06062019 - NSECURITY: Danjuma, Lekwot, others take Nigeria's case to UK

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32—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com NEARLY four months after this year’s presidential election, the animus between the two leading candidates, President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and their parties is stronger and more deep-seated than during the campaign. Otherwise, how else can one explain the recent sensational, yet unproven, allegation by the Buhari government that Atiku and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, were plotting a coup against the president? Of course, lest we forget, Nigeria is a country where politicians talk and act with reckless abandon, where elections are characterised by intemperate language, mudslinging and hate speeches. Before coming to the coup allegation, here, for context, are some of the wild allegations and incendiary comments made by the leading politicians during the election. Take Atiku. He alleged that Buhari’s party, All Progressives Congress, APC, was training operatives in China to manipulate the card readers. The aim, he said, was to slow down the card readers in states where he was electorally strong, while accelerating them in Buhari’s strongholds. Now, if this allegation was true, it would obviously have amounted to a serious and widespread electoral fraud, warranting the cancellation of all the elections or their results, not to mention the prosecution and possible jailing of the perpetrators The reckless alarmism about ‘coup plot’ against Buhari of such a systemic electoral crime. Except that the allegation wasn’t true at all or, at least, not proven! Atiku provided not a shred of evidence to support his serious claim. Then, take Buhari. In one campaign rally in the North, he invoked the word “fitna”. His supporters called it a “joke”. But the dictionary defines fitna as “unrest or rebellion”. How, you might wonder, would the president joke with such a word? But it was Nasir el-Rufai, Kaduna State governor, who plumbed the depths in the hatespeech infamy. He reportedly told foreign observers that if they interfered in the elections they would leave in “body bags”, that is, dead! How could any responsible politician say such an abhorrent thing? Well, el-Rufai, to his eternal embarrassment, did. It was beyond the pale! All of which brings us to the allegation of a coup plot, by far the most reckless and insouciant behaviour, given its wider implications. In early May this year, the Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai, alleged that there was a coup plot. A week later, on May 14, the Defence Headquarters said there was a document in circulation seeking the overthrow of President No government in a democracy should make unproven allegations of treason against political opponents Buhari through a coup and named an organisation it called “Nigerian Continuity and Progress” as the group behind the alleged coup plot. The following day, on May 15, the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, ratcheted up the rhetoric by specifically linking Atiku and the PDP to the alleged coup plan. His words: “The PDP and Atiku were working to make Nigeria ungovernable with the intention of overthrowing President Muhammadu Buhari”. He went on: “Our interventions are based on credible evidence”, adding that “no government with the kind of evidence that we have – plans to subvert the power of the state – will keep quiet”. This was not the first time that the military would make allegations of a coup plot against the Buhari administration. There have been several allegations. For instance, in 2017, the same chief of army staff, General Buratai, said that “some individuals have been approaching some officers and soldiers for undisclosed political reasons”. This was widely interpreted as an alleged coup plot, and prompted a warning from the APC national leader, Bola Tinubu, to those “trying to entice the military out of the barracks”: “Don’t try it!” But this time, not only did the military allege a coup plan, the government explicitly linked a national political leader and a major opposition party to it. But if the government has the kind of “credible evidence” it said it had, one would have expected it to go beyond not keeping quiet and actually prosecute the alleged coup plotters. How many governments would have credible evidence of a plan to subvert the state without holding those involved accountable for their actions? Attempts to subvert a state or to overthrow a legitimate government are certainly serious crimes that shouldn’t be swept under the carpet! The truth, though, is that there was no such evidence that Atiku and the PDP were planning to overthrow the Buhari government. As Premium Times, the respected online investigative newspaper, recently put it: “There is no evidence that the document (allegedly seeking to overthrow Buhari) was ever circulated”. Leaving aside Premium Times investigations and findings, the Buhari government discredits itself by failing to provide incontrovertible evidence to support its weighty allegation that a former vice president and a leading presidential candidate and a major opposition party were plotting to overthrow it. On the Richter scale of political irresponsibility, the government’s coup scare was of the highest possible magnitude. No government in a democracy should make unproven allegations of treason against political opponents. For in such behaviour lies the seed of tyranny, the silencing of political opponents through trumped-up subversion charges. Surely, the government’s coup allegation against the opposition was reckless. Even sadder was the lock-step choreography between the military and the government. The Nigerian military is prone to politicisation. Yet, its integrity lies in being completely professional and apolitical. The unproven coup allegation hasn’t helped its image! Electricity theft regulation and timely law to salvage energy loss By Cyril Omote NIGERIANS are desirous of a growth in the power sector. Such growth or progression, hopefully, is to be predicated on regular power supply, eradication of estimated billing through the provision of meters to all customers and efficient service delivery by the distribution companies (Discos) who