack the dem fathers, you will just pity crap they talk about them. They have OBA OTUDEKO – JOBLESSNESS man, simple! The controversy is me. I beg tire, nothing o Father simply been a major force. No be them BECKONS too much abeg. From Jonathan to has spoken. This particular father remove polio from the world, even from Lord, I need to speak to you directly. Patience and now Buhari, what says vote Jonathan, vote Buhari, Nigeria? For me, this is sad news and You see, when you lose your job, it is it? I have never seen a more all based on some very spurious must be held on solemn terms. I wish can be terrifying. The news of your controversial reverend father fundamentals and when things them well as they begin the next phase of sacking met me in Uyo as I was than this one. He cannot be like scatter, they will start to fight. their lives. It is well. about to devour a hot plate of Afang Desmond Tutu or even Mathew Which kind father be this one o? at the famous Monty suites. Wait, Kukah. What is it? Now we are Now the federal government is MOHAMMED GARUBA CHAIRS THE ALVIN let me describe this Afang. The way talking contract or no contract. using Rome to threaten him. They REPORT they garnished it with periwinkles How can a Father be so partisan even get time. Abeg whoever is his Mohammed is a cerebral investment and what we call Ekwong, you and the church is just looking? This head of department, please do the banker, one of the best in the space. will weak. Then the pounded yam one be like the reverend father that needful and let’s hear word abeg. His trajectory professionally has been was as smooth as the bum of Miss tell my Anne to leave me. That Too much noise. swift and engaging. His depth and Brazil, I tell you. Well, back to Oba clear understanding of economic issues Otudeko. Don’t panic o. Me too I made me look in his direction when I have lost my job before even though was looking for someone of pedigree my own na Nicholas sack me and to chair the advisory board of The nobody hear. Your own is all over, but Alvin Report. You see, there is so there should not be any shame. You much noise in the system. Everybody should be a man about it. Withdraw, is talking, and mostly it is mumu go back home and ask for a moment people who are talking and crowding of reflection. Don’t have sex for a bit out sensible people. So the crap because you will need to be spiritually pervading the space now crowds out attuned so that God can talk to you. very serious-minded people. The things we hear that led to your So we set up The Alvin report to sacking are scary, and I must say you provide a veritable platform for really have mind sha. But there is no intelligent people to discuss very problem that cannot be solved. Just serious issues about the economy, maintain your focus and keep praying business, finance and public policy. but much more importantly, if it is The site, in less than two weeks, has true that the money you are owing is garnered an impressive 4,000 views N75b, he go pass fasting o. You need and growing. With over 37 well-chosen to engage the people plus regulatory contributors, putting together some bodies constructively. Don’t go and of the brightest minds, including be doing all that ‘I want go court’, people like Robert Mbonu, Tope Fasua, just go and beg. Call me, I will follow Olumide Aju (SAN) and the rest, you. I know how to beg. We will just the articles have all been an orgy of lie down and say sorry, give me small ideas. So to farm out these ideas and time. Then you come and let’s go and put them in a state that can be used see Pastor Ifeanyi in Mowe. That was to influence policy formulation and where I went when it happened to execution, the need to have a uniquely- me, the mumu say - Grace has left me, setup advisory board emerged, and to that’s why I lost my job - na because I chair the board we needed a young but know give am tithe o. Your case will be highly cerebral apolitical professional different at least you go give am tithe, with a strong grasp of the issues to so your own prophecy will be different. chair it. This is where Mohammed Pending when you resolve all these Garuba comes in. In discussions with problems, you can come to Duke him, I continue to come out with highly of Shomolu Productions for small impressive notions. Welcome, oga, let’s internship. We are about to produce do this. Let’s begin the change in the two massive plays – Awo and Aremu narrative. Enough of all that bole-kaja Mbaka talk abeg. 68 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ͷ˜ͰͮͰͯ

Adebayo Adeoye   [email protected]; 08054680651

Billionaire Oba Otudeko in Biggest Fight of His Career

Obafunke Otudeko’s name the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. As if remains on record as one of the first that was not enough, the Central Bank of businessmen in his generation to Nigeria directed Honeywell Flour Mills, lead the path many are benefiting owned by Otudeko, to repay a loan to from today. Even while most of his First Bank within 48 hours. According to age mates were still bogged down the letter by the apex bank, the company by morbid fear of failure, the Ijebu (Honeywell Flour Mills) is required to fully Igbo-born businessman ventured into repay its obligations to the bank within business. Today, he can thump his 48 hours, failing which the CBN will take chest for this singular act. appropriate regulatory measures against He is a man born under the the insider borrower and the bank.” proverbial lucky star; it is also clear Insider lending is when a bank makes that he is endowed with the proverbial a loan to one or more of its officers or Midas touch. According to Forbes, directors. Otudeko served as the chairman the chairman of Honeywell Group of FBN Holdings PLC, the holding joined the business world at a very company that owns First Bank, until the Seriki tender age; at a time, he was named penultimate week’s restructuring. He the 46th Africa’s richest man. Given his had also served as Chairman of First status, Otudeko, who also has choice Bank until 2010. properties in some highbrow areas He stands the risk of losing his Tunde Seriki Bounces of Lagos and other cities worldwide, shareholding in FBN Holdco if he fails commands a lot of respect among his to offset the loan within the deadline friends and associates. given by the CBN. Back, Donates to Less He has always made a success of The apex bank is upset with all his ventures. He is a boardroom First Bank for non-compliance with Privileged warrior who has fought many wars regulatory directives to divest its and won in the boardroom. He is interest in Honeywell Flour Mills, currently fighting the biggest fight of despite several reminders. Meanwhile, ometimes we fall his career as he is about to lose what he as a man who will never go down so because there is has laboured for many years to build. easy, his firm, Honeywell, countered something down The serial entrepreneur is CBN’s statement to the public, claiming there that we are reportedly battling with a myriad that it has always serviced its loan of troubles now. His headache is accordingly. Nevertheless, industry supposed to find. This not unconnected with his sacking watchers are following the saga with keen seems to capture the alongside others from the board of interest, wondering how the boardroom Sstory of Tunde Seriki, the Chief First Bank of Nigeria Holdings by guru will survive all this. Otudeko Executive Officer of Sultan Music international in Chicago. Those familiar with his peregrination in life are quick to say that he has been down, Otunba Segun Runsewe Back, Bigger and Better betrayed and disappointed in the past. would underrate his capabilities, considering he will once again definitely bring his that he is also cerebral. The wide acceptance experience to bear. It is obvious that They would even add that, the confidence reposed in him by the when he cried, there was no that amiable Runsewe enjoys did not fall on his laps. He earned through hard work, federal government is an indication one to comfort him. But, as that Runsewe has performed well at the Lilly Singh said, “There is no consistency, honesty, humility and grace of God. His exploits cannot be put aside agency,” said a source. shame in falling, but there with a wave of the hand as he is known to Otunba Runsewe has remained a is pride in getting back up.” have delivered every assignment given to consistent phenomenon in Nigeria’s Mercifully, the Ogun State- him impressively. The ever-bubbly Otunba culture and tourism sectors in the last born businessman, who the ensures he is never caught napping. Instead, three decades. vicissitudes of life have floored, he deploys all it requires to stay on top of his He was appointed as an executive has picked up the pieces of his game. director at the National Orientation Little wonder when the news of his re- Agency in 2000, a position he held life and moved on. until he was appointed the Nigerian Despite the betrayal and appointment as Director-General, National Council of Arts and Culture, NCAC, broke Tourism Development Corporation’s disappointment he has suffered DG in August 2006. His tenure at in the hands of some people last weekend, there was jubilation from his fans and admirers. the NTDC was a watershed in the in the past, he has remained The reason may not be unconnected development of the Tourism Sector committed to the service of because he is considered the best in that in Nigeria. His aggressive Tourism humanity. field. He is famously known as ‘Mr. marketing campaign, anchored on the The US-based show Tourism,’ his sterling record says it all. catch-phrase “Tourism is Life,” gave the promoter, last week, expended He’s seen as holding a magic wand when Nigerian Tourism Industry unprecedented Runsewe it comes to the issue of tourism, arts and national and international visibility. The millions of Naira when he tenure positioned Nigeria as one of the donated food items to the less Otunba Segun Runsewe comes across related spheres. “Being extrovert and cosmopolitan, leading faces of tourism and a preferred privileged Muslim faithful in as brainy and hard-working. Only cynics destination in Africa. Lagos, Ogun and Osun. Seriki, through his Though Williams Shakespeare said, foundation, Tunde Seriki “The evil that men do lives after them; Families, Friends Celebrate Ex-Ogun Commissioner, Foundation, had lifted the souls the good is oft interred with their of some needy individuals with bones,” it is doubtful if the words are food items and cash donations true. Segun Odubela’s Posthumous Birthday during the lockdown last year. When you consider how family According to him, the and friends have continued to honour would not only answer his calls, but he gesture was informed by the the late Segun Odubela (SAN) since would also go out of his way to assist need to encourage Muslim his death on March 15, 2021, after you with whatever demand you may communities during the succumbing to COVID-19, informs the require of him. conclusion. “He would help connect you if Ramadan period. He also In recognition of his worthy advised Muslims to use the that was what you needed and deeds in life, Odubela, who would solve any problem for you if that Ramadan period to pray for have been 56 on May 5, 2021, was the development and peace of was your request. His death came celebrated by family and friends. with a devastating feeling that Nigeria. As part of activities to mark the many wondered for days what “I also want to call on posthumous birthday celebrations, life was all about. President Muhammadu his friends and family, under “He was so good that you Buhari to use this period the auspices of JOO Forever wouldn’t think death would come to pray for the country and led by Adeola Agoro, gave out near him. But as he’s gone from also seek the face of Allah some symbolic gifts to widows, all of us who love him, we take single mothers and children in solace in the fact that he touched so that he can give him the remembrance of the good Odubela insight to know the way many lives before he departed represented. this earth. out of the insecurity in the “Barrister Segun Odubela was country. He needs to pray “We won’t allow his memory not known for only giving out to to die; hence we formed this seriously during this period to the less privileged. He gave a lot of group, ‘JOO Forever’ to try in seek divine intervention,” he his time and resources to everybody our own ways to do some of the added. around him. He was somebody you good he was doing on his behalf,” could call at any time of the day. He Odubela Agoro said. ARTSARTS && REVIEWREVIEW A PUBLICATION 09.05.2021 RE-EVOKING OLA ROTIMI’S ORI OLOKUN THEATRE LEGACY Original members of the Ori Olokun Acting Company, Ile-Ife which had one of Nigeria’s leading playwrights the Late Professor Ola Rotimi, as its founding artistic director, held a webinar in honour of legacy of this theatre movement thus coinciding with the golden anniversary of drama classics ‘The Gods Are Not to Blame’ and ‘Kurunmi.’ Yinka Olatunbosun reports

