NNPC Awards Oil Swap Contracts to 34 Firms Ejiofor Alike with agency contracts to exchange crude the deals said. Barbedos/Petrogas/Rainoil; referred to as offshore crude supplies crude oil to selected reports oil for imported fuel. The winning groups include: UTM/Levene/Matrix/Petra oil processing agreements local and international oil Under the new contract that BP/Aym Shafa; Vitol/Varo; Atlantic; TOTSA; Duke Oil; (OPAs) and crude-for-products traders and refineries in The Nigerian National will take effect this month, a Trafigura/AA Rano; MRS; Sahara; Gunvor/Maikifi; exchange arrangements, are exchange for petrol and diesel. Petroleum Corporation total of 15 groupings, with at Oando/Cepsa; Bono/ Litasco /Brittania-U; and now known as Direct Sale- NNPC had in May 2017, (NNPC) yesterday issued least 34 companies in total, Akleen/Amazon/Eterna; Mocoh/Mocoh . Direct Purchase Agreements signed the deals with local award letters to oil firms received award letters, four Eyrie/Masters/Cassiva/ NNPC’s crude swap deals, (DSDP). for the highly sought-after sources with knowledge of Asean Group; Mercuria/ which were previously Under the deals, the NNPC Continued on page 8

Lower Commodity Prices Weaken Inflation to 11.22%... Page 8

Tuesday 16 July, 2019 Vol 24. No 8863 Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com T RU N TH & REASO

Oyo Governor Publicly Declares Assets Worth over N48bn... Page 9 Obasanjo Calls for National Confab, Says Nigeria is on the Precipice Writes Buhari PDP, Afenifere, Ohanaeze, Southern, Middle Belt leaders back former president Yakassai faults content of letter By Our Correspondents plunging into an abyss of before Nigeria witnesses the varied reactions from some aligned with Obasanjo’s Forum (ACF), Alhaji Tanko insecurity. Rwandan-type genocide or critical stakeholders. position, calling on Buhari to Yakassai, dismissed the content Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in an open letter turn to another Yugoslavia. The leadership of the take the former president’s of Obasanjo’s letter, describing Obasanjo yesterday expressed to the president, released His letter, which detailed Southern and Middle Belt warning seriously before it it as not only selfish but also concern over the spike in cases in Abeokuta, warned the the security challenges Leaders Forum (SMBLF); is too late. unpatriotic, ill-conceived and of killings and kidnappings president that Nigeria was confronting the nation and pan-Yoruba socio-cultural But a former Liaison Officer a clear invitation to national in Nigeria and called on on the edge of the precipice his suggestions on how to organisation, Afenifere; and to Second Republic President disaster. President Muhammed Buhari and urgent steps must be resolve them, including a the main opposition Peoples Shehu Shagari and a founding to pull back the country from taken to find lasting solutions national conference, elicited Democratic Party (PDP) member of Arewa Consultative Continued on page 8 OBAIGBENA AT 60... Encomiums as Toni Braxton, Tiwa Savage, Wizkid Headline Celebration How to make Nigeria greater, by Fashola, Obiozor, Danbaba, NPA MD It's all about God's grace, says celebrant Nseobong Okon-Ekong, yesterday at the Eko Hotel Chiemelie Ezeobi, Vanessa and Suites, , where Obioha and Solomon Elusoji Chairman/Editor-in-Chief THISDAY Media Group/ It was a night of glamour. Of Arise TV Networks, Nduka tributes. Of music. Of gaiety Obaigbena, a prince of Owa and camaraderie. Kingdom in , drew There was much to eat political bigwigs, technocrats, CELEBRATING OBAIGBENA @ 60... and to drink. The ambience captains of industry, the was cool and the guest list intelligentsia and others to L-R: Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele; celebrant/Chairman, THISDAY Newspaper & Arise TV, Prince impressive. Nduka Obaigbena; Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Jim Ovia and Governor, Delta State, Senator Ifeayin Okowa, during the 60th That was the atmosphere Continued on page 8 birthday party of Obaigbena in Lagos... yesterday abiodun ajala 2 TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 • THISDAY TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 • THISDAY 3 4 TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 • THISDAY TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 • THISDAY 5 6 TUESDAY,  ͹;˜ͺ͸͹΁˾THISDAY PAGE SIX Tribunal Admits Atiku’s Video Evidence in Petition against Buhari Witnesses allege attacks on PDP agents, intimidation of voters in Borno, Yobe Alex Enumah in counsel, in their submissions, rigging during the poll. In a short ruling, Justice controversial central server West African School Certificate had objected to the Immediately Atiku's counsel, Garba dismissed the objection and the third on Buhari's (WAEC), there is no evidence President , admissibility of the video Chris Uche (SAN), announced of the respondents, reminding certificate. of the WAEC result in his the Independent National evidence on the grounds his plan to tender the video them of the agreement they In the first video, which personal file with the military. Electoral Commission (INEC) that the documents were not discs and play some of them freely entered, adding that once were from a clip recorded But when Buhari's lawyer, and the All Progressives front loaded, not part of the through one of the witnesses, an agreement is reached, it from a television programme Alex Izinyon (SAN), sought Congress (APC) yesterday documents agreed and they Segun Showunmi, counsel to becomes binding on all. aired on a Lagos-based private to play a counter-video failed in their bids to stop were taken by surprise by the INEC, Yunus Usman (SAN), He stressed that no party station, Channels Television, recording, the petitioners the Peoples Democratic Party petitioners. objected to the request. could deviate from the INEC's Resident Electoral objected, forcing Izinyon to (PDP) and its presidential Atiku and his party, the PDP, Usman said INEC did not agreement or adopt a position Commissioner in Akwa Ibom ask for an adjournment to candidate, Alhaji Atiku are alleging that the February support any bid by Atiku that breach the terms of the State, Mike Igini, was quoted enable him to bring his own Abubakar, from tendering 23 presidential poll was and PDP to play the video agreement. as saying that results from equipment for the purpose of video compact discs (VCDs) marred by widespread rigging, recordings for the tribunal He said in line with the the units and wards will be cross examining the witness. as evidence to prove their violence and substantial non- to see and to admit same as agreement, parties had collated from the Form EC8E The tribunal granted the petition that the president did compliance with the Electoral exhibits. tendered various documents after which they would be request and adjourned further not lawfully win the February Act. He added that the video and objections indicated with transferred to the card reader hearing in the matter till 23, 2019 presidential election. They have called witnesses VCDs were not front-loaded reasons to the objections and "transmitted to the central Tuesday for the continuation The Presidential Election from various states, particularly by the petitioners and that deferred till the final address server." of the cross-examination of Petition Tribunal, sitting from the northern part of the INEC, which conducted the stage. However, under cross- the petitioners’ witness. in Abuja, dismissed their country, where they alleged election, has been ambushed. He added that no particular examination, the witness Earlier, three witnesses, objections and admitted as most of the abnormalities He told the tribunal that only document was excluded from admitted that Igini was not the Babagana Kukawa, Hon. exhibits 48 VCDs tendered took place. documents front-loaded would been tendered from the bar. official spokesman for INEC. Abana Pogu and Suleiman by the petitioners. After calling three witnesses be allowed to be admitted as "Cases sighted are not The second video exhibit also Mohammed Bulama from The five-man panel, led by at the resumed hearing exhibits. material at this stage, the showed INEC Chairman, Prof. Borno and Yobe states, had Justice Mohammed Garba, in yesterday, Atiku sought to Buhari and APC aligned documents are admitted in Mahmud , expressing testified that Buhari and APC admitting the documents, tender 48 video recordings of themselves with the submission evidence", the tribunal held. optimism before the election on the election day used dismissed the objections raised alleged irregularities during of INEC. Consequently, the panel that the commission would use soldiers to attack and injure by all the respondents on the the conduct of the poll. Responding, Uche drew the admitted the 48 video CDs the electronic system during PDP agents. grounds that the documents The former vice president attention of the tribunal to the as exhibits and ordered the the conduct of the 2019 general The witnesses also alleged sought to be tendered were and PDP also applied to the pre-hearing report where they petitioners to lead evidence election. that village and district heads in line with the agreement tribunal to play the video all consented that objections on them. The third video showed were also used to intimidate reached by the parties and recordings in the courtroom to documents admission Showunmi played three the military during a press and threaten voters to vote for adopted by the tribunal. as part of efforts to substantiate could only be made at the of the CDs, two of which briefing stating that although Buhari or risk being ejected Buhari, INEC and APC their allegations of massive final address stage. bordered on report on the Buhari claimed to possess a from their farmlands. OBAIGBENA AT 60: ENCOMIUMS AS TONI BRAXTON, TIWA SAVAGE, WIZKID HEADLINE CELEBRATION join him in celebrating his 60th to the admiration of all. The Duke. for Nigeria. must not underestimate the he charged the audience to birthday. For her almost one hour Reading intermittently "The problem of Nigeria capacity and power of a well “think about Nigeria, think Yesterday’s event, tagged on the stage, Braxton sang, from their speech, they said: is the political leadership. resourced, well trained, very about inequality and how ‘60 Years of God’s Grace’, danced, walked into the crowd “He makes things happen. As long as our leaders keep competitively recruited civil we can make Nigeria better.” was the grand finale of the and engaged the audience in He often tells us failure is playing the ostrich and keep service as the real drivers of It was indeed an emotional two-day celebration, which a sing-along section. inevitable but if you fail, dodging to solve the real development,” he said. night for the celebrant who began on Sunday with a Ushered in by four male always stand up. He has problem, every generation of On her part, Managing was showered with accolades thanksgiving service at The dancers, the sultry singer set played an incredible role in Nigerians will keep facing the Director of the Nigerian Ports by friends, colleagues and Cathedral Church of Christ, the tone for the night with her Nigeria and in all of our lives. same problem. What Nigeria Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala family members. Some of Marina, Lagos. 2009 single 'Please'. She took “Daddy, you have been our needs urgently is a political Usman, agreed with Fashola the dignitaries who graced But it was not only a night the audience on a memory protector and provided for system of shared powers." that the public service should the occasion were Ogun of hedonistic display, it also lane when she sang 'He Wasn't us. We won’t be what we are In his contribution, former be peopled by the nation’s State Governor, Prince Dapo featured a conversation on Man Enough' and for 'Another today without you. We wish Northern Region Premier, best. Abiodun; his the state of the nation and Love Song'. you many more years.” Alhaji Ahmadu Bello's "Every time I see young counterpart, Mr. Godwin the future of Nigeria. In the middle of her After their tribute, it was grandson, Alhaji Hassan people try to come into the Obaseki. An entire section of the 'Breathe Again' performance, time to make a toast to many Danbaba, said the solution public sector, I encourage Others include key players hotel was transformed into award-winning Braxton left more years of grace. The toast to Nigeria's problems was them. I also believe we need in the nation’s economy such nature’s own fortress with the stage and walked to gave way for the cutting of dialogue. to have reform minded people as Chairman of Metis Capital tonnes of green grasses, which the VIP section where the the cake. "In my own perspective, it in the political space,” she Partners, Mr. Hakeem Bello- signifies life. celebrant was in the company Supported by the Governors is an issue that needs to bring added. Osagie; former Guaranty Trust The symbolism behind the with dignitaries who had Emeka Ihedioha (Imo), people together to sit down According to her, the Bank Managing Director, Mr. green grasses was not lost on graced his 60th birthday Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and discuss. The issues are country needs to work on Fola Adeola and former many of the guests who were celebration. (Kwara) and Ifeanyi Okowa so many. The best thing is its consumer credit and Managing Director of UBA, witnesses to the behind-the- She had earlier greeted (Delta State) as well as to sit down, look at what the national identity systems, Mr. Tony Elumelu. scene battles of the celebrant, and congratulated him on Central Bank of Nigeria problem is and find solutions. adding that doing so would Bringing the night to a near- who was hospitalised for three his birthday celebration. (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin We need to come together. “help us develop our middle close, afro-pop superstar, Tiwa months recently. This time around, she sang to Emefiele, Obaigbena cut his Initially I used to think that class. I think we should start Savage, thrilled the audience Asides the greenery, him and his friends, eliciting birthday cake. the leadership needs to do walking the talk. It's time to with some of her hit songs the dangling chandeliers, screams of excitement from Zenith Bank Founder, more, but the common man start implementing this. Lets before Wizkid came on stage alongside the revolving disco the audience. Mr. Jim Ovia, anchored the also needs to do more. The stop excuses and get Nigeria to entertain the crowd with lights gave the entire ballroom Thrilling the audience with cutting of the birthday cake leadership can't do it alone," working.” a medley of songs. a cozy ambience. her evergreen melodies, she and afterwards wished the he added. Drapped in their finest, the initially took a bow with celebrant an additional 60 In his submission, Celebrant’s guests were first hosted to a 'Unbreak My Heart' but was years. immediate past Minister of Appreciation cocktail in another area that later called back on stage for Another highlight of the Power, Works and Housing, was decorated with plenty of one last performance. occasion was the encomiums Mr. Babatunde Fashola, said Then, it was the turn of foliage and a water fountain, Braxton's visit to Nigeria poured on the celebrant the country should recruit its the Obaigbena to address thus adding to the aesthetic for Obaigbena's birthday by family, friends and best brains into the public his guests. In his speech TOP GAINERS NGN NGN % beauty. celebration is another acquaintances. service. interspersed with witty jokes At the dinner, drinks testament of his super taste "What is the silver bullet for and anecdotes, he said his life CORNERSTONE 0.02 0.22 10 flowed, there were tasty and panache. Not one known Evening of Nigeria? On deep reflection was as a result of God’s grace. AIICO 0.05 0.70 7.6 dishes with scintillating to do things in half measures, Conversations and with the benefit of public Recalling how his proposed dessert as the audience were he threw all in the ring for a service, there is one thing I plans to host family and LASACO 0.02 0.31 6.9 regaled with a documentary splendid celebration. Earlier, there was a think we need to pay attention friends last December failed VITAFOAM 0.16 3.70 4.5 on the life of the celebrant. conversation on the state to: it is the professionals in because of ill health, he said Encomiums of the nation during which Nigeria, the quality of those after being hospitalised for CONOIL 0.40 20.40 2.0 Toni Braxton former Nigerian Ambassador that choose to come into the three months, it was obvious TOP LOSERS NGN % As the evening progressed, to the United States, Professor public service. God still has a role for him Entertains Guests Braxton finished her set at George Obiozor, called for “We need to bring in our to play. CHIPLC 0.03 0.30 9.0 As the guests wined and about 9.53pm, giving way to the renegotiation of the very best. The very best of our He said: “It’s a privilege to SOVETRUST 0.02 0.21 8.7 dined, popular American R&B a pre-recorded testimonial of basis of Nigeria’s unity and human capital have left the host you today. In December COURTVILLE 0.02 0.22 8.3 singer and songwriter, Toni the celebrant by friends, well co-existence among its people public sector for the private last year, I proposed a thank- Braxton, was introduced to a wishers and family. must be renegotiated. sector." you evening with quite a few CHAM PLC 0.02 0.28 7.1 visibly excited crowd. Kenim Obaigbena in her He said: “When I hear Fashola also wondered how of my friends but on the eve TOTAL 10.00 140.00 7.1 Song by song, the songbird speech lauded her father for people say that Nigeria’s unity many Nigerians who attended of that day, I fell gravely ill. serenaded the guests and at a being a mentor that they can cannot be negotiated, I laugh. Ivy League schools are now in “But today, I want to thank HPE Nestle Nig Plc ₦1,228.00 point she asked an audience look up to, who keeps pushing It can be negotiated from time the police, federal ministries God. I was in the hospital Volume: 175.168 million shares member to join her on the them to be the best in their to time. So we should not or teaching in public schools. for three months and I was stage. endeavours. resist the inevitable. It’s a "That is for me the singular out of action but God has a Value: N2.144 billion Although the guest, who Afterwards, two of his historical fallacy to say that recommendation I will role for me to play.” simply gave her name as daughters mounted the the Nigerian unity cannot be make. We must decide to While mentioning some Deals: 3,111 Nkechi could not sing the podium to lavish encomiums renegotiated. That is why I populate the Nigerian civil of his high-end friends in As at yesterday 15/7/19 lyrics of the song, that did on the man they call father, believe the 2014 National service with the very best his appreciation speech, he not deter her from swaying but the world refers to as Conference was a good thing of our human capital. We waxed philosophical when See details on Page 31 TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 • THISDAY 7 8 TUESDAY,  ͹;˜ͺ͸͹΁˾THISDAY NEWS Lower Commodity Prices Weaken Inflation to 11.22% James Emejo in Abuja month. rate of change of the index was tame inflation in recent times. a low and stable inflationary According to the NBS, on a 9.64 per cent for the twelve- The decline in the headline environment is essential to the The Consumer Price Index month-on-month, the urban month period ending June 2019; index could signal a positive growth of our economy because (CPI), which measures inflation, index rose by 1.10 per cent, this is 0.13 per cent points lower start of CBN Governor, Mr. it will help support long term declined to 11.22 per cent year- up by 0.05 per cent from 1.15 than 9.77 per cent recorded in Godwin Emefiele's second planning by individuals and on-year in June compared to per cent recorded in May, while May 2019," it stated. term, having vowed to curtail businesses. 11.40 per cent in May, according the rural index also rose by 1.05 One of the major concerns the index. "It will also help to lower to the National Bureau of per cent in June, up by 0.02 around high inflation had Speaking recently while interest rates charged by banks Statistics (NBS). per cent from 1.07 per cent rate been its benign effect on both unveiling his agenda for the to businesses thereby facilitating Food inflation also reduced to recorded in May. monetary and fiscal policy and next five years of his second improved access to credit and a 13.56 per cent in June compared It, however, said the the economy. tenure as the apex bank boss, corresponding growth in output to 13.79 per cent in the preceding moderation in the food index The drop in the headline Emefiele had said he would and employment," he had said. month. was caused by muted increases index will excite Nigerians, who strive to sustain positive interest Nonetheless, the consecutive According to the CPI figures in the prices of bread and cereals, had endured increases in the rate regime to the delight of monthly drop in inflation in for June, which NBS released meat, oils and fats, potatoes, prices of basic commodities in important stakeholders as well previous months had allowed yesterday, core inflation, which yam and other tubers, fish, recent times, often compounding as work to bring down the prices for a rare opportunity for the excludes the prices of volatile vegetables and fruits. Emefiele the cost of living. of food items, which continued CBN to tinker with the monetary agricultural produce, dropped "On month-on-month basis, Inflation had dropped in to exert inflationary pressures. policy rate (interest rate), which to 8.8 per cent in June, down the food sub-index increased sub-index increased by 0.85 per January 2019 when it declined He had said monetary policy was reduced by 50 basis points by 0.2 per cent compared with by 1.36 percent in June 2019, cent in June, up by 0.10 per cent to 11.37 per cent from 11.44 per measures would be geared recently to the excitement of 9.0 per cent recorded in May. down by 0.05 per cent points when compared with 0.75 per cent in December in 2018. towards containing inflationary the markets. The statistical agency from 1.41 per cent recorded in cent recorded in May. The headline index further pressures and supporting The adjustment in MPR finally further noted that prices were May 2019. The NBS added that the reduced to 11.31 per cent in improved productivity in the came after holding the rate at moderated in all the divisions “The average annual rate of highest increases in the sub-core February and 11.25 per cent agricultural and manufacturing 14 per cent for about two years, that determined the headline change of the food sub-index index were recorded in the in March but resorted to the sectors. largely due to inflation as the index, leading to 0.18 per cent for the twelve-month period prices of medical and hospital upward trajectory in April According to him, working former rate cannot go below reduction in inflation. ending June 2019 over the services, cleaning, repair and hire when it climbed to 11.37 per with other stakeholders, the the latter rate. Also, the urban inflation rate previous twelve-month average of clothing, repair and hire of cent- and further to 11.40 per CBN will reduce the cost of food There had been increasing slowed to 11.61 per cent (year- was 13.42 per cent, 0.05 percent footwear, repair of household cent in May- before falling to items, which have considerable expectations that declining on-year) in June, compared to points higher from the average appliances, actual and imputed 11.22 per cent in June. weight on inflation. rate of inflation could further 11.76 per cent recorded in May annual rate of change recorded rentals for housing, major The deceleration in inflation "Our ultimate objective is to encourage the apex bank to while the rural inflation rate in May 2019 (13.37) per cent," household appliances whether will provide reprieve for the anchor the public’s inflation loosen monetary policy rate, reduced to 10.87 per cent from the NBS stated. electronic or not and tobacco. Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), expectation at single-digit in the thereby reducing the cost of 11.08 per cent in the preceding On month-on-month, the core "The average 12-month annual which had been struggling to medium to long run. We believe borrowing to boost growth.

NNPC AWARDS OIL SWAP CONTRACTS TO 34 FIRMS and international traders to of 2018. said, and the list of companies total of 22 companies. The swap deals have day of petrol and is easily the exchange about 330,000 barrels The state-run oil firm later is unlikely to change. Oil companies work hard supplied virtually all of largest fuel market in West per day (bpd) of crude oil for extended the $6 billion oil NNPC spokesman, Mr. Ndu to get on the list, which gives Nigeria’s petrol for the past two Africa. imported petrol and diesel, as swap deals by another six Ughamadu, when reached by them coveted, and potentially years, as capped prices mean While NNPC has refineries part of measures to sustain the months to June 2019. Reuters for comment, said he lucrative, access to Nigeria's that other would-be importers with a combined nameplate supply of petroleum products Reuters reported that while would seek verification of the crude oil cargoes. cannot make money bringing capacity of 445,000 barrels per across the country. the contracts have not yet news. NNPC extended the previous the fuel into the country. day, decades without regular However, the deals, which been signed, that is largely a The number of winners is an contracts at least twice as the Nigeria, with a population maintenance or investment expired by the end of July 2018, formality as the terms have expansion on the previous list, country focused on elections of some 190 million, consumes leaves the nation almost wholly were extended until the end been negotiated, the sources which had 10 pairings with a in February. close to 40 million litres per reliant on imports. OBASANJO CALLS FOR NATIONAL CONFAB, SAYS NIGERIA IS ON THE PRECIPICE When THISDAY contacted ravaged the land and in spite ethnic groups have grievances, expressed worries about the strategy implemented by the Afenifere chieftain and one of the presidential of the government’s claim of let them also be brought out inability of Buhari to tackle the government no matter its notable Yoruba leader, Chief spokesmen, Mallam Garba victory over , the in the open and addressed challenges headlong, raising the colour and leaning,” he said. Ayo Adebanjo and spokesman Shehu, via telephone yesterday, potency and the activities of through debate and dialogue,” alarm that the president might However, in forging the of SMBLF, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, he said he was working on Boko Haram, where they are the former president added. have abandoned Nigeria to be consensus and achieving a in separate telephone interviews a statement conveying the active, remain undiminished, He identified poorat the mercy of criminals whom “nationally accepted strategic with THISDAY, asked Buhari president's reaction to the letter. putting lie to government’s management and he said were all suspected to roadmap,” Obasanjo said to act now before it is too late. "I'm working on a statement. claim. mismanagement of Nigeria’s be Fulanis. Buhari should mobilise the Adebanjo said the country Thank you," he said in a text "The recent explanation diversity as being responsible "To be explicit and without support of former heads had reached a point where the message. of the Chief of Army Staff for the current spate of security equivocation, Mr. President and of state, former governors, president should either act now However, as at press time, for non-victory due to lack challenges in the country. General, I am deeply worried traditional rulers, past heads of or it would be ‘to thy tent oh he had not issued it. of commitment and lack of "The main issue, if I may about four avoidable calamities: service, former heads of para- Israel.’ Obasanjo, in the letter dated motivation on the part of troops dare say, is poor management abandoning Nigeria into the military organisations, private “I endorse what he July 15, 2019 and addressed to bordering on sabotage speaks or mismanagement of diversity hands of criminals who are sector, civil society, community (Obasanjo) wrote 100 per Buhari, a copy of which was for itself. Say what you will, which, on the other hand, is all being suspected, rightly leaders and religious leaders, cent. He has always had made available to journalists Boko Haram is still a daily one of our greatest and most or wrongly, as Fulanis and among others. the language. He knows all in Abeokuta, issue of insecurity for those important assets. terrorists of Boko Haram type; the issues that I have been capital, by his media aide, who are victimised, killed, "As a result, very onerous spontaneous or planned reprisal PDP, Afenifere, talking about. He has been Mr. Kehinde Akinyemi, said maimed, kidnapped, raped, cloud is gathering. And rain of against Fulanis which may talking about it. The more security challenges could no sold into slavery and forced destruction, violence, disaster inadvertently or advertently SMBLF, Ohanaeze the merrier. I agree 100 per longer be ignored, treated with into marriage and for children and disunity can only be the mushroom into pogrom or Back Obasanjo cent. If it is only to comment nonchalance, swept under the forcibly recruited into carrying outcome. Nothing should be Rwanda-type genocide that we on what is on now (the killing carpet or treated with levity. bombs on them to detonate taken for granted, the clock is did not believe could happen In swift reactions to Obasanjo’s of the daughter of Afenifere Obasanjo told Buhari that if among crowds of people to ticking with the cacophony of and yet it happened; similar letter, PDP, SMBLF and leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, there was failure, the principal cause maximum destructions dissatisfaction and disaffection attacks against any other tribe Afenifere called on the Mrs. Funke Olakunrin); people responsibility would be that of and damage. And Boko Haram everywhere in and outside or ethnic group anywhere president to take the former are saying ‘how do you know the president and no one else, will not go away on the basis the country. in the country initiated by president’s warning seriously it is Fulani?’ Bola said it is not adding that the blame game of sticks alone, carrots must "The Presidency and the rumours, fears, intimidation before it is too late. them, it is armed robber – Bola among Buhari’s appointees overweigh sticks. How else do Congress in the US have and revenge capable of leading In its reaction, the Peoples Tinubu, he is talking nonsense! must be avoided. you deal with issues such as signalled to us to put our to pogrom; violent uprising Democratic Party (PDP) said He is just saying things to be He said: "The issue is only about 50 per cent literacy house in order. The House of beginning from one section Obasanjo’s vindicated the relevant with Buhari who he hitting at the foundation of in North-east with over 70 per Lords in the UK had debated of the country and spreading party’s position. feels will give him presidency our existence as Nigerians cent unemployment?” the Nigerian security situation. quickly to other areas and The party, in a statement by in 2023. and fast eroding the root of According to Obasanjo, We must understand and leading to dismemberment of its National Publicity Secretary, “ no longer our Nigerian community. I am herdsmen/farmers crises appreciate the significance, the country,” Obasanjo said. Mr. Kola Ologbodiyan, trust any security in the hands very much worried and afraid and menace started with implication and likely In the letter, Obasanjo urged described the letter as patriotic of non-indigenes of our area. that we are on the precipice government treating the issue consequences of such concerns the president to rally the people and a proof that Buhari has Only for now, the personnel and dangerously reaching a with cuddling glove instead and deliberations. towards forging consensus that failed as the nation’s chief should be changed to indigenes tipping point where it may of hammer. "With the death of Funke, could engender national unity, security officer. of this area; the police, the no longer be possible to hold “Today, it has developed into Chief Fasoranti’s daughter, stability, security, cooperation, “The PDP urges President army, the DSS, every security danger at bay. banditry, kidnapping, armed some sympathetic Nigerian development, growth and Buhari to read between the personnel should be indigenes "Without being immodest, as robbery and killings all over groups are saying “enough progress. lines and listen to the voice of this place. We no longer trust a Nigerian who still bears the the country. The unfortunate is enough”. Prof. Anya, He called on the federal of reason from well-meaning any non-indigene-policemen scar of the Nigerian civil war situation is that the criminality a distinguished Nigerian government “to open up Nigerians at this moment. or security men. That should on my body and with a son is being perceived as a ‘Fulani’ merit Laureate, has this to discussion, debate and dialogue “Our party is deeply worried be done immediately before who bears the scar of fighting menace unleashed by Fulani say “We can no longer say as part of consultation at that our nation, which grew in the question of restructuring Boko Haram on his body, you elite in the different parts of with certainty that we have different levels and the outcome leaps and bounds in all sectors and state police,” he added. can understand, I hope, why I the country for a number a nation. of such deliberations should before the All Progressives On his part, Odumakin am so concerned. When people of reasons but even more “-Delta leaders, South- be collated to form inputs into Congress (APC) took over stated that Obasanjo's letter are desperate and feel that unfortunately, many Nigerians Eastern leaders, Middle-Belt a national conference to come in 2015, is now dangerously to Buhari was “a patriotic they cannot have confidence and non-Nigerians who are leaders and Northern Elders up with solutions that will sliding on all fronts under decision,” adding that “the in the ability of government friends of Nigeria attach Forum have not remained quiet. effectively deal with the issues President Buhari, who has former president has come out to provide security for their vicarious responsibility to you Different ordinary Nigerians at and lead to rapid development, shown crass incompetence in to speak truth to power when lives and properties, they will as a Fulani elite and the current home and abroad are calling for growth and progress….” managing our national affairs. some voices have embraced take recourse to anything and captain of the Nigeria ship. different measures to address In addition, he urged the “The PDP maintains that had the culture of silence or even everything that can guarantee Perception may be as potent or ameliorate the situation. All president to work towards President Buhari heed wise sulking up to the terrorists who their security individually and as reality at times. Whatever the calls and cries can only birthing a “nationally accepted counsel to rejig his parade are troubling Nigeria for their collectively. may be the grievances of the continue to be ignored at the strategic roadmap that will and respect the wishes and immediate gains. Obasanjo has "For over 10 years, for Fulanis, if any, they need to expense of Nigerian unity, if not change with whims and aspirations of Nigerians in the put all that aside to continue four of which you have be put out in the open and not its continued existence,” caprices of any government.” national interest, our nation to speak truth at all times.” been the captain of the ship, their grievances, if legitimate, he added. “It must be owned by the would not have been on this Boko Haram has menacingly be addressed; and if other The former president citizens, people’s policy and dangerous bend,” it said. Continued on page 42 TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 ˾THISDAY 9

Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike NEWS Email [email protected], 08066066268 Oyo Gov Publicly Declares Assets Worth over N48bn Esther Oluku indicated on the asset forms, as loan notes including Makon Energy Traders and Technical to collect the photocopy of the “I will encourage all the showed that the governor is Engineering and Technical Services Limited (N1.159 form that I signed in fulfillment members of my cabinet to do Governor, Mr. Seyi worth N2, 624,800,500 as at Services Limited (N1.7billion); billion), totalling N3.389 billion. of the campaign promise to the the same thing but in as much Makinde yesterday made the date of asset declaration. Makon Power System Limited Speaking with journalists people that I will declare my they stay within the ambit of public his campaign promise In dollar terms, the governor (N148.4 million); Makon Oil at the CCB office in Ibadan, asset publicly and release the the law, I will encourage them to publicly declare his assets, also declared properties, and Gas Limited (N341 million); Makinde said: “I came here document to the public. to do the same.” saying has nine houses while developed and undeveloped his companies are worth over as well as household items N9 billion. valued at $4,400,000. The governor, who visited In South African Rands, the the Oyo state office of the Code governor declared buildings of Conduct Bureau (CCB) in and household items worth Ibadan to receive a copy of four million, four hundred the asset declaration form said and fifty-seven thousand, five that his decision to make the hundred and fifty-four and four assets public was in fulfillment South African Rands. of a personal promise he made The houses declared by the during the elections. governor include nine buildings Details of the assets as in Nigeria, two in the United contained in the CCB 1 with States of America and one in the name Oluseyi Abiodun . Makinde, which was declared One of the properties in the at the High Court of Oyo State, United States is described as on May 28, 2019, indicated that “jointly owned.” the governor is worth over N48 The details showed the billion. The assets declaration current value of Makinde’s form, marked OYSE/2019/001 companies stand at N48, contained details of cash at hand, 150,736,889 with 33, 730,000 in the bank, landed properties units of shares as at May 28, (developed and undeveloped), 2019. The governor also has household items, share and existing Bonds (Eurobond) bonds owed by the Governor, worth $3, 793, 500 as well his wife, Omini Makinde as well as shares, debentures and as his companies. other securities valued at According to details of the N120,500,000. asset form made public by The companies listed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor include Makon Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, Engineering and Technical the Governor of Oyo State had Services Limited; Energy VERY WARM RECEPTION… cash at hand and in the bank Traders and Technical Services L-R: Former Governor of , Obong Victor Attah; Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa; and his Akwa Ibom State worth N234, 742,296.01, as at Limited; Makon Oil and Gas May 28, 2019. Limited; Makon Group Limited, counterpart, Emmanuel Udom, at the reception organised by the Chairman of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia, in honour of the Central Bank Governor, In dollar terms, the governor Makon Construction Limited Mr. Godwin Emefiele, in Lagos...recently has cash valued at $30,056.99 and Makon Power System as at the same date. Limited. The asset declaration Properties, including the form indicated that governor Presidency: We Haven’t Given up on Leah Sharibu, Chibok Girls developed and undeveloped Makinde’s four companies have as well as household items additional assets denominated Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja her refusal to deny her Christian Ms Leah Sharibu and all other of them being seen as ‘mere faith, remains strong. citizens held captive by terrorists. headlines.’ The presidency last night reacted He acknowledged that “It is imperative to do this at “She acknowledged the release to the conclusion drawn by CNN the book would be useful in this time in view of the doubts from Boko Haram captivity of Lawan: 118 Nigerians journalist, Isha Sesay, in her book dissecting what it described as that may possibly arise following more than 50 per cent of the girls that the Federal Government of crimes against humanity, and the release of a new book, under the Buhari administration Nigeria had abandoned Leah added that it would also assist ‘Beneath The Tamarind Tree,’ but said, very rightfully, that ‘we Killed in South Africa Sharibu and the remaining in rallying international support written about the kidnapping must not forget the 112 who are Chibok girls in captivity to their for the young captive girls. of 270 Chibok school girls, by still missing.’ On this, we share Deji Elumoye in Abuja apartheid, adding that “we fate, saying it is untrue. Shehu was also swift to add Isha Sesay, the ex-CNN star and a common position. must establish events leading The presidency was reacting that whereas it was notable that now a Child Rights activist. “In stitching together her Senate President Ahmad Lawan into these killings, including to Sesay’s submission in her new the author acknowledged that “This book should serve the compelling portrait of this yesterday lamented the killing the recent one of Mrs. Elizabeth book, “Beneath The Tamarind the government of President useful purpose of spotlighting unfortunate yet paradoxical of Nigerians in South Africa Chukwu, who was killed in Tree,” written about the 270 Muhammadu Buhari had secured the crimes against humanity by incident, Isha, this terrific journalist as he put the total death total her hotel room.” Chibok girls kidnapped by Boko the release of 50 per cent of the Boko Haram terrorists, etching it risks a negative judgment of death toll over the years at 118. Nigeria, he said, would no Haram on April 14, 2019. kidnapped Chibok girls, the permanently on the public mind. history on a book that is a farrago Lawan, while receiving in longer condone such killings, Dissatisfied by Sesay’s author was yet wrong by her “In addition, the book should of misrepresentation. audience the South African and urged South African conclusion in the book, Senior submission that the government rightfully stir up interest and “It is wrong of the author to High Commissioner to Nigeria, government to as a matter of Special Assistant to the President did not know who it should rally international support for say, of the Buhari administration Mr. Bobby Moroe, said 13 of responsibility protect Nigerians on Media and Publicity, Malam negotiate with in view of the the young girls on the continent that “they don’t know who to those killed through various residing there. Garba Shehu, in a statement, split of Boko Haram into two who must stay in school and negotiate with” because Boko attacks, were murdered by While commending the High said Nigeria’s government factions. “The Presidency wishes avoid early pregnancy and Haram had split into factions. South African policemen. Commissioner for the updates determination to rescue the to seize this moment to reiterate marriage, in order to actualise “This is a misrepresentation of He condemned the on the killings, Lawan said: girls along with Leah, the lone the government’s unwavering their God-given potential. the position of the government continuous killing of Nigerians “the update on the cause of Dapchi schoolgirl, held back by determination to secure the “In her introduction of the on split in the leadership of in South Africa, warning that the late Mrs. Chukwu’s death Boko Haram when it released release, by peace or by force, book, Isha claims that she wants the terrorist group into two further attack on Nigerians is heartwarming. It is a sign her peers on March 21, 2018 over the remaining 110 Chibok girls, to ‘humanise’ the girls, instead contending factions. would no longer be condoned. that something has been done He said: “We in the in this regards.” parliament must speak and Earlier, Moroe, who expressed We Demanded $30m Ransom to Free Buhari’s District prevent any further killings. regret over the killings of These killings must stop. Nigerians and extended his This is the era of social media country’s condolences to the Head, Says Suspected Kidnapper where the corpse of a victim families of the victims, had Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Kumbotso Local Government Mr. Frank Mba, a Deputy times, jailed but somehow may spark violence that may said an inquest had been Area of on July 1 Commissioner of Police, said managed to find his way out go beyond the control of instituted to investigate all One of the suspects arrested by a joint security operatives. tougher legislation against to set up another kidnap gang. government. cases of xenophobic attacks over the abduction of the During the parading of kidnapping was imperative now He pledged that the police “The South African in South Africa. District Head of Daura, Alhaji the suspects yesterday, the because of the “dispersal effect would be more diligent government must, as a matter The inquest, he said, would Musa Umar Uba, an in-law of Inspector General of Police, of crime”, kidnappers move to henceforth in prosecuting of urgency, do whatever it takes reveal the causes of the menace President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, places where there are weak the suspects. to protect the lives and property and find solutions across board. yesterday spoke on how they called for stringent penalties laws to operate. He said 13 of the suspects of Nigerians living there, just as He reiterated the commitment demanded $30 million from the to discourage kidnappings, “When you don’t have a were directly linked to the Nigerian government remains of South Africa and its law family of the traditional ruler which he said was thriving uniform law, they are advised kidnapping of Uba, who committed to the safety of enforcement agencies to get before they could release him. because of laxity in law. by their legal handlers to move was kidnapped and held for South Africans residing here to the root of the matter while The suspect, Yusuf Dahiru, Another suspect, Sarkila to places with weaker laws. 60 days, and gave the age and their investments. bringing to book perpetrators who was paraded in Abuja Abdul, said two of the suspects It is important that there is bracket of the suspects as “I believe we have faced of the attacks. along with 39 other suspected received training in Libya on a uniformity of laws to stem ranging between 20 and 46 enough; we will no longer “Our government will kidnappers, however, said they how to disarm armed personnel, kidnapping. years. take it anymore. We want to continue to be committed to were yet to receive any ransom especially security agents and “I am calling for tougher He stated that five of them write the names of Nigerians the good relationship with before their arrest in Kano. conduct ambush attacks. legislation at the federal and were from Katsina, four from killed, and the South African Nigeria. Your sentiment has Thirteen of those paraded Parading the suspects state levels as a matter of Daura and the rest from Kano, parliament must act fast to put gone deep into our heart, were involved in the abduction yesterday, Adamu called for urgency to review the laws adding that the arrest of the a stop to this menace.” and you will be happy that of Uba from his Daura home in tougher legislation against and make them stronger as suspects was made possible Lawan recalled the the same sentiment has been on May 1. kidnapping. it relates to kidnapping,” he said. through the cooperation of contributions of Nigeria to our concern in South Africa,” Uba was, however, rescued Adamu, represented by the According to him, one of the the communities where the South Africa to free it from he added. at Gangan Ruwa quarters in Force Public Relations Officer, suspects was arrested several kidnapping took place. 10 TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 • THISDAY TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 • THISDAY 11 12 TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 • THISDAY TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 • THISDAY 13 14 THISDAY ˾˜  ͯʹ˜Ͱͮͯͷ

