Makinde: I Won’t Comply With S'Court Judgement on Sacked LG Chairs Says constitution review will not achieve anything Nseobong Okon-Ekong government administration, he couldn’t work with. development, the governor nothing, but a waste of time Removal of the 68 council because contrary to the He, therefore, said the has doubted the possibility and as such, an exercise in chairpersons, who were elected Oyo State Governor, Mr. constitutionally recognised former council chairpersons of the ongoing amendment futility. in 2018, was one of the early ‘Seyi Makinde, has said 33 local governments, there might have to approach the to the constitution, saying The Supreme Court, decisions of the governor as his government would not are additional 35 local council apex court again to determine any amendment to the last month, overturned soon as he was sworn in, in comply with a recent Supreme development areas, making which of them should be paid. 1999 constitution without Makinde’s sack of the council Court ruling on the local it 68, a number he claimed However, in a related restructuring would be chairpersons in the state. Continued on page 8
US: AIDS Has Killed 32m People Worldwide… Page 8
Sunday 6 June, 2021 Vol 26. No 9554
www.thisdaylive.com T N400 RU N TH & REASO 2023: Why Matawalle May Not Defect to APC for Now Already proposes June 12 Sacks all commissioners to accommodate APC in new cabinet Chuks Okocha in Abuja Governor Bello Matawalle (PDP) for the All Progressives impossible for now. governorship to the PDP at the decision but the party, of Zamfara State might have Congress (APC), but there are The reason is that the immediately after the 2019 a situation which makes With the 2023 political concluded plans to leave the far more serious grounds Supreme Court decision, elections, did not consider permutations in focus, Peoples Democratic Party why his defection might be which ceded the Zamfara any individual in arriving Continued on page 5 Twitter Ban: The World Reacts as Presidency Justifies Suspension US, UK, EU, Canada, Ireland, Norway condemn ban FG: Microblogging site is synonymous with fake news, misinformation Telcos deactivate access to twitter handles in Nigeria AGF threatens to prosecute offenders Twitter promises Nigerians access to new platform, belatedly deletes Kanu’s vile tweets Tobi Soniyi, Deji Elumoye, yesterday, justified Twitter’s Emma Okonji in Lagos, suspension, saying the outfit Chuks Okocha, Olawale had becomesynonymous with Ajimotokan, Alex Enumah, the spread of fake news and Michael Olugbode and misinformation in the country. Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja This is as the Telecoms Operators (Telcos) have Outraged by Nigeria’s carried out the instruction suspension of the of the industry regulator, the microblogging and social Nigerian Communications media giant, Twitter, for Commission (NCC) to suspend deleting a recent tweet found access to all Twitter handles in offensive posted by President Nigeria, saying they acted in Muhammadu Buhari, the line with the instruction given world yesterday condemned to them, in the best interest the decision by the federal and integrity of the country. government and concluded To that extent, the Attorney it was a violation of the rights General of the Federation and and freedom of the Nigerian Minister of Justice, Abubakar people to communication. Malami (SAN) has said the Some of the diplomatic federal government would missions that expressed prosecute anyone, who violates their displeasure against the administrative ban on the the Twitter ban included use of Twitter in Nigeria. Canada, the European Union Condemning the federal (Delegation to Nigeria), the government’s decision, the Republic of Ireland, the United leadership of the Peoples Kingdom,the United States of Democratic Party (PDP) has COURTESY CALL... America and Norway. L-R: Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, presenting a souvenir to Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, But the federal government, Continued on page 10 during the governor's maiden visit to the Naval Headquarters in Abuja...yesterday. 2 SUNDAY JUNE 6, 2021 • THISDAY SUNDAY JUNE 6, 2021 • THISDAY 3 4 SUNDAY JUNE 6, 2021 • THISDAY ;˜ͺͺ˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER 5 PAGE FIVE
TOWARDS NIGERIA'S INTEGRITY... L-R: Brigadier General Yakubu Yahaya; Brigadier General Sani Abdullahi; Major General Abdullahi Muazu; Major General Gold Chibuisi; and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, during the closing ceremony of 2 Division Inter Brigade Corporals and Below Competition 2021, held at the Sobi Barack, in Ilorin...Friday 20,000 Small Business Owners, Artisans to Benefit from FG COVID-19 Payment in Lagos Segun James yesterday. Adedeji said that will enrol small business Nets Coordinating Office advised to register by the wards according to the initiative was being owners and artisans, whose (NASSCO), the initiative responding to the text poverty index and availability A total of 20,000 Vulnerable implemented through businesses had been badly would start with seven wards message sent to their phones of resources. Households in Lagos State are the Federal Ministry of affected by COVID-19 in and 181 communities in four or contact their Community She explained that to benefit from the federal Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Lagos State. She said the local government areas. They Development Associations enumerators would meet government COVID-19 Rapid Management and Social enrolment process was being include Irewe and Tafi in Ojo (CDAs) in the selected wards. applicants at their homes Response Cash Transfer Development and Lagos State carried out through the use Local Government Area; Adedeji reiterated that the to take further information, Programme. Director, Lagos Government, in collaboration of satellite technology to send Ikoga, Ajido and Iya Afin in selection was based on the such as National Identification State Operations Coordinating with World Bank. text messages to the phone Badagry Local Government scientific method of Satellite Number (NIN) and bank Unit (LASOCU), Ministry The director said to facilitate numbers of affected residents Area; and Abomiti and Ijede Remote Sensing Technology, account details, adding that of Economic Planning and the cash transfer scheme, a between May 30 and June 5. in Epe and Ikorodu local Machine Learning, Algorithm those registered would receive Budget, Mrs. Oluwakemi COVID-19 Rapid Response According to the government areas, respectively. and Big Data Analysis, which cash transfer directly to their Adedeji, disclosed this Register was being developed National Social Safety To enrol, residents were provided the basis for ranking bank accounts. 2023: WHY MATAWALLE MAY NOT DEFECT TO APC FOR NOW the opposition party the refused to go to the APC the state and national elections not certain whether all PDP have joined the APC. The first APC, he might be finished owner and sole beneficiary with their former principals. in Zamfara State, the PDP senators and members of the to dump the PDP was the politically, as state structures of the governorship and not Curiously, however, the came second but due to the House of Representatives that Ebonyi State Governor, David are naturally in the hands of Matawalle. National Working Committee Supreme Court judgement, benefited from the Supreme Umahi and he was recently the governors. Already, arrangements are (NWC) of the PDP has the PDP inherited the victory Court judgement would be followed by the Cross River When THISDAY said to have been perfected yet to officially speak on across the board. willing to defect with himtoo. State Governor, Ben Ayade, contacted PDP’s National for the governor to defect the developing story, but The state was considered an According to the source, "If with Matawelle already in Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola to the APC on June 12, an informed party source APC state and it was therefore the governor defects what will view, if he defected as being Ologbondiyan, he said, "I will where he is expected to be hinted that having given to ensure his reelection in 2023 happen to the governorship planned. see the National Chairman and received by the ruling party’s all the political structures that Matawelle was being ambition of Senator Marafa? However, Yari is said not thereafter contact you ", but he National Caretaker Committee in the state to the governor, poached to defect to the APC. Will he subdue his ambition to be not living any thing to did not eventually get, even Chairmanand Yobe State the PDP was at a loss as to Another party source also that caused his initial political chance as he still holds the though sources claimed the Governor, Mai Mala Buni. why Matawalle wanted to hinted that, "There is no free feud with former governor ace in the state. opposition party was waiting Also, as a prelude to the leave the party. ticket for him in the APC by Yari or will he go back to But a source claimed that for Matawalle to make the defection, Matawalle had But the source was 2023, as the former governor the senate? If he decides to to weaken Yari, all the states biggest mistake of his life. on Monday, May 31, sacked confident that the governor of the state, Abdulazizi Yari go to the Senate, what will structures of the APC in the 36 A PDP source said the his entire cabinet, including would not gamble with the and Senator Kabir Marafa have happen to the current senator states and the Federal Capital party was in possession the commissioners, special idea, knowing that the seat reconciled and will surely give that is from the PDP?", the Territory would be dissolved of intelligence report that advisers, the Secretary to the is the party’s and not his, the him a fight " PDP source stated. soon. the Zamfara governor had State Government, Chief of reason the deputy governor But a PDP source said the Yari, Zamfara’s immediate "This is part of the reasons gone as far as seeking the Staff and the Deputy Chief is said to have declined being APC in Zamfara State was like past governor is plotting to APC is delaying their opinions of some Supreme of Staff in other to be able part of the defection plan, a shark infected water, waiting become the national chairman convocation of the national Court justices, who had told to accommodate some since he would be the sole to consume the governor, if he of the APC, and has been convention of the APC. By him leaving the PDP would members of the APC in the beneficiary of Matawalle’s made the mistake of defecting at daggers-drawn with the delay, all the interests definitely cost him the seat, new calculations. false move if he eventually to the APC. Matawalle, who became an would be accommodated, based on the Supreme Court THISDAY gleaned that dared the consequences. In February this year, the unexpected beneficiary of including all that are defecting, judgment of 2019. the cabinet sack was to THISDAY gathered that the political feud between the two the APC crisis in the 2019 so that everyone will be equal But the governor was prevent some commissioners governor’s planned defection warring camps in the state primaries in the state. and own the structures at all said to have contacted some from refusing to defect with was due to the politics of 2023. chapter of the APC – Yari The source that spoke to levels of the party,” the source highly placed persons in the him and avoid the kind The governor, it was learnt, and Marafa – were reconciled, newsmen said Mattawlle explained. government and party, who of backslash experienced has been promised a return by the national caretaker was expected to join the APC But, the former governor, the had allegedly assured him that in Ebonyi and Cross ticket for 2023. He is currently committee of the party as on June 12 as ademocracy source noted, would not go they would circumvent the River States, where some serving his first term in office. part of the 2023 scheming. dividend to the state. down without a fight, because law for his sake and ensure commissioners and aides In 2019, the APC won all The source said it was So far, two PDP governors if Mattawelle joined, the he did not lose the seat. 6 SUNDAY JUNE 6, 2021 • THISDAY SUNDAY JUNE 6, 2021 • THISDAY 7 8 ;˜ͺͺ˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER NEWS US: AIDS Has Killed 32m People Worldwide America pumped $85 billion to eradicate disease Tobi Soniyi According to him, with AIDS, Tuberculosis and HIV epidemic control in more laboratories, 70,000 health After decades of progress, our bipartisan support across Malaria. This, he said, was than 50 countries." care sites, and disease work is not yet finished. To The United States Department presidential administrations the largest commitment ever He said PEPFAR had surveillance – strengthening complete this journey – one of State on Saturday said and from the U.S. Congress by one country to address supported nearly 18.2 country capacity and started by the courageous AIDS had killed over 32 for nearly two decades, the a single disease. million people with lifesaving resilience to prevent, advocates who marched million people across the country has invested more Blinken said, "Working antiretroviral therapy – an detect, and respond to other in the streets of New York world in its 40 years of than $85 billion in the global with our many partners, additional one million in the infectious disease threats, City, San Francisco, and existence. U.S. Secretary of AIDS response through the we have saved more than past six months alone. including COVID-19. across America – we must State Antony J. Blinken, in a President’s Emergency Plan 20 million lives, prevented The statement read, "Forty years on, we come together as a nation statement he issued on the for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) millions of HIV infections, "PEPFAR investments must take this important and as a global community. 40th Anniversary of the First and as the leading donor and significantly accelerated also assist nearly 300,000 moment to reflect, recommit, It is time to end the HIV Reported Cases of AIDS, to the Global Fund to Fight progress toward achieving health care workers, 3,000 reenergise, and re engage. epidemic everywhere." said America remained committed to eradicating the disease. Blinken said, "Forty years ago, on June 5th, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported on the first five cases of what later became known as AIDS. "At that time, none of us could have imagined that AIDS would still be with us today or that it would have taken more than 32 million lives globally, including 700,000 in the United States. "Today, we honour the memory of these men, women, and children, many of whom we lost in the prime of their lives to this devastating disease. "We also celebrate the more than 38 million people worldwide, including 1.2 million in the United States, who are bravely living with HIV." He said the United States was proud of its longstanding partnership with countries and communities around the world toward ending the global AIDS epidemic. "We continue to bring the very best of America to this effort – from ground-breaking scientific discovery and inspired activism to steadfast political leadership and deep SAVING THE ENVIRONMENT... diplomatic engagement," he Acting US Consul, General Brandon Hudspeth, with Head Teacher of St Savior's School Ebutte Meta, Mrs Lawrencia Izedonmwen, during the tree planting added. event ...yesterday U.S. Consulate, YALI Alumni Celebrate World Environment Day with Schoolkids In commemoration of World of the school. “We are thrilled that our shape their perspective on the importance of a clean noted. Environment Day, Acting U.S. The event was organized by YALI alumni are partnering about environmental environment for human health Head Teacher, St. Savior’s Consul General Brandon members of the Young Africa with St. Savior’s School for conservation and restoration and a strong economy,” Acting School, Ebute Metta, Mrs. Hudspeth on Saturday Leaders Initiative (YALI) under today’s tree planting activity. of our ecosystem. He also Consul General Hudspeth Lawrencia Izedonmwen, participated in a tree planting the auspices of the Mandela Children have the potential to acknowledged the positive added. expressed the commitment event with students of St. Washington Fellowship be powerful agents of change. impact of work performed In her remarks, LASEPA of the school to promote Savior’s School, Ebute Metta, Alumni Association, with the By focusing on school-aged by the YALI alumni to build General Manager Dr. Dolapo environmental education Lagos. support of a public diplomacy children, giving them tools linkages between different Fasawe lauded the schoolkids and responsibility by creating Acting Consul General grant of the U.S. Consulate and knowledge to change communities and government and their teachers for their awareness and empowering Hudspeth alongside General General. behaviors, future generations institutions in Nigeria to commitment toward protecting schoolchildren in its host Manager of the Lagos State Acting Consul General will be better prepared to care promote environmental the environment. According community. Environmental Protection Hudspeth noted that the tree for the environment,” Acting conservation efforts. to her, tree planting plays an Following the tree planting Agency (LASEPA) Dr. Dolapo planting activity underscores Consul General Hudspeth “Our main goal is to essential role in mitigating activity, YALI alumni members Fasawe and Assistant Director the U.S. government’s said. implement a campaign that the impact of climate change. moved to the Sabo-Yaba at the Lagos State Ministry commitment to supporting He expressed optimism will involve community “Planting trees is one of the community of Lagos for a of Environment Folasade initiatives that raise awareness that the involvement of members, local organizations, most important things we can clean-up exercise as part of Adeyoju, joined the students about the importance of the students in the tree and government institutions to do to contribute to the health activities marking World to plant a tree on the grounds protecting the environment. planting activity will inspire and educate Nigerians of the planet,” Dr. Fasawe Environment Day.
MAKINDE: I WON’T COMPLY WITH S'COURT JUDGEMENT ON SACKED LG CHAIRS May 2019. immediate effect. invariably said is that it is its manipulation in the recent Even my own people told me Goodluck Jonathan supervised The officials, drawn from Speaking to THISDAY policy that governors should local government elections it is not done that way. They the production of a document, the 33 local government areas at the Government House, not dissolve local government in the state, in which the wanted us to write figures and which many Nigerians agreed (LGAs) and 35 local council Ibadan, Makinde said, "The administrations. They expected PDP won all the 32 local announce results. I refused is the best document for our development areas (LCDAs) Constitution of Nigeria me to approach the court to government areas, where to do that," he said. civil relations, he did not sign and their councillors, were recognises 33 local government argue the unconstitutionality elections were held, said it On his position that the it into law, because he thought members of the ruling All areas and 351 wards in of the 35 LCDAs. was by choice that he resisted constitution review would he was going to return as Progressives Congress (APC). Oyo State. The previous “If I had gone to court, it pressure to manipulate the be an exercise in futility, he President. That document is The court also decided administration created local would have taken this length elections. said he was ready to stake there and this administration that the replacement of the development areas and of time for them to reach a "I deliberately appointed a his future political career on has refused to do something sacked officials with caretaker increased the number to 68. decision by which time they Senior Advocate of Nigeria the prediction that nothing about it." committees was illegal and We couldn't work with that, would have served out their as Chairman of the Oyo fruitful would come out of the He explained that true therefore fined Mr. Makinde’s so, we scrapped it and put tenure. They have to go back State Independent Electoral exercise,which he described federalism goes beyond administration N20 million. in place caretaker committees to court to determine, who Commission, because I know "as an annual jamboree to resource control, adding: “It But the court appeared to before proper elections were among them should be paid. he will be independent- waste money." is the fundamental of how favour Makinde by noting held in the 33 constitutionally And I doubt if that matter minded. I have not even His words: "If this we develop as a people. We that the tenures of the recognised local government can be decided during my spoken to him after the constitution amendment should not say because these sacked council chairmen areas." tenure. I may be out of here election. I did not know succeeds, that will be the end people are backward, then, and councilors had expired. Makinde, who further broke by that time," he added. him before the appointment. of my political career. That is you bring everybody to the It, however, ordered that all down his understanding of Defending himself and his People told me it was the first how strongly I feel about the same starting line. A country their outstanding salaries and the court judgment, posited party, the Peoples Democratic time they are taking part in waste of time and one that is must allow its people to allowances must be paid with that, "What the Supreme Court Party (PDP), against alleged local government election. going on. Former President develop at their pace." SUNDAY JUNE 6, 2021 • THISDAY 9 10 ;˜ͺͺ˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER NEWS 2023: Pitting Okowa against Ibori Unhealthy for Delta Politics, Urbobo Youth Leaders Warn Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba the Urhobo, all in the name the incumbent Governor of Okowa are being discredited smooth running of the wheel much to be desired. of 2023 governorship election. Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi through a well-oiled campaign of governance and only a "The approach adopted The Urhobo Youth Leaders The statement by UYLA Arthur Okowa, was working of calumny designed to pit the proactive and decisive action by DC-23 in designing a Association (UYLA) has said, "Recently, we have hard to dismantle the 21 years governor against the interest of the governor could save constitution, calling on advised all stakeholders and read with grave concern old political structure of Chief of Delta Central in the politics the situation and put the aspirants to declare their opinion leaders to thread the some publications, public James Onanefe Ibori, former of 2023.” 'Stronger Delta' vision of the intentions to them and making path of caution in the light of statements and comments Governor of Delta state. UYLA stated, "Firstly, we administration back on track. public statements to put the apparently growing tension by members of the public "We are constrained to want to declare total support The dissolution is, therefore, governor under pressure was in Delta State arising from in both print and electronic react because the statutory for the dissolution of the a laudable master-stroke to not the right thing to do. They divergent views and positions media, on the question of right of the governor to take State Executive Council by keep the ship of governance ought to work underground, about who becomes the state 2023 gubernatorial election. steps to reinvent his cabinet His Excellency. A situation in the direction of progress.” lobbying others to buy the governor in 2023. There have been claims and through dissolution of the State where over 10 members of It stated further, "On the role idea of power-shift to Delta Specifically, UYLA warned counter-claims over which part Executive Council is generating the State Executive Council, of the novel DC-23 group in Central without beating war against the seeming attempt of the state should produce the such degree of bad-blood and including the SSG, Chief of the 2023 push towards Delta drums. The combative stance by some individuals to pit the next governor of Delta State. negative comments from a Staff, Commissioners, Special Central producing the next of DC-23 cannot achieve the state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi "What troubled our minds section of the populace. Advisers, Chief Strategist governor, we want to applaud Delta Central dream for 2023 Okowa, against the former the most is a programme on "The Urhobo Youth Leaders and others, were nursing the initiative. However, we and to that extend, we wish governor, Chief James Ibori, Channels Television and NTA Association has resolved one ambition or the other, must be quick to point out the group tread with caution saying it is unhealthy for tagged ‘INSIDE THE NIGER not to keep mute while the particularly to take over that the way and manner so as not to jeopardise the politics and development in DELTA’ anchored by Mamode well-considered actions and from the incumbent, was the group has conducted her common interest of the the state. Felix Akugha alleging that activities of Governor Ifeanyi a huge distraction to the affairs since it was formed left people." In a statement in Asaba, the association expressed worry at the unsavoury comments credited to certain individuals and groups in the state on account of the 2023 governorship. The statement was signed by the group’s President, Chief Tony Ofoni; Deputy President, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode; Vice President, Chief Austin Atiti; and Publicity Secretary, Oghotomo Samuel. UYLA observed that the wrangling that was fast becoming a free-for-all media brawl seemed to emanate from various reactions to the decision by Okowa, about two weeks ago, to dissolve his cabinet and relieve many of his political aides of their appointments. The association frowned on what it called a clear inflammation of political sentiments by a political programme on national television, where the anchor allegedly accused Okowa of attempting to dismantle the over two decades old governorship succession structure put in place by Ibori. It called this a calculated attempt to PAYING LAST RESPECT TO NWODO... set Okowa in conflict with the people of Delta Central Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (2nd left) with the Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige (2nd right), Minister of Foreign Affairs, senatorial district, which is Chief Geoffrey Onyeama (left), Minister of State for Environment, Hon. Mrs. Sharon Ikeazor, and other members of the Presidential delegation, during the peopled predominantly by funeral of Chief Joe Nwodo, held at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Ukehe, Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State, yesterday. Kebbi: Police Confirm Bandits Killed 88 LocalVigilantes The Kebbi State Police said the bandits struck on Consequently, the Kebbi on any impending attack. ambushed and killed 8 affected villages but a lot of Command has confirmed Friday night, where they State Police Commissioner, Yan Sa Kai, a local vigilante, policemen, a divisional police the people were still taking the killing of at least 88 attacked at least seven Adeyemi Adeleke Bode, has was created to assist the officer (DPO) and a soldier. refuge in other villages for local vigilante (yan sa kai) villages, killing88 innocent assured the people of the area security agencies deployed to As at the time of filling fear of another attack. in Danko/Wasagu Local souls. of his command's readiness to the state to secure the volatile this report, there was no The residents have, Government aAea of the state. He identified Koro, Kimpi, bring the criminals to justice areas, which for almost a year reaction from the Kebbi State however, appealed to the Confirming the killing, Gaya and Iguenge as parts of He urged members of the now, have been under the siege government. state government to come to Police Public Relations Officer, the villages affected by the public to always use the of bandits. A THISDAY source has their rescue as their villages Deputy Superintendent of rampaging bandits all under emergency number made ame dreaded group however confirmed that are now under the siege of Police (DSP), Nafiu Abubakar, Danko/Wasagu council areas. available to alert the police terrorising the villages had normalcy has returned to the bandits. TWITTER BAN: THE WORLD REACTS AS PRESIDENCY JUSTIFIES SUSPENSION declared as unconstitutional, to tread with caution and the federal government of current circumstances, even of Twitter to a lot of Nevertheless, the removal illegal, null and completely of immediately reconsider the Nigeria not to hamper the as it belatedly deleted some problems associated with of President Buhari’s tweet no moment a recent directive suspension of the operation of operations of thousands of bile tweets by Nnamdi Kanu, the media platform including was disappointing. The by the All Progressives Twitter in Nigeria and instead, businesses and services with leader of the Indigenous misinformation and fake news, censoring seemed based on Congress (APC)-led seek other legitimate means its recent suspension of Twitter People of Biafra (IPOB). which have had telling effect a misunderstanding of the administration to arrest and of resolving its dispute with operations in Nigeria. Responding to the backlash on Nigeria. challenges Nigeria faces today. prosecute any Nigerian using the company. On the contrary, the All from the move against He said: "The temporary He quoted the President Twitter. Sharing this view, the Progressives Congress (APC) Twitter, the presidency suspension of Twitter is as saying in his address at Similarly, the Newspaper International Press Institute has called on Nigerians though described Twitter's not just a response to the the United Nations General Proprietors' Association of (IPI), while expressing to defend the country's removal of President removal of the President’s Assembly, UNGA in 2019 Nigeria (NPAN), in its reaction, concern over the suspension sovereignty by supporting the Muhammadu Buhari’s tweets post. There has been a litany that, "The world was shocked condemned the suspension of Twitter’s operations in federal government's Twitter as disappointing, it however, of problems with the social and startled by the massacre of Twitter in the country by Nigeria, described the action suspension, saying it was in said the social media outfit's media platform in Nigeria, in New Zealand by a lone the federal government and as detrimental to the free press national interest. suspension has nothing to where misinformation and gunman taking the lives of described it as “wrong and in Nigeria,which it said uses Meanwhile, Twitter, do with the removal of the fake news spread through it 50 worshippers." an overreaction”. twitter as a major platform. yesterday promised to restore President’s tweet. have had real world violent According to him, this and Also, the Nigerian Guild In the same breath, the access on its new platform Presidential spokesman, consequences. All the while, similar crimes, which have of Editors (NGE), on its part, Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi to all Nigerians as parts of Garba Shehu, in a release, the company has escaped urged the federal government Makinde, has counseled the choices open to it in the attributed the suspension accountability. Continued on page 12 SUNDAY JUNE 6, 2021 • THISDAY 11 12 ;˜ͺͺ˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER NEWS FG JUSTIFIES TWITTER’S SUSPENSION, SAYS IT’S SYNONYMOUS WITH FAKE NEWS, MISINFORMATION been fueled by social media The statement added: against the implications, which citizens for violating an NPAN, which took the who rely on the social media networks risk seeping into the “Banning social media and they said may affect Nigeria most administrative ban. position on Saturday in a platform for vital information fabric of an emerging digital curbing every citizen’s ability negatively. He asked: "Under what statement by its President, Kabiru to make informed business culture. to seek, receive, and impart Industry sources, however, law please? The ban is an A. Yusuf, warned that the action decisions daily. He emphasised that major information undermines said government seemed not to administrative directive. Lai by the federal government after Advising the federal tech companies must be alive fundamental freedoms. As be concerned about the revenue Mohammed is not a legislature Twitter deleted the tweets by government to desist from to their responsibilities and President Biden has stated, our and job losses that would come and cannot create a crime." President Muhammadu Buhari any action that would project that "they cannot be allowed to need for individual expression, with the suspension order. to the South-east insurrectionists, the Nigerian government as continue to facilitate the spread open public conversation, and Although they projected huge Malami’s Prosecution who have been vandalizing the a dictatorship, the Nigerian of religious, racist, xenophobic accountability has never been revenue losses to government Order Is Illegal, Null symbols of state authority would editors said the action was an and false messages capable of greater. and the telecoms operators in not win Nigeria friends. infringement on Section 39 of the inciting whole communities “The path to a more secure terms of revenue generation and and Void, Says PDP It, however, noted that the 1999 Constitution and violated against each other, leading to Nigeria lies in more, not less payment of taxes, they however closure of public space would the right of Nigerians to interact loss of many lives". communication, alongside said revenue generation appeared The leadership of the Peoples constitute a limit to public freely on this platform. This, according to him, could concerted efforts toward not to be more important to Democratic Party (PDP) has discourse and democratic “In addition, the suspension tear some countries apart. unity, peace, and prosperity. government than protecting declared as unconstitutional, advancement, further describing is a grave breach of Nigeria’s He stressed that President #KeepitOn” its authority. illegal, null and completely of the ban as a futile exercise, international obligations under Buhari has therefore been However, on the deactivation no moment a recent directive by because other platforms were article 9 of the African Charter warning against social media's of access, the Association of the All Progressives Congress more likely to suspect Nigeria’s on Human and Peoples’ Rights, AGF Threatens to (APC)-led administration to arrest disruptive and divisive influences Licensed Telecoms Operators Prosecute Offenders intentions towards democratic and article 19 of the International and the government’s action of Nigeria (ALTON), the and prosecute any Nigerian using tenets and act adversarially Covenant on Civil and Political Twitter. is not a knee-jerk reaction to umbrella body of all licensed The Attorney General of the towards the country. Rights. Twitter’s preposterous deletion telecoms operators in Nigeria, in The PDP asserted that the “Twitter is a global platform “The Guild sees the federal Federation and Minister for directive by the APC through of his tweets, which should have a statement jointly signed by its Justice, Abubakar Malami for public communication that government's action as an been read in full. chairman, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo the Attorney General and has expanded the frontiers of overreaction to Twitter's decision (SAN), yesterday,said the Minister of Justice, Abubakar The release stated: "The tweet and its Executive Secretary, Mr. federal government would Free Speech and Press Freedom. to delete President Muhammadu was not a threat, but a statement Gbolahan Awonuga, yesterday, Malami, was not only downright It is a platform for business that Buhari's tweet early this week. prosecute anyone that violates ludicrous, but showed the of fact. A terrorist organisation confirmed that NCC directed the administrative ban on the has brought relief to Nigeria’s If the federal government (IPOB) poses a significant threat them to suspend access to frenzied desperation by the youthful population, who have finds Twitter's action against use of Twitter in Nigeria. Buhari Presidency to muzzle, to the safety and security of Twitter. Consequently, Malami, in prospered by its operation. The the President objectionable, Nigerian citizens. When the According to the statement, victimize, clamp down on NPAN believes Twitter as a Nigerians should not be made a statement issued by his innocent Nigerians and foist President said that they will “We, the Association of Licensed Special Assistant on Media business is not infallible and to suffer the collateral damage be treated ‘in a language they Telecommunication Operators a totalitarian system on our can be influenced through high of denying them their right to and Public Relations, Dr. Umar country. understand’, he merely reiterated of Nigeria (ALTON) wish to Jibrilu Gwandu, said he had level engagement, to be a more freely discourse on Twitter”, the that their force shall be met with confirm that our members have The PDP stated, in statement responsive, liberal platform of Guild added. directed the Director of Public by the National Publicity force. It is a basic principle of received formal instructions from Prosecution of the Federation to public good and not a cynical The Guild noted that the security services response world the Nigerian Communications Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, champion of suspicious causes. federal government had in an begin immediate prosecution of stated that nothing in the over. Commission (NCC), the industry those, who violate the federal “There should be a initial reaction by the Minister of "This is not promotion of hate, regulator to suspend access to extant laws, not even the compromise: Nigeria needs Information and Culture, Alhaji government order suspending suspension of Twitter in Nigeria, but a pledge to uphold citizens’ Twitter. ALTON has conducted a Twitter operations in Nigeria. friends and not enemies at this Lai Mohammed, condemned the right to freedom from harm. The robust assessment of the request constitutionally criminalised the critical juncture of her existence. deletion of President Buhari’s The statement read: “Attorney use of Twitter by Nigerians government cannot be expected in accordance with internationally General of the Federation and She should not play into the view as an unacceptable tab on to capitulate to terrorists. IPOB is accepted principles. or empowers the federal hands of the enemies, who are the president’s right, saying that Minister of Justice, Abubakar governments to arrest and proscribed under Nigerian law. “Based on national interest Malami, SAN, has directed relentless in seeking to destroy ought to have been a sufficient Its members murder innocent provisions in the Nigerian prosecute any Nigerians for and ostracise her. Banning Twitter response. the immediate prosecution using Twitter. Nigerians. They kill policemen Communications ‘Act 2003’, and of offenders of the federal is regressive and should be “However, the ban at the and set government property within the licence terms under According to the PDP, "For rescinded in favour of dialogue.” weekend, of Twitter’s operation government ban on Twitter Malami’s information, section on fire. which the industry operates; operations in Nigeria. NPAN warned. in Nigeria, is an overkill that “Now, they have amassed our members have acted in 36 (12) of the 1999 Constitution The newspaper proprietors gives wind to the sail of critics, “Malami directed the Director (as amended) provides that, ‘a a substantial stockpile of compliance with the directives of Public Prosecution of the also noted that it was the threat who daily accuse the Buhari weapons and bombs across of the Nigerian Communications person shall not be convicted of maximum state reprisal by administration of intolerance Federation at the Office of of a criminal offence unless the country. Twitter does not Commission (NCC) the industry the Attorney General of the President Buhari that Twitter of opposing views. seem to appreciate the national regulator. We will continue to that offence is defined and the found objectionable, in line with “Certainly, the federal Federation and Minister of penalty therefore is prescribed trauma of our country's civil war. engage all the relevant authorities Justice, to swing into action and its corporate policy, leading to government has the responsibility This government shall not allow and stakeholders and will act as in a written law, and in this sanction on the President through to safeguard the unity, peace commence in earnest the process subsection, a written law refers to a recurrence of that tragedy." may be further directed by the of prosecution of violators deletion of his tweets. and stability of Nigeria and But some diplomatic missions NCC. We remain committed to an Act of the National Assembly It noted that it was not the any person or group that of the Federal Government or a law of a state, any subsidiary in the country have condemned supporting the government of the De-activation of operations of first time Twitter would sanction threatens this must draw its the ban of twitter, insisting that Federal Republic of Nigeria and legislation or instrument under world leaders for infractions ire. In expressing its anger, the Twitter in Nigeria. the provisions of the law. free expression and access to upholding the rights of citizens. “Malami directed the DPPF against its stated policy as it did federal government, however, information were the pillars of “As an industry, we endorse "President Muhammadu so to former US President Donald ought to exercise restraints to to liaise with the Ministry Buhari and his APC are informed democracy. the position of the United Nations of Communication and Trump, to global acclaim, when avoid giving the impression A statement jointly issued that the rights held by people that there is no extant law that the latter used the social media that it is intolerant of opposing Digital Economy, National defined the use of Twitter as a yesterday by the the diplomatic offline must also be protected Communication Commission, to spread hate and instigate views and expression of opinion missions of Canada, the online. This includes respecting criminal offence and there is no insurrection by a mob, which by individual and corporate NCC and other relevant penalty prescribed in a written European Union (Delegation and protecting the rights of government agencies to ensure stormed the Capitol. citizens,” the Guild stated. to Nigeria), the Republic of all people to communicate, law for the use of Twitter by any Although it faulted the federal Stressing its concern over the speedy prosecution of Nigerians," the PDP explained. Ireland, the United Kingdom, to share information freely offenders without any further government, the association also the growing insecurity in the the United States of America and responsibly, and to enjoy The opposition stated that the challenged Twitter to correct itself country, the Guild advised social delay.” APC-led federal government and Norway, conveyed their privacy and security regarding However, despite the ban, a as its sincerity is questionable to media leaders, which provide disappointment over Nigeria’s their data and their use of digital should also realise that the the extent that it may have been micro-messaging services, to also former Vice President, Alhaji suspension of Twitter, in addition announcement, suspending communications.” Atiku Abubakar, a former hasty in sanctioning President beam their searchlight on the #Twitter and proposing Giving the implications of the to its unconstitutionality, only Buhari while showing an uneven activities of those, who want Aviation Minister, Femi Fani- suspended Twitter operations registration requirements for action of the federal government Kayode, Senator Shehu Sani and application of its rules against to use their platforms to cause other social media. on Twitter, the Association of and not the use of Twitter by the Indigenous People of Biafra divisions and spread hatred others have continued to tweet. Nigerians. The statement read: “We Telecommunications Companies “This won’t be my last tweet”, (IPOB) separatist leader, Nnamdi in the country and the global strongly support the fundamental of Nigeria (ATCON), in a The PDP, therefore, contended Kanu.. community as well. Atiku said while criticising the that the directive by the Attorney human right of free expression statement released yesterday, ban. According to NPAN, while Noting the socio-political and access to information as a said ATCON was working General to arrest and prosecute Nigeria has retaliated with and economic benefits of the Former Senator Sani while any Nigerians found using pillar of democracy in Nigeria as closely with relevant stakeholders mocking the ban said: “I’m sure the cudgel against Twitter social media platforms, the around the world and these rights to ensure there is a speedy Twitter, does not have the for alleged double standard NGE explained that strong Baba will be asking about the backing of any law enacted apply online as well as offline. resolution of the current ‘meaning’ of that VPN. Those in a hasty sanctioning of the democracies rely on both civic “Banning systems of suspension of Twitter activities by the National Assembly or President, the micro bloggers and political participation by of you from the North, if you any state legislative house, expression is not the answer. in Nigeria. want to tweet, take a train to appeared to be pampering an citizens, saying, Twitter, has These measures inhibit access In its official statement on describing Malami’s declaration unrestrained Kanu for using over the years, aided citizens’ Maradi in Niger Republic, tweet as completely of no legal to information and commerce the development, which has and return home. If you live the same Twitter platform not participation in the nation’s at precisely the moment, when seen the telecoms regulator consequence. just for serial hate speeches democratic process. in Lagos and want to tweet, "Malami’s directive to arrest Nigeria needs to foster inclusive issue a directive to the service just go to Cotonou, tweet and but for actually provoking “The Guild is aware of the dialogue and expression of providers to deny access to the and prosecute Nigerians using and justifying violence in his democratising influence of social come back. Those of you from Twitter is therefore an attempt opinions, as well as share vital services of Twitter in Nigeria, the South-south, who want to separatist agitations. media platforms, including information in this time of the the President of ATCON, Mr. to suspend the 1999 Constitution Twitter, in helping to check tweet, take a boat through your (as amended), a development COVID-19 pandemic.” Ikechukwu Nnamani stated that Creeks to Cameroun, tweet and Editors Urge FG dictatorship and promote The diplomatic missions, while the Association and its which bears the imprints of democracy worldwide. come back.” the leaked memo in which Mr. to Seek Legitimate however, added that, “The path member companies understand Fani-Kayode, in a tweet on “Twitter also builds a market to a more secure Nigeria lies in the position of the federal President was reportedly advised Means research prospect for businesses Saturday morning stated thus: to suspend the constitution and more, not less, communication to government, the reasons for the “The suspension of Twitter by to see what customers are chit- accompany the concerted efforts directive, and have complied strip Nigerians of their rights and The Nigerian Guild of Editors chatting about, their feeling and the FG has proved to the civilised freedom", the main opposition (NGE) has urged the federal of Nigeria’s citizens in fulsome with the directive, it is pertinent world that they are weak, what is important to them about dialogue toward unity, peace that the issue is resolved soon party said. government to tread with caution products and services”, the Guild unstable, paranoid, insensitive, and immediately reconsider the and prosperity. As Nigeria’s in the interest of all. vindictive & delusional. It is said, calling on the federal partners, we stand ready to Nnamani emphasised that Twitter Suspension Is suspension of the operation of government to immediately a grave abuse of power & a Twitter in Nigeria by seeking assist in achieving these goals.” the Over The Top (OTT) perfidious, insidious & brazen an Overreaction, Says rescind its decision in order not In yet a separate reaction, the platforms of which Twitter is other legitimate means of to deny millions of Nigerians, attempt to deny the Nigerian NPAN resolving its dispute with the United States, in a statement one, is an integral part of the people of their right to free who rely on Twitter to provide by its Embassy in Nigeria said: digital economy that the federal company. services and earn a living. speech.” The Newspaper Proprietors' In a statement by Mustapha “Nigeria’s constitution provides government is promoting, In his reaction to the threat Association of Nigeria The International Press for freedom of expression. The adding, so when an unfortunate Isah (President) and Iyobosa Institute (IPI), while expressing to prosecute offenders, a former (NPAN) has condemned the Uwugiaren (General Secretary) Government's recent #Twitterban disagreement arises with respect Chairman of the Governing suspension of the operation concern over the suspension undermines Nigerians’ ability to the user policies, it is good it respectively, the NGE said the of Twitter’soperations in Council of the National Human of microblogging and social federal government’s action has to exercise this fundamental is resolved in a timely manner. Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi networking service, Twitter, Nigeria, described the action freedom and sends a poor Other industry stakeholders, the unintended consequence as detrimental to the free press Odinkalu, wondered how the in the country, describing it as of jeopardising the economic message to its citizens, investors who frowned at the action of government would prosecute “wrong and an overreaction”. in Nigeria, which it said uses and businesses.” the federal government, warned interests of many Nigerians, twitter as a major platform. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 6, 2021 13
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA EDITORIAL Email [email protected] THE SUSPENSION OF TWITTER The suspension of the social media platform is ill-advised
he indefinite suspension of Twitter content in question. And the same rule has from the Nigerian internet space may been applied to other leaders, including the former United States President, Donald not have come as a surprise. It is the Trump. culmination of a long period of the The Nigerian government has a right current administration’s discomfort to decide on what actions of companies with the social media and the culture operating in its space constitute a breach of free expression which the media in of its national interests. But the national interest cannot, in a democracy, be reduced general represents. Twitter’s deletion to the personal ego of the president or the of President Muhammadu Buhari’s offensive post collective discomfort of some regime chief- Ton the Nigerian civil war only offered an immediate tains. To this extent, the Twitter suspension window for the actualisation of a lingering policy violates and vitiates the wider interests of option. That option has now been exercised and it is most Nigerians. It constrains the public space and the freedom of expression guaran- vastly unpopular and ill-advised in every way. teed citizens by the 1999 Constitution. Despite being a beneficiary of social media campaigns in their first bid for power in 2015, the witter is a carrier of public, private ruling All Progressives and corporate exchanges. It is a Twitter and the Congress (APC) has business tool in the hands of Nigeri- ans especially the youth who use the other social never hidden its at- social media to power their startups media platforms tempts to erect barriers Tand online enterprises. To sacrifice this vast on the path of social gamut of vital communication to the private have become media. They started with ego of the president is difficult to accept. More importantly, Twitter and the other an active the “frivolous petitions” social media platforms have become an component of bill which prescribed active component of the triumph of freedom jail terms and $10,000 of expression and democracy in the world. the triumph fine for “offensive” They are carriers of a value system that has social media posts. It become universal. Therefore, an assault of freedom of such as this suspension is an affront on democracy. expression and was only withdrawn SUNDAY NEWSPAPER The world will see it in no other way. Investors after widespread EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU will become hesitant while diplomats will send democracy in public criticism. And last DEPUTY EDITORS OLAWALE OLALEYE, TOBI SONIYI out red alerts. We have marked our nation for all the world. They November, Information manner of subtle sanctions. and Culture Minister, MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO With this action, the Buhari administration has are carriers of DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE added Nigeria to the list of global antidemocratic Lai Mohammed told CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI nations. We have become a suspect nation. That is a value system a National Assembly EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN not where most Nigerians who voted for Buhari in that has become committee: “We must MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE 2015 and 2019 want to belong. Nor should Buhari regulate social media in strive so hard to join the ranks of leaders like universal a manner that it does not Trump who abused democratic norms and the social media space and ended up in infamy. become a purveyor of THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED The possibility that this suspension could further fake news and hate speech.” alienate the federal government from the Nigerian EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA populace is obvious. In an atmosphere of severe Although the various social media platforms GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, serve a universal purpose, they remain private insecurity and dire economic stress, it would be ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI senseless to deliberately court another wave of entities with clear rules and style manuals. To that DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI , PETER IWEGBU, protests. The sensible option is to roll back this extent, they reserve the right to determine what ANTHONY OGEDENGBE suspension quickly. It is perhaps the government content violates their peculiar corporate policies DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI and its principal spokespersons that need to learn SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH to comply with the rules of the media they need and regulations. On the matter of hate speech, the ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI platforms are unanimous. Once a determination is to publicise their policies and actions. Nigerians CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI are today seeking ways to salvage their country made that there has been a breach, Twitter reserves DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO from its present travails. The willful courting of the right to censor, exclude or delete the offending HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA dictatorship is not a route to national salvation and content. That is what has happened in the specific TO SEND EMAIL: first [email protected] healing. It could lead to unplanned catastrophe.