ose Ayeni Tsevende, a founding member of the pioneering experimental theatre traditions in Nigeria, was Ori Olokun Acting Company was once a young, a breeding ground for performing artists sourced from the restless and highly spirited 17-year-old in Ibadan. academic environment (gown) and the community (town). She had just completed her secondary school Formed in 1967, it boasted of an assortment of artists who were education and was staying with her sister. One multi-skilled. Named after the Olokun deity, Ori Olokun was a evening, her brother-in-law returned home with product of many experimental workshops of the 60s including a copy of a newspaper that had an advertisement Oshogbo Art Workshop and Mbari Club. Breaking free from the placed by the Ori Olokun Acting Company, Ile-Ife boredom of formalism, these workshops were unconventional, in search of aspiring actors. After registering her interest in the advert, skills-driven, thus making significant contribution to heightened Bher brother-in-law gave her one pound as transport fare from Ibadan cultural consciousness of the period. to Ile Ife. Convened by the Director of the School of Theatre, Television “In the morning of the day of audition, I discovered that there were and Film, San Diego State University, California, Prof. Niyi over 200 people at the venue,’’ she recalled. “My name must have Coker, the Ori Olokun webinar became a rendez-vous for the been 200 and something on the list. I had the opportunity to watch original cast. Some reeled out their lines from the classic plays a lot of people at the audition. Each person had one minute. When while reminiscing on the past theatre productions by the Acting they finally called Bose Ayeni, I sang my native song and danced. Company under the directorial leadership of Ola Rotimi. Everyone clapped for me.” As a kick-starter, the moderator and culture activist, Jahman Fast-forward to 2021, she is now the Director, Total New Image Anikulapo set the tone for the webinar, highlighting how the Theatre whose specialties include dance and choreography. Her knowledge shared would advance theatre studies and inspire story was a typical one among the legions of stories told during the An Ohio Production of Ola Rotimi's The Gods are Not to Blame the younger generation of artists. webinar to re-evoke the legacies of Ori Olokun Acting Company that Opening with a brief audio excerpt from an interview with had a rare breed of artists. Like others, Tsevende was amazed at the and University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). She was Ola Rotimi, Professor Coker remarked that the webinar was non-discriminatory casting style of the director. a co-founder of the Ori Olokun Cultural Centre. Perhaps, she was the designed to honour those who made history with Ori Olokun. “When I was employed by Ori Olokun, we were the first two ladies only one who consciously documented her work in collaboration “In theatre, one person doesn’t make history,” he said. “There who worked in the theatre company as professionals, that is myself with an anthropological film maker, Frank Speed. Also, her work was is a collective that makes the work of a person shine. If you don’t and Mosun Falode. In those days, Ola Rotimi didn’t let us experience filmed by Tony Isaacs for the BBC TV series ‘The World About Us.’ She have the cast that share the same vision, the same dream, the any visible biases as females in Ori Olokun. We were able to mix freely predicted that the recordings would “be of immense value historically same ideal and are on the same ship with you, you are not going with the men in the theatre and we worked together. Sometimes, and sociologically, and as raw material for the theatre of the future’’ and to get to that destination.” women had to play male roles. We built the set together. Ola Rotimi they are tucked away safely in British Library. Harper dedicated much He also pointed out that Ori Olokun was instrumental to the had one research methodology; it was to take all the cast and crew to a of her life to the study of traditional Nigerian dance even though she development of the movie industry today. Indeed, the Depart- village to learn first-hand the history of the real-life characters we were trained as a ballet dancer at the University of Cape Town. She also had a ment of Dramatic Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University was to imitate. The feeling of being part of the production was there. There stint with BBC as a freelance choreographer and scriptwriter. established on the foundation of Ori Olokun Acting Company. was no closing time for rehearsals. All the vigilantes in Ife knew us. That sort of pedigree was what the students of Drama at OAU, Other Ori Olokun members include Dr. Emeka Akaezuwa, The bus would take us home after rehearsals and wait until you enter Ile-Ife relished. There were a lot of young scholars who had returned Banke Akosile Ola, Ademola Williams, Professor Diedre Badejo, into your apartment before moving on. Akin Euba taught us music; to Nigeria from their overseas studies. They include scholars like Prof. Peter Badejo, Dr Gabriel Kola Oyewo, Dr. Tunji Ojeyemi, Prof we ladies learnt to play omele (African drum usually played by men) Ola Rotimi (theatre), Prof. Akin Euba (music), Samuel Akpabot (music) Akin Sofoluwe, Jimi Solanke, Prof. Omofolabo Ajayi-Soyinka, and went on tours. Our first tour was in Germany. And Peggy Harper and Prof Wangboje (Visual Art). Their American and European Bob Sherry Oyeleke, Kola Sorunke, Dr. Bode Sowande, Toyin taught us dance drama.” influences had to be matched some indigenous aesthetics. Bifarin Ogundeji and Teju Kareem. Peggy Harper was a South African born choreographer and Hence, they called it ‘a meeting of town and gown’ or better dancer who worked between 1963 and 1978 at University of Ibadan still, that was its overarching policy. Ori Olokun Theatre, one of the (See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com) BOOK REVIEW Lyrico-Poetic Testimonies of Nigerian Artistes on Bukar Usman Ben Tomoloju written – and will continue to write – about relevance and veneration as a real man of the the phenomenal field and literary works of people. Dr. Bukar Usman who is, in fact, the President The book proves copiously that the subject’s he renascence of African culture is of the Nigerian Folklore Society (NFS) at this creative and critical labour are not only seminal, supposed to be as all-encompassing point in time. They have written about his but are also acknowledged among the grassroots as it is dynamic. Its banner was folk. And this is borne out by the lyrico-poetic transnational support to literary development testimonies of the five oral artistes from the borne aloft during the years of through the Dr. Bukar Usman Foundation. northern part of Nigeria whose panegyric works nationalist struggles by the then His social vision as a public affairs analyst, extol in heroic staves the virtues of the subject political titans. Alongside the asser- expressed in books and the media have also that makes him worthy of celebration. These tion of the negritude writers whose received commendation from observers. But singers (who essentially are oral poets) are Umar poetry was described by Leopold there is yet another fascinating side to the life of this individual role model. Even as an elite Idris (Dan Kwairon Biu); Sulaiman A. Tijjani Sedar Senghor as a means of revitalising and within a patrician bracket, Bukar is also grass- (self-styled Professor of Poetry); Aminu Ladan re-invigoratingT the African heritage, his Nigerian rooted in his socialisation bearing evidence Abubakar (a.k.a ALA); Maryam A. Baba (a.k.a. counterpart, Nnamdi Azikiwe, was who sensitised by the works of the five oral poets featured in Sangandale), the only female among them, and the public with the idea of re-nascent Africa. this book, Songs for Bukar Usman by Khalid Bashir Yahuza Malumfashi. An example, and a highly significant one for that Imam. As praise-singers, they do not compromise matter, is the multi-faceted, monumental schol- Reading the book, Songs for Bukar Usman, their art with any kind of pretension or vain- arly output of Dr. Bukar Usman in the promotion, one cannot but appreciate the manner in glorification. A praise-singer is a praise-singer. A propagation and preservation of Nigerian folklore, which Dr. Usman’s goodwill permeates the jester is a jester. especially in the field of orature. Scholars have entire spectrum of the society in terms of ––Tomoloju is a veteran journalist EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ [email protected] 70 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 9, 2021 TRIBUTE Kingsley Moghalu: An Exciting Odyssey at 58 Kingsley Moghalu who turned 58 last Friday, May 7, is a man whose cap of accomplishments is festooned with many feathers. His entry into the Presidential contest in 2018 changed the Nigerian political narrative, Nduka Nwosu writes

n his autobiography My Odyssey, settled for the beautiful life President Nnamdi Azikiwe in a offered abroad, but returned scintillating narrative, described how home to Nigeria and walked how he focused his mind as a student into a civil war many flew in America in the 1920s. He came to away from to escape hunger acquire the knowledge of the white and death. Moghalu survived man and equip himself for the war the Nigeria-Biafra war, and as ahead, the quest for an independent a child witnessed some of its Nigeria, not to acquire wealth. sordid tragedies. A combination IChief Obafemi Awolowo on the of that family background other hand went into the cocoa business and the civil war experience primarily to make some money and travel paradoxically sharpened his to England to read law. The cocoa season discomfort at seeing human was so rewarding he moved into the next suffering. season and even borrowed money from This family background and others to make a big return. The inclement his prestigious qualifications weather failed him so much so he lost all his prepared Moghalu, who investments and became a debtor who had elected for academic pursuits his property auctioned before his very eyes. after a brief stint in journalism These two great men stayed on course in as a legal correspondent at their quest for knowledge. magazine in the That partly explains why in Anambra late 1980s, for public service. State the Nnewi kindred still places a high His career from the United premium on education notwithstanding the Nations to the CBN and his fact that the people are largely mercantile in bold entry into the political their pursuit. space as a serious candidate for Therefore when the Nnewi king, Igwe Dr. Nigeria’s presidency, is a story Kenneth Orizu III who himself comes from of leadership foretold. an intimidating lineage of a 600-year-old At the United Nations hereditary kingdom, conferred on Professor where he largely served under Kingsley Moghalu, the presidential candi- Secretary General Kofi Anan, date of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) Moghalu saw a silhouette of in 2019, the traditional title of ‘Ifekaego’ of Nigeria’s Civil War in those Nnewi (literally meaning something higher of Rwanda and the Former than money) it was a case of giving honour Yugoslavia, and could not to whom honour is due. but marvel how leaders used Moghalu’s track record as a merchant ethnic politics to further their of knowledge and intellectual property, selfish interests not minding the and a courageous national political leader wider consequences for those has distinguished him as a pace setter and they lead. Between 1992 and endeared him not just to his community in 2008 when Moghalu worked Nnewi, a town of great men and women, with the UN, he served high but also across Nigeria and the world. profile assignments including Moghalu has lived a thousand lives in one as Human Rights and Electoral lifetime. These days, he wears his renown Officer in Cambodia, Political and intellectual affluence comfortably like Advisor at UN Headquarters a pair of overalls, and enjoys a scandal-free in New York on the conflicts life as the political, intellectual and social in Somalia, Angola, and equivalent of any top Hollywood star. He is, Rwanda, in Croatia, and as if you like, the suave, cosmopolitan middle- Legal Adviser and Spokes- aged Professor of the new millennium, who man for the United Nations embraces life with a knowing wink. International Criminal Tribunal And why not? For Rwanda (UNICTR). Moghalu was born in Lagos in 1963 He was also at a point the to Isaac Moghalu, a Nigerian diplomat, Head of Global Partnerships and Vidah Moghalu, a schoolteacher. He and Resource Mobilisation moved with his parents to Switzerland at The Global Fund to Fight and Washington DC as his father’s calling AIDS, Tuberculosis and demanded. Malaria (GFATAM) in Geneva, The senior Moghalus later gave their Switzerland. young first child a deserving exposure in Moghalu resigned from the such institutions as Government College Ife’Ka Ego of Nnewi United Nations in December Umuahia and Federal Government College Enugu with Eziama knowledge, not in the quest to be known or to know all things 2008 and founded his own business outfit Sogato Strategies SA, High School Aba as his take off point. That background plus but to be better equipped to help make the lives of his fellow a global strategy and risk consultancy, in Geneva. When the his admission into the University of Nigeria Nsukka where he men better. In this context the man paints the image of a male late President Umaru Yar’Adua appointed Moghalu Deputy read law, equipped him for his latter day foray into academic complement or the twin brother of Doris Day, Alfred Hitch- Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, a regulator and excellence, criss-crossing Europe and America and getting cock’s heroine in the epic screenplay Man Who Knows Too manager of the financial system of the country, Moghalu did not admitted into such institutions as The Fletcher School of Law Much. Or maybe, just maybe, a brother of Catherine Hepburn, disappoint. By 2014 when he stepped down, he had become and Diplomacy at Tufts University where he picked his Master the blithe siren character of James Stewart in The Philadelphia firmly associated with revolutionary changes especially in the of Arts degree, London School of Economics (LSE) where he Story. They both exemplify the glamour and idealism of the area of financial stability and financial technology (FinTech) obtained his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Institute of Risk 1980s. reform in the Nigerian financial system. Management in London, and executive education at Harvard, Moghalu’s intellectual glamour and philosophical depth first As Deputy Governor for Financial System Stability Moghalu Wharton, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Institute. took centre stage when, while he was still a Deputy Governor of played a key role in ensuring that no Nigerian bank failed after In the words of Time magazine’s famous essayist Lance the Central Bank of Nigeria, he published his globally acclaimed the global financial crisis, and no Nigerian lost one kobo of his Morrow, the question resonates: which is a better bargain, a pact book Emerging Africa: How the Global Economy’s ‘Last Fron- or her savings, thus safeguarding the livelihoods of millions of with the Devil in order to be known or a bargain with Lucifer tier” Can Prosper and Matter, where he summarized his world his compatriots. As Deputy Governor for Operations, in charge in order to know all things? Morrow concludes that either way view to make Africa prosper. Next, just before his presidential of currency and branch operations, payment systems, and the it is a Faustian bargain. Neither Plato who delved heavily into candidacy, came Build, Innovate and Grow (BIG): My Vision for management of Nigeria’s foreign reserves of $37 billion, he led metaphysics and the Eleusinian mysteries where the secret Our Country. This vision was sold to the youth of Nigeria and the rollout of payment systems reforms including the develop- religious rites of ancient Greece flourished, nor Aristotle who endorsed by Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, his former boss the ment and introduction of the unique identifier Bank Verification taught Alexander the Great in his Academy, nor Socrates who de-throned Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, and the Ooni Number (BVN). thought Plato and Pythagoras could unveil the mystery of the of Ife among many great personalities and movements who We should also not lose sight of the significance of his profes- universe, their great learning and contemplation of the nature of saw something refreshingly different from the soapbox when sorship at the prestigious Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, God notwithstanding. Moghalu threw his gauntlet into the ring of presidential contest. a reflection of a man who had impacted largely on society and These scholars did not set out to be known though they For him it was a matter of vision translated into the reality of a needed to return to the ivory tower to impart the lessons learned could be accused of wanting to know all things, in which case country that is facing an existential problem, a country that has during his active years in international assignments even before it was a Faustian Bargain. Moghalu’s universe on the other been abbreviated in the past tense headlined as: ‘There Was a his bid for the highest office in his country - the Presidency. hand, transcends the Faustian alternative. Indeed he suffers the Country,’ in Achebe’s last dialogue with his people. Although he lost the election to Muhammadu Buhari, he made private pains of humanity, just as his personal Lord and Savior All this relates to the sense of urgency with which Moghalu a bold statement carrying the flag of a new-generation political Jesus Christ did, and in the sense that every new knowledge approaches the problems of humanity. This sacrificial commit- party, and that young people have what it takes to lead the that came his way became a reinforcement of the previous ment to public service comes from his parents, who could have country without compromising their values. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 9, 2021 71