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA COMMENT Email [email protected] THE CASE FOR NATIONAL IDEOLOGY Based on the current war on corruption, Buharism is a fitting ideology for Nigeria, writes Mansur Wambai

impactful anti-corruption policy thrust of the administration beyond t is quite remarkable that Nigerians who regularly lament the lack 2023 when the term limit will necessitate exit of President Buhari. But of ideology in our practice of democracy and agonize over the only the most unpatriotic and retrogressive Nigerians, particularly seeming preference for “carry-go” democracy among politicians, those who thrive on abuse of public office for self-aggrandizement, have failed to recognize the elements of an ideology in the policy will want to see any impediment to the progressive strengthening thrust of the Buhari Administration. It is disappointing that of the anti-corruption crusade. The challenge of institutionalizing the despite unanimity on the devastating impact of corruption and anti-corruption crusade stares us in the face as we all know that the Idesperate demands for ethical re-orientation, the chance emergence of incumbency of a sincere and deeply committed president is essential to anti-corruption crusade as the main agenda of the government of the day its success and sustenance. Any laxity or premature termination of the has failed to inspire a determined resolve to develop it into a national deterrent initiative will definitely provide the dreaded opportunity for ideological blueprint. The issue of lack of ideological anchor for our corruption to fight back ferociously and overwhelmingly. democratic dispensation has not received the attention it deserves so The ideological anchor is vital in order to infuse the ethical values far largely because of the type of political leaders who have emerged to of the fight against corruption into the patriotic consciousness of “deepen” democratic principles. It is beyond contention that President the generality of Nigerians, so that they can acquire the vigilance, Buhari’s adoption of anti-corruption crusade as the focus of his political zero-tolerance and courage, not only to insist on prioritization of mission and vision long before getting elected excited the ordinary the anti-corruption crusade in all political parties’ manifestoes and Nigerians whose unwavering loyalty eventually brought him to power. expressed commitment of all aspirants to elected office, but also to The status of corruption as the main cankerworm plaguing our serve as whistle-blowing sentinels at large. Once the national sentiment country’s potential to be great in all important aspects of nationhood is aroused and mobilized against the scourge of corruption by intense is therefore of greater concern to the masses who are also its helpless mass ideological sensitization, the challenge of institutionalizing the victims. The demand for anti-corruption to be the theme of our national policy will be substantially overcome. Woe betide any official or agency, ideology and the anchor of our democratic dispensation is the clamour or even judge or court, that compromises in dispensing justice without of the people but obviously not the priority of its leaders. President fear or favour in corruption cases! Buhari is resolutely entrenching the crusade into government policy The importance of a concerted effort by the political leadership and implanting fear of prompt detection, disgraceful prosecution and in the country to be actively and sincerely committed to the anti- prolonged incarceration in the minds of the corrupt constituency, while corruption crusade cannot be over-emphasized. The ideological push the masses’ who lost hope of getting “good leaders” to bring back their should eventually galvanize the groundswell of mass support to drive looted entitlements as citizens is revived. the crusade deeply into the hearts and minds of the politically-active The consistency and effective imposition of deterrent measures population to adopt the anti-corruption credentials of political aspirants especially by the EFCC in the last four years is an unprecedented as a criterion for electability. initiative by government to demonstrate the will and the capacity to President Buhari has successfully earned the rare reputation for confidently walk the talk of “eradicating corruption”. Inevitably, what we integrity and courageous leadership by his voluntary choice of the fight may fittingly call Buharism already lends itself to becoming the national against corruption for consistent advocacy and effective entrenchment ideology, if only we can drop our clannish mentality and rally round our into government policy. In only four years of the Buhari administra- most appropriate and potent reformer’s clarion call. tion, Nigeria has come a long way from merely paying lip service While President Buhari has effectively discharged his burden of to actively fighting it tooth and nail to the extent of instilling fear in promoting national orientation by courageously transforming the the minds of the corrupt civil servant and politician, entrenching a paper tiger of mere campaign chorus into a hungry lion prowling the deterrent where impunity reigned. corrupted corridors of power with a deterrent appetite, our other elected This has translated into more prudent management of public leaders would rather feast on corruption. Going by the frequent flexing resources, enhanced timely execution of public projects and gradual of legislative muscles and orchestrated elite criticism and fault-finding rekindling of public confidence in government as a vehicle of develop- against the President’s agenda, the stumbling blocks to needed reforms ment and welfare. The remarkable thing is that it took the principled are many and manifestly unyielding. focus and committed determination of one uncommon political leader The free-lancing exploits of lawyers and the aloofness of judges also THE CHALLENGE OF INSTITUTIONALIZING and elected president to make this a rejuvenating reality. Transforming impede the effectiveness of the anti-corruption crusade by “technical his decades of advocacy against corruption and the unprecedented knockout” of too many prosecution processes, while in states governors THE ANTI-CORRUPTION CRUSADE STARES exemplary adoption of the crusade as main policy thrust of govern- rule supreme over “loyal” legislatures’ oversight functions at the pitiful US IN THE FACE AS WE ALL KNOW THAT THE ment, into the nation’s first concept of ideology is a befitting tribute expense of their states and citizens, to complete the disabling environ- INCUMBENCY OF A SINCERE AND DEEPLY to make his legacy a lasting beacon for generations unborn. Long live ment for the anti-corruption crusade. COMMITTED PRESIDENT IS ESSENTIAL TO ITS Buharism, good riddance to corruption! There is a clear and present danger for sustenance of the highly SUCCESS AND SUSTENANCE Wambai wrote from Bauchi

CONSOLIDATING THE CIVIL SERVICE REFORMS The reforms in the civil service have boosted government’s revenue, writes Ofem Uket

ome N10 trillion is said to have accrued banks through the TSA implementation strategy. and ensure efficient, productive, incorruptible and study of a cross section of civil servants offering to the federal government through the Ajayi also told the HOCSF that when the citizen centered (EPIC), culture transformation of and raising concerns on what it described as Treasury Single Account (TSA) in recent Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information the civil service to drive needed growth. task identification and job significance of a civil times through its full implementation System (IPPIS) kicked-off, “over N288 billion As clearly stated in the policy document, culture servant and its employer to be able to know when by President Muhammadu Buhari’s was saved as a result of the difference between as an umbrella for behavioural pattern, which an officer is surreptitiously incompetent in its led administration. The ongoing civil the amount government releases to MDAs could be positive or negative to either breed statutory duties, which may attract some degree of Sservice reforms contributed significantly to this based on appropriation and actual amount paid corrupt practices or create ascension for patriotism, punishment arising from perceived indolence. attainment. through IPPIS since payment are made directly to transparency, accountability and integrity is a The kaleidoscopic nature of the reforms has This revelation was made in Abuja at the beneficiaries account.” strong enabler which fosters effective collaboration given advantage to recent economic growth driven monthly peer review mechanism hosted by The meeting disclosed that since the introduc- between the employer and the employee. by integrity in the governing processes contained the Accountant General of the Federation, tion of IPPIS to date, 506 MDAs with total staff The service wide survey introduced to crystalize in the strategy document of implementing co-ordinated by the Office of the Head of Civil strength of 344,625 are on the IPPIS platform strategic aspects of the civil service reforms is a executive policies, though the finality of the entire Service of the Federation, to examine and rate with the gross pay of N49, 071,961,959.15k as at baseline culture, where conducts, attitudes and package of the strategy paper is yet to be unveiled. performance index of public institutions in their September, 2018. The system is a major step taken behaviour in the implementation of policies of the However, one of the major focus and mission statutory responsibilities as provided in the by government to eliminate ghost workers and executive branch of government is examined to of the reforms is to ensure efficient and effective establishment acts. wastages. articulate the thoughts of the civil servants about utilization of financial resources in transparent and This rating and benchmarking as well as capac- Since the commencement of IPPIS, many governing processes as contained in the regula- accountable manner in the acquisition of capital ity building have produced results of increase in departments and agencies have realized that tory framework and mandate clearly trusted on assets and to fulfill the requirements for fixed revenue generation, transparency, accountability personnel cost was not directly paid to them Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). assets recognition and measurement in IPSAS and openness in the management and control of for disbursement, which necessitated agencies The totality of corruption in Nigeria and the accrual accounting system adopted by the federal finances in the award of government contracts resolving to utilize their approved manpower/ African continent is drawn from poor cultural government”. and the disbursement of recurrent expenditure. personnel budget that has generated employment backgrounds with absolute disregard for positive Again, the aim of setting up the Asset Tracking An official in the Office of the Account-General for many Nigerians in the handling of the IPPIS in behavioural patterns, suspending various forms of Management Project (ATMP) is to locate, label of the Federation (OAGF), Afolabi Ajayi, had various MDAs. regulations that shape government institutions and and register all fixed assets (property, plant and made a presentation to the Head of the Nigerian Through the civil service reforms, government financial processes and its guidelines for openness equipment) of the FGN; revalue the registered Civil Service Winifred Oyo-Ita, buttressing the has initiated the Asset Tracking Management and transparency in expenditure. assets using approved methods of revaluation improvement so far made in generating revenue Project (ATMP) to track, monitor and manage its When the public sector is void of greed and and/or depreciation; determine from records all through major agencies of government. fixed assets in a manner that leakages and wastes aggrandizement, such a nation is bound to make redundant, disposed and disposable assets; recom- Making the presentation, Ajayi stated that are blocked, making it difficult for corrupt and desired economic development, revenue inputs mend those assets to be disposed of, registered under TSA, the government had been able to fraud-related conducts to thrive within govern- from major organs are sabotaged within the civil and relocated to other centers that need them; save over N45 billion monthly in interest on ment space. service. This is emphatically the dominant aspect to internalize all processes and procedures for ways and means that it used to pay before Among the priority areas being addressed in of the service the leader of the Nigerian civil assets registration, tracking and management in the full implementation of the TSA, which has the implementation strategy plan of the federal service, Winifred Oyo-Ita, is currently addressing the MDAs; and create a comprehensive real-time significantly drawn positive economic indicators government to automate and reform the federal not minding whose ox is gored. data base of all PPE to guide government in the for the country, while about N50 billion is said to civil service and by extension shape governance at In trying to extrapolate tendentious opinions efficient allocation and utilisation of financial have been revenue mopped up from commercial the state and local government levels is to develop by critics, the public service reforms took a careful resources for capital investment. THISDAY TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2019 15 EDITORIAL Curbing Piracy In The Gulf Of Guinea The authorities could do more to reduce incidence of piracy

hile Nigeria has for sev- insurance premium before embarking on any voyage to eral years been a hotspot Nigeria. For most of last year, according to the EOS Risk for piracy incidents, the Group, there were dozens of Nigerian pirate attacks on International Chamber merchant and fishing vessels in the Gulf of Guinea. “Most of Commerce Interna- concerning this year has been the resurgence of ‘petro- tional Maritime Bureau’s piracy’, involving the hijacking of tankers for oil theft,” said (IMB) recent report is Jake Longworth, senior intelligence analyst at EOS Risk. encouraging. It indicates “The return of petro-piracy has been accompanied by an that in the first quarter of 2019, Nigeria experienced a associated increase in the geographical reach of Nigerian decreaseW in reported piracy incidents in comparison to pirate gangs, leading to attacks in the waters of and the first quarter of 2018. These results, according to the .” report “confirm the ’s increased efforts to ‘actively respond to reported incidents by dispatch- he high number of lives lost to such crime aside, ing patrol boats’”. But the report also added: “Despite piracy drives fear into shipping practitioners, es- these efforts, Nigerian waters remain risky for vessels, pecially ship captains and master mariner. Apart especially the port of Lagos where four incidents have from reducing the number of vessels calling been reported.” Tat the nation’s seaports due to the fear of an imminent We commend the Navy for their efforts as we urge the attack, it has helped in no small measure to increase the Nigerian authorities to do more to make our waters safe cost of doing business in Nigeria as ship owners and the and rid our country of what has become another emblem consignees now charge higher than they do for other of shame. “The Gulf of countries. The huge costs are eventually passed off in THE ROOT CAUSES OF Guinea represented a the cost of freight to the final consumer. PIRACY IN THE REGION high number of piracy While there is unanimity among shipping practitio- ARE INEFFECTIVE and armed robbery ners that sea piracy cannot be totally eradicated, it is also GOVERNANCE attacks at sea, with a fact that with concerted efforts by all the relevant stake- STRUCTURES, WEAK RULE 22 incidents reported holders, the menace can be minimised in our country. OF LAW, PRECARIOUS in the first quarter of THISDAY In addressing the challenge, the Director General of the EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI LEGAL FRAMEWORKS 2019. The region also DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI AJAYI, DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency AND INADEQUATE accounted for all of MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO (NIMASA) Dr Dakuku Peterside has consistently argued the worldwide crew DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE that a legal framework that prescribes stiffer sanctions, a NAVAL, COAST GUARD, CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI AND MARITIME LAW kidnappings as 21 EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN more vigorous and vigilant military-led patrol and better crew members were MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE intelligence gathering network would be required. ENFORCEMENT kidnapped across five Dakuku’s position has been corroborated by Ambas- separate incidents. sador Michele J. Sison, the United States’ Deputy THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED Incidents were reported in the coastal countries of Benin, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA Representative to the United Nations. The root causes of , Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Nigeria and GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, piracy in the region, according to Sison, are ineffective Togo in the first quarter of 2019” said the report. ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI governance structures, weak rule of law, precarious legal DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, To say the least, this spate of attacks is worrisome as ANTHONY OGEDENGBE frameworks and inadequate naval, coast guard, and it has given Nigeria and other countries in the Gulf of DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI maritime law enforcement. We hope the federal govern- SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH Guinea a very negative image in the comity of maritime ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO ment will assist Dakuku to put such measures in place nations. It has also led to the high cost of freight as ship CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI so that the Nigerian territorial waters will not continue to owners and crew members often demand for high DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO harbour criminals. TO SEND EMAIL: first [email protected]

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested Letters to the Editor readers may send such letters along with their contact details to [email protected]. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to [email protected] along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

NDUKA OBAIGBENA AT 60: AN APPRECIATION ILLICIT TRADE IN TOBACCO PRODUCTS appy Diamond birthday to ‘The Duke sion and news casting. Even the choice of Transcorp of Journalism, Publisher, Founder and Hilton as the office for the TV station is very strategic. llicit trade in tobacco products remains including: regulation of smoking; prohibition of Chairman: of THISWEEK magazine, Though having an office space in a five-star hotel may prevalent in Nigeria. It may not be uncon- tobacco advertising promotion and sponsorship; THISDAY newspapers, Arise be very expensive; however, it makes it easy to draw nected with the increased spate of terrorism, tobacco product sales; regulation of tobacco Magazine, Arise Fashion Week, Arise the ‘movers and shakers’ of Nigerian society to come banditry and other forms of organised crime product content and emission disclosures; tobacco News TV, and President, Newspapers over to the studio for interview. Chairman also has and calls for a more effective approach to product packaging and labelling; licensing of HProprietors’ Association of Nigeria, Prince Nduka a pool of ‘international subject matter experts’ across curbing the threat in Nigeria as it is a major tobacco dealer; enforcement; education, communi- Obaigbena. Though my interaction with his news the globe who analyses news for the station. These Iway by which perpetrators fund their operation cation, training and public awareness. medium, THISDAY, started on November 18, 2003 are media consultants who get paid for their services. and launder illegal funds. Of particular concern While the full implementation of the NTCA when my article was first published in the newspaper, Being a ‘studio rat’ of a sort who gets regularly invited are parts of Northern Nigeria which have been is still being awaited, it is important to note that I didn’t have the opportunity of meeting the media across many electronic media, this is a pace setting devastated by terrorism and where widespread Nigeria, in a bid to strengthen the fight against Octopus until I joined the services of Arise News TV effort which is peculiar to Arise News TV. I stand to illicit tobacco trade can be readily exploited for illicit trade, also signed the protocol for the elimi- as an in-house news analyst in December 2017. be corrected. I also observed that ‘The Duke’ loves terrorism financing. nation of illicit trade in tobacco products on March I remember that fateful day in October 2017 when giving youths opportunity to excel. Many of our Some factors fostering illicit trade in the 8, 2019. Nigeria thus became the 51st country to I got a call from the Managing Editor of the Abuja reporters, producers and newscasters are in their 20s country include Nigeria’s history of enforcement ratify the treaty. With this development it is hoped office of Arise News TV, Mr. Bayo Awosemo, who and 30s. He is also an equal opportunity employer and control, which promotes the perception that that institutions will now be strengthened and informed me that “The Chairman seems to like your with a gender-balanced team. One other thing I like the likelihood of getting caught and punished relevant infrastructure made available to efficiently analysis and has asked me to negotiate with you to about the Prince from Delta State is his high standard. is very low, and therefore attracts illicit traders tackle this scourge. join our team of news analysts in Abuja”. I promptly For instance, Arise News TV is only on DSTV and to our markets. Nigeria’s land borders provide Proper and effective policing of our borders jumped at the offer as I have never been so treated GOTV in Nigeria as well as top range channels in little resistance to smugglers and this combined is critical, if the fight must be won. The Nigeria by any of the over 30 print and electronic media that Europe and America. With offices in , with the numerous illegal entry points into the Customs Service must step up their efforts in all had been featuring me since 1990 when I started Lagos and Abuja, the man has plans to open more country signal to the illegal operators that they can our ports, increase the number of personnel so my media advocacy voyage. I eventually joined a offices in his global expansionism agenda. operate within the country with relative ease. This that all entry points are adequately manned and three-man team of news analysts comprising of Mr. Sixty hearty cheers to this workaholic, visionary and continues to make Nigeria very attractive. secure barricades provided at all illegal entry Tony Amadi, Mr. Emmanuel Bello and Mr. Sebastian media mogul. Sir, may you live the rest of your life in In 2015, Nigeria passed the National points. Arrangements must also be put in place Agbinda. We were recently joined by Dr. Sam Amadi. good health and joy. Many thanks for the opportunity Tobacco Control Act NTCA, to accommodate the for adequate training even on the provisions of the During my first time on Arise News TV set to serve in your media conglomerate. provisions of the FCTC. The NTCA is Nigeria’s new protocol as well as other international best in August 2017, I marvelled at the cutting edge Jide Ojo, a news analyst, author and development comprehensive set of laws for the regulation of the practices. technology being used for news production, transmis- consultant tobacco industry and comprises elaborate clauses Nkemdili Nwadike, Lagos 16 TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 • THISDAY TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 • THISDAY 17 18 THISDAY ˾TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG POLITICS Email [email protected] (08114495324 SMS ONLY) TRENDING NEWS Still in Pursuit of Justice Alex Enumah writes that Mr. Iboro Otu, candidate of the Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party, in the 2019 Akwa Ibom State governorship election is not giving up on his quest for justice despite being shut out by the election petition tribunal

Yakubu Otu

boro Otu was the candidate of bringing before the election panel strong on the competence of a gubernatorial guaranteed under Sections 36(6) of the Abundant Nigeria Renewal evidence that would establish claim election petition at the registry, add- the Constitution of the Federal Republic Party (ANRP) in the March 9, of rigging, substantial non-compliance ing that the action was tantamount to of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended). governorship election in Akwa with the electoral laws as well as other usurping the powers of the judges of the “Whether the refusal to applicant’s Ibom State. electoral malpractices that marred the tribunal. Otu disclosed that the attention electoral petition, for filing so as to IHe is among the contestants that governorship poll. of the registrar was further drawn to afford him the opportunity to challenge are alleging rigging and substantial “Upon declaration of results of the the fact that the date of declaration of the validity of the electoral process is non-compliance with the electoral laws gubernatorial elections in Akwa Ibom result is an issue of fact which can only not inimical to every sense of justice, in the conduct of the governorship State, the applicant, a candidate in be determined at the hearing of the public policy, due process, equity and election which had returned incumbent the said election under the umbrella Electoral Tribunal, “but he remained good conscience as well as a gross governor, Udom Emmanuel. of Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party so adamant in a manner that would abuse of the electoral process. However, unlike other petitioners (“ANRP”) was dissatisfied with the suggest that he had a specific purpose If the above issues are resolved in his against the victory of Emmanuel and results of the said elections declared to serve to my detriment.” favour, he would be asking the court his party, the Peoples Democratic on 11th March 2019 and consequently Not satisfied, the plaintiff said he for a declaration, “that the persistent Party (PDP), Otu is currently at the approached the Gubernatorial Electoral then wrote a letter dated April 1, 2019, refusal by the respondents to cause Federal High Court, Abuja instead of Tribunal Registry in Akwa Ibom State wherein he petitioned the President the applicant’s petition to be received the Akwa Ibom State Governorship in the midnight of 30th March 2019 after of the Court of Appeal and made a and duly treated, constitutes a grave Election Petition Tribunal in Uyo, Akwa confirmation from the 5th Respondent passionate plea for the latter to intervene infringement of the Applicants rights Ibom State, the designated court for that same will be duly received at any and direct the 5th Respondent to receive to fair hearing guaranteed under Sec- election matters. hour of the said date irrespective of his petition. Otu said his letter was tions 36(6) of the Constitution of the In the suit marked, FHC/ABJ/ the time. completely ignored, a development Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As CS/652/2019 are the Independent “Upon arriving the Tribunal Registry which then prompted him to pay a Amended.) National Electoral Commission, Udom in the midnight of 30th March, the visit to the office of the President of “A declaration that the gubernatorial Emmanuel, PDP, the Chairman, Akwa 5th Respondent made a summersault the Court of Appeal to follow-up on elections held in Akwa Ibom State on Ibom State Gubernatorial Elections and declared that he will not receive his petition and have same treated, 9th March 2019 was marred by illegality Petition Tribunal, and the Registrar, any petition midnight of 30th March but the President of the Court of Ap- and substantial irregularities and the Akwa Ibom State Gubernatorial Elec- 2019. He stated categorically the he peal, “blatantly told the secretary to result thereof ought not to stand. tions Petition Tribunal as 1st to 5th will not receive my petition, the inform me that my presence was not “An order directing the Independent respondents respectively. reason being that it would take some welcome and no reason was proffered National Electoral Commission to con- The suit filed on behalf of Otu, by minutes to process a Remita payment for this embarrassing treatment. My duct fresh elections into the office of his lawyer, Faruk Khamagham, is sup- and obtain a receipt and that before correspondence to the 1st Respondent Governor of Akwa Ibom State within ported by a nine paragraphs affidavit accomplishing that, the time would dated 1st April 2019 as well as my 30days of the date of the judgment of deposed to by the applicant. have lapsed into the next day being Reminder Letter dated 19th April 2019 this Honourable Court According to Otu, all efforts to get the 31st March 2019. are hereby attached as Exhibits A and “And for any such further or other tribunal accept his petition against the “As a matter of fact, myself and my B respectively”. orders as this Honourable Court may outcome of the March 9 governorship counsel ended up haggling with Mr. He added, “Though I have substantial deem fit to make in the circumstances. election in Akwa Ibom State proved Abubakar until the wee hours of March evidence to show that the gubernato- Otu said his resolve to approach the abortive, including protest letters 31st 2019. We thereafter suggested to rial election result in Akwa Ibom was normal court instead of the election written to the President of the Court Mr. Abubakar that he should collect announced on Monday March 11, 2019 tribunal is to seek redress on the of Appeal against the refusal of the the Petition and indicate that same and that my petition is competent, I breach of his fundamental rights by tribunal to accept his petition. was received on 31st March 2019 if have been completely shut-out by the the respondents. In the suit dated June 10 but filed that would assuage his concerns, but actions or inaction of the respondents. He submitted that the Federal High June 11, the plaintiff averred that the Mr. Abubakar vehemently refused. He “It is therefore in the interest of justice Court has the jurisdiction to entertain Registrar of the Akwa Ibom State Gu- stated that in his own opinion that that the applicant is granted the reliefs issues relating to breach of fundamental bernatorial Elections Petition Tribunal declaration of the gubernatorial elec- prayed for in this application.” human rights and urged the court to had on March 30, 2019, refused to accept tion results in Akwa Ibom was done The issues he has therefore brought grant the declaratory reliefs sought his petition against the governorship on 10th March 2019 and not on the before the Federal High Court are; on the motion on notice. poll on the grounds that “it would 11th March 2019 and for that reason, “Whether the persistent refusal by Although the matter was earlier as- take some minutes to process a Remita the period of 21days allowed for the the respondents to cause the appli- signed to Justice Ahmed Mohammed payment and obtain a receipt and that petition to be filed had elapsed despite cant’s Election Petition presented at and was listed for mention July 3, before accomplishing that, the time the fact that he is not a witness to the its registry to be received and duly however the court did not sit on the would have lapsed into the next day tribunal neither is he a party to the treated, constitutes a violation of his scheduled date. being March 31, 2019.” adjudicatory process,” he said. civil rights under Section 133(1) of the It was however learnt that the suit But Otu insists that the decision by The ANRP candidate said he accord- Electoral Act 2010(As Amended) and would be reassigned to a vacation the tribunal to shut him out reveals part ingly challenged the power of the 5th constitutes a grave infringement of judge due to the time bound nature of a wider plot to prevent him from respondent to make pronouncements the applicant’s rights to fair hearing of electoral matters. THISDAY ˾TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 19 TRENDING NEWS Okafor’s Fate in Okigwe South Hangs in the Balance Amby Uneze writes that the circumstance under which the Independent National Electoral Commission withdrew the Certificate of Return (CoR) earlier issued to Hon. Chike Okafor who was declared winner of the House of Representatives election for Okigwe South Federal Constituency is still clouded in controversy o the electorate in Obowo/ IhitteUboma/Ehime Mbano Federal Constituency that makes up the Okigwe South Federal Constituency of Imo TState, Hon. Chike Okafor actually gave good account of himself during his 2015–2019 representative period in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly. He went to Abuja and made his Federal Constituency proud. His free medical outreach brought succor to numerous constituents who depended on the regular programme to treat various ailments. Informed by this quality and effective representation, a good number of his constituents had no regrets working proudly for the process that would return him to the House in the 2019 election to repeat, and possibly surpass the performance in his first term. Though his victory was not pronounced in the first ballot, it took the re-run election of 9th March, 2019 to confirm that Chike Okafor actually won the election in the first instance, hence his certificate of return was delayed a while. Okafor, was one of the leading hope- fuls for the Speakership position of the House of Representatives. Poised to return as the only ranking member on the political banner of the All Peoples Okafor Congress (APC) from the South-east, this dream was truncated when the directing the respondent to issue a on this controversial issue of who is the “We are still at a loss over what Independent National Electoral Com- Certificate of Return in respect of the rightful winner of the Okigwe South court or tribunal would have ordered mission (INEC) surreptitiously withdrew election into the Okigwe South Federal Federal Constituency, INEC lacks the the issuance of a certificate of return his certificate of return and handed it Constituency held on 23rd February powers to issue a Certificate of Return instead of ordering fresh election if over to the candidate of Accord Party, and 9th March 2019 to the claimant.” It in the circumstances of this case. it was satisfied that the person who Hon. Emeka Nwajuba. Nwajuba had is therefore based on the judgment in Expressly, section 140(2) of the Electoral won an election was not qualified to lost in the primaries to Okafor, before suit NO/CN/1424/2019 that mandated Act, 2010, as amended provides that: contest the said election? dumping the party and switched over INEC to issue Nwajiuba a Certificate “Where an Election Tribunal or court “It must have been from this order or to Accord. of Return. nullifies an election on ground that the judgment that INEC purportedly derived The problem started when one Mrs. Strikingly, the suit NO/CN/1424/2019 person who obtained the highest votes its power to administratively issue a Chioma Maryann Uzoma sued the APC, was filed on the 26th day of March, 2019. at the election was not qualified to certificate of return in total disregard Nwajuba and INEC as 1st, 2nd, & 3rd While the announcement or declaration contest the election or that the election to the applicable provisions of section defendants respectively in suit no FCT/ of result of the Okigwe South Federal was marred by substantial irregularities 140(2) of the Electoral Act as amended HC/CV/423/18. In that suit, she chal- Constituency Election took place on or non-compliance with the provisions to this case. lenged the process of APC primaries the 23rd day of March, 2019. of this Act, the Election Tribunal or “We must accentuate that the above and finally asked the court to nullify the Based on the foregoing, it is therefore court shall not declare the person with scenario in section 140(2) of the Electoral APC primaries for Okigwe South Federal clear that the suit NO/CN/1424/2019 the second highest votes or any other Act as amended is radically different Constituency and restrain the APC from which INEC relied on to issue new person as elected, but shall order a from the inapplicable provisions of submitting the name of Nwajuba and certificate of return to Nwajuba is not a fresh election.” section 140(3) of the Electoral Act as also to restrain INEC from accepting pre-election matter. It is a post-election Obiaraeri maintained that it has been amended which provides as that: the name of 2nd defendant (Nwajuba) matter filed after INEC had declared legally interpreted that, the word “shall” “If the Tribunal or the Court determines from the APC. the result of the 9th March 2019 Okigwe is mandatory and compulsory, adding that a candidate who was returned as When the matter came up during South Federal Constituency Election in “too many decisions of the Supreme elected was not elected on the ground submission of candidates, INEC and which Chike Okafor won. Court of Nigeria support this view. that he did not score the majority of APC agreed that the suit challenged the According to Kissinger Ikeokwu, an “Thus, where the provision of section the valid votes cast at the election, the nomination of Nwajuba. In the place of Owerri-based legal practitioner, “It is 140(2) of the Electoral Act as amended election Tribunal or the Court, as the Nwajuba, the APC nominated Okafor. also clear that no court in Nigeria has is successfully activated, the compulsory case may be, shall declare as elected It was resolved at the time that the powers to entertain a post-election matter thing that must be done by the Court the candidate who scored the highest suit did not in any way restrain APC after someone has been declared the or Tribunal is to order a fresh election. number of valid votes cast at the election from submitting the name of Okafor winner except the relevant Election In view of the foregoing, assuming and satisfied the requirements of the or INEC from rejecting his nomination. Petition Tribunal (EPT). The decision without conceding that Okafor was Constitution and this Act.” Ordinarily, that should have been the of the Abuja High Court on suit NO/ not qualified ab initio to contest the “Uzukwu Patrick Esq has correctly end of the matter. CN/1424/2019 is clearly an abuse of election into the Okigwe South Federal explained that, “Whereas section 140(2) But Nwajuba, having cleverly initiated court process. Constituency by reason of the court of the Electoral Act as amended deals the first suit through a phantom identity, “INEC having declared a winner on order(s) or judgment(s) being bandied with situations where the candidate went on to file a new suit against INEC the 23rd March, 2019, the suit filed around, by reason of the express provi- with the highest votes was ineligible in suit NO/CN/1424/2019 between on the 26th March, 2019 makes the sions of section 140(2) of the Electoral or not qualified to contest the election, himself as Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajuba suit a post-election matter and not a Act as amended, this action of issuing section 140(3) of the Electoral Act as Versus INEC in a Abuja High Court pre-election matter as was erroneously a fresh Certificate of Return by INEC is amended looks at a scenario where the not even in a Federal High Court and construed or interpreted by many.” illegal and manifestly unsupportable. candidate returned as elected though prayed through originating summons The reason cited by the FCT court to “Under our extant laws, where a eligible and qualified to contest was as follows; issue the certificate of return to Nwajuba, court forms an opinion that the person not elected with the highest numbers “A declaration that the votes pur- the candidate who came second in the who won an election was ab initio not of valid votes. portedly awarded to the APC by the election was that Okafor who was qualified to contest the election, the Section 140(2) of the Electoral Act respondent in the main election into the not even a party to the case ab initio only option open to the court is to says there shall be another election Okigwe South Federal Constituency on was declared ineligible in absentsia order a fresh election. while 140(3) of the Electoral Act says 23rd of February 2019 and at the rerun to contest the said election, and then “This, with due respect, is the kernel the candidate with the highest number elections held on 9th March 2019 are the Electoral Act would have played of Nwajuba’s grouse against Okafor of valid votes shall be declared elected,” null and void, that the said party (APC) a role in resolving the matter. and in the event that he succeeds, as he stated. having participated in the said election Referring to the submission of Prof. it appears to be the case until upset In view of the foregoing, Nigerians without the conduct of primaries was Nnamdi Obiaraeri on the matter, “A on appeal, the relief open or available need to know where INEC derived its against section 140(2) of the Electoral detailed look at the provisions of to him or any other person under our power to issue a certificate of return to Act 2010 as amended. sections 140(2) of the Electoral Act as Electoral Laws before a court or tribunal Nwajuba in the peculiar circumstances “An order of mandatory injunction amended which call for consideration is order of a fresh election. of this case? 20 THISDAY ˾  ͯʹ˜Ͱͮͯͷ

