Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
The irony <strong>of</strong> President Buhari’s<br />
nomination <strong>of</strong> Agah and Okonjo-<br />
Iweala as DG <strong>of</strong> the WTO is that he<br />
doesn’t share their economic views;<br />
but Dr. Okonjo-Iweala and Dr. Agah<br />
have done Nigeria and Africa proud<br />
and deserve our best wishes<br />
16<br />
Borno: Death toll<br />
rises to 16, over 60<br />
injured as survivors<br />
recount ordeals<br />
•FG to begin<br />
trial <strong>of</strong> 5,000 Boko<br />
Haram suspects<br />
14<br />
Osinbajo to lead discussions<br />
at Banks’ CEOs Summit on<br />
Economic Growth tomorrow<br />
Exit from recession, result <strong>of</strong><br />
our fiscal policies —FG<br />
FG considers new options to deliver prepaid meters<br />
19<br />
8<br />
8<br />
VOL. 27: NO. 642281 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021<br />
Victims <strong>of</strong><br />
NAF plane<br />
crash for<br />
burial at<br />
national<br />
military<br />
cemetery<br />
today<br />
9<br />
18 killed<br />
in Kaduna<br />
as bandits<br />
attack<br />
6<br />
s<strong>of</strong>t<br />
targets<br />
United<br />
Capital's<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>it up<br />
by 61% to<br />
N7.95<br />
19<br />
billion<br />
Senate<br />
confirms<br />
Bawa as<br />
EFCC 9<br />
chairman<br />
<strong>Way</strong> <strong>out</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Nigeria’s</strong><br />
<strong>security</strong> <strong>problems</strong><br />
—IBB, ABDULSALAMI,<br />
ONAIYEKAN, OTHERS<br />
•Nigeria can overcome its <strong>security</strong> threats, if... —IBB•Negotiating with<br />
bandits not the best —Abdulsalami•Onaiyekan warns against dialoguing<br />
with criminals•Says there must be evidence <strong>of</strong> repentance before<br />
criminals are granted amnesty •Northern elders blast Gumi over pr<strong>of</strong>iling<br />
<strong>of</strong> military•Say military, pr<strong>of</strong>essional, non-partisan institution•Urge<br />
public to see military as symbol <strong>of</strong> national unity•No apologies for<br />
defending herdsmen —Bauchi gov<br />
ZULUM VISITS ATTACK VICTIMS...<br />
Gov. Babagana Zulum <strong>of</strong> Borno (R) commiserates with a victim <strong>of</strong> Tuesday night’s attack by Boko<br />
Haram insurgents who fired rocket-propelled grenades that killed 10 residents and injured 47 in Gwange<br />
and Adam Kolo communities, during his visit to the hospital in Maiduguri, yesterday. Photo: NAN.<br />
5<br />
•Babangida<br />
•Abdulsalami<br />
•Onaiyekan<br />
Mr & Mrs<br />
COLUMNIST AMAECHI 17<br />
30<br />
SEE INSIDE
2 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021
Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021 — 3
4 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021
vanguardnews @vanguardnews @vanguardnews<br />
Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021—5<br />
POCKET CARTOON<br />
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NDDC VISITS RIVERS: Gov. Nyesom Wike <strong>of</strong> Rivers State (R), presenting<br />
a souvenir to the Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC),<br />
Sen. Peter Nwaoboshi, during the visit <strong>of</strong> the Senate Committee to the governor in Port Harcourt,<br />
yesterday. With them is Minority Leader, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe (M). Photo: NAN.<br />
<strong>Way</strong> <strong>out</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Nigeria’s</strong> <strong>security</strong> <strong>problems</strong><br />
By Joseph Erunke &<br />
Charles Agwam<br />
ABUJA—Former<br />
M i l i t a r y<br />
President,<br />
General Ibrahim<br />
Babangida, former Head <strong>of</strong><br />
State, General Abdulsalami<br />
Abubakar, and Archbishop<br />
Emeritus, Catholic Diocese<br />
<strong>of</strong> Abuja, John Cardinal<br />
Onaiyekan, have<br />
suggested ways <strong>out</strong> <strong>of</strong> the<br />
nation’s <strong>security</strong> <strong>problems</strong>.<br />
The trio spoke, as<br />
Northern elders, acting<br />
under the aegis <strong>of</strong> North-<br />
East Elders for Peace and<br />
Development, yesterday,<br />
disowned Islamic cleric,<br />
Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, for<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>iling the military as<br />
contributors to the <strong>security</strong><br />
<strong>problems</strong> in the country.<br />
Gumi had alleged in a<br />
television interview on<br />
Monday that s<strong>out</strong>herners<br />
in the military were<br />
responsible for killing <strong>of</strong><br />
bandits in Nigeria.<br />
The Northern elders<br />
spoke on a day Bauchi State<br />
governor, Bala<br />
Mohammed, said he had<br />
no apology to make to<br />
anyone for defending<br />
Fulani herders against<br />
alleged ethnic pr<strong>of</strong>iling <strong>of</strong><br />
herdsmen.<br />
What to do —<br />
Babangida<br />
Receiving Nigerian<br />
Governors’ Forum<br />
members who were on a<br />
courtesy visit to his Hilltop<br />
mansion in Minna, Niger<br />
State, late Tuesday,<br />
Babangida said the threats<br />
faced by Nigeria at present<br />
can be dealt with, if those<br />
in position <strong>of</strong> authority<br />
planned appropriately.<br />