Editor:Olawale Olaleye CICERO mail:[email protected], SMS: 08116759819 IN THE ARENA Confronting the Muddle of Intractable Insecurity With a social contract in tatters, an indecisive political leadership and Nigeria bleeding out, the nation’s unending insecurity could only spell disaster, writes Louis Achi

ll the cases of insecu- has repeatedly said his state rity in Nigeria beg the government would not negotiate question: Do we have with “bandits.” a functional federal Many stakeholders are counsel- government? Are our ling closure of threatened schools priorities set right as in Northern Nigeria or anywhere a country? Of what kidnap threats exist. With modern use is Trader-Moni educational technology, students and N-Power if the citizens that the can learn from their homes Agovernment seeks to empower with until a semblance of normalcy is N10,000 are not sure if they would restored. see the light of the next day? These Recently, the Minister of Fi- lucid posers were recently pushed nance, Budget and National Plan- by miffed Professor of History Toyin ning Minister, Zainab Ahmed, Falola-Jacob and Frances Sanger Mos- told the Senate Committee on siker, Chair in the Humanities at The Army on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, University of Texas at Austin. that a total of N1,008.84tn was More, mid last week, the US warned released to the Army between that ISIS and al-Qaeda were planning January 2019 and April 2021. to penetrate Southern Nigeria. It also Ahmed, who was summoned said Al-Qaeda has started penetrating based on complaints by the the North-western part of the country. Nigerian Army that it had US Air Force Maj. General Dagvin outstanding N50bn to collect from R. M. Anderson passed on this warn- the ministry, which was part of ing during a recent media briefing. the budgetary provision to fight Anderson serves as the Commander terrorism, had said the Army got of the Special Operations Command more than budgetary provision Africa. Previously, he was the Deputy during the period under review. Director of Operations of the United Kabir Adamu, a security risk States Indo-Pacific Command. management and intelligence His words: “We have engaged with specialist believes the Nigerian Nigeria and continue to engage with Army had so far failed in its them in intel sharing and in under- Buhari mandate despite the money standing what these violent extremists released to it. He holds that Nigeria are doing. And that has been absolutely critical to the State Security Service, National Intelligence witnessed more cases of banditry, terrorism and their engagements up in the Borno State and into Agency, and the Defence Intelligence Agency as kidnapping during the period. an emerging area of Northwest Nigeria that we’re well as the Acting Inspector General of Police, His words: “What was the mandate given to seeing al-Qaeda starting to make some inroads in. Usman Baba. This was in response to an invita- them? Is it not to contain insurgency? Unfortu- “So, this intelligence sharing is absolutely vital tion by the Senate penultimate week, over the nately, they have not justified it. If their mandate and we stay fully engaged with the government of nightmarish and intractable security situation in was also to curb banditry, they have not been able Nigeria to provide them with an understanding of the country. to do that.” what these terrorists are doing, what Boko Haram It is no secret that terrorists and sundry Adamu’s position was however countered by is doing, what ISIS-West Africa is doing, and how criminals are taunting the Nigerian State and the Col. Hassan Stan-Labo (retd.), a security specialist, ISIS and al-Qaeda are looking to expand further government appears clearly helpless. One of the who said the N1tn was not enough, describing it South into the littoral areas. most dangerous dimensions to the infamy playing as a drop in the ocean. Stan-Labo, who described “When it comes to Nigeria in general, Nigeria, out is that schools are being mercilessly targeted. the defence sector as a capital-intensive venture, obviously, is a critical nation to West Africa. It is Twenty-three students of the Greenfield Univer- stressed that the sector’s neglect in the past years a critical nation and we realise that Nigeria is a sity, Kaduna State, kidnapped on April 18 are still had created a vacuum, which made the funding lynchpin.” in captivity after the kidnappers murdered five of by the Ministry of Finance insufficient. Anderson then cut to the heart of the matter by them and are threatening to kill the others unless According to him, “The defence sector has pointedly noting that for international efforts to a ransom of N100 million and 10 motor cycles are been neglected for too long by being starved of yield desired results in the fight against terrorism paid. adequate fund and well-equipped inventory. This in Nigeria, the government must take the lead. On Wednesday, kidnappers released the got this long, because as a nation, we are not Perhaps, in a quirky sense, in terms of policy remaining 29 students they were holding captive security-conscious. Even under this dispensation, obfuscation, opaque military spending and nearly two months after abducting them from the you can see that there is no seriousness.” procurements, debatable inter-agency cooperation, Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Ka- Clearly, with rising attacks against security indecisive leadership and huge trust deficit, the duna State. Gunmen took 39 students on March agencies and their facilities in the Southeast, government is actually taking the lead. 11 and previously released 10 of them. The newly terrorist and criminal turmoil in the North and On Thursday, the nation’s security chiefs includ- released students arrived at police headquarters in detectible threats and outright killings in the ing the Chief of Defence Staff, Lucky Irabor; Kaduna city on Wednesday night looking weak, Southwest, many strongly believe the nation’s Chief of Army Staff, Ibrahim Attahiru; Chief of forlorn and wearing dirty, torn clothing. fate is hanging over the precipice. Many are also Naval Staff, Awwal Gambo and Chief of Air Staff, More than 700 people have been abducted from wondering why calls for separation are scaling Isiaka Amao appeared before a jittery Senate in schools in Northwestern Nigeria since December up. Today, even respected statesmen are morphing plenary. in a rash of kidnappings for ransom in the into activists. Also present were the Director Generals of volatile region. Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai The time for decisive action is now. POLITICAL NOTES Tinubu Loves Kano! here’s a need for serious interrogation of Of course, as an aspiring presidential contender, the choices and preferences of a former it is most certain that for geo-political balance of governor of Lagos State and one of the power, he would consider a running mate from the leaders of the ruling All Progressives north. But his reason for closely courting Kano is Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, also understandable. As the state allegedly with the who is presumed to be one of the lead- highest votes turnout, it may be politically smart ing figures in the battle for the 2023 and expedient to think Kano and by extension, presidential bout. befriend the north. TAlthough he has yet to muster the guts to an- From donating to fire victims and other philan- nounce his presidential intention, his movements, thropic gestures towards Kano alone, there’s hardly swelling support base, actions and inactions have, ever anything unintended about Tinubu. He knows however, confirmed the speculation: Tinubu is eye- what he is doing and hardly does anything for free. ing the nation’s top job. But there’s one more thing While is love for Kano is good and understandable, to ponder; it’s his sudden but curious love for Kano it is yet to be seen how far that preference would Tinubu State and the north in general. push his bid to rule Nigeria. Fingers crossed! 72 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 9, 2021 BRIEFINGNOTES Why Are Governors Afraid of Judicial Autonomy?

If the offices of the governors are a creation of the Constitution, why are those who occupy them continue to violate the provisions of the same law in respect to financial autonomy for the judiciary? Asks Davidson Iriekpen

or another week last Friday, courts across the country remained closed after the meeting between the umbrella body of judiciary work- ers in Nigeria, Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) and representatives of the federal government ended with no concrete solutions. The meeting was postponed again to this week. The workers have been on strike since April 6 to press home their demands for a complete financial autonomyF for the judiciary. At the meeting to end the lingering crisis last Thursday, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, reiterated that the federal government had no problem with the issue of financial autonomy for the judiciary. He said the appropriate laws for judiciary autonomy have been signed into law and that implementation lies with state governments and governors. JUSUN had on April 1, 2021, directed its members across the country to shut down all courts on April 6, a directive that has since crippled both court proceedings and commercial activities within the court premises across the country. This was immediately followed by a nationwide peaceful protest in furtherance of their demand for the 36 states to implement financial autonomy for the judiciary. Its reason for the indefinite strike and protest is to press home the demand for financial autonomy for the country’s judicial arm of government. For decades, despite constitutional provisions guaranteeing financial autonomy to the judiciary, state governments have found increasingly innovative and pernicious ways of subjugating and emasculating the judiciary. While many would understand why this was so under the military rule, the same cannot be said under a democracy. Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Tanko Mohammad Years of financial strangulation, and a brazen subversion of the constitution, have driven the judiciary to impotence, judicial arm of government. He added that this situation has order was the issue, and not their violation of the constitution. incapacitation and impoverishment. left magistrate and customary courts across the country in a The case is pending before the Supreme Court. Incidentally, with the exception of governors, who now find sorry state, with dilapidated court buildings not suitable for What the governors have issues with is perhaps the con- themselves prevaricating over unambiguous constitutional court sittings. comitant amendment in the same Section 121 (3) of the 1999 provisions, no Nigerian is opposed to JUSUN or their strike. So By law, the independence of the judiciary is not only constitution, which also gives the states legislature financial far, the industrial action has been tremendously effective, totally guaranteed, its financial autonomy remains the pillar upon autonomy. State governors have since seen the autonomies grounding the country’s groggy justice system, and is more which indirect control and manipulation is resisted. Sections granted the judiciary and legislature as a complete castration of effective than any the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has ever 121 and 81 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic their powers and imperial persons. organised in the past two decades. of Nigeria (as amended) provide succinctly for the financial For decades they had subjugated the other two arms of The attendant consequences of the strike have left non- autonomy of the judiciary. government. They fear that if the other arms no longer had to litigants, who are largely business people, reeling from the Section 121(3) explicitly provides that, “Any amount standing make recourse to the executives for their financial needs, they courts closure. Court users and non-litigants, alike, have been to the credit of the judiciary in the Consolidated Revenue Fund would look the governors in the eyes and check their excesses venting their anger and frustrations as life becomes more of the State shall be paid directly to the heads of the court with great daring and gusto. The governors may have reserva- difficult with the nationwide shutdown of the entire third arm concerned”. If the Constitution is very clear on an issue, it begs tions about judicial financial autonomy, but what ails them of government entering its fifth week today. the question why the Governors have chosen to take the path more is the freedom which that financial autonomy would give To many Nigerians, granting financial autonomy to the of executive recklessness. the state lawmakers, freedoms that might conceivably include judiciary is one major way with which the judiciary can be Incidentally, the sacred provisions of the Constitution in impeaching any lawless governor. truly independent. They posit that if the country’s democracy respect to financial autonomy of the judiciary have been To many, the refusal to grant financial autonomy to the was a true constitutional democracy, the issue of granting given judicial blessing by the courts. In cases separately filed judiciary by the governors speaks volume of the level of financial independence to the judiciary should not have arisen. by JUSUN and Dr. Olisa Agbakoba SAN against the federal unconstitutionality, lawlessness and impunity the country deals According to a public affairs commentator, Festus Ogun, government, the court upheld the financial independence of the with. Therefore, they believe that the state chief executives can- “subjecting the judiciary to the shadow of the executive judiciary as a constitutional stipulation that cannot be waived not cherry-pick what aspect of the constitution to obey,neither through financial dependence is to make nonsense of the or varied by the executive. This, still did not change anything. can they set a particular time to obey the constitution. independence of the judiciary and compromise the course of But last year, sensing that the state governors were not To put it straight, Ogun said, “The Consolidated Revenue justice. The only way judicial independence can materialise is to willing to comply with neither the constitutional provisions Fund of the state, established under Section 120 of the Constitu- bestow on it financial willpower.” nor the court judgments, President Muhammadu Buhari tion, is not a personal property of the executive. It belongs While the federal government feels that it has since complied issued Executive Order 10 of 2020 to compel the states to obey to the executive, legislature and judiciary. So, keeping what with the relevant sections of the constitution, which grants the constitution, the governors coaxed the president to tarry rightfully belongs to other arms of government is an abuse. financial autonomy to the judiciary, and the various judgments a little on gazetting the order, thus stymieing the immediate The offices of the governors are a creation of the law and regarding complete autonomy for the judiciary, the state implementation of the order. those who occupy them cannot continue to whimsically act as governors have refused to follow suit. While it is not clear why that anomalous stricture of gazettes though they are above the law.” President of the union, Comrade Mustapha Marwan, who had to be introduced, nor why it is needed especially, in clear Knowing the recalcitrant position of the governors had taken spoke with journalists in Abuja recently, said the state chief constitutional cases, the governors seized upon that hiatus to all along on this issue, many observers are anxiously waiting to executive officers have frustrated financial autonomy for the go to court to litigate and forestall the Executive Order, as if the see how the dispute would be resolved. NOTES FOR FILE Odebowale’s Debased Mind! Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Special doubt man’s inhumanity to man and the governor must play a role in Duty, Dr. Doyin Odebowale, last week, reportedly slapped a ‘heavily condemning such contaminative arrogant disposition. pregnant’ environmental security guard, Mrs. Adeola Egbebi, who immediately slumped, at Oja Oba market in Akure, the state capital. …Saluting Onem’s Good Deeds! Odebowale, allegedly assaulted someone else’s wife, who was In faraway , one Ms. Miracle Tyna Onem, the Council- on duty for not standing up to greet him like other environmental lor representing Ward 2 in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state workers. provided a counterbalance to the despicable attitude of Odebowale in This is nothing but a gross abuse of power and office, which Ondo State, when she used the money meant for the purchase of her exposes the frailties of a sick mind. Coming from someone, whose of- official car to complete a bridge for the use of her community. fice is not permanent and could be laid off tomorrow, if his employer With more of Onem in power, there’s no debating the fact that deems fit, it is a typical example of an innately decadent elitist political the world would be a better place. Her display of selflessness and setting, in need of help from self. empathy in the face of serious economic challenges, political uncer- Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu must not pretend to be tainty and personal needs is comparable to none. Onem is a critical unaware of this. He must find out what happened and step in as a and enviable lesson in service to humanity, the type that everyone leader. But for him, Odebowale would not be in a position to oppress – irrespective of office – must emulate. Kudos to a woman of good Egbebi the people that elected him into office. This is oppression. It was no deeds! THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 9, 2021 73 MILESTONE Shina Peller: Characterised By His Ideas Forty-five this Friday, House of Representatives member from , Hon. Shina Peller, not only represents the age of his ideas, his vision for the future says even more. Olawale Olaleye writes