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi FEATURES Email [email protected], 08152252325 An Albatross on Sule’s Neck Igbawase Ukumba reports that the refusal of the former Governor of , Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, to agree to an out-of-court settlement after he demolished Breeze FM 99.9, a privately-owned station in Lafia, has become an albatross on the neck of the incumbent, Governor Abdullahi Sule

t was in the early morning of Saturday, appeal for a short adjournment to enable us May 20, 2017 that the only privately get the approval and report to the court." owned radio station in Lafia, the Similarly, counsel to Breeze FM, Ocha Nasarawa state capital, Breeze 99.9 Ulegede, did not oppose the motion for FM was reduced to rubbles by the adjournment, adding that, "if at the next Nasarawa State Government for adjourned date they were still unable to allegedlyI violating land laws and posing secure the approval of the governor, we health hazards to residents living close to it. would go ahead with the matter." Paradoxically, the then governor of the state, Ulegede therefore urged the government Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, had inaugurated to do something possible to put to rest the the broadcast outfit on March 31, 2017 before matter since they wanted the settlement. pulling it down in less than two months of Consequently, the then presiding judge, its broadcasting. Justice James Abundha, adjourned the case to But the Executive Director of the demolished enable the settlement committee get approval Breeze FM, Dr. Nawani Aboki, dismissed from Ex-governor Al-Makura. the reasons fronted by the state government for destroying the infant radio station as not Win for Breeze FM true. Aboki therefore insisted that government But with the refusal of Ex-governor Umaru destroyed the outfit for giving the organised Tanko Al-Makura to give approval to the labour in the state a voice to air their views agreement terms of out of court settlement to over a two months old workers’ strike in put to end the case of demolition of Breeze the state. FM to rest, the proprietor of the demolished "The state government demolished the private radio station, Nawani Aboki, on June 7, station for not supporting the ruling party 2019 floored Nasarawa State government and and giving the organised labour a voice to former governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, air their views over the ongoing strike by in the Breeze FM case he instituted against civil servants in the state," the executive the government over demolition of the radio director of the radio station disclosed at a station presided over by Justice Rose Soji. press conference. Consequently, the Nasarawa State High Court He claimed that broadcast equipment worth sitting in Lafia slammed N67.3m fine on the over N61 million were destroyed during the Nasarawa State Government for demolition demolition of the Breeze 99.9 FM, Lafia, even of the private radio station. as he added that the worth of the structure A breakdown shows the court slamming has not been quantified. the sum of N50 million against the Nasarawa State Government as general and punitive NBC’s Position damages and witchhunt. In the same vein, the Nevertheless, the North central Zonal court also awarded the plaintiff the sum of Director of the Nigeria Broadcasting Com- Demolished Breeze FM N17.3 million as special damage for demolition mission (NBC), Franca Ayetan, who had led of his radio station by the state government a team from the NBC on a verification visit amongst other damages. to the destroyed station said demolition of Delivering the judgment, Justice Soji held the structure housing the radio station was that the demolition of the Breeze FM by the shocking and unbelievable. She added that state government was a gross violation of the the development was surprising because the Nasarawa State law and that the structure station followed due process in obtaining its housing the radio station, as claimed by the broadcast license. state government, was not an illegal structure. Ayetan said: "On March 31, 2017 when The judge said the unlawful destruction of we came to commission the station, the the radio station has caused huge financial state government was fully represented. If and economic loss to the owner, adding that government had raised any reservation then, it has also caused the owner of the radio as a regulatory body, we would have waited station public embarrassment, intimidation a little before inaugurating the station. But and serious psychological trauma hence she none was raised." ordered the state government to make a public apology to the chief executive officer of the Stakeholders React demolished private media outfit. Sympathising with the management of She held that the court was convinced the Breeze FM, National President of Alago by the available evidence before it that the Development Association, Mathew Akwe plaintiff has substantially proved his case Doma, lamented that the demolition has beyond reasonable doubt and hereby entered ridiculed the state and Nigeria in the eyes judgment in his favour. of the international observers. Al-Makura Sule Reacting to the judgment in an interview, "Despite concerted efforts by well meaning counsel to owner of the Breeze FM, Ucha Nigerians to entrench democracy with fairness have thought that it would have been in "I do not regret the demolition of Breeze Olegede said the demolition of the radio station and justice, others are busy tarnishing the a forefront of ensuring that government is FM station. I cautioned NBC to be wary of was unconstitutional, an act of wickedness and image of the country and taking the nation fair to any enterprise that is trying to grow issuing certificates of approval to just anybody vindictiveness of Nasarawa State Government backward," the Alago socio-cultural association in the state. anyhow," he stated. under Ex-governor Al-Makura. president maintained. "We condemn it in total, it is an anti- He posited that the former Governor Al- Similarly, the National Vice President of democracy and it is intolerance of divergence Redress in Court Makura should change his attitude as he Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Zone-D, views and this most not continue. We call Consequently, the proprietor of the Lafia goes to the senate of the Federal Republic of Wilson Bako, condemned the demolition of on the government to withdraw its steps base private radio station, Mr. Nawani Aboki, Nigeria, just as he called on political office the Breeze FM in Lafia. He said the state to allow people to choose. Democracy is approached the Nasarawa State High Court to holders not to misuse power while in office. government has no justification for its action about choice, they can choose to listen to seek for redress by suing the then government Also speaking in an interview, counsel to because the organisation was duely approved. any media.” of Al-Makura challenging the demolition of the defendant, Ishaku Usman, who com- Also, Chairman of the Nasarawa State Adokwe therefore expressed disappointment his Breeze FM. mended the judge for diligent judgement, Council of the NUJ, Dogo Shamma, appealed that when a citizen of Nasarawa State who However, during one of the hearings on however said they would determine whether to the Nasarawa State Government to settle was trying to bring up an enterprise that the suit filed at the Nasarawa State High to appeal the judgment or not when they with the management of the demolished would give people employment, the least Court by management of the Breeze FM, go back to office. Breeze FM. that government could have done was to Justice James Abundha, the Presiding Judge, On his part, Owner of the Breeze FM said: In his reaction, the immediate past senator encourage this individual to turn the Breeze adjourned the matter after the counsel to the ‘’Today marked another day where freedom representing Nasarawa South Senatorial Zone, FM into a broadcast mogul and not to shortlist state government, Shehu Usman, appealed and democracy has triumphed over Suleiman Adokwe, described demolition of the an effort of a young enterpriser. for adjournment to enable the settlement anarchy. The judgment was for the freedom Breeze FM by the Nasarawa State Government committee get approval from Governor of the press in the world as press remains as suppression of enterprising skills of young No Regrets Umaru Al-Makura. the pillar of democracy.” men in the state, adding that it is abominable. But Ex-governor Al-Makura, while distribut- According to the state government's counsel, However, the onus now lies on the incumbent According to the erstwhile federal lawmaker, ing relief material worth N300 million to 50 "the settlement committee had met and agreed governor of the state, Abdullahi Sule, to either "the demolition is an act of demi-god. I expected displaced communities in the state, had said on some terms to put to rest the lingering shoulder the burden of paying for an infrac- that a government that has come to power that his administration did not regret the case, but the committee are yet to meet the tion he did not commit, as government is a through these kinds of injustices, one would demolition of the radio station. governor and get his approval. I therefore continuous process, or refuse to play ball. THISDAY ˾  ͯʹ˜Ͱͮͯͷ 21 FEATURES Buni’s Race to Surpass Expectations With just less two months in office, Governor Mai Mala Buni has shown that everything necessary will be done to keep on track to make more progress and improve on the people’s living conditions, Abdullahi Bego writes overnor Mai Mala Buni’s speech at the opening of the two- day education summit that his administration organised last week to thinkG out-of-the-box and suggest solutions to some of the challenges in Yobe’s education sector – education being always a work in progress – speaks to his leadership as an introspective person who wants to get things done by carefully weighing the options and bringing all-hands-on-deck. Widely praised for its straight- talk, the speech pointed the experts, resource persons, traditional and community leaders and other stake- holders gathered for the summit in a clear direction – to find practical and implementable ways on how Yobe’s children could have improved access to qualitative education. The speech also confirms his determina- tion to ‘walk the talk’. A little under a month earlier, the governor, who declared a state of emergency in Yobe’s education sector, had pledged to work with every person and entity – and deploy every resource available – to build on Yobe’s education sector and place it on a sounder footing. The Sum- mit was a methodical, broad-based approach to reaching that goal. It also set the tone for what is to come under his watch in the months and years ahead. Separate and apart from what we know an approach like the summit that held could achieve, the people of Yobe State are getting increasingly as- sured, through his take on various issues so far, that Buni would truly be the leader they hoped for – a determined and dedicated public servant who, like his predecessor, would always prove that ‘words must mean something’. The governor has said, for example, that Yobe’s next level accomplish- ments will be hammered into place on the anvils of continuity and consolidation. He has proceeded Buni firmly to do that. In healthcare, water supply, agriculture, the youths. This is the reason that the gover- nudging Yobe forward on the twin civil service and other sectors Second, the governor has shown nor, for one, is currently exploring track of continuity and consolidation vital to the day-to-day wellbeing that to move to the Next Level, Yobe a partnership with entities in the means that the state is likelier than of ordinary people, the governor must leverage on its partnerships Kingdom of Morocco in the area of most to make more progress within has maintained – and is building and contacts with development skills acquisition, among others, so the shortest possible time. It means on – the progress Yobe has made partners both within and outside that interested youths in the state that resources and endowments that under former Governor Ibrahim the country. In a meeting with could be trained in arts and crafts, are already on the ground can be Gaidam. the representatives of the Bill and fashion designing, and embroidery, leveraged, enhanced and deployed Governor Buni has also taken Melinda Gates Foundation in Abuja including in how to make Kufta to effect. This is clear from the three broad initiatives that speak recently, for example, the governor and Alkyabba that people use a directive he gave to government to the Yobe he has in mind for the has made clear that he will sustain lot in the North. officials on what to focus on as next four years. all ongoing partnerships, continue A meeting between Governor Buni the process begins to resuscitate First, he has shown that to make to meet all counterpart funding and the Deputy Head of Mission of those existing industries that he progress on a more sustainable basis, obligations and will spare no effort the Moroccan embassy in Abuja, Mr. intends to breathe life into again. Yobe’s economic foundations must be to join hands with governmental El Houssaine Oustitane, which held Second, the governor’s suave take strengthened and reinforced on the and non-governmental organisations recently and set the tone for the on the issues that he’s tackled so crest of its well-known comparative to bring about more progress to partnership, would be followed soon far – the idea of building on partner- advantage – agriculture. By taking the state. by visits to Yobe and Morocco at ships and tapping from the state’s concrete steps to resuscitate the Yobe Third, Governor Buni has shown the technical level to avail officials brightest minds to make progress Flour and Feed Mills (a company that that over the next many years, Yobe on both sides the opportunity to as evidenced in the Yobe Education has a rice mill upgrade capacity), would tap from the vast and relent- make concrete inputs on how to Summit – also clearly shows that he the Woven Sacks factory and the less energy of its youths to move go forward. will justify the trust and confidence Yobe Fertilizer Blending company, the state forward. In a meeting with In Governor Buni’s recent visit to that have been reposed in him at Governor Buni has helped to enhance a group of youths from across the and interaction with the students and every step of the way. the agricultural value-chain in the three senatorial districts of the state teachers at the Yetim Care Founda- What is even more significant is state. With irrigation agriculture recently, the governor has revealed tion, an orphanage in Damaturu, that within a space of just a few already making progress under that a Yobe Youth Development the state capital, and the support weeks since taking the mantle of his predecessor at the Nguru Lake Summit is being contemplated to that he provided to them, he has leadership, Governor Buni has shown and Mugura Garin-Gada, and the engage with them and each other, also shown that he deeply cares that he will lead an administration multiple irrigation sites he plans to and develop a template that will go for what happens in the lives of in which everything necessary and support, it is only a matter of time farther than before in addressing orphans and the less privileged in possible will be done to keep Yobe before Yobe becomes the nation’s their needs and concerns. society. on track to make more progress food basket that it should be. One of those needs and concerns, So, what does all this say about and improve on the people’s living This will have significant impact the governor reckons, is a capacity Governor Buni’s desire to make a conditions. on internal revenue flow and will for the youths to stand on their feet, real difference in the lives of the positively affect Yobe’s capacity to and to be more useful to themselves, people that he leads? -Bego is Director General for Press provide employment for its teeming their family and community. First, the idea that the governor is Affairs to Governor Buni 22 TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 • THISDAY A WEEKLY PULL-OUT 16.07.2019 ADELEKE V OYETOLA: SACRIFICING JUSTICE ON THE ALTAR OF TECHNICALITIES?

Ademola Adeleke Gboyega Oyetola 2/DASHBOARD 16.07.2019

The Purpose of an Interim Order of Forfeiture PAGE 4

EFCC Marks 2019 AU Anti- Corruption Day with Road Walks PAGE 5

SERAP: ‘As Nigerians, we all have a right to a Corruption-Free Society’ PAGE 5

‘Law Practice should be handled as a QUOTABLES Business’ ‘You can never get anything in this country, no matter what programme you are doing, until you establish PAGE 6 a Federal system now. You are wasting your time..... Restructure now.....’ – Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Lawyer, Elder Statesman, Afenifere Chieftain Justice Karatu’s Treatment: Brutal ‘A group of people (the Islamic Movement Nigeria), Assault on the went overboard and attacked Police Officers performing their duty....Officers have been shot.....We Independence of showed restraint, in terms of not going the way the protesters went.....The right to express yourself, does Nigeria’s Judiciary not mean the right to trample on other people’s rights, to the extent of causing havoc and suffering to other PAGE 14 people.’ – Mohammed Adamu, Inspector General of Police

COLUMNIST

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

ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE EDITOR JUDE IGBANOI DEPUTY EDITOR AKINWALE AKINTUNDE REPORTER TUNDE BUSARI GROUP HEAD OCHI OGBUAKU II ART DIRECTOR /3 Osun: When Justice is No Justice Condolences Discount v Amalgamated Trustees 2006 Peter Obiora from a day of proceedings, if seize this opportunity to express my 5 S.C. Part 1, Okafor v Nweke 2007 10 indeed, he was not there, or in the alternative, heartfelt condolences to the Fasoranti and N.W.L.R. Part 1043 Page 521. taken his word for it, that he was present, Olakunri families, on the cold blooded though he failed to sign the attendance sheet; murder of their beloved daughter, wife : Adeleke v Oyetola and if there was no miscarriage of justice, the and mother, Mrs Funke Olakunri, last The most recent decision that comes to all our court should have gone ahead to decide the week. May her soul rest in peace with minds, is that of the Osun State Governorship case on its merits, in order to do substantial the Lord. Amen. I especially sympathise matter, Adeleke v Oyetola. Many, including justice to the litigants. with Papa, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, myself, believe that (i) Section 179(1)(a) and (b) ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE Iwho at such at advanced age of 93, of the Constitution, had settled the matter, in Code of Conduct Tribunal has to experience this terrible kind of that, Senator Adeleke had fulfilled the conditions When the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, grief of losing a child. Only God can console provided therein, to be declared as the winner Walter Onnoghen, was hounded out of office him. Whether Mrs Olakunri was murdered by of the election - the highest number of the rather unceremoniously, and many of our THE armed robbers or Fulani Herdsmen, Afenifere votes cast, and the requisite spread in the Osun colleagues complained that the procedure is correct - her death is one too many. It reiter- local government areas (ii) that the issue of adopted to prosecute him was faulty, I recall that ates the fact that, our country is getting more ‘inconclusive elections’ is not accommodated some others argued that, those who seemed to ADVOCATE insecure by the second, people are no longer in the Constitution, and no matter how well somehow be in support of Justice Onnoghen, safe to go about their daily business, and the intentioned the concept is, it is unconstitutional, were hiding behind technicalities, to disrupt [email protected] Government has failed abysmally, in providing and the Constitution must be amended, if the or pervert the course of justice. [email protected] security for Nigerians, which is the primary concept is to be introduced into elections (iii) Similarly, when proceedings were instituted purpose of Government (Section 14(2)(b) of the that the Constitution can only be amended against Dr at the Code of Conduct 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of via the provisions of its Section 9, and not by Tribunal (CCT), the argument that the matter “ARE CASES NOW BEING Nigeria (as amended) (the Constitution). “Aa means of any legislation like the Electoral Act, was wrongly instituted, was not sustained - that o ni ri iru e mo o. Gbogbo awon omo ti a or worse still, INEC Guidelines, and therefore, there was no Attorney-General in office at the DECIDED ON POLITICS AND mo ati wa won, aa o ni mo ati lo won o. the returning officer’s declaration of the Osun time of the institution of proceedings, contrary Ami” (We will not experience such a loss gubernatorial election as inconclusive, is illegal, to Section 24(2) of the Code of Conduct Bureau PERSONALITIES, INSTEAD of a child again. All the children whom we and null and void, as was the rerun election. and Tribunal Act (CCBTA), which specifically OF LAW AND SUBSTANTIVE saw coming into the world, may we never Clearly, the main issues for determination provides for institution of such proceedings see their exit from it. Amen). in the Adeleke matter, were not addressed in the name of the Federal Republic of JUSTICE? DO COURTS AND at the Supreme Court, that is, whether to Nigeria, by the Attorney-General or those Food for thought uphold the decision of the Tribunal, which he designates from the Ministry of Justice. TRIBUNALS HIDE UNDER THE A few weeks ago - May 28th to be precise, I left declared Senator Adeleke to be the winner of When my colleague, Stephen Kola-Balogun, you with some food for thought, after discussing the election, declaring the rerun election null in his column ‘My Brief’, raised the issue CLOAK OF TECHNICALITIES the issue of the President of the Court of Appeal and void, and making a definite pronounce- of Section 12(1) of the third schedule to the WHEN IT SUITS THEM, withdrawing from the Presidential Election Petition ment on the constitutionality and correctness CCBTA - that the Chairman and two members Tribunal. I concluded by saying that, though I or otherwise, of the declaration of elections as of the Tribunal Panel were required to sign the INSTEAD OF HANDING applauded her Lordship for withdrawing, I had inconclusive by INEC, to forestall anymore book of proceedings at the end of trial everyday, mixed feelings about the ruling of the Tribunal, confusion about this new concept, with regard nobody cared about technicalities then, that the DOWN DECISIONS ON THE dismissing the Petitioner/Applicant’s application to future elections. tribunal wasn’t properly constituted, as it had MERITS OF THE CASE?” that Her Lordship recuse herself from the matter, Even though I have not had the benefit of only two members, instead of at least three. even though the application was meritorious, reading the full judgement of the Supreme Court The case went on, to its logical conclusion. and I wondered how justice would be meted out yet, from the snippets we have seen, the Apex There was no mention of whether the CCT in the various Election Tribunals. I think I will Court seems to have affirmed the decision of lacked jurisdiction, since it was improperly extend my curiosity about outcomes, beyond the Court of Appeal which overturned that constituted Madukolu v Nkemdilim 1962 Election Tribunals, to all courts and tribunals, of the Tribunal and gave victory to Oyetola, 2 SCNLR 341. it will not only be troubling, but deplorable, for generally. not by handing down a decision made on the our country to be perceived as one in which Where do I start? I am not certain whether merits of the case, but on a technicality – on Questions injustice reigns. those who are of the school of thought that, the basis that Peter Obiora, one of the members Is there a trend developing, where, when a Section 42(1) of the Constitution prohibits any Petitioners in election petitions are rarely able to of the Tribunal Panel, and who delivered the litigant is not the favourite of the Executive, form of discrimination against any Nigerian win their petitions, are correct. But, I am certain lead judgement, did not sign the attendance technicalities are either employed against citizen on the basis of tribe, sex, religion, and that, these days, one is sometimes unable to sheet on a specific day, meaning that he was him or her, or overlooked, whichever will political opinion, while Section 36(1) guarantees follow the rationale behind some of the recent absent from the proceedings on that day, which frustrate and harm the case of the less favoured our right to fair hearing. Was Senator Adeleke, judicial decisions. Are cases now being decided happened to be a day when it is claimed that, litigant, in favour of the champion? Or are who is of the PDP, and not the ruling APC, on politics and personalities, instead of law and some major issues about the rerun election, these decisions in a handful of cases, whether discriminated upon, because of his political substantive justice? Do courts and tribunals hide were tabled. Peter Obiora, on the other hand, high profile or not, out of thousands of cases opinion and association? Can he be said to under the cloak of technicalities when it suits claimed he was present, but just didn’t sign heard in all the various courts and tribunals, have been given a right to fair hearing, when his them, instead of handing down decisions on the attendance sheet that day. This bone of too few for us to draw conclusions of such a matter was aborted without proper determination, the merits of the case? Or are the examples we contention was not resolved in his favour by negative trend? I would like to believe that, at the Apex Court? My dear colleagues, what have so far, too few to draw any conclusions? the Court of Appeal, or the Supreme Court, the latter assertion is the correct position, as do you think? In Akpan v Bob 2010 17 N.W.L.R. Part thereby raising the issue of jurisdiction. Can 1223 Page 421, the Supreme Court held inter this decision, be said to have done substantial alia that: “Technical justice is no justice at all, justice to the case, or was it a decision of Dear Editor and a court of law should distance itself from technical justice? it. Courts of law should not be unduly tied By virtue of its own decision in Akpan v down by technicalities, particularly where no Bob (Supra) with regard to shying away from Re: The Trials of Senathug Abbo miscarriage of justice would be occasioned.... technicalities, what the Apex Court should have Where the facts are glaringly clear, the courts considered, in making its decision, was whether Dear Editor, that this rickety democracy will get better, should ignore mere technicalities, in order to any miscarriage of justice was occasioned by Excellent Article. He is a disgrace to the but it has finally dawned on me, that the do substantial justice”. See also Associated the Tribunal’s decision, with that absence of Senate. He’s not remorseful at all. foundation is too weak. D.O. Funmi O The political parties need to be responsible The Senate hearing before the Committee, for the kind of representatives they produce, was really more heartbreaking. He was and once they are found to be unfit, they neither remorseful, nor sober. It looked should replace them immediately, internally. like he felt it was staged, just to fulfil all Mariam Usman righteousness, as they normally do, and nothing comes out of it. When Senator Remi The man is clearly ill, and should be Tinubu mentioned suspension, he probably diagnosed or certified, as applicable. thought, ‘might this be real’? and then, he A.A. lost it. For a second, it felt like he was going to get up, and give her a good slap too! He is a ticking time bomb, and a danger How did we get to the point where thugs, to public safety, in more ways than one. paedophiles, thieves, and women batterers, Y.S. are part of those who are in our National Assembly, in a country full of great people? The story of Nigeria, as we speak. I May God help Nigeria. look at the so-called hallowed chamber, Y.W. and I feel like weeping. Good people will find it difficult to emerge in elections in Excellent Article. We must all continue Nigeria, because it is not in the interest of to call out people, who believe they can the powers that be. From what I know, it act with impunity. Senator Ademola Adeleke Governor Adegboyega Oyetola can only spiral downwards. I had thought S.A. 4/LAW REPORT 16.07.2019 The Purpose of an Interim Order of Forfeiture Facts Court’s Judgement and Rationale he Respondent suspected that On the first issue, the court held that, the the sum of N2,421,953,522.78 provisions of Section 17 of the Advance was lodged into Account No. Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2022000760 with Ecobank 2006, had stipulated that the Economics and Nigeria Ltd, in the name of La Financial Crimes Commission should, after Wari Furniture & Baths. The said identifying an unclaimed property or prop- amount, was suspected to be erties reasonably suspected to be proceeds proceeds of unlawful activities. of crime, to first apply ex-parte to the High T Further to this, the Respondent Court for an interim order of forfeiture, filed a motion ex-parte at the so as to preserve the properties from being Federal High Court pursuant to the provisions dissipated. The section further imposes of Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and a duty on the court granting the interim Other Related Offences Act 2006, seeking an in- forfeiture order, to direct the applicant to terim forfeiture of the said amount. The interim publish the order, and notify anyone who order was granted, as prayed. Dissatisfied, the might be affected by the order, so that the Appellant appealed to the Court of Appeal, affected party would approach the court, to which dismissed its appeal. Further aggrieved, show why a final order of forfeiture should the Appellant appealed to the Supreme Court. not be made. The court went further to hold that, in an application ex parte and the Issues for Determination ensuing order if granted, the question of fair The following issues were raised for determi- hearing does not come to play, as ex parte nation: simply means, “in the absence of the other 1. Whether Section 17 of the Advance Fee party”, and in the case at hand, what was Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, Cap at stake is the preservation of the res. Rely- 14 of 2006, violates or is in conflict with the Hon. Amiru Sanusi, JSC ing on EASI DANGABAR v FRN (2014) 12 provisions of Sections 33 and 44 of the 1999 NWLR Part 1422, 575 at 607-608, the court Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria held that, both the interim order and Section (as amended). 17 of the Act are consistent with Section 36 2. Whether the proceedings commenced under In the of the Constitution, because they provide an Section 17 of the said Act for an order of forfei- Holden at Abuja opportunity to the person to make repre- ture, is an action in rem, and an application for On Thursday, the 15th day of March, 2019 sentations to the trial High Court, before it civil procedure as held by the Court of Appeal. makes its final order affecting such person’s 3. Whether having regard to the onus placed Before Their Lordships rights and obligations. on the application under Section 17 of the Ad- Ibrahim On the second issue, the court held that, an vance Fee Fraud Act of general civil proceedings Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili action in rem is one in which the subject- matter at the Federal High Court, there were sufficient Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun itself is sought to be affected, and in which materials placed before the Federal High Court the claimant is enabled to arrest a ship to have validated the orders made, as held by Amiru Sanusi or other property, and to have it detained the Court of Appeal. until the claim is adjudicated upon. The Justices, Supreme Court court placed reliance on RHEIN MASS UND Arguments SC.40/2018 SEE & ORS. v RIVWAY LINES LTD (1998) On issue one, counsel for the Appellant 4 SC 73. The court held that, the purpose of submitted that, Section 17 of the Advance Fee Between making an ex-parte order is to preserve the Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, Cap 14 res, prevent its dissipation, pending when of 2006 shows that, by its purport and intend- La Wari Furniture & Baths Ltd...... Appellant all the parties can be heard. Therefore, as ment, it is a penal legislation that purports rightly held by the Court of Appeal, the to give the High Court unfettered power, not And interim order of forfeiture under Section 17 only to make an order of interim forfeiture of the Act, is a non-conviction order based against a citizen’s property ex parte, but also to Federal Republic of Nigeria ...... Respondent forfeiture, and the proceeding is an action in make a permanent order finally forfeiting the (Lead Judgement delivered by Hon. Justice Amiru rem. said properties to the Federal Government. He Sanusi, JSC) On the third issue, the court held that, as a argued that, Section 17 of the Act is in conflict matter of practice, the Supreme Court is always with Section 36(1) of the Constitution and the hesitant to interfere with the concurrent right of fair hearing, presumption of innocence, findings of the two lower courts except in and the right to own property, and is thus null the failure of the Respondent to show germane special circumstances, such as where the and void. particulars, should have led the court to refuse findings are perverse or there has been Conversely, counsel for the Respondent the grant of the application. misapplication of facts or law. The court submitted that, the section has an inbuilt mecha- On the other hand, counsel for the Respon- also held that, from the surrounding circum- nism to ensure fair hearing, as it prescribed that dent argued that, both the trial court and the stances of the case, it was indisputable that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission lower court made concurrent findings that the the Respondent had placed before the trial (EFCC), should after identifying abandoned materials placed before the court, were sufficient court, and as rightly found by the Court properties reasonably suspected to be proceeds enough to justify the grant of the application. of Appeal, sufficient evidence or materials, of crime, to first of all apply to court ex parte for He referred to the intelligence report received which would sway the trial court into grant- an interim order of forfeiture, so as to preserve by EFCC with regard to the said Appellant’s ing the interim order of forfeiture. These the properties from being dissipated. He argued account, as well as the statement on oath of evidence included evidence from the extra that Section 17 of the Act also presupposes that a staff of the bank. He submitted that, in the judicial statement of a staff of Ecobank who was there would be a final order after the interim absence of any contrary evidence, the final order coopted to participate in the processes leading order, and before the final order is made, the af- of forfeiture made by the trial court was lawful, to the lodgement of the funds in the accounts fected party is expected to come to show cause, and in order. opened by the Appellant, on the history of the why the interim order should not be made the lodgements right from the opening of the ac- final order. He submitted that, the provision count, its operation and day to day transactions sufficiently thus complied with the provision of on the account, as well as how some of the Section 36(1) of the Constitution. funds were invested in favour of the Appel- On issue two, counsel for the Appellant “...THE PURPOSE OF MAKING AN lant. The court further held that, there was no argued that, even if the proceedings under evidence controverting the affidavit evidence Section 17 of the Act are civil in nature, then the EX-PARTE ORDER, IS TO PRESERVE adduced in support of the Respondent’s motion section is still invalid, to the extent that, what it THE RES, PREVENT ITS DISSIPATION, ex-parte. The Court of Appeal was also on the prescribes is not a civil penalty, but a criminal right track, when it unhesitatingly approved punishment for forfeiture. He also submitted PENDING WHEN ALL THE PARTIES and endorsed the order of the trial court grant- that, the opinion of the court below that the ing the said application, and the Supreme Court application at the trial court was an application CAN BE HEARD. THEREFORE, AS had no reason to interfere with the concurrent in Rem is erroneous, because an application or RIGHTLY HELD BY THE COURT OF findings of facts. proceeding in Rem has its own procedure. Appeal Dismissed. On issue three, counsel for the Appellant APPEAL, THE INTERIM ORDER OF argued that, the affidavit attached to the ap- Representation plication was bereft of any sufficient material FORFEITURE UNDER SECTION 17 Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN with Godwin Ijubor, to warrant the order made by the Federal High Chinedu Maduba, Oluchi Uche, Osilama Mike Court. He argued that, the Respondent did not OF THE ACT, IS A NON-CONVICTION Ozekhome for the Appellant. show that the Appellant got the money, in the ORDER BASED FORFEITURE, AND THE circumstance which makes it to be proceeds Rotimi Oyedepo PDS, EFCC with Hadiza Afegbua of unlawful activities. He then submitted that, PROCEEDING IS AN ACTION IN REM” PDS, EFCC for the Respondent. 16.07.2019 NEWS/5

BREAKFAST SEMINAR NBA IKEJA LAW WEEK

L-R: Partner, Templars, Inam Willson, Group Head, Human Resource, Shahara Group, Ivie Imasogie-Adi- L-R: NBA Ikeja Publicity Secretary, Mr. Charles Ajiboye, Vice-Chairman, Mrs. Roselyn Obakpolor, Chair- gun, Partner, Templars, Dayo Okusami; Senior Counsel, Labour and Employment, Binta Idonije; Human man, Prince Dele Oloke, former NBA President, Mr. Augustin Alegeh, SAN, Alternate Chairman, NBA Ikeja Resource, Director, Nigeria bottling Company, Olumide Sholanke and Head, Communication and Busi- Law Week Committee, Dr. Fred Odutola, Law Week Committee Secretary, Uju Peace Okeke and NBA Ikeja ness Development, Templars, Walter Bossman at the Templars Interactive Breakfast Seminar on Out- Secretary, Mr. Chinedu Ifezue during a courtesy visit of the Branch Exco and Law Week committee to Mr. standing and Contract Staffing in Nigeria PHOTO: Dan Ukana Alegeh as part of activities marking the 2019 Law Week

SERAP Holds Public EFCC Marks 2019 AU Anti- Hearing on the Use FOI Act Corruption Day with Road Walks in Education Sector Peter Taiwo According to a statement Akinwale Akintunde Anti-Corruption Day with the support towards developing a day, July 11, to combat signed by SERAP’s Deputy theme: “Towards a Common a framework for an African the scourge of corruption Socio-Economic Rights and Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, In commemoration of the 2019 African Position on Asset common position on asset in Africa. Accountability Project (SERAP) the public hearing also aims African Union Anti-Corruption Recovery”. recovery, is very important. “It is good that this is the will tomorrow, July 17, 2019, hold to encourage and sensitise Day, the Economic and Financial Rabo stressed the need Besides, there is need to create third edition of the African a public hearing on building the the citizens, on how they can Crimes Commission (EFCC) last to strengthen international awareness, and engage the Union anti-corruption road capacity of citizens, on the use of deploy the FOI Act as a tool for Thursday, embarked on road cooperation amongst the anti- citizens in asset recovery walk, and the essence is to the Freedom of Information Act promoting transparency and walks across States. corruption agencies in Africa, efforts. create awareness for Africa (FOI Act), as a tool for promoting accountability in the education The EFCC officials in Lagos, for purposes of developing “All hands must be on to unite and have a common transparency and accountability sector, and to encourage them led by the Zonal Head, Moham- an African common position deck, in response to the ground on how illicit funds in the education sector in Nigeria. to participate in the fight against med Issa Rabo and members of framework on asset recovery. clarion call from across the can be recovered. The event, which will be held at corruption in the sector. the civil society, took to street in He said the government world, to defeat corruption. “Africa, our great continent, Radisson Hotel, GRA Ikeja, Lagos, Oluwadare noted that, the their numbers, to sensitise the of President Muhammadu We must all demand the is bleeding under the heavy will bring together, citizens who complaints received at the people on the effectiveness of Buhari has particularly made culture of integrity and ac- weight of corruption. If Africa are affected by the poor delivery public hearing, as well as the anti-corruption agency and the fight against corruption countability, to win the fight does not kill corruption, of public services, particularly in the conclusions and recom- the need for everyone to join in Nigeria and the recovery against corruption. corruption will kill us. the education sector in Nigeria; mendations, will be sent to in the fight. of stolen assets, a key agenda “It is a settled fact that, “More than $50bn of our anti-corruption agencies and other anti-corruption agencies and Speaking during the road for the administration. corruption remains Nigeria’s resources, is being stashed public agencies; Lawyers; human other appropriate agencies and walk on behalf of EFCC Acting “This has translated to greatest problem; and, by, away through illicit flows. rights activists; civil society leaders; authorities. Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, the significant recoveries of looted extension, the entire African The poorest people we can the media and other stakeholders, SERAP is a non-profit, Lagos Zonal Head noted that, assets, that were acquired continent. The resources that find in this world, are from such as trade unions, market nonpartisan, legal and advocacy the African Union Convention through mismanagement should have delivered the Africa. women, taxi drivers’ associations, organisation, devoted to promot- on preventing and combating of public funds. good life to the majority “Instead of us putting the student associations, landlord as- ing transparency, accountability, corruption was adopted in “It is against this of our people, have been feet of our youths on the sociations, artisans, spare parts and respect for socio-economic Maputo, Mozambique on July background, that today’s cornered by the privileged pedestal of prosperity, they dealers, and vulcanisers. rights in Nigeria. 11, 2003. convergence of all relevant few, leaving the entire nation are being put on the pedestal According to him, the African anti-corruption stakeholders underdeveloped”, he stated. of corruption. Hunger, war Union adopted July 11, as the (Domestic and International), Also speaking during the and terrorism, are as a result African Anti-Corruption Day, to reflect on the challenges walk, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin of corruption. But, we must Witness tells Court how Late adding that this year marks of asset recovery in Africa said it was gratifying that the all ensure that we keep our the 3rd edition of the African and solicit contributions and African Union has set aside children alive”, she added. Badagry King’s Signature was Allegedly Forged Akinwale Akintunde The SFU alleged that the Appeal Court Sets Aside AMCON’s Prince abused his position of An Ikeja Special Offences Court, trust as an administrator of has heard how the late Oba his late father’s estate, and Judgement, Orders Retrial Afolabi James of Kweme Land of defrauded his 26 siblings by Badagry, Lagos, had mysteriously fraudulently converting a N500 Akinwale Akintunde Limited’s right to fair hearing for determination of any of which were the subject of signed some Corporate Affairs million property, from 2000 to was breached, when the trial the rights of the Appellant, this appeal, but that AMCON, Commission (CAC) forms in 2017 in Lagos. Court of Appeal, Lagos Divi- court heard and determined and as such, the lower court through the judgement of 2011, nine years after his death The prosecutor, Oluwafemi sion, has set aside a judgement AMCON’s suit, being the had the requisite jurisdiction court, took over its proper- on January 30, 2002. Olabisi, noted that Semasa had delivered by a Federal High alleged debtor and whose to entertain and determine ties located at No. 86, Opebi A subpoenaed prosecution fraudulently sold a property Court, siting in Lagos on May properties were the subject- the suit, in the absence of the Road, Ikeja, Lagos, No. 12, witness from CAC, Mr. Chris- belonging to the late king's 30, 2017, in favour of the of Asset matter of the suit, without Appellant, and that it was Reverend Ogunbiyi Street, topher Etim, revealed this while estate located at Plot 1440, Management Corporation of hearing from the Appellant. not an abuse of court process. G. R. A, Ikeja, and No. 22, testifying at the resumed trial Ilesanmi St., Itire Road, Su- Nigeria (AMCON). According to Justice AMCON further argued Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos. of Semasa James, a son to the rulere, to a private individual. The Appellate Court nullified Ogakwu, the trial Judge that, its failure to attach the The appellate court said late king and Afolabi Kazeem, He also allegedly illegally the lower court’s judgement, on erred in law, when, without loan purchase agreement the parties sued by AMCON his personal assistant, over the leased another estate property the ground that it did not comply due regard to the relevant by which it acquired the at the lower court, were not alleged fraud. located at Plot 282 Ajose Adeo- with the principle of fair hearing. provisions of the Evidence Act, Appellant indebtedness from party to the Deeds of Legal The Special Fraud Unit (SFU) gun St., Victoria Island, Lagos In a unanimous decision, the 2011, particularly Section 131(2) the bank, did not vitiate the Mortgage, so they could of the Nigeria Police Force had to Ecobank Plc. three-man panel comprising and Section 32 of AMCON judgement of the lower court. not have assisted the lower arraigned Semasa on a five-count The SFU Prosecutor also Justices Mohammed Lawal Act, 2010 (as amended), In his judgement, Justice court in the determination charge of stealing, forging of shed some light on Kazeem's Garea, Ugochukwu Anthony and without any concrete Ogakwu traced the genesis of of whether the rights under company resolution, fraudulent alleged role as an accomplice, Ogakwu, and Gabriel Omoniyi evidence, particularly the the case to facilities granted to the legal mortgage, had been disposing of trust property, and in defrauding the late king's Kolawole, ordered that the lower Loan Purchase and Limited the Appellant by the defunct crystallised. forgery. While Kazeem and the estate. court should re-list and hear Services Agreement (Loan Oceanic Bank (succeeded by “The parties sued at the Badagry prince, are jointly charged According to the Prosecutor, the case, and fined AMCON Purchase Agreement), granted Ecobank), and which outstand- lower court, the Inspector- with two-counts of conspiracy the offences contravene Sections N100,000 as cost. AMCON’s claims against the ing debt was acquired by General of Police, and the to defraud and cheating. 383(1), 383(2)(f), 390(9), 421,434, Delivering the lead judgement, Appellants. AMCON. Commandant-General of The duo were arraigned before 465 and 467 of the Criminal Justice Ogakwu held that the AMCON, in its defence, had He noted that, the Appellant the Civil Defence Corps, are Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo. They Code, Laws of the Federation Appellant in the suit, Suru claimed that the suit at the was not a party at the lower however, pleaded not guilty to Worldwide Ventures Nigeria lower court was not seeking court, in the proceedings CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 the seven-count charge. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 6/ 16.07.2019