According to him,<br />
quashing the threats posed<br />
by kidnappers, bandits,<br />
and insurgents require a lot<br />
<strong>of</strong> planning, and not a<br />
short-term plan.<br />
General Babangida, retd,<br />
said he has obtained<br />
information suggesting<br />
that <strong>security</strong> agencies were<br />
working together to map<br />
<strong>out</strong> new strategies on how<br />
to deal with the situation.<br />
The former president,<br />
who noted that he was<br />
concerned ab<strong>out</strong> the<br />
situation in the country,<br />
urged the government and<br />
the citizenry to join forces<br />
to overcome the problem.<br />
“At this point in time, interagency<br />
cooperation is very<br />
important to deal with<br />
these threats staring the<br />
country in the face,”<br />
Babangida said.<br />
Negotiating with<br />
bandits not<br />
solution —<br />
Abdulsalami<br />
Also receiving the<br />
governors in his residence<br />
in Minna, former Head <strong>of</strong><br />
State, General Abdulsalami<br />
Abubakar, retd, said<br />
negotiating with terrorists<br />
and bandits is not the best<br />
way to tackle the in<strong>security</strong><br />
in the country.<br />
He said the best way to<br />
solve <strong>Nigeria’s</strong> banditry<br />
and kidnapping issues was<br />
to first make sure that the<br />
crimes were not committed.<br />
While admitting that<br />
sometimes negotiations<br />
might be used to save the<br />
lives <strong>of</strong> kidnap victims,<br />
General Abdulsalami said<br />
the nation needs tight<br />
<strong>security</strong> to checkmate the<br />
miscreants before they<br />
strike.<br />
Alluding to the Kagara<br />
school abduction,<br />
Abdulsalami said: “Even if<br />
anyone knows where the<br />
students are, it will be<br />
foolhardy to storm the place<br />
in a bid to fight and bring<br />
them back.”<br />
He, however, urged the<br />
authorities to ensure that<br />
<strong>security</strong> is beefed up to<br />
forestall further<br />
occurrences.<br />
According to him, the<br />
nation’s <strong>security</strong><br />
architecture is<br />
overstretched and the<br />
Police Force is underpopulated,<br />
hence the need<br />
for support from the citizens<br />
and an increase in<br />
manpower.<br />
General Abdulsalami<br />
appealed that all hands<br />
must be on deck to ensure<br />
that in<strong>security</strong> in the<br />
country was tackled<br />
appropriately.<br />
“Let us go back to when<br />
we were our brothers’<br />
keepers,” Abdulsalami<br />
pleaded.<br />
The elder statesman said<br />
it is sad that citizens are<br />
now being seen as<br />
strangers and looked at with<br />
suspicion when they leave<br />
their states <strong>of</strong> origin to visit<br />
other parts <strong>of</strong> the country.<br />
Recall that the NGF, led<br />
by the chairman and<br />
governor <strong>of</strong> Ekiti State,<br />
Kayode Fayemi, were in<br />
Minna, Niger State, on a<br />
solidarity visit to the State<br />
governor, Abubakar Bello,<br />
over the kidnap <strong>of</strong> students<br />
and staff <strong>of</strong> Government<br />
Science College, Kagara,<br />
last Wednesday.<br />
Onaiyekan warns<br />
against dialogue<br />
with criminals<br />
Speaking in a similar vein<br />
yesterday, former Catholic<br />
Archbishop <strong>of</strong> Abuja, John<br />
Cardinal Onaiyekan,<br />
warned against dialogue<br />
with criminals who<br />
masquerade as bandits,<br />
saying doing so will further<br />
compound the <strong>security</strong><br />
<strong>problems</strong> in the country.<br />
He also cautioned the<br />
Federal Government<br />
against granting amnesty<br />
to criminals until there is<br />
evidence <strong>of</strong> true<br />
repentance.<br />
He spoke against the<br />
backdrop <strong>of</strong> a statement by<br />
the chairman <strong>of</strong> Nigeria<br />
Governors’ Forum, NGF,<br />
Kayode Fayemi, that there<br />
is nothing wrong in<br />
dialogue with bandits.<br />
Fayemi had stated this<br />
when he led governors on<br />
a solidarity visit to Niger<br />
State governor, Abubakar<br />
Bello, following the<br />
abduction <strong>of</strong> students <strong>of</strong><br />
Government Science<br />
College, Kagara, last<br />
Wednesday. The abductees<br />
are yet to be released.<br />
Onaiyekan, who gave the<br />
warning in an interview on<br />
Channels Television<br />
breakfast programme,<br />
Sunrise Daily, said<br />
dialogue with criminals<br />
might become an incentive<br />
for others to pick up arms<br />
with the confidence that<br />
they would receive<br />
amnesty.<br />
He said the Federal<br />
Government must not get<br />
to the point <strong>of</strong> giving the<br />
impression it cannot deal<br />
with criminals holding the<br />
nation hostage.<br />
“I don’t think we should<br />
reach a stage where the<br />
nation simply says we’re<br />
unable to deal with the<br />
situation.<br />
Continues on Page 28<br />
By Cynthia Alo<br />
Should FG grant amnesty to bandits? (4)<br />
F<br />
G should not<br />
grant any amnesty<br />
to the bandits.<br />
They should be in<br />
jail and not use amnesty<br />
to fix social<br />
vices. The law is the<br />
law! Northern elders<br />
need to take their IQ<br />
seriously and stop<br />