on. Shina Peller, a member of the House present ambulances and medical equipment to health centres in of Representatives for Iseyin/Itesiwaju/ his constituency; conduct free eye tests for several of his people and Kajola/Iwajowa federal constituency in Oyo provide them with recommended glasses. State, does not cut the image of your regular An upwardly mobile young man, Peller has been traveling lawmaker. Although a bunch of the typical around the world to build contacts and give sound footing to his Nigerian lawmakers are no less jokers, Peller’s ideas of the Nigerian dream. He does not let any opportunity go to free-spirit and irrepressible youthfulness stand waste and he is quick to identifying them once they come his way. him out at every contact. Disturbing as things appear today, Peller’s optimism is remark- Constantly bursting with ideas – progressives ideas – you can’t able. This is not because he is banking on some magical wands to butH admire his energy too, which is proportionate and firing those turn the tide around, but because his analysis of the situation does ideas. Largely typified by his choices, these choices, interestingly, not present anything intractable or sheer hopelessness. He believes are his distinguishing difference from the lot, which is why he is the problem is in the willpower to cause change to happen. “If we none other than Shina Peller. approach 2023 with requisite optimism and make a good choice Since his election in 2019, Peller has made a personal pledge to in leadership, everything we consider a problem today will be go into politics to make a difference and this has been evident from gone before we know it. I believe and I’m convinced that 2023 is day one. Challenged by the inability of the political class to deliver the turning point for Nigeria”, he was quick to say at an informal good governance and change the fortunes of their people, he is yet gathering. to see why that has remained a rocket science. Today, it goes without saying that his transformation from the Otherwise a socialite by disposition and upbringing, how old Peller to the new one, whose love for country and the people, Peller has switched from that which he was hitherto known to a is second to none, explains the reasons for his development and promising political leader is worthy of study. Even more, the speed progressive ideas. And the ideas too, have come to gradually at which he gets things done, including the rate he’s been churn- redefine his place in the contraption called Nigeria especially, in his ing out ideas – the type that could put effect to his much desired local Oyo State, where leadership is explicably absent. change – are curious. Honestly speaking and without playing to the gallery, the Ordinarily, his 45th birthday would have been a talk of the town political class does not seem to have a clue what’s on its hands with if he were to relive his old self. But times have changed hence the Peller a Peller as an addition to the family. The ideas to cause change to intellectual slant to his new life would not support a jamboree. It happen is one, the capacity to mobilise and galvanise the change was no surprise, therefore, that he chose to focus on the ills of the on the future that everyone looks forward to. It’s a constant engage- is a different kettle of fish. Yet, Peller has them all rolled up in him society, using the occasion of his birthday as a solution-finding ment until the answers to the national discontent are found. with an unusual energy and zeal. exploration. Besides, to effectively galvanise the possibility of a desired This is why it suffices to say, as Peller sets a new target for himself With a symposium themed: “National Security and Peace: future, he has also set up a group called, “The Lead Generation and generation at 45, he just might be the hurdle in his own way. Roles of Government, Citizens and Institutions”, billed to hold in Initiative”, an idea that is replicated in different parts of the country For as long as he continues to have a grip of himself, the future is Ibadan, Oyo State, the political capital of the Southwest, the event and designed to coordinate the youth for the change they col- his taking. He has made decisions and is resolute about them. But promises to gather everyone, who matters in the society – from the lectively seek, by properly channeling their creativity, energy and will he be able to stay the course even in the face of intimidation, political class to the private sector, the traditional institution and aspirations for the needs of the society. harassment, betrayal and disappointment? This, in the long run, the media – to put heads together and mull the options before the This is beside his many interventions for the good of his people will justify, define and affirm the new Peller that the world can’t country. through various empowerment initiatives like health interven- wait to see exhale. This, however, isn’t the first time Peller is either setting up a tion programme that is taking place today at the Government But, for now, Peller has proven something right and without discussion on the state of the nation or instigating a conversation Technical College, Oluyole, Iseyin, Oyo State, where he plans to apologies: it is really not how far, but how well. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾΁˜ͰͮͰͯ 74 GLITZ FOCUS

On Nigeria S3 coaches: L-R: Darey, , Waje and Falz The Voice Nigeria: Giving Voice to the Talented

Vanessa Obioha reports that the music reality TV show The Voice Nigeria is gaining traction both on the traditional and digital media, thereby putting the vocal talents in the global spotlight

ince it premiered its The playlist highlights the best will have to pitch fiercely to win prizes. On-air-personality Toke third season in March, weekly performances of The Voice persuade the talent to be on Makinwa and TV host Nancy Isime The Voice Nigeria has from different parts of the world. their team. serve as the hosts of the season gained traction both in They included Peace Amaefula, For the third season of the sponsored by First Bank Nigeria, digital and traditional Okemdiya Chimomez, Esther Voice Nigeria, the coaches Baba Ijebu, Airtel Nigeria, and media. The combined Benyeogo, and Ayomikun Ojoade — Waje, Darey, Yemi Alade, Minimie. views of its blind from the first, second, third, and and Falz— needed six talents Many Nigerian youths are auditions episodes fourth episodes. on their team before moving musically inclined, but there on YouTube have garnered over The growing popularity of the to the Knockouts stage. The are few platforms available to threeS million views. This is not in show can be attributed to its unique Knockouts stage officially showcase their talents. With Voice addition to the talents and coaches’ format. Unlike other music reality kicked off on Saturday, May Nigeria, the talents stand a chance interview clips. On average, the TV shows, the Voice distinguished 8, and saw coaches pairing to be discovered, groomed, and reality TV show records 500,000 itself with its nomenclature, talents on stage. Those who showcased globally. Before the views on YouTube, according to its audition, and elimination processes. failed to dazzle the coaches premiere of the third season, there PR company, Seid. For instance, it is almost taboo with their performances were very few singing competitions Having the episodes on a digital to call the vocal participants on will be eliminated. The final showing on TV. In fact, the platform like YouTube helps put the the show ‘contestants’. They are round of elimination by pandemic starved fans of music participating talents in the global known as talents, while the team coaches is the Battle Rounds. reality TV shows last year due to spotlight. Usually, the episodes get of music professionals that vet Again, team members restrictions on social gatherings. aired on selected TV channels first. their performances are known as are paired, but unlike the That restriction delayed the In this case, Africa Magic Channels coaches. Knockouts stage where they premiere of the season, which was on DStv, Views TV, and Wazobia One of the unique features of performed individually, they slated for 2020. TV are the dedicated TV channels the show is the audition process. will be performing together However, with its return, fans that air the singing competition. The Voice employs a format in the battles.The final set of eagerly look forward to new The episodes are then uploaded on whereby the talents perform talents to survive this stage episodes every Saturday and YouTube for fans to either catch up blindly to the coaches and only will now proceed to the live Sunday night as each episode is or relive moments. YouTube is one get a ‘yes,’ if any of the coaches performance, where their fates loaded with emotional tales and of the production partners of the (usually four) press the red button are left in the hands of the performances from the talents and show produced by UN1TY Ltd and that automatically turns their voting public. The ultimate the dramatic pitching competition Livespot360. chairs to see the participant. Once winner will be rewarded with among coaches. Indeed, TV viewing Recently, performances from a talent gets more than one chair an undisclosed cash prize, on weekends has never been so this season’s episodes were added turn, he or she will have to decide a brand-new car, and an musically entertaining that it to the global franchise ‘Best of which of the coaches he/she international recording contract. makes one say, “Thank God, it’s the the Voice’ playlist on YouTube. wants. At this stage, the coaches Fans, too, stand a chance to weekend!” THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 9, 2021 75 CICERO/INTERVIEW Farouk: Alternate School Programme Crucial to Stemming Insecurity Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouk argues that providing education for every child is the best way to secure the country. She spoke with Tobi Soniyi. Excerpts:

et’s talk about the Alternate School Pro- involved with the ASP? gramme. What’s it about? Well, the FMHADM&SD is not a specific sectoral ministry Constitutionally, education is on the concur- as such, it is literally “a jack of all trades and master of none” min- rent list, meaning the federal, states and local istry. The ministry was specifically established to coordinate all governments can all design and implement poverty eradication activities in Nigeria, facilitate for an effective education programmes. Though public primary cooperation between all stake stakeholders in poverty eradica- L education is mainly the responsibility of the local tion, and ensure the deployment of an effective social safety net governments, the requirements are too high system on the poor and vulnerable Nigerians including those for that level, that is why states and the federal government that are affected by disasters, mainly to manage the poverty intervene to ensure that this basic need is met. levels in our country at the barest minimum. At the federal level, the contribution is made through the So, Out Of School Children are part of the poor and vulner- Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) which is a able, whose management falls under the generic mandate of parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Education. So, there are my ministry. But because education is the sectoral subject matter efforts at all levels to ensure that we meet the constitutional specialists, we must cooperate very closely with the Federal requirement of getting every child in Nigeria to have access to Ministry of Education to ensure that there are no unnecessary basic education, which is primary schooling (as a right), and duplications, no wastage of resources, enhanced complementar- we are making reasonable progress in this. But despite all these ity and technical effectiveness, and most importantly, to achieve efforts the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria are the desired high impacts of the programme. alarming (UBEC estimates them to be above 13 million). Before The programme is jointly chaired by my ministry and the this crisis gets worse, there needs to be an intervention. Federal Ministry of Education. The involvement of my ministry This is where the Alternate School Programme comes in. It is is needed for the humanitarian intervention addressing the an intervention programme focused on providing education underlying issues OOSC experience. Due to the circumstances in a flexible way to out-of-school children while also providing many OOSC are faced with, they are unable to access educa- them with Social Investment Programme benefits. While tional opportunities. Their circumstances – socio-economic, there are many programmes from government and in the cultural, etc.- determine their level of access. My ministry, which non-governmental space targeted at OOSC, the ASP is different is responsible for humanitarian affairs, disaster management because it also targets the humanitarian and social challenges and social development provides a means to close some of these faced by the OOSC. gaps to enable these children fulfil their right to education. There are many reasons children do not go to school even As a government, we have individual mandates but we are when the facility is available. For example,their households are all united by one purpose – to make Nigeria and Nigerians lives unable to afford basic needs, they are pursuing apprenticeships, Farouk better. This programme will help us make Nigeria better, getting gender inequalities, social and cultural reasons; they are unable us closer to our UN Sustainable Development Goals and help- to access school structures etc.. including: trafficking of children, stealing children, recruiting ing to bring 100 million Nigerians on their way out of poverty, as The ASP will bring basic education to these children so that children in criminal activities, children on drugs, use of children is Mr. President’s goal. they are equipped with the education and skills to be part of the in cultist activities etc. are consuming many of these children. No social-economy as they grow. Every child has the right to educa- Nigerian will admire this or like it for our country. Reducing the How are you going to implement the ASP? tion, no matter their circumstances and the ASP will be part of number of OOSC will reduce the risks these children are faced Well, back in December 2020, after so much preparatory what ensures that for our country’s children. At a minimum with.These are the short to medium term benefits of the ASP. work, stakeholder consultations and intense research & studies these children will be equipped with arithmetic, literacy, basic The long term benefit for Nigerians is that this investment on this urgent matter, I submitted a request to Mr President for technology and social studies education. in education coupled with the humanitarian needs of these him to kindly consider and approve the ASP concept and to The ASP will also pair the existing Social Investment Pro- children being met allows these children to fulfil their potential also kindly approve the establishment of a National Steering grammes to their particular circumstances, for example, with the and be protected as Nigerians. This ability to provide education Committee (NSC) with all the key stakeholders to be involved Home Grown School Feeding, these children will be provided and social welfare to children is an investment for Nigeria’s for its implementation. In that letter I highlighted the following nutrition when they are being schooled. The programme is future. When we invest in our nation’s children, when we among others: co-chaired by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, provide them with the ability to be productive members of That the out of school children syndrome is at the root of so Disaster Management and the Federal Ministry of Education, society – that benefits us all. This ASP is an investment into our many of the restive challenges we are facing; The alarming high bringing our mandates together– doing our part to ensure that collective future. numbers of OOSC in Nigeria which stood at over 13 million; The ‘no one is left behind’. This is why the President in his wisdom decided to further importance of factoring the issue of these vulnerable children intensify the education activities reaching these children so that in Mr President’s policy of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of In what ways is the ASP beneficial to Nigerians? we can be able to mop up as many of these children off the street poverty by 2030. The ASP will benefit Nigerians in many ways. Directly it will and inject at least a basic amount of education in their lives to The requirement in these modern days to urgently get all reduce the number of OOSC while providing social protection ensure that they either join the formal education system, or they Nigerians including these vulnerable children to be functional, to them and their families or guardians. The Social Investment can inclusively participate in nation building appropriately. This to effectively communicate and engage with, which makes it Programmes themselves also help the local economies of those marks the birth of the ASP. The ASP by reducing the number necessary for them to acquire minimum literacy, numeracy and who are recipients. Some of these OOSC are loitering around of OOSC, will reduce the number of Nigerians subject to these skill; That serious effort has to be made to take schooling to the the towns and cities, others are at the markets, some are at the social problems. children, as it is increasingly proving difficult for many children mechanic and spare-parts villages, some are at the motor parks, to attend formal schools; and and many are the Almajiris (many are in Islamic schooling and Why is this programme different from the other ones? That a survey of children who are not in school revealed care, others are just beggars on the streets) who are mainly in the This programme is different because it is coupled with social that many of them do attend non-formal schools (such as for Northern part of our country, etc. welfare elements – it is not an education programme alone, it Quranic Education) but many are found stray in many places Most of these children are about 10 – 12 years today. In the next is not a social protection programme alone – it is a combination including marketplaces, motor parks, superstores, spare parts/ 10 years they will be 20 – 22. Already they are vulnerable to risks aimed at children who need both in order to gain a benefit. mechanic spots. There are education programmes that children are not able to Mr President graciously approved the submission and access due to socio-economic factors. inaugurated the NSC on the 26th January 2021.We had our Likewise, there are some Social Investment Programmes inaugural meeting on the 15th February 2021 where we even where the social welfare provided does not cover the educa- co-opted more stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister tional needs of the children. This programme does both for of Women Affairs and Honourable Minister of Information and I want to assure Nigerians those children in circumstances that require help in both areas. National Orientation, to ensure full participation. We have also formed and inaugurated a Technical Working that this programme utilises How do you intend to choose the beneficiaries? Group (TWG) which will serve as the Technical Clearing House The children will be chosen from all over the country. Dif- for the NSC. They are now fashioning the practical routes that already existing resources. We ferent groups of children unable to access education including we should follow to quickly go to the field and start the school- have learnt lessons from past those in IDP camps, those in vulnerable conditions, victims of ing. insurgency and social and environmental dislocation, children The ASP will be implemented across the country in phases. interventions and along with on the street and in markets etc. It is important to us that no one It is important to implement this programme strategically and our partners, we are committed is left behind and for this purpose we have a Technical Working efficiently. We are all working together to provide this solution Group (TWG) with members drawn from across government for OOSC and ensure that we reach as many as possible. to applying these lessons and ministries, international organisations and as civil society organisations. The TWG will go into the field to document and How do you convince those Nigerians, who feel this will bridging the remaining gaps. It organize these children so that we can systematically intervene. be a waste of resources? is not simply a case of throwing This programme is very important, and as you know ideas are I want to assure Nigerians that this programme utilises great but the implementation is the most important thing. We already existing resources. We have learnt lessons from past more resources at a problem, are committed to doing this well. interventions and along with our partners, we are committed but creatively targeting and to applying these lessons and bridging the remaining gaps. It is What role is your ministry playing in all this as well as not simply a case of throwing more resources at a problem, but providing a solution to problems the Education ministry? Also, why is the FMHADMSD creatively targeting and providing a solution to problems. 76 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾MAY 9, 2021 with Chidi Amuta ENGAGEMENTS e-mail: [email protected] Nation at Point Zero n the eve of the 2015 presidential election, this Oduduwa Republic, Biafra, Arewa Republic and the like. reporter had cause to write a dying minute How did we get here? In the period between 1970 and 2015, column in this newspaper entitled: “A Call greater inclusiveness became the bedrock of a new national order. at Midnight”. It was a warning on the clear Through balancing acts like the zoning formula adopted by succes- and present calamity awaiting the nation if sive political parties for key political offices and observance of the the Jonathan administration mismanaged the federal character principle, Nigerians built up a sense of national election and its eventual outcome. At that point, community based on balancing and compromise. National there was clear evidence of dangerous despera- survival and cohesiveness became a function of sustaining the tion on both sides which needed to be carefully managed. The inclusiveness that makes us a diverse polity and a multi cultural Ospecific object of focus was the imminent orderly transfer of power society. Among ordinary Nigerians, this sense of give and take to a successor administration whatever the outcome of the election. had become an axiom of national life. It fuelled social and cultural Jonathan was being encouraged by his in -house devotees to dig in interactions and an acceptance of our diversity. Nigerian Moslems while Buhari and his weaponized acolytes were threatening bloody celebrated Christmas as much as their Christian compatriots Armageddon if they lost. Jonathan’s subsequent orderly transfer of observed and celebrated the various Moslem holy festivities. power to Mr. Buhari was a nullification of the fears of that moment Children of Moslem elite were as comfortable in Western fashion and a victory for the future of a democratic Nigeria. The drums of and cultural norms just as Nigerian Christian holiday makers war were silenced. The halo of fear was lifted and replaced with opted for Dubai and Abu Dhabi as their favorite holiday destina- the euphoria of some conditional optimism in the