SERAP: ‘As Nigerians, we all have a right to a Corruption-Free Society’ Akinwale Akintunde whether grand or petty corruption, adding that Fiscal Commission, Nigerian Bar Association, for this to happen. We know that those who make doing this will amount to standing up for our Ikeja branch, human rights activists, civil society change, have to work for months or years to The Deputy Director of Socio-Economic Rights fundamental human rights. leaders, the media, and other stakeholders, such create change in the world. & Accountability Project (SERAP), Mr. Kolawole The town hall meeting titled: ‘Citizens’ Participa- as market women association, taxi drivers’ as- “But as Nigerians, we have to start doing Oluwadare, has reminded Nigerians of their right tion in the Fight Against Corruption in the Police, sociation, and student associations. something in our various communities about to a corruption-free society. Health, Education, Judiciary and Electricity Sectors According to him, “The cost of not standing corruption, and holding our elected and appointed Oluwadare, who said this last week at a in Nigeria’, and held at the Ikeja Airport Hotel, up for our rights is huge. Our governments and public officials to account. By doing this, we will town hall meeting organised by the SERAP in Ikeja, was attended by representatives of Nigerian lawmakers, have little incentive to fight corruption. not only be standing up for our own human rights, collaboration with UKaid, called on all Nigerians Labour Congress (NLC), National Orientation Therefore, corruption in Nigeria won’t simply but also for the human rights of all Nigerians—both to get involved in the fight against corruption, Agency, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and disappear, without the citizens vigorously pushing present and future generations”. “We all know corruption, when we see it’! Corruption is like a huge elephant, sitting on this country. Nigeria has lost over $400 billion of WITNESS TELLS COURT HOW LATE BADAGRY KING’S SIGNATURE WAS ALLEGEDLY FORGED CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 public funds to corruption, since independence in 1960. Corruption has increased the cost of achieving of Nigeria 2004. the Defendant’s signature were appended in "Form CAC 3 is the notice of situation or the UN Millennium Development Goals in the The SFU claimed that, while investigating CAC forms, in the years 2011 and 2012. change of registered address, Mr. James Kola country, including on education, health, water Semasa for the alleged fraud, they had uncovered "In form CAC 7, James Afolabi Ogungbe Semasa signed as a director in this form, and and sanitation. suspicious signatures purportedly signed by (the late king) is named as the first director, the there is a resolution attached to same signed by “Millions of Nigerians cannot access or obtain the late king in documents of CAJ Industrial second director is named James Kola Semasa Mr. James Kola Semasa and Mr. James Afolabi essential public goods and services, because of Enterprises, the deceased's company. (the first Defendant). Ogungbe on November 24, 2016", Etim said. corruption. The benefits of the country’s natural In order to prove that the late king's signature "On the column for remarks, it states appointed, During cross-examination by the defence resources are exchanged and shared among the on the company's document was forged, the SFU and there are no directors asides the first and counsel, Mr. Martin Oyigbo, Etim reiterated that politicians, the rich and well connected, excluding through its prosecuting counsel, Mr. Oluwafemi second directors. though he was not a signature or handwriting the less privileged, the socially and economically Olabisi, had subpoenaed the CAC as a witness. "The signature on the second page belongs expert, as a legal practitioner and compliance vulnerable, in our country. Etim, a compliance officer with CAC, who to James Afolabi Ogungbe, and the signature officer, he was very conversant with the docu- “Mismanagement, embezzlement or diversion testified as the thirteenth prosecution witness, was signed on November 28, 2011. The first ments he presented before the court. of public funds, for example, through ‘security told the court that he had brought before the director James Afolabi Ogungbe signed the The witness also emphasised that, the votes’, constituency projects, ‘welcome package’ court, copies of some CAC documents namely; resolution; I arrived at that conclusion from signatures in all the CAC forms he presented for members of the National Assembly, further Form CAC 2.1 (particulars of company secretary) Form CAC 7. before the court, were consistent and the same. reduces the government’s resources available for Form CAC 3 (change of registered address) "Form CAC 2.1 is particulars of person who Following Etim's testimony, Olabisi informed development and poverty reduction spending. and Form CAC 7 (particulars of directors). is the company secretary of the company or the court that, the SFU would be closing their “Yet, if basic public services are not delivered to While being led in evidence by SFU counsel, any person therein, it was signed by Mr. James case against the Defendants. citizens due to corruption, the State eventually loses Olabisi the CAC compliance officer, informed Kola Semasa and Mr. James Afolabi Ogungbe Justice Taiwo has adjourned the case to its credibility and legitimacy”, Oluwadare said. the court that, the late king's signature and on March 21, 2012. October 16 and 17, 2019. Also speaking at the event, a former aide to President Muhammadu Buhari on Financial Crimes in the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. APPEAL COURT SETS ASIDE AMCON’S JUDGEMENT, ORDERS RETRIAL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 Biodun Aikomo stated that, “the biggest problem Nigeria faces is corruption, as resources meant definitely not in a position to proffer any portunity to be heard. The Appellant only “The appeal being meritorious, succeeds. for everybody are in the pockets of individuals”. information as to the state of the mortgage debt. became aware of the suit, when execution of The decision of the lower court is set aside, Aikomo, who until recently, was Senior Assistant There was a lot that could have been attained the lower court judgement, was levied. and the case is remitted to the lower court to President Buhari, said: “We must go beyond in the judicial and judicious determination of “The Appellant is a proper and desirable for hearing de-novo, with the Appellant as a mere rhetoric and really join hands as citizens, to the matter, if the Appellant had been made party, and the entire proceeding and judgement, party. The Appellant is entitled to the sum fight corruption. If we wait for the anti-corruption a party, and given a hearing in the matter. constituted a manifest breach of the Appellant’s of N100,000 as cost of this appeal”, Justice and law enforcement agencies to fight corruption, “The Appellant, was not given the op- right to a fair hearing. Ogakwu held. we may not achieve much progress”.

Legal Personality of the Week Barinaada Bema Alexander ‘Law Practice should be handled as a Business’ Please, give a brief introduction of yourself by leveraging solely on social media and the where I was either matriculating or convocating My name is Barinaada Bema Alexander. I internet. He literarily endorsed my brand, as as a law student or law graduate (that part of graduated from the University of Lagos in 2014, a viable business in Africa which should be the dream wasn’t very clear). and then proceeded to the , modelled across Africa. So, when I took the exam that first time and Enugu Campus, where I obtained my BL. In his words, “Every African Country needs I wasn’t admitted despite my very high score, I I am the Principal/Founder of Barinaada Legal, a Barinaada.” was so disappointed because the next year when a 100% SME focused Law firm, specialising That endorsement via his website and Facebook I did the Jamb again with a different school, of mostly in corporate and commercial law practice, page, was a game changer for my business. It course, I was given the admission to study law, as it affects small business owners. had a domino effect on my brand, because that and that’s how my journey as Lawyer started. I am also the founder of the Law and Business glorious mention opened the doors for bigger Community, a closed Facebook group of over opportunities, my client base increased with What would be your advice to anyone 2000 business owners, where I share my thoughts quality clients, I got a series of invitations to wanting a career in law? on corporate and commercial law practices and speak at both physical and virtual summits, There is a business side to every profession, legal compliance issues as they affect small and also it reinforced my authority status as and that includes law, as well. You would have businesses, as well as the legal challenges facing a legal consultant to small business owners, to decide early on, what you want as a Lawyer. business owners, and possible ways out. among other things. Whatever you decide, whether you are in a law This event, for me, remains my most memorable firm or on your own, or whether you are active Have you had any challenges in your experience yet. in litigation or not, you cannot take away the career as a Lawyer, and if so, what were element of hard work. the main challenges? Who has been most influential in your So, if you are like me, you would have to I have had two major challenges, especially life? learn the amazing power of consistency, and since I decided that I wanted to start up a solo Barinaada Bema Alexander I would say my husband, Alex Iheanacho, showing up every day. Anyone wanting a career practice as a legal consultant to small business has been my mentor from day one, since I in law must understand that, there is nothing like owners. What was your worst day as a Lawyer? started my journey on this path. Although he overnight success, and that sometimes, overnight The first was from concerned family and My worst day as a Lawyer, was going to is not a Lawyer, he understands that the vision success can be as long 10 years of consistency friends, especially from my father. I had my court one day and after sitting through the is to build an unconventional law practice. He in value delivery. fair share of the usual ‘go and get experience long bar list and series of cases that were set has been most supportive, and helps me a lot mantra’, from people who couldn’t understand aside for judgement, it finally got to my turn, with the techy aspect of my business as well. If you had not become a Lawyer, what why any “new wig” barely five years at the only to discover that, neither the Respondent I know the question requires just one name, other career would you have chosen? Bar would want to start up a solo practice, nor the Respondent’s counsel, were in court. but, if I may add another, my father has also If I had not become a Lawyer, I probably instead of working with a law firm. We got an adjournment, but a very long one. been a very influential person in my life. He would have ended up as a businesswoman. I The second challenge came from colleagues That experience reminded me again, why I had his doubts about my choice of practice in have always loved business. who couldn’t understand my information based find litigation a bit tiring, because of the series my early days, but, today, he is my number marketing strategy, and the whole social media of adjournments even for cases that are just one fan, he believes in me a whole lot, and that Where do you see yourself in ten years? leverage. For most of them, I was putting out listed for mention. too, is a source of encouragement. We aspire to become the number one SME too much information for free, and was running Inclined Law firm, in Africa. Our client base foul of the Rules of Professional Conduct for What is your most memorable experience Why did you become a Lawyer? will have increased exponentially, Barinaada Lawyers, which prohibits advertising and as a Lawyer? The first time I wrote my Jamb exam, I chose Legal would literarily be on the lips of every soliciting. So, when I started newly as an Precisely on the 12th day of January, 2019, English language and Mass Communication business owner, as the go to law firm for small online legal consultant, I had the particular the very Dr. Strive Masiyiwa 8th richest man and the school was University of Ilorin. Even business owners. In ten years’ time, I would have challenge of structuring my contents in a way in Africa, and the richest in Zimbabwe, recog- though I had a very high score at the Post Ume, built a strong formidable brand for Barinaada that wouldn’t sound like I was advertising and nised me for my contribution towards helping I was still not admitted that year. Legal that is franchise-able, and can be replicated soliciting, and this has worked for me. SMEs have access to legal services in Nigeria, Prior to taking that exam, I’d had a dream anywhere in Africa. 16.07.2019 /7 TALKING CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY

DR. MIKE OZEKHOME, SAN SMS only to 08098898888 Democracy and Oligarchy: The Missing Bond (Part 5) Introduction However, President Trump isn't the only one. Other or the past two weeks, we have been notable oligarchies include, post-Mao , when an x-raying the missing links between oligarchy assumed control of the country. Saudi Arabia democracy and autocracy. So far, we seems to boast of a similar government structure, with have dissected this form of government king Salman bin Abdulaziz appointing two of his sons (Autocracy) in a way, and have shown to high positions, controlling oil prices and other major its limitation vis-a-vis democracy. For policies. instance, the people are helpless against Some have argued that, the United States is actually an an autocrat, who dominates them oligarchy. And, according to a study published in 2014 Fwith power and force. Today, we shall by Princeton University Professor, Martin Gilens, and conclude same. Thereafter, we shall Northwestern University Professor, Benjamin Page, some commence and conclude another form of government, researchers believe so, too. Oligarchy. So, some researchers have concluded that, despite the democratic processes put in place to ensure an even Autocracy (Conclusion) balance of power, it may be the wealthy and elite who are Autocratic governments are not the most efficient, the movers and shakers, in forming policy. And while this or effective type of government. Nor are they the best. may not be conclusive evidence that America is actually Autocratic leaders often don't take the best interest of an oligarchy, it is certainly worth further consideration. their subjects into account, when passing or implementing It is a recurrent idea that, all forms of government laws. As a result, many of the events that occur, have a are, in the final analysis, reducible to the rule of a few. negative effect on the people living in that country. Oligarchs will secure effective control, whether the formal authority is vested in the people, a monarch, the prole- Meaning of Oligarchy tariat, or a dictator. Thus, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels Oligarchy is a form of governance, in which administra- insisted that, throughout capitalism, the key capitalists tive power is vested in a few people in the society. The had controlled the government; they coined the dictum, class of people in power is distinguished by wealth, the state is the executive committee of the exploiting class. family ties, nobility, military or religious control. The The Italian Political Scientist, Gaetano Mosca, likewise control of oligarchic states, is passed from one generation insisted that a ruling class always constituted the effective to the other, although inheritance of the family wealth is oligarchic control. Vilfredo Pareto elaborated the idea, not necessary. A majority of oligarchies are known to be President Muhammadu Buhari in his doctrine of the “elite”. The modern tendency to tyrannical, relying on the submission and obedience of analyse social patterns in terms of an “elite”, although the public. Oppression is used, to subdue those who rise when an elite class (either those who are very skilled or greatly reinforced by Pareto's theory, goes further back against the state. informed in certain areas, very rich, or very powerful by than Marx and Engels, who employed the term “elite” other means), decide to take over control of a government to describe the class-conscious communists, the leading History of Oligarchy or corporation. group within the proletariat. The term “Oligarchy” was pioneered by Aristotle, In democracies, oligarchies are formed when the general to refer to the rule of the rich. As far back as the 600s population would rather trust those who pose to be better Michels’ Iron Law of Oligarchy BCE, Greek city-states sported aristocracies in Sparta equipped to lead, than those in charge. Oligarchies could If oligarchy could survive even the socialist abolition and Athens. Moreover, another antiquated example is also be formed in a democracy, when the people aren't of private ownership of the means of production, then, Venice during the 14th century, where rich nobles called actively involved in government or are facing a crisis. of course, this makes the claims for the “iron law” all the "Patricians", controlled all the financial and political affairs Oligarchies could come into existence by usurping power stronger. of the city-state. of ineffectual leaders, including kings and tyrants. One of the most famous modern uses of the term, oc- But, Greece was not the only one - Russia has long curs in “iron law of oligarchy,” a concept devised by the been considered an oligarchy, up until 1991. Many have Advantages of Oligarchy German sociologist Robert Michels, to refer to the alleged argued that, Russia still practices it. In fact, all communist One of the main pros of oligarchy, is that it puts power inevitable tendency of political parties and trade unions regimes could be considered oligarchies, where the few in the hands of people who are often experts, and can to become bureaucratised, centralised, and conservative. in power make executive decisions for the rest of the make informed decisions for the populous or company. It His reasoning was that, no matter how egalitarian or country or regime - often for their personal benefit or therefore, is more efficient than every single person being even radical the original ideology and goals of a party agenda. Throughout the Soviet Union, an oligarchy was able to make decisions, and can often free up people to or union may be, there must emerge a limited group of in place to manage affairs, often suited mostly for the focus on their own work or lives. leaders at the centre, who can direct power efficiently, get most powerful and wealthy. And, as countless publica- things done through an administrative staff, and evolve tions including The New York Times have claimed, the Disadvantages of Oligarchy some kind of rigorous order and ideology, to ensure Russian oligarchy is alive and well. There are plenty of downsides to an oligarchical the survival of the organisation when faced by internal Today, the system is better known as Plutocracy. A government, or management structure. While oligarchies division and external opposition. Subsequent writers of majority of today’s de Jure democratic governments, may free up others to focus on their craft or daily lives, various persuasions, have attempted either to expand are de facto oligarchies, since they are ruled by a small they can tend to skew decisions and policies, to benefit on Michels' thesis, extending it to legislatures, religious group of people from powerful and influential families, themselves. orders, and other organisations, or to restrict or criticise with shared interests. These groups of people spread In that manner, oligarchies tend to increase income the thesis, charging that the iron law of oligarchy is not power and elect leaders from among themselves, in inequality, which helps the oligarchy grow in power and universal, and that some unions and parties do maintain disguise of being democratic. Modern-day oligarchy wealth. Along those lines, oligarchies can often manipu- a viable system of democratic expression and governance. might be mistaken for democracy, although it is not true late the financial markets to their advantage, even if they Like it or not, most countries are run by a small group democracy. In the fourth century BCE, Athenians revolted are not natural, or do not comply with the rules of supply of people who dominate the national policies, control- against the oligarchical government, and restored democ- and demand. ling all aspects of governance and people's well-being. racy by selecting government officers from large groups Also, an oligarchy government can perpetuate bad poli- Throughout history, oligarchy has played a dominant of adult volunteers. The Athenians even drew Judges and cies, by keeping those who are similar to them in power, force in all types of political systems and governments. jurors from the public, and vested them with the power which can create an unhealthy corporate or government Nowadays, representative government is an artifice, a to provide justice and overrule the Assembly. community. wishful thinking, and a political myth, because deep down, the masses are under the dominance of a self- How is Oligarchy Formed? Oligarchies Practiced as at Today selected, self-serving few, who deprive the people from Oligarchies are formed for many reasons, but, mostly Several modern-day governments, are allegedly oligar- their rights. chies in nature. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Anne Applebaum, The Position in Africa even dared to call the President of United States of This reflects the political situation in many African America, Donald Trump an oligarch, writing in the countries, across the African continent; the dominance of Washington Post that "the real problem with Trump the very few in a society via the possession, control and isn't that he is sympathetic to Russian oligarchs, management of economic, political, social, and religious “LIKE IT OR NOT, MOST COUNTRIES it's that he is a Russian oligarch, albeit one who resources of the State, use questionable means such as, ARE RUN BY A SMALL GROUP happens to be American." corruption, fear, terror, education and intimidation, as a Applebaum was critical of Trump firing his former major weapon of control. This is particularly noted in OF PEOPLE WHO DOMINATE THE campaign manager Paul Manafort, when Manafort Sudan, Egypt, Eritrea, and Nigeria. allegedly had financial connections to Russian oligarchs. NATIONAL POLICIES, CONTROLLING In fact, the Pulitzer Prize winner reasserted her accusation, THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK ALL ASPECTS OF GOVERNANCE AND due to how she believed the President to be “a rich man “We must not tolerate oppressive government or who aspires to combine business with politics, and has an industrial oligarchy, in the form of monopolies and PEOPLE'S WEL-BEING” entirely cynical and instrumental attitude toward both”. cartels”. (Henry A. Wallace). 8/COVER 16.07.2019 16.07.2019 COVER/9 DISCOURSE Adeleke v Oyetola: Sacrificing Justice on the Altar of Technicalities?

The recent Supreme Court judgement, on the Osun State Gubernatorial election between Senator Ademola Adeleke and Adegboyega Oyetola, has raised a lot questions, as to whether substantive justice was reached in the case. As legal pundits continue to ponder over and interrogate the issues in the judgement, same have asked whether the Supreme Court took the place of the Osun electorate, and whether justice has not been sacrificed on the altar of legal technicalities. Dr. Sam Amadi and Steve Austin Nwabueze delve into the major issues in the Apex Court’s decision, and its implications for the larger Nigerian polity

Adeleke v INEC: Discordant Judicial Tunes and Dark Clouds of Technical Justice in Nigeria’s Election Jurisprudence

Steve Austin Nwabueze Obi v Ngige turned on the palpable poser “THE ELECTORATES OF of whether should complete Ngige’s tenure, or start a fresh term of four years. OSUN STATE IN 2019, AND he Supreme Court of Nigeria, There were concerns about the implication of THE UNITED STATES IN like that of every other legal a decision that tows the common sense path system worth its salt, is of allowing him to start his own tenure, even 2000, WILL OBVIOUSLY steeped in a policy-making if it would undermine the electoral timetable role, aside conducting its of . The Court stood tall in AGREE THAT, THE primary role as the judex arriving at its decision, and enriched our SUPREME COURT MADE in resolving disputes. As jurisprudence. the Apex Court, it is always One of the most recent decisions on this point THE CHOICE OF WHO Tlooked upon to show the was in Maihaja v Gaida 2017 LPELR-42474 BECAME GOVERNOR AND way, when judicial interpreta- (SC), where the Appellant sought an order tions from the courts below become blurry nullifying the nomination of the 1st Respondent PRESIDENT RESPECTIVELY” and fuzzy. Nigeria’s well-documented dalliance as the candidate of the 2nd Respondent, in the with military rule has, in a way, affected the 2015 Governorship election of Yobe State. The policy-making role of the Supreme Court. In Supreme Court in upholding the nomination some notable cases, the Supreme Court has of the 1st Respondent, affirmed the position the exalted status of subsidiary legislation stood tall and exhibited commendable judicial that, the 1st Respondent merely completed the to that section, and dismissed Mr. Faleke’s intrepidity by interpreting the law, fearlessly. tenure of his principal and was not precluded contentions. Two notable cases where the Supreme Court from completing his constitutionally guaranteed The Supreme Court thoroughly deserved demonstrated commendable judicial activism are tenure by the combined reading of Section every commendation it got, on this decision. the cases of Council of University of Ibadan 180(1), 181(1), 182(1) (b), 185, 186 and 191 of The Supreme Court had also taken the view Senator Ademola Adeleke Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, JSC Governor Adegboyega Oyetola v Adamolekun 1967 ANLR 225 SC and the 1999 Constitution. that INEC was within its rights to conduct a EO Lakanmi and Ors v Attorney-General Next came Hon. Faleke v Independent supplementary election, as it is empowered of the West and Ors 1971 1 UILR 201 National Electoral Commission (INEC) & by its electoral guidelines and manuals. The Supreme Court was invited in Ad- Anor (SC. 648/2016)[2016] NGSC 84 (30 Next came the issue of re-run election, and amolekun’s case, to interpret the provisions of September, 2016) (SC. 648/2016) [1960] this is where it got interesting. The Supreme Court as an Electorate in Osun State Section 6 of Decree no 1 of 1966. The Supreme NGSC 1 (29 September 2016); This analysis is essentially derived from Court while upholding the government’s excerpts from the print and electronic media, power to make Decrees and Edicts, rejected The facts and therefore, does not represent the writer’s Dr. Sam Amadi government responsible to protect the supremacy The Theory of the Supreme Court as an election in Osun State. At the tribunal a majority The Supreme Court decided the Osun case, on the contention, that it was an ouster clause Having won the primary election, the late full grasp of the judgement. The writer hereby of the Constitution, through judicial review power Electorate: The Osun Case of 2-1 of the Judges, held that the PDP candidate what appears to be a mere technicality. This has against its jurisdiction. In Lakanmi’s case, Prince Audu had nominated the Appellant, acknowledges his limited knowledge of the granted primarily by Section 6(6)(a)(b) of the I will illustrate the theory of the Supreme Court won the election by scoring the highest number drawn criticism from those who believe that, by it brought down its judicial sledge hammer, Hon. Abiodun Faleke as his running mate for arguments canvassed before the courts, and he conventional assumption, Constitution. Therefore, the judiciary assumes as an electorate, with the Osun governorship case, of votes in the election, and that INEC erred in basing its decision on a mere technicality of the in declaring the draconian Decree No. 45 of the election scheduled for 21/11/2015. At the the ratios thereon. is that the court, especially the role of the supreme branch of government. and other cases decided by the Supreme Court. declaring a rerun in the circumstances of that appearance of one of Judges, the Supreme Court 1968, as null and void. close of the polls, the late Prince Audu/Faleke Adeleke v INEC – how the discordant tunes the Supreme Court, is far This position of the judiciary, is guaranteed by What does it mean, to conceive the Supreme election. has unfairly awarded an election to a candidate Justice Niki Tobi (of blessed memory) had ticket was leading, while the PDP was in second started removed from politics. The the development of the doctrine of judicial power, Court as an electorate? It means that, the decision At the Court of Appeal, a 4-2 majority of the who did not win the election. in the case of Omoju v Fed. Republic of place. However, the 1st Respondent declared unconventional truth, is that the which authorises the Supreme Court and other that the Supreme Court makes in contentious Judges reversed the tribunal, on the ground that The Supreme Court decision in Adeleke v Nig. 2008 2-3 SC (Part 1) 1 @ 13 lines the results of the election inconclusive, on the Factual Background to the consolidated court, particularly the Supreme courts to question and nullify other actions of political cases, is analogous to the decision that it was not properly constituted when it heard Oyetola, mirrors the decision of the US Supreme 15 –30 recognised the eminent position of the ground that the total number of registered appeals: Court, plays politics. We have other branches of government, if they consider the citizen makes, when he goes to the polls to the case. The Court of Appeal found that, on Court in Bush v Gore, to the extent that it raises Supreme Court as a policy-making court thus: voters in 91 polling units where elections had The PDP candidate in the September 22 and learnt that, the judiciary these actions as unconstitutional. elect those who will exercise political authority. the day that the evidence on the supplementary the question of its justice and its political legitimacy. “The appellate system, is there to correct been cancelled, exceeded the margin of votes 27 elections, Senator Ademola Adeleke, filed a Tis the non-political branch of When we say the court is unconventionally It is true that, the Supreme Court or any other election was given, the Judge who read the majority Just like in the Bush v Gore case, the position mistakes of trial Judges. Where a mistake of between the APC and the PDP. Unfortunately, petition at the election tribunal to challenge the government. The two other political, it does not mean that the Judges are court, is never asked to make a choice between decision, did not participate in the proceedings. of the majority seems to have captured public a trial Judge does not affect the live issues, Prince Abubakar Audu passed on, before the victory of Mr Oyetola of the APC. The main branches of government- the legislature and the partisan. It does not question the assumed neutrality two candidates or two political parties when an Therefore, it could not have heard the evidence imagination, and satisfied lay expectation of props or fundamentals of the matter, an supplementary election. election was held on September 22, while a executive- are legitimately political and partisan. of the Judges as such, although there may well be election dispute arises in court. It may just be that lead to the decision. This means that, the the justice of the case. In Bush v Gore, Justice appellate court will not allow an appeal... Mr. Faleke went to court, to challenge the supplementary election was held on September But, the judiciary, the undertaker of what the arguable grounds to discount the famed political determining contentious facts, or determining court was not properly constituted to make a John Paul Stevens, speaking for the minority, This is because, technical justice, in return of the incumbent Governor of Kogi 27 in seven polling units. legal philosopher, Ronald Dworkin, called “The or ideological neutrality of Judges. But, the real between two differing interpretations of the law. valid decision on the issue. depreciates the views of the majority in these reality, is not justice, but a caricature of State. His contention was that, by virtue of INEC, declared Mr Oyetola winner of the Empire of Law”, best operates as non- political, point about underscoring the political nature of But, the theory of the court as an electorate argues The Supreme Court majority of 5-2, upheld unsparing words, “Although we may never it. It is justice in inverted commas, and the totality of the votes recorded by the joint election, after the supplementary poll. in order to retain the credibility to police the judicial determination, is to show that the judiciary that, even in such seemingly purely technical the decision of the lower court. But, the Supreme know with complete certainty, the identity of not justice synonymous with the principles ticket of late Prince Audu and himself, the Senator Adeleke approached the tribunal, and landscape of divided and contentious power. is equally a political branch of government in decision-making, as long as it involves a choice Court avoided deciding on the Appellant’s the winner in this year’s presidential election, of equity and fairplay. election was concluded and the late Prince invited it to nullify the election of Adegboyega This conception of the political neutrality of the constitutional design, and therefore, entitled to between alternatives that will result in a winner contention, on the power of INEC to order rerun. the identity of the loser is perfectly clear. It is the Caricatures are not the best presentations Audu and himself, were deemed to have been Oyetola, and declare him the winner of the court and its non- partisanship, reinforces the a political decision just like the other branches and a loser, in a contest about who will exercise nation’s confidence in the Judge as an impartial or representations”. duly elected. He further contended that, he was election. The Osun Governorship election truth or the illusion of liberty and freedom that of government. political authority on behalf the people, the court guidance of the rule of law”. entitled to step into the shoes of late Prince tribunal ruled in Senator Adeleke’s favour, characterise the ‘Constitution of Liberty’ as the I will argue that, in the Nigerian political is acting politically and its decision should receive In Adeleke v Oyetola, Hon. Justice Aka’ahs Supreme Court Decisions Audu as the Governor elect. The suit was and declared him the winner of the election. Nobel Laureate in Economics, Frederick Hayek, landscape the Supreme Court’s decision on the same scrutiny, as well as institutional protection, “THIS HAS DRAWN CRITICISM FROM of the Supreme Court disagreed strongly with Since emerging from the shadows of its however, struck out upon successful objections, In a split judgement of two to one, the tribunal described our liberal democracy. election cases prove that, like citizens and the as decisions of other branches of government the majority, and slammed the election in these dark military past, Nigeria’s Supreme Court on the ground that, his contentions can only ruled that INEC was wrong to have ordered The Nigerian Constitution follows famous Independent National Electoral Commission under conditions of constitutional legitimacy. THOSE WHO BELIEVE THAT, BY stinging words, “INEC is supposed to be an has had a major highlight reel of case law be determined by an Election Petition Tribunal. a rerun election. It nullified the rerun. liberal constitutions in the world, to make the (INEC), the court is a voting block that ought to be In the recent governorship case between the BASING ITS DECISION ON A MERE umpire, not a partisan group. For INEC to have principles, that have gone ahead to enrich judiciary the guarantor of a supreme constitution. factored, in considering the outcome of a political PDP candidate (Ademola Adeleke) and the APC pronounced the election inconclusive, showed that our jurisprudence. To this end, we have Election Petition The Court of Appeal decision Section 1(3) of the Nigerian constitution puts it dispute. I argue also that, there is nothing wrong candidate (Gboyega Oyetola), on who was validly TECHNICALITY OF THE APPEARANCE it has something up its sleeves. And, it advanced been regaled with a potpourri of judicial In arriving at its decision, the Supreme But, in a swift move by the Court of Appeal, beyond confusion in stating that:“If any other about the conception of a court as an electorate elected as Governor of Osun State, a 5-2 majority of OF ONE OF JUDGES, THE SUPREME that through the rerun”. Justice Paul Galinje joined decisions, ranging from the disappointing Court construed Section 153 of the Electoral the intermediate court ruled that: “the tribunal law is inconsistent with the provisions of this (in fact, this interpretation is required by liberal the Supreme Court, ruled for the APC candidate. Justice Aka’ahs, in ruling for the PDP. to the enriching. Expectedly, most of these Act, to mean that the Commission may, issue was in patent error, when it set aside the rerun”. Constitution, this Constitution shall prevail, democracy), provided that it is complemented The case is an appeal against the decision of COURT HAS UNFAIRLY AWARDED AN How justified is the Supreme Court’s resort to decisions, emanated from seriously contested regulations, guidelines, or manuals for the The appellate court noted that, the Judge and such other law shall to the extent of the with the theory of responsibility, which requires the Court of Appeal, that upturned the decision technicality, in resolving such an important political election petition cases. I will briefly comment purpose of giving effect to the provisions of who issued the majority decision at the inconsistency, be void”. all political actors to openly show their hands, of the tribunal nullifying the declaration of the ELECTION TO A CANDIDATE WHO DID on just a few of the decisions, before delving the Act, and for its administration thereof. In The judiciary is designated as the branch of as well as their reasons. APC candidate as the winner of the governorship NOT WIN THE ELECTION” CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 into the pith of this article. simple terms, the Supreme Court accorded CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 10/COVER 16.07.2019