blabbering.<br />
— Chukwuma Eke,<br />
Medical Doctor<br />
Watching the SSG<br />
<strong>of</strong> Niger state and<br />
other Muslim clerics<br />
standing and discussing<br />
with those Bandits in the<br />
forest tells us that Northern<br />
leaders behind the<br />
crisis happening in our<br />
country. Let the Bandits<br />
state what they’re<br />
fighting for and we can<br />
take it from there.<br />
—— Kizito Omenukwa,<br />
Nurse<br />
The IPOB were tagged<br />
terrorist when they don’t<br />
even move ab<strong>out</strong> armed,<br />
how come bandits who are<br />
fully armed, and who kidnap<br />
and kill cannot be tagged<br />
same.<br />
Who knows if these bandits<br />
are not the Boko haram sect?<br />
If the federal government grants<br />
them amnesty then automatically<br />
and indirectly Boko Haram has<br />
been granted amnesty.<br />
—- Damian Ocho,<br />
Student<br />
Why should FG<br />
grant amnesty to<br />
bandits? What is the<br />
assurance that they<br />
won’t commit the crime<br />
again? I don’t think its<br />
right to grant amnesty to<br />
bandits. What if they use<br />
that opportunity to commit<br />
the crime again?<br />
—— Cinderella Kene-<br />
Onyiba, Accountant<br />
Amnesty in the first place<br />
is demanded by a set <strong>of</strong><br />
people who are legally bound<br />
to be punished for either political<br />
<strong>of</strong>fense or they have been<br />
publicly convicted. Hence the<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficial pardon can be<br />
weighty... Northern bandits<br />
aren’t remorseful in the least,<br />
more so they should at least<br />
be convicted properly before<br />
expecting reprieve by the government.<br />
——Newton Epepa,<br />
Sales Executive<br />
Granting amnesty to<br />
bandits has never<br />
had any positive impact<br />
in the control <strong>of</strong> terrorism<br />
anywhere in the<br />
world even in this country.<br />
It rather motivates<br />
other rising group <strong>of</strong><br />
bandits with the aim to<br />
be granted amnesty<br />
some day.<br />
— Okeke Henry,<br />
Self Employed
6— Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021<br />
One dead as<br />
gunmen<br />
attack<br />
bullion van in<br />
Delta<br />
By Festus Ahon<br />
ASABA—A lady was<br />
reportedly killed, Tuesday,<br />
when gunmen attacked a<br />
bullion van at Ubulu-Okiti<br />
along Benin/Asaba expressway<br />
in Aniocha North Local<br />
Government Area <strong>of</strong> Delta State.<br />
It was gathered that the over<br />
10 gunmen came <strong>out</strong> <strong>of</strong> a bush<br />
on sighting the bullion van,<br />
shooting sporadically until the<br />
bullion van and the escorts<br />
stopped.<br />
An eyewitness, who lamented<br />
that the gunmen succeeded in<br />
robbing the bullion van, said a<br />
female passenger in a bus was<br />
killed by a stray bullet from the<br />
gun <strong>of</strong> the armed robbers.<br />
The eyewitness, who pleaded<br />
anonymity, could not confirm<br />
how much the gunmen made<br />
away with, adding that the<br />
robbery attack caused serious<br />
traffic on the ever-busy<br />
expressway.<br />
Lamenting that motorists,<br />
passengers and villagers closed<br />
to the scene <strong>of</strong> the robbery,<br />
scampered for safety, the source<br />
said it took a while for those who<br />
ran into the bush to come <strong>out</strong><br />
even when the robbers were<br />
gone.<br />
Contacted, acting Police<br />
Public Relations Officer in the<br />
state Police Command, Mr<br />
Bright Edafe, confirmed the<br />
attack, but said he was not aware<br />
if a female passenger was killed<br />
or not.<br />
Tipper driver<br />
crushes<br />
conductor to<br />
death in Abia<br />
By Steve Oko<br />
ABA—Many<br />
cried<br />
uncontrollably,<br />
yesterday, as the body <strong>of</strong> a<br />
conductor, who was<br />
accidentally crushed to<br />
death by his driver, laid by<br />
the side <strong>of</strong> the tipper<br />
opposite the entrance <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Abia Line Transport<br />
Network, Umuahia.<br />
It was gathered that the<br />
driver, who was conveying<br />
sand, was flagged down by<br />
the conductor and as he<br />
made to open the door <strong>of</strong><br />
the tipper, his hand,<br />
unfortunately, slipped <strong>of</strong>f<br />
and the back tyre ran over<br />
him.<br />
The conductor died on the<br />
spot following serious<br />
injuries he sustained as the<br />
tyre crushed his spinal<br />
cord, hands and neck.<br />
Bewildered by the tragic<br />
incident, the driver alighted<br />
and began to cry as he saw<br />
his conductor, who was said<br />
to be his kinsman, dead.<br />
The driver rushed to<br />
report the matter to the<br />
police, who later arrived at<br />
the scene and evacuated the<br />
corpse.<br />
18 killed in Kaduna as bandits attack s<strong>of</strong>t<br />
targets<br />
By Ibrahim<br />
HassanWuyo<br />
EIGHTEEN persons have been<br />
reportedly killed by bandits in<br />
Igabi and Chikun Local<br />
Government Areas <strong>of</strong> Kaduna State<br />
with houses and barns set ablaze<br />
and cattle rustled.<br />
The state Commissioner for<br />
Internal Security and Home Affairs,<br />
Samuel Aruwan, said,yesterday,<br />