horizon. tions. The harmless Fulani herdsmen were a common sight across Even if he now denies all that he inherited from Mr. Jonathan, the country and posed no danger to anyone. President Buhari cannot deny the prime gift that democracy under The difference between the incumbent Buhari administration Jonathan gave him. That lone afternoon phone call from Jonathan and all his post civil war predecessors is his systematic and deliber- to congratulate him and concede defeat in the 2015 presidential ate policy of nepotism and exclusion of ‘other’ Nigerians from the election was perhaps the most sterling act of statesmanship in pinnacle of state power and patronage. For Mr. Buhari, Nigeria recent Nigerian political history and will remain a major landmark seems to begin and end in a concentric circle that spans outwards in the evolution of Nigerian democracy. from Daura, Katsina State, North West, North East and North The cruel irony of this moment in Nigeria is that a president that Central and then fades into ‘other’ parts of Nigeria. Some have received power on a platter of grace has navigated the nation into Buhari blamed this nativism on the man’s limited national exposure. I do such an avoidable storm. And as the nation grapples with a differ- effectively under the control of Boko Haram, invaded with little not agree. He has been military commander around the country, a ent and more grave uncertainty, the central question confronting or no resistance. The Governor of Niger State says Boko Haram is military head of state, roving politician and now elected president Nigeria as a democratic republic is whether, come May 29th, 2023, within two hours of Abuja, having hoisted their flag in five Niger for nearly six years. This is enough exposure to cultivate a national Mr. Buhari will be able to hand to his successor what he received State local governments. As if that was not enough, Boko Haram network of competent Nigerians to entrust with the affairs of the painlessly from Jonathan in 2015. As matters stand today, however, has taken over homes, confiscated people’s wives and has now nation. it may be too much to ask Mr. Buhari to bequeath a better nation begun collecting taxes in the affected areas. In effect, Boko Haram Under the Buhari administration, therefore, we have suddenly than what he received from Mr. Jonathan. All we can now ask, has mapped a bloody trail of sporadic occupations and conquests woken up to a nation divided along all conceivable lines. The pray and hope for is that Nigeria does not implode under Buhari’s from Lake Chad and Maiduguri to parts of Niger and Bauchi State. harmless Fulani herdsmen of yesterday have been replaced by watch. Kaduna state is effectively a theatre of war, with a daily count of roving AK-47 wielding criminals. Churches and mosques have be- It is literally another midnight hour for Nigeria even though kidnappings, shootings, abductions and sectarian blood letting on come the favourite targets of senseless suicide bombers. Christians a transitional election is still about two years away. Before our a scale that is hard to understand. and Moslems now find themselves on different sides of an avoid- very eyes, our worst fears have replaced the faint hope that we In the South East, a range of carefully selected strategic targets able divide. As the government looks on literally unperturbed, the once entertained. In spite of fancy titles, lofty offices and elaborate have come under systematic attack in recent weeks. Police politics of ethnicity and regionalism has re-emerged to exploit the ceremonies of state power, the incumbent leadership has failed formations, stations posts and correctional institutions in Imo, sense of insecurity and the openly divisive politics of the central to reassure our people on even the most elementary entitle- Anambra, Abia and pats of Akwa Ibom states have been razed and government. In a predominantly ethnocentric society in which ments of citizenship. In the ravaging unprecedented insecurity law enforcement personnel killed at a frightening rate. Arms and the dominant mentality of the majority is to interpret government that is sweeping through the entire country, so many pillars of ammunitions are being lost to non -state actors in these daily raids. actions, policies and appointments from a purely ethnocentric nation statehood have virtually dissolved or have been badly From most indications, groups like IPOB may have entered an ac- perspective, Buhari has fed a latent monster and it has returned to compromised. The value of our individual citizenship has sadly tive combat stage in their separatist struggle in obvious retaliation haunt us all. A restive political class whose political socialization is been reduced to day to day survival from ever present danger. As to the violent crackdown of the state. Vigilantes and private armies rooted in primordial sensibilities now has a ready turf to play on. a national society, our sense of community is gone. The mutual armed and equipped by stupendously rich politicians are equally From being proud Nigerians, we are now children of Oduduwa, trust that until now held nationalities, regions, states, peoples at work. They are on the prowl, wreaking vengeance on opponents Biafrans, Children of Arewa, Niger Deltans and Middle Beltans etc. and individuals together has been vastly eroded. The language on behalf of their patrons through acts of arson, murder and pil- Our preferred security architecture now boasts of strange forma- of national cohesion has been replaced by an indiscriminate lage. It is now hard to make a distinction between jihadists, bandits, tions like Amotekun, Ebube Agu, Civilian Joint Task Force and exchange of hate rhetoric across the lines that divide us. Suddenly, armed political thugs and free lance criminals in a national free for sundry other nameless militias armed by incumbent politicians. the things that divide us – faith, ethnicity, region, means and access all where criminality has graduated into a thriving enterprise. A rudderless economic policy template has worsened the to opportunity- have been played to the forefront of our national The state as the ultimate guarantor of security and order is poverty and inequality that have always been with us. While India, discourse. everywhere under siege. The army, police and other security agen- China and Brazil pride themselves in the millions of their citizens Among those entrusted with the security of the state, all we hear cies that we have so lavishly funded to protect us are overwhelmed they have migrated out of poverty in the last decade, Nigeria now is a cacophony of discordant voices. While the babel of discord by the fire power of armed non- state competitors. The sense of stands out as the one resource endowed nation that has migrated rages, here is what ordinary Nigerians are experiencing on a daily national sovereignty that sustained Nigeria for the fifty years the largest percentage (almost 40%) of its population into avoidable basis. No one can keep tabs of the exact figure of people being after a sad civil war is gradually shrinking as we watch helplessly poverty in the same time frame. The poverty capital of the world killed, kidnapped, abducted or displaced on a daily basis. Funerals while swathes of our national territory have come under the now has over 100 million Nigerians in it! Perhaps nothing else for souls lost in this undeclared war dovetail into each other. Even armed control of all manner of hoodlums, bandits, separatists and explains the epidemic of insecurity in today’s Nigeria than the the presidency has run short of words for routine condolence mes- extremist terrorists. unprecedented inequality and crisis of abject poverty. sages for lost citizens. The children we labour so hard to send to Literally outgunned and outnumbered by armed competitors Poverty and uncertainty have deepened Nigeria’s most schools are being routinely carted away into dangerous forests by it created and empowered by default or design, the state is literally stubborn pre-existing condition: systemic corruption. The very agents of the dark. Some of them have been wasted in dark forests gasping for breadth. The superiority of force which confers security forces entrusted with the task of securing the nation cannot by agents of the devil. Education, the known key to end ignorance pre-eminence on every nation state is today in doubt in Nigeria. A credibly account for billions of dollars in extra budgetary security and poverty, has become a dangerous and ambiguous adventure strong and capable state does not negotiate and appeal to criminals and defense spending in recent years. Overflowing bureaucra- in many parts of the country. that constrict the freedom and liberty of citizens or threaten their cies at federal and state levels ensure that often inflated charges People who leave their homes in quest of livelihood or to visit lives, limbs and livelihood. As we speak, no one has had the cour- for recurrent expenditure take precedence over much needed loved ones are no longer sure that they will get to their destinations age to tell us whether Nigeria is at peace or at war. But our citizens spending on social services like education, health and social or return to the loved ones they left behind. Our highways have know they are living in a theatre of war. Even in a war situation, the welfare. The provisions for capital development are often inflated become avenues of death. The innocence of pastoral life in the choice is simple. Who goes there? Enemy or friend? If you choose by a legislature that places a price tag on basic oversight functions. villages is daily assaulted and violated by armed strangers. Our wisely, you live. Otherwise, you perish as part of conflict statistics. The already impoverished majority are further burdened with farmlands have become killing fields. It used to be that when But in Nigeria today, there is neither friend nor outright foe. Reality ever increasing taxes on gasoline, electricity, airport use and tolls on trouble visits urban areas, we return to the villages for shelter in wears an inscrutable mask. People die needless deaths. badly maintained roads. the primal embrace of nativity. Not any longer. Urban neighbour- Government can neither guarantee the fierce protection of a war By the moment, the urgency of the emergency we face is hoods are terrorized by youth in cultic formations wielding situation nor the secure tranquility of peace time. Increasing the nu- recasting the defining questions of our national life. Those who dangerous weapons and incensed with unknown concoctions merical strength of the armed forces without disarming the illegal believe in democracy are wondering whether routine democracy from hell. Wives and daughters are openly violated sometimes in armed contestants is futile. Inequality, poverty, porous borders and can dig Nigeria out of the ditch dug for us by the Buhari presidency. full view of family while desperate calls for help from law enforce- insecurity as an industry are producing armed criminals at a pace At best, the nagging question is whether in fact the precarious ment is met with uncaring indifference or polite avoidance. Even faster than the state can ever match with its declining resources. state of our national security will allow Mr. Buhari to get to the for law enforcement personnel, the uniform that used to confer Regular soldiers and police men need time for training and a end of his tenure in 2023. On this, we really have no choice. Only strength, authority and some immunity has become a mark of the budget to be equipped and armed. Bandits need only a phone democracy offers the way out of our present quagmire. We must beast, the costume of those who must die. invitation, an AK -47 sourced from hell and a few hours of weapons not entertain the nightmare of alternative forms of regime change. Progressively, the forces of insecurity seem to be armed with a training. Soldiers and policemen are supposed to be inspired by Nor should we encourage the political hounds in Abuja to chase off compass systematically targeted at suffocating the arteries of our patriotism and protection of national sovereignty. For bandits and the beleaguered President through an untidy impeachment move. shrinking national sovereignty. Beginning from the North East, outlaws, hunger, anger and greed are the only sources of morale. That is lazy politics. The legislature, executive and the professional the campaign of untidy conquest and sporadic occupations has The more politically charged segments of the elite are now ask- managers of violence should work together to contain the security spread steadily to the North West. North Central and now the ing whether Nigeria as we have come to know it can survive in tact situation in the context of democratic norms. South East. Abuja is within gun sights as panic has been reported with all the forces of stress and tension pulling the nation in many Still, Nigeria’s current existential insecurity poses a novel even in the most hallowed precincts. Lagos is stressed as the different separatist directions. The ugly message of ‘re-structuring’ question for both political theory and practice: the poser is simply remaining bastion of economic survival erupts ever so frequently and national separation has trickled down to the markets, village this: When a democratically elected leadership runs a nation in cult clashes and daylight gang upheaval. squares, churches, mosques and bus stops. Ordinary people have aground, can democracy save itself and also salvage the nation so Geidam, the Yobe state home town of the new IG of police, is begun to imagine themselves as citizens of unlikely places like endangered? THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ͷ˜ͰͮͰͯ 77