THE SUPREME COURT AS AN ELECTORATE IN OSUN STATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 case? To be fair to the majority in that case, one Stages of Constitutional Design could argue that the decision was based on more My own articulation of the political theory of than a technicality, since incomplete composition the court, is that as a branch of government, the of a court or a tribunal is jurisdictional matter, judiciary is designed to play a political role. This that vitiates the competence of the court to role relates to the choice of who will exercise judicially determine a dispute. The competence political power and how, in a society. Political of the court based on its complete composition, institutions and culture have been designed has been recognised as a jurisdictional matter. such that, the power to make such decision As recent as 2015, the Supreme Court held in has been structured and diffused in a manner PPP v INEC (No.2) 2015 8 NWLR Part that will secure legitimacy and effectiveness. In 1491 Page 251 that when the tribunal is not our constitutional design, the initial decisions properly constituted in the essence that one of are made by political parties, who prepare and the members of the tribunal did not sit and there present candidates for election. Citizens as voters, was no quorum, then the court is not properly often participate in the party primaries, but such constituted. The tribunal lacks jurisdiction, and participation is separate from the next stage of its decisions are void. the process. Decision at this level is essentially From the prism of jurisdictional defects, a political, and if it is made fairly, the court defers sympathetic view of the Supreme Court dismissal to the internal process of the parties. This is how of the Adeleke’s appeal, is that it is more than to understand the decisions of the Supreme Court technicality. This is substantive matter. The decision that deferred to the choice that political parties of the tribunal, suffers from jurisdictional defect. make, in determining who are their candidates This position could be arguable and perhaps for elections. Yes, the degree of deference that the credible, but the way the Supreme Court took Supreme Court accords to the parties, depends its decision - the issue of whether Justice Peter of law should distance itself from it. Courts of law that the court has the power to nullify actions on the temper of and the court’s own Obiora was present in the court on February 6, should not be unduly tied down to technicali- of either branch of government that violated intuitions and irritations. 2019 when the issue of INEC’s non-compliance ties, particularly when no miscarriage of justice the Constitution, has taken roots in both legal In Amaechi’s case, an irritated Supreme Court with electoral guidelines was tabled, was contested would be occasioned. Justice can only be done imagination and precedents. In Youngstown overstepped the boundaries, and ‘elected’ Amaechi by both parties before the Supreme Court. The in substance, and not be impeding it with mere Sheet and Tube Co. v Sawyer (343) U.S 579 the Governor of . This case, has been case of APC, is that Justice Peter Obiora did technical procedural irregularities that occasion (1952), the US Supreme Court opined that: “The much discredited. But, it shows the changing not sign the attendance sheet for the day of no miscarriage of justice. Thus, when the facts President’s power to issue the order, if any, must degree of judicial deference to parties, and shows proceedings. Justice Peter Obiora claims he are glaringly clear, the court should ignore mere stem from either an Act of Congress or from the that, the Supreme Court can be overtly political participated in the proceedings that day, but failed technicalities”. Earlier, Justice Pats- constitution”. Very memorably, Justice Jackson in the choice it makes. In other instances, it could to sign the attendance sheet. The majority did Acholonu had argued, in Associated Discount debunked the presumptions of the office of the be subtly so. not reject this claim, or in any way found it to v. Amalgamated Trustee (1) 2006 5 SC Part President, arguing that, although the President is The next stage of this constitutional design, be untrue. It merely accepted the fact that, not 1 @ 37-38 that: “The courts are the products of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, he is the choice that voters make. This too, is emi- signing attendance was enough to indicate the the society. They are established to solve and give is not “the Commander-in-Chief of the country, nently political and receives the highest degree of non- attendance. So, in judicial terms, the majority remedies to people, who complain of having been its industries and its inhabitants”. deference. If voters elect a foolish and mentally based the incompetence of the tribunal on the fact shortchanged or wronged somehow. Therefore, The Nigerian Supreme Court has followed the unstable, if the person was qualified to contest, no of non-signing of the attendance of the register, it should not allow undue technicalities likely to contour of Chief Justice Marshall’s exposition, paternalism should induce the court or election not on the improper composition of the tribunal. wreak havoc on the polity”. on judicial power of the court. In cases like as management body, to change this decision. It If it wanted its decision on improper composi- So, the decision of the majority can be challenged Stitch v Attorney-General of the Federation is at the heart of democracy, that such choice tion, then it could have invoked its jurisdiction of failing the test of avoidance of mere technicality, (1986) 5 NWLR 47, Lakanmi v AG Western should not be restrained or subverted. But, liberal to resolve the conflict in evidence. What is clear to the extent that following technicality in the Region (1971) IUILR 201. Famously, in AG democrats have argued that, entitlement of the is that, there is no evidence that Justice Peter instance did not in any way provide remedies to (Bendel) v AG (Federation) (1981) 10 S.C., people to make political choices needs to be Obiora did not participate in the proceedings, the people. Contrarily, we can argue that, relying the Supreme Court nullified Appropriation Act constrained to the extent of protecting institutions, but rather failed to sign the attendance sheet. The on mere technical irregularity in procedure, may passed by the National Assembly, contrary to and procedures of democratic freedom. This is minority is right to have queried the majority, for have underserved the voters who are the real the provisions of the Constitution. the basis of the assertion of judicial review, as a not basing the conclusion on non-attendance of aggrieved persons, whose votes do not count Judicial review, has divided legal scholars. desirable counter- majoritarian democratic device. Justice Peter Obiora on the record of proceedings, whenever someone not validly elected, is declared Many see it as aggrandisement of power, by a The next stage of electoral decision- making is or on affidavit of the Respondent. the winner of a poll. branch of government that is not subjected to the regulatory stage, where the election manage- Two points arise, from the analysis. The first political accountability. The alleged lack of political ment body makes decisions to declare the winner. is that, the majority can justify its decision as not The Supreme Court: An Unusual Political accountability makes the exercise of such awesome This is another form of voting. This decision, based on mere technicality. It held against the Institution powers dangerous, in that the Supreme Court can takes the form of quasi-judicial and legislative Appellant, because the tribunal that awarded it the But, this paper is even more concerned by the act as an anti-majority political institution, to reverse functions. Just as electorates vote, the regulator result was not properly constituted, and therefore, politics of the court in deciding election case, than the choice that the people make through their exercises a vote to either affirm the choice made lacked the jurisdiction to make the decision on the debate between technicality and substantive elected representatives and an elected President. by electorates, or somehow reverse or constrain INEC’s non-compliance in ordering a rerun. The justice. The argument is that the Supreme Court President Jefferson opposed the power of judicial such choice. minority can justify its decision, that the Appellant in Adeleke v Oyetola acted typical of courts review, and argued that, the judiciary should have The final stage, is the judicial stage. The Supreme won the election, on the ground that, there was in political cases: they vote just like electorates. no power to overrule view, “each department Court is called upon to exercise its power, to no evidence that the Judge did not participate This perspective is based on what I call, the (branch of government) is truly independent of determine who ultimately receives the mandate in the proceedings. And the onus to prove that ‘political theory’ of the court. Political scholar, the others, and has an equal right to decide for to exercise political power. It may be true as contentious fact, lies on the Respondent who Robert Dahl, in his classic article, The Supreme itself what is the meaning of the constitution”. Justice Learned Hand of the US Supreme Court alleged it. Notwithstanding who is right about Court as a National Policymaker, developed the idea This view does not have much support, today. said:“It would be more irksome to be ruled this different interpretation of the facts, this is of the court as a political institution. According Nevertheless, the suspicion that the power of judicial by a bevy of Platonian Guardians, even if I patently a silly basis to decide a contentious to Dahl, “To consider the Supreme Court of the review is undemocratic, remains popular. But, as know how to choose them, which I assuredly, electoral case. United States strictly as a legal institution, is to some institutional interests resent the overriding do not”. Perhaps, the Supreme Court Justices underestimate its significance in the American power of the court through judicial review, many are not ‘Platonian Guardians’, but their votes Technicality v Substantive Justice political system, an institution, that is to say, for of those whose rights have been advanced by an contribute to determining who gets to exercise This raises the charge, of technicality overwhelm- arriving at decisions on controversial questions activist Supreme Court, especially under Justice political power. The electorates of Osun State in ing substantive justice. It is true that legal justice is of national policy”. Two points come out of this Warren, continue to support the power of judicial 2019, and the United States in 2000, will obviously differentiated from moral justice, by the resort to classical definition. First, is that, the Supreme Court review. Supporters of the power of judicial review agree that, the Supreme Court made the choice of technical rules in the former. This difference separates is an ‘unusual’ political institution. The second of the court, describe the judiciary as ‘the least who became Governor and President respectively. legal positivists, from naturalists. To positivists, law is that, the Supreme Court is unusual ‘political’ dangerous branch’, according to a book by the is built around social facts of authority and rules. institution. Read carefully, and you will see these same title by Professor Alexander Bickel. But, Conclusion The court is bound to do justice, according to law. statements are not tautological. as David O’Brien points out: “The Court is no The truth is that, the Supreme Court is an The law is built, around rules. Whether these rules The Supreme Court is different from the other longer ‘the least dangerous branch’, or primarily electorate. In 2007, it voted in the case of Amaechi are self-referent, or justified by appeal to natural two political institutions- the executive and the concerned with correcting the errors of the lower and Omehia. In 2019, it voted in the case of rights and nature’s reasons, is a battleground for legislature. This difference consists, amongst courts. In response to growing and changing Adeleke v Oyetola. No one knows how it will divergent jurisprudential schools. But, howsoever others, that it is not self-originating. The court litigation, the court more frequently overturns vote in the case between Atiku v Buhari, if it these rules are derived, they are interpreted and has no effective advisory power, and no mat- prior ruling, congressional legislations, and State gets there. But, it will be a determinative vote. The applied to facts, as mental picture and ideological ter how intense the crisis ravaging society, the and local law”. The Supreme Court is now a vote that the court exercises in these circumstances, lenses constructed by Judges. Therefore, Judges’ court cannot intervene except a citizen or one full-blown political institution, making political is legitimate. It follows the constitutional design mentality and attitudes, become determinative. of the other political institutions, instigates its. choices in its unique manner. of democratic governance. It is legitimate, if it We can argue that, the Supreme Court Justices This self-restraint, conceals the court’s political is exercised like the votes by the other political were not bound to dispose such an important effectiveness. But, the court is still a political actors and institutions. That is, it is exercised in case, on such a merest technical point. It could institution, although an unusual one, because it conditions of transparency and accountability. have decided it in at least two different ways, decides political questions (Dahl tagged it ‘question “APPARENTLY, AKA’AHS, ‘Transparency’ requires that, the reason for the that could have conduced more to a substantive of national policy’), in a manner that indicates choice should always be made public. ‘Account- sense of justice. expression of choice. Another reason the court JSC APPEARS TO BE ability’ requires that, such choices should proceed This behaviour of the court in this case, is is an ‘unusual’ political institution is, as I argued THE ONLY ONE, WHO and be subject to active public deliberation. That compounded by its refusal to determine the weighty elsewhere: “The court is an ‘unusual’ political is, the Supreme Court should cast its votes as issue of whether INEC can validly order a rerun, institution. It is unusual because it is non-partisan, ADDRESSED THE ISSUE part of public engagement, grounded in public on the circumstances of that case. If the court made and arrives at decisions in a principled manner, OF THE PROPRIETY OF reason. And because public reason is deliberative, a definitive ruling on this vexed issue, it would without resort to violence. This is what makes citizens should freely examine such reason and have provided guidance to tribunals dealing with the court legitimate and credible as a political THE RERUN CONDUCTED critique it, as it would other decisions of the other similar cases. The discretional avoidance of the institution, to intervene in terms of national crisis”. branch of government. If the Supreme Court acts question, means that many cases will travel to The Supreme Court’s political character is most BY INEC. ORDINARILY, responsibly and lawfully as a political institution, the Supreme Court on the same issue; further evident, when exercising its power of judicial THE COURT’S OPINION ON it has a right to cast a vote. And, we ought, in compounding the Apex Court’s case load troubles. review. The power of judicial review, was first the name of democracy, to abide by this vote. The majority ought to have heeded its advice, in famously articulated by the US Supreme Court THE ISSUE, WOULD GUIDE Dr Sam Amadi, immediate past Chairman other cases. In Akpan v Bob 2010 17 NWLR Part in Malbury v Madison 1 Cr. (5. U.S.) 137 of National Electricity Regulation Commission 1223 @478-479 the Supreme Court counselled (1803), when Chief Justice Marshal, nullified THE CONDUCT OF FUTURE (NERC) that: “Technical justice is no justice at all, a court part of an Act of Congress. Since then, the view ELECTIONS” 16.07.2019 11 2019 NBA-SBL Conference: The Communiqué Communiqué Issued following the 13th Annual Business Law Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) held from the 26th to 28th of June, 2019 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos

INTRODUCTION from commercial infrastructures which ince the 12th Annual are financeable by the private sector Business Law Confer- and, instead, work on improving ence of the Nige- transparency and encourage market rian Bar Association determination of pricing. Section on Business 5. Government should build investor Law (NBA- SBL) held confidence by providing a transparent, in Abuja, Nigeria has fair, and inclusive tax regime to all the suffered low gross stakeholders thus enhancing the ease of Sdomestic product doing business. (GDP) growth, sharp 6. There is an urgent need for decline in foreign direct investments rapid human capital development and (FDIs), increased youth unemployment investments across health, education, rate (36.5%) amidst a geometrically agriculture, security and other sectors growing population. The country has to tackle unemployment while keeping also witnessed the inauguration of population growth in check through a new government, accentuating the family planning and controlled im- necessity for the Nigerian government migration. at all levels to take stock and revise 7. Healthcare should be policy-driven strategy towards re-positioning the - to ensure broad health insurance Nigerian economy. In the effort to coverage, the federal laws governing support the economic reform agenda, health insurance should move from the NBA-SBL organized its 13th An- ‘may’ to ‘shall’ – insurance should not nual Business Law Conference with be optional for employers. the theme “Growth, Investment and 8. Government should demonstrate Employment: Beyond Rhetoric.” the political will to tackle insecurity, The Conference opening ceremony/ professionalize the Nigerian security dinner was held on 26th June. The apparatus, and secure Nigeria’s bor- event was graced by the Hon. Justice ders. Bode Rhodes-Vivour, JSC, CFR, emi- 9. Financial inclusion for the youth nently representing the Chairman of should be prioritized to enable them the occasion, the Hon. Justice Ibrahim access loans and other entrepreneur- Tanko Muhammad, CFR, Acting ship benefits. Chief Justice of Nigeria, Distinguished 10. Policy formulation in Nigeria Guest Speakers: Rt. Honourable Femi should be more consultative and Gbajabiamila, Speaker, House of Repre- inclusive. sentatives and His Excellency, Babajide 11. The Federal Government should Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Chairman, NBA-SBL, Seni Adio, SAN ensure that the licensing regime in the , as well as other renowned mining sector is coherent and made personalities including domestic and unemployment and underemployment, Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), transparent in order to attract and international business leaders, legal low educational proficiency, lack of which would be to the country’s retain investments in the sector. Also, practitioners, regulators and entrepre- healthcare, housing, and extreme disadvantage, long term. The AfCFTA the government needs to immediately neurs. discontent caused primarily by the was the flagship plenary topic at the address issues of insecurity and illegal Between 27th and 28th June, the foregoing factors. 12th NBA-SBL International Busi- mining activities, as well as jurisdiction Conference comprised fourteen sessions 5. Lack of clarity of tax laws, rules, ness Conference in June 2018, and between the Federal Government and (six plenary sessions and eight breakout and regulations, and inconsistent ap- the in-depth and incisive discourse State Governments. sessions) in which experts examined plications of same. Equally disconcert- provided a unique platform for and analyzed various knotty issues vis- ing is the disconnect between taxation further stakeholder consultations on Lawyers and the Private Sector à-vis the Nigerian economy. The topics and social benefits in infrastructure the subject. However, since raising the 12. We should develop a high sense discussed included:- A Triage on the and public utilities, such as roads, issue at the 13th Conference and, just of patriotism, optimism, and sell the Nigerian economy; Health, Security and power, healthcare, education and before issuing this Communique, the Nigerian brand. Education - Building a Foundation for security. Federal Government signed the Agree- 13. Businesses should establish clear Inclusive Growth; Moving from Crude 6. In the oil and gas sector, the need ment, thus evincing that even the 12th policies prohibiting sexual harassment Export to Value Addition; Leading the to have a robust and sustained policy Conference was beyond rhetoric. in their respective organizations, Charge – The Private Sector and the on value addition. The policy needs to 11. Neglect, illegal activities, and including severe sanctions for those Nigerian Economy; Smarter Regulation; be mutually beneficial to all stakehold- lack of transparency in the mining who violate the policy. Making Mining Work in Nigeria; ers, including the Federal Government, sector. 14. Lawyers should enhance capacity Improving Financial Services as a investors and operators in the industry. 12. #MeToo – Sexual Harassment in in the area of international trade and Catalyst for Growing Micro, Small And 7. An inefficient dispute resolution the Workplace. The need to create an investment law, particularly with the Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs); and judicial system, which includes environment conducive to protecting advent of AfCFTA. #MeToo – Sexual Harassment in the commercial disputes taking grossly victims and, importantly, providing 15. Lawyers are encouraged to Workplace; and The New Era of Taxa- inordinate duration at the trial courts, swift recourse to enforcing rights and develop capacity in accounting in tion in Nigeria. unmeritorious appeals, and various disciplining offenders. order to enhance their practice as tax other inefficiencies. The foregoing are lawyers. OBSERVATIONS: quite apart from the difficulties associ- RECOMMENDATIONS 16. Lawyers should refrain from Key issues identified by panelists and ated with access to justice caused by Extensive deliberations and discus- filing frivolous actions and impeding other delegates include: factors, such as decay in infrastructure, sions from participants resulted in the the swift administration of justice. 1. A very high rate of youth unem- de-motivated administrative personnel, following resolutions/recommenda- ployment, and astronomical population and lack of modern amenities includ- tions: Commitments of the NBA-SBL The growth. ing technology. NBA-SBL will: 2. Lack of a mandatory universal 8. Grossly insufficient investment Government 1. Develop a policy against sexual healthcare system/program, and severe in the agriculture value chain, to 1. Diversifying from oil - invest- harassment for consideration and adop- underfunding in States making efforts transform yield in livestock and dairy ments should be made in the five tion by law firms; to provide basic primary health cover- products, food crops, and funding critical stages of the agricultural value 2. Push for Smarter Regulation age. Also, poor infrastructure, and in value addition including storage, chain, that is, production, transporta- and, in doing so, engage all levels of practical terms almost a wholesale lack transportation, packaging and export tion, storage, processing and export. governments, as well as other relevant of health insurance coverage (save for of agriculture and allied products. 2. Government should remove stakeholders; and the top echelon of society). 9. Whereas, the Federal Government VAT from locally produced LPG and, 3. Work with the Nigerian Bar 3 Out-dated laws and, notably, the has developed some innovative fund- instead, impose tariffs on imported Association (NBA) to reform and adapt Companies and Allied Matters Act, ing mechanisms for MSMEs, there LPG in order to encourage local the rules of professional conduct in 1990 (CAMA) and, as a corollary, the continues to be a dearth of funding production, availability and domestic line with modern realities, as well as urgent need for assent by the Executive for them resulting in a stifling of the utilization of gas. fostering transparency and discipline. to the Companies and Allied Matters sector that employs approximately 3. The oil sector should be liberal- Communiqué signed by: Seni Adio, Repeal and Re-Enactment Bill 2019 80% of the labour force, and accounts ized – government should allow SAN, Chairman NBA- SBL and Dr. (CAM Bill). for approximately 50% of GDP. more flexibility in terms of pricing to Adeoye Adefulu, Chairman, NBA- 4. Insecurity and insurgencies fueled 10. The Nigerian Government’s encourage investments in the sector. SBL 13th Annual Business Law by socio-economic issues, such as delay in signing the Africa Continental 4. Government should move away Conference Planning Committee 12/NBA-SBL CONFERENCE IMAGES 16.07.2019

Former Chairman of the NBA-SBL and Access Bank, Gbenga Oyebode, MFR making a presentation to L-R, Hon. Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, JSC, Seni Adio, SAN, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and Governor Kingsley Moghalu and other panelists at the 13th Annual Business Law Conference Babajide Sanwo-Olu

L-R: Yomi Audifferen, Sina Sofola, SAN and Olumide Akpata L-R: Otunba Yinka Lawal-Solarin, Seni Adio, SAN and Chief (Mrs) Bjorg Lawal-Solarin

L-R: Jumoke Lambo, Danladi, Verheijen, Ijeoma Agboti-Obatoyinbo and Frank Aigbogun L-R: Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu, Akintunde Oyebode and Adeleke Alex-Adedipe

Former Council Member, Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, (R) with Panelist, Funke Adeyemi L-R: Soji Awogbade, Mira Mehta, Onyekachi Ekezie, Sola Oyawale and Falaq Tidjani

L-R: Oyinkan Badejo-Okusanya, a delegate, Segun Osuntokun , Partner, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, L-R: Alex Muoka, Foluke Dada, Emeka Anosike, Dapo Abiodun and Victor Omubo Frank Briggs and Atinuke Dosunmu 16.07.2019 NBA-SBL CONFERENCE IMAGES/13

L-R: Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, Ag. Chief Judge of Lagos State, Jonathan Taidi, NBA General Secretary, Ayuli Jemide, NBA-SBL Vice Chair, Paul Usoro, SAN, NBA President, Ozofu Ogiemudia, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Seni Adio, SAN, Chinyere Okorocha, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker, House L-R: Babasola Alokolaro, Priscilla Ogwemoh, Seni Adio, SAN, Hon. Justice Mohammed Baba Idris, JCA, of Representatives; Hon. Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, JSC & Dr Adeoye Adefulu, 2019 Conference Chair Babajimi Ayorinde, Abidemi Ademola, Prof. Andrew Chukwumerie, SAN and Olasupo Shasore, SAN

L-R: Hon. Abubakar Bichi, Hon. Babajimi Benson, Hakeem Muri Okunola, Head of Service, Lagos State L-R: Oseinnoma Okpeku, Duwa Idehen-Nathaniel, Olubunmi Aboderin-Talabi, Ayodeji Ajibola, Esther and Chinyere Okorocha Akinnukawe, Hon. Justice Obaseki-Osagie, Okey Egbuchu, Ifeoma Utah and Anthony Nwaochei

L-R: Dotun Adio, Toyosi Fatoki, Morayo Wale-Balogun L-R: Conference Planning Committee members, Theodora Kio-Lawson, Efeomo Olotu and Damilare Ojo

L-R: Kehinde Daodu, Blessing Choko, Joseph Ifebunadu, Emeka Offor, Olawale Akoni, SAN, Olabimpe Alabi and Fola Akande L-R: Folu Storms, Kelechi Amadi-Obi & Nnamdo Patrick-Onuh

Kingsley Moghalu with some Young Lawyers at the closing party of the 13th Annual Business Law Conference Guest Artist, Mayorkun performing at the Conference closing party 14/ 16.07.2019 Justice Karatu’s Treatment: Brutal Assault on the Independence of Nigeria’s Judiciary

This article by Joseph Otteh, condemns the recent action of an officer of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, who prevented Justice Elizabeth Karatu, the former acting Chief Judge of , from entering her court, possibly on the instructions of higher authority. He warns that, the Judiciary must take strong action against this impunity, and make the perpetrators of such a contemptuous act, accountable, so as to avert any such reoccurrence in the future

Background light - or short - on this, it will send an ambivalent n 14th June, 2019, the or weak message about its own strength or Governor of Kebbi State, ability to defend itself, when its core values are Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, attacked, as well as its integrity as an institution removed Justice Elizabeth of government. A weak response will not offer Asabe Karatu, from office any deterrent value, or prevent these kinds of as Acting Chief Judge of incidents from reoccurring perfunctorily in the the State, and appointed future, and will further reduce the image of the Justice Sulaiman Ambursa Judiciary, in the eyes of both members of the Oto act in that capacity.The Judiciary, and the wider public. substitution came on the The leadership of the Judiciary in both Kebbi heels of a petition written to the National Judicial State and nationally, must first clarify what Council (NJC) by Justice Karatu, requesting the happened in an impartial, transparent manner. Council’s intervention over the protracted refusal Since the acting Chief Judge of Kebbi State has of the Governor to swear her into office. Justice been alleged by Justice Karatu to be amongst Karatu’s petition also requested the NJC, to ascertain those who sabotaged her confirmation for the the nature of Justice Ambursa’s involvement in office of Chief Judge, the role of the NJC in the refusal of the Governor and State House of conducting an objective inquiry into this incident, Assembly, to confirm her appointment as the Chief is heightened. Judge of the State. According to Justice Karatu, Related to this, it will also be particularly Justice Ambursa, who is the next most senior important to interrogate the response of the (acting) Judge and the person in line to succeed her as Chief Judge of Kebbi State, Justice Sulaiman Chief Judge, had “colluded” with the Governor Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu Justice Elizabeth Karatu Ambursa, to the incident and clarify whether and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, to he knew of it at the time it was taking place, prevent her appointment as substantive Chief planted within the court premises, although it ing day for Justice Karatu, as a judicial officer. and responded to it in a manner expected of a Judge. was simply a subterfuge to prevent courts in the She was in court, to deliver final verdicts.The person at the helm of the State’s Judiciary. Should In May 2019, the NJC constituted and delegated State from hearing or delivering any judgements/ Constitution requires that, court proceedings his response be found wanting, this should be a reconciliation committee, to intervene in the orders that could prevent then Governor-elect, must be held in open court. Preventing Justice grounds for concluding that, he cannot discharge judicial impasse in the State. Following the Ayodele Foyose, from being sworn into office. Karatu from accessing her office, would then the functions of a Chief Judge competently. The NJC’s representations, Justice Karatu’s name Preventing a judicial officer from gaining access mean that she couldn’t deliver her judgements inquiry should also determine whether criminal was forwarded to the State legislature again to his or her court, is a major assault, not only to in a legitimate way, and no longer could do so offences applicable in the State have been com- for confirmation, but the legislature declined the rule of law and the administration of justice validly after that day. mitted, in blocking the access of Justice Karatu to confirm her, as the substantive Chief Judge. in Nigeria, but to the adjudicational authority This would mean that the entire trial conducted to her court. On July 5, 2019, which was Justice Karatu’s last and dignity of the Judiciary. It is one of the most on the case(s) due for judgement, would return a day in judicial office, she was approaching her sinister ways of preventing courts from playing blank, and the efforts and expenses of everyone Conclusion courtroom where she was scheduled to deliver their roles, not just as arbiters of disputes, but involved in them, wasted.This would be a huge The Judiciary walks a fine line, in the way it the last of her judgements, but was prevented as guardians of the constitutional rights of the travesty, and a major set-back for the access to responds to the incident in Kebbi State. Should from accessing the court by an officer of the people. If the Judiciary allows any form of this justice rights of those concerned, given that the it under-calibrate the strength of the resolve it Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, who impunity to stand, it shoots itself in the foot, right to a fair and reasonably-timed trial, is a brings to bear in addressing this issue, it will stand asserted that his actions were in compliance with tramples on its own authority, while opening constitutional right, besides representing a major the risk of losing more and more of its respect a directive to prevent Justice Karatu from entering the gates for repeat occurrences of similar acts waste of public resources expended, in conducting and authority, and more demeaning breaches the courtroom. in the future. the trial. Those responsible for interfering with the could take place some time to come. In fact, Live footage of the scene showing Justice Karatu Legally speaking, what the official of the judicial process in this malevolently obstructive we are gradually living in the shadows of this being prevented from entering her court, has Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps way and occasioning these futilities, must be discomfiture, if we place what is happening in circulated widely on social and news media. The did, was a classic act of judicial contempt – held responsible for their actions. now, in the broader picture. But, if Government of Kebbi State has not disputed, contempt of court, in all of its complexion. the Judiciary steps up to the plate, and offers a as much as we know, the current narrative of Whoever authorised the said officer to prevent A Strong Response Needed: What the principled and bold intervention, ensuring that this event. Justice Karatu from accessing her court, is also a Judiciary Must Do those responsible for the denigrating actions are Preventing Court Proceedings from taking principal contemnor, and all of them should be The Judiciary’s response to this incident, all brought to book, it could be a significant way place: A Brutal Assault on the Rule of Law and made accountable for their actions. It is also an will likely frame the choices that people make for the Judiciary’s new leadership, to announce Judicial Independence interference with the administration of justice, when important decisions implicating judicial that change is underway. This is the kind of This is not the first time, that Judges have which is a criminal offence in quite a number independence and access to court are at stake, hope Nigerians desperately seek to see in the been prevented from accessing their courts. In of jurisdictions, including, possibly, Kebbi State. both currently, and in the future.The Judiciary horizon, however distant it seems, particularly 2014, the police shut the roads leading to Ekiti The incident has profound other implications: must, therefore, not treat this matter with apathy, in these troubling times. State courts, on the pretext that bombs had been the day of the incident was the last official work- or with levity either. If the Judiciary comes up Joseph Otteh, Convener, Access to Justice

ADELEKE V INEC: DISCORDANT JUDICIAL TUNES AND DARK CLOUDS OF TECHNICAL JUSTICE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 tribunal, Peter Obiora, was absent on Febru- Personal Reflections on the Judgement Supreme Court. Thus, from the Tribunal through revisited, is unclear at the moment. Otherwise, ary 6, 2019, when a major discussion on the It is quite revealing that, the majority judge- to the Apex Court, there was no unanimous this case would portend a dangerous precedent, issue of non-compliance was tabled before the ment at the tribunal did not include the Chair- decision. The writer has no recollection of any which would take us down the oft dreaded tribunal; and could therefore, not have viewed man’s views, who, as stated above, dissented. election petition case in recent times, where and perilous journey into technical justice. It the issue squarely. Justice Peter Obiora and a fellow member gave such an incident occurred. whets my appetite, to find out how this issue Apparently dissatisfied, Senator Adeleke majority decision in the Tribunal, returning Curiously, the majority decision of the Supreme would be eventually resolved, going forward. went to the Supreme Court and filed four Senator Adeleke as winner. The Chairman, Justice Court, failed to address the propriety of the rerun I will conclude with the immortal words consolidated appeals Sirajo gave a minority decision, which more or conducted by INEC. Certainly, the Supreme of Oputa JSC in Bello v Oyo State 1986 5 A seven-man panel of the Supreme Court, less, upheld the decision of INEC to conduct a Court cannot just affirm the decision of the NWLR Part 45 826 at 886, when he pilloried presided over by the Acting CJN to determine rerun, relying on its guidelines. The other two Court of Appeal, without more. There should the penchant for technical justice, worthy of Adeleke’s four appeals, namely; SC/553/2019; members of the panel, handed down serious be policy considerations on the conduct of reproduction as follows: SC/554/2019; SC/55/2019 and SC/556/2019, judicial excoriation to INEC for being in breach our elections going forward, with particular “The picture of law and its technical delivered judgement on the appeals filed by of its own guidelines. Again, the writer would reference to where elections have been deemed rules triumphant, and justice prostrate, Ademola Adeleke against the majority decision refrain from making extensive comments on inconclusive by the electoral umpire. After may no doubt have its admirers. But, the of the Court of Appeal, on July 5, 2019. the decision of the tribunal, until he receives all, this was the major plank of the appeal, spirit of justice does not reside in forms, The Supreme Court in a split decision of 5-2 the full judgements. In any event, excerpts of in the first place. Apparently, Aka’ahs, JSC formalities nor in technicalities, nor is the affirmed the decision of the Court of Appeal, the judgement, show demonstrable errors by appears to be the only one, who addressed the triumph of the administration of justice to and upheld the election of the APC candidate, all the panels involved in the determination issue of the propriety of the rerun conducted be found in successfully picking one's way Adegboyega Oyetola. It also set aside the majority of this dispute. by INEC. Ordinarily, the court’s opinion on between pitfalls of technicality. Law and judgement of the Election Tribunal, which had At the Court of Appeal, George Ita Mbamba the issue, would guide the conduct of future its technical rules, ought to be a handmaid allowed Adeleke’s petition and declared him JCA, demurred from the majority view that elections. On the contrary, INEC may have just to justice..." winner of the election. allowed the appeal. Paul Galinje and Aka’ahs been issued the needed judicial imprimatur, Steve Austin Nwabueze JJSC, dissented from the majority decision at the on rerun elections. How soon this issue will be 16.07.2019 IMAGES/15

The 9th Edition of the Prof. A.B. Kasunmu, SAN Annual Lecture titled‘ An Enquiry into the Appropriateness of a Generic Approach to the Concepts of Democracy, Federalism and National Unity‘ was held at the Ade Ajayi Auditorium, University of Lagos , Akoka, Lagos last Thursday, 11th July, 2019. Here are some of the guests that attended the event photos: Kolawole Alli Guest of Honour, Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN and his wife, Mrs. Alfred B. Kasunmu

Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Yemi Candide-Johnson, SAN (left) and Guest Lecturer, Professor Fabian Ajogwu, SAN L-R: Engr. M.O. Omotosho, Professor J.P. Clark and his wife, Professor (Mrs.) Ebun Clark

L-R: Professor Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, Mrs. Alfred B. Kasunmu, Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN, Mr. Yemi Candide-Johnson, SAN and Dean of Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Professor Ayo Atsenuwa L-R: Nwudego Chinwuba, Professor Abiola Sanni, Faculty of Law, Unilag and Professor Chioma Kanu Agomo

L-R: Mr. Adetola O. Shote, Professor Lanre Ogunlana and Past Provost, College of Medicine, University L-R: Mrs. Toyin Paloyo, Professor Dunb Ajarnaku, Dr. Mrs. Ronke Tayo Tiwo and Mr. Tayo Tiwo of Lagos, Professor Kunle Akinosi

Secretary, Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Chief Seyi Sowemimo, SAN Former Attorney-General, , Chief Dele Ogedengbe and (left) and Chairman, Council of Legal Education, Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN Engr. Folarin Salako and his wife, Mrs. Folake Salako Mrs. Modupe Ajibola Ojo. 16/ 16.07.2019 WORDS OF WISDOM

(Culled from the Internet) THISDAY ˾  ͯʹ˜ 2019 23

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Email [email protected] BUSINESSWORLD 08152447875   ͯͰ˜Ͱͮͯͷ MONEY MARKET REPO S & P INDEX S & P INDEX EXCHANGE RATE OVERNIGHT 2.93% CALL 1.50% INDEX LEVEL 406.07% 1/4 TO DATE 1.45% ͱͮ͵˹ͯ ̩ OBB 32.21% 1-MONTH 5.50% 1-DAY 0.53% YEAR TO DATE 13.75% ̩   3-MONTH 6.38% MONTH-TO-DATE 1.45% Quick Takes NB Extends Award Deadline Nigerian Breweries Plc has announced the extension of deadline for the submission of entries for the 2019 Maltina Teacher of the Year by two additional weeks. The submission of entries, which was initially meant to close on July 12, 2019, has now been extended until July 26, 2019, to allow more teachers to participate. The Maltina Teacher of the Year, the brainchild of Nigerian Breweries Plc. - Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund was designed to identify, showcase and reward outstanding teachers in Nigeria. Speaking on the decision to extend the deadline, the Corporate Affairs Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mrs. Sade Morgan, noted that the extension of the cut-off date for the submission of entries was done in response to calls by teachers and other stakeholders to allow for additional time for more teachers to turn in their entries. Morgan, explained that teachers should take advantage of the new window by filling directly or downloading the application forms from the Maltina website. She also added that they can also submit directly through the award website or pick up a form at their States Ministry of Education, Teacher Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Nigeria Union of Teachers or Nigerian Breweries offices nationwide. “We have received so many enquiries and pressure from participat- ing teachers and other well-meaning individuals for the possibility to extend the entry deadline for this year’s edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative. This has further revealed to us that the initiative is highly regarded by our key stakeholders,” she said. Afreximbank Targets $40bn Deals BUSINESS EXPANSION The organisers of the Second Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2020) L-R: Group Head, Corporate Banking, FCMB, Mrs Chinyere Muda-Sanusi; Chief Operating Officer, Ikeja Electric Plc, Mrs Folake Soetan and expect it to surpass the achievements of the inaugural trade fair held General Manager, PEP Stores Nigeria Proprietary Ltd, Mrs Kofo Awonuga, during the launch of Ikeja Electric retail outlet in partnership with in Cairo in 2018 by attracting 10,000 participants and generating PEP and FCMB, held in Lagos…recently abiodun ajala intra-African trade and investment deals worth more than $40 billion, Prof. Benedict Oramah, President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), has said. Oramah was speaking recently, at the formal launch of IATF2020, during the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Business FG Selects 205 Bidders for Next Phase Forum 2019 held on the sidelines of the 12th Extraordinary Summit of African Union (AU) Heads of State in Niamey. He told guests that the trade fair, scheduled for Kigali, from 1 to 7 September 2020, would of Gas Flare Out Scheme attract more than 1,100 exhibitors from over 55 countries. “Working with our esteemed partners, we will exceed the achievements Chineme Okafor in Abuja ENERGY regulations, guidelines, and of 2018,” he said, describing IATF2018 as a resounding success, not in standard DPR practices for ferred Bidder (PB) and Reserved the colourful displays exhibited, but in the showcasing of diversity of The federal government has Derefaka, explained that bid evaluation, adding that Bidder (RB) status in line with tradable goods by about 1,100 exhibitors from 45 countries and in the approved 205 applicants for Yemi-Esan, could disclose the they were then adjudged to the criteria of the Request for execution of deals worth about $32 billion. allotment in its ambitious approval in her supervisory have either ‘passed’ or ‘failed’. Proposal (RfP) package. That trade fair resulted in a Nigerian technology company winning market-based gas flare out capacity over the affairs of the “Following a rigorous ex- “Ahead of the Request for a $100-million contract to provide technology-based solutions to the programme – the Nigerian ministry following the successful ercise conducted in line with Proposal stage, an NGFCP South Sudanese government; an Egyptian company winning contracts Gas Flare Commercialisa- completion of the evaluation established protocol and using qualified applicants’ workshop in many African countries to supply and install energy generation and tion Programme (NGFCP), exercise which was done in the Electronic Evaluation Tool is scheduled to hold in Abuja.” distribution equipment worth close to $1 billion; Egyptian and Tunisian to move to the next round June by the NGFCP Proposal (EET), 205 applicants emerged Derefaka, also indicated that companies signing a $50-million partnership deal to create a joint of the programme. Evaluation Committee (PEC). successful - attaining a ‘pass successful applicants from the venture for assembling home appliances. The Programme Manager of He noted that over 850 status’ while the remaining next stage would be invited to the NGFCP, Mr. Justice Derefaka, interested parties registered 33 applicants did not meet submit their proposal for flare Zimbabwe Joins Africa50 disclosed in a statement sent to their interest in the NGFCP but the minimum requirements gas utilisation through the RfP During its General Shareholders Meeting (GSM) in Kigali recently, THISDAY, that the Statements 238 applicants submitted SOQs and thus attained ‘fail status’,” phase, while those not success- Africa50, the pan-African investment platform, announced that the of Qualification (SOQs) evalua- in response to the Request for said Derefaka. ful would be advised further, Republic of Zimbabwe has joined as its 31st shareholder. tion report for the NGFCP was Qualification (RfQ) published He equally stated that: “The considering that they could still Speaking during the event, Africa50 CEO, Alain Ebobissé, thanked recently submitted by its inter- by the Department of Petroleum PEC in the next stage, which participate in the NGFCP if they the government of Zimbabwe for its commitment to the institution, ministerial committee, and the Resources (DPR). is the Request for Proposals opt to join a consortium that which marks a welcome expansion in southern Africa. Permanent Secretary in Ministry According to him, a total of (RfP), will evaluate proposals has been successful in the RfQ “We are grateful for this strong vote of confidence and look forward to of Petroleum Resources, Dr. 238 SOQ documents were subse- submitted by the Qualified process. working closely with the government and the private sector to identify Folasade Yemi-Esan conveyed quently evaluated in accordance Applicants (QAs) to determine priority projects and deploy our project development and financing the ministry’s approval of it. with the provisions of applicable those Bidders that achieve Pre- Continued on page 24 expertise,” he added. George Tongesayi Guvamatanga, Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary for Finance and Economic Development, signed the Share Subscription Agreement on behalf of the Government, committing Zimbabwe to acquiring shares in Africa50. Currency-in-Circulation Rises Marginally to N2.159trn The President of the African Development Bank and Chairman of the Board of Africa50, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, said: “In recognition of At N2.159 trillion, currency-in- Commercial Agriculture Credit “These were followed by the importance of the project development work of Africa50, the circulation, on month-on-month ECONOMY Scheme, as at May 20, 2019, storage, input supplies and African Development Bank has decided to increase its shareholding. basis, rose by 0.3 per cent at the 21 projects repaid the sum of marketing which accounted end of April 2019, the Central banks and the private sector N2.63 billion in respect of one for 4.8 per cent, 3.4 per cent Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revealed with the CBN, on month-on- project as full repayment and 20 and 2.7 per cent, respectively. in its economic report for May month basis, rose, relative to projects as steady repayments. “The Agricultural Credit 2019. the level at the end of the The repayment of N2.63 Guarantee Scheme (ACGS) This was in contrast to the preceding month. billion took the cumulative guaranteed a total of N259.1 “Airtel Africa’s listing on the NSE will respective decline of 3.9 per cent Overall, aggregate deposit at repayment under CACS from million to 1,397 farmers in May not only showcase the company as an established player in the African and four per cent at the end the CBN increased by 12.8 per inception in 2009 to N347.69 2019. The amount represented telecommunication industry, but will of the preceding month and cent to N15.746 trillion at the billion. a decrease of 24.4 per cent and enable the firm to actualise its strategic the end of the corresponding end of April 2019, the report Analysis of number of projects 2.7 per cent below the levels vision” period of 2018. showed. financed under CACS by value in the preceding month and The development relative to “Of the total deposits at the chain indicated that out of the the corresponding period of the preceding month, according CBN, the shares of the federal 588 CACS-sponsored projects; 2018, respectively. to the central bank, reflected government, banks and the production accounted for “Sub-sectoral analysis showed the increase in demand deposit private sector were 42.4 per 61.1 per cent and dominated that food crops got the largest component. cent, 36.8 per cent and 20.8 the activities funded, while share, amounting to N136.0 The report showed that de- per cent, it added. processing accounted for 28.1 CEO, NSE, posits of the federal government, Also, under the CBN’s per cent. Continued on page 24 Mr. Oscar Onyema 24 THISDAY ˾  ͯʹ˜Ͱͮͯͷ BUSINESSWORLD NEWS