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t a time when officers are being mauled; appropriating arsonists and #BiafraRemembranceDay on the region is colossal. Busi- evil spars against soldiers butchered; residents criminals? When did we ought to be a solemn occasion, nesses will collapse while some good, we must targeted, and citizens killed. become a people imbued but there are reports of killings will relocate out of the area. choose a side. We INEC offices and police sta- with so much hate and and arsons in the south-east. It Already, some businesses either opt to be tions have been razed. And anger? When did we become is not enough to say #Ozoemena are relocating from the place. a part of dark- more public infrastructure is so emotive and reactionary? because the south-east is already Where does that leave us? If the Aness or take a place in the being incinerated daily. When did we become so un- at war. Igbo leaders would rather regional economy plummets, phalanx of virtuous knights. What makes these feeling? When did life stop skirt around the issue because families thrown into poverty Staying taciturn while evil tragedies more devastating to matter to us? Why have they do not want to be seen as and hunger ravages the popula- course through the land is the open support by some we become the monsters we going against the zeitgeist in tion, what is the benefit of the like molten magma from a citizens of the south-east. claim we are fighting? When the region. They are observing agitations? volcano does not absolve Some of them, particularly did wanton killing and political silence. But anyone who The killing of citizens; the anyone of complicity. All those who take residence destruction become a show keeps silent in the face evil is an methodical killing of security who keep silent in the face on social media spreading of strength for us? accomplice. agents, and the destruction of of evil are accomplices. poison, have rationalised What have we become? It appears we learnt nothing public property are nothing A great pestilence is the killings and destruction Hypocrisy is a vexatious from the civil war. Who invites short of terrorist acts. Citizens scourging the south-east. of public property in the problem here. Some people the grim reaper to his own of the south-east must rise and The land is crimson from region. They describe the defending criminals taking home? Who brings death and stop this declension into the the blood of innocents. killers and arsonists as innocent lives because "they destruction upon his own void. It is in our greater interest There is fear, anxiety ‘’our people’’ and ‘’freedom are our people; they are people? Does freedom fighting to do so. and confusion. A region fighters’’. freedom fighters". This is entail killing and destruction These are just my lamenta- that was once the safest When did we become while they spread propa- of lives? The south-east is a tions. place in Nigeria is in the a people who rationalise ganda against other groups. commercial centre; the multiplier ––Fredrick Nwabufo, throes of anarchy. Police killings? When did we start It is really sickening. effect of the activities of gunmen [email protected] 14 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 6, 2021 OPINION NIGERIA UNDER BUHARI IS A FAILED STATE A country fails when it is no longer able to protect its citizens from harm and secure their welfare, writes Ike Okonta
he occasion of the sixth anniversary of the Buhari The angry young majors of January 1966 spoilt their case when, a writer has rightly pointed out that it is scandalous that a Presidency last week should have been one instead of arresting and detaining the erring senior politicians Nigerian Army of 300,000 men has been unable to defeat the marked by sober reflection, given the severity of they murdered them in cold blood. Even worse, the pattern of estimated 5000 men that constitute Boko Haram. Campbell the country’s current socioeconomic problems. killings was partisan, leaving the then Northern Region to bear the blamed corruption, incompetence and a general lack of com- Instead, Femi Adesina, the President’s special heavier burden. This provided Major Murtala Mohammed and mitment on the part of the Nigerian Army. It is also important adviser on media affairs, took to newspaper Major Theophilus Danjuma the excuse to mount a counter-coup to point out that although the Army has been deployed to most pages preening and boasting that the Nigerian in July of the same year. It is important to note that the Mohammed states of the Federation to stem insecurity, they have not been people never had it so good and that they would coup was purely an exercise in revenge. It was not motivated by able to do so. This is a classic symptom of a failed state. have cause to praise President Buhari in 2023 when his tenure high ideals. It did not seek to address the ills which even then had Another symptom of a failed state is the avalanche of banditry comesT to an end. It was a shocking performance, to say the least. reduced Nigeria to a laughing stock among nations. As far as and kidnapping that have overwhelmed the Northwest and One whose house is on fire should not take to the street dancing. Murtala Mohammed was concerned, “Igbos” murdered “Hausa” parts of Northcentral. It is bad enough that these bandits and Incidentally, President Buhari’s sixth year in office coincided politicians and military officers and they must pay for this. Hence kidnappers casually stroll into our schools and highways and with a raging debate in American foreign policy magazines the massacre of easterners, civilians and soldiers alike, in the north abduct their victims and melt away into nearby bushes and whether Nigeria is now a failed state. in 1966. Hence Biafra. Hence the bloody civil war and from then to forests. What is however shocking is that neither the Police nor I come down firmly on the side of those who insist that Nigeria date a sorry succession of governments military and civilian alike the Army have intelligence-gathering infrastructure to track is indeed a failed state. A country fails when it is no longer able that have not been able to address the country’s central social and the bandits and their leaders and their modus operandi. As far to protect its citizens from harm and also secure their welfare. A economic problems. as it goes, both security personnel and the Nigerian people are country fails when instead of being a harbour where its citizens I restate: Nigerian began failing long before Muhammadu Buhari helpless and without a clue what to do to contain these men of find succour and happiness, it turns out to be a cauldron that entered the stage in May 2015. He, however, bears responsibility the night. The might of the Nigerian state is also being systemati- spews out fIre and anguish that consumes its citizens. A country for making a bad case even worse. While Boko Haram emerged cally blunted in the southeast. It was with interest that I watched fails when instead of reassuring its citizens that the future will be in 2009, Buhari has had six years to contain the Islamic insurgents. the actions of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) well and secure, it becomes a case of planning to flee the country John Campbell, a former American ambassador to Nigeria and as it successfully hijacked the anniversary of the declaration to other climes where the government is toiling day and night to of the State of Biafra in the southeastern states last week. secure the future welfare of its citizens. Such a failed country is IPOB ordered the Igbo and other easterners to stay at home Nigeria under Buhari. Do all these dark and sobering facts on Monday, 31st May to mourn the estimated three million However, it must be pointed out that Nigeria did not begin easterners who died during the war. Southeastern governors to fail under President Buhari. Indeed, I make bold to argue mean that Nigeria will continue to dwell came out with the counter-order that IPOB should be ignored. that the seeds of failure were planted right from the outset; right in the abyss of state failure? No. A lot Come the fateful day and southeasterners obeyed IPOB. Was it from October 1, 1960 when the country gained independence. out of fear? Was it out of a genuine identification with the aims It is not often remembered that the young majors who toppled depends on how Nigerians choose to vote and objectives of the secessionist movement? What matters is the Balewa government six short years after independence had in 2023 – whether they will vote in yet that slowly and surely southeasterners are beginning to turn a powerful case. If you listen to Major Chukwuma Nzeogwu’s another Buhari look-alike who is unable to away from a Nigerian government which they feel is no longer coup broadcast speech on Radio Kaduna in the morning of 15 articulate and implement his own policies able to protect them. January 1966 it reads as if it was written only yesterday. Corrup- ––Dr Okonta was until recently Leverhulme Early Career tion among politicians and other government officials, indolence and programmes or strike out and choose a Fellow in the Department of Politics, University of Oxford. in high places, and lack of a sense of direction and patriotism are He lives in Abuja. evils that began at independence, ripened in the heyday of the visionary statesman who will courageously First Republic, and walk about today with four sturdy legs. slay the scourge of state failure (See concluding part of the article on www.thisdaylive.com) Needed: A Brand New Constitution Malachy Ugwummadu argues that the constitution sought to be amended is both a lie and a fraud
he continued amendments of the Constitution of the within the African Continent. the unity and corporate existence of Nigeria were declared “non- Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as already altered) Between 1999 and 2018, there have been four different amend- negotiable” and could not be discussed. In other instances and at will be endless for as long as the legitimacy of the ments in the following orders: different times, the inordinate ambitions of late Gen. Sani Abacha constitution itself is not established. The only way to One, on July 16th 2010, the Constitution of the Federal Republic and Olusegun Obasanjo completely compromised those efforts. bring about a legitimate constitution of the people is to of Nigeria 1999 was altered for the first time. There were series In the end, it is important to note that what is required is too institute a process-led effort targeted at the people of this of amendments therein but S.14 altering original S.145(1) stood fundamental for the business of legislation and law making but country in their original ethnic nationalities, professional out to deal with the constitutional requirement of the President a fresh social engineering by the peoples of this great country in entities, socio-cultural affiliations, youth and gender to transmit power once he is leaving office temporally or unable determining the basis of their continued coexistence. groupings, persons living with disabilities, workers and even faith-based to perform the functions of his office. It was further provided in Prior to the foregoing efforts, the Nigerian people have been Tassociations, etc. The notion and practice of constitutional amendment S. 145(2) that if the President fails or is unable to transmit power largely alienated from the processes of previous constitutional presuppose that the document sought to be amended is legitimate. We within 21 days, the National Assembly shall, by simple majority arrangements that it had. The first major constitutional order miss the point when we proceed on this premise and will continue to resolution mandate the Vice President to perform the functions of was the 1922 Clifford’s Constitution. It was the first constitutional expend the scares resources and precious time of the country by merely the office of the President as Acting President until he notifies the arrangement by which the right of Nigerians to participate in producing a valid constitution without the requisite legitimacy because President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representa- their affairs was recognized albeit in a circumscribed manner the constitution sought to be amended is both a lie and a fraud. Thus, tives that he is now available to resume his functions as President. and over limited subjects. In no practical way however, were the the foundation to build on does not exist. Unfortunately, it appears that Two, on November 29th, 2010 (barely four months after, the people of Nigeria instrumental to the making of that constitution. the National Assembly at the dawn of the 4th Republic in 1999, through same National Assembly came up with yet another set of altera- It was simply given by the colonial masters. their successive Deputy Senate Presidents have remained adamant in tions essentially targeted at the time frame within which INEC Sir Arthur Richard’s Constitution of 1946 effectively divided perpetuating these wasteful exercises from Messrs. Ibrahim Mantu to shall conduct elections into the respective elective offices in the this country into three regions of the North, West and East and Ike Ekweremadu and now Ovie Omo-Agege. country and the determination of election petitions. It is instructive laid the foundation for federalism in Nigeria. It was no better For a constitution to be legitimate it must emanate from the people to note that some of the alterations in this second amendment actu- than the Clifford’s Constitution being largely the product of who will, in turn, have ownership of it and defend it. Thus, the ally amended provisions of the first alteration and not the substan- British colonial masters to the Nigerian people. repeated voyage of seasonal constitutional amendments merely papers tive provisions which underscores the haste and imprudence on Sir John Macpherson’s Constitution of 1951 enhanced greater over the fundamental flaws inherent in our grundnorm thereby the part of the legislators. participation of Nigerians in their own affairs through layers of divesting it of the people’s ownership even if it pretentiously acclaims Three, on 4th March, 2011, the 1999 Constitution was further constitutional structures including bicameral legislatures in the so in its preamble. Yet in the same introduction, the contradiction is amended essentially to expand the Jurisdiction of the National Northern and Western regions. Each of the Regions had the laid bare when it affirms itself as DECREE NO 24 of 1999 foreclosing Industrial Court and make it a court of record. executive bodies while the Governor still retained his veto pow- every debate that this is not a people’s constitution. The implication of Finally, in 2018, the fourth alteration to the 1999 Constitution ers notwithstanding that there was an unprecedented processes this is that it contradicts the provision of S. 14(2)(a) which posits that focused on the age qualifications for elective officers as well as of consultation with the people of Nigeria before coming into “sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom through financial autonomy to the Legislature across the tiers of govern- being of this constitution. this constitution derives all its powers and authority.” ment. Whereas regionalism and federalism berthed with the 1951 The 1996 Constitution of South Africa, for instance, presents an ideal It should be observed that in all of these amendments embarked Macpherson’s Constitution, it did very little to create and provide constitution making process that vests legitimacy as opposed to valid- upon, very little, if any touched on the crucial needs for structural both the institutional and leadership structures to deal with ity on a constitutional document. The preamble to the constitution reordering of Nigeria through a fresh constitutional arrangement those political expansion leading to the crisis of the following traces the historical journey of the country up to that moment when including the vexed issues of devolution of power, decentralized years. The then British Secretary of State for the Colonies, Oliver it affirmed that the citizens have enacted for themselves a people’s (state) policing and judicial system, independence of the Judicial Lyttleton rose to the occasion, provided the needed political constitution. It highlights the major turning points in the trajectory and Legislative arms of government, autonomy of the local govern- leadership and created the necessary platform for Nigeria of their experiences as a country which consciously struggled ment, citizenship, enforcement and justiciability of socioeconomic politicians and technocrats to attend the London Conference in towards nationhood. To guarantee that legitimacy, deriving from the rights enshrined under Chapter Two of the Constitution and even 1953 culminating in the 1954 Lyttleton Constitution. participation of the people of South Africa, the draft Constitution was resource control, etc. To what extent, therefore, would issues of age The Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 essentially established massively circulated to the constituting ethnic groups and translated qualifications for elective officers, transmission of written declara- the regional governments as independent tiers of government into their respective local languages in the preceding years before it tions by the President to the leadership of the National Assembly, away from the Central Government in relation to their executive was promulgated. Adequate advocacy on the content of the document or time frame within which elections are conducted and disputed and legislative powers. Besides, Lagos was effectively made was carried out in a manner that gave everyone and groups an op- in election tribunals or even the expansion of the jurisdiction of the Federal Capital Territory distinct from the Western Region. portunity to understand, contribute and develop a sense of ownership the National Industrial Court address the fundamental question of ––Excerpts from a paper delivered by Ugwummadu, over the constitution. This can also be said of the 1995 Constitution of constitutional and structural reforms in Nigeria? In fact, you would lawyer and human rights activist Uganda, that of Eritrea, and even the 1994 Ethiopian Constitution, all recall that in some of the previous exercises, certain areas including (See concluding part of the article on www.thisdaylive.com) JU;˜ͺͺ˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER 15 PERSPECTIVE Mirroring The Giant Strides of Dapo Abiodun
Governor Dapo Abiodun is so busy doing his job that he hardly has time to be political in the otherwise slippery political terrain of Nigeria. Yes, he is a politician but, not that kind of dyed-in-the-wool politician. He is the master of soft power – that sheer ability not to use force or coercion for political gain when you can shape the dissidents or opposition’s long-term attitudes and preferences by tact and diplomacy. What is even more extraordinary about him, sources conversant with happenings in Ogun State say, is his ability to defy the centrifugal forces pulling politicians across the state and beyond into warring camps. He is accustomed to staying above the fray while steadily and silently putting in the works. Amid the extraordinary challenges and uncertainties wrought by the immediate impact of the corona virus pandemic, many governors and political leaders are under pressure to deliver on their mandate. Governor Abiodun, popularly called Mr. Talk and Do, is no exception. However, his unyielding commitment to building a more prosperous, equitable and sustainable society has separated him from the pack as he quickens his pace and doubles his efforts in all areas of the state’s life. From infrastructure to social welfare, agriculture and education, Governor Abiodun has raised the bar within two years, writes Lanre Alfred
Strides in Agriculture of Ogun State as a whole because it will open doors to further cross the world, it is held fervently that industrialisation, more employment opportunities, and ease of agriculture is the greatest and fundamentally goods movement.” the most important of all industries. Agricul- But for the COVID-19 pandemic and the requirement for tural growth is a proven driver of poverty physical distancing, Governor Abiodun noted that some of the reduction. Governor Abiodun believes so too, roads would have been completed thus, bringing relief to the and he has continued to invest massively in people who commute on these roads on daily basis, either to go it. Across the world, it is common knowledge to work or to journey to neighbouring states. Unlike his peers that former President Olusegun Obasanjo is in other states, who stifle their domains, like Victorian overlords an unabashed and very successful farmer. He knows a pas- trampling the peace and shoots of genius without a care in the sionateA investor and believer in the potency of agriculture to world, Governor Abiodun understands that good governance eradicate poverty and boost the socio-economic well-being of goes beyond providing infrastructure and enabling growth a people. It did came as a shock, therefore, that last December, across all spheres. the former President, during the inauguration of his Agbeloba Aquaculture Hub in Owiwi, Ewekoro Local Government Area Ogun As An Industrial Hub... of the state, exalted Abiodun for all his initiatives in the area of There was no ambiguity in a recent Businessday Newspaper agriculture and encouraged him not to relent. The governor with the screaming headline; ‘Investors Dump Lagos as Ogun must have really impressed the lifelong farmer. Indeed, the Becomes (the) New Industrial Hub.’ The report stated that direct Abiodun administration has recorded many achievements in investors have shunned Lagos State, preferring to set up factories agriculture, noteworthy, the launch of the Anchor Borrowers in neighbouring Ogun State with its considerably cheaper doing Programme in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria business environment. In its analysis of data provided by the (CBN). Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the report stated A poverty-eradicating initiative that provides inputs, service Abiodun that Ogun dwarfs Lagos in new real sector investments by 23 support and training required for farmers through a single-digit per cent, especially between 2014 and2019. loan and guaranteed off-taker, the ABP idea is in fulfilment of roads in the state, the Ogun State Public Works Agency was “The elephant in the room is the constant harassment of of Abiodun’s promise to increase food production and create established. Between then and now, several intra-city roads corporate organisation in Lagos by touts unleashed by local employment opportunities for Ogun people especially youth are being rehabilitated or freshly constructed because of the governments to collect multiple taxes and levies,” noted the and women involved in agriculture and create another avenue governor’s belief that motorable roads are a boost for economic report, which added that in a December 2019 investigation by to boost the nation’s self-sufficiency in food production. activities. He recently commissioned the new 10.25km Lusada- the newspaper, it discovered that micro, small and medium There is the Ogun Broiler Project, which provides day-old Igbesa Road done by the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone businesses paid 13 different levies and taxes in Mushin, Oshodi chicks, feeds, inputs and training to young farmers and buys in partnership with the state government. He also flagged off and Ikeja Local governments in Lagos ranging from television the chickens after six weeks. Beneficiaries of the scheme make a the reconstruction of the 19km Atan-Lusada-Agbara Road in and radio tax to local government levy for hawkers and Lagos profit of about N130, 000 in each six-week cycle. There are also Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area. The 7.65km road is an State Signage and Advertisement Agency, LASAA, fees among the Joint Ogun State and International Fund for Agricultural inherited project that his administration resolved to take over and others. Development (IFAD) Value Chain Project, which is ongoing complete for its projected impact on the movement of goods and It added that investors complain that traffic and Apapa port across many LGAS; and the FADAMA Graduate Unemployed persons, and joint economic growth. congestions in Lagos make the movement of trucks and lives Youths Scheme (GUYS), which credited, at the outset, 200 According to Governor Abiodun, “No doubt, the construction difficult while the land tenure system in Lagos has been tougher, beneficiaries with a total grant of over N74Million with varying of 10.25kilometre Lusada-Igbesa road in partnership with the making business expansion onerous. individual amounts depending on the chosen agricultural Ogun Guandong Free Trade Zone, Igbesa, is a commendable “Out of N3.353 trillion pumped in new investments in enterprise including cultivation of cassava, maize, rice, yam and project. And, we are happy to have the road commissioned given manufacturing and agro-processing sectors in six years, Lagos vegetables as well as the rearing of poultry, fisheries, piggery, its benefits for improved investments and individual prosperity got N928.02 billion while Ogun welcomed N1.682 trillion within snailry, large ruminants and agro-processing, among others. of all the people in Igbesa, Lusada and adjoining towns in this the period. BusinessDay analysis shows that while Lagos got Within one year in office, the state government had con- area. But, as an adjoining road, it is important to note that the full 27.67 per cent of the total investments, Ogun got 50.16 per structed four solar-powered boreholes to make a total of 11 of benefits of this newly constructed road can be realised only when cent, an indication that the state is now Nigeria’s industrial the type, resulting in 2,500 beneficiaries of the Ogun State Value the Atan-Lusada-Agbara road is rehabilitated and reconstructed. hub. Thirty-four states and Federal Capital territory shared the Chain Development Programme (VCDP) having access to safe That import is not lost on us. We have just performed the remaining 22.17 per cent, reflecting their unattractiveness to drinking water. By February 2021, another batch of 18 communi- ceremony of the turn of the sod of the Atan-Lusada-Agbara road. investors. ties in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area was provided All things being equal, the road will be completed soonest and In the report under review, Ambrose Oruche, acting director- with Solar Powered Boreholes, to boost water supply at the both the Atan-Lusada-Agbararoad and the Lusada-Igbesa Free general of MAN, said, “Manufacturers and other investors grassroots which amounted to 31 communities that have benefit- Trade Zone road will complement each other for the full benefits have more room for expansion in Ogun than Lagos. Secondly, ted from such gesture. The state government also partnered with of our people.” there are fewer taxes and levies in Ogun and thirdly, the Ibadan the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology to distribute While commending President Muhammadu Buhari for the DisCo is a little bit better in electricity supply than Ikeja and Eko improved varieties of plantain, banana, and pineapple to 100 prompt approval of the request for the transfer of the rehabilita- DisCo (both in Lagos).” He pointed out that Ogun’s proximity farmers as a way to promote increased productivity of farmers. tion, reconstruction and maintenance of Atan-Lusada-Agbara to Lagos had also provided an advantage with the state In recognition of these agricultural policies and programmes, road to the state, he said that his administration decided to leveraging opportunities in Lagos’ weaknesses. Indeed, Ogun BusinessDay Nigerian Business Leadership Awards acknowl- embark on its reconstruction to give succour to the residents State has some comparative advantages highlighted by Oruche edged Ogun State’s meritorious commitment to enterprise with and industries along the axis. He assured that the road will and which had been explored by previous administrations. But two awards - Most Improved State on Security Infrastructure be completed in 15 months and that all the roads leading to nothing beats experience. 2019 (based on “100 Days” Parameters), and Most Improved industrial areas and farm settlements in the state will be priori- Perhaps because he came into governance as a manifestly State on Agriculture and Economic Empowerment 2020. “Our tised to boost economic growth and development. Describing successful businessman with over three decades calling the shots investments in security, agriculture and business cannot go his administration as a season of project completion in Ogun in different multi-national boardrooms, it was seamless, almost unnoticed, but we will continue to do more for the welfare State, Governor Abiodun said that the expanded 2.5km Elite-Oke effortless, for Governor Abiodun to initiate far-reaching economic of the people and the state,” said the governor who had, last Lantoro joins the current set of roads ready for asphalting and reforms that have consolidated the state’s position as Nigeria’s December, been awarded the Governor of the Year at the that it will be delivered very soon with walkways and covered number one industrial hub. He had noted at the outset that the Nigeria Agriculture Awards 2020 held at Sheraton Hotel and drainage. The alternative road, he added, will not only ease vision of his administration was to give the state focused and Towers, Abuja. congestion at IyanaMortuary but also improve accessibility to its qualitative governance and create an enabling environment for Instructively, Governor Abiodun’s governance roadmap is host communities. Public-Private Sector Partnership that would be fundamental anchored on the ISEYA acronym (meaning Infrastructure, Social Significantly, the very essential Ijebu-Ode – Epe Road, a major to the creation of an enduring economic development and Welfare and Wellbeing, Education, Youth Development, and link between Ogun and Lagos States and an alternative to the individual prosperity for the people of the state. Agriculture and Food Security) and those sectors brim with busy Lagos-Ibadan expressway, which had been in a state of Some of the reforms that quickly set him apart include visible and invaluable interventions by the governor. disrepair leading to abandonment by commuters for several the establishment of the State Enterprise Development years, is now nearing completion. Some days back, pictures of Agency (SEDA), which aims to strengthen Small and Medium Enters, The Roadmaster the current state of the project were splashed on the governor’s Enterprises (SMEs) and boost their capacities; the Ogun Having constructed and completed over 220kilometres of social media pages and captioned; ‘Traffic staging along new State Investment Promotion Agency set up to provide a roads and rehabilitated over 120 kilometres across the length and interchange under construction at the intersection of Ijebu Ode- one-stop-shop and eliminate unnecessary delays in processing breadth of Ogun State within two years of his administration, it Epe and Sagamu-Benin Expressways.’ The governor stated, “The necessary documents; and the Public-Private Office established beggars no questioning that Governor Abiodun was nicknamed 14km Ijebu Ode-Epe Road construction project is 90% completed to ensure that the state has a transparent and accessible template. while the interchange, which was awarded late last year, is 40% ‘Mr Roads’. At the outset of his administration, he disclosed that Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com as a quick-fix mechanism to address the deplorable condition done. The road is significant to the joint economic development 16 SUNDAY JUNE 6, 2021 • THISDAY THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JUNE 6, 2021 17
Editor: Kunle Aderinokun BUSINESS 08033204315, 08111813084 Email:[email protected]
Buhari Mohammed Isa Pantami Abubakar Malami Projecting Losses from FG’s Twitter Suspension Emma Okonji to suspend access to Twitter. ALTON has all nations are undergoing with varying perceived by government to have committed conducted a robust assessment of the request degrees of success. the same oͿence, or should Facebook decide igerians from all in accordance with internationally accepted In the document titled: ‘Framing a National to disconnect self from Nigeria operations walks of life have principles. Consensus on Social Media Management’, in solitarily with Twitter, then Nigeria will continued to react Based on national interest provisions in Mba-Uzoukwu, said as the industry asso- be in for it, because more revenue would be against the action the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, ciation for policy formulation, advocacy lost and more jobs would be lost. of the federal and within the licence terms under which and other matters related to the growth of A staͿ of one of the federal ministries, who government for the industry operates; our members have the software sector as a key contributor to defended the action of government over the suspending Twit- acted in compliance with the directives of Nigeria’s GDP growth, the Institute has been suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria, ter operations in NCC, the industry regulator. concerned with the hard and soft infrastruc- however, said the decision of government Nigeria. We will continue to engage all the relevant ture of the emerging digital economy as well to suspend Twitter was in the best interest TheyN are worried about the huge revenue authorities and stakeholders and will act as the policies that regulate and support of Nigerians. Although he agreed that the loss and as well as job loss that will come as may be further directed by the NCC. software Nigeria and ISPON’s shared goal of suspension would lead to revenue loss by with suspension, since Nigerians buy data We remain committed to supporting the building innovation as a national capability government and the telecoms operators, in to access and post tweets on the Twitter government of the Federal Republic of and driver. terms of revenue generation and payment of platform. Nigeria and upholding the rights of citizens. Giving the implications of the action of the taxes, he however said revenue generation They are also afraid that the revenue “As an industry, we endorse the position federal government on Twitter, the Associa- could not be more important than protecting loss to government and individuals who of the United Nations that the rights held by tion of Telecommunications Companies of the authority of government in the interest rely on online businesses to make sales, people oine must also be protected online. Nigeria (ATCON), in a statement released of the general public. may double, should Facebook, which also This includes respecting and protecting the yesterday, said ATCON was working closely “To be honest, government is not concerned owns and operate WhatApp and Instagram, rights of all people to communicate, to share with relevant stakeholders to ensure there is about revenue loss. What government wants decides to disconnect self in Nigeria, in information freely and responsibly, and to a speedy resolution of the current suspension is for telecoms operators to comply with the solidarity with Twitter. enjoy privacy and security regarding their of Twitter activities in Nigeria. directive just for the purpose of national The federal government, last Thursday, data and their use of digital communica- In its ocial statement on the develop- interest. It is true that there will be loss of suspended the operations of Twitter in tions.” ment, which has seen the telecom regulator revenue and jobs because a lot of people use Nigeria. The suspension order was based Nigerians have been reacting since the issued a directive to the service providers data for tweeting, and a lot of businesses on the action of Twitter, which deleted the suspension order and has warned the fed- to deny access to the services of Twitter in depend on Twitter and other social media tweet of President Muhammadu Buhari eral government not to extend the ban on Nigeria, the President of ATCON, Ikechukwu platforms. So with the Twitter services now from the platform shortly after the president Facebook, who also controls WhatsApp. Nnamani, stated that while the association suspended, definitely there will be decline tweeted a post warning agitators from the The Nigeria Coordinator, Alliance for Af- and its member companies understand the in revenue generation, particularly for data South-east region. fordable Internet (A4AI), Mr. Olusola Teniola, position of the federal government, the rea- application. But in the face of protecting Reacting to the action of Twitter, the said the suspension would backÀre badly on sons for the directive, and have complied government’s integrity, revenue generation Minister of Information and Culture, Al- the federal government.”Just watch what will with the directive, it is pertinent that the becomes insignificant,” the staff said. haji Lai Mohammed, said the action was happen in the coming days,” Teniola said. issue is resolved soon in the interest of all. Other industry players who blamed suspicious and undermined the authority A telecoms expert, Kehinde Aluko, who Nnamani emphasised that the Over The the federal government for its action to of President Buhari. frowned at the suspension order, said: “I Top (OTT) platforms of which Twitter is one, ban the operations of Twitter in Nigeria, Industry stakeholders have described don’t see how this will work. Twitter has no is an integral part of the digital economy accused the federal government of high the suspension as worrisome and needless. oce in Nigeria, yet you are suspending it. that the federal government is promoting, handedness in dealing with the issues that According to them, the suspension means Is it that they don’t know that it is a global adding so when an unfortunate disagreement affect the general public. Nigeria and Nigerians would be partly village, and with VPN, people can remain arises with respect to the user policies, it They were of the view that the govern- disconnected from the rest of the world. connected? “ is good it is resolved in a timely manner. ment action over Twitter ban could set the In line with the decision of the federal He described it as a disincentive to invest- Other industry stakeholders, who frowned country backward, in an era where the government to suspend Twitter operations ments, adding that government would be at the action of the federal government, world is driving technology innovation in Nigeria, telecoms operators said they hurting, especially small businesses that wafted against the implication, which they with emerging technologies. They accused have been given instruction to disconnect have one or two things they do via Twitter said may aͿect Nigeria most negatively. government of inciting hate speech when it Twitter and that they have done so in the for their trades. “I hope this government is A user, Amefor Okonkwo, who expressed claims to be protecting the country against interest of the country as directed by the thinking,” he wondered. his frustration on the suspension, said: “They hate speech. federal government. Referring to a recent document released have just justiÀed Twitter’s decision to set up Giving reasons for joining Twitter in A statement released by the Association by the Institute of Software Practitioners its Africa oce in Ghana, ahead of Nigeria. deleting President Buhari’s post from the of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria of Nigeria (ISPON), which discussed the The federal government had blamed the Facebook’s platform, its spokesperson in a (ALTON) and signed by its Chairman, Mr. issues with social media policy and regula- media for making Twitter choose Ghana.” statement released on Friday, said: “In line Gbenga Adebayo, read: “We, The Association tion, ISPON President, Mr. Chinenye Mba- Another Twitter user, Adekunle Omoniyi, with our global policies, we have removed of Licensed Telecommunication Operators Uzoukwu, the document was developed said the suspension of Twitter would make a post from President Buhari’s Facebook of Nigeria (ALTON) wish to conÀrm that by the Oce of the Chief of StaͿ to the Nigeria lose huge revenue that is accrued page for violating our Community Standards our members have received formal instruc- President in collaboration with the ISPON. to data usage with Twitter. According to against inciting violence. We remove any tions from the Nigerian Communications According to him, Nigeria has been navigat- him, should Facebook be suspended just content, from individuals or organisations Commission (NCC), the industry regulator ing the digital transformation journey that the way Twitter was suspended after being that violates our policies on Facebook.” 18 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JUNE 6, 2021 ECONOMY Marginal Fields Awards, Almost Two Decades After Seventeen years after the last bid round, Department of Petroleum Resources, the oil and gas industry regulator, was so determined to get it right, it followed through with all the processes, transparently, fairly and equitably. Applauding the process, the former President of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria, Sir. Bank-Anthony Okoroafor, on behalf of a grateful local content community, said, “This is the most transparent Marginal Field bid round ever conducted.” But there is much to a successfully concluded bid round. The real work begins after the award party is over, as there are issues that face awardees after the ceremony. Chris Paul examines