that seven residents were killed in<br />
one <strong>of</strong> the attacks on Anaba village<br />
in Igabi Local Government Area.<br />
He said many <strong>of</strong> the houses in<br />
the community were burnt down,<br />
with storehouses and barns. Ab<strong>out</strong><br />
20 cows were rustled and several<br />
birds slaughtered and carted away.<br />
•Dozens <strong>of</strong> bandits neutralised in several locations<br />
Aruwan said eight persons were<br />
killed by the bandits in Barinje<br />
village, Chikun Local Government<br />
Area.<br />
“Some residents were abducted<br />
and cattle rustled during the attack.<br />
An unspecified number <strong>of</strong> injured<br />
victims are receiving treatment in<br />
hospitals," he said.<br />
According to the commissioner,<br />
the attacks on these s<strong>of</strong>t targets at<br />
Anaba and Barinje villages in Igabi<br />
and Chikun LGAs followed the<br />
killing <strong>of</strong> several bandits via<br />
targeted air operations.<br />
He said: "Air platforms had earlier<br />
conducted armed reconnaissance<br />
around Anaba village. The crew<br />
observed houses on fire and locals<br />
migrating to nearby settlements.<br />
Some motorbikes were observed<br />
with suspicious movements<br />
underneath some trees; probing<br />
shots were fired at them..<br />
"Herds <strong>of</strong> cattle were spotted with<br />
bandits at Malul forest and were<br />
engaged accordingly.<br />
"Also, air platforms conducted<br />
armed reconnaissance over some<br />
affected locations. Kawuri, Chikun,<br />
Godani, Kusasu, Godani Station,<br />
Kwafe, Kuduru, Irina, Chikwale,<br />
Kudame, Kwakwau, Beni, Akilbu,<br />
Polewire, Rijana, Rugu, Olam farms<br />
and adjoining areas were covered.<br />
"Bandits in large numbers on<br />
motorcycles were sighted on a track<br />
leading to Kankomi. They were<br />
trailed and engaged by the crew,<br />
with scores seen neutralised<br />
afterwards.<br />
Regrettably, armed bandits<br />
attacked the loosely connected<br />
communities <strong>of</strong> Kwarten Rigasa,<br />
SENSITISATION: A team from the Federal Ministry <strong>of</strong> Works and Housing, led<br />
by the Federal Controller <strong>of</strong> Works in Ogun State, Mr Umar Bakare, during a<br />
sensitisation <strong>of</strong> illegal occupants under the bridges on the Lagos-Ibadan<br />
Expressway on dangers <strong>of</strong> their abuse and advised them to vacate before forceful<br />
eviction, in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: NAN.<br />
Man tortured to death over missing goat<br />
in Benue<br />
By Peter Duru<br />
MAKURDI— Chairman <strong>of</strong><br />
Ushongo Local Government<br />
Area <strong>of</strong> Benue State, Mr Joseph<br />
Asawa, has ordered an<br />
investigation into the alleged<br />
torture and death <strong>of</strong> a middleaged<br />
man, one Ordue Akume,<br />
over a missing goat.<br />
According to a statement,<br />
yesterday, by the Information<br />
Officer <strong>of</strong> the local government<br />
area, Mr Edmund Igbawua,<br />
the council chairman gave the<br />
order, Tuesday, after visiting<br />
the scene <strong>of</strong> the incident.<br />
Igbawua in the statement<br />
PRESENTATION:<br />
General Overseer,<br />
Christ Mercyland<br />
Deliverance<br />
Ministry, Senior<br />
Prophet Jeremiah<br />
Omotosho (right)<br />
presenting cash <strong>of</strong><br />
N1.5 million to<br />
members <strong>of</strong> the<br />
National Y<strong>out</strong>h<br />
Service Corps,<br />
NYSC, during the<br />
sendforth and<br />
welcome service<br />
for <strong>out</strong>going and<br />
incoming corps<br />
members at the<br />
ministry, in Warri,<br />
Delta State.<br />
explained that a sibling <strong>of</strong> the<br />
deceased had allegedly<br />
reported to the y<strong>out</strong>hs <strong>of</strong> the<br />
community that his goat was<br />
missing.<br />
“In the process <strong>of</strong><br />
investigation, they decided to<br />
consult an oracle and<br />
according to them, the oracle<br />
revealed that it was the<br />
deceased that stole the goat.<br />
“The accused, however,<br />
denied the allegation but in a<br />
bid to ensure that he admitted<br />
and returned the stolen goat,<br />
the suspects persisted with all<br />
forms <strong>of</strong> torture despite pleas<br />
by neighbours and passersby<br />
to spare him.<br />
“When it became obvious to<br />
them that he would not survive<br />
the torture, they moved and<br />
dump him at a private clinic<br />
where he gave up the ghost.<br />
“The council chairman, who<br />
expressed shock at the barbaric<br />
act, enjoined the police and<br />
traditional rulers to effect the<br />
arrest <strong>of</strong> the six suspects who<br />
are now in police net.<br />
“He also visited the clinic<br />
where the corpse was<br />
abandoned and moved it to<br />
General Hospital, Lessel<br />
morgue for necessary action.”<br />
Meanwhile, efforts to reach<br />
the Police Public Relations<br />
Officer, Catherine Anene, was<br />
unsuccessful but it was reliably<br />
gathered that the suspects were<br />
being moved to the state<br />
command headquarters in<br />
Makurdi for further<br />
investigation.<br />
Kwarten Waziri and Kwarten<br />
Shaku in Igabi Local Government<br />