FG SELECTS 205 BIDDERS FOR NEXT PHASE OF GAS FLARE OUT SCHEME CBN Takes Sensitisation Programme to Ilorin He said, overall, the NGFCP Hammed Shittu in Ilorin tion of dirty and mutilated naira “The CBN is poised to make have bank accounts.” economies of others. By that has the potential of generating notes in circulation to poor and polices that are people-focused. He added that before the time the exchange rate of the approximately $3.5 billion of The Central Bank of Nigeria improper handling of the cur- CBN is monitoring to make introduction of the Anchor naira also crashed. inward investment into Nigeria, (CBN) has extended its sen- rency, which he described as sure that bank’s customers do Borrower’s Scheme to Nige- “Today, the exchange rate as well as the potential to sitisation programme on its “the nation’s pride.” not get unwarranted charges rian farmers, the country was has remained relatively stable impact the country’s Gross various policies and initiatives He said, “the fair is to from their banks. importing over $1 billion worth in the last three years. When Domestic Product (GDP) by to assist small and medium sensitise our people on how “We want to have detailed of rice annually. the exchange rate is stable, an estimated $ 1 billion per scale businesses in the country. to take records of what they discussion about development “By importing rice into the businesses can thrive. That annum. Speaking at the 2-day have, as this will enable them finance initiatives of CBN. Many country we were sending our stability makes businesses to “It could potential unlock 2 to sensitisation outreach know how to organise their Nigerians do not know how to hard-earned/money outside have confidence. These are the 3 LNG trains, around 3000MW programmes tagged, “CBN businesses well. access initiatives as they don’t the country to improve the things CBN has been doing.” electricity generation as well Fair,” for small and business as generate circa 600,000MT of owners in Ilorin, Kwara LPG per year giving 6 million State, recently, the Director, households access to clean Corporate Communications energy through LPG. Department of CBN, Mr. “The programme could Isaac Okorafor said, “many also bring inflow of new Nigerians are/unable to ac- infrastructure players to en- cess loans from commercial able gas uptake and usage in banks because they cannot/ previously unreachable regions distinguish between working and business development from and fixed capital.” gas companies to unlock new The theme of the fair domestic markets for gas,” was, “promoting sustainable Derefaka, added. economic development in the country.” CURRENCY-IN- He also said many Nige- CIRCULATION RISES rians cannot access its many MARGINALLY TO N2.159TRN financial initiatives as they don’t have bank accounts. million (52.5%) guaranteed to Okorafor, revealed that many 860 beneficiaries, followed by bank customers did not know livestock, N44.9 million (17.3%) their rights, adding that, “some guaranteed to 171 beneficiaries. of the commercial banks alleg- “The sum of N41.8 mil- edly make illegal deductions lion (16.1%) was guaranteed from their accounts.” to cash crops sub-sector, in Represented by the Assistant favour of 226 beneficiaries. Director in the Department and Fisheries, ‘others’ and Mixed National Coordinator of the crops received N22.8 million fair, Mr. Samuel Okegbue, (8.8%), N10.9 million (4.2%) Okorafor added that the CBN and N2.8 million (1.1%), had returned billions of naira to MEDIA BRIEFING guaranteed to 77, 45 and 18 customers from illegal deduc- L-R: Software Engineer, CWG Plc, Mr Bamidele Ojekunle; Product Manager, Mr Olaolu Hassan; Regional Business Head, Abuja, Sterling Bank Plc, beneficiaries, respectively,” the tions by commercial banks. Mrs Aisha Ashafa; Lighting Africa Program, International Finance Corporation, World Bank Group, Mrs Oluwakemi Makanju; and Business Director, report showed. Analysis by He attributed the prolifera- Emergent, CWG Plc, Mr Charles Ibonye, at a conference on the use of technology in cooperative societies held in Abuja... recently AKINYELE ABAYOMIi State showed that 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory benefited from the scheme in Firm to Leverage Opportunities in Nigeria’s Pipeline Projects May 2019, with the highest and lowest sums of N34.6 mil- Chineme Okafor in Abuja three massive lifting pumps Uzu, further explained: clients we have been working improve on all our processes.” lion (13.4%) and N0.1 million of 6,000USG per minute each “Those are massive projects for are happy but we want to On the human resources, he (0.04%) guaranteed to Ogun Indigenous oil and gas service and other connections that go that will need our kind of make sure that they are hap- said the company developed, and Delta states, respectively. firm, Global Process and Pipe- with the equipment spread, equipment. Besides there pier with the services they are “what we call the ‘career tree’ The report indicated that the line Services Limited (GPPSL), they would be ready to take is also requirement for big getting today and in future plan for our personnel, thus Bank continued to intervene in has disclosed plan to leverage advantage of business open- pipeline services in-country.” compared to what they got when you join from the root the foreign exchange market to opportunities in the multiple ings in the 48-inch pipeline The statement equally noted yesterday,” Uzu stated. He of the company, as you are further sustain the improved big-ticket petroleum pipeline Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) that GPPSL acquired about noted that the company had growing, you can see the liquidity and relative stability in projects Nigeria has signed up project as well as the planned six air loaders which included also invested in solid organisa- branch available for you to the market. Thus, a cumulative to build in the coming years. pipeline project between pneumatic suction pumps for tional process and sustainable go and concentrate on that sum of US$2.04 billion was GPPSL, which claimed to Nigeria and North Africa. cleaning of floating production human resources. According or branch out along the way sold by the Bank to authorised be the only Nigerian company Both projects are linked to the and offloading (FPSO) tanks. to him: “We are pursuing depending on your interest dealers in May 2019, compared focused solely on process and Nigerian National Petroleum It added that with regards new operational certification and performance. with US$2.43 billion supplied pipeline services, stated recently Corporation (NNPC). to health and safety regula- ahead of ISO-9001-2015 which “The company gives every in April 2019. This indicated in Abuja that it has acquired “They are high pressure, tions of the Department of we have gotten already. We staff an overview of plan and a decline of 16.1 per cent and three massive flooding pumps high volume and no other Petroleum Resources (DPR), are getting into integrated opportunities available to 42.4 per cent below the levels with the capacity of 3,150 US company can boast of such FPSOs operating in Nigeria management system (IMS) enable them to build their in the preceding month and gallon per minute (USG) and flooding pumps in West Af- will require cleaning. “We certification that will look carrier at their own pace the corresponding period of close to 600 pound-force per rica,” said the Chief Executive have gone ahead to make at our Environmental, HSE and interest in the field 2018, respectively. square inch (PSI) each. Officer (CEO) of GPPSL, Mr. these massive investments to and Quality compliance all operations, sales, engineering It added that together, with Obi Uzu, in a statement. keep the game alive – those together to make sure we and administration.” Chevron Takes Mass Deworming Exercise to Bayelsa

Emmanuel Addeh in Mr. Esimaje Brikinn, said the tion (WHO) estimates that ing improvement in health mendous successes recorded Yenagoa target was to deworm over more than 1.5 billion people, delivery in Nigeria through through our partnership with 42,000 children. or 24 per cent of the world’s investments in preventive the Government At least 42, 000 school children Brikinn, who was population, is infected with health programmes, health in past health programmes

in Bayelsa State are to benefit represented by the Com- soil-transmitted helminth and social infrastructure, which, no doubt, were because Group Business Editor from the mass de-worming munications Coordinator, (parasitic worms) infections sponsorship on manpower of our collective commitment to Obinna Chima programme organised by Mr. Kayode Adeboye, said worldwide. Infections are development in the health improving healthcare delivery Chevron Nigeria Limited the company embarked on widely distributed in tropical sector and provision of other and by extension the quality Capital Market Editor Goddy Egene (CNL). the exercise because it had and subtropical areas. health facilities. of life of the people of Bayelsa Comms/e-Business Editor The programme designed been established that worm “Unfortunately, young “This exercise is one of the State and the Niger Delta,” Emma Okonji for children between the ages infestation was a leading children are particularly prone initiatives through which the he said. Senior Correspondent of six and 12, was organised in cause of ill health and to these infections since over NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture Brikinn recalled that between Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) partnership with the Women mortality in children of 270 million preschool-age seeks to uplift the health and 2012 and 2018, Chevron, in Correspondents Rights Advancement and Pro- school age, mostly in the children and over 600 million development of Nigerians; collaboration with PACT and Chinedu Eze (Aviation) tection Alternative (WRAPA) tropics. school-age children live in especially the children. It the Bayelsa State Government, Eromosele Abiodun (Maritime) James Emejo (Finance) attracted beneficiaries from “The effects of worm infes- areas where these parasites is part of several health sponsored a US$5.3 million Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) several schools in Yenagoa,the tation, especially on children are intensively transmitted, intervention programmes un- Prevention of Mother to Chineme Okafor ((Energy) Bayelsa State capital. of school age, have assumed and are in need of treatment dertaken by the Joint venture Child Transmission of HIV

Reporters Speaking during the com- such alarming dimensions and preventive interventions. as part of its contribution to (PROMOT) programme. This, Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) mencement of the exercise that it requires concerted “These parasitic infections the ongoing efforts at building according to him, has helped Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT) at the Community Primary efforts from all stakeholders can prevent children from a healthy nation. 42,000 doses reduce the HIV prevalence School, Biogbolo, the General to fight the ailments. achieving their full potential.” have been procured for the rate in the state where over Manager, Policy, Government “Available statistics from He added that Chevron campaign. 57,000 pregnant women had and Public Affairs (PGPA), the World Health Organisa- was committed to support- “We are proud of the tre- been tested. THISDAY ˾  ͯʹ˜Ͱͮͯͷ 25

BUSINESSWORLD ENERGY How Mele Kyari Plans to Run NNPC Chineme Okafor takes a look at the promises of the new Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mallam Mele Kyari, who recently assumed the position Mele Kyari’s selection to head the NNPC was roundly cheered – his colleagues in both the state-run corporation and global oil industry, as well as other stakeholders connected with the industry, had reasons to celebrate his choice as the new helmsman, and now, he is faced with the job of moving a behemoth forward. While felicitating with him, these stakeholders also as expected laid out their thoughts and what they think he should do to get the NNPC become an efficient national oil company. As a national corporation holding in trust for Nigerians the country’s hydrocarbon resources, the corporation is always the cynosure of all eyes because of its significance the country’s wealth. For example, the NNPC with regards to national energy security, is a significant entity, one which mostly determines how secured Nigeria’s energy supply is or not, either in terms of petroleum products availability or electricity supplies. Its operations are frequently top priorities in discussions around Nigeria’s national life.

Divulging his intentions Shortly after taking over from the immediate past Dr. Maikanti Baru, who retired from the service of the corporation, Mele Kyari, open up to Nigerians his plans for the NNPC, and with which his contract of service would mostly be appraised. Perhaps appreciating the need for the corpora- tion to change its operational methods which industry experts had condemned as been inefficient and unproductive, Mele Kyari had said: “Going forward, we will seek to continuously entrench transparency, accountability, and performance breakages on its pipeline between January 2018 reformed her downstream sector by deregulat- 1199.79bcf of the supply for the period, leaving excellence across all NNPC operations, and and January 2019, with the highest of 264 breaks ing its operations to enable for cost-efficiency, the balance of 79.94bcf; 38.96bcf and 27.30bcf for we will put the necessary structures in place recorded in December 2018, while the lowest however, Mele Kyari, disclosed to Nigerians the Escravos Gas to Liquid (EGTL); Natural Gas to ensure compliance with these principles.” of 82 was recorded in May 2018. that he would spend his time at the NNPC Liquids/Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG); and He explained that, “in the next couple of More on losses, the NNPC equally recorded a finding solution to the challenges of the sector West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) respectively. weeks, the COOs (chief operating officers) will financial deficit of N2, 478,250,203 (N2.4 billion) but not clearly stating if a deregulation would In his plan for gas, Mele Kyari, hinted that the join me to unveil the NNPC roadmap towards and N27, 718,697,974 (N28 billion) on crude oil happen in sub-sector which holds the largest power sector would get more volumes to produce global excellence,” adding that the proposed and products loses respectively. These according amount of jobs in the global petrol industry. more electricity for the country. roadmap, “will guide our aspirations to achieve to the corporation’s books accounted for most According to him: “Alongside, we will continue According to the new NNPC boss, “On the sustained outstanding performance to meet the of its deficits, and which Mele Kyari, indicated with the revamping and rehabilitation of all gas sector, our strategic aspiration is to open the short and long term growth objectives of the he would fix. With regards to Nigeria’s reliance our downstream infrastructure particularly domestic market further to support improved corporation as we transit to a national energy on imported petrol and how he would get it our pipeline network which has been subject power generation and the growth of gas-based champion.” fixed, he said: “We will see to the successful of persistent attacks by vandals. industries. NNPC will be ready to partner and Mele Kyari, even disclosed that the corpora- completion of the ongoing rehabilitation of our “As a matter of responsibility, the NNPC will support stakeholders along the power value tion would deeply entrench technology and refineries within record time. We will further continue to ensure availability of petroleum chain to guarantee improved power generation innovation in its operations to, “refine our encourage the establishment of private refineries products to our citizens despite the huge and transmission and boost industrial growth.” business processes in line with best industry either as independents or in some form of public challenges associated with this task.” practice, improve efficiency, block leakages and private collaboration. We will also provide every Openness taking a front seat create desirable outcomes that will strengthen necessary support to the Dangote Refinery in Oil search in the north Although he had hinted on this when he the NNPC brand.” order achieve timely start-ups.” Despite analysts’ reported censuring of NNPC’s was first announced, and with the Nigeria He called for the workers of the corporation “This we believe will help in making our search for oil in the north, as well as its recent Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative to work on this path with him, explaining that: nation a net exporter of petroleum products challenges with same in the Chad Basin, the (NEITI) amongst others urging him to make “To build this brand, there is need to improve the within the life of this administration,” he added. new man in charge hinted that the oil search this a priority going by the corporation’s history synergy of teams and commitment to business But to accomplish this, Mele Kyari, would would remain a part of the upstream strategy with business opacity, Mele Kyari, said he would objectives towards a unified enterprise view.” have to consider as suggested by the Nigerian to upgrade Nigeria’s reserve base. expand the space for operational accountability Natural Resource Charter (NNRC) in its recent This, was, however with his commitment in the NNPC. Key priorities report on the workings of the NNPC that, “the to stabilising the fiscal regime in the industry He noted that for the NNPC to maintain positive Having indicated the need to cut down on its problems with the refineries are multi-faceted and supporting processes to pass the Petroleum image, it needed to show more transparency wastages by blocking leakages and improving and well documented – chronic funding, Turn- Industry Bills (PIBs) to revamp the industry. in its operations and render shared values of efficiency, Mele Kyari, revealed his displeasure Around-Maintenance, poor management and He explained thus: “In the upstream sector integrity and professionalism at all levels of over Nigeria’s continued reliance on imported political influence.” we will continue to work towards resolutions its works. petrol to operate its economy. of issues around stability of the Fiscal regimes, He even promised that, “the COOs and I He said that: “It is painful that nearly all our Downstream sector passage of the outstanding petroleum laws and will take full responsibility to ensure that the petroleum products requirements are imported Recently, the immediate past president of engage partners to sustain the current self-funding necessary enablers are in place to guarantee despite the existence of our three refineries and the Nigerian Association of Energy Economists model and improve production.” the excellent performance of businesses under the numerous attempts by successive govern- (NAEE), Prof. Wumi Iledare, disclosed that Nigeria “In line with the aspiration to grow our nation’s their respective portfolios,” adding that they will ments to encourage the establishment of private may save more than $5 billion annually if it hydrocarbon reserve base to 40 billion barrels provide the needed leadership with inspiration refineries. This has to stop.” by the year 2020. We will sustain the tempo and integrity. This from experts’ point of views suggest of the ongoing exploration campaign in the “We will broaden our involvement in the Open that he would have to find ways to keep the frontier basins, especially the Gongola Basin Government Partnership (OGP) commitment corporation expenditure on petrol subsidy, pipeline where His Excellence Mr. President flagged off of the federation in order to further elevate repairs and all other sources of leakages minimal. the spudding of the Kolmani River II early this citizens’ participation in the business of our According to a January 2019 operations and It is painful that nearly year,” Mele Kyari, added, while noting that the national oil company. financial report of the NNPC, it spent monies corporation’s upstream subsidiary, the Nigerian “Under my leadership, NNPC will strive to worth N956,765,767,585 on various costs it all our petroleum Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) be more credible, competent and accountable incurred between October 2017 and October products requirements would be supported to grow. institution that manages the oil resources on 2018, a length of 13 months. are imported despite behalf of the citizens of Nigeria in accordance In addition, there was also a N771, 391,262,249 More gas for electricity generation with its mandate and the core persuasions of that was spent to keep pump price of petrol the existence of our On its natural gas business, the NNPC recently President Muhammadu Buhari,” said Mele Kyari, in Nigeria at N145 per litre, in line with the three refineries and the disclosed that between January 2018 and January who also noted that he has a strong foundation desires of the federal government. The NNPC 2019, a total of 300.35 billion cubic feet (bcf) of to build on, and willing partners to work with. also reportedly imported 21,100,118,126.30 (21 numerous attempts by gas was flared in Nigeria, while 468.23bcf was “Building on our experience in EITI reporting billion) litres of petrol through its Direct Sales- successive governments monetised and sent to the domestic economy and close collaboration with NEITI, NNPC is now Direct Purchase (DSDP) crude for product swap to encourage the with the power sector getting 291.04bcf and committed to joining the EITI’s targeted effort on scheme between January 2018 and January 2019. domestic industries – 177.19bcf. State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) transparency as a It even spent N155, 177,555,159 (N155 billion) establishment of private It also stated that 1342.99bcf of gas was means of sharing best practices and improving to repair and maintain its petroleum pipeline refineries. This has to monetised for the export market where the disclosure of information on the management of across the country, and had a total of 2,278 stop Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) got the nation’s oil and gas revenues,” he explained. TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 • THISDAY 27 28 THISDAY ˾TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT Higher, Further Education Institutions from Six Continents Declare Climate Emergency Bennett Oghifo the delivery of environmental of (UK), California directly involve the youth in already achieved carbon 2019, with governments invited and sustainability education State University (USA), Zayed this critical work are a valu- neutrality. to support their leadership with etworks represent- across curricula, campus University (UAE) and the Uni- able contribution to achieving Speaking in support of incentives to take action. ing more than and community outreach versity of Guadalajara (Mexico), environmental sustainability.” the action, Charlotte Bon- EAUC is the alliance for 7,000 higher programmes. the call is also backed by major Examples of best practices ner, a Director for Students sustainability leadership in and further The statement said the letter, global education networks for sustainability on campus Organising for Sustainability education. EAUC represents education in- organised by The Alliance for such as the Global Alliance include ’s Strathmore said: “Young people around over 200 institutions with a Nstitutions from six continents Sustainability Leadership in and the Globally Responsible University, which runs on clean the world feel that schools, combined total of 2 million have announced that they are Education, known as EAUC, Leadership Initiative, which energy and has set up its own colleges and universities have students and nearly 400,000 declaring a Climate Emergency, the US-based higher education have made commitments to 600 kilowatt photovoltaic grid been too slow to react to the staff with a spending budget and agreed to undertake a climate action organisation, meeting the suggested carbon tie system, as well as Tongji crisis that is now bearing of over £25 billion. We help three-point plan to address Second Nature, and UN neutrality targets. University in China, which down on us. We welcome the leaders, academics and profes- the crisis through their work Environment’s Youth and “What we teach shapes has significantly invested in news that they are declaring sionals to drive sustainability with students. Education Alliance, marks the the future. We welcome this delivering a sustainability a climate emergency, we have to the heart of their post-16 This is contained in a first time further and higher commitment from Universities education curriculum and is no time to lose. We will be education institutions. statement by UN Environ- education establishments have to go climate neutral by 2030 encouraging other education calling on those who haven’t Sustainable universities and ment, which also said the come together to make a col- and to scale-up their efforts on institutions to do the same. yet supported this initiative, colleges are more successful three-point plan includes: lective commitment to address campus,” said Inger Andersen, In the United States, the to come on board. Of course, institutions in the longer-term. Committing to going carbon the climate emergency. Executive Director of UN University of California has the most important element is They report better financial and neutral by 2030 or 2050 at the Signed by universities in- Environment. “Young people committed to the system-wide the action that follows.” operational resilience, achieve very latest; Mobilising more cluding Strathmore University are increasingly at the forefront goal of becoming carbon neu- The expectation is that over better outcomes for students, resources for action-oriented (Kenya), Tongji University of calls for more action on tral by 2025, while others, such 10,000 institutions of higher and provide greater societal impact climate change research and (China), KEDGE Business climate and environmental as the American University further education will come and deliver world-leading skills creation; and Increasing School (), University challenges. Initiatives which and Colgate University, have on board before the end of the research and innovation. Builders, Civil Engineers Advised to Use Made-in-Nigeria Premium Steel Products Fadekemi Ajakaiye suppliers of certified steel the company’s newly groomed products.” products are accessible in customers, just as we offer the products to ongoing national 18-stand rolling mill and PSML Head of Sales and all markets across the country best applications to forestall Premium Steel and Mines projects including railway, tailored to meet the evolving Marketing Ujjwal Sinha had and are competitively priced building collapse and undue Limited (PSML) has urged local refineries, bridges, flyovers, needs of Nigeria’s building in his remarks said: “Our to cater to all categories of threats.” builders and civil engineers to malls, and high-rise buildings, and construction industry. use the company’s world-class the company’s helmsman Commissioned a year ago, steel products that are pro- affirmed. the PSML state-of-the-art equip- duced in conformity with the He said “Only buildings ment plant was re-built by the United Kingdom BS 4449:2005 and structures that constructed Austro-German Consortium to grade for their building and with certified quality steel and produce competitive market construction projects. casting products can withstand products for the construction PSML Chief Executive Of- the devastating impacts of industry. ficer Prasanta Mishra made shocks and quakes.” “We are continuously this plea at the presentation Also adding that the transforming to be a future of some finished products demand for quality steel is ready organisation that could of the one million tons per undoubtedly increasing in meet the growing challenges annum rolling mill to a group Nigeria in the wake of recent of modernisation, re-invention of businesspersons who visited building collapses, Mr. Mishra and restructuring,” Mr. Mishra the Ovwian-Aladja Delta said PSML is ready to meet added. State-based factory, recently. customers demand for quality Adding that PSML is con- He urged builders and civil steel. scious of the evolving needs of engineers in the country to Other SON (Standards the construction industry, the embrace and use locally manu- Organization of Nigeria) company’s director said: “We factured Premium steel bars certified products such as will continue to invest in new for their construction works, reinforcement Premium re-bars technologies, state-of-the-art remarking that the products that are produced at the factory equipment as well as R&D compare with similar imports were also showcased during (research and development) from Europe and China. the excursion. to meet growing demand PSML Chief Executive Officer Prasanta Mishra showing businesspersons finished prod- PSML currently ranks Mr. Mishra said that the steel of the construction industry ucts of the one million tons per annum rolling mill at Ovwian-Aladja, Delta State, during a amongst Nigeria’s foremost products are manufactured at for quality steel and casting tour of the factory… recently Spotlight Africa Set to Honour 150 LAWMA Govts, Organisations, Businesses, Individuals Women Sweepers Should Reflect Climate Change in Decision, Fadekemi Ajakaiye and have recorded impactful awards, rewards, motivates and Says UN Report results over the years to over inspires women who through report on the impacts of global majority of the guidelines to put Spotlight African Network, a 30,000 people,” she stated. their mundane work have Bennett Oghifo warming at 1.5 °C, requested at the Agreement into action non-profit organisation is set She stated that the theme for shown incredible dedication COP21, made this crystal clear,” through the Katowice climate to honour 150 LAWMA female 2019 edition is “Women Mak- and excellent leadership. Most UN Climate Change Annual said UN Climate Change Execu- package. sweepers by the month. ing a Difference Community of all, every morning on the Report has stipulated that climate tive Secretary Patricia Espinosa. “The package provides the Service Leadership Awards.” streets of Lagos; they preach change be reflected in almost “We are running out of time to operational framework for This was stated at a press every decision that governments, conference and unveiling of Spotlight Africa in partnership one message – DIGNITY IN stay under this limit,” she added. climate action and guidance on organisations, businesses, inves- “I have hope. Alongside tracking and evaluating efforts brand ambassadors, held in with LAWMA is recognising LABOUR tors and individuals make for new scientific evidence and the at the national and international Lagos recently. 150 diligent and devoted Lagos The event which is scheduled years to come. increasingly observable signs of levels. It outlines how countries The Convener, Spotlight African Female Street Sweepers including to hold later this month, will bring The report, launched recently, climate change – from melting will report on their Nationally Network, Barr. Nonye Mike-Nnaji the street sweepers who have together over 150 select women also looks ahead at the work to glaciers to massive storms – 2018 Determined Contributions (NDCs stated that the organisation is set lost their lives on duty. These who have stood out in their day come, in particular the need to showed that the world is now - national climate action plans put the final touches to the Paris up to foster, advocate, inspire, women in their everyday work to day lives as ‘sweepers’ to be ready and determined to act. As under the Paris Agreement), the Agreement Work Programme this annual report illustrates, the specific actions they will take and empower and invest in the human have exceeded all expectations inspired, trained and rewarded. in 2019, for nations to revise UNFCCC secretariat continued how they can communicate their capital of diverse groups and and are worthy of our applause. The MD LAWMA, Mr. Ola upwards their Nationally to support tirelessly the global progress. This includes efforts to communities in Africa. The objective of this event is Oresanya, expressed his ap- Determined Contributions. climate platform that supports cut greenhouse gas emissions and “Our sole aim is to birth the to celebrate the women who are preciation to the kind gesture According to a statement by and encourages this progress.” build resilience to the inevitable continent where every individual making a difference by keeping of the organisation, stating that UN Climate Change, the Annual The report covers the key impacts of climate change, as well Report highlights the progress achievements of the UNFCCC as financial support for climate can live out to their fullest po- our highways and communities the sweeping programme itself made on tackling climate change is a poverty eradication initiative intergovernmental process and action in developing countries.” tential through a power network clean and to carefully put in place in 2018 and the ways in which the activities of the secretariat, While current pledges under of varied human investment,” long lasting sustainability plans of Lagos state. the international community can particularly the impacts of those the NDCs fall far short of where she said. that continues to guarantee their He stated that these sweep- raise ambition and achieve the activities in support of the the international community “We started our work in safety, growth and impact in ers are the unsung heroes who goals of the Paris Agreement. Convention, the Kyoto Protocol needs to go to achieve its climate in 2007 where we ran various society, she said. respond to accidents, suicides, “Stepping up action has and the Paris Agreement. goals, by finalising the Katowice never been more urgent. The The statement said, “For climate package nations showed leadership programs for public She stated that this is con- eye witness reports, etc and their Intergovernmental Panel on and private high schools. We sidered an inspirational award presence keeps a lot of people off example, at COP24 in Decem- they are committed to increasing Climate Change (IPCC) special ber 2018 the world agreed the their ambition. continue to scale up our reach event; a joint initiative that the street and off crime. TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 • THISDAY 29 30 THISDAY ˾˜  ͯʹ˜ 2019 BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE PETAN Tasks Mele Kyari on Increased Investment in Oil Exploration Peter Uzoho exploring and drilling activity companies that do not invest in is minimal.” exploration. As the new Group Managing He added: “Your good office He added: “We are carrying Director of the Nigerian National with the Department of Petroleum reserve value of about 37 billion Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Resources (DPR) and critical barrels and 174 tcf gas. I believe Mr. Mele Kolo Kyari settles stakeholders must look into this our reserve is about 200 billion down to steer the ship of the to ensure the operating companies barrels and 400 tcf gas. state-owned oil company, the explore and drill more wells. “We must as a country invest Petroleum Technology Association “NNPC also needs to intensify in exploration now that oil is fast of Nigeria (PETAN), has tasked exploration in all the inland going out of fashion to derive him to among other things, push basins”. the full value from our natural for increased investment in oil According to him, “the shallow resources and use it quickly to exploration activities. water and onshore contribute diversify our economy and This, according to the associa- about 60 per cent of Nigeria improve on our infrastructure.” tion would catalyse Nigeria’s production.” “Government needs to create economic diversification dream. He added that the Deepwater incentives towards exploration The Chairman of PETAN, Mr. had contributed more than $100 for reserve replacement, urge Bank-Anthony Okoroafor, gave billion to the government in the development of allocated the advice in an article, while past 10 year, noting that potential but un-developed blocks pledging the association’s support exists for future investment above and increase in production for Mele Kyari. $70 billion if we can put the right enhanced; with a total of two L-R: Group Executive Director, Corporate Services, Nosak Group, Osagie Ogunbor; Group Chief Operating Officer, According to Okoroafor, to things in place.” billion barrels produced from Thomas Oloriegbe; Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Toni Ogunbor; Managing Director, Lekki Free Trade Zone achieve a 45 billion reserve, “we He cautioned that Nigeria Nigeria’s Deepwater space since Development Company (LFTZDC), Xigong Huang; Deputy Managing Director, Popson Popoola Jaiyesimi, and Group must carry out exploration and should “not use Deepwater inception, the contribution to Executive Director, Operations and Production, Nosak Group, Osaheni Ogunbor, during the signing of a Memorandum drill more wells. Nigeria has the to kill shallow water,” saying national production by Deepwater of Understanding (MoU) between Nosak Group and LFTZDC in Lagos… recently lowest well services activity in the to address low exploration in operations has consistently been world. Most of the International Deepwater, Mele Kyari should on the rise since the NOGICD Oil Companies (IOCs) are not use stick and carrot approach on Act.” MARKET INDICATORS

Fidelity Organises Campus Activation, MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) Targets Increased Customer Base NOVEMBER 2018 Money Supply (M3) 31,794,803.44 Ugo Aliogo importance of financial literacy, campus activation. Before now adding that the bank was also our team usually visits because -- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors 6,333,064.28 As part of efforts to promote focused on creating accounts for we have students who maintain Money Supply (M2) 25,461,739.17 financial literacy, Fidelity Bank those that are not in the banking accounts with Fidelity Bank,” he Plc has organised a campus system. stated. -- Quasi Money 14,773,076.98 activation programme at the “We are trying to bring these Madiebo, who was represented -- Narrow Money (M1) 10,688,662.18 Federal College of Education students to the formal sector at the event by the Flex Product (Technical), Yaba Lagos with a because most of them don’t Manager, Fidelity Bank, Johnson ---- Currency Outside Banks 1,711,763.59 focus to bring on-board 3,000 have bank accounts; part of Akaolisa, explained that most of new account holders. the objectives of these campus the accounts created were done ---- Demand Deposits 8,976,898.59 Speaking at the event yesterday activation is also to lecture them digitally. Net Foreign Assets (NFA) 18,990,400.78 in Lagos, the Divisional Head on the importance of financial According to Madiebo, “Today, Retail Banking, Fidelity Bank Plc, literacy. we are focusing on 3,000 students, Net Domestic Assets(NDA) 12,804,402.66 Richard Madiebo, said the pro- “So those that doesn’t have which we have started. Presently, -- Net Domestic Credit (NDC) 26,062,986.22 gramme was a platform through account, we open account for we have close to 500 students which the bank engages students them and those that have ac- who have on-boarded. Our target ---- Credit to Government (Net) 2,980,229.66 during major academic events counts, we lecture them on why is not only the students, but the ---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA 7,093,619.43 such as matriculation, student they should bank with fidelity lecturers; we also want to meet week, convocation and others. because we are here to provide the needs of the lecturers because ---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA) -4,144,571.43 He also stated that part of the solutions to their financial needs. some of them want consumer objectives of the campus activation “This is the first time of coming loans, and also provide them with ---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS) 23,082,756.56 was to lecture the students on the to the School to organise this solutions for their retail needs.” --Other Assets Net 13,258,583.57 Reserve Money (Base Money 6,811,192.37 ARM Life Named among ‘Companies to Inspire Africa’ --Currency in Circulation 2,100,129.91 Nume Ekeghe The British Deputy High “This in turn makes us a delight --Banks Reserves 4,366,259.05 Commissioner would also host a to our customers and partners ˾ÙßÜÍÏ̋ The Stock Exchange networking reception, and select thereby gaining their loyalty.” (LSE) has recognised ARM Life fast-growing companies in Africa, He explained that the com- Plc, following the company’s to celebrate the launch of the pany’s year-on-year growth Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) contribution to Nigeria’s Gross report in Lagos. According to achieved in gross premium Month March 2018 Domestic Product (GDP). the LSEG, the criteria for giving written, profitability and policy Inter-Bank Call Rate 15.16 This honour came after the the awards to ARM Life were count were attributable to the company was featured in the its high standards of corporate unique strategy and values of Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) ‘Companies to Inspire Africa 2019 governance, year-on-year growth the organisation. report’, which was published trajectory, ethical business The 2018 financial report of the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) 14.00 by PwC Africa in conjunction practices: challenging the status company showed that ARM Life Treasury Bill Rate 11.84 with the LSE. The NSE, recently quo and being the benchmark paid N604.15 million claims to partnered with the LSE and for competition in this regard. its customer in the year under Savings Deposit Rate 4.07 PwC Africa to host participating The Managing Director, ARM review, while its gross premium companies, market operators and Life, Mr Stephen Alangbo, while earned rose from N3.58 billion in 1 Month Deposit Rate 8.82 international participants in Lagos. speaking on the recognition said, 2017, to N5.699 billion in 2018. 3 Months Deposit Rate 9.72 Access Bank Partners She Leads Africa 6 Months Deposit Rate 10.93 12 Months Deposit Rate 10.21 Access Bank Plc in partner- A statement from the bank people on Facebook globally ship with She Leads Africa, quoted the Executive Director, and over 65 billion WhatsApp Prime Lending rate 17.35 recently concluded the first Retail banking, Access Bank messages exchanged globally Maximum Lending Rate 31.55 phase of #SheMeansBusiness, Plc, Victor Etuokwu, while on a daily basis. With the right a Facebook programme aimed speaking in Abuja, to have knowledge, our customers can at empowering female SMEs said: “As one of the fastest showcase their products to large ˾ÙØÏÞËÜãÙÖÓÍãËÞÏ̋ͯͱϱ on how to leverage digital growing retail banks in the audiences as well as get leads OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE  ˜ͯͰ  Ͱͮͯͷ platforms to drive growth in country, Access Bank is always that will take their businesses their businesses. The training, at the forefront of leveraging forward.” The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $67.36 a barrel on Friday, aimed at scaling up the skills of technology to drive emerging Etuokwu further said, compared with $67.57 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. small business owners to take businesses. The idea behind this “We intend to actualise our The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend advantage of the captive market partnership and empowerment promise as the largest retail (), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Oriente (Ecuador), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), on social media platforms in programme is to give our SME bank in Africa to provide not Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export Nigeria and beyond, kicked customers an opportunity to just financial services but also (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) off in June and has held in expand their access to market non-financial services which we and Merey (Venezuela) Abuja, Lagos, Enugu and and increase their visibility to provide knowing that when our Ibadan, with over 500 female potential customers. customers succeed it will trickle SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna business owners in attendance. “There are over two billion down to us.” THISDAY ˾˜  ͯʹ˜Ͱͮͯͷ 31 MARKET NEWS FMN Shareholders to Receive 120 kobo Dividend as Firm Records N10b Profit Goddy Egene in 2018. Given the challenging dividend. FMN posted profit tion the business for continuous a dividend to our shareholders than last year.” operating environment in Apapa, before tax of N10.2 billion as profitability.” with a significant increase over Looking ahead, the company Shareholders of integrated food which the company is located, against N16.5 billion in 2018. According to him, FMN has last year,” he added. said continuous growth is envis- business and agro-allied group, selling and distribution expenses Commenting on the result, undergone several functional and Also speaking, Chief Finance aged in key segments such as Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) rose 32 per cent from N6.180 Group Managing Director, FMN structural changes within the last Officer, Anders Kristiansson, said: Food and Agro-Allied, as targeted Plc are to receive a dividend billion to N8.166 billion, while Plc, Paul Gbededo, said: “We year, with innovation and focus “Our strategy to restructure the strategies deliver improved mar- of 120 kobo per share for the administrative expenses remained have made substantial progress on its consumers, at the heart balance sheet base and optimize gins and operational efficiencies. year ended March 3, 2019, at N19.424 billion, compared with this year, even in the face of an of our strategic direction. the financing costs have started “Continuous implementation showing an increase of 20 N19.423 billion in 2018. adverse and challenging business “We are positive that we will to yield the desired results, as of turnaround initiatives in the per cent compared with 100 However, the company environment. Our growth and see even greater achievements the business showed increas- Agro-allied business, accelerated kobo paid the previous year. reduced its financing cost by efficiency initiatives across our in our financials in the follow- ing levels of efficiency. Despite expansion in the B2C segment, The audited results of the 30 per cent from N32.7 billion to various functions and businesses ing quarters as we continue to ongoing pressures on consumer optimal operation of our supply company, FMN ended the year N22.9 billion, thereby strength- have started to show anticipated focus on value creation for our disposable income in many of our chain and further balance sheet with a revenue of N527.4 billion ened balance sheet and leading gains as we continue to focus on shareholders. To that end, we will target categories, we continued management is expected to result compared with N542.7 billion to an increase of 20 per cent in organic sales growth and posi- be proposing the declaration of delivered a stronger quarter 4 in higher profitability,” it added.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED AS OF 13/07/2019