xactly one year after, the marginal Àelds bid farm-out agreements and any the Joint Operating Agreement round which began on June , 2020 culminated (where more than one party is awarded the same Àeld), has a in the handing over of marginal Àelds to maximum of 0 days for completion; failing which, the DPR 0 successful bidders, in Abuja, last Monday, could undo the award. by the Department of Petroleum Resources A unitisation agreement is a condition precedent for approval (DPR). of the farm-out for straddling Àelds. Presented to the operators by DPR’s Direc- While successful bidders can toast to the privilege of owning torChief Operating Ocer, Auwalu Sarki, a marginal Àeld, certain challenges lie ahead of the business. were the marginal Àelds located on land, swamp, and oͿshore Fiscally, attracting foreign capital may be dicult; because of terrainsE in various parts of the country. prevailing market conditions in the global oil market; talking A marginal Àeld is an oil Àeld that has been discovered and about low prices and oil glut. left unattended for not less than 0 years from the date of its The Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) currently before the National Àrst discovery. Assembly constitutes another hurdle. The document contains a Sarki explained that the awarded companies met all the condi- number of provisions, which will impact the Àscal terms for the tions for the award out of the that were shortlisted. development of the Àelds, if or when enacted into law. When the bid round started last year, a total of expressions The PIB provides for payment of 30per cent corporate income of interest (EoIs) were submitted, out of which, 40 were suc- tax on upstream operations and replaces petroleum proÀt tax cessfully prequaliÀed during phase one of the exercise. with a hydrocarbon tax at a rate of 0per cent for onshore and According to the DPR boss, 2,42 bids were submitted by 40 shallow-water operations and 2per cent for deep-water and applicants at the end of the phase. frontier acreages. Following the evaluation of the bids, companies were It also provides for the requirement of payment of 2.per cent shortlisted as potential awardees, out of which 0 per cent met of the audited operating expenses by all operators into an endow- all conditions and therefore eligible for the award ceremony ment fund for the beneÀt of the host communities. that was organised last Monday. Another itchy area to consider is the global craze for renewable Sarki explained that the award marked the end of the bid round energy, which is fast fading attention away from fossil fuels. process, which started on June , 2020, saying: “It also marks In other words, bidders may not have it easy accessing the Ànance the beginning of the post-award phase, which is important.” required to develop the assets once assigned; as international Commending the DPR for its handling of the process, former lenders continue to move their focus away from Ànancing fossil President of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria fuels to renewables. (PETAN) and spokesman for the body of new marginal Àelds However, for asset owners with existing assets of good quality, Awardees, Sir Bank Anthony Okoroafor, said: “Since 2003, this Sarki Auwalu sound Ànancial track record and strong management team, there is the Àrst most transparent exercise carried out by the DPR. It are international lenders willing to Ànance fossil fuel developments. was made open to everybody. to do their checks. But you are all aware that we have done a Also, the Ànancial exposure of domestic lenders to local inde- “Communication with all bidders was consistent, credible and thorough due diligence.” pendents may inhibits their capacity to fund the marginal Àeld sincere. And they did their home-work very well. For the Àrst He gave his word that the agency would not allow the original acquisitions and subsequent development. time, you made a call to the DPR and they responded responsibly. multinational owners of the leases to suͿocate the indigenous Unfortunately, new entrants, without cash Áow and a tested I called several times and they were on hand to respond. That awardees on the altar of the strangulating process. management team may encounter some issues Ànding local for me was the Àrst thing that convinced me that this time, the This bid round has come over years since the last one. The lenders, because the low debt capacity of such newcomers, due agency truly meant to be fair and thorough. At the end of the on-shore and near-shore Àelds contain an estimated one billion to a lack of proven reserves and cash Áow, means equity issuance exercise, that was what happened.” This, he pointed out, was barrels of oil and near TCF of gas. or technical and Ànancing arrangements with service companies not the case in the past. A major area of attraction to the bidders is the commercial may be the available funding options until such Àelds have been According to him, if you called to play the usual ‘Nigerian factor viability of the marginal Àelds and where the best opportunities appraised for development to attract debt funding. card’ to inÁuence the process, you were politely turned down. lie, which, in addition to the Àscal terms, will be a function of Procrastination in the passage of the PIB for the comprehensive “That was when I knew this was serious business. But they reservoir characteristics, proximity to infrastructure, capital and reform of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector continues to diminish investor will call you to clarify issues where necessary. It was strictly operating expenditure requirements, and production proÀle. conÀdence in the sector. formal and in line with laid down rules and processes. I was By the Nigeria’s Petroleum laws, the President of the Federal Were the bill to be passed into law, it will improve governance really impressed,” said Okoroafor. Republic of Nigeria is empowered to designate any discovered of the sector by strengthening institutions and providing clarity of But the journey, he stated further, is not yet complete. For him, oil Àelds abandoned or unattended by existing licence holders structures, roles, accountability, transparency, and overall eciency. the DPR has to reach out to the IOCs to allow operators produce for a period of 0 years or more as a marginal Àeld. It is important that bidders should be mindful of the vari- with their facilities, since it’s the most cost-eͿective option. Once the asset is designated a marginal Àeld, the delineated ous issues that may likely arise during farm-out agreements Furthermore, there is a need for the DPR to assist the awardees area is farmed out from the wider oil mining lease (OML), which negotiations; given the short timeframe within which investors in farm-out agreement and ensure they are not suͿocated with eͿectively means the existing leaseholders cede these designated are required to make such negotiations. rules that will disrupt the awardees’ ability to run the assets Àelds to the awardee of the marginal Àeld. They include negotiations that concern access to infrastructure within their limited capacity. Even though the initial pre-qualiÀcation and subsequent necessary for evacuation of production. For any of the consortium to raise money for the administration submission of technical and commercial bids under the bid For purposes of separation, treatment, storage, transportation of their assets, there is a need for a harmonised approach that round were the exclusive preserve of indigenous companies, of crude oil and gas to be produced from the Àelds, issues such will require that all aligned with set rules and objectives. upon award of the Àelds, windows for foreign participation, up as capacity, tariͿ and the possibility of review of same must be For the former PETAN President, any erring or deviant con- to a ceiling of 4 per cent ownership, are provided. considered by bidders. sortium should be called to the table and concerns thrashed out. As stated in their commercial bids, notiÀed preferred bidder Given the constant vandalisation of evacuation pipelines, issues Responding to the prayers of the awardees as enunciated on for the marginal Àelds must pay the assigned signature bonus such as pipeline losses and the risk allocation of same must be their behalf by Okoroafor, DPR boss said: “Let me assure you, within 0 days from the date of the award, failing which the taken into consideration. we are not leaving you alone. We have reached advanced stage awardee will be issued with a 30 days’ notice of revocation. There may be need to negotiate the requirement for security on the farm-out agreement.” In the guidelines for the bid round, failure to pay the signature payment by leaseholder to cover environmental concerns from As a matter of fact, the agency has been meeting with the bonus upon the expiration of the extended 30-day period by the marginal Àeld operator and unitisation. leaseholders, but he said, “It’s taking time because each lease the awardee, the award will be revoked without further notice. Where the Àelds of the leaseholder of the OML and the designated has its own peculiarities.” This means prospective bidders will have to seek explore marginal Àeld operator straddle or the area of the marginal Àeld ConÀrming Okoroafor’s statement, DPR Director said the every means possible to access Ànance to beat this stiͿ timeline. operator straddles the land space in another licence area, there agency kept engaging the lease through the entire process in On the other hand, it presents opportunities for foreign players will be need for the negotiation of a unitisation agreement in order to get it right this time. Allaying the awardees’ concerns, with deep pockets; who want to increase their acreage portfolios. conjunction with the farm-out agreement. Auwalu said: “As for the unitisation, we know the Àelds that Now that the successful bidders have emerged, the next stage This is meant to determine and re-determine the petroleum straddle and we have worked that already. Part of the reason why is the execution of farm-out agreements between existing OML from the straddling Àelds. the signing of the farm-out agreement took time is the issue of holders and the designated recipients of the marginal Àelds. See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com politically exposed personalities (PEP), which the IOCs needed This phase of the process, which involves negotiation of the THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JUNE 6, 2021 19 FOCUS 2XWRI5HFHVVLRQLQWR6WDJÁDWLRQ
Adetilewa Adebajo Since the 2016 downturn, the Nigerian economy has not grown beyond 2.5%, considering its popula- midst the counter ac- tion growth rate of 3.5%. Between 2016 and 2020, cusations of money Nigeria lost USD218bn (approximately 40% of its printing by the two GDP). This is equivalent to Portugal’s GDP, three Godwins, denial by times Ghana’s GDP and six times Cameroon’s the National Economic GDP. InÁation also hit a 10-year high of 18.7% in Council, and statement January 2017 and the monetary authorities were by the Nigerian National able to reduce it to 11.9% by December 2019. Petroleum Corporation Unfortunately, as a result of cost push factors, (“NNPC”) that it will be unable to remit funds by March 2021 inÁation was up by 18.2%. Food intoA the federation account for several months; inÁation, at just over 22%, is the key driver of several issues started to manifest in my mind Nigeria Inflation Rate inÁation, despite a NGN1.5tn intervention by concerning the state of the nation. What is the the CBN in the agriculture sector. The recent true state of our economic decline, debt levels hike in utility rates and fuel subsidy removal has and descent into a state of anarchy? Several social done nothing but sustain the upward trajectory media posts documenting the facts that in the of inÁation rates. The Naira suͿered over 300% past week alone over 150 Nigerians killed, was devaluation as it moved from NGN160/USD1 to particularly depressing. These killings across the NGN 480/$1 under the review period. The static nation were related to kidnapping, insurgency Adebayo exchange rate mechanism and multiple exchange and internal strife. The humble fulani herdsman rate windows have been a sore point. They remain has been weaponized and converted to a tool of in place, despite calls for a single window and a insurgency. This week, the government of the market driven rate mechanism. United States of America also upgraded its travel The biggest challenges during this review period advisory to Nigeria to level three, advising its were Àscal indiscipline and the perpetual budget citizens to reconsider travelling to Nigeria and deÀcit the government struggled to Ànance. The if they must travel, they should put in place kid- government admitted in its 2021 budget pre- napping protocols and prepare their evacuation sentation, that it is now in violation of the Fiscal arrangements without assistance from American Responsibility Act which stipulates a value of 3.5% authorities. We are one step oͿ the highest level, of GDP as the budget deÀcit ceiling. Unemployment level Four, which advises Americans not to travel rate more than tripled from 12% in 2016 to 45% by to Nigeria. While the dire security situation in 41 2021. Factoring underemployment and youth Nigeria has not been adequately addressed, the employment reveal higher numbers. As a result local narrative and ocial explanation varies of sub-optimal economic growth and declining depending on who you talk to. The American Nigeria Total Debt US$Billions GDP, over 100 million Nigerians entered into travel advisory without any ambiguity, deÀnes poverty and Nigeria became the global poverty how the world now views Nigeria. capital. Increasingly, our population instead of As a fallout the money printing saga I decided to being an asset with a viable consumer market and extend my 41 2021 Nigerian economic report and aggregate demand of 180 million people is fast conduct a more comprehensive review, focusing becoming unproductive with meagre disposable on the rising debt proÀle which dates back to 2014, Nigeria Unemloyment Rate income and a liability. when the economy grew by 6.5% with a GDP of From the data available, it can be established USD569bn, a historic high. Flashback to an article that self-inÁicted policies caused the Àrst recession published by Fitch in January 2021, which warns in 2016. However, the shocks to the economy as a that Nigeria’s deÀcit monetization may raise macro result of the pandemic lockdown and the sharp stability risks. The report stated, that the Central drop in oil prices caused a downturn in an already Bank of Nigeria (“CBN”) had Ànanced the budget fragile economy and tipped it into another recession deÀcit directly with NGN10trn (approximately in 2020. In 42 and 43 2020, the Nigerian GDP USD25bn). Fitch also warned that “«Repeated contracted by -6.10% and -3.62% respectively. central bank Ànancing of government budgets Nigeria Public External Debt US$Billions However, by 44 2020 Nigeria exited recession could raise risks to macro-stability in the context with 0.1% growth. of weak institutional safeguards that preserve the The irony as with the last recession is that our credibility of policymaking and the ability of the economic and Ànancial managers did not have central bank to control inÁation. The CBN’s guide- sucient buͿers in place to help withstand the lines limit the amount available to the government shocks. At the onset of the pandemic, the NSIA under its Ways and Means Financing (“WMF”) Nigeria Youth Unemployment stabilisation fund had only USD350mn and Excess to 5% of the previous year’s Àscal revenues. Crude Account (“ECA”) a paltry USD72mn. A However, the FGN’s new borrowing from the sum of USD150mn (approximately NGN57bn) CBN has repeatedly exceeded that limit in recent was withdrawn from the NSIA in April 2020 to years, and reached around 0% of the FGN’s 2019 support a NGN5tn budget deÀcit. In contrast dur- revenues in 2020”. The report stated further that ing the 2009 global Ànancial crisis, the ECA had “the CBN’s guidelines requires borrowing under USD22bn, which saw Nigeria through the crisis. the WMF to be repaid in the year in which it was As a response to addressing the impact of the Nigeria GDP Annual Growth Rate% granted. The government has stated its intention shocks to the Nigerian economy during the period to securitise balances borrowed under the facility, under review, the FGN began to step up its social but published statistics indicate that the amounts intervention programs and engage in consultative borrowed have been rolled over repeatedly in meetings with stakeholders across all sectors of recent years”. the economy. While these programs are laudable In eͿect the CBN was out of step with its own and pilots have been successful, it is clear that the guidelines and has also not publicly released its domestic debt as it rises from USD57.9Billion to government cannot fund the program. The best audited accounts in a while. In February 2021, the USD78bn (an increase by USD20.1bn or 34.7% from way out this quagmire is to grow the economy Debt Management Oce (“DMO”) under the 2014 total domestic debt). The DMO March 2021 by over 6.5% to 10.0% on a sustainable basis, Ministry of Finance conÀrmed the level of WMF report, when released, should clarify the current lifting the masses out of poverty in the process. at NGN10tn (approximately USD25bn). They position of our total debt proÀle and how much The CBN also increased its intervention program admitted that they had engaged with the CBN of the USD25Billion WMF has actually been with additional funding to cover the healthcare and in WMF since 2015 to plug the budget deÀcit. The reÀnanced. SME sectors, ensuring liquidity and credit to the DMO also announced establishment of a 10-year Nigeria GDP US$Billions Recently, the national assembly approved a economy. An ambitious infrastructure fund with to 30-year bond issuance program to reÀnance the foreign loan of USD2.5bn. Taking into account over USD20bn is being developed and request WMF, in compliance with the CBN guidelines. in Nigeria domestic and total debt proÀle. the WMF, this will take the total debt stock to for proposals (“RFPs”) have gone out for fund The question that remains unanswered is how According to DMO data in 2014, Nigeria’s total US$113.8bn. From the analysis above, it is clear managers. Rate cuts were also announced on inter- the CBN, out of step with guidelines, funded debt was USD67.7bn with domestic debt accounting that with Nigeria’s current debt proÀle, servicing vention funds and MPR base rates, giving banks NGN10tn (approximately USD25bn) to Ànance for USD57.9bn and foreign debt USD9.7bn. By its debt with over 80 to 90% of its revenue is no the conÀdence to continue lending and providing the budget deÀcit? The CBN intervention pro- 2020, Nigeria’s total debt increased by 27.5% to longer sustainable. As a result of this debt proÀle the much-needed stimulus. On the 24th of June grams and Ànancing in the local and international USD86.3bn, with domestic debt accounting for and declining revenue situation red Áagged by 2020 the FGN approved The Nigeria Economic capital markets are well documented and require USD53.0Billion (a declined by USD 4.9bn or 8.5% the NNPC pronouncements, Nigeria can now Sustainability Plan (“NESP”). This is in an eͿort legislative approval. In the absence of published from 2014 total domestic debt) and foreign debt be classiÀed technically insolvent. to cushion the adverse eͿects of the pandemic audited accounts, is it not logical to presume that accounting for USD33.3Billion (an increase by A review of the key economic indicators for on Nigerians and deÀne a policy framework and the CBN must have printed to support WMF USD23.6bn or 243.3% from 2014 total foreign debt). the Nigerian economy between 2014 to 41 2021 implementation roadmap to economic recovery. over the past Àve years? At this level of total debt, 80-90% of government (the period under review), suggests sub-optimal On the 28th April 2021, barely a year after the While the doctrine of necessity allows leeway revenue for the 41 2021 was going towards debt performance. In 2014, The Nigerian economy was approval of the NESP, the Federal Executive Council for central banks in time of economic downturn service. growing steadily at about 6.5% until policy incon- approved The National Poverty Reduction with and crisis to resort to printing money or WMF, A diͿerent picture emerges when you include sistencies forced the economy into a self-inÁicted Growth Strategy, prepared by the president’s the Nigerian situation started in 2015, with the the unaccounted USD25bn WMF in the CBN recession in 2016. The government responded with economic advisory council. We are not sure if COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing recession, books. In reality, the total debt stock increased from an Economic Recovery Growth Plan (“ERGP”). this supersedes or compliments the NESP. exacerbating the situation. From all accounts, USD67.7bn in 2014 to a record high of USD111.3bn The plan promised, but was unable to stem the $GHEDMR,QYHVWPHQW%DQNHUDQG(FRQRPLVW the USD25bn WMF has not been accounted for in 2021 (a 64.4%increase). This directly impacts economic decline to deliver 7% growth by 2020. &(2RI7KH&)*$GYLVRU\ 20 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JUNE 6, 2021 BUSINESS OUTSIDER
A supermarket Pricing Your Product or Service
Tunji Adegbite businesses must continue to evaluate is used by enterprises introducing nesses. It is a commonly used strategy the performance of their products and products into an existing competitive in the pharmaceutical industry where n eͿective pricing deploy new pricing strategies in re- market to attempt to lure customers generic medications are priced lower strategy is the sponse to market conditions or to drive away from higher-priced competitors. than their name brand counterparts. not-so-obvious but customer acquisition. Data has shown A temporarily disruptive approach, Businesses must evaluate their crucial part of any that pricing is four times and twice businesses must evaluate their ability operating and production costs before business’s success. more ecient for business growth than to deal with potential revenue loss choosing this type of pricing strategy. It is not enough to improving acquisition and retention, when using this strategy. An example Another disadvantage of this strategy simply make a great respectively. There are several ways of this was the price and size wars of is that it may condition the customer product; business managers must pay to price products depending on the carbonated drinks in Nigeria. The new to associate the brand with low value attentionA to one of the vital pieces of market. market entrant, Bigi Cola, sold a 60cl cheapening the brand value. Compa- the puzzle - determining what the bottle for 100 Naira compared to its nies can circumvent this by creating product is worth to their customers Common pricing strategies include: major competitors, who priced their bargain products under a diͿerent and how to communicate this best. Competition-based Pricing Strategy 50cl products at 100 Naira. Another brand name. Several important factors must be Usually utilised by new entrants into example is Green Africa Airways that considered while determining a a highly saturated market, this pricing recently launched with a pricing of Bundle Pricing suitable pricing strategy in an increas- strategy focuses on the existing market NGN 16,500 for a one-way ticket for Bundle pricing involves pairing two ingly competitive marketplace, such as rate for a product or service category the Lagos ² Abuja route. or more complementary products or customer’s willingness to pay, product irrespective of consumer demand. This services and selling the bundled unit positioning, competitors’ prices, strategy is helpful because slight price Premium Pricing for less money than their total individ- production direct and indirect costs. diͿerences may be the sole diͿerentiat- A prestige strategy that appeals to ual price. A successful bundle pricing Pricing strategies reÁect a business’s ing factor in those market situations. luxury-seeking customers by present- strategy involves proÀts on low-value understanding of its customers’ An example of this is seen with bottled ing an image of exclusivity through items outweighing losses on high- demographics and psychographics, water companies. Most will price their price. Building on a brand’s perceived value items included in a bundle. This without which the company is missing products around the going market rate value, premium pricing is used by strategy helps sell non-performing the opportunity to grow and expand of 50 ² 60 Naira for a 75cl bottle. businesses known to create high products or services, introduce a new its reach and revenue exponentially. In value or status products. This form complementary product, or get cus- the hierarchy of importance to business Price Skimming Strategy of pricing allows products or services tomers hooked on one of the products growth - pricing (monetisation) has the Price skimming is a strategy that to be priced many times over their faster. most signiÀcant impact on revenue, sets the highest possible prices at a production cost. It can also be used as a temporary followed by customer retention and product’s introduction and then gradu- A commonly used pricing strategy value-added strategy for customers acquisition. ally lowers the price as the market by fashion and technology brands; an willing to pay upfront for unreleased The Àrst step to developing a pric- category gets saturated. This type of example is House of Deola Sagoe’s products. ing strategy is to conduct a pricing pricing helps recover sunk costs and Komole Kandids, a luxury fashion The key to the continued success analysis. It is also advisable for every continue to sell the products beyond outÀt targeted at the modern bride. of any business is a well thought out business to create a consistent price their initial fad. Price skimming is ideal Internationally, fashion brands like pricing strategy that matches a product review process, to evaluate its pricing for products creating a new market or Supreme have created a cult following with the target audience. Even the best against competitors and consumer entering an emerging market. It allows around its products with customers products will struggle if not correctly expectations. A price analysis involves: a business to capitalize on early adopt- willing to stand in line for hours just and eͿectively priced. The market is à Evaluating the cost of the product or ers and reduce prices to get an edge on for an opportunity to purchase a not always about having the best prod- service (and breakdown into Àxed and future competitors. An example of this product. uct but the optimally priced product. variable elements) was when Telco, MTN and Airtel (then à Understanding your positioning, Econet), introduced SIM cards into the Economy Pricing Tunji Adegbite is a thought leader market structure, customer segments market; SIM cards were sold for more The opposite of premium pricing, an in strategy and supply chain, who and how they respond to diͿerent than 400 times the price today. economy pricing strategy appeals to has worked with leading organisa- price structures customers seeking bargains. Based on tions like PwC and an IOC. He also à Analysing competitor’s price Penetration Pricing Strategy volume, the economy pricing strategy founded Naspire, a business research à Reviewing any external inÁuences The opposite of price skimming; sells the product for a low price and platform using African business and/or constraints to cost and price; Penetration pricing is when a business makes its revenue from the number of insights to help entrepreneurs and Developing a pricing strategy is not introduces products to the market at customers. This strategy works best professionals succeed. He can be a one-time event. Even established an extremely low price. This strategy with generic or bargain brand busi- reached via tunji#naspire.com. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JUNE 6, 2021 21 WOMEN ENTERPRENEURS OMAEDO OSAMOR Govt Should Make Business Environment Conducive for SMEs to Thrive Omaedo Osamor is the founder of Lilmissfab, a bespoke shoe brand for women. A managing partner of Samuel & Doxa LP, she is solicitor and advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Before starting her private legal practice, she worked extensively in the oil and gas industry as company secretary and has a fair knowledge of human resources, employments and training and business consulting. Being a chartered secretary, Osamor is an associate member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators in Nigeria as well as the Nigerian Bar Association. Lilmissfab was borne out of her creativity and the passion to help women across Nigeria remain fabulous without breaking the bank. Lilmissfab produces shoes in European sizes from size 36 to size 45. Comfort and class is very key for us and as such we are able to produce the same shoe in different heel heights from 2 inches to 5 inches to suit the wearer. In this Interview with Oyinlola Sale, Osamor reveals the inspiration behind creating her shoe brand, Lilmissfab
s Solicitor and Advocate of three of us on the board, so we all donated into the Supreme Court, what this business. I more or less donated my life sav- is the inspiration behind ings into this business, we never got any external creating Lilmissfab? funding, we are positive that the business will My inspiration behind be proÀtable, regardless of the risk involved and creating Lilmissfab is very we are open to external funding, if it’s provided. simple, First of all I like Funding has been a big issue because we can’t a good pair of shoes and I believe that a very meet the demand we currently have, but we are beautifulA pair of shoes can make a simple outÀt taking it one step at a time and currently believe look extraordinary. I also believe you don’t have it will get better. to break the bank to wear a perfect pair of shoes, and even though I am a lawyer, I practise as a What were some of your fears when setting solicitor, but I felt my passion and creativity needed up the Lilmissfab Company? to be harnessed and that was how I created my I used all my savings to set up Lilmissfab in its own shoe brand, Lilmissfab. early days, so I was very afraid what if the business collapses, will people buy, then the competition Would you say your experience as a legal out there of people selling shoes, what will make practitioner made it easier to establish a well- mine stand out and those were my fears, but grounded shoe business? being lawyer and solicitor, it was easy for me to My experience as a legal practitioner made do the background work, I set up the company it very easy to establish my shoe business, Àrst and the trademark for the company. of all when you are called to the Nigerian Bar I set up the social media account and business as a Lawyer, you can practice both as barrister account as well. Now starting up was quite scary, and solicitor. I cut my teeth from the onset and I had to look for factories to manufacture for me i choose to practice as a solicitor. abroad but I took the plunge and I don’t regret it. So being a solicitor and being a chartered secretary, I have worked in-house as company How can the government create an enabling secretary and legal adviser and currently in my environment for businesses like yours to thrive? private practice, I manage several businesses, I Whether we agree to this or not, small businesses also act as company secretary on the board of in Nigeria are going a long way to driving our several businesses. economy, a lot of the money being made today is So, it was easy for me to create my own business by small and medium enterprises and people like and it’s something I love to do, in terms of being you and I are the ones driving the economy and able to incorporate what the law wants us to do It will be great if the government can recognise and corporate governance practices that would this and create a more enabling environment make my business run smoothly. Osamor for us to work. First of all, a lot of things have to be put in 7KHLQGXVWU\LVFKXUQLQJRXWGL;HUHQWVKRH place to enable us do this business favourably, designers, what makes Lilmissfab Unique? Presently, you manufacture your shoes abroad. for most people working from home, and we If I produce shoes in Nigeria for Nigerians, we The industry is really churning out a lot of shoe What are your reasons behind that decision? still had the visibility that we always had. Even are going to cut out a lot of external factors and designers, I actually stumbled on a couple of Although, I manufacture my shoes abroad, this though a lot of businesses crippled, it just gave us it will favour us in the long run. them before creating my own and since I started was not the plan from the onset, when I conceived new ideas to Àt the situation we are in right now. If I have government funding that makes sense, my legal practice, I have always had the desire this idea for the shoe brand, I wanted the slogan; at one-digit interest rate, that would help me to create my own show business. When I started made in Nigerians for Nigerians and I went around What are some of the challenges you have push my business forward and help me set up a selling shoes originally, it wasn’t my own brand looking for who will create this shoes for me. faced so far in building this brand? business in Nigeria and help me get training from and I had a 9 to 5, I was working in-house as I discovered that creating shoes in Nigeria was The major challenge we have faced so far in the people who currently produce for me, also company secretary and legal adviser, but I had the same thing as importing them, because the building this brand is foreign exchange, when if our electricity was stable and we didn’t have this passion of selling good shoes and I like to shoe designers import the materials they use. I we started this business, a dollar was exchanging to use a lot of fuel and diesel to run production turn out looking really good and people will still have a plan to opening my own shoe factory for N360 and we coped with it. it will cut a lot of cost too and Lilmissfab would compliment my shoes. in Nigeria and that will happen very soon. The fact is that Lilmissfab is supposed to be be able to meet expectation and we would also That was the beginning of my success in the aͿordable luxury, we are very mindful of the fact be able to do what we planned from the onset. shoe business, I started getting supplies from In what way has COVID-19 changed the that people need to wear good shoes without abroad and I was selling to my colleagues, friends mode of operation in your business? having to break the bank and with the increase in Do you have plans of expanding the Lilm- and new acquaintances. COVID-19 has been a game changer with dollar exchange rate, it just became impossible to issfab brand beyond shoes? What should we Now what makes Lilmissfab unique from the everybody’s business and Lilmissfab is not keep our prices at the same place where we started. be expecting? other shoe brands is that I cut a deÀnite niche for exempted. So we had to do a little price increase, though it We still have plans of expanding Lilmissfab myself and I realised that a lot of people have When we started the shoe brand in 2019, our was not as signiÀcant as the way forex exchange beyond shoes and beyond this borders and I see big feet and some people that have big feet are main aim was working class women that are trying has really gone up, against us and against our myself in the next Àve years in several countries comfortable with wearing high heeled shoes, to look good and still want to feel comfortable. favour. We are still working round the clock to around the world. The name Lilmissfab means while some others are not comfortable in high However, with the advent of COVID-19, most see how we can provide quality shoes, but yet Little miss Fabulous and I gave it this name for heeled shoes. people who were going to the oce, started to aͿordable. a purpose because we are global. My style is to create something for each in- work from home. Lilmissfab currently runs an online store and can dividual by creating the same shoe in diͿerent So we had to create new products that would +RZGLG\RXPDQDJHWRÀQDQFHWKLVEXVLQHVV be found here @lilmissfab.squad on Instagram, types of heels. The whole idea is that whatever Àt this era, because we want to cater to their needs in its early days? @lilmissfab on Facebook, @lilmissfab on Twitter type of heel you like, you deserve to look good of our customers. Financing the business from the earlier stage and it has a website www.lilmissfab.com. We have and fabulous. This made us create Áat sandals and Áat shoes was quite tasking; we have a board and there are plans to open a physical store as we get bigger. 22 ;˜ͺͺ˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER MARKET NEWS