Area.<br />
"The bandits reportedly emerged<br />
from the Buruku area and raided<br />
the villages in a cattle rustling<br />
operation. In the process, one<br />
Danjuma Isa from neighbouring<br />
Ungwan Kanti village was killed,<br />
as he made his way on foot to<br />
Kwarten Rigasa.<br />
"Similarly, armed bandits<br />
invaded Sanhu Makera village,<br />
Birnin Yero in Igabi Local<br />
Government Area area and killed<br />
one Yakubu Abdullahi, a farmer.<br />
"In another incident, unknown<br />
assailants killed one Maryam Lash<br />
Tahir in unusual circumstances at<br />
the Ministerial Pilot Housing<br />
Estate, Millennium City, Chikun<br />
Local Government Area.<br />
Murder <strong>of</strong><br />
housemaid:<br />
Court<br />
discharges,<br />
acquits Kano<br />
housewife<br />
By Bashir Bello<br />
KANO— A Kano Chief<br />
Magistrate's Court presided over<br />
by Ibrahim Khalil, yesterday,<br />
discharged and acquitted a 30-<br />
year-old housewife, Fatima<br />
Hamza, alleged to have<br />
murdered her housemaid, Khadija<br />
Isyaku, 22, in Sharada Quarters,<br />
Kano.<br />
Chief Magistrate Khalil<br />
discharged the defendant after<br />
terminating the First Information<br />
Report (FIR) based on legal advice<br />
by the Ministry <strong>of</strong> Justice, which<br />
found her not guilty <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fence.<br />
Khalil said: “Following the legal<br />
advice by the Department <strong>of</strong> Public<br />
Prosecutions, DPP, dated February<br />
22, I hereby terminate the FIR and<br />
discharge the defendant.”<br />
Earlier, at the resumed hearing<br />
<strong>of</strong> the case, yesterday, the<br />
prosecution counsel, M. Ahmad<br />
presented legal advice by the<br />
Department <strong>of</strong> Public<br />
Prosecutions, DPP, to the court,<br />
according to sections 376 (6) and<br />
299 (3) <strong>of</strong> the Administration <strong>of</strong><br />
Criminal Justice Law(ACJL) 2019<br />
to terminate the FIR.<br />
Ahmad urged the court to<br />
terminate and discharge the<br />
defendant according to sections<br />
259(3) 376(3) <strong>of</strong> the Administration<br />
<strong>of</strong> Criminal Justice Law(ACJL).<br />
Ahmad said: “There is no single<br />
evidence that shows the defendant<br />
committed the <strong>of</strong>fence.<br />
“The legal advice should also be<br />
forwarded to the State Police<br />
Command and make a proper<br />
investigation on the case, invite<br />
those involved, if found guilty they<br />
should be charged to court.”<br />
Counsel to the defendant,<br />
Ibrahim Chedi, did not object to<br />
the legal advice.<br />
It would be recalled that Fatima<br />
was arraigned in court on a count<br />
charge <strong>of</strong> culpable homicide<br />
sometime on January 22, for<br />
beating up her housemaid,<br />
Khadija, to a pulp before she was<br />
rushed to Murtala Muhammad<br />
Specialist Hospital where she was<br />
confirmed dead by a medical<br />
doctor.
Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021—7<br />
Bandits on treetop kill policeman, injure<br />
3 others in Niger<br />
By Wole Mosadomi<br />
MINNA — BANDITS have<br />
devised a new strategy <strong>of</strong><br />
attacking their unsuspecting<br />
victims in Niger State as a gang<br />
<strong>of</strong> Gunmen reportedly attacked<br />
and killed a Police Inspector from<br />
the top <strong>of</strong> a tree and injured<br />
three other policemen.<br />
It was gathered that the<br />
policemen drafted to protect<br />
travellers along Minna-Suleja<br />
road were attacked Tuesday<br />
evening at Kaffinkoro junction on<br />
the busy highway.<br />
The policemen were said to be<br />
standing patrolling the highway<br />
Boat driver, 11<br />
passengers<br />
missing as<br />
pirates strike<br />
in Bonny<br />
waters<br />
By Egufe Yafugborhi<br />
PORT<br />
HARCOURT—<br />
THE whereab<strong>out</strong>s <strong>of</strong> 11<br />
passengers and the driver <strong>of</strong><br />
a Port Harcourt-Bonny bound<br />
commercial boat remain<br />
unknown following another<br />
pirates attack in Rivers State,<br />
on Tuesday.<br />
Chairman, Bonny Maritime<br />
Union Workers, Henry Jumbo,<br />
yesterday, said: “Our boat that<br />
left Port Harcourt yesterday to<br />
Bonny with 11 passengers and<br />
the driver have been<br />
apprehended by unknown<br />
gunmen.<br />
“A search party had gone<br />
round the creeks through <strong>out</strong><br />
the night. This morning<br />
(yesterday) we started the<br />
search again with the help <strong>of</strong><br />
another gunboat. No headway<br />
yet.<br />
“Please, government and the<br />
<strong>security</strong> agencies should come<br />
to our aid because Bonny<br />
people and Maritime Workers<br />
Union <strong>of</strong> Nigeria, Bonny Unit<br />
are suffering.<br />
“We frequently lose our<br />
customers, lose our boats,<br />
drivers, we are losing our<br />
entire business, increasing<br />
hardship among the people.<br />
We need all the help from<br />
relevant stakeholders.”<br />
Reacting, the new<br />
Commissioner <strong>of</strong> Police, Rivers<br />
State Command, Friday Eboka<br />
said: “I have not received any<br />
report on this. Give me little<br />
time to call my DPO Marine,<br />
please.”<br />