are at the end of the power sector value chain. Observers are quick to point out that such growth coming from a background with an order of magnitude of deficiency and inefficiency in the power sector caused by historical neglect, will require an associated order of magnitude of investment, commitment, focus, and patience, for its turnaround. Efficient electricity market is and continues to be a defined outcome of the power sector reform effort. The elimination of estimated billing, largely, is one of the expected outcomes for an efficient market. However, attainment of this efficiency is also predicated on other factors such as appropriate electricity pricing, increased generation, efficient regulation, forex availability, consistency of regulation and policy-making and implementation, favourable lending terms, and the reduction or absence of electricity theft that, unfortunately, have been the albatross of the sector till date. Good a thing the Muhammad Buhari-led administration has made the eradication of corruption in all facets of national life one of its cardinal focus. Analysts believe that corruption is not limited to financial crimes alone, as we have the siege in many facets of national life where people contravene the normal legal convention and shortcuts the benefits of many entities or people for few individuals such as energy theft. Therefore there is no gainsaying that electricity line disruption and stealing should be considered economic crimes in Nigeria, hence under the scope of operations of the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Little wonder then that recently the EFCC was reported to have begun the investigation into alleged collusion by some electricity distribution firms’ workers, consumers and meter manufacturing companies to steal electricity by bypassing the meter. It would be recalled that Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Works andHousing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, recently pointed out electricity distribution companies in the country are facing technical and commercial losses running at 75 per cent in some areas. Hence, making the sector not attractive to potential investors. Electricity theft can be defined as the illegal use of electricity service with the intention to avoid billing charge. It is a problem for the electricity supply industry in many countries with huge consequences in loss of revenue and danger to life and property. In developed countries, it appears to be more controlled which is evident in low levels of non-technical losses. The deliberate stealing of electricity is widespread and happens through various schemes, including direct connection to the overhead low tension distribution cables, bypassing the meter so that only a small load is connected to it while the rest are connected directly to the supply behind the meter or tampering with the meter to make its reading inaccurate. The deliberate stealing of electricity is more often than not aided and abetted by experienced (current or past) technicians who understand how the systems work. Executive Director, Research and Advocacy, Association of Nigeria Electricity Distributors, ANED, Mr. Sunday Oduntan, disclosed at a recent programme in Port Harcourt that the body has carried out a research on energy theft in the country and the result was disheartening. “One major challenge is the low level of power available for Nigerians, even the little that is available is stolen by consumers. “We have done a research that shows that 47per cent of installed prepaid meters are bypassed within the first four weeks of installation by the customers. Which means we have so many energy thieves in our country.” There is an existing federal legislation that prescribes a 21-year jail term for energy theft offenders. The law is now being replicated at the state level as states are expected to pass the law for implementation. The evil thing about energy theft is that those not involved are indirectly paying for those involved, hence the need for all and sundry to fight the cankerworm. If there is no energy theft the efficiency desired from power service providers will be achieved. It is, therefore, salutary that the regulatory agency in the power sector, Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has presented a bill to the Senate seeking a seven-year jail term for electricity theft. The bill is entitled: ‘A Bill for an Act to prohibit and prevent electricity theft, power infrastructure vandalisation and power company protection 2017.’ It was presented by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Steel Development and Metallurgy, Eyinnaya Abaribe. The commission claimed that stealing and sabotage were responsible for between 30 per cent and 35 per cent energy loss in the country. It frowned on some consumers who it claimed by-passed meters and also vandalise transformers and feeder pillars, among others. “If we fail to act decisively in correcting the ills of the power sector, including public power leakage, the opportunity for the country to recover could be lost,” the commission warned. In the same vein, worried by the spate of incessant challenges in the power sector Vandals and those who involved in all forms of electrical theft now risk twoyear jail term with an option of N2 million fine manifesting in the form of vandalism of electricity distribution network, equipment and installations, illegal tampering of meters and connections, meter bypass and other forms of electrical theft, Ekiti State government inaugurated the Ekiti State Electricity Regulation Act 2015 that makes vandals in Ekiti State risk a two-year jail term following the inauguration of the Act 2015 by Governor Kayode Fayemi. The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji said the law was made to protect suppliers and the users of electricity. The customers, he said, have responsibility to BEDC Electricity Plc by ensuring they do not tamper with electrical fittings, meters or vandalize transformers, while the distribution company also have the responsibility of providing efficient power with billing commensurate with power supply. According to the SSG, the content of the Act seeks to deter illegal and unauthorised use of regulated electricity supply as well as to protect electricity infrastructure. Vandals