A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an ETF are bought by investors. Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. investment vehicle that allows both small and Bid Price: The price at which Investors Investors with similar objectives buy units of the large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total that willl generate their desired return. investments. The assets are divided into shares that return an investor would have earned on An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. his investment. Money Market Funds report of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, Yield while others report Year- to-date Total bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDE TO DATA: Return. etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 03- NAV: Is value per share of the real estate shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Jun-2021, unless otherwise stated. assets held by a REIT on a specific date. DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Equity Fund 153.34 154.87 -5.21% Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 4.00% GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Nigeria International Debt Fund 304.88 304.88 -23.78% [email protected] Afrinvest Dollar Fund 111.82 111.82 -0.25% Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] ACAP Canary Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 ACAP Income Funds N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO CAPITAL LTD [email protected] Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.12% Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Vantage Balanced Fund 2.79 2.85 21.57% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.01% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 149.21 149.65 -3.99% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.26 3.31 -9.51% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.22 1.26 29.54% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected]@anchoriaam.com Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.09 1.09 6.25% Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fi[email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 3.08% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Equity Fund 128.87 130.29 -3.11% Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.36 1.38 0.00% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.06 1.06 -20.36% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,140.10 1,140.10 3.23% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD [email protected] MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 18.89 19.46 4.14% Meristem Equity Market Fund 10.82 10.85 3.27% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 413.62 426.10 3.31% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 6.31% ARM Ethical Fund 37.10 38.22 10.05% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] ARM Eurobond Fund ($) N/A N/A N/A Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 ARM Fixed Income Fund 0.96 0.96 -14.41% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.11% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED [email protected] PACAM Balanced Fund 1.66 1.68 7.20% Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.38 12.44 2.04% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 3.52% AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 104.45 104.45 2.69% PACAM Equity Fund 1.58 1.59 -0.35% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED [email protected] PACAM EuroBond Fund 110.93 112.54 0.89% Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 SCM CAPITAL LIMITED [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A SCM Capital Frontier Fund 126.52 128.83 6.88% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED [email protected] SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD [email protected] Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 1.94 1.94 -22.68% SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 3.05% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.01 2.04 -24.50% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com ; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,127.65 3,152.46 -2.75% CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.01 1.01 1.25% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 229.94 229.94 2.26% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.18 1.19 0.42% Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 301.54 301.54 2.33% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 215.76 218.41 -1.27% Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.83% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.70% Paramount Equity Fund 15.86 16.14 -0.87% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,150.31 10,276.31 -3.36% Women's Investment Fund 131.93 133.30 -0.92% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.25 1.25 2.34% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 113.80 113.80 2.45% Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 101.25 101.25 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.57% Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 116.09 116.84 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A United Capital Balanced Fund 1.35 1.37 -1.44% United Capital Bond Fund 1.94 1.94 2.74% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 106.65 106.65 United Capital Equity Fund 0.90 0.93 4.55% CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT [email protected] United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.62% Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 United Capital Eurobond Fund 120.74 120.74 3.12% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.17% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.09 1.11 0.82% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.16 1.17 -3.33% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.05 1.05 5.13% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.35 1.35 -14.63% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD [email protected] EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 12.06 12.16 1.60% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 2.86% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.58 13.70 11.16% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 2.93% Zenith Income Fund 24.09 24.09 0.49% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,162.24 1,169.97 -2.95% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.48% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] REITS Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,372.31 1,372.31 10.37% SFS REIT 123.46 2.25% FBN Balanced Fund 185.50 186.68 -1.16% Union Homes REIT 51.40 -1.91% FBN Halal Fund 109.69 109.69 6.66% EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.48% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund 12.56 12.66 -4.96% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 125.10 125.10 3.45% SIAML Pension ETF 40 123.58 123.58 1.51% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 152.48 154.55 0.86% Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund 96.89 98.64 -2.53% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD [email protected] Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 3.66 3.70 -2.98% Legacy Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 5.57 5.65 -2.14% Legacy USD Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 16.86 16.96 3.12% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.01% Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 18.79 18.99 -8.39% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 161.26 163.26 -26.33% Coral Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn FSDH Treasury Bills Fund N/A N/A N/A Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund 107.52 13.11% The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only. SUNDAY JUNE 6, 2021 • THISDAY 23 24 SUNDAY JUNE 6, 2021 • THISDAY SUNDAY JUNE 6, 2021 • THISDAY 49 A WEEKLY PULL-OUT 06.6.2021
eople will easily misjudge you, especially if you are a television star with a huge following on social media. This seems to be the case of Erica Nlewedim, the Big Brother Naija formerP contestant who grabbed headlines during her time in the reality series last year for good and bad reasons. The level of criticism is not peculiar to Nlewedim alone. Anyone in the fame business, particularly those who rose to stardom either through hebdomadal TV drama series or reality TV shows. Once you are in the spotlight, criticism is not inevitable. Whether the young actress and model was prepared for the public shredding of her private life or not, one thing is clear, her star wattage is amplified with every mention of her name on social and traditional media. Thanks to her devoted fans who christened themselves ‘Elites.’ These persons from different walks of life are committed to promoting the reality TV star. On social media platforms like Twitter, their voice is deafening, like the piercing sound of a church bell. They sometimes act as a strong army, protecting Nlewedim from any attacks while challenging anyone who dared to cross their paths. Their weapon is the hashtags. Fire an arrow, and you get a hashtag that either stultifies you or amplifies the voice of their hero. These fans are the first to reveal any achievement of Nlewedim such that when MTV Base announced the new reality TV show ‘Inside Life’ that will feature the model, the fans broke ERICA NLEWEDIM the news and began a countdown hashtag to the premiere of the show. It is almost a given to see the star as one of the trending stories on Twitter nowadays. Beyond the activities of her HER LIFE fans, Erica has equally worked hard to earn accolades such that she doesn’t feel under pressure to meet the demands of her fans. “I feel under pressure to meet my own demands and goals,” she WITHOUT FILTERS said. “I’m very ambitious, and I set a lot of high goals for myself. And luckily, I have achieved a lot of goals that have impressed With her new partnership with MTV Base, the charming reality my fans, and they are very happy with my success.” TV star and actress Erica Nlewedim is offering fans a ringside view Blessed with pulchritude, ever since her departure from Big of her life, writes Vanessa Obioha Brother Naija House, the actress
ASSISTANT EDITOR OLUFUNKE OLAODE/[email protected] 1THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ 51 COVER Her Life Without Filters has been clinching one deal or the other, promoting brands while positioning herself as the best hand for the job. Her hardworking disposition can be traced to her teen years. At age 17, the commercial model from Abia State landed her first modelling job with a furniture company and earned N50,000. Subsequent offers elevated her status, and she even contested in the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria in 2014, where she clinched the Most Photogenic award for Kogi State. It wasn’t long before she set her eyes on Nollywood, appearing in her first TV drama series, ‘Secrets and Scandals’ in 2015. The graduate of Business Administration from Covenant University would further hone her acting skills at Met Film School in London in 2019 before participating in Big Brother Naija. At first, her mother was against her choice of career. She wanted her only child to have a nine-to-five job like her peers but Nlewedim didn’t see her toeing that path, although she once worked for a company to accommodate her mother’s concerns. But today, her mother is elated to see her achievement. The worry of her having a white-collar job no longer exists. Despite her hustling spirit, Nlewedim believes that she deserves a me-time too. She recently tweeted that it was time to put her first. When asked about the tweet, she explained, “It relates to my life. I have been working non-stop so I’m trying to relax. I have been putting a lot of people first, putting their feelings over mine. God said, ‘love your neighbours as you love yourself,’ so I’m trying to love myself more so I can love people around me better.” With ‘Inside Life,’ Nlewedim is now the network’s first Nigerian celebrity to feature in the new reality TV series. In recent times, Erica ViacomCBS Networks Africa has been bringing stories of African superstars on their various her is that people will understand everything that makes me a human platforms. Last March, it premiered her better. being and not just the negative a reality TV show on South “They will get to know that what stuff.” African singer Busiswa on they see on the internet is most She added, “I’m not promising BET Africa. With ‘Inside Life’ times untrue and a tip of the iceberg. that they will get to see me smiling on MTV Base, it is providing I will be very interested in seeing and laughing all the time, but they viewers with premium people’s reactions when they get will understand me better. In life, entertainment and storytelling to see the true story behind some things don’t always go smoothly with original scripted and non- headlines in the past few months. for people all the time. So in ‘Inside scripted shows. They will get to realise that their Life,’ they will get to see my low The series, which will assumptions are just assumptions.” moments as well as my wings, premiere on June 9, follows The ever-smiling model feels she that is, my high moments.” the model as she navigates the has been misjudged a lot since she Nlewedim feels blessed for her business and entertainment left the Big Brother Naija House and career trajectory. She is obviously worlds. believes that ‘Inside Life with Erica’ not close to her ultimate goal. “The series shows that will show the audience who she “I’ve only had less than a year I’m growing, and MTV Base truly is without filters. in the spotlight. Even before is a very huge platform and “They will get to see me as a the new spotlight, I have only is international. It gives me human being that I am and not as been known for only five years, a lot of optimism that I’m the public portrays me to be. Most which is not as long as many who doing something right and in times, there are so many touching are already famous. I believe future that I will also become moments in my life, successes and I’m on my way, and I’m very international,” she said. generally good news about me, but I optimistic that I will get there What’s most interesting don’t really see that in the news. For me, when they watch the reality in a short amount of time,” she about the reality TV show for the people who don’t really know TV show, they will get to see affirmed. 52 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ
with KAYODE ALFRED HighLife ͮͶͯͯʹ͵ͳͷͶͮ͵˜̋×ËÓÖ: ÕËãʮÏâ̶͓ãËÒÙÙ˛ÍÙ× ...Amazing lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous
Any ‘Hope’ for Uzodinma’s Imo? Princess Toyin Ojora-Saraki Becomes Erelu Bobajiro of Iruland It’s a time of colour and celebration for Princess Ojora’s abilities and contributions, both the people of Iruland and the wife of but also a big step forward towards even the former Senate President and also the more responsibilities. So, why not daughter of Prince Adekunle Ojora, Mrs usher in the new level with dance Toyin Ojora Saraki. Based on reports flowing and song? in from all corners, the well-known global Toyin Ojora-Saraki health advocate will be bagging one of the is a princess. She is the highest titles in Iruland for women: the title successor to both her of Erelu. paternal Ojora royal Folks of Iruland and the surrounding family of Lagos and area, whether well-placed or from the her maternal Akinfe grassroots, are preparing for a day like no titled clan of Ondo other since the reign of the new Oniru of State industrialists. Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan The royal legacy has Lawal, Abisogun II. This June, Iruland, served to polish her Victoria Island, and the rest of Lagos will determination to play host to a deluge of high-tier government render good works to officials, politicians, business people,the Nigerian society and other representatives of the crème of starting with the Nigeria’s high society. sustainable development Uzodinma From what folks are reporting, the goals (SDGs) and their role former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, in cutting down maternal is pulling out all the stops to make the day and infant mortality. mo State, once famed for being memorable for his darling wife, the soon-to- Her contributions to health a place of peace and progress, be Erelu. Need the best juju, fuji or highlife coverage are more than can be is gradually changing into a artists on the bandstand? Get the best juju, enumerated in a few lines. Thus, marshland of violence and fuji or highlife artists on the bandstand! For the Erelu title is not an empty one. This unrest. Anything goes now—or the Erelu-designate and her husband, the is honouring the honourable and hailing the will soon start to if nothing Oniru’s consideration is more than a nod at praiseworthy. Ojora-Saraki Iis done to return the State to its original status. Ironically, Imo used to be nicknamed the ‘Land of Hope’. Is it a joke of the ages that when a Chief Rasak Okoya Organises Send-off for Governor named Hope took the reins, hope flew out the window? The recent murder of Ahmed Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Demola Seriki Gulak, a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and every opportunity, the former treats the latter Special Adviser to the former to a majestic get-together or soirée. Birthdays, of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Sir Olu president, Goodluck Jonathan, appointments, you name it. In keeping with Okeowo and wife, Prince Aderemi Sijuwade, has stirred the waters much more this tradition, folks were summoned a few days Prince Samuel Adedoyin, Alhaji Dodo Adams, than the others have done. Gulak’s ago to Chief Okoya’s Oluwa N’ishola Estate Senator Lanre Tejuoso, Aare Bashir Fakorede political assassination—that is what residence in Lagos to celebrate Chief Seriki’s and wife, Princess Folashade Odumosu (wife ambassadorial appointment and officially send of Lagos Commissioner of Police), Juan Jose Governor Hope Uzodinma called Otamendi from the Spanish Embassy, Alhaji it—in Owerri woke folks up to the him forth. President Muhammadu Buhari recently Garuba Abubakar, Hon. Sola Giwa, Comrade realisation that almost anyone is up Kamal Salau Bashua, and many others. for grabs and that the banality of appointed Chief Demola Seriki, the Otun Aare of Lagos and former Minister of State Every one of these special guests paid their evil reaches even to the high tiers of for Defence, as the Nigerian Ambassador to respect to the celebrant in their own ways. government. the Kingdom of Spain. The appointment was Prince Adedoyin, for example, led the opening Governor Hope Uzodinma is well-received among the elites of the Nigerian prayers; Tunde Okoya, the host’s prestigious the main target of critics, whether society considering Seriki’s many contributions. son, welcomed the guests; and Lagos’ First well-meaning or otherwise. As a The recent get-together at Chief Rasak Okoya’s Lady, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, supervised the human being with limitations, cutting of the deliciously coloured cake. Okoya residence to celebrate this big step forward. Uzodimma is not altogether Although it was meant to be something of Meanwhile, with DJ Joydee on sound, capable of cleansing Imo of the a small gathering, the crème of the Nigerian Finesse Events on visuals, and comedian The friendship between the billionaire Tee-A as the MC, it was a happy time. All in all, growing trend of insurrection. industrialist and the Aare of Lagos, Chief society came out en masse to honour Okoya and celebrate Seriki. Some of the most notable everyone toasted to the health, wisdom and Nevertheless, as the chief Rasak Okoya and his brother-in-law, Chief continued success of Chief Seriki, wishing him government official in the Demola Seriki, is known far and wide. At of these individuals included Justice George State, this is Uzodimma’s first Adesola Oguntade, Festus Keyamo, First Lady nothing but the best in his endeavours in Spain. responsibility. This is the line of reasoning that most folks used to present at newspaper stands both for Thanksgiving Time for the Babangidas and against Uzodinma. Then suspected hoodlums allegedly attacked his house in Oru as Mohammed Cheats Death East local government area of In the last few months, Nigerians have other family members en route to Abuja Imo State and were rumoured witnessed an unprecedented increase in when the crash occurred. An articulated to have ended the life of a accidents of all kinds. The most notable of vehicle carrying tomatoes reportedly ran into Nigeria Security and Civil these include the plane crash that led to them, directly colliding with a black Prado Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer. the death of the Nigerian Chief of Army SUV that was a part of the convoy. However, Consequently, it became clear that Staff, Ibrahim Attahiru, and 10 others. Were because Babangida’s ride was behind the even the head of the government it not for the prevailing mercies of God, security vehicle, neither he nor any family was barely holding his own Mohammed Babangida, son of a former member was injured. But the members of his against the budding insurgency. military dictator, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, security detail were not as lucky. A few days ago, it was would surely have joined this inauspicious From the reports, three soldiers who were reported that communal clashes list. part of the guard detail lost their lives almost had begun to spring up within Many Nigerian media houses are immediately after the collision. One other the North area of Imo. Even reporting what can only be construed as soldier was reportedly critically injured and is the local people noted for their an act of Providence upon the family of the currently receiving treatment at the National endurance have begun to beat and Babangidas. From what has been gathered Hospital in Abuja. While the Babangidas sharpen their ploughshares into so far, the scion of the Babangida House, are lamenting the death of the soldiers, they swords. Is this the new normal Mohammed Babangida, almost lost his life are also celebrating the narrow escape of for the eastern heartland? Is it all in a car accident that led to the death of three Mohammed. One might even say that death going to Hades on Governor Hope other individuals. came close to knocking off Mohammed Uzodimma’s watch? What is hope, According to the reports, Mohammed Babangida’s cap, but the owner of the cap and where is it? Babangida was in a Honda Space bus with dodged out of the way by a hair’s breadth. Babangida THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ 53 HIGHLIFE Tony Elumelu: The Banker Giving Master Classes on Entrepreneurship suggestions with overwhelming proof. the headquarters of Heirs Holdings, Victoria The year 2021 started on several positive Island, Lagos), Elumelu’s team assured the notes in the Nigerian business space. The most public that HIL and HLA would offer the notable of these was the announcement that typical protection packages for all kinds of Elumelu’s proposed foray into the insurance assets and properties. However, they will also industry (via Heirs Holdings) would be given optimise the packages for users at all levels, flesh. That announcement stirred the minds especially low-income earners and small of young and old people everywhere since business owners. Moreover, they also unveiled Elumelu has always improved whichever several packages, the most delightful of which industry he delved into. Thus, June 1, 2021, is the internet application that allows users to marked the beginning of the transformation verify insurance quotes whenever they want that Elumelu is guaranteed to bring to the and collect their claims settlement in a day or insurance sector. less). Elumelu On June 1, 2021, Tony Elumelu As the MD/CEO of HLA, Niyi Onifade, Super businessman and longtime commandeered Heirs Holdings into launching explained, Elumelu’s game is to “empower figure of United Bank for Africa (UBA) the subsidiary companies: Heirs Insurance people to live more confidently and and Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Limited (HIL) and Heirs Life Assurance achieve their dreams, whilst securing the (Transcorp), Tony Elumelu, has proved to (HLA). During the launch, it was revealed future of their loved ones.” This is Elumelu Gbajabiamila be nothing short of a progenitorial character. that both companies would offer their clients at the peak of his expertise: emphasising Besides drafting an outline of what he insists digital insurance options at the tip of the fingers and capitalising on customers’ demands is the way forward for business on the African and driven by the latest innovations in asset and providing services that satisfy these Who is after continent (Africapitalism, for short), Elumelu coverage technologies. demands, nothing missing and nothing has begun to corroborate his ideas and At the launching (which took place at broken. Gbajabiamila? Lagos City Lady Adaobi Nwakuche A word is enough for the wise—or so people insist. After many words were thrown against Bounces Back with Tony Elumelu’s Heirs what used to be construed as The Chinese say that the tallest tree always something of a low profile. Nevertheless, mischievous rumours, the ‘secret faces the strongest winds. This is one way to her portfolio of excellent work experiences, aspirations’ of the Speaker of the describe the life of Adaobi Nwakuche, the particularly in the insurance sector, has ensured House of Representatives, Femi notable person of beauty, intelligence, and the that her name is hallowed in the high places of Gbajabiamila, have once again insurance industry. As the super businessman the industry. been laid bare. Whether or not Tony Elumelu takes off in the form of Heirs A professional with a PhD in Insurance, these rumours are true, one cannot Insurance Limited (HIL) and Heirs Life Risk Management and Corporate say that Gbajabiamila is smiling Assurance (HLA), Lady Adaobi Nwakuche Governance, Nwakuche is notable for her reading about them. is one of the few on the administrative and contributions to Otega Emerhor’s Standard Nwakuche It started less than a year executive side of things. Alliance. This company retained her services The launching of Heirs Holdings’ dual after her one-year mandatory National Youth Director (in 2013), to leave for Elumelu’s Heirs ago when Femi Gbajabiamila insurance companies, Hil and HLA, on June Service Corps (NYSC). Her work earned her Insurance Limited in 2016. With this work showed himself to be a brilliant, 1, 2021, has painted a new narrative in the one promotion after another until she became record which totals over 15 years of active considerate, and relatable public image of renowned insurance lady, the company’s General Business Group experience within the insurance sector, those character. Because the speaker had Adaobi Nwakuche. According to the reports, Head. who are more qualified to be the acting MD of taken a distinctive stand against Nwakuche is taking the enviable position of From Emerhor’s Standard Alliance, HIL can be counted on one hand. Overall, all the failings of certain authority Acting MD of HIL, guaranteeing her a page on Nwakuche became a Deputy Director at eyes are on the famed beauty of Abia, created figures, he became a man of the the annals of the company’s pioneers. Dere Otubu’s Staco Insurance. After this, she for and loved the best things that life has to people and was hailed, as it so Until recently, Adaobi Nwakuche kept joined Equity Assurance Plc as its Executive offer, namely, luxurious clothing and cars. happens in such situations, as a champion of the young and the old, one deserving of a more representative role. In other Stop the Rumour... Former Fidelity Bank MD words, Gbajabiamila qualifies for a gubernatorial or even presidential Nnamdi Okonkwo Not Contesting Governorship position. But all those were just necessary bootlicking—or so it was assumed. engine, Google. politician. And since Anambra enjoyed the Nnamdi Okonkwo served as a super favourable financing of many projects from If recent reports are to be believed, CEO/MD at Fidelity Bank from 2014 to 2016. Fidelity Bank in Okonkwo’s time, why not Gbajabiamila has locked his During his time, the well-liked man engineered cast him in a gubernatorial role? And this they eyes on the Lagos number one smart innovations, the likes that saw Fidelity did. seat, which Babajide Sanwo-Olu Bank rising to the top of Nigerian banks and At present, the seed of hearsay that currently occupies, and might drag Okonkwo himself becoming a celebrity who was sown a while ago has begun to bear it from under the bespectacled collected awards every quarter of the year the fruit. Folks have started to pass around Governor. As one can imagine, same way art connoisseurs collect paintings and the supposition that Nnamdi Okonkwo is seeing as Governor Sanwo-Olu has sculptures. interested in taking up the mantle of Willie been nothing less than a gem of a Okonkwo When Okonkwo retired in 2020, it was as a Obiano, the incumbent Governor of Anambra first citizen, Gbajabiamila is facing Where do bank MDs go when they retire? champion of banking and industry, and it was State. This is not true. criticism from certain corners of A loaded question, to be sure, but one that assumed that he would immediately put down So far, Okonkwo has neither publicly far-seeing folks have asked time and time his roots and found an insurance company, worn the colours of the All Progressives Lagos in particular and Nigeria in again. First Bank’s Bisi Onasanya reportedly travel agency, or something along the elite Grand Alliance (APGA), as folks claim, nor general. consented to dally in Real Estate; Polaris Bank’s business continuum. There has been no such declared an interest in the governorship of As someone who has Tokunbo Abiru took to politics like a fish in thing—and it has been more than half a year. Anambra (Perhaps he has some interest in the occupied several noteworthy and water; Fidelity Bank’s Nnamdi Okonkwo It may be as a result of this perceived non- governorship of the Central Bank of Nigeria representative positions since did what? And that’s one of the most popular activity that rumour markets began to feature (CBN), but even that is wishful thinking on 2003 (minority leader, house leader, questions thrown at the all-answering search Okonkwo as a soon-to-be-out-of-the-closet the rumour monger’s part). and speaker), Gbajabiamila is not unfamiliar with the trappings of instigation. Everyone with a President Buhari, Family and Friends Celebrate Alhaji Erogbogbo At 95 smattering of understanding knows that nobody builds a The true fortunes of human life are less than the part of Lagos State most renowned for political tower on the flattery of a handful: freedom, long life and prosperity. men. No sooner is the deceived To have all three in almost equal measure is enjoying the Erogbogbo legacy—Ikorodu. It the blessing of multiple lifetimes. This is the could be said that the city enjoys the visitation fellow beating his chest and defining quality in the life of Alhaji Ashafa of outsiders and the accolades of informed proclaiming himself king than he Ajibola Erogbogbo. At 95 years of age, the man Nigerians due to Alhaji Erogbogbo, his late turns around and finds himself has built the kind of legacy that even presidents wife, Alhaja Sadiat Abeke Erogbogbo, and alone. do not dare to ignore. their nest of influential children. Gbajabiamila is aware of President Muhammadu Buhari was one Abike Dabiri-Erewa is the most notable of all these and so should not be of the first federal-level characters to send the Erogbogbo children, and her determined liable to fall for it. The only other warm felicitations and goodwill messages personality reflects the celebrated unshakeable character of both her parents. But the Nigeria explanation for the continued to Alhaji Ashafa Ajibola Erogbogbo on proliferation of the rumours is his 95th birthday. While the message Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Chairman was filled with praises and prayers, it is not the only one that inherited this strong that certain folks are hard at also demonstrated that there are a few personality. The others include Kofo work to sow dissensions between Nigerians out there whose services to Kassim, Yomi Erogbogbo, Rotimi Erogbogbo, Gbajabiamila and Sanwo-Olu. humanity continue to be felt even though Ajoke Gbeleyi, Moji Williams, Sola Erogbogbo, Whether this supposed mischief they themselves have retired from the Yetunde and Folake Erogbogbo, not to mention will work depends on how the public scene. the ones that are Erogbogbo by blood. The good speaker reacts to them. Alhaji Erogbogbo has indeed made achievements of these great people have added to the reputation of Alhaji Erogbogbo. Nevertheless, the seeds have been laudable contributions to Nigeria and Erogbogbo sown. 54 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ
LOUD WHISPERS with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791) Edgar, Do You Like the President? That was the question one fine of one man wey follow me enter a getting the best of advice from your woman came to ask me o. You see how supermarket in Ikeja. I just noticed that people. I think you should, as a matter of you will just sit down, and temptation the guy was just following me. I say see urgency, embark on a nationwide tour, will now come and meet you and this one, he no even sabi follow person. meet the people directly. Engage them, make you open your mouth and Instead of him to be watching American feel their pulse. I can escort you if you answer something that can lead you gangster film, I sure na Yoruba film he dey worried say dem go pour you pure into self-exile. I pretended like I didn’t dey watch, when I don tire, I walk water. Spend like five days in Owerri hear, but she insisted, “Do you like the up to him say oga hope no problem. and you will see how things will calm President?” She asked. I say, wait, let me He says, ‘you have nothing to worry down. Come to Lagos, go to Sokoto, fly ask Pastor Adefarasin for advice on Plan about Duke of Shomolu’. I shout, to Uyo eat some afang. Ask your people B. You know that one is the custodian of you know me? He say yes na. I work what is going wrong. Feel their pain, Plan B the way Asiwaju is the custodian in the Presidency, and I have served share in their sorrow. This one you are of the Lagos master plan. But pastor no three Presidents. We know you; we doing is not it o and this is why things pick. So, I look at this extremely beautiful enjoy your writings and as long as you are falling apart. Na beg, my lord just woman, and I tell her straight- it is not don’t insult anybody, you are ok. I say try this thing I am saying and you will a question of like or not liking but that thank you and I say if you are truly see what will happen very quickly. of pity. Yes o, I pity baba, I swear if he from Presidency, pay for my food. He Like I say, I have nothing against knew it would be like this, he for just jeje start to frown. So if I had collected you, I will probably not invite you for siddon with his cows. The whole thing his number that day, I for send am to lunch but you remain our leader and seems to be unravelling before his very Buhari. This thing is not rocket science. the custodian of the essence of our eyes without no real road map to pull it Your Excellency, you have to break nationhood and we must all support back altogether again. My greatest regret out of your cocoon and come direct you. I am with you, let’s get this motor Buhari in all this is not collecting the number to the people. I do not believe you are running again sir.