Moments after, Jumbo, the<br />
marine workers leader on<br />
update said the search party<br />
had located the abductors'<br />
hide<strong>out</strong> through intelligence<br />
gathering.<br />
“We only saw our life jackets<br />
worn by some <strong>of</strong> the<br />
passengers and other<br />
materials on the boat at the<br />
time it took <strong>of</strong>f on the<br />
commercial ferry from Port<br />
Harcourt to Bonny. We are yet<br />
to find any <strong>of</strong> the victims," he<br />
said.<br />
when the bandits pumped<br />
bullets on them from the top <strong>of</strong><br />
a tree, leaving the Inspector<br />
dead and injuring three others.<br />
The name <strong>of</strong> the deceased<br />
Inspector, who has since been<br />
buried according to Islamic<br />
rites, was given as Mohammed<br />
Mohammed, while the injured<br />
policemen were rushed to the<br />
IBB Specialist hospital, Minna<br />
by good Samaritans.<br />
An uncle <strong>of</strong> the diseased<br />
Inspector and former Speaker <strong>of</strong><br />
Niger State House <strong>of</strong> Assembly,<br />
Ndanusa Hassan, confirmed that<br />
the deceased was buried<br />
yesterday.<br />
Tension as bandits<br />
invade Lapai<br />
community<br />
It was also gathered that a middleaged<br />
man was abducted while two<br />
others sustained injuries when<br />
armed men raided Ebbo<br />
communities in Lapai Local<br />
Government Area <strong>of</strong> the state.<br />
An eyewitness said the over 10<br />
armed men that invaded the<br />
community, Tuesday night, shot<br />
sporadically to scare the residents<br />
and succeeded in abducting a sales<br />
boy <strong>of</strong> a popular mobile telephone<br />
shop while two others were injured<br />
during the invasion.<br />
It was gathered that the target <strong>of</strong><br />
the gunmen was the owner <strong>of</strong> the<br />
shop, one Malam Abu Magaji, who<br />
was said to have retired home, but<br />
his sales boy, Sule Isah, was<br />
abducted.<br />
Public Relations Officer <strong>of</strong> the state<br />
Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun,<br />
when contacted on phone to confirm<br />
the stories.<br />
NDLEA arrests Indian, 89 Nigerians in<br />
Lagos raids<br />
By: Kingsley<br />
Omonobi<br />
A BUJA.—NINETY<br />
persons, including an<br />
Indian, have been arrested by<br />
operatives <strong>of</strong> the National<br />
Drug Law Enforcement<br />
Agency, NDLEA, during raids<br />
<strong>of</strong> some drug cartels in parts<br />
<strong>of</strong> Lagos where a total <strong>of</strong><br />
614.396 kilograms <strong>of</strong> various<br />
hard drugs were seized.<br />
During raids <strong>of</strong> some drug<br />
spots in Agege, Ikorodu, Lekki,<br />
Okokomaiko and other parts <strong>of</strong><br />
Lagos State, the operatives<br />
busted one <strong>of</strong> the cartels led<br />
by one Samuel Ebenezer in<br />
Lekki.<br />
Ebeneezer’s cartel imports<br />
special sophisticated drugs<br />
baked in cakes, biscuits and<br />
cookies from the United States<br />
and sells them to the rich and<br />
affluent people in Lekki and<br />
Lagos Island.<br />
The second syndicate busted<br />
by the Lagos State command<br />
is co-ordinated by an Indian,<br />
Inderpreet Singh, alias Bobby,<br />
that imports Tramadol 225mg<br />
from India and sells in Nigeria<br />
from his Osy Agomo Close,<br />
Apple Estate, Amuwo Od<strong>of</strong>in<br />
area <strong>of</strong> Lagos.<br />
Singh is also a dealer in<br />
tricycle parts and Managing<br />
Director <strong>of</strong> Rashaan Trading<br />
Ltd. Arrested with him is a<br />
Nigerian, one Sylvester<br />
Omoredien.<br />
At the Apapa seaport, ab<strong>out</strong><br />
two million capsules <strong>of</strong><br />
Tramadol tucked in 554 cartons<br />
were intercepted in the<br />
•Impounds 614,396 Kilograms<br />
<strong>of</strong> hard drugs<br />
Singh (right) and his accomplice.<br />
container, which was falsely<br />
declared to contain ceramic<br />
tiles.<br />
According to the Apapa<br />
Seaport Area Commander <strong>of</strong><br />
the NDLEA, Mr Samuel<br />
Gadzama, one <strong>of</strong> the containers<br />
bearing the illicit drug had been<br />
intercepted and seized in<br />
Kenya.<br />
“Though the second container<br />
found its way to Nigeria, the<br />
eagle eyes <strong>of</strong> our narcotic<br />
agents discovered it during a<br />
joint inspection <strong>of</strong> the ship.<br />
We’re continuing with further<br />
investigations,” he stated.<br />
In his reaction to the Apapa<br />
seaport seizure and Lagos<br />
raids, Chairman/Chief<br />
Executive <strong>of</strong> the NDLEA,<br />
Mohamed<br />
Marwa,<br />
commended the commanders,<br />
men and <strong>of</strong>ficers <strong>of</strong> the<br />
commands involved in the<br />
operations for their efforts even<br />
as he charged them to remain<br />
focussed on the maxim <strong>of</strong> his<br />
leadership, that is, <strong>of</strong>fensive<br />
action against illicit drug<br />
users, peddlers, traffickers and<br />
the barons.<br />
Police nab 5 for killing kidnapped victim in Kaduna<br />
•After collecting N5m ransom<br />
By Ibrahim<br />
HassanWuyo<br />
FIVE<br />
suspected<br />
kidnappers, who<br />
allegedly murdered their<br />