and those involved in all forms of electrical theft now risk two-year jail term with an option of N2 million fine. The law also mandates the establishment of electricity committees in all communities in the state to partner with the State Electricity Board in ensuring the prevention of trespass upon or damage to substations, buildings, cable, poles, transformers, electrical installation or premises appertaining to any supply undertaking or otherwise belonging thereto. The challenge of energy theft is so daunting to the extent that such theft of electricity and associated loss of revenue, may have compelled the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company to acquire and install an Integrated Commercial Management System, InCMS, worth N2.4 million to check repeated theft of electricity by consumers within its network coverage. Besides reducing losses to electricity theft, the automated system according to the Disco was equally expected to improve the service experience of its consumers. It is high time the wave of curbing energy theft took firm root in Edo State where the service providers, BEDC Electricity Plc., says between 30 and 50 per cent of energy distributed is lost to energy theft. It is, therefore, a timely step by the Edo State House of Assembly which mooted and passed into law the Electricity Theft and Other Related Offences, and Establishment of the Special Offences (Electricity Theft) Court and For Other Purposes Connected thereto. Tough times await illegal consumers of electricity in the state as the enacted law prohibits energy theft and other related offences and also establish a special offences court to prosecute offenders. It provides that an offender should pay all calculated loss of revenue in addition to being liable for an imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years if convicted by a court and payment of penalty and reconnection fee. Continues online •Omote, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Benin City
Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019 — 33 Okowa extols Utuama at 72 By Festus Ahon A State SABA—DELTA governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has described the immediate past Deputy Governor of the state, Prof. Amos Utuama, SAN as a committed patriot, astute administrator and a leader of impeccable disposition. Okowa in a statement congratulating the former deputy governor, who turned 72 years, yesterday, said the invaluable service of Prof Utuama to Deltans will remain indelible in their hearts. Okowa said, “It is with profound joy that I write on behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, to express our very warm felicitation to you as you turn 72 years today. “In the last 72 years, you have touched a lot of lives, from impacting knowledge as a law teacher, to serving as the Chief Law Officer ....As Delta community hails him on infrastructural devt By Ochuko Akuopha OLEH—THE people of Ikpide-Irri Community in Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State, have commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for the infrastructural development in the area. The people, who celebrated the second term inauguration of the governor at their town hall, noted that the construction of internal roads and drainage by the state government was about 80 percent completed. Speaking during the ceremony, President General of the community, Gbajabiamila has qualities of a Speaker — WAIVE THE member-elect for Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency, Delta State in the House of Representatives, Mr. Francis Waive, has said the incumbent Majority Leader of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, has all the qualities to emerge the next Speaker of the House. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Waive said Gbajabiamila was very much in the race for the esteemed office of the Speaker and the vice chairman of the National Assembly, calling on members-elect and contenders for the seat to step down and give Gbajabiamila unstinted support. According to him, “Gbajamiala is my choice for the Speakership. With over 17 years legislative experience working as Minority and then Majority Leader, I am thrilled by the way he treats fellow members. :Vanguard News :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058 and later as deputy governor of our dear state. You have indeed shown that you are born to serve and you served the state and the nation passionately. “Your humility and commitment to service is unassailable and this was even as a former deputy governor, you led our party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ughelli South Local Government Area to a resounding victory in the 2019 general election. ‘’Your charisma, exemplary life, and commitment to the growth and development of our dear state had been acknowledged by Deltans of all walks of life. “I join your family, friends, political associates and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for His continued guidance, protection and provision for you in the past 72 years of a life of forthrightness and outstanding patriotism with which He has blessed you.” Mr. Mike Omojefe said that the 30.05 kilometres of internal road was approved and awarded for construction as first phase of road projects in the community, disclosing that the second phase would soon commence. Thanking Okowa for the functional health centre in the community, Omojefe said medical personnel had been deployed to the area to ensure effective health service delivery to the people. He said the construction of the water tank would soon be completed and water treatment device installed before it would be ready for use. “He knows everyone by name and relates with everyone as though you were the one and only member of the House. His sound education as a lawyer and solid contacts in the polity stand him out. Fortunately, he is the candidate of my party, the All Progressives Congress. “So it is natural for the Majority Leader and his deputy, Wase to step in as Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively.” WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY: From left: Mr Vishal Kaveti, Commercial Director, The La Casera Company Plc (TLCC); Mr Chinedum Okereke, Managing Director, TLCC; Mrs Ruth Ode, Senior Brand