AISHA BUHARI – TIME TO STEP IN move around the cities. Assure the that they have been cursed with. of leadership is the problem we You see in our estate, we were people that you will get daddy to It is very easy to blame Buhari. In really face in this country. All this having meetings, and the then listen. Remove all these Adesina, fact, till tomorrow, they are still mumu talk about restructuring, chairman will be doing like Lai and Garba types of people blaming Awolowo for the grim separation, constitutional review all these activists. He will be and give us direct access. You will reality that is life in the South- will not work if we do not fix bullying everybody and shouting see that even Nnamdi Kanu will East. One is tempted to ask, all leadership. We are told that everybody down. That is how smile if you invite him for tea. You the federal allocations, the little Owerri will suddenly become I spark. He say I should shut just may be the deal maker in all IGR that has come to that region Dubai the moment Biafra is won up and sit down. See mumu o. of this. Kindly consider my plea. in their trillions, what exactly or that Ekiti will be competing Me, Duke of Shomolu, should At times gra gra no dey work. All has happened to all of them? The with Denmark when they get the shut up? I attack. I jump table this, ‘I will deal with them in a situation is not peculiar to that Oduduwa Republic. My brother as I move towards castrating language they will understand’ no region. Fine, we have masquerades Marwa, we have never met, but I him. That is how Seyi hold me dey move or go anywhere. In fact, at the centre, but the ones who must say I am really very happy down. How he got the power till it will worsen things. But mummy, are closer to the people, what with what you are doing at that today, I don’t know because in with the soft touch, carrying our have they done to better the lot of NDLEA. Try and go for the full flight, nothing stops me o. mothers along on a nationwide the people? This hopelessness is source, cut down the pipelines But Seyi just pluck me from the trek for peace, that can work borne out of a lack of purposeful because, as you have said, sky with one hand. Na juju. Well wonders. I tell you. Just try it, Your leadership at the second and drugs are the main fuel of the the story here is that after that Excellency. third tier of government, leading insurrection. So this fight against move, everybody go him house to the upheaval and the worse terrorism, banditry, kidnappers lock themselves. But Duchess HOPE UZODINMA AND BROTHERS – infrastructural deficit in the and the like will be easier won if wake up the next morning, start THIS IS YOUR FAULT country but brilliantly parlayed we win this war against drugs. to go house to house to explain You know me, I can be bold. The as a – Buhari no like Igbo people – Well done sir, I have a fine bowl of my behaviour. Please don’t mind problem, especially in the South- trailer. Sad. Really sad. Hope and Afang for you, just tell me where him, she told them. He is broke. East, is that of everybody that brother governors, how do you to send it, and you will have it. Na so he dey do when he no get has ever been a governor in that guys sleep? Please eat with Fufu and not Garri money. Please forgive him. You region. They have left the place o and make sure you take your know he is crazy. He didn’t mean desolate and sad with a series of BUBA MARWA – PUMMELLING bath before eating, so you really it. He cannot blow anybody. terrible leadership, corruption THEM FROM ALL CORNERS enjoy the taste. God bless you. Where is the power. Shebi dey and avarice. Apart from maybe Now we are catching drug barons, beat him at Onipanu bus stop the Peter Obi or Ngige, I do not think couriers and even users. I just saw OONI OF IFE – A BREATH OF FRESH other day. It is just shakara. She the South-East from inception has a report citing the billions of Naira AIR was able to calm nerves and bring been lucky with their leadership. in seized drugs since Marwa took If you grew up in the ‘80s, you all of us back to the table with This failure now makes it easier to over the reins of leadership at would be conversant with her sitting down firmly beside demonize the centre so that anger the NDLEA. I say well done, sir, the TV promo. The one that me, making sure there were no can be diverted from the statue and God bless you because this Chief Zebrudaya was plugging more eruptions. That is what I am building, visionless leadership confirms my position that the bane the elephant blue detergent. begging mummy to do. Please, be In his unique language, he the soft landing for all sides. Be would say, “are you are, try the the mother we clearly, really need. new improved elephant blue Engage all parties, calm nerves, detergent?” That was what was
Buhari Uzodinma Marwa Oba Ogunwusi THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ 55 LOUD WHISPERS on my mind as I listened to the friend Niji, and his brother joined. Ooni speak recently. The video The conversation dwelt so much clip had gone viral as people on the OBJ years, the situation were really impressed and now and the probable solution. amazed at his words. He spoke Kola is such a patriot, very very eloquently without reading passionate about Nigeria, forget from anywhere on the issues, that he no give me afang - he is causative factors of the Nigerian very confident that we will remain problem. He pointed fingers while a unified entity. My position expressing himself confidently exactly. After about three hours by and finally preferring solutions. the lagoon and as I was leaving, He begged that the youth be better he made a statement that really engaged otherwise, they become touched me. ‘Edgar, everything I willing tools in the hands of those have is here. Port Harcourt South who don’t want Nigeria. I loved East, North, South West, we cannot him that day, I really loved him. go anywhere. I have no Plan B’. This is a new and improved Ooni. My brother, my sentiments exactly, kabiyesi oh!. my sentiments exactly. God bless you. SENATOR FLORENCE ITA-GIWA DEFENDS ACTION BOLAJI BALOGUN – A PERFECT That is how last week, I said my GENTLEMAN mind about my mummy and her On my way to Abuja last week, I latest move. I knew she would not saw Bolaji Balogun. If you don’t take it lying low. That is mummy know him, he is one of the most for you. She has sent in her brilliant investment bankers and response, and I beg you all to read former chairman of Lafarge, or I and see her position. no sure again o. One big cement ‘My son, no vex, you are right, company like that. So as we were yes at 75 years of age, nothing Karim about to board, I saw him standing will please me more than to relax Ita-Giwa tall behind one mask. Once you and enjoy my celebrity status, KOLA KARIM – LUNCH BY THE Ikoyi home. He had called and see your Oga, you must know na. I attend events in eye-popping greet am. He say, “Edgar, how are outfits and so on, but when a LAGOON pretended he was expecting me I sha like to engage this my o. I knew he was not when it was you? How is work?” I say tough. He very driven digital governor like say, “You work so hard. It shouldn’t Senator Professor Ben Ayade brother. I enjoy his deeply time for lunch and na rice and engaging thought processes, fried plantain he give The Duke of be tough.” I say thank you sir. comes along with such verve As a rookie stockbroker, I used to and a vision that will lift my especially when it comes to Shomolu. I no want vex, because Nigeria, its economy and our na my friend, so I just chop the rice watch him trade stocks. He was a people and state out of perennial marvel to watch. His arguments, poverty, I am left with no option leaders. Kola is sound. He like that. Next time, kindly let him understands this clime and has know that you host the Duke with logic and trading strategy were all than to support him. Cross River very compelling. He had positioned State has had to bear the brunt a front-row seat, especially with afang. This has been gazetted, and the kinds of relationships he has even the Lagos governor knows himself as a major thought leader of many economic setbacks, the in the industry in later days and loss of our oil fields, then more built over time. This time, it was that. Anyways, we had a healthy no different as I walked into his conversation up to a point my continues to garner respectability. poignantly to me personally was A perfect gentleman he remains. the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon. Respect. In my position as a leader, it is incumbent on me to do all in my OLADAPO OJO – ALL HAIL THE power to ameliorate the hardship TRAILBLAZER my people are going through. In This my brother is doing things. doing this, I don’t mind being With a 6,000 square meter studio occasionally misunderstood by lot nestled downtown Ogba, Dapo people who do not feel the pinch. Ife is a consummate professional. One of the very best in her field, presides over the largest studio lot What you described as mimicry and it is no wonder that the secretary general’s office at the United in West Africa. With over 80 full- is what I know as the solution to Nations has snapped her up for a very strategic and important time workers, Dapo represents for my state’s perennial struggle with me what we should be as a people. poverty and underdevelopment. assignment with global ramifications. Ife is one out of nine in the In this era of pessimism and ‘na Industrialization holds the key world chosen for this assignment, expected to impact millions. I Buhari cause am’ excuses, people to unlocking the vast potential of always knew that Ife would make this kind of landfall, so I ‘gum’ like Dapo still stand out in their bold my people and state. I therefore her. Congratulations to my sister and many more garlands. determination to make a difference will not hesitate to do all that I despite the ‘situation.’ His studios can to promote it, which is why have hosted such large reality I accepted to be the Cross River programmes like the Voice and the State Ambassador for Industrial Africa-wide Cowbell Mathematics projects, even at the risk of Competition. He is, in fact, getting being mocked by less discerning ready to launch what he has called pundits. By the special grace the biggest Mathematics Contest in of God, over the years I have Africa. He is looking for the very amassed tons of goodwill both best 20 years nine students who nationally and internationally live TV would struggle to win N3 and I believe now is the time million in the most keenly contested to put it to good use on behalf Mathematics competition in Africa. of my state. I fully intend to Well done, bro. give this assignment my best, as I see it as the only path to NYESOM WIKE – ALWAYS AMUSES the economic liberation of my ME people. Last week, I talked about Wike In the meantime, let me assure and how he makes me laugh. He you that our Lagos-based ‘social even threatened to slap a colleague mother and son relationship’ governor and a few days ago. He is intact. In fact, I will be said IPOB juju does not work. I just instructing my chef to give so love this brother. His down-to- you an extra helping of snails earth approach really gets me. The and smoked fish each time you way he delivers his wisecracks with visit Echoes of Calabar in Lagos. a lot of seriousness just cracks me. Sosongo eyin mni. Great guy, please, your Excellency, Well you see the risk we take for what are your thoughts on the Nigeria. At least, my afang has not following people - Nnamdi Kanu, been threatened. Mummy na Osa El Rufai, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Ajanaku push me. I will send Tambuwal, Ayade that just defected their pictures for necessary action. to APC? Oya throw one bomb make Thank you. Fashola I laugh abeg. 56 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ
Adebayo Adeoye [email protected]; 08054680651
AGF’s Son Abiru-Rahman Abubakar Malami Quits Bachelorhood
Until recently, Abiru-Rahman Abubakar Malami, son of the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, was one of the hottest bachelors in Abuja. He is also one of the super-rich kids who ride in super-fly automobiles in the country. He is popular at the social scene and upscale nightclubs while hot and sophisticated babes swarm around him like bees to nectar. Young Malami, however, has quit bachelorhood following his recent marriage to Aisha Humaira Umar, daughter of Justice Ibrahim Umar, a former Chief Justice of Kebbi. At the wedding, graced by eminent personalities from across the country, their parents were in high spirits as they watched their children exchange marital vows.The wedding reportedly started at the popular Alfuraqan Mosque, Nasarrawa area, Kano State, with Dr Bashir Umar as the presiding Imam. Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State was said to have paid the bride’s dowry on behalf of the groom Thereafter, the guests converged on the highbrow Meena Event Peller Centre for the grand reception/ dinner soiree. It was gathered that guests were treated to the best of sumptuous meals and assorted drinks. Shina Peller’s The venue was breathtaking and came alive while it was decorated in gold and black. The bride was dressed in a flowing white gown flanked by the groom decked in dark agbada laced with a gold pattern as they Pristine both sauntered into the hall amidst pomp and ceremony. Before the wedding dinner party, the wedding proceedings had Abiru-Rahman and Aisha Initiative taken a week with a series of events like the traditional wedding called Governors of Gombe, Kebbi, and Zamfara; ‘Kamu’ and an Arabian night, where Abiru’s friends were all fitted in a Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammad Maigari onourable blue customized Jalabia and the Arabian headgear with camels to add Dingyadi; the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shina Peller has glamour to the day. Police Trust Fund (NPTF), Alhaji Ahmad Aliyu; undoubtedly proved Some of the guests spotted at the wedding included the Deputy Sen. Magnus Ngei Abbe; Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, to be not just one Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, along with some Senators; former governor of Borno State, among others. who is full of ideas but also one who Hequally has the zeal to ensure his ideas prosper. During his active days in Construction Colossus Hakeem Alobo- the thick of social activities, Shina never played second fiddle; instead, he dictated the pace. He made up his mind Bakare Counts Blessings at 63 to dabble into the political space, and at his first shot, blessings, as he would turn 63. The Business Administration graduate he made it to the House of Alobo-Bakare, a construction giant, is of the University of Lagos and Masters widely recognized as a man who has an Business Administration from Ladoke Representatives in 2019. Like indescribable passion for his calling. one prepared, Shina, with his Akintola University is a fellow of the He has successfully built a name for Chartered Institute of Local Government activities, has been able to himself in the nation’s property construction distinguish himself just as he’s and Public Administration of Nigeria. industry in the past years, owing largely to After a stint with the Central Bank of fast establishing himself as one his relentless efforts, unbending determination, who has a long-term project to Nigeria, he took a plunge into the stormy focus, and business acumen. and highly capital intensive construction execute. The businessman, who has been in the industry with the launch of his company, A few days ago, the warm embrace of fame for many years, also DHB Construction Limited. politician’s profile representing towers above many of his contemporaries. To the chagrin of naysayers who Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/ He also evokes a rare combination of critical scorned him when he left the CBN for Iwajowa federal constituency approval and public affection or even love. self-employment, Alobo-Bakare has in Oyo received a boost when This may not be unconnected with the continued to make indelible marks in the he set up a group named ‘The fact that he is audacious in his simplicity and field. Like a man with the Midas touch, his Lead Generation Initiative.’ brilliant in his business exploits. Interestingly, construction company has grown into a he also shares that strength with tremendous The initiative, replicated in Bakare conglomerate, with subsidiaries including different parts of the country, compassion and empathy. DHB Properties Limited, Hexagon Channelling his own experiences, he has is designed to coordinate the “Count your blessings; name them one Logistics, Temjob Limited, Eko Trans Afrik youth for the desired change personally touched the lives of countless others Limited, among others. by one. Count your blessings; see what who have had to confront their challenges. by properly channelling their God hath done. Count your blessings; Alobo-Bakare, a former governorship As gathered, the man who is also a aspirant on the platform of the All creativity, energies, and name them one by one. Count your many politician is not throwing an elaborate party, aspirations for the needs of blessings; see what God hath done,” so Progressives Congress, APC in the 2015 though. Rather he will dedicate the day elections, belongs to the A-List social clubs society. goes a song. thanking God, counting his blessings, and But that won’t be the On Friday, June 11, Hakeem Alobo- in Lagos, such as Ikoyi Club and Island praising Him with what He has done for him Club, where he served as the Social first time Peller had shown Bakare, Chairman, DHB Group Limited, so far. commitment to his electoral will have another good reason to count his Secretary for two terms. promises. In furtherance of his pristine vision, Peller recently organized a symposium tagged, ‘National Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson’s Endearing Feats Security & Peace: Role of Government, Citizens, and Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson, a lawmaker in Buoyed by this, he resigned as the Institutions,’ as part of the House of Representatives, is not a tyro in Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure in activities to mark his 45th politics. Lagos State to contest for a seat at the Federal birthday. Years back, he was spotted as a diligent House of Representatives representing Oshodi- The event was graced by public servant when appointed as the special Isolo Constituency 2. He was elected in the 2019 dignitaries from all walks of adviser to the then governor of Lagos State, Raji National Assembly elections. life, who took time out to be Fashola, on Works and Infrastructure, having In the past two years, Johnson is said to have part of the laudable initiative. worked as the permanent secretary, Ministry of impacted his constituents enormously. That can Besides, in his wife’s Works and Infrastructure. be seen through various ingenious initiatives company, Peller also used In recognition of his brilliance, he was and projects such as the FOOD4ALL during subsequently appointed as the Commissioner the Covid-19 lockdown, Meet your MP the occasion to lavish his for Works and Infrastructure by then-governor (a regular interactive session with the magnanimity on students of the Akinwunmi Ambode in 2015. people of his constituency), construction, School for the Handicapped, While he served under Fashola and rehabilitation of schools, and classrooms Adie-Omu Ekunle, Iseyin. Ambode, he was instrumental in landmark across the constituency. Other efforts During the visit, the projects that repositioned the state, including included skills acquisition and empowerment graduate of the Obafemi the novel Ikoyi -Lekki Cable Link bridge, programmes for youths and women, amongst Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Okota-Surulere Bridge Ago Palace-Festac Road, many others. offered massive life-changing amongst many others. Perhaps, this explains why he is touted as one empowerment tools as a He would later succumb to pleas by his of the few politicians in the state to hold relevant form of intervention for his people who were seeking quality representation positions of authority and leadership to better constituents. at the centre. society as the next general election draws near. Johnson THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JUNE 24 2012 ARTS && REVIEWREVIEW A PUBLICATION 06.06.2021 BETWEEN ART AND MUSIC, MOSES OYELEYE SEES NO GREY AREAS Quite early in his promising career, the visual arts and music have remained complementary passions for Moses Oyeleye. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke reports
n’t it rather curious that Moses Oyeleye – a. k. a. Leye visual arts and music would dominate his future activities. “For Moses – now blames it all on “No Gray”? Yeah, perhaps a period of a year and couple of months, before my admission this song, which was written and performed by the and resumption at the University of Lagos in 2014, I became an American gospel, R ’n B singer Jonathan McReynolds, apprentice to Jamiu Apewo from 2012 to 2014.” should take the blame for the virtual neglect of his Thus, studying art at the University of Lagos became a promising studio practice. natural sequel to his previous experiences, because – as he puts It was in 2017 when the University of Lagos graduate it – “it was like a DNA imprint that couldn’t be altered”. And first heard the song, which was released in 2012 as one of that, of course, foreclosed the prospects of any opposition from the songs in McReynolds’ Life Music album. This was thanks his parents. “My family knew I wouldn’t trade my passion toI a friend, who knew about his passion for the R ’n B musical for art for anything else. They take it as a divine calling, seeing genre. that no one else in the family shares the same interest. If I didn’t “I learnt the song and would sing the lyrics as if I owned study art, I would have studied music. I’m still hoping to get a them,” Moses says. Indeed, some of his friends, who neither degree in music though.” knew the song nor about McReynolds, actually thought the His first big hit came in 2017. This was when he participated song was his. “This was when the idea of doing a cover of the in the #DRAWCHURCHILLCHALLENGE, a drawing contest song started forming in my head. I got even more motivated to to draw Churchill Olakunle, a businessman and philanthropist. do it when I heard a cover of the song done by Alic (Paco) Walls, “Ten out of several entries were picked, and the first, second and who infused a rap verse into his version.” third place winners were determined by installation likes and For Moses, the option left for him was to “Africanise” his comments. I won second place, and was awarded $600.” version to distinguish it from the original. “Hence, I rewrote the Twice – in 2018 and 2019 – he not only participated in the lyrics and spoke to my producer about my idea on the instru- annual Life in My City Art Festival competition but also made it mentals and that was how my version came about.” to the grand finale. In 2018, he won the viewers’ choice category Talking about the song, it is basically about the human award, which was awarded by the Life in My City Art Festival’s struggle between doing the Will of his Creator and succumbing artistic director Dr Ayo Adewunmi. Shortly after the 2019 to his base desires. edition of the event, he participated in a three-man exhibition Besides music, Moses’ other interest is the visual arts. He is organised by Mbari Uno in the upscale Government Reserved unarguably among the leading artists, who work with ballpoint Area Ikeja. pen. He started working with the medium from as far back The artist, who prices his ballpoint pen works higher than his as when he was a Primary Three pupil of the Fresh Myrtle works done with pencils, has executed several commissioned International School in Okota, a mainland neighbourhood of Abused, a work by Leye Moses works in both mediums. Primarily influenced by the works Lagos. from the European Renaissance period, he admits admiring “Back then, I had a jotter in which I would replicate illustra- So, it is curious that he could blame his recent work on a cover some contemporary artists. As for role models in the local art tions from textbooks,” he reminisces. “Little did I know that I version of “No Gray” for neglecting his visual arts practice. scene, he mentions only two names: Ibe Ananaba and Austin was sharpening my skill with the medium and it would be my Haven’t the two passions harmoniously coexisted for so long in Uzor. “These people’s works are similar in style but they’ve got preferred medium years later.” his career? their uniqueness. Their pen drawings inspire me so much all Much later, when he was about to conclude his studies at the An unapologetic adept of representational art, Moses loves the time. Though their drawings look sketchy, I love the fact that University of Lagos, his proficiency in the medium had grown paying attention to details. “I’ve always been keener on repre- they allow the viewer to use his or her eyes to fill up the missing so much that it surpassed his own expectations of what he senting forms for what they are, rather than attempting to stylise blank spaces, which therefore makes them engaging.” thought possible. “It’s been amazing what I’ve been capable of them,” he intimates. “Since childhood, most of my drawings Now that it is settled that art is his life’s calling, he looks doing with the ballpoint pen between then and now. The first have been more of portraits than cartoons. I’d say realism comes forward to the future with optimism. “[Making art] is my major pieces I did then were the Prime Leadership series, which from my tendency to be a perfectionist. I love paying attention full-time business,” he says. “It involves adorning places and was done to address issues in the political scene in Nigeria, to details, but my style isn’t hyper-realism though it’s close. My rendering artistic services. With the aid of social networking, I featuring my colleagues in school.” works are seen with vivid layers of cross-hatching ballpoint pen see my works going places across the world. What this means Art, for this second child and son of a Kwara State-born strokes.” is that I have to stay true in this business and stay consistent. couple’s four children, has been a lifelong passion. This was It took his encounter with the late Chinedu Sunday, who Staying consistent is tantamount to how much I’d evolve and even when, somewhere along the line, music tends to interpo- was then a student at the Yaba College of Technology to launch how much mastery I’d gain over the medium. The goal is to late into this sphere of interest. He traces this complementary himself into a period of artistic tutelage that extended a little create works of timeless relevance, bearing in mind that art is passion for music back to his paternal grandparents, who were beyond his senior secondary years. still one of the best ways to keep records of important issues in folk musicians. It became evident soon after his secondary education that the society even for the sake of posterity.” FILMS Inside Tina docu-film: What Media’s Got to Do With it today. paying audience (180,000) for a solo performer Yinka Olatunbosun At the end of their tumultuous marriage with her Break Every Rule World Tour in 1988. in 1975, all Tina asked for was her name. But the media never stopped asking about Ike at ina, a 2021 American-British Although she has no royalty from the body of every interview- an unnerving daylight night- work that produced some of the greatest rock mare. After the 1993 biopic, she told the press why documentary film, directed by she would not want to watch the movie. Even Dan Lindsay and T. J. Martin. and roll hits of the 60s and early 70s like River Deep Mountain High, Nutbush City Limits though Ike took to cocaine and alcoholism and Produced by Erwin Bach, it and Proud Mary, she left with her name and eventually died, the media still questioned Tina trails the life and career of rock only 36 cents. Tina revealed that it was not about it. Ike and Tina Turner era was an indelible and roll legend, Tina Turner easy to get that name but she got it anyway. imprint in rock and roll history but does anyone T and it is not the first documen- She needed a new life and even though all the still ask Diana Ross about the Supremes? Or tary of her life. This version is American recording companies rejected her Michael Jackson about The Jackson Five? The particularly interesting because the focus is not music, she persevered. At last, she had to tell media felt Ike and Turner was ‘the story’ even just on a grass-to-grace story but on the trauma her story to People Magazine not because she as Tina continued to build an intimidating solo that trails the success story of a sexual violence craved public sympathy but so that the media career, acquiring luxury properties and yes, find- would quit asking about Ike and whether they ing love in the arms of Erwin Bach. Even as she survivor and the role that the media plays in was enlisted for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame building the box around a survivor, making still talk and other awkward questions. Shortly after this story, precisely in 1982, she signed a in 2021, there was an argument as to whether she freedom a mere wishful thinking. would be accorded the honour as Tina Turner By all means, Tina's story is agonising and deal with Capitol Records and her ground- Turner breaking record Private Dancer was released or alongside Ike Turner. As the first woman of the 2021 documentary was consciously done which had the hit song, ‘What Love's Got to do colour to break into the rock music industry, Tina's not to retraumatise Tina. Though she is still the Tina must have thought she had escaped the woes with it.’ The iconic image of Tina on the album commercial success cannot be watered down by protagonist in the story with her husband Bach of her life when she left Ike Turner after 16 years cover drew media attention to her hot legs. always tying the name Ike to every honour that within earshot, Tina wasn't made to recount of collaboration as performing artists in rock and ‘What's Love Got to do with it’ won the she deserves. While Tina was belting, dancing the days she was beaten or raped by her roll. Tina was everything to Ike: a student, a wife, a Grammy Award for Record of the Year, and sweating in heels, her ex-husband was husband and mentor, Ike Turner while her son babysitter, a lead vocalist, a sex slave. Tina felt a sense and it became her first and only No.1 on the controlling the whole spectacle and the business was watching. All those gory episodes were of loyalty to Ike who brought her to music. She was Billboard Hot 100. At age 44, she was the oldest of music. Would Tina ever forgive the media for played on audio with footages from the 1993 Anne-Mae Bullock with a raspy voice. Her stage making her life all about Ike? Time will tell. biopic, ‘What’s Love Got to do with it’ starring persona was inimitable. Ike knew this and promptly female solo artist to top the Hot 100. She set a Angela Bassett as Tina. gave her his last name which Tina cherished till then-Guinness World Record for the largest Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ [email protected] 58 JU;˜ͺͺ˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER INTERNATIONAL AU’s Subsidiarity Rule and Unconstitutional Change of Government: The Cases of Chad and Mali
he Principle of Subsidiarity (PoS) is of multidisci- in Africa: military coups, lack of free and fair elections, and illegal plinary application in international relations. Its VIE constitutional amendments aimed at entrenching in power the importance is largely explained by the fact that it incumbent governments and monarchies. In this regard, for deals essentially with the regulation of power and INTERNATIONALE instance, Article 28(E) of the Malabo Protocol, which is largely in- its exercise in the maintenance of international spired by Article 23 of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections peace and security, which is the primary objective and Governance, identified different acts that could constitute a and rationale for the establishment of the United crime of illegally accessing or maintaining power. The unwanted Nations Organisation in 1945. It is about the acts include a putsch or coup d’état against an elected govern- determination of who should have authority and how the author- Bola A. Akinterinwa ment; any mercenary intervention to replace a democratically- ityT should be exercised in a given situation or region in ensuring elected government; any replacement of a democratically-elected peace and security. Telephone : 0807-688-2846 government through armed dissidents, rebels and political assas- The understanding of the principle varies from one stratum e-mail: [email protected] sination; any refusal by an incumbent government to relinquish of society to another and from one discipline to the other, but the power to the winning party or candidate after free, fair and regular denominating factor remains common. Its origin is traceable to elections; any amendment or revision of the Constitution or legal Catholicism, the 1891 encyclical Rerum novarum by Pope Leo XIII, instruments, that infringes on the principles of democratic change who attempted ‘to articulate a middle course between laisser-faire of government or is inconsistent with the Constitution; and in the capitalism, on the one hand, and the various forms of socialism, event there is ‘any substantial modification to the electoral laws in which subordinate the individual to the state, on the other.’. the last six months of the majority of the political actors.’). Subsidiarity is etymologically derived from the Latin word, What is quite noteworthy is that, in spite of the foregoing subsidiarius, meaning ‘to help’ or ‘to support.’ Catholics consider provisions on UCG and abundance of efforts, coup-making has subsidiarity as ‘the coordination of society’s activities in a way that not stopped. In fact, it has not only acquired a notorious recidivist supports the internal life of the local communities... The common character, but has also prompted the main proponents of the good is the totality of social conditions allowing persons to achieve values and principles of UCG to begin to adopt a double standard their communal or individual fulfilment (Benedict XVI, 2008). approach to the problem of UCG. Put differently, how do we Politically, the PoS means that ‘all people have the right to partici- explain the fact that the same AU leaders or even the ECOWAS pate in decisions that affect their lives. It requires that decisions be leaders are now condoning the military coup, not to say an appar- made by the people closest and most affected by the issues and ently stage-managed killing of the Chadian leader, Idris Déby Itno, concerns of the community (vide https://www.caritas.org.au). In the and what is now referred to as a ‘coup within coup’ in Mali? eyes of Wikipedia, ‘subsidiarity is a principle of social organisation that holds that social and political issues should be dealt with at AU and UCG: the Double Standard in Chad and Mali the most immediate (or local) level that is consistent with their At a distance, the change of government in Chad may appear resolution.’ The emphasis of this definition is on the immediacy or quite difficult to be seen as a forceful change of government nearness of operational environment of the principle. because the President, Idris Déby Itno, was reportedly killed at From the perspective of the European Union, Article 5(3) of the the battle field. It was not that he was forcefully attacked by the Treaty on European Union regulates the application of the PoS: military with the ultimate objective of ousting him from power. ‘the area concerned does not fall within the Union’s exclusive Moussa Faki Mahamat, AU Commission Chairman However, at a closer look, the change of government was a reflec- competence (i.e. non-exclusive competence); the objectives of the tion of coup d’état per excellence. proposed action cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member continental body can be required. This is the AU’s understanding Without jot of doubt, following the early April, 2021 presidential States (i.e. necessity); and the action can therefore, by reasons of its of the PoS. In light of this, an attempt is made here to explicate the elections, which President Déby Itno won, the Chadian rebel scale or effects, be implemented more successfully by the Union PoS within the context of another AU principle of non-acceptance group, Front pour l’Alternance et la Concorde au Tchad (FACT: Front (added value). Without meeting these three conditions the PoS is of unconstitutional change of Government in Africa. for Change and Concord in Chad), with the support of the Conseil inapplicable. The origin of non-acceptance of Unconstitutional Change de Commandement Militaire pour le Salut de la République (CCMSR: As interpreted by uk.practicallaw.thomson.com, ‘in areas which of Government (UCG) is traceable to the early 1990s when the Military Command Council for the Salvation of the Republic), do not fall within its exclusive competence, the EU can act only OAU Seventieth Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers launched a military offensive from the Tibesti region in Northern if, and insofar as, the objectives of the proposed action cannot be mandated the Central Organ of the OAU Mechanism for Chad, from April 11 through 9 May, 2021. President Itno was said sufficiently achieved by the Member States, either at the central Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution to reactivate, to be at the battle field to defend the territorial sovereignty of his level, or at the regional or local level, but can rather, by reason of as a matter of urgency, ‘the sub-committee on unconstitutional country. Questions have been raised as to why he should be there the scale of effects of the proposed action, be better achieved at EU change, in order to finalize its work in light of the Harare discus- at that material time, when he was actually awaited in the capital, level.’ And perhaps more significantly, how does the PoS apply sions particularly, as regards the measures to apply in coup d’état N’Djamena, for celebration of his victory by his ruling party. in the context of the AU’s rule of non-constitutional change of situations occurring in Member States.’ It is useful to also note here Whatever is the case, the Idriss Déby Itno Government was able Government in Africa, and particularly in the context of the coups that the Central Organ talks about reactivation, implying that the to contain the military offensives of the FACT and the CCMSR. d’état in Chad and Mali? sub-committee on UCG once existed and apparently entered into According to the N’djamena authorities, eleven Chadian soldiers désuétude. It was the increasing cases of coups d’état in Africa that were killed, 58 soldiers were wounded, and one helicopter was Unconstitutional Change of Government (USG) prompted the need for reactivation of the sub-committee. The destroyed. The Chadian government also revealed that hundreds Grosso modo, the PoS is a general principle of international question therefore is how do we explain the fact that, since the of insurgents were killed and 210 insurgents were captured. relations, which not only promotes the protection of lower 1990s, coup making or unconstitutional change of government is More importantly, on the very day Déby Itno was killed on levels of government against unnecessary intrusions of central yet to be thrown into the garbage of history? the battlefield, 20 April 2021, his son, Mahamat Ibn Idriss Itno, governments, but also wants political governance, particularly, And true enough, the OAU adopted four measures in response who was born on 1st January,1984 in Massakory and is also a decision-making processes, brought closely to the level of the local to the UCG: adoption of common values and principles for Major General in the Third Armoured Brigade, was immediately or community levels. For example, the nexus between the PoS democratic governance; providing a definition of what constitutes appointed the Chairman of the Transitional Military Council, and AU’s principle of non-constitutional change of Government an UCG; articulating measures and actions to be taken in response that is, as the interim President of Chad. He already served as the in Africa is quite interesting because of the conflict in their power to UCG; and putting in place an implementation mechanism. Second-in-Command of the military for the Chadian Intervention implications. On the one hand, the PoS preaches that matters In terms of the values, emphasis was placed on adoption of in Northern Mali. Thus, he appears to have been put on the path that do not fall within the exclusive jurisdictional competence of a democratic Constitution; respect for the Constitution and of greater responsibility assumption. In this regard, three critical Member States of an organisation, and their pursuit of objectives adherence to the provisions of the law and legislative enactments; points are noteworthy about the appointment of Mahamat Ibn whose action céannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member separation of powers and independence of the judiciary; promo- Idris Déby Itno as successor to his father. States, should be left for the local communities to handle. In other tion of political pluralism or participatory democracy; democratic First, his appointment contravenes the constitutional provision words, the PoS delegates authority to the local regions to act on change principle and recognition of the role of opposition parties; on presidential succession in Chad. The Chadian Constitution behalf of the central government. organisation of free and fair elections in conformity with existing requires that the Speaker of the House, in the person of Haroun Empirically, the resolution of the conflicts in Chad and Mali, for texts; guarantee of freedom of expression, especially freedom of Kabadi, must be asked to take over the presidential responsibility. examples, should be left to the regional organisations to which the press; constitutional recognition of fundamental rights and Mahamat Itno, following his appointment, however, dissolved both countries belong: Economic Community of Central Africa freedoms in accordance with the 1948 Universal Declaration of the National Parliament. French sources have it that the Speaker States (ECCAS) for Chad and Economic Community of West Human Rights; and guarantee and promotion of human rights. Kabadi was actually requested to take over but he allegedly African States (ECOWAS) for Mali. It is only when no room can be The ultimate objective was to remove the three main problems declined the request. If this situation were to be so, was the military found for peace and security to reign that the intervention of the militating against entrenchment of enduring democratic culture takeover not a coup d’état, not a forceful change of Government, or an UCG in Chad? Second, Chadians pleaded with President Déby Itno not to In essence, there is a lot of beauty in the principle of subsidiarity and its application because contest the presidential elections but he ignored the pleas. The it seeks to bring governance, particularly decision-taking to the lowest level of, or nearest to, opposition elements believed that the president was on the path the people. There is also beauty in the rejection of UCG in the political governance of Africa. of imposing a monarchical dynasty or an Itno dynasty, especially with the introduction of a new Constitution in 2018. The 2018 However, in the case of Mali, for example, the PoS was naturally applied. The ECOWAS attempted Constitution, which was approved by 132 votes for, and two to manage the crisis. Besides, it was the people of Mali that wanted a change of government votes against, was boycotted by the opposition parties. The new by brute force or by manu militari. How should Government deal with people’s request in a Constitution increased the presidential term from five to six years, democracy? This is a question that the Muhammadu Buhari will also need to address in dealing reintroduced the two-term tenure that was jettisoned in 2005. with the many complaints against his administration. Threatening to treat people who never The new Constitution also changed the system from a semi- presidential system to a fully presidential democracy, and by so experienced the bitterness of the 1967-1970 civil war in the language they understand is, at doing, scrapping the office of the Prime Minister. The president is best, an expression of unpatriotic belligerence and poverty of ideas. Imposition of an unwanted therefore both Head of State and also Head of Government. Constitution is also manu militari and can only generate societal acrimony. PMB cannot be Third, the Chadian Constitution provides that in the event a preaching the gospel of national unity and the principle of Federal Character while remaining president is absent or dies, the Speaker of the House must take the chief driver of nepotism and alleged silent Fulanisation agenda. And true, with this type overpower for 40 days during which the needful for proper succession must be done. This was not done. of situation, no amount of PoS or UCG can be applied and be expected to provide good result. Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 6, 2021 59
Editor:Olawale Olaleye CICERO mail:[email protected], SMS: 08116759819 IN THE ARENA A Disturbing Rise of Afflictions Driven by unresolved statehood issues, poverty, youth population explosion, environmental triggers, non-functional education and clueless leadership, the nation’s security crises is spiralling out of control, writes Louis Achi
he late scholar and economist, Dr. Pius Okigbo, once noted that what was unfolding in the nation’s socio-political arena was comparable to an Athenian tragedy but lacking the majesty of a Greek drama. A verdict delivered many years ago, Okigbo’s insight, strangely relevant, simplyT distils the damming failure of the ruling political elite. Being Africa’s demographic and natural resources centre of gravity, much of the world believe Nigeria ought to lead the journey of transformative change on the continent and provide the leadership to raise Africa to her next level. But, then, charity must begin at home. Smouldering in the six geopolitical zones are crises of different hues but nonetheless with fundamental interrelatedness. The emerging conclusion is that the rising security challenges and sundry crises seem to connect to other social-political issues like ethnic national- ism, poverty, youth population explosion, environmental triggers, inadequacy or lack of functional education and others. When these core issues are juxtaposed with poor leadership, the consequences cannot be only imagined but are being felt by the majority of Nigerians today. It is hardly far-fetched to assert that Nigeria today, especially, under the Muhammadu Buhari presidency, is more divided than ever. Ethnic nationalism is rearing its head in the Buhari and Monguno South-East, South-West and Middle Belt with different political nuances – from the overt to the subtle. But, by the Senate, over the nightmarish and intractable security Kabir Adamu, a security risk management and intelligence perhaps, most importantly and to the credit of Nigerians, the situation in the country. specialist believes the Nigerian Army had so far failed in country remains one entity despite powerful forces that have It is no secret that terrorists and sundry criminals are taunt- its mandate despite the money released to it. He holds that challenged its growth and severely tested its resilience – but ing the Nigerian State and the government appears clearly Nigeria witnessed more cases of banditry, terrorism and just by the whiskers. helpless. One of the most dangerous dimensions to the infamy kidnapping during the period. At press time, it has been widely reported that bloody secu- playing out is that schools are being mercilessly targeted. His words: “What was the mandate given to them? Is it not rity operations are on-going in the South-East zone, especially, More than 1000 people have been abducted from schools to contain insurgency? Unfortunately, they have not justified it. in Imo State, with soldiers allegedly disregarding basic rules in Northwestern Nigeria since December in a rash of kidnap- If their mandate was also to curb banditry, they have not been of engagement. In Southern Nigeria and North Central zone, pings for ransom in the volatile region. Kaduna Governor able to do that.” armed herders continue with their depredations despite the fact Nasir El-Rufai has repeatedly said his state government will Adamu’s position was however countered by Col. Hassan that Southern governors recently called out President Buhari in not negotiate with “bandits.” Stan-Labo (retd.), a security specialist, who said the N1tn was their ‘Asaba Declaration.’ Clearly, with rising attacks against security agencies and not enough, describing it as a drop in the ocean. Stan-Labo, Incidences of kidnap for ransom, armed banditry, secessionist their facilities in the Southeast, terrorist and criminal turmoil who described the defence sector as a capital-intensive venture, activism and terrorist insurgency across board are scaling up in the North and detectible threats and outright killings in stressed that the sector’s neglect in the past years had created a with an over-stretched military practically treading water. the Southwest and South-South, many strongly believe the vacuum, which made the funding by the Ministry of Finance Recently, the nation’s security chiefs, including the Chief nation’s fate is hanging over the precipice. Many are also insufficient. of Defence Staff, Lucky Irabor; former Chief of Army Staff, wondering why calls for separation are scaling up. Today, even According to him, “The defence sector has been neglected Ibrahim Attahiru (now late); the Chief of Naval Staff, Awwal respected statesmen are morphing into activists. for too long by being starved of adequate fund and well- Gambo and Chief of Air Staff, Isiaka Amao appeared before a Recently, according to the Minister of Finance, Budget equipped inventory. This got this long, because as a nation, we jittery Senate in plenary. and National Planning Minister, Zainab Ahmed, a total of are not security-conscious. Even under this dispensation, you Also, present were the Director Generals of the State N1,008.84tn was released to the Army between January 2019 can see that there is no seriousness.” Security Service, National Intelligence Agency, and the Defence and April 2021. There is pretty little correlation between such a To turn around the nation’s current dangerous trajectory to a Intelligence Agency as well as the Acting Inspector General budget and results delivered so far by the nation’s military in large extent depends on the president. It is to the extent of his of Police, Usman Baba. This was in response to an invitation caging the raging insurgency. success or failure in this regard that the verdict of history pivots. POLITICAL NOTES Really, What’s Genocidal About Buhari’s Tweets?