News Editor: Gboyega Akinsanmi NEWS E-mail: ÑÌÙãÏÑ˲ËÕÓØÝËØ×Ó̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙט͸΀͹ͽͺͻͽ΁ͺͽͻ Downsizing Won’t End Fiscal Crisis, Experts Warn ‡ Utomi urges FG to sell 3% from NLNG shares ‡Yusuf, Oyedele seek removal of fuel subsidy Gboyega Akinsanmi sparked stern responses with President Muhammadu Buhari rate unduly scary. more wealth.” not have many regulatory infrastructure from the budget. As the federal and state directing the presidential com- Rather than downsizing, Utomi, also, cited the case of crises. “Private capital is used governments are consider mittee on salaries and wages Utomi noted that the country Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), He, then, noted that creat- significantly for infrastructure. stringent measures in response to review and realign earnings required more creative ap- which he said, was the most ing a friendly and responsive Currently, there is $17.1 trillion to the prevailing fiscal crisis, of employees of ministries, proaches to improve public profitable investment in the regulatory environment “will currently at zero or negative public finance experts yesterday agencies, and parastatals while finance, citing the need for country given the billion of make Nigeria a destination for interest rates. This fund is out warned that reducing staff some state governments were the federal government to dollars it had been generat- investments. We need to give there. The question is: are we strength would complicate considering downsizing. leverage on its national assets ing for the governments at incentives to foreign companies attractive enough for them to their challenges rather than With these stringent mea- to attract funds locally and all levels. to relocate. come to Nigeria?” solving them. sures under consideration, internationally. He rhetorically asked: “Can “Let us give a grant to With the prevailing fiscal Rather than downsizing Utomi warned that downsizing He cited the case of Federal you imagine what will be flow- those companies so that they crisis, Yusuf challenged the or rightsizing, the experts would complicate the fiscal Secretariat in Lagos, which ing into the country if we list can come here. Let us give political leaders at all levels challenged the governments quagmire for both federal according to him, had not NLNG in the London Stock tax holiday so that they can to address the issues of high to come up with creative fiscal and state government while been attracting the kind of Exchange? Its value will be locate here. Let us give bank cost of governance and fis- strategies to improve public Oyedele said it would worsen commercial revenue it should much higher than what it is guarantees to secure loans so cal leakages in their various finance, recommending fuel the country’s existing social generate in taxes after 30 years now. We can sell 3% of NLNG that they can locate. These are domains, urging them to scale subsidy removal and creating and security challenges. of relocating to Abuja. shares to raise millions of what local councils are doing up the culture of accountability an enabling environment to Yusuf canvassed outright He said: “If we do things dollars instead of borrowing in the United States. in governance. attract foreign direct invest- removal of the fuel subsidy properly in Nigeria, we should to fund the budget.” He, also, recommended Also, he emphasised the ments, among others. regime, describing it as an not be in this mess. We should The political economist, sourcing private capitals need to address the national Nigeria’s leading political important element of the internationally value assets like also, suggested the need “to finance infrastructureconcern around the restoration economist, Prof Pat Utomi; solution to the fiscal crisis and the Federal Secretariat and list improve the country’s regula- rather than funding it from of true federalism to the federa- Director-General, Lagos Cham- seeking a creative exit strategy in our asset register. Foreign tory environment,” noting that the budget, saying there tion, which he argued would bers of Commerce & Industry from the subsidy quagmire. capital will be flowing in to the country’s budgetary process are no longer many places encourage healthy competition (LCCI), Dr. Muda Yusuf and Utomi explained the budget energise such assets to create would be quite better if it did where governments finance among the federating units. Fiscal Policy Partner, PwC crisis from two interrelated per- Nigeria, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele spectives, which according to made these recommendations him, revealed the government in separate interviews with was receiving enough dollars THISDAY yesterday. to fund the budget on the one The Nigerian National hand and crude oil prices and Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) sales ran into turbulence in had alerted the federal and state the global oil market on the governments to its dwindling other hand. contribution to the federation He said the country’s public account as a result of the finance funding primarily bloated fuel subsidy. “depends on oil receipt. Also, The state oil giant had internally generated revenue noted that it would only be (IGR) cannot go up at the time remitting N12.966 billion to the businesses are struggling and Federation Accounts Allocation companies are retrenching. Committee (FACC) in June after Right now, the private sector deducting the value of fuel is in a weak position. In fact, subsidy from its income. increasing taxes will compound The document, which was our problems.”Utomi, therefore, attached to a letter written to warned against retrenching the Accountant General of the in the public service, which Federation, was dated April according to him would com- 26 and signed by the NNPC’s pound the country’s economic FOR EFFECTIVE POLICING . . Chief Financial Officer, Umar and security challenges at the L-R: Head, Sales and Marketing, Axxela Limited, Mr Tunde Baba-Agba; Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Ogun State Security Trust Fund Isa. time inflation was on the steady (OGSTF), Otunba Opeyemi Agbaje; Chief Executive Officer, Axxela Limited and Head, Community Relations & Security, Axxela Limited during the Consequently, the letter had increase and unemployment presentation of two brand new patrol vehicles to OGSTF in Victoria Island, Lagos… Friday NFF Raises the Alarm over Rising Violence against Women, Girls Tobi Soniyi in incidents of kidnapping, government at all levels to and murder of 20 year old evidence circulating on social #StateofEmergencyonSGBV. rape, sexual violence and rise up to their constitutional philosophy graduate Iniobong media. It also appealed to the The Nigerian Feminist murder, perpetuated on women duty to ensure the protection Umoren by Uduak Akpan in “There are countless Nigerian Governor’s Forum Forum has expressed concern and girls. of lives and properties in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State had persons violating the rights not to forget its promises at the rising level of insecurity, The statement said: “We Nigeria.” again raised the antenna on of girls and women walking and callout on addressing despair, and bloodshed across are compelled to call for the The group stated that sexual violence experienced free, not facing justice and Sexual and Gender Based the country even as it called protection of women and women and girls were by women and girls. causing more harm such as Violence (SGBV) within on governments at all levels girls throughout the country routinely victims of sexual It said: “In Lagos, respected Uduak who had a history its ranks by peer-to-peer to put measures in place to especially against all forms and gender-based violence, thespian, Olarenwaju Omiy- of sexual assault and rape.” reviewing of those that protect women and girls. of gender-based violence. harassment, and the gradual inka, popularly known as NFF has therefore called have domesticated the In a statement signed by “We are concerned at the and systematic breakdown Baba Ijesha was caught trying on everyone no matter how Violence Against Persons its Communications Officer, seeming absence of adequate of law and order might lead to defile a 14 year old minor, highly placed to respect the Prohibition Act (VAPP) and Angela Nkwo, NFF said its internal security from the to a national crisis. right in the comfort of her dignity of every girl-child and have demonstrated a robust meme bees were disheartened security agencies to protect NFF said recent kidnap home even when he was a woman, whilst reminding the prosecution of perpetrators of to see reports showing increase the people, and call on the under false pretences, rape trusted family friend. Video authorities on the declared violence. Adewole: How Nigeria Can Earn $20bn from Oil Palm Annually Gboyega Akinsanmi Association (NOPGA), exporter of oil palm globally.” Malaysia. is 1.34 metric ton, while her national production. noted that the development The Central Bank of Nigeria However, Adewole said average Annual production is The managing director The Managing Director/ fund would help states with (CBN) had revealed that with mounting concern 1.02 metric ton. She imports noted that the challenge to Chief Executive Officer, Ok- comparative advantages to Nigeria could make above that Nigeria, a one time net annually an average of 0.32 re-dress the embarrassing itipupa Oil Palm Plc, Mr. Taiwo increase oil palm production to $20billion annually from exporter of palm oil and its metric ton. trend was a national task for Adewole yesterday asked the the country’s needs and export cultivation and processing allied products, today had Adewole, therefore, charged all the stakeholders, with the federal government to set up to other countries that were of palm oil if it maintained become a net importer and the federal government to government at the front. Oil Palm Development Trust not self-sufficient. its market dominance in the losing the foreign exchange create Oil Palm Develop- He noted that the oil palm Fund in partnership with He made the recommenda- palm oil industry. benefits that followed it. ment Trust Funds (OPDTF) development fund “has begun producing states as a strategy tion at a session with THISDAY In the 1960s, according to Today, according to him, in partnership with oil palm to play its role in this regard to earn $20 billion from oil at the weekend, disclosing that the apex bank, Nigeria was Nigeria has slid to the 6th producing states, for the with the commencement of the palm production annually. Nigeria “still imports 25% of its the world’s largest producer largest producer in both development of the crop and development of additional 6,000 Adewole, a member of the national requirements annually of palm oil, before it was Africa and the world. Nigeria’s to bridge the widening gap hectares of oil palm plantation Nigerian Oil Palm Growers rather than being a leading over-taken by Indonesia and annual palm oil consumption between national demand and around its base in Okitipupa. 78 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ͷ˜ͰͮͰͯ NEWSXTRA Alternate School Programme Will Reduce Number of Out-of-School Children, Farouk Reveals Tobi Soniyi “While there are many “At a minimum these children schooled.” the towns and cities, others are about 10 – 12 years today. In programmes from government will be equipped with arithmetic, According to her, the programme at the markets, some are at the the next 10 years they will The Minister of Humanitarian and in the non-governmental literacy, basic technology and social will benefit Nigerians in many mechanic and spare-parts villages, be 20 – 22. Already they are Affairs, Disaster Management and space targeted at OOSC, the ASP is studies education. The ASP will ways. Apart from reducing the some are at the motor parks, and vulnerable to risks including: Social Development, Ms. Sadiya different because it also targets the also pair the existing Social Invest- number of out of school children, many are the Almajiris (many are trafficking of children, stealing Farouk has said providing educa- humanitarian and social challenges ment Programs to their particular the minister said it would also in Islamic schooling and care, others children, recruiting children in tion for every child is the best way faced by the OOSC. circumstances, for example with provide the children and their are just beggars on the streets) criminal activities, children on to secure Nigeria. “There are many reasons the Home Grown School Feeding families with social protection. who are mainly in the Northern drugs, use of children in cultist The minister, in an interview children do not go to school even these children will be provided She said: “Some of these out of part of our country, etc. activities etc. are consuming many with our correspondent said this when the facility is available; for nutrition when they are being school children are loitering around “Most of these children are of these children.” informed the decision of President example: their households are un- Muhammadu Buhari to approve able to afford basic needs, they are the Alternate School Programme. pursuing apprenticeships, gender She noted that Nigeria has more inequalities, social and cultural than 13 million children out of reasons, they are unable to access school and that the government school structures etc.. was determined to make sure that “The ASP will bring basic no child was left out of school. education to these children so She said: “This is where the that they are equipped with the Alternate School Programme comes education and skills to be part in. It is an intervention programme of the social-economy as they focused on providing education grow. Every child has the right in a flexible way to out-of-school to education, no matter their children while also providing them circumstances and the ASP will with social investment Program be part of what ensures that for benefits our country’s children. APM Terminals Greets Shonekan at 85 The Board and Management astute businessman and patriotic of APM Terminals Nigeria have Nigerian. felicitated with elder statesman “Chief GCFR and former Head of the Interim is an epitome of patriotism, National Government, Chief Ernest professionalism, commitment Shonekan, on the occasion of his and diligence. He is a rare breed 85th birthday. and an embodiment of high-level Shonekan, a former Board achievements. Chairman of APM Terminals “On behalf of APM Terminals , is 85 today the 9th of May. Nigeria, we thank him for his The Country Manager of APM immense contribution to the Terminals Nigeria, Klaus Laursen, economic development of Nigeria in a statement issued by his of- and to APM Terminals,” Mr. DEDICATED TO CHRIST . . . fice weekend, hailed Shonekan’s Laursen said. Former presidential spokesman, Reno Omokri and his wife, Hana dedicates their daughter at the Debre Genet Kidist Selassie, Ethiopian Orthodox contribution to peace and stability He said APM Terminals would Church, London... yesterday in Nigeria, and to the economy continue to appreciate Shonekan’s of the country. fatherly counsel. He prayed to God He described the elder statesman Almighty to grant him happiness as an accomplished administrator, and good health in the years ahead. Campbell: Nigerian Elite Panicky, Weighing Radical Options Bayo Akinloye Soyinka, for President Muham- diplomat, who had served twice from Germany to Africa so that madu Buhari to seek foreign in Nigeria, as a political counsel- it would be closer to the fighting Accord Party Begins Preparation A former US Ambassador to Ni- assistance to tackle the nation’s lor from 1988 to 1990, and as an against terrorism in the Sahel and geria, John Campbell has described deterioration of security. ambassador from 2004 to 2007, the Lake Chad Basin. Nigeria’s political elites as panicky “The bottom line is that... further noted: “But no consensus Campbell noted: “In the for Lagos Council Election and as such, considering “radical something of a consensus among exists about what state col- face of the deterioration of Sunday Ehigiator options” against the backdrop of Nigerian elites seems to be forming lapse would look like, what security, doom and gloom country. We believe this is the the worsening insecurity in Nigeria, that the country is in deep trouble the way forward should be, about the future of Nigeria only way to maintain peace and although they have yet to agree and that radical options must be and what’ radical restructuring is widespread in public Accord Party (AP), Lagos unity not only among members on “radical restructuring” of the considered,” Campbell pointed out. of the Nigerian state’ would discourse. Still, Clarke went State, yesterday announced sale of the party, but throughout country. Last Sunday, Robert Clarke actually mean or how it could further than most—and on of forms to anyone wishing to Nigeria as a whole.” Campbell, the Ralph Bunche (SAN), often critical of the Buhari be achieved. national television.” contest for council chairman- After due consultation senior fellow for Africa policy government, had raised a fresh “For now, however, the “Buhari’s AFRICOM request ship, vice-chairmanship and among the party leaders and studies at the Council on Foreign dust,when he recommended that outlook would seem to be is an indication of a willingness councillor positions, under also factoring every variables Relations, said in his latest post the country’s democratically-elected continuing, perhaps accelerat- to consider hitherto unacceptable the party’s umbrella. and electoral logistics involved, on the CFR website that, some administration should hand over ing instability and uncertainty.” options. Twenty-two years after the The chairman of the chapter, Beckley disclosed that the party Nigerian movers and shakers ap- power to the military to save On April 27, President military left power and civilian, Mr. Joseph Beckley disclosed resolved that the chairmanship peared panicky over the worsening Africa’s most populous nation Buhari, in a virtual meeting ostensibly democratic federalism this at the weekend while ad- form would go for N500,000; security nationwide. from disintegrating as he wondered with the U.S. Secretary of State, was restored, it is striking that the dressing journalists in Lagos State. vice-chairmanship for N100,000 He cited calls by a former Senate whether Nigeria would survive Antony Blinken, requested that army felt it necessary to issue a The Lagos State Independent and councillor form for President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and another six months. the headquarters of the U.S. Africa denial of any intention to seize Electoral Commission (LAISEC) N150,000. Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole However, the former U.S. Command (AFRICOM) be moved power,” he added. had scheduled the forthcoming According to him, this is far council elections for July 24. less than you will have in other In compliance with the directive, political parties because we are Beckley said the party “is fully more concerned about inclusive Again, Gunmen Attack A’Ibom Police, Kill Five Officers prepared to field candidates for government that would meet the forthcoming elections “and up with the needs of the people Okon Bassey in Uyo police facility in the early Ini Local government area. attacks, the Chairman of Ini there is no going back on our at the grassroots. hours of Saturday. The hood- “Six persons comprising five LGA, Mr. Israel Idaisin alleged arrangement.” He added that the sales of Gunmen have murdered five lums also destroyed facilities, police officers and the wife of that the invasion was from He added that Accord Party forms had begun since April police officers and a wife of an vehicles and other valuables a serving police officer were the Eastern Security Network “is one of the foremost political 27, and is scheduled to close officer during an attack on the at the station. killed during the attack. I am (ESN). parties in the country that is youth by May 25, 2021. Divisional Police Office, Odoro Speaking with THISDAY at the station as we speak,” He said the gunmen, who focused and more connected to A statement signed by the Ikpe in Ini Local Government yesterday, the spokesman of he said came in two buses and a the grassroots. chapter’s Publicity Secretary, Area, Akwa Ibom State. Akwa Ibom State Police Com- In Akwa Ibom State, police Sienna car filled with armed “Due to these reasons, we Oladeji Tosin also revealed that The attack took place barely mand, Mr. Odiko MacDon stations and other security men numbering more than make sure that prices for our the party had inaugurated a a week after the bandits confirmed the attack, saying posts have been targets of 40, arrived Ini LGA with forms are better affordable to seven man ‘2021 Lagos LG invaded the Divisional Police he was at the scene for an serial armed attacks recently, sophisticated weapons broke youth and we don’t believe Election Steering Committee’ Office at Ibiaku Ntok Okpo, on-the-spot assessment. leading to the death of officers into the police facility at in ‘godfatherism’ to set-up modalities for the Ikono Local Government Area, Odiko, a Superintendent of and destruction of facilities, precisely 2:45 a.m. killing five “In our party, everyone council election, oversee the Akwa Ibom State. Police, said: “Yes, there was an including utility vehicles and policemen on duty, burning has an equal chance to aspire sales of forms and screening The bandits, according to attack at the Divisional Police infrastructures. of vehicles while inflicting for any political office in the of applicants. our findings, attacked the headquarters, Odoro Ikpe in Disturbed by Saturday’s injuries on others.” THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ‡MAY 9, 2021 79