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                          TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2019 ˾THISDAY 33 MARKET NEWS Avuru: Seplat’s $700m Gas Investment will address Nigeria’s Power Deficit Seplat Petroleum Development company. The ANOH gas processing Avuru said Nigeria holds new vista of growth for the other commercial enterprises. Company Plc’s planned $700m The Chief Executive project is managed by Anoh 37 per cent of total proved Seplat’s gas business. “Current capacity deficit Assa North /Ohaji South Officer, Seplat, Mr. Austin Gas Processing Company gas reserves on the continent, “Projected to grow to a in thermal power generation (ANOH) gas and condensate Avuru, disclosed this when (AGPC), an incorporated joint adding that the majority is population of 450 million provides immediate headroom field project, at completion, he led other two presenters venture between Seplat and concentrated in the Niger Delta. people by 2050 (highest to place additional gas volumes is expected to contribute from the company to make a the Nigerian Gas Company. According to him, Domestic population growth in Africa) (significant installed but non- significantly in addressing presentation titled: ‘Stability, AGPC is expected to develop Supply Obligation (DSO) price and become the third most operating generation capacity Nigeria’s deficit in thermal Performance, Growth’ to a 300 Mscfd midstream plant has increased to commercial populated country globally seven per cent royalty on gas power delivery, generate capital market operators at on OML 53 to process future levels and non- DSO prices are (behind only China and ). revenues as opposed to 20 per significant earnings and deliver the Nigerian Stock Exchange wet gas production from the determined on a willing buyer/ This will spur a high demand cent on oil production,” he returns to shareholders of the (NSE) in Lagos. upstream unit. willing seller basis opening up from power industries and said. A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an ETF are bought by investors. Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. investment vehicle that allows both small and Bid Price: The price at which Investors Investors with similar objectives buy units of the large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total that willl generate their desired return. investments. The assets are divided into shares that return an investor would have earned on An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. his investment. Money Market Funds report of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, Yield while others report Year- to-date Total bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDE TO DATA: Return. etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 12- NAV: Is value per share of the real estate shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Jul-2019, unless otherwise stated. assets held by a REIT on a specific date. DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.02% Afrinvest Equity Fund 143.96 144.11 -9.06% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.13 2.15 -1.35% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 8.11% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 15.35% Nigeria International Debt Fund 273.54 273.54 0.12% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 132.66 132.75 6.15% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD [email protected] LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fi[email protected] Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.88 0.88 4.18% Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.20 1.22 4.58% ACAP Income Funds 0.76 0.76 33.02% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,091.74 1,091.74 7.19% AIICO CAPITAL LTD [email protected] MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.02% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Balanced Fund 2.33 2.36 5.03% Meristem Equity Market Fund 10.43 10.52 -9.33% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD [email protected] Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 11.84% Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 14.83 15.27 -10.64% ARM Discovery Fund 335.81 345.94 -5.84% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Ethical Fund 28.32 29.17 0.28% PACAM Balanced Fund 1.27 1.29 3.60% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.82% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.66 11.74 4.73% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED [email protected] PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.13% Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 SCM CAPITAL LIMITED [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED [email protected] SCM Capital Frontier Fund 125.83 126.12 4.10% Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 CEAT Fixed Income Fund 1.85 1.85 14.19% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 7.62% Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.63% Paramount Equity Fund 12.00 12.11 1.64% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Women's Investment Fund 106.66 107.27 2.97% Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 2,352.43 2,364.26 1.62% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 206.58 206.58 8.65% Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.87 0.88 -7.89% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 259.30 259.40 6.95% Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.36% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 150.31 151.56 -7.99% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 95.40 96.01 Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.75% Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 97.72 98.43 Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,723.78 7,806.32 -9.07% CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.12 1.12 3.22% Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.37% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Balanced Fund 0.83 0.84 -2.84% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.21 1.21 7.89% United Capital Balanced Fund 1.19 1.21 0.06% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] United Capital Bond Fund 1.73 1.73 8.81% Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 United Capital Equity Fund 0.71 0.72 -0.40% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.00% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 12.34% United Capital Eurobond Fund 111.81 111.81 4.24% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 12.25% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.13 1.13 3.35% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD [email protected] Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,218.79 1,219.54 9.02% FBN BALANCED FUND N/A N/A N/A Zenith Equity Fund 10.30 10.47 -1.59% FBN Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Zenith Ethical Fund 11.08 11.22 -6.74% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional N/A N/A N/A Zenith Income Fund 22.26 22.26 10.07% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.14% FIRST CITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] REITS Web: www.fcamltd.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund 5.40 -44.85% Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.91% SFS Skye Shelter Fund 115.16 3.76% Legacy Debt Fund 3.46 3.46 6.53% Union Homes REIT 52.57 1.60% Legacy Equity Fund 1.09 1.11 -10.74% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.06 1.06 2.55% EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund 9.20 9.30 -12.76% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SIAML Pension ETF 40 94.71 96.70 -19.27% Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund 78.32 79.75 -11.68% Coral Growth Fund 3,023.17 3,051.35 1.26% VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD [email protected] Coral Income Fund 2,942.42 2,942.42 7.39% Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 12.85% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 3.48 3.52 -13.03% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 5.70 5.78 -25.02% Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.99% Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 12.58 12.68 -13.98% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 108.76 109.40 1.02% Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 10.91 11.11 -11.65% GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 145.22 147.22 10.16% Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.56% Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund 111.37 17.40% The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only. 34 TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 • THISDAY TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 • THISDAY 35 36 TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 • THISDAY TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 • THISDAY 37 TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 • THISDAY 38 TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 • THISDAY 39 40 TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 ˾THISDAY NEWSEXTRA Supreme Court Strikes out Suit against Wike’s Eligibility Davidson Iriekpen allegedly submitted by Wike on the grounds that he applied sought by Chinda, a decision set aside the leave granted Schedule to the Electoral Act. to the Independent National to amend outside the time Wike appealed to the Supreme Chinda by the Court of Appeal The Supreme Court The Supreme Court has Electoral Commission (INEC) allowed by law for him to Court in two appeals marked: to amend his notice of appeal. proceeded to allow both appeals struck out the suit challenging and prayed the court to appeal the judgment of the SC/606/2019 and SC/607/2019. The court held that the filed by Wike and struck out the eligibility of Governor disqualify him from contesting Federal High Court. In its lead judgment, authored amendment, granted outside the the notice of appeal filed by Nyesom Wike to contest the the last governorship election. The Court of Appeal by Justice , time allowed for the appellant Chinda before the Court of last governorship election in In a judgment, earlier this disregarded Wike’s objection but read by Justice Paul to file his appeal, violated Appeal, which it said was Rivers State. year, the Federal High Court and granted the amendment Galumje, the Supreme Court Paragraph 14(4) of the First defective. In two unanimous judgments dismissed the suit, a decision delivered yesterday, a five-man Chinda appealed at the Court panel of the Supreme Court of Appeal in Abuja. upheld two appeals by Wike, Chinda later discovered that with which he challenged the his notice of appeal was wrongly leave granted to Elvis Chinda addressed to the Federal High by the Court of Appeal. Court as against the Court of Chinda had sued at the Appeal, and applied for leave Federal High Court in Abuja, to amend. querying, among others, the Wike objected to the authenticity of birth certificate amendment sought by Chinda, Insecurity: Redeem Your Image as Army General, Oyinlola Tells Buhari Yoruba elders blame govs, state leg- islators for insecurity in Southwest James Sowole in Akure grazing. Also condemning the spate of The former Governor of insecurity in Nigeria, the leader Osun State, Brigadier General of another Pan Yoruba Group, (rtd), Afenifere Egbe Itesiwaju Yoruba, yesterday challenged President Senator Ayo Fasanmi, lamented Muhammadu Buhari to redeem that there was no respect for his image as an army general sanctity of life anymore in the WAR AGAINST TUBERCULOSIS… capable of fighting insecurity country. L-R: Executive Director, Stop TB Partnership, Geneva, Dr. Lucica Ditu; representative of wife of the President, Dr. Florence Ajimobi; in Nigeria. He said a lot needed to be done First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; and Board Chair, Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, Prof. Lovett Lawson, during a dinner Oyinlola’s challenge to Buhari to curb the situation whereby forum with corporate sector on mobilising domestic resources to end TB in Lagos...recently was contained in a statement someone can just get killed like a personally signed by him and cow irrespective of his status and made available to journalists in political affiliation in the country. Akure, Ondo State, when he Oyinlola said the murder of Olakunrin’s Murder: Presidency Warns against paid a condolence visit to the Mrs. Olakinrin in broad daylight leader of Afenifere, Chief Reuben was a rude reminder that the Politicising Killings Fasoranti, whose daughter, Funke country is in terrible mess right Olakunrin, was killed by gunmen now, saying this is the time for The Presidency has asked the The statement described Mrs unfortunate attack leading to Her death is a tragedy. Our suspected to be herdsmen last all patriots to be sober and reflect political class to stop playing Olakunrin’s murder as tragedy, the death of daughter of the thoughts and prayers are with Friday at Kajola on Ore-Sagamu on how we got to this Hobbesian politics with the death of Mrs describing insecurity as an issue Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben her family. expressway. point when life has become nasty, Funke Olakunrin, daughter of that the people of the country Fasoranti. The President has “It is incumbent on all leaders The former governor, who brutish and short in Nigeria. the Afenifere leader, Reuben must unite to tackle. already issued a statement across the country to consider also delivered a condolence He said: “These criminals Fasoranti. It added that tragedies like expressing his heartfelt their language and its potential letter sent to Pa Fasoranti by the have declared a war against A statement issued yesterday this should not spring up condolences to the family of Mrs consequences. Insecurity is an former President, Chief Olusegun our country and we should take by the Senior Special Assistant politics, stressing the need for Funke Olakunrin and followed issue that Nigeria must face Obasanjo, was accompanied by the war to them. “The federal to the President on Media and those who stand in positions up with a telephone call. together as one nation – united. Chief Oyewole Fasawe. government is expected to lead Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, of influence to recognise and “The Vice President, Professor “Times of tragedy like these Meanwhile, the Secretary the war without bringing politics asked leaders across the country understand that. Yemi Osinbajo has, in addition, are not the time for politics. General of the Yoruba Council to it and without any emotional to be mindful their language “The Presidency has paid a visit to the grieving It reveals only disrespect for of Elders (YCE), Dr. Kunle Olajide, bias against the law. and its potential consequences. noted public concerns on the family in Akure, Ondo State. the departed and her family. said South-west governors “One of the reasons some of us should be blamed more for backed President Buhari in 2015 the attacks by herdsmen in the was his perceived competence Three Dead, Scores Injured as Three-storey Building Collapses in Jos region rather than blaming the on security matters given his federal government alone. training and status as a general Seriki Adinoyi in Jos An eyewitness, Mallam The incident occurred at about Jos businessman that deals on Olajide, who also spoke to of the Nigerian Army. He needs Adamu, said the recent frequent 5.15 p.m. while the labourers were pharmaceutical products. journalists during his condolence to redeem his image now that The city of Jos, the rainfalls in the city may have been trying to patch cracks on the old THISDAY gathered that visit to Pa Fasoranti in Akure, criminals have taken over the capital, was yesterday evening responsible as the old structure building. officials of National Emergency said state governors ought to have land, rubbishing all he has ever thrown into pandemonium has become weak. Hundreds of youths and Management Agency (NEMA) taken drastic action against open lived for.” following a collapse of a three- Three corpses were evacuated sympathisers were seen digging only arrived the scene of the storey building at Butcher lane and three others injured from the through the rubble to evacuate incident at about 6.30 p.m., of Jos North Local Government collapsed building, which trapped the victims. Residents of the area after which two escalators were Area, killing three people and many residents and labourers, alleged that the dilapidated brought to assist in rolling away Borno Monarch Returns Home Five Years leaving scores of others wounded. according to residents. building belonged to a famous the rubble. after Displacement by Boko Haram Michael Olugbode in Maidu- with a martial display of Gwoza NCC Remits N51.3bn to FG’s Consolidated Revenue Account guri culture at the emir’s palace. Emma Okonji According to the FRA 2007, account.” oversight by the commission, Addressing the people, such payments were to be made Aside from remitting the the telecommunications sector The Emir of Gwoza in Borno Governor Babagana Umara The Nigerian Communications every year after preparation of operating surplus, Section 17 has witnessed phenomenal State, Alhaji Mohammed said the return of the Commission (NCC), the telecoms audited accounts. Sub-section 3 of the Nigerian growth since 2001, making it Shehu-Timta, has returned monarch signified the return industry regulator, has said it Specifically, Section 22 Sub- Communication Act (NCA, 2003) an enabler of economic growth home following relative peace of civic authority in the local remitted N51.3 billion to the section 1 of the Act states that: also stipulates that spectrum and development. and security five years after institution. federal government Consolidated “Notwithstanding the provisions assignment fees generated shall According to him, “The displacement from the kingdom Represented by his deputy, Revenue Fund (CRF) in the first of any written law governing be remitted 100 per cent to the telecoms industry has positively by Boko Haram insurgents. Kadafur, the governor said his quarter of 2019. the corporation, each corporation federal government. impacted all the sectors of the Mammoth crowd gathered administration accords high The remittance, according to shall establish a general reserve The Section states that: economy including banking, at Pulka and major streets in respect and commitment to the Executive Vice Chairman fund and shall allocate thereto “The commission shall pay healthcare, commerce, Gwoza metropolis yesterday to the traditional institution, of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba at the end of each financial year all monies accruing from the transportation, agriculture, give the first class traditional describing it as a “symbol Danbatta, was in compliance one fifth of its operating surplus sales of Spectrum under Part education among others, with ruler a rousing welcome. and pride of every society’’. with the Fiscal Responsibility for the year.” 1 of Chapter VIII into the increased quarter-on-quarter Shehu-Timta who was He said: “I felicitate with the Act of 2007 (FRA 2007). Section 22, Sub-section 2 Consolidated Revenue Fund contribution to the country’s accompanied by the Deputy Emir and people of Gwoza NCC said in a statement of the Act states further that: (CRF).” Gross Domestic Product (GDP).” Governor of the state, Mr. over the official relocation that the payment represents “The balance of the operating Commenting further, Danbatta For instance, he said the Usman Kadafur; Senator Ali and return of our Emir back ‘payment on account’ in respect surplus shall be paid into the said the commission had taken latest data released by the Ndume (APC-Borno South), to his palace after years in of operating surplus of N44 Consolidated Revenue Fund the initiative to be making National Bureau of Statistics members of the state House of Maiduguri.This administration billion and N7.3 billion spectrum (CRF) of the federal government payments on account as it (NBS) showed that the telecoms Assembly and village heads, will not afford to toy with the assignment fee collected, both not later than one month generates revenue. industry contributed 10.11 per among others, was received in a people of Gwoza and the of which are due to the federal following the statutory deadline Danbatta noted that cent to Nigeria’s GDP in the colourful celebration showcased traditional institution. government as at April 30, 2019. for publishing each corporation’s through effective regulatory first quarter of 2019. TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 ˾THISDAY 41 NEWSEXTRA UNIBEN Final Year Student Commits Suicide Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city from the second floor of a The deceased was said this report, it was not clear before now, had a carry over. phone failed to connect. hostel building in the school. to be a student of the if the deceased left a suicide Effort to get confirmation Four weeks ago, a A final year student of the The incident, it was Department of Actuarial note. from the Public Relations 21-year-old student of the University of Benin has learnt, occurred last Sunday Science in the Faculty of It was however gathered Officer of the university, Mr. university, Christabel Buoro, reported to have committed evening at the Faculty of Management Sciences. that the victim who was Michael Osasuyi, failed as also committed suicide over suicide by jumping down Arts. As at the time of filing supposed to have graduated calls made to his mobile alleged failed love affair. CIPPON Gets New President, Council Members Solomon Elusoji Okeke Onuegbulem- 2nd Vice President; Comrade Babajide S. The Chartered Institute of Salako–3rd Vice President; and Professional Printers of Nigeria Mr. Akin Oduwole as Secretary (CIPPON), established by the to the Council. Act of Parliament 24 of 2007, Malomo and other Members- has elected 15 individuals as in-Council of the institute were Members-in-Council to steer elected on July 10 by members the affairs of the institute for of the institute during a general the next two years. election held at Sam Ethnan’s A communiqué issued and Officers Mess at the Nigeria Air signed by the Secretary of the Force Base, Ikeja, Lagos State. Interim Caretaker Committee, The communiqué noted that Ike Okorafor shortly after the election of the president and the election listed the elected other council members marks council members as: Mr. the beginning of a new dawn Malomo Olugbemi; Mr. Akin in the history of the Nigeria’s Oduwole; Mr. Rabiu Garba; printing industry. Sir John Okeke Onuegbulem; According to the communiqué, Babajide S. Salako; Mr. Ajayi apart from those elected, the Abayomi Sunday; Dr. Daniel federal government is expected Itanyi Egbunu; Mr. Akinlabi to nominate five people to join Olawuni’; Mr. Eloho Gideon; the council. Mr. Clement Koko; Mr. Adesoye The Nigerian printing industry, SEPLAT’S DAY AT THE MARKET… Omoniyi, Mr. Omopariola which currently employs millions L-R: Chief Financial Officer, Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, Roger Brown; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Samuel Odimayo; Mr. Babafemi of Nigerians and valued at over Oscar Onyema; Chief Executive Officer, Seplat, Mr. Austin Avuru; Operations Director, Seplat, Effiong Okon; General Manager External Olanrewaju Oluwalana; Mr. N1tn in its entire value chain, Affairs and Communications, Seplat, Mrs. Chioma Nwachuku; and Managing Director, ANOH Gas Processing Company (AGPC), Yetunde Oluwole Ademuyiwa and Mr. received its “Charter status” Taiwo, at Seplat’s Capital Markets Day event at the Nigerian Stock Exchange in Lagos yesterday ETOP UKUTT Hakeem Adeleke. when the late President Umaru According to a statement Musa Yar’adua signed into law issued yesterday by the Secretary Act 24, which is the Chartered Rape Allegation: CAN Declares Support for COZA, Fatoyinbo of the Council, Akin Oduwole, Institute of Professional Printers the Members-in-Council of Nigeria Act 2007. The Christian Association of visited the church. that justice must prevail in all Akanji, said the association thereafter elected Mr. Olugbemi The communique added Nigeria (CAN) has declared CAN Chairman in the FCT, rape cases. would not ignore what is Malomo as the President/ with the emergence of the support for the Common Samson Jonah, assured the The Christian body said going on in the church now. Chairman of the Council. new council, members of the Wealth of Zion Assembly church that CAN was with it had no details on the “How can I, and then the Other elected principal institute and every stakeholder (COZA) and its pastor, Biodun it and the beleaguered pastor allegations against Fatoyinbo FCT Chairman, hear that one officers of the council are Mr. in the Nigeria printing industry Fatoyinbo, amid allegations of and would continue to stand other than what was on social church that God has a plan and Rabiu Garba, who was elected can expect a turnaround in the rape and sexual assault against by them. media, which it described as purpose for is going through as 1st Vice President; Sir John industry. him. The visit of the CAN “not reliable and credible this Jerusalem-Jericho road and The Christian body delegation came less than a evidence”. then we will walk and walk announced its position on month after CAN condemned Also speaking, the CAN away? We will not do such a Crisis: PDP National Sunday when its delegation any case of rape and stressed Chairman North Central, Israel thing,” he said. Secretariat Takes over Afenifere, PANDEF Fault FG’s Plan to Deploy Military in Highways Deji Elumoye in Abuja According to him, the military police system because we cannot Muhammadu Buhari, through Leadership of Party in Plateau is already overstretched “with continue to run a multi-ethnic obnoxious policies.” The Yoruba socio-cultural the Chief of Army Staff openly country with a single police,” He said the planned use of Seriki Adinoyi in Jos assignment. group, Afenifere, and its Niger complaining that the soldiers are he stated. military to solve security problem Former Senate President, Delta counterpart, Pan Niger not doing enough against the On its part, PANDEF urged is out of place, saying: “On the Following the leadership crisis David Mark is expected to arrive Delta Forum (PANDEF), have insurgents in the Northeast.” the federal government to wake surface, it might appear as if they rocking the Plateau State chapter in the state this week to meet faulted the planned deployment Odumakin wondered “where up to its responsibility of curbing are doing so much, but clearly, it of the Peoples Democratic Party with party stakeholders over of military to major highways to do you want to get the number the alarming insecurity situation is grossly inadequate and out of (PDP), the national secretariat of the crisis. stem the high level of insecurity of soldiers to deploy in the in the country which he said has pattern, as the government cannot the party has said it has taken The state chapter of the party in the country, saying the proposal highways?” Besides, you are already risen to an unspeakable be saying one thing while it’s over the affairs of the party in has been in a serious crisis after which they described as outdated sending coded message to the dimension. doing another thing altogether.” the state. the state working committee won’t solve the problem. military about who should govern Its National Secretary, Dr. Alfred The PANDEF statement The national secretariat has suspended its Chairman, The two groups yesterday when you hand over police duties Mulade, stated that the group which was signed by its Scribe also constituted a committee to Mr. Damishi Sango, and his expressed deep concern with to them all over the country.” was right to conclude “that we stated that “the government look into the leadership crisis as Deputy, Mr. Amos Gombi, the rising wave of insecurity He therefore said what are in a state of an orchestrated has by its action encouraged Afenifere believes would solve and systematic war wrecked on criminality, insecurity, banditry it directed the party Chairman in the country and the glaring having accused the duo of inability of the federal government the problem is the creation of state the South and middle belt by and kidnappings in the country, in the North Central zone, Mr. financial misconducts. The state to tackle the problem. police to compliment the activities dissident elements effectively particularly in the South area and Theophilus Dakashan, to oversee working committee went further Spokesman of Afenifere, Yinka of the Nigeria Police Force in demonstrated by Fulani herdsmen Middle Belt, when it cannot arrest the party in the state pending to appoint Mr Chris Hassan, a Odumakin, told THISDAY that addressing the overwhelming militias surreptitiously supported or refuse to arrest and prosecute the resolution of the crisis. zonal Chairman of the party, to the government proposal won’t insecurity challenge. and encouraged by the federal any of the perpetrators of these In a letter addressed to act as the state chairman. solve the insecurity problem. “What we need now is a state government headed by President heinous crimes. Dakashan by the National Though Sango had rejected Secretary of PDP, Senator his suspension and claimed Umaru Ibrahim Tsauri, the innocence of the allegations, the national secretariat also committee stopped recognising 60 Ecobank Workers Protest over Sack warned those laying claim to him as the state chairman, and About 60 of Ecobank staff to assist in compelling the bank served the bank for 12 years us without pre-information, this the party leadership in the state has transferred loyalty to Hassan, in Kaduna yesterday took to to pay them their dues in full. but no penny was ever given is robbery. to desist from doing so until thereby heating up the party the street to protest what they “The disengagement of to me for leave allowance while “I am appealing to the bank the committee concludes its in the state. termed “unjust sack” and called staff last week by Ecobank is I was in service. to pay us our full severance for government intervention. uncalled for. Some of us have “Other entitlements were without delay, that is why we The Northern Coordinator for spent over 20 years working also never paid to us, but we came out to protest and tell the the retrenched staff, Muhammad with the bank. At the end they never complained, at the end world to come to our aid. Fasoranti: We Have Made Yashe, told the News Agency of sack us without even paying us they sack us without paying us “We want the world to know Nigeria (NAN) that the protest our entitlements in full. our entitlements. I am appealing and we want the National Arrests, Say Police was held in Kaduna in order “Some of us were given to the government and labour Assembly to come to our aid. The Ondo State Police Officer in the state, Mr. Femi to show their grievances. meager amount after unions to help us fight for our “The National Assembly Command yesterday revealed Joseph, said the command Yashe said that about 60 retrenchment, that amount right. should review the labour that it had made some arrests would not relent until the staff members in Kaduna and can’t even sustain or enable Also speaking, Mr. Yusuf laws where needed in order on the killing of Mrs. Funke perpetrators were apprehended about 920 staff nationwide were us establish a business which Ataguba, who is also an affected to safeguard its citizens against Olakunrin, the daughter of the and brought to book. retrenched by Eco Bank. we can continue to build our staff, said that Ecobank has unlawful acts by employers. leader of the pan-Yoruba socio- He said, “We have made a He said that the staff lives on. robbed him. “We are appealing to the political organisation, Afenifere, lot of arrests on this matter, but retrenchment was uncalled for “We are calling on the “I have worked for over 20 government to help compel Chief Reuben Fasoranti. we are doing the screening of at this critical time of economic government and labour union years with this bank, I dedicated Ecobank to pay us our full dues The police reiterated that their those arrested to know who hardship, appealing to the to intervene. We will continue my youthful age working with or we shall continue to seek mThe Police Public Relations among them are the culprits.” government and labour unions to push for our right, I have them only for them to retrench other redress where necessary.” 42 TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 ˾THISDAY NEWSEXTRA Court Gets Fresh Instructions to Continue Kalu’s Trial July 22 Davidson Iriekpen On October 31, 2016, the relevant travelling documents EFCC preferred a 34-count to the EFCC, failing which he The 13-year-old N7.65billion charge, bordering on N3.2 would be arrested. fraud trial of a former Governor billion fraud against the The court had then adjourned of and senator accused. the case until January 23, for representing Abia North The charges were, however, the continuation of trial. senatorial district, Chief Orji amended and increased to 39 When the case came up in Uzor Kalu, will resume at the counts. late January, the prosecutor, Federal High Court in Lagos Kalu and the others had Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), on July 22, 2019 before Justice each pleaded not guilty to the appearing for the prosecution, Mohammed Idris. charges and were granted bail. informed the court that in spite The new date was fixed Justice Idris, who has been of its order, the accused had following a fresh fiat issued sitting as a trial judge in the refused to submit himself or by the President of the Court of criminal charge, was elevated his travelling documents to Appeal, Justice Zainab Adamu to the Court of Appeal. the EFCC. Bulkachuwa to Justice Idris to He had, however, been He argued that such attitude conclude the case. conducting the trial following a constituted a clear disregard The Economic and Financial fiat, authorising him to continue for the court, adding that in Crimes Commission (EFCC) is with the case. the circumstance, he would prosecuting Kalu together with At the last adjourned date on urge the court to give effect his former Commissioner for November 12, 2018, Kalu was to the provisions of Section Finance, Ude Udeogo, and his absent from trial, after being 352(4) of the Administration company, Slok Nigeria Limited, absent on a previous adjourned of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) on an amended 39-count charge date of November 5, 2018. and continue with the trial of money laundering to the Although the defence counsel of the accused even in his tune of N7.6 billion. had informed the court that absence. The former governor who he was away for medical According to Jacobs, the is a chieftain of the ruling All treatment in Germany, the court should order the defence Progressives Congress (APC) court had revoked his bail and to call its witnesses, failing was alleged to have committed ordered that at the point of which the court is allowed the offence between August his entry into the country, he by the provisions of the law, 2001 and October 2005. must submit himself and all to close their case. NERC Proposes Order to Accelerate Deployment of Meters to Consumers Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja “We must bear in mind connections and elimination of that while customers are bulk billing/arbitrary billing,” The Nigerian Electricity being metered through Meter he added. Regulatory Commission (NERC) Assets Provider (MAP), no all On distribution franchising, has disclosed that the ‘proposing unmetered customers will be he explained that, “a regulatory order’ that it plans to introduce is metered at the same time and process to be applied by discos expected to be a catalyst for the those who are yet to be metres to authorise a third party to distribution companies (Discos) should not be arbitrarily billed. provide electric distribution to fast-track deployment of Thus, the proposing order is utility services in a particular meters to unmetered customers. expected to be a catalyst or area within the disco’s coverage NERC’s Commissioner in the discos to accelerate or fast- area of supply.” charge of Consumer Affairs, track deployment of metres to Arigu noted that on Dr. Moses Arigu, gave the unmetered customers. competitive transition charge hint yesterday in Abuja at the “The commission will that a regulatory process to “Public Consultation on Capping closely monitor the accelerated address among other things, of Estimated Billing, Distribution deployment of metres through the loss of allowed revenue. Franchising and Competitive MAP initiative; it is also worthy On his part, the President, Transition Charge”. to note that the scheme is Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), He said that the various designed to tackle issues relating Ayuba Wabba, said that with proposing options were aimed at but not limited to adherence to the poverty level in the country, improving on the services being timeline for replacement of faulty Nigerians cannot afford to pay rendered to the people. metres, timely metering of new exploitative bill.