he Twitter, last week, suspended President Muham- their case, they just wanted to destroy the country…Whoever madu Buhari’s account, after first deleting his tweets, wanted diversion or destruction of the system at this point, I think which formed part of the president’s response to the will soon have the shock of their lives.” security situation in some parts of the country and Above was President Buhari reacting to the unceasing carnage which Twitter categorised as genocidal. Obviously caused by an identified group of people – a situation many had incensed by Twitter’s poor judgment, the presidency expected him to look into a long time before eventually stepping too fired back on Friday and suspended Twitter’s forward – and yet, when he did, Twitter found the otherwise operations in the country. harmless but tough-talking tweet genocidal? How? Was Twitter TCut to the bone and dispassionately, what, really, was genocidal expecting the president to pat criminals on the back? about President Buhari’s tweets? First off, look at the controversial Truly, Twitter’s position in this matter was suspect and appeared tweets again, especially, the part that seemed to have caught to have thrived only on the mob rule. Whatever the inadequacies of Twitter’s attention: the president, Twitter clearly didn’t find the right reason to enlist in “Many of those misbehaving today are too young to be aware a fight it didn’t quite understand or in possession of the details. It’s of the destruction and loss of lives that occurred during the Biafra utterly a poor judgment on the part of Twitter, which must stop act- war…Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through ing as though it’s the government of the universe. Putting it straight, the war, will treat them in the language they understand. the Twitter decision suspending Buhari was a total misjudgment. Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed “I think we have given them enough latitude. They have made And the ban by the federal government? Just as idiotic! 60 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 6, 2021 BRIEFINGNOTES For Buhari, It’s Time to Act, Talk Less On the growing insecurity, Nigerians are becoming increasingly frustrated with President Muhammadu Buhari’s no action approach, writes Tobi Soniyi
resident Muhammadu Buhari’s tweets, wherein he threatened to deal with “many people misbehaving today” who “were too young to remember the deaths and destruction from the civil war”, continue to generate controversy almost a week after the statement was made. “Those of us, who went through the war will treat them in the language they understand,” he warned.P Many found the president’s statement not just objection- able but insensitive given the dangerous security situation in the country. Twitter, therefore, deleted it and suspended the president’s handle for 12 hours, which further irked the Nigerian authorities. The statement by the president has shown that he and his advisers did not correctly read the mood of the country or have deliberately underestimated the potential for escalation. Either way, the statement, many believed, gave the president away as someone, who was not genuinely interested in ensuring peace. This is not the time to issue threats. Beyond the condemnation and rebuke, however, it is high time the president adopted a different approach to resolving the multifaceted and perilous security challenges threatening to derail the country. First, the president needs to talk less and act more. Nigerians are interested in results and not talks or threats. Action, it is said, speaks louder than words. Nigerians have lost count of how many times the president had threatened Boko Haram, but the insurgents remain deadly. Second, it should have danwed on the president by now that it is either the security agencies are incapable of carrying out his threats or are unwilling to do so or both. The point is, none of the criminal groups terrorising the country is moved by the president’s otherwise empty threat statements. They carry on as if the country did not even President Buhari have a commander-in-chief. He once ordered that anyone found with an AK47 should Isn’t it ironic that a president, who helplessly stands them for talks. Talking to your adversaries is not a sign of be shot on sight. That order was never carried out. But by and allows kidnappers to forcefully take students for weakness. Nigerians want results and they want them very herdsmen armed with AK47 have continued to terrorise the ransom on a daily basis is now threatening to deal with fast. Nobody is going to crucify the president for achieving country. This much was admitted by the president, when those too young to remember the civil war of 1967 to 1970? a peaceful society by talking to agitators. the Presidential Economic Advisory Council told him that If the president had been decisive enough, banditry, Security agencies also need to up their game on intelli- insecurity had slowed down the economy. kidnapping, cattle rustling and herdsmen’s attacks would gence gathering. That the country is this insecure is evident The president said: “I said shoot anyone found illegally have become history by now. of intelligence failure. True be told, the security agencies as with an AK-47”, yet, they haven’t stopped, saying, “People If the president must know, kinetic power alone isn’t presently structured cannot thrive in intelligence gathering. must show consideration for their own country.” going to pull the country out of the brink. The military is It is like us versus them. That has to change. No one can As the president issued the latest warning, Niger Delta overstretched. The ENDSARS protests had exposed the deny the nexus between criminality and the economy. warlord, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo police as an institution that is not capable of protecting the Last month, Chairman of the Presidential Economic gave him and the Minister of Niger Delta affairs, Godswill people. Since then, nothing, in terms of logistic, has been Advisory Council, Professor Doyin Salami told Buhari Akpabio a seven-day ultimatum to reconstitute the Niger done to re-equip them. his effort to boost the economy was being thwarted by Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board or face a If the president is truly desirous of engendering peace insecurity. major breakdown of law and order in the Niger Delta. If in the country, he should start talking to those who are According to the council, banditry, Boko Haram insur- the Niger Delta joins the fray, Nigeria may be in for a long aggrieved. Heads of security agencies should put their gency, farmers-herdsmen conflict, separatist agitation and haul. education to use by advising the president to adopt a more organised violent groups, among others, cost the federation Policemen serving in the southeast, who could no longer conciliatory approach. In the Southwest, there are people, a whopping sum of $10.3 billion in 2020. wear uniform for fear they would be targeted and killed who can call Sunday Igboho to order. The president has For political and economic reasons, it is expedient for the would be wondering where the president is getting his idea refused to identify those people and seek their help. president to tone down his threats and explore more effec- from. They need protection and assurances, not rhetorics In the East, there are people, who can reach out to the tive alternatives. He must accept that his approach presently that further endanger them. agitators. The president should be humble enough to invite isn’t working hence the need for a review of strategy. NOTES FOR FILE Beyond the UAR Joke Since the idea was mooted that Nigeria should change her children from harmful, abusive and violent contentsonline. The name to United Africa Republic (UAR) and became a public core of the report, however, suggested that preventing children discourse, there has been a litany of jokes by both the Twitter from watching porn was an infringement on their rights. generation and the online comedians, many of whom seemed Really? to find the name attractive, somewhat. At least, their jokes say as This conclusion was reportedly based on a European study much. of 19 EU countries, where most children,who allegedly saw But, there’s an instructive takeaway from the swirling jokes, pornographic images were said to be “neither upset nor happy.” which the leadership cannot afford to gloss over and it is the The said UNICEF report further contended that 39 per cent of evident desire by many to have many things change about the Spanish children engaged in the experiment were happy after country, including her name, if possible. Many people, indeed, seeing pornography. now refer to themselves as citizens of the UAR and not Nigeria, However, disagreeing with the data, porn fighters contended with a matching flag already designed. that, “UNICEF’s report ignores the vast body of research Instructively, therefore, if the cost of convoking another demonstrating the harms of pornography to children. By ignor- national conference is too much to bear for the country at the ing the real harms pornography can have, UNICEF is playing moment, it can as well as dust up reports of the old ones, the roulette with children’s health and safety.” This was Lisa most recent being the one at the instance of President Goodluck Thompson, vice president and director of the Research Institute Jonathan in 2014 and implement. The message is clear: Nigeria at the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, speaking. as a union requires a review, going forward. It is the only way to Whatever UNICEF was thinking, it is shameful, embarrass- save the fragile unity and address the palpable injustices. ing and disappointing that an international agency assigned to look after children – a helpless demography – has elected to …And UNICEF’s Sickly Report put them in harm’s way. Can anyone trust their children with In her April 2021 report tagged: “Digital Age Assurance Tools UNICEF anymore? It may not be beneath them to suggest in the and Children’s Rights Online Across the Globe”, the United future yet to come reasons to start giving paedophiles a breather Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), in the community of sane people. With this report, UNICEF is a talked about how government policy could be used to protect huge letdown; a bunch of jokers! Vice President Yemi Osinbajo THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JUNE 6, 2021 61 CICERO/INTERVIEW Egbemode: With Oyetola’s Attention to Details, Osun Can Only Get Better In this interview with Yinka Kolawole, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Funke Egbemode x-rays the activities of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola’s administrationand how he is juggling governance with politics in the state
s the image maker of the state, how well would you say this government has fared with delivering on its mandate so far? First of all, I’ll like to explain the way I approached the job. One, we agreed at the pre-swearing-in workshop, a retreat for A commissioner nominees at Ada, where we had what we called the “Ada Declaration”. There we all agreed on how the state media should function, which is that we would operate One Newsroom. One newsroom means that the cabinet members and their activities will be pushed out and promoted by the Ministry of Information, where I am the Team Head of the Newsroom. The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ismail Omipidan, and I drive the media strategy of the administration. So far, it has worked for system. You will notice that there has been no retraction of stories and no confusion about figures on what the governor or the government is doing because everything is coming out through one source. The governor has been very supportive of the media machinery. He is a media-savvy gentleman, who wants only his activities and achievement projected. He does not believe in propaganda and does not court controversy. He is doing a lot to strengthen the information machinery of the state. For instance, we asked the governor to support us on what we now have as the osunnewsroom.com, which is the state news website, and we are gradually growing. We have people visiting the sites nationally and internationally. We are now growing the site to accommodate stories beyond government activities. You can now find national and international stories there, because we are not an island. We have come to realise that the osunnewsroom.com can’t just be about activities in the 30 local governments and Area office of the state. Now that’s how I’ve approached the job.
Before you came on board, there’s the issue of ‘State of Osun’ and ‘Osun State’ and that has created a lot of controversies over the years. Now, as Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, what are your takes about this and what has been your approach to reverse it? My job does not include how I feel but to be the image maker Egbemode of the state and the mouthpiece of the government. Whether it is State of Osun or Osun State, that is a matter to be resolved by These yearnings of the people were discussed extensively at the have the One-Stop-Shop in place to support Small and Medium Council and Court and I really should not talk much about it, State executive cabinet meeting. This governor doesn’t want to Scale Businesses so that investors will not come here and run into because its a matter that has been taken to court and it will be pretend to be a know-all governor. This is an education problem turbulent waters or bottlenecks. subjudice to talk about it. and it’s at the heart and root of any society and so, he put together The Governor signs C of Os everyday so that people, who need a team of experts, who sat for hours. C of Os to approach banks and other agencies are not discouraged. What has been the major activities of this government that In that committee of experts were former VCs, former principals We are working with Central Bank and other donor agencies has brought hope and still bringing hope to the people of the of schools, former Registrar of WAEC, representative of parents to make sure that our Agriculture efforts move from being just state? and other academic scholars, who came up with all the points that Agric to being Agric-business. We want to eventually become There’s a way to summarise what gives us hope in Osun and we reviewed. That’s how things ought to be done really. With a an exporting state, because Agriculture and tourism can generate what brought hope. You have a man, who took an oath just like man, who pays attention to details, Osun can only get better. employment. Don’t forget our Dagbolu International Market. any other governor but didn’t just sit in office to do a list of how In the area of security, we are doing something different with We want our people to import and use the Dagbolu many points agenda he will bestow on his people but a man, who our security, because security is not just about guns and bullets International Market, because the train runs from Lagos directly went round the state to feel the pulse of the state during a Thank but about intelligence and that’s one thing we have introduced into the market. It sits on a large expanse of land with facilities you tour and Citizens Needs Assessment. in Osun. This administration of Governor Oyetola places a lot of to accommodate large scale businesses, including a car mart. We The Citizen Needs Assessment helped the governor to assess emphasis on intelligence gathering and that’s one of the things want to compete with Lagos Trade Fair complex and we want our the needs, the gaps in sectoral development and he found out that that’s working for us. people not to look for trailers and truckers if they need to send their what the people of Kajola wanted was different from what the products or goods out of the country. people of Ikire wanted. What gives us hope in Osun is that we How is the government re-positioning the economy of the have a man, who’s passionate about his people, has a listening ear, state to better the lives of the people? We are running into the wet season, what is the state a governor, who didn’t wait for them to come and tell him what Mr. governor has said we should do more on the empower- government doing for farmers? they wanted. He went to them and that’s a new dimension to ment of the people and now we have gone into the realm of We just flagged off the Cocoa season and seedlings were given leadership. He listened to their needs, noted them all and swung billions in terms of empowering the people, even youths on small, to farmers. The world is moving beyond what’s wet season and into action. medium scale businesses. The Governor is of the opinion that you what’s dry season. As a state, we want to have a state that does Today, he’s doing something about the yearnings of the people can’t grow the economy by depending on the government. Osun all-year-round farming. We have in Ede a demonstration Farm, and touching every sector. He’s delivering on his promises and is bigger than civil service. Osun is full of civil servants that are where we are doing farming round the year,because we are using he’s an accessible governor, who’s for an-all inclusive governance. brilliant and making serious input into government. greenhouses and deploying technologies and training farmers. He’s very tireless, patient, and wants to do what’s right by his There’s no area of human endeavour that you don’t have Osun We will continue to work with Agric agencies within Nigeria or people and that gives us hope. If you look at what he is doing people, from aviation to medicine, Agriculture to Engineering. outside, for those who are interested in Agric-business, especially, across all sectors, you will realise that he’s determined to leave a That’s why the governor decided that what we really need to do our teeming young people, who are interested in farming business. mark, change how things are done and adjust to the needs of the is harness our resources, which we started in November 2019, by people, not just because it’s convenient but because they are what having an economic and investment summit to showcase what How far have you gone in the infrastructure develop- he has promised and because that’s what needs to be done. we have – from natural resources to tourism. ments? For instance in the education sector, the people told the governor Now, our tourist sites, for instance, are beyond what we can A lot of people felt this governor wouldn’t be able to do anything that they wanted certain policies changed. Indeed, the previous make money from by ourselves. We need to bring in investors considering the paucity of funds in the state but the governor governor already alerted the people of Osun that there would be from everywhere and that’s what we are doing in every sector. started with the most difficult task of all, which is paying salaries things his successor might change, when he came on board and We had the fruit juice factory that came to do its flag-off in January, in full. Even I was afraid, when he was sworn in and up till this so, when the people said they wanted the traditional, distinguish- the ethanol factory last year, and so on. La Campagne Tropicana is moment he’s not defaulted once. He has done a lot in infrastructure ing school uinforms back; that is what they wanted and that was interested in our beautiful sites and our free trade zone is equipped and like empowerment, infrastructure is a daily thing. what they got. They wanted the original names of their schools for businesses to thrive. We have even taken the gospel of ‘Osun is We have done plenty of roads and plenty of roads are also being back, the confusion in the education policy to be resolved, and that Open for Business’ to the Nigerian Stock Exchange. done even as we speak. Some of them include Oba Adesoji Ader- was what Governor Oyetola made happen. The governor is always about us doing everything to make the emi Way (East-Byepass), 17.5km; Gbongan-Akoda Road, 30km; You see, only Osun in the whole country had an education state attractive to investors. Just last week, we have the NIPC here policy that was not in sync with the national education policy. to show that the Ease of Doing business is important to us. We 62 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 6, 2021 CICERO/INTERVIEW Okorie: I’m Not a Party to Insecurity in Ebonyi
Hon. Linus Abba Okorie is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party and two terms member of theHouse of Representatives from Ebonyi State. He bares his minds on several allegations, including that he was involved in inciting and causing insecurity in the state. Benjamin Nworie presents the excerpts:
ou have been repeatedly accused for complici- APC, that some stakeholders probably your PDP party ties in some of the dire security situations men were plotting to destabilise the state just to discredit his in Ebonyi State, how do you consider the administration. How true is it? allegations? Well, if the governor raised the alarm that any person in any I’m surprised that anyone can accuse me of party or opposition was working to destabilise the state and he was insecurity in Ebonyi State. My response is that I doing that at the point he was defecting to APC, I am sure subject Y have no hand in insecurity. I have no hand in any to providing conclusive and reliable evidence, that remains in the plot and I have no hand in any that has been plot- realm of politics. It means that from November till now, he could ted. Indeed, my track record especially, through Caring Heart is one not provide a shred of evidence against any person, whether name who has the feelings and conditions and he who feels concerned or unnamed, it means he was playing on the realm of politics. about the welfare of the people. I wholeheartedly and openly affirm The question is: why will it be at a point of his defection that he that I am not part of any crisis or insecurity in Ebonyi State. I have suddenly realised that the people he was dining and wining with never been part except if anyone confronts me with any evidence, have suddenly become destabilisers? And these are people he has I want to let the whole world and Ebonyians know that I am not spoken gloriously about. People he had called fathers and brothers part of any insecurity in Ebonyi State. and mentors. That’s by the way, he is the Chief Security Officer, he has the information and he should provide it. It is shocking that the It is argued that the animosity between you and Governor governor would want people to be arrested and charged for inciting David Umahi was mainly, because the governor scuttled bandits and killing. your third term bid? He actually said these are the killers of your men, security men Definitely not. Indeed, like I mentioned early, I don’t know where on the basis of such frivolous reasonings as heard in the audio it all started. I have never risen against the governor. I have never recording. Let him be open and provide his number, I will provide spoken against the governor negatively. I even refrained from mine. Other PDP members will provide theirs. Let us hand them to, making critical comments on his projects and programmes for maybe, the National Security Adviser, maybe DSS, let them screen reasons that were personal, to give him absolute respect. and see who has been talking to the right and wrong persons and But when I saw that his aides, his commissioner had come out to will now know who is the one instigating crisis or insecurity in name me as the mastermind of kidnap, that my home was used to Ebonyi State. So, there’s no evidence, not even one bit of it in all the torture a kidnapped victim, and the victim, who even at that point, governor has said, when he decamped, after he decamped and it was in the public domain that an appointee of government was today while he is still in the APC. seen and identified positively as one of the kidnappers. It got me Okorie thinking and even at that, I held my beat. I was cool until I heard Interestingly, peace is gradually returning to the state an audio circulating that trnor personally named me and was shortly after the Ebubeagu Security outfit started work but everything must be done in a clear and transparent plan. working hard to put me behind bars for reasons of what I didn’t PDP members in the state alleged they are personal militia What law is guiding Ebubeagu? What is their role? If I have a do. In fact, no clear allegations at all. I bless my God. to fight the opposition members. Is this not alluding to the complaint against Ebubeagu, where do I go to complaint? Who is governor’s claim that insecurity has been politicised in the the Commander General? What is the command structure? How When Umahi was in PDP, you and other PDP stakehold- state, probably by your party? are they recruited? What is the vetting process to ensure that those ers expressed absolute confidence in his capacity and It is a thing of great joy to learn that peace is gradually returning Ebubeagu are not criminals, cultists or past convicts? How did they performance but the narrative has changed immediately he to the state. We all need peace. We all condemn insecurity. I still acquire arms? How are they certified to bear arms? To what use can joined the APC. Why? condemn any form of insecurity or crises. I condemn it wholeheart- they put their arms to? These are the issues PDP is talking about. At every point in time, expression of confidence is the function of edly. But if peace is returning to the state, it is the greatest thing we And the governor chose not to answer these clear public interest the time. And at that time, which is many years back, before 2019, can get. questions. when I spoke about the governor, he was on his first tenure and Be that as it may, while we pray and I pray for peace and calm You don’t hide the law. You and I should have the law, read what he was doing at that time was all OK. But in governance, to return to the state fully, I disagree completely that any return it and know when Ebubeagu has violated anybody’s right and you must continuously improve. He has remained too long on one of peace to the state has any attribution at all to the launch of know where to report or even go to court. Where is their office? spot, building concretes and houses. Ebubeagu. I have not seen any evidence of special efforts made The governor should provide answers to these questions, provide We had expected that in his second tenure he would have move by them. But, first of all, why is Ebubeagu a problem to we in the clarification so that people will stop seeing it as his personal militia, strongly and forcefully to the terrain of human capital development. PDP? It is not a problem to us at all because its a local vigilante. that is there to hunt his enemies and opposition. PDP has no We wanted him to look into tourism to now link up and leverage I have always supported State Police. Indeed, I voted for State problem with Ebubeagu if it is well done. on the infrastructure and roads he built. We had expected him to Police as a member of House of Representatives during the provide the enabling environment that will bring investors and turn constitutional amendment. But I hold great exception to the form There is this fear that crises are imminent in Ebonyi PDP Ebonyi from its current civil service economy to a private sector and structure of Ebubeagu that has been launched hurriedly by ahead of 2023 general election over varied interests especially, driven economy. Governor David Umahi in Ebonyi State. as the party has no definite leader that can take or veto some But what do we get? You set up a small business and you are He is the chairman of the Southeast Governors Forum. His elder decisions? taxed to death. They won’t give you time. They will just shut down brother is the security consultant in the South east. This Ebubeagu Any party that’s a big party that doesn’t have varied interests is your businesses. Its good to build roads. Nobody is taking that a was launched as Southeast security structure but as the driver of not a party. Any large family must have varied interests. But nobody way from him. You don’t just build road and believe you have just the Southeast group, it meant one thing: that there was going to should be worried about our varied interests in PDP. We are more build a state. Or you have built an economy. There are things that be an understanding, it means there was going to be a law passed than capable to harmonise our interest and come out stronger and must come together for those roads to function. You built ecumeni- in each of the states as announced, or existing ones amended to better. The truth is that if we don’t have this varied interests, we will cal center. Beautiful! We are Christians. Then to what purpose now accommodate a common structure, a uniform, an operational not be able to build a kind of coalition that we need to take back our that u have built? Are u attracting the national Christian body for modality, even deployment. mandate that was stolen and taken to the APC. use. Now, it has become a government hall. That’s not what it But only two days after, Governor Umahi, without any form of We are on rebuilding struggle and when the time comes, we shall should be. Nobody is fighting David Umahi. structure, without publishing any law that will guide it, without come together as a body of people,who are concerned. We get the Everybody is saying change methods. Factor people in every naming what the structure of Ebubeagu will be in Ebonyi State, result Ebonyi people want. We shall present a candidate in harmony programme. We are not castigating him. What we want him to without saying who is the Commander General, and so on. He as and that candidate shall be our candidate and Ebonyi people, who do is to move away from construction of concrete to building the the governor, rolled at people in a certain uniform and said they are PDP will vote that candidate as their candidate and we shall people. The truth is that there is need whether in APC or PDP for were Ebubeagu. continue from were stopped from the stealing of our mandate to the governor of Ebonyi State to know that what Ebonyi needs most There was widespread outcry saying they look more like the rebuild Ebonyi in the greatest. is developing the people. Not sharing money for God’s sake. With Assemblies of God warders. And he said that has been dissolved Rebuild Ebonyi in the security and welfare of the people and take education and health care, Ebonyi will be a great place. and pulled back. Only a few days later, we saw a group of people their interest at heart. And start to provide project and policies that he said he has launched Ebubeagu in Ebonyi State and suddenly are people-driven. We shall not be a government of deceit. We shall But the governor had earlier raised the alarm after joining armed. Ebubeagu is not a problem to PDP stakeholders. But not be a government of promise and fail. It shall be a government,
t Egbemode: With Oyetola’s Attention to Details, Osun Can Only Get Better t Continued from Page 61
Osogbo-Ikirun-Ila Odo, 40km; rehabilitation of making his people happy is another, securing It’s a state capital we are trying to invest in tion of roads is going on everywhere. Itaasin (St. Stephen) – Our Lady’s School – Police them is very important and improving their and bring more people into, it means more Divisional Headquarters, Modakeke – Famia environment for now and the future is also vehicles; heavy duty vehicles, more cars and Not a lot has been heard from water Road, 1.8km; Osogbo – Kelebe – Iragbiji Road, of utmost importance. He’s juggling all the more houses are springing up, because as resources. Why? 16.55km;rehabilitation of Ilesa – Iperindo – balls successfully to the admiration of even the more people are trooping in to do business, We are doing a lot in that sector. We have Ipetu Jesa Road, 30km; Odori – Adeeke Road, naysayers. We have done a lot of roads across they will need a place to live in. Everything two great guys manning the sector and they Iwo, 5.6km; completed, total overlay of all the senatorial districts of the state. is more and as we approach the extra level, it are are passionate about their assignment. The Ikirun (Idi Esu) Roundabout – Iragbiji Road, All the local government areas of the state was decided that our people will not spend day I found out what had been done in water 6.092km; Dele Yes Sir Roundabout – Okefia have benefitted in one way or the other from their productive time in traffic, so, we found resources, I was amazed. The special publica- Roundabout, Osogbo, spot patching of Isare Alekuwodo Network of roads, Ada-Igbajo and a way of funding our infrastructure through tion we did from this ministry, titled: “The – Ifofin – Iloro – Akewusola Road, 1.5km; Ede so on. It’s quite a list. Some of those roads had what we call the Alternative Funding Ap- First 24 Months” has a long list of things done Army Barracks – Ara – Ejigbo Road, Moro not been touched for 30 years and some didn’t proach. in water resources. Every Commissioner and – Ipetumodu – Yakoyo – Asipa – Ife/Ibadan even exist. Now, we are topping it with the That helped us to free up funds to attend to Special advisers in the State has been given a Expressway, Ada – Igbajo Road, 13km etc. Olaiya Flyover, because a city centre is a city other immediate essential things while we let mandate on what they should do and deliver And these are just a few. centre and a state capital is a state capital and the contractors fund those projects and we pay on and we are all doing that but of course, we We have a round peg in a round hole and a cannot continue to look like a rural area. This back later in instalments. This has helped the are all work-in-progress. leader, who thinks paying salaries is one thing, is an ancient city but with modern people in it. state tremendously and that is why construc- THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NE 6, 2021 63 David Ker: Soulmate: Welcome to the Septuagenarian Season
Olu Obafemi grips very early in your career with power in its many trappings and celebrate my bosom friend, brother demonstrated, in practice, how it and soulmate, David Ker, frontline can be used to nourish humanity. literary scholar, university and public Your achievement as an academic, administrator, profound intellec- scholar, university administrator (as tual and fine gentleman, as he turns Deputy Vice- Chancellor and twice Seventy today. We may not eat food as Vice-Chancellor and in public (the Tiv’s king of cultural cuisines) service as a former Commissioner dressed with bush meat (Nyam toho) in the Benue State Government- today, but I shall drink a little wine to your veritable platforms/laboratories safeI arrival at the portals of the Septuagenar- for locating your incredible deploy- ian Season. ment of positions of power for I do not find it difficult at all to write about the advancement of the humanist my bosom friend and soulmate, David Iyor- enterprise. The goal has always nongu Ker, at any moment or time and from been, for you, the improvement of any perspective of our lives together, which the lot who come across you in the is a year short of five decades today. What classroom, in university committees, may be difficult for me to do is knowing in bureaucracies, in the dog-eat-dog what to leave out, as too private and what is field of politics and in the joyous for our ears only in our banter-full, laughter/ social venues among friends. I had humour, anecdote-surfeited fraternal lives observed that your life aspirations together. This Tribute will therefore, in de- and motivations, as those occasions livery strategy, oscillate between formal and of selfless service have proved, direct manner of telling. This is because, it has always been informed by the is one relationship that has transcended the vocation of the imagination, which confines of friendship and has smashed the compelled, you, to tell a story from borders of kinship, and everyone marginally which humanity feeds and drinks; close to us know that we are simply insepa- to nourish the soul and help grow rable. Turning Seventy now, a year and two society achieve its possibilities, months after me, the only thing I may have from whichever corner of it you are had to lose is the privilege of taunting you privileged to operate. with this thing about being a senior citizen, As you turn seventy, beginning to which you have now, handsomely become, bend the curve of life downwards, with all his charms, relish and burdens. I inevitably, it is satisfying to see you am very delighted to welcome you, David, return to your original and first into colder clime of life; the Season of the love—from which I am proud to say Septuagenarians! Ker as a witness that you never departed And, I do not take this friendship for from—pedagogy, training the minds granted at all, as I know that you never done. It has been friendship you offered me, dear Noriega, but the that owns the future, critical thinking, and mentoring a relationship full of mutual sacrifices, understanding, paradox of life also is that, there are always things to of the generation that is succeeding ours. You dared, grace and coveted devotion. It has also been one jealous- say, where time is in deficit, but yet, unlike now, where in advance of many of us too timid to do so, to venture ly cultivated and guided, not just because it is difficult there is time in abundance, and words fail. Luckily, I into partisan politics, believing, as Tai Solarin once to begin to build new ones but also because the value it have heard occasions—at your Golden and Diamond admonished, that ‘he who knows does, he who does not has added to our lives, my life and I believe yours, bears Jubilees, at your Valedictory from BSU and the lectures teaches. Your life in academia was devoted to teaching clutching on to, and I am most grateful to you for being to which I have been invited to give speeches by your what you know and do, best. You plunged into the such a priceless pal. I would have loved to sing you a acolytes and disciples who read your mind and will, ajar-red jaws of a famished lion; into the murky waters song, but in what language, as we both, in spite of these that hardly are there many others whom you would of politics, out there, willing to dirty your hands so as to many years shared in each other’s mind and company, have preferred on such occasions to make speeches. help clean up the filth in the society of your birth, and and along with many of our other friends, we only share I borrow all those talks and lectures to express my by extension, the nation. In the end, that society, whose a smattering of each other’s tongue—Okun-Yoruba feelings and joy on this occasion of your entry into the grass-root wanted and believed in you, and whose in my case, and Tiv in yours. Yes, we know the social Winter Season. political elite, cautiously embraced the inevitability of nuances of our tongues, the rich anecdotes and idiolects, Yet it would be quite apposite, and relieving to share your capacious merit to help lift society, but only from a social behaviours, mores, lores and ethos of our mutual a just a few of those features and attributes of your life, safe distance-- was not ready for you. We, your friends, peoples on the lower Niger trough, where civilization as I have lived them with you, not for your sake, but for less daring and indeed timid to leap like you did into around here began; yes you sing one or two of Ajon what instruction it may bequeath to society, out there. the political terrain, allowed you, in fact encouraged/ songs and dance to the bits of my people’s Agbelege I am not talking of those achievements of yours that nudged you on, knowing that, giving the condiments music, just as I relish the rhythms of Swange, including Professor Google has eloquently provided—your fine and requisites for getting into the Government House its sensuous lyrics and body rhythms and the satirical scholarship, commitment to the academia and educa- (which should be the people’s house), you may not butts of Kwag-Hir, I cannot dress you in your Oriki, tion generally, your erudition, capacity for eloquence, get there. We let you dare because we know that after your cognomens, nor paint your exploit in the eloquence poetic brevity of profound thoughts; your perspicacious your plunge, the pond will never settle again until of Tiv thought, tropes and figures. So, a song will not do public intellectualism which carry the burdens of the the people’s dream for visionary leadership comes to to capture the twists and contours of our closely knitted underprivileged masses of society, your inimitable fulfilment. lives these many seasons. Neither, therefore will a poem mentoring genius delivered in palpable humility and This, my brother, soulmate, Noriega, as I said two do; despite the power of every word, every verse, to baritone and elocution in the middle of laughter great decades ago, is what I wish you in abundance; ‘that tease meanings out of the rough and tumble of life humour, and so on. Need I engage in the obvious your shadow never shrink nor your glowing light go Believe me when I say that your friendship has meant achievements which you have gathered in your strides dim or less than the glow-worm of your promise. That so much to me, as it has revealed to me, the boundless- without airs—as Head of English, Dean of Arts and of the plethora of your bright colours may shame both the ness and infiniteness of the possibilities inhered in Students in ABU, during which one of your students, chameleon and the rainbow. a genuine relationship, a relationship that does not Tanimu Abubakar, himself a Professor of over two de- That you match, toward old age, excelling in the count costs, nullifying distances and spaces, domes cades and eloquent literary theorist, painted as locating enterprise of giving service, hope and love to those who and heights, in all their manifestations. The personal you in the frontier of literary scholarship /discourse as a need it the most and that you continue to carry along sacrifices you have made for this friendship to subtend ‘political activity’ in ABU in the late seventies and eight- all those around you, struggling to find a way out of the are too weighty to debrief. Everyone knows that no ies in his Tribute titled Professor Ker and the Pedagogi- darkling deluge of our land, with courage, characteristic Obafemi event—social, celebrative, creative and profes- cal Transformation of Literary Studies at A.B.U. thus: humility, Spartan discipline and may you yet eat, on this sional- is complete without your physical, moral and ‘Professor Ker should be credited with the singular pres- part of life, the fruit of your laborious life—even as our mental involvement. The effortless ease which your tige of consolidating a political pedagogy for the study Season runs its course. shorten the road between Makurdi, via Abuja to Ilorin, of literature in ABU. He broadened and entrenched the At seventy, dusk time is nigh, but the lights are not just to be there with me; the incredible way you meet pioneering works of late Professor Ogungbesan (our dimmed yet, and there is still so much light that you 48 hours’ unfair deadlines to write Forewords, prefaces late teacher and mentor I add) by fusing literary studies can shed on our cloudy, foggy, national doldrums. And and blurbs to my books! The joy you show in take with studies of History, Sociology and Drama. In his you must (as indeed you have been doing in the last examination assignments in Ilorin (and I know else- very important contribution, Professor Ker centred the few years in Abuja and Keffi) embrace your profession, where) even as Vice-Chancellor and Commissioner, for grand-narratives of African discourse-History, politics teaching, mentoring, lighting the way to society’s the love of our shared calling! How many shall I count and Ideology in the study of Literature’. future. I join all the elders in our ‘tribe’ to welcome you in the plethora of Adepele’s teeth, dear David! Now, do I have quoted this pithy and apt perception of your to the Season of the Septuagenarians. I dare look forward to the future with trepidation, given contribution to literary knowledge and academia only And to you, Professor Mrs. Beatrice Ker, the cherub, the uncertainties and dangers in our insecure, violent to foreground the origins of your unique apprehension who bears and tolerates your restless search for theatre which our nation has now become, where every of the sociology of power politics, power ploy and its essence, these many decades, I can only say, keep on moment lived beyond every night, is a bounty, a bonus, strengths and limitations in our society, which as I have your enduring virtue of your fulfilment as this celebra- even as are turning the final curve in the journey of life? said two decades ago, you, among our generation, tion is also for you. There is so much to reveal, in appreciation of the were the first to embrace, or is it confront. You came to ––Olu Obafemi. 64 SUNDAY JUNE 6, 2021 • THISDAY SUNDAY JUNE 6, 2021 • THISDAY 65 66 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 6, 2021 CICERO/ISSUE ‘Buhari’s Borrowing Is Worrisome’
Samuel Iyapo is the Financial Director of the Nigeria Diaspora Network based in the United States. In this interview with Tobi Soniyi, warned the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to reduce the cost of governance and reduce its appetite for foreign loans. Excerpts:
igeria faces a number of challenges, one of change when elected into office. which is youth unemployment and restive- Our findings show that many credible people cannot partici- ness. How should the government tackle this pate in elections because they lack the resources. We will identify problem? such people, interview them and support them.We are also One of the reasons for youth unemploy- calling on the authorities in Nigeria to discourage godfatherism ment is urban migration, whereby everybody so that more qualified Nigerians can vie for any elective position. moves to the cities looking for white collar jobs There are various ethnic groups seeking to declare indepen- and because the cities cannot cope with the dence from Nigeria. Do you think this is the right way to go? number of people migrating to the cities, there is a blowout of In my opinion, restructuring would have been a better alterna- Npopulation in the urban centers. tive, the reason every person is yearning for independence is To reverse this trend, I will suggest a restructuring of the the lopsided appointments by the federal government and the economy by giving local government areas autonomy to enable none-fair distribution of the national cake. Nigerian is recognised them generate more revenues and create jobs. The councils in worldwide, because of our numerical strength. We can make the return should engage the youth by introducing school to land country work for everyone, if it does, no one will be asking for programmes. independence. In fact, our neighbours will seek to join Nigeria. Economy should be diversified from over reliance on the We should make the country work for all of us. oil sector to agriculture. There should be programmes by local No doubt, Nigeria is bedeviled by bad leadership, but do you government allocating lands to the use and supply them with think the followers have done well too? high-yielding crops. The government should give a monitored There are enough blame to go around. We all as citizens have soft loan to any youth ready to go into agriculture. Monitored faults and cannot exonerate ourselves from the issue of bad loan in the sense that such loan will be directed to the purpose leadership. We all encourage corruption one way or the other. for which the loan is given.The government also should make Our constitution gives room for censuring of non performing available free rentals of tractors and other farming tools to assist leaders, but because of the love of money, we have mortgaged the youth farmers. our rights to our rulers. The people’s reactions to prosecuting cor- Nigeria’s economy is seven times bigger than that of Ghana, rupt officials have been mangled. It is very difficult to prosecute but Ghana attracts more Foreign Direct Investments than a corrupt Yoruba man, because of the response from his people, Nigeria. Why is this so? who think he or she is being prosecuted, because he is a Yoruba It is a combination of factors. First is the problem of insecurity man. The same goes to the Igbo and Hausa/Fulani. We are all in Nigeria. People, including foreigners, are kidnapped on a Iyapo guilty because of the love for money. As a matter of urgency and daily basis. People can not travel from one state to another Local government, state, federal and even non-state actors will priority, can you suggest steps President Muhammadu Buhari without fear of possible attacks or kidnapping for ransom. In tax you. This discourages potential investors. They will look for a should take to stop the country from drifting into a failed state? these circumstances, it will be very difficult for foreign investors country where they face minimal challenges. As a matter of urgency, the President should address the to come to Nigeria, where the safety of people is not guaranteed. Nigerians living in the Diaspora send billions of naira home as nation and state the efforts he is making towards solving the Several investors have been kidnapped or killed. No foreign remittance every year, yet, they have no role to play in elections. security challenges confronting the nation. He must realise that investors will establish where they are not able to get returns. What roles should Nigerians in the Diaspora play to stabilise his economic policy isn’t working. He should form an economic Instead, they must pay ransom to free their workers, who are Nigerian politics and elect good leaders for the country? team that will steer the country in the right economic direction. kidnapped. It is long overdue for Nigerians in Diaspora to be given the The president should stop digging Nigeria further into debt. It There is also the challenge of inconsistency in policy. Today, opportunity of voting in Nigeria’s election. It is one of our goals is worrisome that the Buhari administration continues to borrow the government can make it easy for you to bring your money to work with the federal government so that we can vote in any instead of reducing the cost of governance to generate the needed in only to wake up tomorrow and throw in another policy that election through electronic voting including local government resources. They say when you are in a hole you should stop will not allow you to take your money out. Policy summersault elections. In the meantime, we have resolved to put in place digging. You cannot dig yourself out of the hole. Nigeria will sink scares investors. There is also the challenge of multiple taxation. a fund to support honest Nigerians, who can make positive further, if Buhari continues to borrow.