victim after collecting N5<br />
million ransom, have been<br />
arrested by police operatives<br />
in Kaduna State.<br />
The command’s Public<br />
Relations Officer, Mohammed<br />
Jalige, who confirmed the<br />
arrest in a statement,<br />
yesterday, said on December<br />
30, 2020, the command<br />
received a complaint from a<br />
resident <strong>of</strong> Panbeguwa<br />
village, claiming that on<br />
December 9 his elder brother,<br />
<strong>of</strong> the same address, travelled<br />
to Delta and had never<br />
returned since then.<br />
He said efforts to reach him<br />
through his mobile phone<br />
number proved abortive.<br />
Jalige added that the<br />
complainant further stated that<br />
on December 12, 2020, he<br />
received a phone call, via an<br />
anonymous number, informing<br />
him that his brother was in the<br />
custody <strong>of</strong> the caller and was<br />
demanding N4 million as a<br />
ransom for his release.<br />
“It is, however, disheartening<br />
that the said amount was paid<br />
but the abductors failed to<br />
release the victim. Rather, they<br />
demanded an additional N1<br />
million, which the family<br />
obliged but yet, could not<br />
secure the freedom <strong>of</strong> the<br />
victim,” he said.<br />
Jalige said upon receipt <strong>of</strong><br />
the complaint, the command<br />
immediately swung into<br />
action, using the available<br />
intelligence and technical<br />
support, and succeeded in<br />
arresting one suspect in Wase<br />
Local Government Area <strong>of</strong><br />
Plateau, in connection with<br />
the incident.<br />
The police spokesman said:<br />
“Upon interrogation, he<br />
mentioned his accomplices<br />
and equally confirmed that<br />
they have since killed the<br />
victim.<br />
“In a bid to ensure that<br />
justice is served, as it has<br />
always been, the investigation<br />
was further expanded, using<br />
the available information from<br />
the first suspect in custody.<br />
6 killed, others<br />
injured as<br />
cultists clash in<br />
Lagos<br />
By Bose Adelaja<br />
R<br />
AMPAGING rival cult groups<br />
engaged in a violent clash,<br />
yesterday, in the Oyingbo area <strong>of</strong><br />
Lagos, leaving one person dead and<br />
others injured.<br />
This is just as a similar crisis broke<br />
<strong>out</strong> Tuesday night in the Ibeshe area<br />
<strong>of</strong> Ikorodu, where five persons were<br />
feared dead.<br />
The Oyingbo victim, identified<br />
simply as “Badoo” was said to have<br />
been hit by a bullet from the warring<br />
cultists while on his way to an<br />
unknown destination.<br />
Help was far from the victim, who<br />
resided in the area, as everyone took<br />
to their heels. He was said to have<br />
bled to death.<br />
The cultists, according to<br />
eyewitnesses, blocked alternative<br />
r<strong>out</strong>es in the axis having accessed<br />
the area through Jebba and Oko-<br />
Baba streets and extended to<br />
Herbert Macauley, towards<br />
Adekunle and neighbouring streets.<br />
Vehicular and human movements<br />
were hampered, while shop owners<br />
hurriedly closed for the day.<br />
An eye witness, Moronfolu<br />
Abedoye, said: “Violence started at<br />
ab<strong>out</strong> noon and lasted for ab<strong>out</strong> 45<br />
minutes before the intervention <strong>of</strong><br />
policemen from Delton,” adding that<br />
dangerous weapons, including<br />
guns were freely used by the cultists.<br />
Another eyewitness, Mr Eriola<br />
Adedapo, said: “I boarded a<br />
commercial bus from Fadeyi en<br />
r<strong>out</strong>e Oyingbo to alight at the Post<br />
Office bus-stop. But the bus<br />
conductor delayed me due to lack<br />
<strong>of</strong> change. Out <strong>of</strong> annoyance, I<br />
followed the vehicle to the UBA area<br />
where I heard gunshots. We all ran<br />
for our lives and I ended up not<br />
collecting my N800 balance from the<br />
conductor."<br />
A similar incident occurred<br />
Tuesday night in Ibeshe area <strong>of</strong><br />
Ikorodu during which five persons<br />
were feared dead.<br />
Vanguard gathered that some<br />
suspects had been arrested in<br />
connection with both crises.<br />
Reacting, Lagos State Police<br />
Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa<br />
Adejobi, said two suspects had<br />
been arrested and weapons<br />
recovered.<br />
“This equally yielded result,<br />
thus leading to the arrest <strong>of</strong><br />
the other four suspects in<br />
Delta, Niger and Kano states.”<br />
He noted that the suspects<br />
had confessed to being<br />
involved in the kidnap and<br />
killing <strong>of</strong> the victim as well as<br />
other kidnapping incidents<br />
before the current one.<br />
Jalige said an investigation<br />
had commenced, adding that<br />
the suspects would be charged<br />
to court upon completion <strong>of</strong> the<br />
investigation.<br />
He also said concerted<br />
efforts were being made to<br />
apprehend the four remaining<br />
suspects currently on the run.<br />
Jalige called on all residents<br />
<strong>of</strong> the state to promptly report<br />
any suspicious disappearance<br />
<strong>of</strong> their loved ones and wards<br />
to the nearest police station for<br />
immediate action.