NIGERIA ON THE PRECIPICE, OBASANJO

WRITES BUHARI – CONT’D FROM PG 8 According to him, the letter rise up and speak out. written by General Obasanjo showed the woes afflicting “Obasanjo simply supported to all military heads of Nigeria presently and the the stand I held yesterday state and presidents of the failure of leadership. and expanded the reasons Federal Republic of Nigeria “If the government is for a conference. I welcome are not guided by patriotic serious, Obasanjo should not him to this school of thought considerations. be telling him now that there is and salute his courage and “My experience with the a need for a national dialogue patriotism,” Nwodo said. Nigerian political situation is with what is going on. The However, the ACF declined that the top echelons of the Nigerian government today comment on Obasanjo’s letter military are always fighting has put us in a place where until it studies the content. one another, either when in the it can only talk to the Fulani Spokesman of the group, Mr. service or when on retirement. herdsmen and all the rest of Anthony Sani, told THISDAY “It is from this angle that Nigeria, and not to put the that the organisation would I always view most of the people together. That is serious react soon. writings of General Olusegun to the polity,” Odumakin said. Obasanjo to any military President General of the Letter Unpatriotic, Says officer who is a Head of apex Igbo socio-cultural Yakassai State or president in Nigeria organisation, Ohanaeze Yakassai who also reacted to as unpatriotic. Even the ones Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia the letter, described it as not he wrote to former Presidents Nwodo, also aligned with the only selfish but unpatriotic, Goodluck Jonathan and the views expressed by Obasanjo. ill-conceived and a clear late Umar Musa Yar’Adua Nwodo who spoke to invitation to national disaster. were not patriotic. They were THISDAY, saluted the courage Yakassai told a group of guided by selfish interest,” and patriotism of the former journalists in Kano yesterday he said. president, saying that the that he did not see any hint He added that there was situation in the country has of patriotism in Obasanjo’s nothing new in the latest letter become worrisome and called letters. the former president wrote on all people of goodwill to “In fact, all the letters to the president. TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 ˾THISDAY 43 NEWSEXTRA Bauchi Assembly Holds Session under Tight Security Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi yesterday at the Assembly’s by all the 13 members that faction of the state assembly correspondence was read The 12 member committee, complex under tight security elected Suleiman as Speaker occurred as the Adhoc by the Speaker, Abubakar Y which is headed by Hon Musa The one-month leadership crisis and approved the list of new on June, 20. Committee set up by the Speaker Suleiman, after it was handed Sarkin Adar, is tasked with the that engulfed the appointments sent to it by Suleiman and Kawuwa House of Representatives, Femi over to him by the Clerk of the responsibility of finding out the House of Assembly (BSHA) Bauchi State Governor, Senator Shehu Damina were the two Gbajabiamila, arrived Bauchi Assembly who acknowledged circumstances that led to the took a new turn yesterday Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir. factional speakers of the BSHA State to address the leadership receipt of the correspondence emergence of two speakers at as Abubakar Y. Suleiman-led The sitting, which lasted for that emerged last month. crisis plaguing the state’s from the executive arm of the the BSHA. faction held its first sitting about one hour, was attended The sitting of the Suleiman’s legislature. state’s government. Other members of the The Suleiman’s faction that After the deliberation on the committee are Abubakar Fulata, sat yesterday attended to a correspondence, the assembly Olododo Abdulganiyu Saka, correspondence from Governor approved the request and gave Tunji Ojo Olubunmi, Benjamin Be Ruthless, Decisive against Abdulkadir that requested for the governor the go ahead to Kala, Jaha Ahmadu Usman approval state assembly to make the appointments and and Julius Ihonybere. Other appoint 10 Special Advisers revert back to it. members of the committee Bandits, Buratai Charges Troops that will assist the governor Meanwhile, the House of are Bamidele Yusuf, Darlington The Chief of Army Staff, focused in the operations and criminals have been ruthless in running the affairs of Reps’ Committee will hold a Nwokocha, John Dyegh Lt. General Tukur Baratai, to act within the confines of the on the innocent lives. We will governance of the state. public hearing today (Tuesday) ,Unyime Josiah Idem and has charged troops of law and rule of engagement. not spare them as well. The governor’s on the crisis rocking BSHA. Abubakar Yarima Iris. Operation Harbin Kunama Buratai said that the Army “The law must take its 3 to be ruthless, aggressive would not tolerate any form course more so if they are and decisive against bandits of criminality and threat to seen in the act, and indeed, Okonkwo Institutes Entrepreneurial Research in the North-west. peace and security in any part carrying arms which is within Buratai gave the charge of the country, adding that the the law and within the rule when he visited the troops corporate existence of Nigeria of engagement. on Onitsha Markets stationed at 1 Division Super must not be jeopardised. “We don’t have time to Udora Orizu in Abuja at the ongoing 2nd Edition of am today”. Camp in Kuyello, Birnin Gwari “You must remain focused; waste, we must develop, its International Conference in He noted that most Igbo Local Government Area of you must be aggressive; you we must move ahead and Business Mogul and Founder Awka, Okonkwo said that the businessmen and women of yesterday. must be decisive and you must we must keep our country of The Dome Entertainment coming generation of Nigerians the time, had their offices at He urged them to remain be ruthless just the way the secured. Center, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo have a lot to learn from the Onitsha and only traveled to has instituted an entrepreneurial entrepreneurial spirit of the Lagos on holidays. research chair into the Onitsha Igbo man which, he said were He said that though the trend main market as a central hub developed from the Main has changed, a proper study Non-academic Workers’ Protest Halt Activities in UI of Igbo enterprise development. Market at Onitsha. of the market and the growth Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan which drew scores of affected The Chairman of UI SSANU, The research, according He stated that before the of the apprenticeship system workers to the main gate of Wale Akinremi, flanked by other to him, will document the emergence of large markets in Igbo land, will add value Members of the Senior Staff the institution, affected smooth union leaders, while speaking beginning, the growth and in Lagos, the main market to new business innovations Association of Nigerian vehicular movements in and out with journalists, said any country development of entrepreneurship held sway as the hub of Igbo that will sustain growth and Universities (SSANU) and of the school premises. that treats teachers the way “we at the Onitsha main market, enterprise, adding that “at that ensure enterprise survival. the Non-Academic Staff Union The protesting workers carried treat ours in Nigeria will never which at a time, was the largest time, every Igbo billionaire took Noting that the upcoming (NASU), University of Ibadan placards with inscriptions such be destined for greatness.” market in . off from the main market in generation of Igbo businesses chapter, yesterday began a as: ‘We demand N30 billion to He said the three-day protest Announcing this yesterday at Onitsha”. must learn from mistakes of three-day protest to demand pay part of our earned allowance would be followed by a branch the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Relating that to his humble their forebears, Okonkwo N30 billion allowance as well as now’; ‘FG stop provoking protest and the ‘mother of all (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra beginnings in business, regretted that the exploits of against the federal government inter union crises in Nigerian protests’ at the national level State, after he was conferred Okonkwo recalled that “I had Sir Louis Odumegwu-Ojukwu, refusal to obey court judgment universities’; ‘FG, please obey which he said would shake with an award as Business my first lessons in trading at who at a time was the biggest on staff school salaries. court judgment on staff school’, the corridors of power to its Philanthropist of the Year by the Onitsha main market, rising name in business in Nigeria, The peaceful protest, among others. foundation. the UNIZIK Business School, from there to become who I ended with his passage. 44 TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 ˾THISDAY NEWSEXTRA Edo APC Chieftain Cautions against Pushing Obaseki out of Ruling Party State assembly clears six commissioner-nominees Adibe Emenyonu in Benin names were recently sent to the or omission, Governor Obaseki naira which Oshiomhole used to Idahosa further noted the Anthony Enahoro Assembly House by Obaseki in a major is pushed out of the APC, the run his governorship campaign.” that Oshiomhole should not Complex, in Benin City, A chieftain of the All Progressives cabinet reshuffle. party is dead in the state and He urged the APC national blame Obaseki; his deputy, yesterday, July 15, the Speaker, Congress (APC) in Edo State, Idahosa, a former Political I will go with the governor to chairman to allow Obaseki Philip Shaibu; and the SSG, Hon. Frank Okiye, introduced Mr. Charles Idahosa, has warned Adviser to , anywhere he goes,” he said. concentrate on developing Osarodion Ogie and others for the commissioner-nominees to against attempts to push Edo gave the warning while The APC leader described Edo State as any attempt to fighting against godfatherism the House after Chairman of State Governor, Mr. Godwin addressing journalists in Benin Oshiomhole as ungrateful to deny Obaseki the APC 2020 he once fought against adding the Screening Committee, Hon. Obaseki, out of the APC, a City, the Edo State capital, Obaseki who he said played governorship ticket will be that they are only replicating Roland Asoro, reported that plot he said will spell doom yesterday. a vital role for Oshiomhole to resisted by Edo people. what he taught them. the assembly has screened the for the party in the state. He reiterated his earlier stance become Governor of Edo State, “Oshiomhole should please According to him, Oshiomhole candidates. This is coming as the Edo that Oshiomhole was responsible adding that, “Chief Oseni Elama leave the governor alone to run taught Obaseki how to fight The commissioner-nominees State House of Assembly for the ongoing crisis rocking was the man that facilitated the state to the best of his ability godfatherism and that what are Damian Lawani; Joe Ikpea; (EDHA) has cleared six the party in the state. Adams Oshiomhole’s meeting because nobody interfered with he is doing now. Felix Akhabue; Moses Agbakor; commissioner-nominees whose “If by error of commission with Godwin Obaseki before he his own administration when Meanwhile, the Edo State Momoh Oise Omorogbe and (Oshiomhole) became Governor he was governor of the state.” House of Assembly (EDHA) Marie Edeko. of Edo State”. “We don’t know why has cleared six commissioner- Okiye tasked them to see “After that meeting, Oshiomhole has insisted on nominees whose names were their new assignment as a Dickson: Education Panacea Oshiomhole had no money on producing the Speaker for the recently sent to the House by call to service and join the him, but Obaseki brought in State House of Assembly. During Obaseki in a major cabinet Obaseki-led administration in people to launch the seed money his tenure, nobody made the reshuffle. moving Edo State to enviable for Curbing Criminality which amounted to billions of choice for him,” Idahosa stressed. During its plenary session at heights. Shola Oyeyipo in Abuja the new Nigeria has already started in the various schools The Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. where I have children; all of Seriake Dickson, has described us; they interact, make friends sufficient investment in education and they prepare for this new as a veritable tool for curbing Nigeria. militancy and other forms of “While I was campaigning violent crimes in Nigeria. for governor in 2011, I was Dickson, who made the very clear about the need to assertion at the weekend build a sustainable society on when addressing the class of 20 the foundation of education,” parents’ graduation dinner and he explained. the fund raising of the Loyola Also speaking at the event, Jesuit College Endowment Fund the Chairman of Editorial Board held at the Transcop Hilton, of THISDAY Newspapers and Abuja, said he succeeded in former presidential spokesman, curbing militancy in his state Mr. Segun Adeniyi, who is also by paying adequate attention a parent in the school, said it to the educational sector. is a source of pride being a “If we must have a new Loyola parent. Nigeria, we can only have it “I am Loyola parent because by investing in education and Loyola is very good, not only creating the new Nigerians that in terms of excellence but also will give us a new Nigeria and in terms of value,” he added. Ezekwesili, Others Task Nigerians on Family Values Sunday Okobi justice system.” A BOOST TO PERSONAL HYGIENE…… In her keynote address at L-R: Headmistress, Express Way Primary School, Mrs. Deborah Ajumobi; Dettol Brand Ambassador, Funke Akindele-Bello; Brand As Nigeria searches endlessly the conference on the theme: for purposeful and effective ‘Building a Strong Family Base Manager, Purposeful Marketing, Reckitt Benckiser, Cassandra Uzo-Ogbugh; and Headmaster, Express Way Primary School, Mr. Ayo leadership presently, prominent Towards National Development’, Ajiboye, during the Dettol Clean Naija’s School Hygiene Programme, in Ikosi, Lagos…yesterday Nigerians have expressed the former Minister of Education, belief that grooming children to Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, emphasised be compassionate and strong on the integral position of the Ortom Appoints Ayabam BIRS Chairman future leaders is the starting family and the values it brings George Okoh in Makurdi Service (BIRS). Ayabam, Until his appointment, chairman of BIRS in 2010 point of nation building. to the general society. according to a statement by Ayabam was a Zonal Director by the then Governor of the At the Summit organised by The Chief Human Resources Governor, Samuel the Chief Press Secretary to of Taxes with the Federal state, , and Officer of MTN Nigeria, Esther ‘Foster networking opportunities Akinnukawe, while speaking and support for a balanced life Ortom has announced the governor, Terver Akase, will Inland Revenue services (FIRS) brought lots of innovation in on the ‘Fundamentals for among women’, the former head appointment of Mr. Andrew take over from Terzungwe covering Benue, Niger and the management and remittance Successfully Raising Tomorrow’s of the Africa Division of the Ayabam as the acting Chairman Atser, who was appointed Kaduna States. of revenue generation in the Leaders Today’ at the 2019 World Bank and the co-founder of the state Internal Revenue by Ortom in 2018. He was first appointed as state. edition of the ‘Power Summit’ of of the anti-corruption watchdog, the Queen of the Rosary College Transparency International, noted NDUKA OBAIGBENA AT 60 Onitsha Alumni Association, that “each family here, being the Lagos State chapter, pointed out producers of the basic values As a businessman, Obaigbena accused of writing something after a few days he will start practices… the growing rot in today’s society are expressed in the way we has also had his travails. He sacrilegious. The lady had to worrying about how you will I cannot predict what and the crisis of leadership do our things at each family had cause to run away from the leave Nigeria. There have been survive without a job, the worst Obaigbena plans to do next. are plaguing the country, and level, can be the ones at that country when the General Sani cases as well of THISDAY he will do is to surcharge you.” It must be something in his therefore needed a way out. unit to develop a nation. You Abacha government marked staff dying under mysterious The same staff know of head. But he is that kind of She stressed that teaching don’t need an appointment into him out as an enemy of the circumstances. course that he does not take person who stumbles on a children empathy and public office for you to be a state. Under Abacha, any If Obaigbena looks back, he nonsense and he cannot be held dream and insists on translating compassion would be the key contributor to the process of one who published anything will definitely see a lot and to ransom. He does not consider it into reality in 24 hours if to building the nation for the national development, because critical of the state or expressed recall a lot. But through thick anybody indispensable. He possible and he expects the future and making them great at the basis of family, you are a progressive idea or was and thin, whatever may be the believes he can turn any talented people around him to fall leaders. shaping the values that are called seen to be supporting the depth of the difficulty, he has person into a star and he is very in line and make it happen. According to her, “It is ultimate institutions.” progressive cause was a target demonstrated an uncommon proud of the fact that many He is very aggressive with imperative for us to begin Other speakers at the event for humiliation, assassination strength of character. I like of the superstars in Nigerian his ideas and dreams. But grooming tomorrow’s leaders who also spoke on family values or economic destruction. the fact that he stands by his journalism and politics today he is also above all, a very from today. There is a need to and nation building included Obaigbena’s employees have team. Even when a staff abuses once worked with him. What pleasant, kind-hearted fellow. groom future leaders that are Executive Director, Rain Oil taken him to court or called him and walks away, when the he has achieved in the print We admire him for all that he compassionate and empathetic- Limited, Mrs. Godrey Ogbechie; him out for non-payment same staff returns to him for media, he wants to replicate has done and achieved and the who will address the rot and co-founder, Falcon Corporation of their salaries. Company help or seek to return to the in the broadcast industry. inspiration that flows from his chaos that surround them; future Limited, Mrs. Audrey Joe-Ezigbo; properties have been -ed company, he takes them back, Arise News under his watch, anointed example. But now leaders who are moved by our CEO, Brand Zone Consulting or a lien placed on company he supports them. He doesn’t is beginning to rise. Many of the that he has turned 60, please, groaning; who will venture LLC, Mrs. Chizor Malize; accounts. Terrorists, particularly throw people away. At Arise young talents who joined the he must begin to leave some into public service knowing Principal Consultant, Centre for the Boko Haram, have bombed News, the TV Channel where I team and could not even ad-lib special legacies for younger well that it is not for their Sex Education and Family Life, the Abuja office of THISDAY, am an anchor, when he threatens or read the teleprompter a few men like us, especially those personal benefit; leaders who Mr. Praise Fowowe, and Medical destroying the property. The to sack anybody, the people just months ago, are now beginning beautiful, pepper dem, ladies will become executives well Director and Psychiatrist in Chief, Muslim Ummah once placed a laugh. They will say behind his to sound like experts, young who flock around him like bees equipped to create a difference, Pinnacle Medical Service, Dr. fatwa on the head of a THISDAY back: “don’t mind him, he will producers are beginning to offer around nectar… Hen hen. and determined to reform the Maymunah Kadiri. reporter. Ms. Isioma Daniel was not do it and if he sacks you, opinion about best production Congratulations, Chairman. TUESDAY JULY 16, 2019 • THISDAY 45 46 ˜  ͹;˜ͺ͸͹΁˾THISDAY

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email [email protected] TUESDAYSPORTS 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY Siasia’s Mother Kidnapped Again by Gunmen in Bayelsa Police begin manhunt for abductors Duro Ikhazuagbe and the kidnap of Siasia’s mother the receiving end of kidnappers year in before a abducted in Warri, Delta State , was kidnapped in Abia State Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa and vowed to ensure her at different times include Super ransom was paid for his release. in June 2012. and was only released after a prompt release. Eagles Captain, John Mikel Obi Also, ex international Earlier this year, the mother double ransom was paid by Former Super Eagles Head Giving an insight into whose father was abducted last ’s mother was of Nigeria winger her family. Coach, is how she was forcibly taken very disappointed that he is away, the police said the being put through the agony gunmen accessed the old of his mother in the captivity woman’s residence through of kidnappers for the second. the popular River Nun which Gunmen in the early flows through Sagbama Local hours of Monday abducted Government Council. the mother of the former Asinim Butswat, Spokesman Nigerian footballer and coach, of the Bayelsa Police Command Mrs Beauty Ogere Siasia, 80, assured family members that from her home in Sagbama the force has deployed its in Bayelsa State. special tactical team to find She had earlier been Madam Ogere Siasia. kidnapped in 2015 and held for “On the 15th July, 2019 at 13 days before a ransom was about 0200hours, unknown exchange for her safe passage gunmen who were heavily back home. Siasia was in The armed came through the Gambia preparing Nigeria’s waterways of the River Nun Under-23 team for the African and invaded the residence of Under-23 Championship in one Mrs Beauty Ogere Siasia, Senegal. ‘f’ 80 years in the riverine He returned to Nigeria with village of Odoni, Sagbama the only bronze medal Nigeria Local Government Area, won at the Olympiad in . Bayelsa State and whisked her Speaking with THISDAY away through the waterways yesterday, Siasia said he to an unknown destination. wonders why the focus is “The Commissioner of Police on his mother. Bayelsa State Command and “I am not a government the command’s Tactical Team official and do not even earn have visited the scene of the salary right now. I feel very crime. Senate President Lawan with NFF President and President of AFCON Amaju Pinnick in the Super Eagles’ dressing room at the Cairo International Stadium on sad being put through this “The command in Sunday night. With them is Captain of the team, trauma right now. collaboration with other “Please those who have security stakeholders have kidnapped my mother now launched a manhunt to should spare her and allow apprehend the perpetrators and Senate President, Pinnick, Others Encourage Eagles to her return home safe and rescue the victim. Investigation sound,” observed the former is ongoing,” he said in a Go for the Bronze Super Eagles head coach statement. who is now pre-occupied In 2015, Madam Siasia Head of the Federal Government The Senate President’s his 2nd Vice President, Shehu “I must start by with grooming his Sia-One spent about two weeks in delegation to the 32nd Africa Cup delegation also included the Dikko and General Secretary, acknowledging that you gave Academy to represent Nigeria the kidnapers’ den before of Nations in Egypt, Senator President of Nigeria Olympic Dr. Mohammed Sanusi were your best out there against at the Dana Cup in Denmark she was released after paying Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan who Committee and Nigeria’s on Monday at the Le Meridien Algeria as you have done since later this month. an undisclosed ransom . The also doubles as the President Member of the International Cairo Airport hotel camp of the beginning of the competition. Siasia’s mother was abductors had demanded an of the Senate of the Federal Olympic Committee, Habu the Super Eagles to ginger the It is important that you put the kidnapped from her home initial N150 million, making Republic has given the Super Ahmed Gumel; a former players ahead of Wednesday’s loss behind you as the third in south of Bayelsa State by the former coach cry out that Eagles a pat on the back for their Minister of Youth and Sports, third place match against Tunisia. place match is just two days two armed gunmen at 2:15am he wasn’t a rich man to be so outing against Algeria on Sunday, Solomon Dalung; Senators A last-gasp goal by Riyad away. The message from the NFF on Monday. exploited. while charging them to go all out Sani Musa, Bello Mandiya and Mahrez took Algeria to their is simple: Let us not leave this Meanwhile, the police in Some other Nigerian against Tunisia on Wednesday Gabriel Suswam; Umar Saidu first AFCON Final in 29 years championship empty –handed. Bayelsa, Monday confirmed footballers who had been at to win the bronze medals. Gajo and; Ocheme Okopi. and meant the Eagles will have This is the biggest and toughest The Senate President was at Similarly, President of the to battle for the bronze medals AFCON ever and we must the Eagles’ dressing room at the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. with Tunisia, who lost to Senegal win on Wednesday to make Cairo International Stadium after Amaju Melvin Pinnick, alongside also on Sunday. Nigerians happy again. I Wish There Can be a the 2-1 defeat by the Desert Foxes of Algeria, which sent the North Replay of Algerian Free Africans into Friday’s final and Nigeria into Wednesday’s third place game. Kick, Says Akpeyi “The Government of Nigeria Super Eagles goalkeeper, Daniel Rohr’s men crashing after is proud of you and how far Akpeyi, has said that he wished had erased Willam you have been able to go in this for a replay of the free kick by Troost-Ekong’s own goal. competition. You worked very Algerian Riyad Mahrez which Rohr’s team faced the wrath hard and showed the desire to halted Nigeria’s dream of a of fans for offering precious little win, but this is football and these fourth Africa Cup of Nations in Cairo, but Akpeyi believes things happen. title in Egypt on Sunday. otherwise. “It’s very tough and “The third place match is there Speaking with Nigerian very sad that we have to lose in and you have to forget the result journalists covering the that manner, to have conceded of this match and prepare very tournament in Egypt shortly through that kind of free-kick,” well to win the bronze medals.” after the 1-2 loss to Algeria, Akpeyi stressed. the Kaizer Chief goalkeeper “So far, it doesn’t matter said now he knows what to whatever anyone would say in similar situation in future. about the team. These players Zenith Bank Commends Eagles, Urges Team to Finish High “I wish there can be a replay have actually tried. but it’s over now and we have “A lot of teams have been One of the major sponsors of Zenith Bank had urged the come back with the trophy, but the team.” to look up to the third-place knocked out of this competition the Nigeria Football Federation, team to go for the win before getting to the last four is a good Onyeagwu however tasked game,” he noted without any but we are still here. Zenith Bank, has hailed the the game but said the players achievement for the team,” he them not to return to the country regret. “We have very young talent performance of the Super Eagles showed a lot of resilience in the said. “With host country, Egypt, empty handed and they should Akpeyi defended his and I’m very sure if this team at the on going Africa Cup of game by coming from a goal defending champions, Cameroon go all out for a win against teammates from criticism. can be given a chance, we’ll be Nations in Egypt, despite the down to get the equaliser and and some other top teams failing Tunisia in the third place match. The Super Eagles looked to able to fix things.” failure of the country to qualify almost to get to the last four, I will say He said the boys should put be in with a great chance of Nigeria will battle Tunisia for the final of the competition Speaking yesterday in Lagos, they have make Nigeria proud. behind them the semi final loss beating Djamel Belmadi’s men in Thursday’s third-place after losing their semi final clash the Group Managing Director of “It was not an easy task against against Algeria and make Tunisia to reach the competition’s final encounter. The Super Eagles against Algeria. the bank, Ebenezer Onyeagwu, a team like Algeria, who have pay for the defeat. after dismissing South Africa have won each of their six Despite coming from a goal commended the fighting spirit been playing exceptionally well The Super Eagles will be taking in the quarter-final. third-place games in AFCON, down in the game against Algeria, of the Eagles adding that they since the start of the competition, on Tunisia on Wednesday for However, a Mahrez last- while keeping a clean sheet in the Eagles succumbed to a last have displayed the quality of but taking the battle to them, the bronze medal while it will minute free kick by Riyad Mahrez champions, despite the defeat. especially in the second half, show be a battle between Algeria and minute free-kick sent Gernot four of these ties. to lose 2-1 to the Dessert Foxes. “Although we wanted them to that we have a bright future in Senegal in the final on Friday. ˜  ͹;˜ͺ͸͹΁˾THISDAY 47 TUESDAYSPORTS Algeria Neutralised Our Wing Play, Says Rohr Super Eagles Head Coach their rhythm. Both Baghdad backs and we could not find Rohr reiterated that the team, we knew the tournament young. Our midfield is the admitted that Bounedjah and Riyad Mahrez our wingers like we did the Super Eagles played better in is becoming more and more youngest one with Ndidi, Etebo the tactics employed by gave , Wilfred other day against South Africa. the second half but the young difficult and today in the last and Iwobi. They have to learn Algeria Head Coach Djamel Ndidi and William Troost-Ekong ‘’Today (Sunday) they could still have room for minute they (Algeria) won it, tactically, they have to make Belmadi proved to be enough a tough time. not give crosses and come on improvement. ‘’It was better in and they deserve it. better communication better,” to neutralise his pacy wingers ‘’Algeria had a better pressing the side, I think they were the second half, we had some Rohr however admitted that observed Rohr. and Samuel than us especially in the first half well organised against us and shots on target, we were unlucky Eagles have a lot of work to do In their last 2019 Africa Cup of Chukwueze. and in the midfield they had we could not find a solution to concede an own goal (by if they must raise their game to Nations fixture, the Super Eagles Speaking at the post match some very good situations and because the pressing was very Troost-Ekong). be counted amongst the best will face Tunisia in the third shortly after the Desert Foxes we had problems in the back of strong,’’ recalled the Eagles ‘’I congratulate my players for in the continent. ºß‘’We have place play-off on Wednesday, had snatched the ticket to our defensive midfielders. They Franco-German gaffer. this big fight against a very good to work much more, we are July 17. the final to confront Senegal could have some opportunities,’’ on Friday, Rohr revealed that Rohr stressed. the intensity of pressing by ‘’The centre forward from the Algerian players restricted Algeria (Bounedjah) gave a the Eagles from getting into lot of problems to our centre

DEMOLA OJO’S NILE NOTES Algerians Outnumber Nigerians Even with the support of Egyptian fans, Nigerian supporters were greatly outnumbered by their Algerian counterparts at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday night. They bellowed and screamed from the popular stand to the VIP. However from the period preceding the penalty to the end of regulation time, they were subdued as the tide turned in favour of the Super Eagles. Super Eagles goalkeeper, had no answer for Riyad Mahrez’s free kick that halted Nigeria’s march to a fourth AFCON title on Sunday night. Alas, the stadium erupted in a deafening uproar the moment Riyad Mahrez volleyed the superbly struck free kick resulting from ’s unnecessary infringement with seconds to the end of added time. Junior D’Tigers to Arrive Nigeria on Wednesday Sharing Responsibilities When came on for in Nigeria’s bronze winning beating Guinea 54-53 in the but the momentum watered “I am really excited, it was a the second half, he became the 21st member of the 23-member contingent to the recently losers final on Sunday. down in the second as they very tensed game and I could not squad to play for the Eagles at this Nations Cup. concluded FIBA U-16 Africa President of the Nigeria could only get three points as take my eyes off the board in the It was slightly unexpected though as coach Gernot Rohr had Basketball Championship in Basketball Federation, Musa the Guineans fought back to take final quarter of the game because said the semis was no stage for experimenting. Cape Verde will arrive the Kida, through the team’s NBBF the second quarter 13-3 to end the Guineans kept coming at us He had hinted at a previous press conference that there was a Murtala International Airport representative, Suraj Yusuf, the first half tied 23-23 points. but the boys held their nerves clamour in some quarters for Onyekuru and by 11:40am Nigeria time on revealed his admiration for the The third quarter ended in for the win. “I am disappointed to play a part. Wednesday. boys after their feat coming third favour of the Guineans 14-11 we didn’t get the World Cup Expect Osimhen and the only other member of the 23, Francis The team departed Praia, the against all odds. but a spirited comeback in the ticket, we tried our best and I Uzoho, to play in the third place match. capital city of Cape Verde 22:00 National Coordinator of final quarter of the game from am sure we will do better next (12am Nigerian time) yesterday the Nestlé Milo Basketball the Nigerians saw them take the time. It goes to show that with Unenviable Record? to arrive in Senegal where plans Championship, Sam Ahmedu, game 20-16 to win the game by proper preparation, Nigeria can Nigeria holds the record for the most bronze medals (for third have been concluded for the one of the delegation to Cape one point 54-53. do better at these competitions. place teams) at the AFCON. team to take a tour of the Verde has also redeemed his Speaking after the game We have abundance of talents The Eagles have been third seven times and would be looking prestigious NBA and Aspire pledge to the team after their Head Coach of the team in this country I must say that to make it right against Tunisia on Wednesday. Academies in Dakar before victory against Guinea in the Fubara Onyanabo said he is for certain.” departing Senegal for . third place match. excited about the outcome of Nigeria matched her best The team finished third on The team started the game the game and seeing the boys performance at the tournament. GOtv Boxing Night 19: the log at the recently concluded brightly shaking off Saturdays take the third position remains The country finished third FIBA U16 African Basketball semifinal defeat to Mali taking a consolation which they can at the maiden edition of the Boxers in War Mood championship in Cape Verde the game 20-10 in the first quarter build on in the future. competition in 2009. Boxers billed to fight at GOtv bigger than Ghana and it will Boxing Night 19 on Sunday remain so,” he said. have worked themselves into Joe Boy, who is due to fight ABEC Football Academy: Where Footballers Play, Learn a war mood, as they conclude Tope “Berinja” in a national One of the leading football The academy is designed to An official of the academy U-8 and U-10 and their training their training for the event, lightweight challenge bout, academies in the country, provide children desirous of a said, “The curriculum is exercises will be conducted at which holds at the Indoor vowed to make light work ABEC Football Academy is career in football with quality designed to adequately prepare the Primary School playgrounds Sports Hall of the National of his opponent, whom he ready to commence operations education alongside an elite a good number of these players of the ABEC Schools Group. Stadium. described as “baby boxer”. any moment from now. player development football for successful football careers There is also Collegiate The nine-bout show will have “Berinja is a baby in this According to a statement programme. in Europe and secure sports Football for athletes under in action some of the biggest sport. I am not losing any from the academy, a The school’s goal reads, “Our scholarships into colleges in the age of 13. names on the domestic boxing sleep over our fight. He will comprehensive programme overall goal is to encourage the United States”. Their training exercises will scene and two all-female bouts. regret agreeing to get into the is to be unveiled July 18, and the child to develop personal The programme will run be conducted at the ABEC Among boxers scheduled to ring with me. He will not last operations will commence in / moral self discipline, cooperate with three age-specific options, Boarding School field, Woji. fight are Rilwan “Baby Face” beyond the third round,” September 2019 with all ABEC and show respect for self namely, recreational football, for They will be exposed to 5 Babatunde, West African Boxing bragged Joe Boy. Schools hosting at least one and others; these are keys to athletes under the age of 10. hours of on-the-field training, Union (WABU) lightweight Hammed “Ese Hammed” aspect of the project in different becoming self– reliant and These would further be and 3 hours of competitive play champion; African Boxing Union Ganiyu, who is billed to face capacities. actualized in all he does. grouped into 2 training groups: each week. (ABU) lightweight champion, West African Boxing Union Oto “Joe Boy” Joseph; former (WABU) lightweight champion, ABU featherweight champion, Rilwan “Real One” Oladosu, is WIMBLEDON FALLOUT Waidi “Skoro” Usman; and convinced that his opponent will Taiwo “Esepo” Agbaje, a rising taste defeat for the first time in Tennis Fans Must Wake up to the Greatness of Djokovic, Says Boris Becker featherweight star. his career. Both face each other In separate interviews, the in national lightweight challenge Tennis legend, Boris Becker, Djokovic struggled to win well and was mentally well when Djokovic was booed boxers boasted that they will see bout. “My fans have nothing has warned tennis fans to over a pro-Federer crowd, who prepared.” when he went over to chair off their respective opponents to fear because I’m ready to “wake up to the greatness” clapped some of his misses Swiss second seed Federer, umpire Damian Steiner to with ease. explode and put Rilwan in his of Novak Djokovic after he and jeered him at one point 37, was aiming for a record- discuss what he felt was a Babatunde, who takes part rightful place-on the canvas and won his 16th Grand Slam at during a tense final set. extending ninth men’s singles late Hawk-Eye challenge from in the event’s headline bout, turn him into the ‘Fake One,” Wimbledon at the weekend. “It triggered him to fight in title at the All England Club, Federer. said he will crush his opponent, said Ganiyu. Serbia’s Djokovic, 32, won the fifth set,” observed Becker, which would have matched “Federer is the greatest of Eden Biki of Ghana, in their Skoro, the former ABU his fifth Wimbledon title by who coached Djokovic between Martina Navratilova’s all-time all-time here and has the right international welterweight featherweight champion, who beating Centre Court favourite 2013 and 2016. leading tally. to get that love, but on the challenge bout. faces a daunting task against Roger Federer in a classic. “He got a bit riled and gave Federer is the darling of the other side you have to respect “I’m sure of victory and the all-action Agbaje, said he is Victory in the longest ever some stares to people in the Centre Court crowd and was a four-time champion a little bit ready to make Nigeria proud. unimpressed, let alone daunted, Wimbledon singles final moved crowd but that’s how he works, backed by the majority of the more,” said Becker, a three-time No Ghanaian will defeat me by the profile of his opponent, him closer to Federer’s men’s that’s how he ticks. 15,000 fans in what became winner at SW19. whether or not I’m fighting at winner of the best boxer award record of 20 major triumphs. “There comes a point when an increasingly partisan “I hope next year, if they home. Nigeria has always been at GOtv Boxing Night 16. Rafael Nadal, with 18, separates you get frustrated, but I atmosphere. played again, it would be the pair. thought he handled himself That was most apparent more even”. T RU N Tuesday July 16, 2019 TH & REASO Price: N250 MISSILE Soyinka to Buhari “The problems of this nation are beyond the solution that can be offered by this government, that’s the first admission; they have to stop thinking in partisan government” – Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, taking a swipe at President Muhammadu Buhari that the problems confronting Nigeria are beyond him. TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI [email protected] Nduka Obaigbena at 60 n Sunday, July 14, Nduka computer, and the production team boasted At 60, Nduka Obaigbena can look back Obaigbena, the publisher of about their ability to set typefaces using the and beat his chest, and then look around THISDAY newspaper, and old Goss machine. Obaigbena was one of him with satisfaction that he has been able founder/chairman of the Arise the first, if not the first publisher, to move to make a mark and turn something that News Media group turned 60. quickly to the 21st century. He digitalized his he enjoys doing into a legacy and a source OFriends, family, associates and the top rank newsroom and gave laptops to his reporters. of life-long fulfilment. He is like a fireplace of the Nigerian elite including the Vice He insisted that his reporters must move from which others have tapped light and he President, state governors and captains of to the next level or ship out. It looked like has been most generous in allowing access industry turned up en masse to mark the tyranny then, but today, there is no journalist to his space and resources. The point must occasion at a Thanksgiving Service held at anywhere in Nigeria who would consider be made that his influence goes beyond the Cathedral Church of Christ in Marina, the computer an instrument of punishment. Nigeria. He has endeavored with varying Lagos. The celebration continued with a The Guardian is the first newspaper to degrees of success to set up media operations luncheon at the Sky Lounge of the Eko introduce colour in its masthead: the blue in South Africa, New York, and the United Hotels and Suites. A grand celebration was colour- but Obaigbena moved beyond the Kingdom. He learnt some bitter lessons in held at the same Hotel on Monday evening. mast head and started full colour printing South Africa but whatever challenges he may Nduka Obaigbena deserves all the accolades at a time that was considered impossible in have faced as an entrepreneur form part of that have been showered on him. When Nigeria. There were complaints about cost the totality of his essence: in this regard, he turned 50, 10 years ago, I thought that and the recklessness of a young publisher his capacity to fail and rise again and move was the most impressive celebration I had whose target market was the young and on to greater accomplishments. I referred ever seen, but 10 years later, the entire city the stylish who do not necessarily read. earlier to his restlessness. After THISDAY, practically stood still to celebrate a man But the innovation soon became standard he established the Arise Magazine, he set of great impact and consequence. From practice in the Nigerian press. up the Arise Fashion Week, he dabbled into the President to the supplier of newsprint Obaigbena Obaigbena is also the first publisher events management, setting up an events and the vendor on the street, we have to introduce simultaneous printing. The centre in Lagos and Abuja, he organized concrete evidence of the essence of the in well-tuned prose. The market noticed. circulation department of newspapers in concerts – the THISDAY Music Festival- man we call “The Duke”, “Publisher” or Other players in the market also noticed Nigeria used to be a source of nightmare bringing some of the topmost musicians simply “Chairman.” Whenever the story that a new kid on the block was beginning for everyone. The circulation department in the world to Nigeria, from Jay Z to Chris of Nigeria’s media industry in the 20th to shake the table. Obaigbena likes to shake set the deadlines more or less. They used Brown, Kelly Rowlands and Beyonce. He and 21st centuries is written there is no tables through innovation and ideas. But to dictate when the newspaper must go would also bring world leaders to Nigeria to doubt that Obaigbena will occupy a place the business model behind ThisWeek fell off to bed. If the newspaper was not ready at speak: Presidents Bill Clinton, George Bush, of respect, praise and admiration in the the table. Ill-advised tampering with the a particular time, it would not be able to Vicente Fox, Prime Minister Tony Blair and narrative. He wields in the Nigerian media exchange rate by the military authorities reach the market. They exercised a kind of Condi Rice. He has on his Rolodex some of industry and even beyond, such influence and and poor management decisions combined authority that was irritating to those who the most powerful people in Nigeria and impact, not because he has been a two-time to frustrate the project. ThisWeek was printed had to look for the stories, process them and the world across industries. In the fashion President of the Newspapers Proprietors every week in London and couriered back put the paper together. When Obaigbena’s world, he is a friend of the inimitable Naomi Association of Nigeria (NPAN) but because to Nigeria. It was not sustainable. THISDAY introduced simultaneous printing, Campbell. In journalism, he has partnered of his contributions to the development But that was not the end for Obaigbena other publishers followed his lead. Before with some of the most influential media of the industry, his commitment, his who had now carved a niche for himself. His then, Chief MKO Abiola, publisher of the then houses in the world. In leadership, he has entrepreneurship and his innovativeness. next major move, after a brief period away National Concord had set up Concord Bulk had cause to engage some of the world’s His life is an interesting epic about from the turbulence, was the announcement which was meant to be a central circulation great leaders. The 25-year-old who came determination, hard work, creativity, and of the publication of THISDAY newspaper. system for all newspaper houses. It was to Lagos after university in Benin is now the ability to think out of the box. He This was received with a mixture of doubt, modelled after a similar infrastructure in the one of the big boys of Nigeria! is certainly not a theoretician; no, he is skepticism and outright contempt. I recall United States but ego, rivalry, competition, The Obaigbena that I know is not like rather a man of direct action, impulsive and that many in the industry predicted the politics and mischief stood in the way and the photographs that you see of him. He intuitive may be but merciless, exact and early demise of THISDAY. “That young man the Abiola initiative failed. THISDAY set is a resilient spirit, a dogged fighter. This determined in the pursuit of defined goals, has not learnt his lesson with the failure of up printing presses in Lagos, Abuja and is perhaps the source of his staying power which oftentimes may be overshadowed by ThisWeek?” “What does he think this business Agbor. The game changed. in the turbulent arena of Nigerian business his own restlessness. He is essentially an is all about?” For 10 years, the pessimists The back page of the Nigerian newspaper and politics. He actually once ventured into artist, creatively imaginative with a pragmatic kept prophesying the early end of THISDAY used to be the traditional space for sports politics on the platform of the National turn of mind. We are talking about a man newspaper. Their prophecies failed. THISDAY news and reports. Obaigbena moved sports Republican Convention (NRC) but he fled whose unorthodox methods have produced was introduced at a time when there was to inside back page and introduced back page and has since not looked back. He thinks admirable results and whose style is a catalyst a gap in the media industry – the National commentary. It was as if he had committed Nigerian politics is dirty even if he has many for industry-wide innovation. He started Concord, The Guardian, The Punch were an abomination. There was a loud scream friends in politics, and his media outfits quite early. He was in his twenties, barely under siege on account of military repression. across newsrooms. But the back page came focus on politics as a primary subject. He 25, when he decided to venture into the THISDAY filled the gap, focusing mainly to stay. Today, many newspapers in Nigeria didn’t enjoy being a politician at all. He business of publishing a news magazine. on politics, business and lifestyle, breaking are doing exactly the same thing. The back thinks politicians and the electorate are just He called it ThisWeek. Every one had their fresh stories and commentaries authored by page of THISDAY where I now write this interested in money and when you give doubts. The industry was dominated by skilled and ambitious journalists. Obaigbena column every Tuesday has endured over them money, they are likely to ask for more the big names of the profession. The only had cleverly recruited seasoned journalists the years. The pioneers are Obaigbena money. When I told him I wanted to run thing Obaigbena had done at the time, was who had become jobless because of the himself, Olusegun Adeniyi, Amanze Obi, as Deputy Governor in Ogun State during may be earning a small notoriety as a witty proscription of those three newspapers. Victor Ifijeh, Eniola Bello, Louis Odion and the 2019 general election, his key advice newspaper cartoonist. He was not one of the This is why till today, THISDAY offers a Ijeoma Nwogwugwu. Obaigbena has been was that I must not borrow money from big boys. He did not have a recognizable mixture of The Punch, National Concord and able to create new brands on this page – and anybody, and that I must not sell anything family name, not even a fat bank account The Guardian. By the time these newspapers also use the platform of the newspaper to that belongs to me. He insisted - his friend, in his name. Nobody gave him a chance. were de-proscribed, THISDAY had become create an emergent generation of ace reporters Chike Ogeah was there - that politics is But he would soon end up as a major well established in the market. and analysts. The biggest achievement of a casino. You can put in everything you discovery in the media industry. He put to But there was a lot more at the level a newspaper is to create its own team and have and you may not win. I won’t say work his major assets: his ability to identify of innovation. At a time, computers were ambassadors. For many years, the Daily he is right or wrong. I guess in Nigerian talents and provide a liberal, friendly considered best suited for fraudsters involved Times, The Guardian, , Punch were politics when you win, you lose; when environment for the flowering of talent. He in internet scam, and the notorious 419, the leaders in this regard. THISDAY soon you lose you win. But that is another put together a team comprising some of the Obaigbena “forced” his reporters and became an award-winning newspaper in topic entirely. best and brightest in the media, and what technicians to start using the computer. its own right and can also now boast of happened? Every week, ThisWeek churned Once upon a time in this country, media an alumni association working in other out some really wacky reports and stories managers resisted the introduction of the newsrooms and in other professions. Continued on page 44 Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja . All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: [email protected], [email protected]. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. 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