PERSPECTIVE Abdulrazaq: A Mid-Term Report
Raheem Adedoyin The ambivalence of the party’s national leadership has not helped matters. The National leadership deals officially and e is already on a projects commissioning publicly with Abdullahi Samari as State Chairman but they have mode; so, you can’t claim ignorance of the not publicly announced that Bashir Omolaja Bolariwa (BOB) achievements of Governor AbdulRahman had ceased to be Chairman. They should speak out. AbdulRazaq in Kwara State in two years. I applaud the reconcilatory moves of well- meaning leaders. The decision to go public with the projects The formation of a new executive committee of tge party at all the AbdukRazaq Administration has levels should bring the much-needed peace if reconciliation is executed since getting elected in 2019 is com- prioritized and pursued genuinely. mendable. It, at least, lowers the temperature The party crisis has obscured the administration’s sterling on the often manufactured negative news on the state of affairs performance on basic good governance and infrastructural inH Kwara. development. The opposition Peoples Democratic Party ( If you go by the recent press and social media reports, you will PDP) has lately regained some of its fractured gait but the real be forgiven to think that Kwara has lacked of good governance opposition to the state government is not PDP but the aggrieved since the last government was sent packing in 2019 in a gale of APC leaders whose cyber bullies have let loose their arsenals on electoral tsunami. the Governor and the Administration. They are destroying the The crisis in the rulling All Progressives Party (APC) in the party, not the Governor. state, the Hijab in school controversy and other negative news I love that the Governor is commissioning some of his signa- trended faster than the methodical execution of programmes ture projects- from the North to the Central and to the South. and projects across the state. My Oro District in Irepodun Local Government, is already in Well, Kwara is working; Kwara is making progress; Kwara is celebratory mood. Our flagship educational heritage, the iconic a model for good governance. All politics are local; If you live Oro Grammar School (OGS) has been given a complete face lift in Kwara, you would know all this. Mercifully, the Government (rehabilitation, renovation, new classroom construction and new Communication strategy is getting better and getting more equipments). Complementarily, the Ijomu Oro/Okerimi Oro coordinated. Junction –NITEL Junction (strategically linking the two wards Kwara APC scored an own-goal by mismanaging the good- in Oro District) is now an alphart-lay road, courtesy of the AA will that came with routing the 20-year old (not 16-year old) Government. This road project is so significant to us because all hegemonic leadership in the state. So unfortunate, so troubling. entreaties by Oro people since 1958 when OGS was created for As an insider, I know the genesis and dangers of the party that project to be undertaken, were unheeded. Until AA came to crisis. The Governor as the Party Leader does not sit well with our rescue. Thank you, Mr. Governor. some respected political leaders who wear the toga of _OtoGe_ The Governor’s mid-term report in the public space is very Godfathers. good. The political space, however, needs greater attention as They want the Governor to surrender or share his executive the next two years will be battle royale politically. AbdulRazaq authority with party leaders even when the opportunities and Happy Anniversary, Mr Governor. leveraging they have at the federal level have been self-serving. ––Raheem Adedoyin is a Journalist and APC Chieftain. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 6, 2021 67 with Chidi Amuta ENGAGEMENTS e-mail: [email protected] A Walk Along Biafra Street f all the ghosts that haunt the Nigerian land- In pursuit of this policy of total pacification, we are witnessing a scape, none are more stubborn than the restless fundamental reversal of the principle of all internal security opera- ghosts of Biafra. They used to return annually to tions. In a democracy, the protection of life and property ought to be possess their devotees. Now they have become the overriding objective. Instead, what seems to be going on in the permanent residents in our lives through the South East is a programmed denial of life and wanton confiscation social media and on television screens in our of private property. In the process, a deeper bitterness is being sowed living rooms. They have gripped the streets and and etched into the hearts of a people long used to seeing themselves now also inhabit the forests of familiar places. as ‘outsiders’ and victims of deliberate exclusion. A security strategy Last Monday was observed as memorial day by the people of the that deliberately endangers life, liberty and property in a specific OSouth East. It was Biafra Day, a solemn commemoration of the day region of the country can only heighten the sense of exclusion and of independence in what used to be Republic of Biafra. This year, worsen national insecurity. as in recent years past, various pro- Biafra groups had scrambled Something even worse is happening in the anti- Biafra security for headlines by routinely declaring the day a work free day. These operation. A certain insensitivity to the cultural peculiarities of the declarations were unnecessary. The day declared itself a memorial people is openly on display in the security template. You cannot day since the formal end of the civil war in January 1970. Since then, secure a people you hardly know. Consequently, the operation is de- it has become etched in the collective memory of all the people who fying and defiling every thing that the Igbo hold sacred. You do not still see this imaginary republic as an alternative home nation. arrest or abduct a male son in the presence of his widowed mother. The right to adopt a sanctuary of the mind, a destination of You do not go into a community and round up most of the adult collective respite where the collective mind finds solace in times of young males and take them to an unknown destination. You thereby tribulation remains the entitlement of every people afflicted with send a message to the community that their protective wall has been a bad history. The memory of Biafra, like all treasured memories forcefully taken down. You do not manhandle the head of a family of historical belonging, has been passed down the generations in the presence of his wife and children. These are all adversarial acts in the last 50 years. The force of communal remembrance of past that have little to do with securing lives and property in any civilized sadness is usually fired up by experiences of in a bitter present. In sense. In this culture, these acts are hubristic and hard to forget. recent times, a palpable uncertainty about the future of the Nigerian There is however a common crime to which these random common patrimony has amped up the burden of a troublesome abuses are being attributed. Every youth that is arrested, killed or historical memory for those who see Biafra as part of their authentic caused to disappear in the South East today is presumed guilty of identity. being a member of IPOB or ESN. No need for evidence. No need In solemn observance of this year’s Biafra Day, business and for investigation. No need to file formal charges or stage court trials. official activities in major centres of the South East were paused. The The crime is established; the investigation concluded and the verdict markets were shut, roads deserted and the ritual of money making passed. The penalty is the same: death not by judicial verdict. No which drives the lives of most of these people was suspended. Any one has yet shown us the membership list of IPOB or ESN or a camp intangible force that is strong enough to stop the Igbo race to pause Alkali-Baba, Inspector General of Police with weapons or evidence of organization. the reflex of money making, even for a short while, is strong enough or Jim Crow even in today’s America. These memories live on as Those who want to know why Biafra will not go away in a hurry to arouse genuine curiosity. determining forces of these different national histories. should take a trip to the South East now and observe the 2021 On the day before, which was a Sunday, some in these parts had Memory is the gathering place of experience. The sanctity of edition of the Pacification of the Lower Niger in progress under the chosen to dedicate their church services to a communion with the memory is guaranteed by the impenetrable wall of communal supervision of our own national police and military. Since after Lord spirits of the dead and return to the privacy of their homes after- anguish and past injustice. You can neither decree away nor shoot Lugard’s pacification towards the end of the 19th century, so much wards. It was not the fear of danger by errant youth or the violence down the power of a people’s memory. The collective memory progress has indeed been made. The colonial maxim gun has been of frenzied mobs that kept people indoors. If there was fear of of a people has a certain sanctity about it that demands that it be replaced by AK-47s and machine guns mounted on Toyota pickup danger, it was danger from bullets fired indiscriminately by soldiers respected and venerated as a sacred zone. No one else can feel the trucks. The jackboots of the occupying force and their victims have and police men sent to disturb the peace of those who only want to hurt in my heart. You do not go there let alone allow the irrationality not changed however. Neither has the doctrine. The power relation- be left alone. The observance of Biafra Day in some previous years of transient power to tempt an invasion of the sacred place of a ship remains the same: the hunters versus the hunted. had always witnessed the routine accidental discharges, deaths in people’s communal memory. It is an abomination. Individual On the contrary, there is now a new attitude to national memory cross fires or the indiscriminate shooting at crowds of people merely memory of past hurt is however a more restricted private place. It and history that is calling us from all over the world. It is inspired by out in memorial procession. The police and soldiers, always citing can only be assuaged by the passage of time and the soothing balm a new model of statesmanship as well. Sensitive nations remember orders from ‘above’, have tallied casualty figures that often conflict of love and fellowship. Not so for communal memory of hurt and the crimes committed by their citizens against their fellow citizens with those recorded by Amnesty International. Experience has historic injustice. or the atrocities which previous dispensations committed under the however taught these people that it is better to stay alive to witness For a people bound by culture and kinship, a bad memory can banner of the nation against other people or nations. future memorials by simply staying home while the heavy boots of become a place of refuge in times of tribulation in a larger commu- Only last Tuesday, President Joe Biden of the United States transient power trample the streets. nity. Nigeria has spent the last fifty years consolidating a segment of returned to Tulsa Oklahoma, the place that best captures the extreme The assumption that it is IPOB, ESN, MASSOB or any of the other the national community, the Igbos, as the ‘other’ Nigerians. Or, better violence of racial hatred in American history. There in 1921, white latter day partakers in the growing Biafra franchise that made this still, the Igbos have unconsciously spent the last fifty years literally hate in an orgy of insane rage massacred hundreds of blacks, burnt year’s Biafra Day ‘sit at home’ so effective is false. The increasing left out in the rain of national life. But an ethnic group remembers the down a unique business district that came to be called Black Wall uncertainty of life in a very insecure Nigeria has contributed. The past often as an enclave demarcated either by triumph or victim- Street. In returning to Tulsa, Biden went with a message of hope and discord among Nigerians about the future of the nation itself has hood and injustice. reconciliation and healing. Hear Biden: “Only in remembrance do spread the message of separatism and imminent catastrophe Nations are different. They have a more composite memory wounds heal… Great nations come to terms with the dark sides of widely among many Nigerians. In a time of nationwide uncertainty which is the sum total of all the communal memories that make up their past.” and insecurity, people naturally seek the warm embrace of home- the nation. On 13th February 2008, my friend the then Australian Prime Min- stead, the invisible protective wall of kindred and the reassurance of Unlike individuals or ethnic groups, nations remember differently. ister, Kevin Rudd, got the Australian parliament to openly apologize ancient beliefs and kind ancestors, The memories of a nation are also stored differently. They are either to the Aboriginals for the injustice of the forceful abductions of their Beyond the discomforts of present day Nigeria, however, the locked away in museums, frozen in monuments or celebrated in the children in an unjust programme of racist acculturation. Barely a Biafra experience hardly needs anyone’s prompting to be remem- ritual re-enactments of state ceremony. The best nations are those that fortnight ago, President Emmanuel Macron traveled all the way to bered. Official Nigeria committed a fatal error of common sense in confront their past boldly and appropriate even the worst episodes, Kigali to meet Paul Kagame. His mission was to literally apologize presenting this year’s Biafra ‘sit at home’ order as a test of will with nationalize and democratize them. for the negligence of France in failing to prevent or curtail the extent the separatist groups especially IPOB. Now that the order has been The difficult questions posed by national memory are best of Rwanda’s Hutu versus Tutsi genocide 25 years ago. Not far from obeyed massively, the government has lost a simple avoidable addressed and answered for the benefit of posterity. Biafra was not there, German Chancellor Angela Merkel sent a special envoy to psychological contest. The people of the South East obeyed the force just a tragedy of the Igbos or the peoples that once called themselves Windhoek, Namibia, to apologize for the genocide committed by of memory, not the orders of IPOB or the counter order of the police. Biafrans. It was a rude question mark on the false assumptions of German colonial soldiers against the Herero and Namba peoples in Biafra Day is simply a spontaneous pause to remember those lost in Nigeria’s independence. But for fifty years, Nigeria has confined what has come to be known as the ‘forgotten genocide’. a season of rage and hate. the memory of Biafra to a sectional ethnic pigeon hole. This is There is always a moral burden that leaders of nations must The Biafran war remains to date the single most memorable why each year, Nigeria marks Biafra season with special security discharge in dealing with the bad memories of their nations either in historical event in the history of Nigeria. It was a full -blown civil arrangements designed for the South East. This usually takes the dealing with other nations or in ugly relationships among sections war. People died in droves, an estimated 1 million, from bullets and form of massive deployment of battle ready soldiers and policemen. of their own populace. That moral burden remains a debt overhang starvation. The Igbos happen to be the one single ethnic group that To characterize these operations, Nigeria has literally exhausted the around the necks of successive leaders. Neither the passage of time bore the brunt of the war. To that extent, it has become lodged in their animals in the wild trying to name each special operation: ‘crocodile nor changes in dispensations can obliterate the pangs of an ugly collective unconscious as a trauma that will not go away. It will not tears’, ‘python dance’, ‘jackal parade’ … memory nor reduce the moral deficit of injustice. go away easily because the Igbo seem to have been singled out or Through these operations, the Nigerian state repeatedly reminds Fifty years after the end of the Nigerian civil war, no Nigerian branded by who they are for victimhood in the Nigerian experience. these people of the violence that precipitated the war in the first place. leader has found the courage to nationalize the Biafran experience as Better still, the Igbos do not need anyone to remind them of Biafra That violence is re-enacted annually in the multiple renditions, ar- national (not Igbo ethnic) memory. None has yet found the courage or the pain that lingers in their collective heart. No one needs to rests, senseless incarcerations and summary executions of innocent to appropriate the lessons of that war and make them national assets remind the Jews that the Holocaust claimed 6 million of them. The people. The repeated criminalization of memory is one reason why for the avoidance of a repeat. No one has been called to account for blacks in South Africa do not need to be reminded that there was Biafra has refused to die. Each seasonal show of force, each torrent the war crimes committed in that war. Instead, we have decorated Apartheid and centuries of injustices and violent racist oppression. of violence, each triumphal motorcade of armed forces through the glorified war criminals with senseless titles and fancy accolades. Successive generations of Japanese citizens need no one to remind streets of areas that no longer want to be battlefields is a deliberate We have invited the same scoundrels to re-assume the mantle of them that on 6th and 9th August, 1945, the cities of Hiroshima and irritation. These shows have only renewed and rekindled the spirit national leadership as if nothing happened between 1967 and Nagasaki were incinerated by nuclear bombs dropped by the US, of Biafra. 1970. We have awarded some of them huge oil blocs and generally leading to the death of 85,000 and another 35,000 injured. Twenty This year’s memorial has coincided with an atmosphere of wide- elevated them into a pantheon to whom the nation owes life time five years after the Rwandan genocide, no one needs to remind spread insecurity. A new Inspector General of Police had ordered gratitude. No Nigerian leader, military or civilian, has found the the Tutsis that there was a genocide which led to the loss of nearly a special security operation in the South East. He was ostensibly courage to apologize openly to the Igbos for the genocide committed a million Tutsi lives in less than 100 days. Nor do the Australian responding to a spate of criminal acts ranging from the torching of against them before and during the war. Instead, our leaders have Aborigines need anyone to remind them of their near extermination police stations to the unfortunate loss of police personnel. Reports on all relapsed into the psychology of victor and vanquished which has and the loss of whole generations of Aboriginal children forcefully the ground indicate this special operation has however degenerated now made Nigeria a land of winners and losers. taken away from their parents. No one can remind the African into an orgy of indiscriminate arrests, harassments, abuses, extra I am an unrepentant Nigerian. But do not ask me why I prefer to American population of the United States that there was slavery, judicial killings and routine disappearances of innocent healthy male walk each year along Biafra Street or why the fifty year old ghosts of racial discrimination, the Ku Klux Klan, public hanging of blacks youth in the region. We are yet to see any court arraignments. Biafra are doomed to return ever so frequently to torment us all. 68 THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ
News Editor: Gboyega Akinsanmi NEWS E-mail: ÑÌÙãÏÑ˲ËÕÓØÝËØ×Ó̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙטͽͺͻͽͺͽͻ Despite $30m Safe School Project, Bandits Kidnap 939 Students in Six Months Global Rights laments govts’ failure to secure schools Seeks immediate audit of $30m Safe School Initiative Gboyega Akinsanmi in May 2014 with $30 million 11, 2020, according to the 84 students in Hizburrahim relatives. thereby kidnapping at least 39 to prevent the recurrence of survey, was more tragic with Islamiyya, Mahuta village, On February 26, 2021, bandits persons. No fewer than 939 students armed invasion into schools the invasion of the Government Dandume Local Government invaded the Government Girls Also, the survey showed that have been kidnapped from dif- nationwide. Boys Science Secondary School, Area. Science Secondary in Jangebe, the bandits invaded Greenfield ferent secondary schools and The Jonathan administration Kankara, Kankara LGA and In Niger State, bandits a community in Talata Mafara University in Kasarami Village, tertiary institutions across the supported the Safe School the consequent abduction of invaded Government Sci- LGA, Zamfara where they Chikun Local Government, Ka- federation between December Initiative with N2 billion before 333 students from the school. ence College in Kagara, the kidnapped at least 279 students. duna State on April 20, 2021. The 2020 and May 2021, a new he handed over to President Precisely one week after the headquarters of Rafi LGA on On March 11, as the survey bandits eventually left the campus survey that tracks kidnap- Muhammadu Buhari in May Kankara incident, the survey February 17, 2021, leading to the revealed, the bandits forced their with at least 23 students of the ping incidents in schools has 2015. revealed that bandits struck abduction of at least 42 persons way into the Federal College university, five of whom were revealed. But the Buhari administration again in Katsina State on comprising 27 students, three of Forestry Mechanisation in murdered due to the inability With the rising incidents of did not prioritise the implemen- December 19, 2020, abducting staff members and 12 of their Afaka, a town in Igabi LGA, of the students to pay ransom. students’ abduction, Global tation of the initiative despite Rights, a Washington-based the frequency of armed invasion human rights organisation, into and mass abduction in asked the federal government to schools, forcing the House of audit the Safe School Initiative, Representatives to launch a a $30 million project initiated probe into the initiative under the Goodluck Jonathan The abduction of students administration to protect had continued in different parts schools nationwide. of the federation, compelling The organisation yesterday Global Rights to kick off cam- released the report of its study to paigns against mass abduction THISDAY, graphically showing and killing under the hashtags: the trajectory of mass abduction #NigeriaMourns, #NigeriaBleeds that occurred in secondary and #SecureNigeria. schools and tertiary institutions Tracking mass abduction in from December 2020 and May schools, the survey revealed 2021. that a group of gunmen in- Boko Haram, an Islamic ter- vaded Olagua Primary School, rorist organisation, kidnapped Ohordua, a town in Esan South 276 girls from the Government East Local Government Area Girls Secondary School at (LGA), Edo State on December Chibok, headquarters of Chibok 1, 2020, abducting one teacher. Local Government Area (LGA), Similarly, on December Borno State on April 14, 2014. 8, 2020, the survey showed Consequently, the Global that two teachers in Ohorhe Business Coalition for Education, Secondary School, Effurun, the GOING GREEN. . . a movement of businesses headquarters of Uvwie LGA, L-R: Founder, Lekki Urban Forest Animal Sanctuary (LUFASI), Mr. Desmond Majekodunmi; General Manager, Lagos State Parks & Gardens committed to ending the global Delta State, kidnapped at least Agency, Adetoun Popoola; Commissioner for the Environment & Water Resources, Tunji Bello; Special Adviser to the Governor on Drainage Services, education crisis, unveiled the two teachers in the school. Dr. Joe Igbokwe and Permanent Secretary, Environment & Water Resources, Belinda Odeneye, during the unveiling of urban regeneration garden to Safe School Initiative in Nigeria The incident of December commemorate the 2021 World Environment Day in Lekki Lagos... yesterday Tompolo Accepts FG’s Request to Constitute NDDC Board in June Sylvester Idowu in Warri He made these remarks in a The former warlord ac- into the matter because of his love the Ijaw National Congress (INC) should be allowed to drive the statement he issued yesterday, knowledged that the seven-day for the region and Nigeria, noting led by its President, Professor process to an end on or before A former Commander of the asking President Muhammadu ultimatum he issued last Monday, that he could not be compromised Benjamin Okaba, leaders from the the end of June 2021.” Movement for the Emancipation Buhari to constitute the substantive May 31 generated a lot of concern by money and other material Itsekiri, Urhobo, Isoko, Ndokwa Ekpemupolo disclosed that of the Niger Delta (MEND), Chief board of the Niger Delta Develop- in the polity things. and other Nationalities with the although he reluctantly accepted Government Ekpemupolo (a.k.a ment Commission (NDDC) before He said the ultimatum “has However, he said the only Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs, the outcome of the meeting, he Tompolo) yesterday agreed to the June 30 as a matter of urgency. generated lots of concerns thing one “can do for Nigeria Senator Akpabio in attendance, warned that nothing should derail request of the Minister of Niger He agreed to review the expressed by Nigerians hence in the trying times, where all at the traditional headquarters of the agreement reached. Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill early ultimatum he issued last machinery was put in place for the six geopolitical zones are in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Oporoza “As it stands now, I have Akpabio to constitute the board Monday due to the aftermath consultations among Nigerians, turmoil, is to pray to God for peace town on Thursday, June 3. accepted the outcome of the of NDDC before the end of June. of the consultative meeting especially from highly placed and tranquillity, particularly for “The minister has made the meeting reluctantly. It is pertinent Ekpemupolo, the Ibe-Ebidouwei held at Oporoza in Gbaramatu individuals and organizations the economic hub of the country, outcome of the meeting known to state at this juncture that I do of Ijaw nation, said he reluctantly Kingdom in Warri South West from the Niger Delta region, the Niger Delta region.” to the public. He promised not want anything to disrupt the accepted the outcome of the Local government Area (LGA), including the Minister of Niger Ekpemupolo said he welcomed profusely to start the process of relative peace we are enjoying in meeting with the minister, though Delta State by leaders, youths and Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill the consultative meeting of “our the constitution and inauguration the region. It was on this premise warned that nothing should derail stakeholders from the region and Akpabio.” revered traditional rulers from the of the substantive board of the that I accepted the outcome of the agreement reached. not any form of inducement Ekpemupolo said he waded region, Delta State Government, NDDC immediately and that he the meeting. Oyo Dares FG, Constitutes Special Task to Enforce Open Grazing Prohibition Kayode Fasua in Abeokuta Government House, Ibadan, Oyo with a focus on the attainment Makinde was particularly we will set up the mechanism. Makinde also expressed State capital, noting that the task of shared goals for economic appalled by the spectre of Fulani Certainly, we will implement it. frustration with efforts by his The Oyo State Government at force would be inaugurated in development and prosperity. herdsmen whom he sighted graz- It is going to cause a lot of issues administration to protect the local the weekend dared the federal the next two months. In response, the president ques- ing their flock on local farmers’ but we will implement it.” farmers, saying it was now clear government with a revelation In a 12-point communiqué last tioned the legality of the forum plantations, on his way from Describing the zone as the main that governors in Nigeria are not that it would not only start the month, the Forum of Southern to prohibit open grazing in the Ibadan to Iseyin in Oyo State source of the rating of Oyo as the “Chief Security Officers” of implementation of its anti-open Governors announced a ban southern region of the federation, on Thursday. the second largest producer of their respective states, but mere grazing law in full hog, but will on open grazing in all the 17 noting that his administration was Makinde, who sighted the farm produce in Nigeria, Makinde “Chief Logistics Officer”. also raise a special task force to Southern states, asking the federal working on other alternatives to scenery in company of his Benue said he would not allow such He said: “I signed the anti- hunt down defaulting herdsmen. government to support willing bring peace between farmers and counterpart, Dr. Samuel Ortom, income-yielding heritage to be open grazing bill into law in Makinde, also, said it was clear states to develop alternative and herders. had on the day commissioned destroyed. November 2019 but the police that governors across the federa- modern livestock management Makinde’s latest move came the 65-kilometre Moniya-Iseyin The governor particularly noted cannot implement it, because they tion “are not the Chief Security systems. on the heels of a joint decision by road, which his administration that the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo are watching the body language Officers” of their respective states, The forum noted that the unity the southern governors to outlaw constructed. State, which the new road passes of their bosses in Abuja. The but mere Chief Logistics Officer.” of the country should be “on the open-grazing, amid concerns over At the session Friday, Makinde through Amotekun (Southwest security The state governor, Mr. Seyi basis of justice, fairness, equity and recurring Fulani herdsmen attacks said: “Give us eight weeks, there is remains the food basket of corps) were trying to implement Makinde revealed this plan at oneness and peaceful co-existence and cases of kidnapping, assault, going to be a task force on open- the country and should not be our anti grazing law but the police a session with journalists at the between and among its peoples and raping, traced to the herders. grazing. In the course of time, allowed to be destroyed. stopped them. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ 69 NEWSXTRA Foreign Banks Enabling Corruption in Nigeria, TI Alleges Canvasses review of stolen asset recovery regime6D\VUHFRYHUHGDVVHWVPXVWEHQHÀWYLFWLPVRIFRUUXSWLRQ
Gboyega Akinsanmi punished.” from paying their fair share of Rafsanjani alleged that Abacha due to incompetence of the the victims of corruption “are He noted that Nigeria yearly taxes,” TI’s country representative might have stolen “close to $6 international oversight. not part of any stage of asset Transparency International “loses around $18 billion, most alleged. billion. He inflicted incalculable “More recent recoveries reflect recovery in Nigeria. International (TI) has alleged that international of it on tax evasion. International He said Nigeria had witnessed social damage on the entire the growing realisation that civil asset recoveries follow bilateral enablers headquartered in Beijing, enablers headquartered in London, in recent years significant re- Nigerian population. Nigeria has society needs to be part of the agreement, which oversee and Dubai, London and New York New York, Dubai and Beijing coveries of stolen assets from experimented with a number of monitoring of the management neglect the issue of identification are parts of every single illicit are part of every single illicit or abroad, noting that stolen assets modalities on the management of of the disbursement of recovered of victims.” transaction perpetrated in Nigeria, corrupt transaction of significant recovered from the late tyrant, international asset return.” assets and they should be part of In some cases, he explained costing the country $18 billion per proportion. Gen. Sani Abacha was almost TI’s country representative, the entire asset recovery process that some attempts “have been annum in tax evasion. “The current situation is $2billion from the UK, New Jersey equally, lamented that some early from pre-investigation to the made to prefer SDG financing or TI, also, observed that Nigeria very bad. Putting things into and Switzerland. recoveries were re-looted due to stage of disbursement of the pro-poor allocation of compensa- had witnessed significant recovery perspective, Nigeria loses about Despite what had been the lack of domestic management recovered assets.” tion. However, no real standard of stolen assets from different $15bn to $18bn annually to illicit recovered from the late tyrant, recovery framework and also Rafsanjani lamented that is in place.” countries worldwide, though financial outflows like money lamented that absence of a laundering and the likes. harmonised stolen asset recovery “Financial institutions, lawyers regime had led to the re-looting and other notaries help to of the recovered assets. facilitate Illicit Financial Flows TI’s Head of Nigeria Office, (IFFs) and Money Laundering Mr. Auwal Rafsanjani made (ML). International jurisdictions this allegation during a virtual that have become tax havens special session of the United Na- and allowed shell and shelf tions General Assembly against companies exist are also vehicles corruption, which ended on Friday. and destinations for moving these At the session, Rafsanjani illicit funds out of developing lamented that corruption in Africa, countries. especially Nigeria, “is aided by “We also have cases of big legitimate enablers that are only companies finding loopholes in seldom held accountable and tax laws to prevent themselves Igboho: No Election in S’West in 2023 Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti race was already weary of the Fulani alleged feudal and politi- A Yoruba rights activist, Mr. cal dominance in the country. Sunday Adeyemo (a.k.a Sunday He said Yoruba would never Igboho) yesterday threatened be slaves again to any other that there would not be any race, saying the only way “to election in the Southwest in 2023, actualise this is by having an saying the people of Yoruba independent country and regain IN HONOUR OF ONYENSO . . . Nation were weary of Nigeria. freedom from oppression.” L-R: Chief Operation Officer, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Tayo Adulodu; Managing Director, Pathfinder International Limited, Nckchi Igboho added that the Describing Nigeria as a Onyenso; NESG Board Member, Nnanna Ude; Station Manager, Lufthansa Airlines, Lagos, Adewale Sanni and Airport Manager, Nigeria British Airways, Yoruba people could no longer contraption, Igboho said time Adetoun Odejinmi, at the 1st memorial lecture of late Obinna Onyenso held in Ikeja, Lagos . .. Friday ETOP UKUTT tolerate the feudal and political was already ripe for the race dominance in the federation, to wake up from its deep and which he said, had been a long slumber and fight for its #EndSARS: 99 Corpses Deposited at LASUTH, Obafunwa Reveals source of concern nationwide. own emancipation. He made these remarks He said: “I am sorry for Gboyega Akinsanmi and and 24, 2020 be submitted to told the panel that the reports “to present the records of all yesterday during a pro-Yoruba coming late and I want to Segun James the panel. showed different degrees of 99 cases recorded during the Nation rally he addressed apologise for this. I went to Obafunwa made this disclo- injuries. period. Since he was told that in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State a meeting with some Yoruba Chief Pathologist of the sure before the panel investigat- He disclosed that a total only those three are from Lekki, capital, where thousands of leaders. That was the reason Lagos State University Teaching ing the Lekki incidents yesterday of 99 bodies were recorded he might have been told the youths trooped out to welcome I came late. Hospital (LASUTH), Prof. John while counsel to #EndSARS between October 19 and 24, wrong thing.” him. “Today, we are here to Obafunwa yesterday disclosed protesters, Mr. Olumide Fusika 2020. According to him, three Responding to Fusika’s Before his arrival, a rally sensitise our people that we can that at least 99 dead bodies (SAN) cross-examined him. bodies were from Lekki as