Manager, La Casera and Mrs Aderonke Adesoye, Assistant Chief Scientific Officer, LAWMA dduring the 2019 world Environment Day Commemoration by TLCC in Lagos,yesterday. Photo: Akeem Salau. Why militants put off declaring N’Delta Republic June 1 By Emma Amaize & Akpokona Omafuaire W A R R I — MILITANTS under the coalition of Network of Niger Delta Republic Fighters, NNDRF, who threatened last month to declare a Republic of Niger Delta, June 1, allegedly made a strategic retreat, following a strong repudiation of the plan by traditional rulers, leaders and ex-agitators from the region. Some of the traditional rulers from South-South region, who President Muhammadu Buhari summoned to a meeting in Abuja, May 27, to prevail on the boys to back down, returned home and sent messages through emissaries to leaders of the militants to retreat. The Nigerian military acting on a tip off, however, still laid siege to communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom, home town of ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, in Warri South- West Local Government Area, Delta State. Tompolo has been underground for about three years over his money laundering case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. However, the biggest threat to the declaration was the sturdy opposition by several agitating groups in the region, some of which threatened to lead security agencies to the perpetrators if they declared a Niger Delta Republic and go ahead to bomb oil facilities. The 21st Century Youths of Niger Delta and Agitators with Conscience on May 25, publicly dissociated the group from NNDRF, saying the plot to declare Niger Delta Republic, June 1, would endanger the lives of the people and leaders of the region. Despite the fact that NNDRF had aborted the plan, Commandant General, Riverine Security (Coast Guard of the Federation, Commander Bibi Oduku, met with exmilitant leaders across the Niger Delta at Apelebiri, Oduku’s hometown in Patani in Delta state, last weekend, to review the development. It was learned that selfstyled “General” Jetli led other ex-militants from the region to the meeting where they extensively discussed the issue of Niger Delta Republic. A source, who attended the meeting, said, “The exmilitant leader, who headed the visiting team, ‘General Jetli said the people of Niger Delta were not ready to lose their sons and daughters because of personal interest and avoidable clash with the Federal Government over declaration of Niger Delta Republic. “The ex-militant leader spoke on peace and their readiness to work with the Riverine Security to support government to end the activities of those campaigning for Niger Delta Republic. “Another ex-militant leader, ‘General’ Super Oweikeme said the Niger Delta Republic campaign was already a threat to market women in the riverine areas because some groups used the medium to carry out illegality in there,” he said. Speaking at the meeting, Commander Oduku said, “The Federal Government had already put security agencies on ground to apprehend any law breaker, while Riverine Security is working with the Nigeria Police, Army, Navy and other security agencies to nip the plan. “We are working hard to fish out any group or groups funding and supporting the declaration of Niger Delta Republic and other criminal activities and I assure you that there will be peace in Niger Delta.” Direct council funding'll deepen grassroots democracy, says A’Ibom TUC By Harris-Okon Emmanuel UYO—AKWA Ibom State Council of Trade Union Congress, TUC, has said that the direct funding of local government from the Deputy Speaker: ‘Omo-Agege remains our choice' AS the date to elect new principal officers for the Senate draws closer, a political pressure group, South South APC Elites Movement, has restated its position to President Muhammadu Buhari over the nomination of Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege for the Deputy Senate President. The group in a statement by its National Chairman, Mr. Kester Keiruoboh, noted that no sentiment was attached to their choice of Omo-Agege but that his nomination came from their findings and his loyalty to the party and the president during the election sequence controversy that rocked the 8th Assembly. The group said, “To avoid the repeat of the leadership tussle that played out in the 8th Assembly, a trusted and loyal party man must be a criterion in the choice of leadership of the 9th Assembly, hence, the people of South South are calling on APC leaders and President Buhari to support Omo-Agege for the Deputy Senate President. “Omo-Agege, in his first tenure in the Senate exhibited a high sense of commitment and loyalty to the leadership of the party, and same he will display if given a responsibility as the Deputy Senate President.'' Federation Account will deepen democratic ethos at the grassroots. State TUC Chairman, Akamba Awah, in an interview with Vanguard, applauded the Federal Government for taking the bull by the horn as the policy would enable LGAs meet some of their obligations thereby fulfilling their constitutional duties to the grassroots people. Awah said, “To me, it is good radiant to bad rubbish. Why I say so is that over the years, we have been battling with the payment of gratuities and pensions to local government workers. “ It has always been a ding-dong battle between the state government and the local government, where governors would say that they are not the ones to pay salaries to the local government, that the local government should pay and the local government would say that they have a Joint Account. “And this ding-dong affair has been going on like that. I think it is the best, but the question is who supervises the local government now? Would the Chairmen use the money to pay salaries and fund their pensions and gratuities? The local government has a local government pension board, which has been starved of funds. “I think it would make for proper democracy at the grassroots, where a governor would not interfere with who becomes the chairman. Since the governors know they do not have a hand in it, the grassroots would choose their leader.''
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06062019 - NSECURITY: Danjuma, Lekwot, others take Nigeria's case to UK

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