Edited by: Duro Ikhazuagbe SUNDAY SPORTS email:[email protected] Chelsea Delay Man City’s Coronation as Premier League Champions

Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report

ergio Aguero made a mess of a Panenka penalty as Chelsea ensured Man- chester City must wait a little longer to wrap up the Premier League title by Àghting back to earn a dramatic 2-1 win at Etihad Stadium. City,S needing three points to become champions of England for the seventh time, took the lead just before half-time through Raheem Sterling’s close-range strike. Aguero had a glorious chance to make it 2-0 from the spot moments later when Billy Gilmour fouled Gabriel Jesus, but the Argentina striker opted for a dinked eͿort that was easily saved by Edouard Mendy. It proved a costly miss, as Chelsea improved after the break and equalised when Cesar Azpilicueta set up Hakim Ziyech to Àre home from the edge of the area. The visitors had two more eͿorts ruled out for oͿside before Marcus Alonso won it for them in injury time, meeting Timo Werner’s pull-back and sending the ball looping over Ederson. This was Chelsea’s second win over City in the space of three weeks, follow- ing their victory in the FA Cup semi-Ànal at Wembley in April. Sergio Aguero (in front) flunked the Panenka-styled panelty against Chelsea last night. Now, Man City will have to wait longer before being crowned champions of the English The two sides will meet again in the Premier League Champions League Ànal in Istanbul at the end of this month. Germain here on Tuesday, while his Chel- In an absorbing game at Elland Road, Dele Alli was allowed to run unchal- This result can only give Chelsea extra sea counterpart Thomas Tuchel made Stuart Dallas put Leeds ahead with his lenged before threading a clever pass into conÀdence for that game, as well as Àve - and the result was a disjointed eighth league goal of the season, the the South Korea forward’s path. providing a big boost to their hopes of a performance from both sides. Northern Ireland midÀelder pouncing But Leeds responded through Bam- top-four Ànish, but in truth this encoun- Elsewhere on the evening, Patrick from close range after Hugo Lloris’ ford, who tapped in Ezgjan Alioski’s ter oͿered few clues to how their next Bamford scored for Leeds United in front terriÀc reaction save to prevent Sergio cross before substitute Rodrigo con- meeting will be decided. of watching England boss Gareth South- Reguilon putting through his own net. Àrmed Spurs’ Àrst league defeat in three City boss Pep Guardiola made nine gate to help dent Tottenham’s European The lead lasted 12 minutes, Son Heung- games under interim manager Ryan changes to the side that beat Paris St- chances. min equalising with a clinical Ànish after Mason. Impressive Eze again Shows His Potentials as Palace Consolidate Status AFN: Nigeria Athletes Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency Crystal Palace’s Àrst win in Àve be mainstays in the Palace side shot was blocked by Egan, and report games, putting them beyond for years to come. he burst forward again to clinch reach of third-bottom Fulham. Deployed in an attacking victory. Focused on Qualifying Nigeria target, Eberechi That capped a Àne perfor- midÀeld role, Eze continued Eze broke down the left and Eze, was on target yesterday mance by the English mid- an impressive Àrst season since cut inside, feinting past a couple as Crystal Palace secured their Àelder, 22, who breezed past making a £19.5m move from of defenders before scu΀ng a for Tokyo Relay Events Premier League status for an- Egan in the opening minute Championship side QPR. shot into the bottom corner. other season with a comfortable before laying oͿ to Christian He was a constant threat Palace now need just three The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) 2-0 victory at already-relegated Benteke, whose shot deÁected with his pace and poise on the wins from their last four match- has described as a total fabrication the report She΀eld United. oͿ George Baldock and over ball. He laid on the opener and es to reach 50 points for the that the purported dropping of some coaches Ebere who is on the radar of Ramsdale into the Blades’ net dispossessed Chris Basham Àrst time in a Premier League from Team Nigeria’s trip to the USA to secure Super Eagles Head Coach, Ger- for the opening goal. before Àring narrowly wide campaign. If Eze and Mitchell qualiÀcations for the relay events of the Tokyo not Rohr to beef up his attacking Crystal Palace have signed in the Àrst half. continue to develop, the Eagles Olympics is unsettling some athletes. The AFN midÀeld, broke forward late on Eze and Tyrick Mitchell, 21, to In the Àrst half, Eze also will hope to be challenging for described the story as a Àgment of imagination to convert a second and secure long-term deals and they could found Wilfried Zaha, whose a top-half Ànish next term. of the writer. “The report is untrue and a calculated attempt to distract the team from achieving the goal of qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics relay Bayern Win Ninth Straight Bundesliga Title with Three Matches to Spare events and achieving podium appearances at Bayern Munich were before Sancho’s winner the Games proper,” Secretary General of the crowned champions of conÀrmed Bayern as cham- AFN, Prince Adisa Beyioku said in a statement Germany for the ninth pions before their game with at the weekend. Beyioku insisted that straight season yesterday Borussia Monchengladbach. it was the prerogative of the federation to pick after nearest challengers In April, Bayern an- the coaches and athletes for any competition. RB Leipzig lost to Borussia nounced RB Leipzig boss “It is the prerogative of the federation to Dortmund. Julian Nagelsmannwould pick the team (coaches and athletes) to any Leipzig, who started the join them on a Àve-year competition based on pre-championship or day seven points behind the contract at the end of this Games rules set by the federation. leaders with three games season after current boss “The USA trip does not qualify as a champi- left, went down 3-2. Hansi Flick said he wanted onship or Games where elite athletes require England’s Jadon Sancho to leave the club. the presence of their personal coaches. doubled the lead after Meanwhile, Dortmund’s The objective for going to the USA is to secure Marco Reus got the Àrst win lifted them to fourth qualiÀcations for the relay teams and it requires goal. spot and kept alive their coaches who have had the experience of taking Lukas Klostermann and chances of qualifying for our team for relay training and qualiÀcation,” stressed the AFN scribe. Dani Olmo made it 2-2 the Champions League. Bayern Munich players celebrating their ninth straight Bundesliga title...yesterday T RU N Sunday May 9, 2021 TH & REASO Price: N400 MISSILE Book Your ALGON to Makinde COVID-19 Tests & Vaccinations “It was a display of executive rascality on the part of Governor Seyi TEXT‘COVID’ TO58123 Makinde to sack democratically elected council offi cials.” – Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) while calling on the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) to postpone council elections in the state following the Supreme Court’s judgment This service is provided in association with accredited service providers reversing the governor’s decision. WAZIRIADIO POSTSCRIPT [email protected] The Limits of Personal Example “The fi rst and the greatest victory is his own car. I had a clear line about what and if not possible shared or donated, and to conquer yourself”– Plato is private and what is offi cial. For instance, I tried to institute a gift policy. Also, the school-run was a private activity, and our job was never a sinecure for me. I actually arrived in public offi ce as a public child did not have a place in an offi cial threw myself into it, got to the offi ce before critic. Most Nigerians are critics of vehicle—so I had to take her in my car. But most of the staff, closed after most, and did the system in various ways. We rail it is not unusual for most public servants more than just hold meetings or treat fi les: and rant to our families and friends, to use public property for clearly private I actually spent a considerable amount of and with the advent of social media, purposes, including unoffi cial travels and time reading, editing, and writing reports. on our timelines. I had the honour of errands for their spouses. To be honest, I To ensure prudence, I worked for most being a member of the commentariat also chose to drive in my car most of the part from a very basic offi ce (it is the people quite early and for so long. I started writing time for practical purposes: to not tie myself and not the football-pitch-sized and glitzy Ia column on the back-page of THISDAY to the desperation to keep the job, to be offi ces that get the work done), I insisted in 1999, was an editorial page editor for able to move freely and stay grounded, on travelling economy class even before a few years, and a member of the paper’s or to be able to eat my lunch in peace in there was a circular to that effect, and I editorial board for some time. I did more a restaurant without being besieged by travelled only when absolutely necessary than my share of x-raying the system and potential contractors or job seekers. and stayed for minimum days possible, its operators, and railing against them. At a Our expectation of public offi ce in Nigeria retired advances given (even when shown point, I was called “the angry young man” is a grossly distorted one. In other societies, that the rule didn’t stipulate that) and in some circles. It was a derisive label that citizens mostly approach public service in returned whatever amount due for return. I came to like. My abandoned collection of what can be simplifi ed as either customer This provided the moral authority to check essays in the early 2000s was to be titled: service or service to shareholders. In the the entitlement dispositions of others, an “The Anatomy of Anger.” So, being in public President Muhammadu Buhari fi rst role, they expect to be well served; in endeavour that didn’t win me plaudits. I offi ce posed a dual challenge to me: when I remain convinced that the ostentation, the other, they expect their agents to adopt have nothing against earned wealth and given the opportunity, can this critic get obsequiousness, and idolatry that we have the most cost-effective means. Despite what comfort, but my attitude is that we should the job done and can he walk his talk? inserted into public service are not only most people say publicly, this is my sense spend public money more prudently than For fi ve breathless years, I served as the unnecessary but also obscene and open to of their expectations: government work is we spend private one, not the other way Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive abuse. In a society where what is public not meant to be exacting; public servants are round. Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI). I can easily be privatised and where existing expected to be mostly patronage-dispensing This attitude was conditioned by a few drove myself and the team hard to ensure checks can easily be compromised, such machines, and in the spirit of “where the things. One, public offi ce is at its core a moral that we had concrete achievements to point to permissiveness can easily feed into the goat is tethered is where it eats” it is not undertaking, as positions are held in trust, during and by the end of my non-renewable megalomania, insecurities and greed of really seen as bad for public servants to take not at the expense of the collective. Two, tenure. How we fared on that score is better duty bearers and invariably lead to further advantage of their positions for personal there are existing rules, codes, regulations adjudged by others. But I am proud of the immiseration of the collective. gains. These dispositions may appear and even laws designed to tame the base little we were able to achieve, even with all A year into my tenure, I ran into two harmless, but they spawn the vaulting human instinct to take undue advantage the unadvertised constraints. However, I am friends at the airport in Abuja. I was travelling sense of entitlement and status, the soughing of positions, but they can be undermined prouder of my ability to remain myself, my alone and was doing what normal people lack of urgency and sense of duty, and the easily by a permissive culture. Three, there refusal to get sucked into the grandeur and with the benefi t of two hands do: drawing pervasive unfairness, waste and predation is a lot those at the top can do, beyond permissiveness that we weave around public my two bags myself. Jokingly, one of the that contribute to the governance defi cits delivering on their core mandate, to set the offi ce in Nigeria, the conscious decision to friends wondered if I was really working in our society. tone and shape behaviours of others. And uphold, largely through myself, the values in government. A few minutes before we I chose to work with a different set of indeed, it is important to acknowledge that I hold dear. Ordinarily, most of the things met, they had encountered another head of expectations. I consciously opted to always there are more than a few public offi cials I did in this wise should not warrant a a federal agency surrounded by gun-toting go beyond prescribed minimums and doing a lot in modelling a prudent and an drop of ink. But that is exactly the point: security-men. This person held a position that found ways to signal a business-unusual ethical approach to public life in Nigeria, they are so basic as to be taken for granted did not warrant any such protection. As the approach. But this did not discourage but my sense is that they are still in the elsewhere, but mostly notable by their near head of an agency beaming the searchlight those who wanted business to be usual. minority. absence in our country. on the still dominant oil sector and always For example, I received torrent of requests On deep refl ection, I have come to conclude For a start, we continue to have a talking about unremitted or unpaid billions for processes to be bent to give contracts or on why this is so: though leading by example problematic relationship with public offi ce. of dollars, I could make a better claim for employments. Some of these requests for is necessary and has its personal and public With our mostly monarchical heritage state protection than that my colleague. But manipulation came from people who are utility, it has its limits. It goes back to the possibly playing a part, we elevate public I never asked for one because I actually did otherwise very decent, religious even, and unsettled debate about individual agency offi ce holders to the pedestal of royalty, not need one. Beyond having unnecessary they made the requests without any hint of and the operating environment/culture. ply them with perks and protections that security detail mostly for egoistic reasons dissonance, a confi rmation of Ekeh’s thesis In our case, the overarching norms and have little to do with their tasks. We expect and denying the public of badly-needed about how what we see as immoral in the cultural narratives around state-society them to use public resources to take care security, it is not unusual for some public primordial realm is not seen as immoral in relations not only impose costs and reduce of themselves, their families, friends and offi cials to drive in convoys, push other the civic realm, our legendary bifurcation the incentive for the multiplication of this communities as long as they are kind enough road-users out of the way, terrorise their of morality. I insisted that procurements breed but also circumscribe the impact of to bend the rules for us here and there. This neighbours with sirens. While some public and the few recruitments must be done personal example especially at such a limited is a well-studied pathology. Scholars from offi cials may need such, my conclusion is fairly, competitively, and transparently. In level. We still run a system where those Max Weber to Francis Fukuyama spoke that most do not. my fi rst meeting with the procurement team, who try to be different are seen simply about patrimonialism. Richard Joseph I have always been a simple person. Public I told them on my own that no matter the as outliers to be tolerated, and possibly implicates prebendalism in the fall of our offi ce didn’t change that. We lived in our pressure brought on me, I would never tell labelled as naive or wicked; they are treated Second Republic. And in his seminal essay, semi-detached three-bedroom bungalow on them to manipulate the process for anyone, as curios to be admired, not replicated, and the late Peter Ekeh gave insights into our the outskirt of Abuja for almost two years and if I ever did, they should refuse and as temporary passers-by to be timed out if amoral relations with the civic realm. In my of my time at NEITI before we moved to a remind me of my pledge. not undermined. While not discounting the short stint in public offi ce, I encountered rented house closer to town. I drove in my Steering clear of confl ict of interests power of individual agency, I will submit various manifestations of this well-theorised 2011 Passat to and from work for most of remains a big deal for me. I left a standing that the real arena for lasting change is the malaise. my tenure. I used the offi cial vehicle strictly instruction that the offi ce must never buy reform of the dysfunctional culture around I will touch on a few areas, some of them for offi cial duties. And that did not include food or pastries from my wife who runs public offi ce. The individual cannot replace quite mundane but highlighted because taking our then six-year-old to school on my a bakery and a food business, and that if the environment. they serve as windows to larger issues. way to work or going out for lunch in the anyone did I would not approve the payment. The fi rst is that I resisted the attempt by afternoon or going for Jummat prayers. For I turned down allowances or perks that t"EJP BWJTJUJOHGFMMPXBUUIF"GSJDBO those who would rather treat me as a “big this, I drew inspiration from the late Lateef didn’t make sense or appeared wasteful to 4UVEJFT$FOUSFPGUIF6OJWFSTJUZPG0YGPSE  man” or the temptation to treat myself as Jakande, an outstanding public administrator, me and insisted that not everything that JTXPSLJOHPOBCPPLBOETPNFFTTBZT one just because I was merely lucky to be who, as the governor of Lagos State, lived is allowed should be done; I asked that POIJTTUJOUBTUIF&YFDVUJWF4FDSFUBSZ appointed the head of a government agency. in his own house in Ilupeju and drove in even token gifts like hampers be returned, PG/&*5* Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja . 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