request, Obafunwa said the staged by different groups, no longer endure the sufferings were deposited at the hospital’s During the cross-examina- recorded by the people who bodies were deposited by the led by Yoruba Nation and Ilana being meted out to us by Fulani morgue during and after the tion, Obafunwa stated that brought them in. Lagos State Environmental Omo Oodua under the leader- feudal Lords. We are no longer #EndSARS protest. prior to the deployment of Also at the sitting, Fusika Health Monitoring Unit ship of Prof. Banji Akintoye, took slaves under them. Consequently, the Lagos State the military to Lekki Toll said: “I want to prove to this (SEHMU), an agency in off around 11:00 a.m. with a “The South has oil and water Judicial Panel on Restitution for Gate Plaza, where youths panel that the claim that only charge of recovering dead large number of enthusiasts and other natural resources, but Victims of SARS and the Lekki were protesting against police three dead bodies were brought bodies. converging on Ado-Ekiti. Fulani are the ones enjoying Tollgate Incident ordered that the brutality, no one was killed. in from Lekki is not true,” Mr He said: “I do not go about At the rally, Igboho was them. Most of our university record of all 99 corpses depos- The chief pathologist, who Fusika said, while questioning scavenging for dead bodies. It is emphatic that there would be graduates are Okada riders being ited in Lagos State University was summoned to present the pathologist.” when they are brought in that no election in the Southwest in what our politicians who tell lies Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) autopsy reports on victims of Fusika requested that the we are told and it is recorded 2023, observing that the Yoruba recklessly have made us to be. mortuary between October 19 the Lekki shooting incident, panel order the chief pathologist where they were taken from.” Glo Excites TV Viewers Osunbor Seeks Review of Court’s Powers to Declare Election Winners with Super Story, Enakhe Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja a winner and for other persons of the judges sometimes by a Sagay (SAN), a member of the Nigeria’s foremost telecom- have become epics in television who took no part in the conduct split decision of 2:1, 3:2, etc., as team of lawyers that secured munications multinational, programming in Africa. A former Edo State Governor, of the election to declare a dif- the case may be. electoral victory in the court for Globacom, has continued to Likewise, the telecom giant Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, has ferent person as winner. “Elections should be won at Oshiomhole in 2008 as having excite television viewers with had produced and sponsored kicked against what he termed He maintained that the courts’ the polls, not in a court of law. echoed his opposition to the two television drama series, “Professor Johnbull”, a televi- the court’s usurpation of the decisions have rendered the They should be a reflection of hijacking of the powers of INEC Super Story and Enakhe. sion drama series broadcast on sole powers of the Independent word “independent” in the name the will of the voters, not the by the judiciary. In a statement by Glo the networks of the Nigerian National Electoral Commission of the commission worthless brilliance of election petition Osunbor contended that if the Corporate Communication Television Authority (NTA). (INEC) to declare winners in and meaningless, noting that lawyers or the will of courts court “finds that there has been Office Friday, the telecom But the statement at the electoral contests in the country. it is inherently wrong. of law or other extraneous a serious infraction or violation giant said the two series are weekend said the company In a memorandum he According to him, this has considerations. Every vote must of the law, which amounts currently running on primetime “is Headline Sponsor of the forwarded to the committee given rise to the emergence count because this goes to the to substantial irregularity or television. two series currently running currently collating views on the of elected officials who were very foundation of democracy.” substantial non-compliance Globacom, the grandmasters on primetime television. review of the 1999 constitution, rejected at the polls by the voters, Osunbor observed that former in the election, the tribunal of data, had unveiled as the “We are delighted to support Osunbor argued that the law but emerged through the courts President Goodluck Jonathan or court could and should headline sponsor of Super Super Story to continue to could not have envisaged that as winners in total disregard for and Mr Adams Oshiomhole, nullify the election and order Story on African Independent excite some of our esteemed INEC will share its powers with the will of the majority of the who were beneficiaries of a rerun. Television (AIT). subscribers who watch the any other authority or organ of people that heeded the call to court-ordered electoral victory, “Anything beyond that, puts It had supported the pro- drama series. government. perform their civic duty. had recently spoken against the the judiciary and its impartial- gramme, which had earned “Super Story is chock-full Osunbor, a professor of law, “The essence of democracy is usurpation of the constitutional ity in a dangerous situation a good reputation in family with viable lessons on slices described it as a serious aber- thus defeated. Elections to that rights of voters to elect their where its integrity can be called entertainment with its track of life bordering on vices, venal ration, for the commission to extent, have ceased to reflect the leaders through the ballot. to question as we have seen in record of productions that practices, follies and foibles. conduct an election and declare will of the people but the will He further listed Prof. Itse recent times,” he averred. THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ʹ˜ͰͮͰͯ 70 NEWSXTRA How Bureaucracy Stalled $3.1bn Customs Automation Project Tobi Soniyi Service modernisation scheme at not to be quoted. Minister of Finance, Budget and the government would earn about PPP concession for a 20-year period the cost of $3.1 billion. A finance expert also expressed National Planning, Mrs. Zainab $176 billion during the period. to Messrs E. Customs HC Project Nearly a year after the Federal However, nine months after the concern that government officials Ahmed had presented a memo “The main objective of the project Limited as a concessionaire for the Executive Council (FEC) approved a president’s approval, experts are who advise the president on approving the e-custom project for is to completely automate every delivery of the customs moderniza- concession agreement to reposition worried that bureaucrats had kept economic matters prefer to jump at the complete automation of the aspect of the customs business and tion project. This is a project that the operations and boost revenue the agreement under the table even foreign loans instead of exploring NCS processes and procedures to institutionalize the use of smart will not have an immediate cost to generation of the Nigeria Customs as Nigeria continues to take external alternative revenue sources. using the application of information and emerging technologies that will the government, the investors are Service, experts are worried that loans to finance infrastructures. “Can you imagine how much and technology in all aspects of enhance the statutory function of providing all of the financing and a formal agreement has not been “How do you explain that leaking revenue would have been Customs administration. the Nigerian Customs Service in this revenue will be deployed in signed by parties thereby stalling government officials have dithered plugged if this scheme had taken Rising from the FEC meeting, the areas of revenue generation, three phases and they will look over the take off of the project. for nine months on a project off early in the current year? But Zainab had told journalists that the trade facilitation and enhancement the investment in the concessionary On September 2, 2020, the approved by the highest organ the fat cats at the ports and customs concession to Messrs E. Customs of security,” the minister further period of 20 years. Federal Executive Council presided of government and nobody is would rather prefer the status quo,” HC Projects Nigeria Limited would explained. “The key point is that it is not over by President Muhammadu asking any questions,” a retired said the top banker based in Lagos. last twenty years. She said the project was costing the Federal Government Buhari ratified the Nigeria Customs permanent secretary said, asking At the FEC meeting last year, the She said it was projected that approved as a Public-Private- one thing, the $3.1 billion being Partnership model and that the proposed will be sourced by the Federal Government would not sponsors and the partners” the Wamakko Asks S’East to Stop Attacks on Northerners invest any funds in the scheme. minister had emphasised. She said the project would be The Nigeria Customs Modernisa- Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja He noted that what could have we have been under intense pres- pay back the aggressor will not be solely financed by a consortium tion project, before presentation to been dismissed, as the action of a sure over the current situation. good for everybody,” he added. led by Messrs Y Technologies with FEC for approval, went through A former Sokoto State Gov- few ‘misguided’ youths “is now We cannot bear it any longer. If Wamakko lamented that many four other members. a rigorous diligence test which ernor, Senator Aliyu Wamakko clearly becoming an agenda for leaders from the Southeast feel northerners living peacefully in According to her, the committee began in 2016 when 94 companies yesterday challenged the leaders which there is almost a wholesome they can allow their own people to some states in the Southeast have that led the process also looked at responded to a bid request by the of Southeast to stop the attacks backing from those who should do what they want, we may have come under undue harassment the National Trade Impact process NCS. of Indigenous People of Biafra have cautioned their children and no choice than to stop dousing lately while a number of them that has been going on for years In the exercise, 15 companies (IPOB) on northerners living in nip the emerging crisis in the bud.” the increasing tension among our have been murdered in cold blood and confirmed that the Nigerian were pre-qualified and invited to their geo-political zone. He stated: “I, like all well- own followers.” for simply coming from a section e-customs project is a subset of the make presentations on their solu- Wammako, currently a senator meaning Nigerians, have followed The former governor said there of the country. National Trade Impact and would tions expected to fully automate representing Sokoto North, noted with disbelief, pain and disgust was no part of Nigeria without Prior to the assassination of prefer the Nigerian Customs to all customs operations. that the northern leaders would the happenings in the past few its own share of discomfort and Ahmed Gulak last Sunday in play it’s lead role in the national Stakeholders had applauded no longer douse tension among months in the Southeast and parts even reservations about the state Imo State, the former governor trading platform. this impactful vision; especially their followers if the attacks on of South-South zones of Nigeria. of the country, saying addressing observed that tens of northern- She said: “Bionica Technologies the benefits of a strong partnership the northerners continued in the “While expressions and such challenges required sincere ers have suffered similar fate in West Africa Limited, Bargain with 100 percent attraction for Southeast. legitimate demands fall within the political engagement, not threats the hands of the increasingly Securities and Supplies Nigeria external finance and having In a statement yesterday, constitutional rights of all citizens and violence. emboldened IPOB militants. Limited are lead sponsor and no immediate cost to the NCS Wammako lamented that what in a constitutional democracy, it Besides, according to him, Wamakko noted that those kill- co-sponsor. We also have The or the Federal Government was happening in Southeast is sad to note that what we are quests for political answers to ings were largely under-reported Africa Finance Corporation as for all projects. Instead, it and South-south regions had witnessing today has transcended one’s grievances should never perhaps because the victims “are the lead financier and Huawei will increase revenue for transcended beyond genuine beyond genuine expression into be directed at hapless citizens not prominent and partly because Technology as a technical service the government, create expression into a full scale war a full scale war against Nigeria who are going about their own of a deliberate culture of silence provider. jobs, minimize smuggling and against Nigeria and a section of and a section of its peoples. legitimate business. in a section of the media about “So, the council today ratified insecurity owing to porous and its peoples. “As leaders of our own people, “The day the victim decides to what is happening.” Mr. President’s approval for the largely unmanned border posts. Corp Members Stage Unity March to Mark 48th Anniversary Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole NYSC Coordinator, Sokoto State, Mr thought they had towards other in Abuja Philip Enaberue said NYSC was a tribes in the country. symbol of unity holding the country They further disclosed that Corp members, currently together as an indivisible entity. before they came to Sokoto, they undergoing orientation exercise He said: “What we are witnessing held the view that the state was in Sokoto State, yesterday staged today is to tell the world that as not safe, but discovered that it a unity march to mark the 48th Nigerians we are one irrespective was the most peaceful state in anniversary of the National Youth of ethnic and religious background.’ the country. Service Corp (NYSC). Also speaking, a member of Meanwhile, the National The march was staged at the NYSC Governing Board, Alhaji Communications Commission time some stakeholders were Abdullahi Maishanu said NYSC (NCC) at the weekend donated 100 advocating for the scrapping of “is the most enduring scheme mattresses to NYSC Orientation the NYSC, citing the scheme’s that has promoted the country’s Camp, Kubwa, the Federal Capital failure to achieve its primary unity, integration and economic Territory (FCT). mandate. development.” Speaking after the donation, But thousands of corps Maishanu reiterated the state NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, members carried placards with government commitment to Prof. Umar Danbatta said they the inscription: “Unity is our the welfare and safety of corps were the NYSC to replace some strength. In brotherhood we members posted to the state. of the items that were stolen from stand. Shun cyber crime. Shun During the march, some corps the camp during the ENDSARS acts that divide us.” members, who spoke to THISDAY, protest when some miscreants Speaking during the march, the said NYSC had eroded negative came and vandalized the camp. Sterling Bank Unveils Africa’s First Free Banking Product for NGOs
Sterling Bank Plc at the account is for SMS notifications. costs down at this challenging time weekend unveiled Africa’s Ibekwe said the Sterling CARES when their work and support is first free banking services for “is open only to NGOs, legal enti- needed now more than ever by non-governmental organisations ties operated for a social benefit. It people with a low socio-economic (NGOs) christened Sterling is introduced to help them keep background.” CARES initiated to empower the NGOs. Unveiled in partnership with Sterling One Foundation, the bank disclosed that the new product would allow NGOs to operate their corporate accounts without account maintenance fee (AMF) and transaction charges. This was disclosed in a statement by Chief Executive Officer, Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe after the product was unveiled Friday, saying the only applicable charge on the THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JUNE 6, 2021 71
Edited by: Duro Ikhazuagbe SUNDAY SPORTS email:[email protected] Rohr Unfazed by Eagles Defeat against Cameroon Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report uper Eagles Head Coach, Gernot Rohr, has played down Nigeria’s 1-0 defeat by Cameroon in Friday’s international friendly in Austria, stressing that it is not important but how the teamS fared overall. The Franco-German coach stated after the game that what was impor- tant was having the opportunity to try out fresh legs. Despite bossing the game in the early stages, it was Cameroon who took the lead through Andre Anguissa. It was Cameroon’s Àrst win against the Eagles since the Ànal of the AF- CON 2000. The Eagles will have the oppor- tunity to make amends when both teams clash again on Tuesday. “The most important thing is not the result because it was just a test match,” Rohr said. “It was interesting to see some new players because we had to manage the situation and we did well, I think we had 17 shots on the goal while Cameroon only had three, they had only one on target which was the goal and we had six in target. “Like I said, the result is not the most important thing in a friendly, the most important thing is to learn, to see some interesting things, to test Super Eagles forward, Paul Onuachu (second right), sandwich between two Cameroonian defenders during Friday’s friendly in Vienna, Austria some new players and to see what we want to do in September for the to injury. it is an opportunity to play with three He added:”These test matches are right side and we saw Marcus who World Cup qualiÀers. “But I saw interesting things, we defenders and to change a little bit made to give chance other players. was also good and Valentine who “Our domination was not good had good integration of some new with the system and try something Of course I will love to play with my came in for Troost-Ekong in the end. enough because we had to score in players, three of them played for diͿerent that’s why we are happy best team, prepare them for the World “We will see in the next game if the beginning of the game but we the Àrst time. We lost two players to to have the second game.” Cup qualiÀers in the same conditions they can be in our 23-man list, now didn’t and when you don’t score you injury and it will be dicult for the He praised the performances of but it was not possible because too there will be competition and it’s get published.” second game because Troost-Ekong Terem Mo, Abraham Marcus and many players could not come so it good to give them the chance and Rohr revealed that William Troost- and Collins are out and now we have also Peter Olayinka after they came was an opportunity to see Mo, he all the time we are happy to have Ekong and Jamilu Collins will not be to manage the dicult situation. But on in the second half. did well, Olayinka did well on the young players.” in action for the second game due Fraser-Pryce Becomes Second-fasting Woman Ever over 100m Tomori to Jamaica’s two-time Olympic Grith-Joyner has run faster. in 2012. the national trials.” champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Grith-Joyner scorched to a world Fraser-Pryce, who took more than The result will increase the anticipa- Complete Milan has become the second-fastest woman record 10.49 seconds in 1988 before a year out of the sport around the tion for the event at the Olympics in history after running 10.63 seconds retiring less than a year later. birth of her son in 2017, admitted in Tokyo this summer. In addition in Kingston. Fraser-Pryce’s time eclipses the she surprised herself with her time. to Fraser-Pryce and 21-year-old Transfer This The 34-year-old, who also won 10.72 seconds run by American “Honestly, no, I wasn’t coming out newcomer Richardson, Rio 2016 World Championships gold at Doha Sha’Carri Richardson as the fastest here to run that fast,” she said. “Thank champion Elaine Thompson-Herah 2019, streaked clear to win a national time in the world this year. It is an God that I Ànish healthy. and Britain’s world silver medallist Week trials warm-up event in Kingston. improvement of 0.07 seconds on her “There was no pressure - I just Dina Asher-Smith have also put in Italian giants AC Milan Only American legend Florence previous personal best of 10.70, set wanted to get one more race in before impressive performances this season. have told Chelsea they will pay 28 Million Euros to sign Fikayo Tomori, Sky in Italy has reported. French Open 2021: Nadal Beats Norrie to Advance AC Milan are expected to Ànalise the paperwork and an- Cameron Norrie became the Ànal Open, then on the Barcelona clay after breaking decisively for a 4-2 nounce the transfer next week. British player to fall in the French - and both ending in straight-set lead. The 23-year-old defender Open singles as he was unable to defeats for the Briton. Nevertheless, Norrie was unde- joined the Serie A giants on an create a seismic shock against Rafael Going into the third meeting, this terred and played at a good level as initial six-month loan in Janu- Nadal. time at the place where Nadal has he threatened Nadal at the start of ary and was an important part Norrie, 25, pushed the 13-time been almost unbeatable, Norrie the second set. of the squad and this prompted champion in their third-round match, insisted he had “nothing to lose” The British number two broke for the club to make the deal but the Spaniard’s quality proved as he tried to avenge those defeats. 2-0 and 3-1 leads, but was unable to permanent this summer. The too much. The task was daunting, though. back up either with a hold as Nadal Serie A club have been in talks The third seed won 6-3 6-3 6-3 to Nobody in the history of the sport rattled oͿ the Ànal Àve games of with Chelsea in the past few set up a last-16 match with Jannik has been as dominant at one place as the set. days in an attempt to reduce Sinner. Nadal on the Paris clay, having won While trying everything and get- the fee agreed in January as the Top seed Novak Djokovic’s quest 102 of his 104 matches there on the ting little joy out of Nadal, Norrie option to buy him. for a second career Grand Slam way to his record 13 titles. refused to become despondent but Tomori played 17 league continued with another one-sided Rafael Nadal...cruised into next stage Even though the Spaniard turned saw the third set slip out of his grasp games during his loan spell victory as he beat Lithuania’s Ricar- 35 this week, he has been as dominant with a single break in the fourth with great performances, das Berankis. as ever as Norrie looked to end his game. scoring a goal against Juventus, Nadal beat Djokovic in last year’s same half. streak of 29 winning sets. “I thought I played great. I don’t helping them secured a UEFA Ànal and the pair remain on course Norrie had previously played That record was stretched further think I took enough risk,” said Norrie, Champions League ticket after to meet in the semi-Ànals this time Nadal twice, both matches taking as the 20-time Grand Slam champion who is set to rise to the cusp of the missing out on that for seven around after being drawn in the place this year - Àrst at the Australian comfortably served out the opener world’s top 40 after the tournament. years. T RU N Sunday June 6, 2021 TH & REASO Price: N400 MISSILE Book Your Osunbor on Role of Courts in Election COVID-19 Tests & Vaccinations “Elections should be won at the polls, not in a court of law. They should be TEXT‘COVID’ TO58123 a refl ection of the will of the voters, not the brilliance of election petition lawyers or the will of courts of law or other extraneous consideration” – A former Edo State Governor, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, while warning against the judiciary usurpation of Independent National Electoral This service is provided in association with accredited service providers Commission’s power to declare winners in electoral contests in the country. SIMONKOLAWOLE SIMONKOLAWOLELIVE! [email protected], sms: 0805 500 1961 And Four Nigeria’s Twitter Tantrums Other Things… indly permit me to start 2k. Could it be that government offi cials are so POLICE AND GULAK this article with a footnote. furious they don’t care about the role Twitter Something disturbing is becoming a I run a medium-size media plays in enabling the economy, even though characteristic of our security agencies: company that publishes an we have a ministry for digital economy? playing up ethnic divisions. When Ahmed online newspaper. We provide Some decisions taken by this government are employment for roughly 40 quite disturbing. They are further hitting the Gulak was killed, the police, in an offi cial young Nigerians. We do not battered economy below the belt. According statement, said the suspects were caught receive government subvention or subsidy. to some estimates, the decision to suspend the distributing onions stolen from a hijacked KRather, we constantly get — and promptly sale of SIM cards early this year because of trailer from the “northern region” of Nigeria. settle —government bills: VAT, WHT, PAYE, NIN registration led to a loss of over 10 million The amateurish police press statements corporate tax, education tax, and all that, aside subscribers. That was a big hit on the telecoms on Gulak’s murder are odious enough on the sky-high electricity and diesel expenditures. sector, which has been a major contributor to, their own, but for a security agency to be We work very hard to generate the revenue and sustainer of, economic growth for years, deliberately highlighting our fault lines is that keeps us going. Twitter drives at least 15 even during recession. While there is a strong utt erly horrifying. In 2016, the DSS issued percent of the daily traffi c to our site. We need argument to be made for national security in a statement saying they found Fulani dead the traffi c not just for marketing and meeting the SIM-NIN linkage policy, you also have to bodies in a grave in the south-east. Our the needs of our readers on the go but also to wonder if there is no other way of achieving security agencies shouldn’t be so brazenly earn some decent revenue. the purpose without injuring the economy. The You can imagine my disgust when the ministry quality of decision making is so atrocious. involved in playing up ethnic sentiments. of information announced on Friday that the Confi dence in the Nigerian economy is Dangerous. federal government was suspending Twitter currently not at its best and we can feel the because it was “undermining” Nigeria’s existence. impact in the data regularly rolled out by the TALK OR NOT TO TALK I would have sworn that it is the harsh economic National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the I am one of those who criticise President situation and the pervasive insecurity that are Buhari Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Investors always Buhari for hardly communicating directly with undermining our “the existence of Nigeria”. complain about our policy environment, in Nigerians. I am now having a rethink. While he Nigerians are hungry. Bandits and other species has been leveraging on the social media in its addition to a number of other factors. We could secession campaign. The Buhari administration appears aloof, he oft en spits fi re whenever of gunmen are kidnapping school children and do with a fresh infl ow of foreign investments as he speaks. Aft er the #EndSARS protests, he murdering Nigerians. Insurgents are on the had, in 2016, designated IPOB as a terrorist we face a dire forex situation (a dollar is now organisation. It naturally expected “cooperation” said: “The promptness with which we have rampage. Separatists are burning police stations exchanging for over N500 in the open market). acted [on their demands] seemed to have and INEC offi ces, and killing police offi cers. from foreign entities. On the contrary, Kanu We could do more to attract infl ows. But when I would never have guessed or thought that continues to grow in infl uence on Twitter and we take knee-jerk decisions as in the case of been misconstrued as a sign of weakness and deleting President Muhammadu Buhari’s tweet Facebook, regularly making announcements Twitter, we are not painting ourselves in glory. twisted by some for their selfi sh unpatriotic is what undermines “our existence”. and threats through those apps. His status The community of international investors is interests… Under no circumstances will this Buhari, while receiving the INEC management has also grown internationally. An American a closely-knit circle. They talk to each other. be tolerated.” My interpretation: “If dem born team at the presidential villa on Tuesday, had company handles lobbying and media for him. If I were in the room where the decision you well, continue!” And now, on the ceaseless condemned the arson on the electoral umpire’s The UK government surprisingly decided to to suspend Twitter was being made, I would att acks on INEC offi ces, he said: “Those of us offi ces. He said: “I received a briefi ng today grant asylum to “persecuted” IPOB members. have asked: why can’t we be civil a bit? Why in the fi elds for 30 months, who went through from the Chairman of the Independent National The “terrorist” tag is defi nitely not fl ying. can’t we write to Twitter, explain the context There is no doubt, whatsoever, that the Buhari the war, will treat them in the language they Electoral Commission (INEC) on the series of of the president’s tweet, dispel any links to understand.” Chilling. attacks on their facilities nationwide. These administration is uncomfortable with the role genocide, protest the decision to delete the tweet of social media apps in street mobilisation in attacks are totally unacceptable, and we will and request that it be re-instated? Why do we CONSTITUTION CHORISTERS not allow those behind them to achieve their the country. To us on the outside, it is freedom always behave as if this is the best Nigeria can evil objectives. I have assured INEC that we of speech — one of the fundamental freedoms offer? Why must our fi rst line of reaction be that The much-maligned 1999 Constitution is will make available to them everything they in the free world. After all, what is democracy Twitter is out to undermine our existence? Even undergoing a review again and Nigerians need to operate effi ciently, so that no one will without freedoms? But to those in government, in a room full of hawks, is there not a single are being given the chance to propose the say we don’t want to go, or that we want a they believe these platforms have become a dove who can take a deep breath and draw changes they want. There are no no-go third term. There will be no excuse for failure. threat to national security and are meddling out the implications? Or are people afraid to areas, to the best of my knowledge. But if I We will meet all of INEC’s demands.” in the affairs of the country by enabling those say their minds so that they too would not be know the rabble rousers very well, they will “In the area of security, we have changed the who are complicating the fragile situation. accused of undermining Nigeria’s existence? never make an input. They will be singing Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General, and Government offi cials are asking why Kanu To be sure, I would be the fi rst to say national is allowed a free rein to incite violence with in the media until the process is over. They we are demanding that they rise fully to the security is very critical. I am one of those who will then continue their campaign that challenges confronting us. There must be zero his tweets but the president’s warning on the believe that the social media would have to be consequences is deleted. only a sovereign national conference or tolerance for all those bent on destroying our regulated at some point in human history. I have whatever can amend the constitution. The country by promoting crime and insurrection,” he There have been subtle moves by the been saying that for years. It is a conversation added, and then dropped the ominous warning: Nigerian government to regulate social media the whole world needs to have someday. Social almighty 1963 Constitution — the “perfect “Many of those misbehaving today are too young but none seems to be working. It appears the media apps are no longer harmless — many constitution”, according to them — was just to be aware of the destruction and loss of lives deletion of Buhari’s tweet has fi nally afforded societies have been put at risk by the kind of an updated version of the 1960 Constitution, that occurred during the Nigerian Civil War. the government an opportunity to launch an materials being circulated on them. If nothing duly amended by the parliament. It was not Those of us in the fi elds for 30 months, who outright crackdown. In my opinion, though, is done, the basis of human civilisation would re-writt en or jett isoned. Fact. went through the war, will treat them in the everything is wrong with the decision to suspend eventually be eroded and the human society language they understand.” Buhari’s remarks Twitter — no matter how you look at it. If I could go wild. Globally, pressure is mounting OWN GOAL as well as the video were posted on his social was in a meeting where such a decision was on the tech companies to moderate what goes being contemplated, my fi rst question would My initial reaction when the Nigerian media handles. There was an instant uproar. on there. There must be freedom of speech, government started raising hell over the Any observer of the currents, however, would be: what impression are you trying to create to but there is also a responsibility that should the world? That you want to be playing in the deletion of President Buhari’s tweet by have noticed this government’s unease with go with it. Twitt er was: is this drama by Alhaji Lai Twitter — and, to some extent, Facebook — since same censorship league with Iran, China and Nevertheless, suspending Twitter is not the Buhari came to power. Although Twitter was North Korea? Government must stop giving solution to our security problems, neither will Mohammed, minister of information, worth deployed ahead of the 2015 polls to extensively the impression that it wants to suppress free it guarantee our “existence”. You cannot be it? For the life of me, I do not understand damage President Goodluck Jonathan, particularly speech. hurting your own people and your economy why there must be drama over everything in among the young and the educated, the tables My next question would be: beyond your anger because you want to get at Twitter. It’s not this country. Litt le did I know that something swiftly turned after Buhari’s inauguration. He that a tweet was deleted, do you understand done. The federal government must give room else was loading: the suspension of Twitt er started getting called unprintable names, with the implications of suspending Twitter at a time for dialogue and lift the suspension as soon as operations in Nigeria, thereby disrupting fake news and hate speech about him and his Nigerians are gasping for breath under these possible. To tackle the problems posed by Twitter, the lives and businesses of hundreds of government getting super-amplifi ed on the harsh economic conditions? A combination of we need to be very strategic and intelligent thousands of Nigerians and institutions. Even social media app. The climax, I suppose, was low oil revenues, the COVID pandemic and with it. Might is not always right. We should poor policy choices have hurt the Nigerian most of those who are very quick to defend the deadly #EndSARS uprising of 2020. Jack not throw the baby away with the bath water. the Buhari administration on every issue have Dorsey, the Twitter CEO, publicly supported economy, with the key rates — plus the one We should not cut the nose to spite the face. for unemployment — hitting the roof. Twitter found the Twitt er suspension very diffi cult the fund-raising efforts of the protesters. Attacking my source of livelihood threatens to explain or justify. This is an avoidable own There is also the little matter of Mazi Nnamdi is one platform where hundreds of thousands my existence far more than deleting a tweet Kanu, the supreme leader of IPOB. The group of young, self-employed Nigerians earn their from the presidential handle. Wisdom. goal. Foul. 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. 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