8 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021<br />
:Vanguard News<br />
Exit from recession, result <strong>of</strong> our fiscal<br />
policies — FG<br />
•As FEC okays N5.9bn for FCT projects<br />
By Johnbosco<br />
Agbakwuru<br />
ABUJA —THE federal<br />
government said yesterday<br />
the country’s recent exit<br />
from recession was a direct<br />
result <strong>of</strong> its fiscal policies.<br />
Government insisted that<br />
sustained implementation <strong>of</strong><br />
good fiscal monetary policies<br />
as well as economic sustainability<br />
plan by President Muhammadu<br />
Buhari led to the<br />
country’s exit from the recession<br />
which is the shortest exit<br />
so far.<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> Finance, Zainab<br />
Ahmed, who briefed State<br />
House correspondents, along<br />
side Ministers <strong>of</strong> Information<br />
and Culture, Lai Mohamed,<br />
and FCT, Mohammed<br />
Bello, at the end <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Federal Executive Council,<br />
FEC, meeting, presided over<br />
by President Buhari, said the<br />
quick exit showed that government’s<br />
economic diversification<br />
efforts were yielding<br />
positive <strong>out</strong>comes.<br />
The minister explained that<br />
the Vice President, Pr<strong>of</strong>. Yemi<br />
Osinbajo-led Economic Sustainability<br />
Plan,ESP, approved<br />
by council last June,<br />
was being carefully implemented<br />
She said: “At he Federal Executive<br />
Council, we had the<br />
opportunity to brief Council<br />
on the National Bureau <strong>of</strong><br />
Statistics recently published<br />
fourth quarter GDP report estimates,<br />
which measure the<br />
economic growth <strong>of</strong> our country.<br />
“<strong>Nigeria’s</strong> GDP in the fourth<br />
quarter <strong>of</strong> 2020 grew by 0.11<br />
per cent and in real terms in<br />
the fourth quarter <strong>of</strong> 2020.<br />
This follows, if you recall, two<br />
consecutive negative growth<br />
in the third quarter and the<br />
second quarter <strong>of</strong> 2020, which<br />
saw us as a country going into<br />
recession. As a result <strong>of</strong> this<br />
fourth quarter positive growth,<br />
the total growth for the year<br />
2020 is -1.92 per cent.<br />
“It would be recalled that<br />
we had ourselves reported,<br />
that we will be going into a<br />
negative growth at the end <strong>of</strong><br />
2020 at -4 per cent and some<br />
<strong>of</strong> the international development<br />
institutions reported<br />
much higher negative growth<br />
for Nigeria. So at -1.92 per<br />
cent, it is a very good performance.<br />
But also, the good story<br />
for us is that with this positive<br />
growth in the fourth quarter, it<br />
means Nigeria has exited recession.<br />
This is one <strong>of</strong> the<br />
shortest lrecessions we have<br />
witnessed in the country, despite<br />
the impact <strong>of</strong> the COV-<br />
ID-19.<br />
‘’But I must say that the result<br />
<strong>of</strong> this exit is a function <strong>of</strong><br />
the fiscal policies, the monetary<br />
policies and the Economic<br />
Sustainability Plan that the<br />
administration <strong>of</strong> President<br />
:@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058<br />
Muhammadu Buhari has<br />
been implementing.<br />
“So, <strong>of</strong> the 46 sectors <strong>of</strong> the<br />
economy, 17 recorded positive<br />
growth and this is higher<br />
than the number <strong>of</strong> sectors that<br />
had recorded positive growth<br />
in the third quarter. In real<br />
terms, the growth between the<br />
third quarter and the fourth<br />
quarter is a positive growth <strong>of</strong><br />
3.73 per cent, a movement<br />
within one quarter we have<br />
never witnessed in this country,<br />
so we’re growing from one<br />
quarter to another by 3.73 per<br />
cent.<br />
“The movement from the<br />
second quarter to the third<br />
quarter also witnessed a<br />
growth <strong>of</strong> 2.48 per cent; this is<br />
an indication that the policies<br />
that are being implemented<br />
are the right ones and the trajectory<br />
is a positive one and<br />
Nigeria is well on its way <strong>of</strong><br />
restoring a consistent and stable<br />
growth, a growth that we<br />
hope to grow to be a strong<br />
growth from the fragile<br />
growth that we now have at<br />
0.11 per cent.<br />
“So this is a good performance,<br />
but on a broad sectoral<br />
basis, the agricultural sector<br />
posted a strong growth <strong>of</strong> 3.42<br />
during the last quarter and<br />
when you compare to the previous<br />
quarter, it’s a much better<br />
performance.<br />
“Similarly, services sector<br />
grew. Other sectors that witnessed<br />
slow down in growth<br />
include industry, crude, petroleum<br />
and natural gas sectors.<br />
The decline in oil production<br />
and prices in 2020, <strong>of</strong> course<br />
reflective <strong>of</strong> global drop in<br />
demand, and it is one <strong>of</strong> the<br />
major reasons why our country<br />
went into recession.<br />
“Another positive story for us<br />
is that the non-oil sector grew<br />
by 1.69 per cent. This is an indication<br />
that the diversification<br />
efforts that the economy<br />
has been pushing is actually<br />
also posting results; while the<br />
oil sector is declining, the nonoil<br />
sector is is growing. “We’ve<br />
seen overall economic activities<br />
reported strongly in the<br />
quarry and minerals sector,<br />
in the ICT and Telecommunications<br />
sector, in the cement<br />
industry, in broadcasting, in<br />
crop production as well as in<br />
agriculture.<br />
“On the other hand, there<br />
are some sectors that are still<br />
witnessing negative and that’s<br />
why I said the growth is still<br />
fragile. These sectors include<br />
oil refining, air transport, coal<br />
mining, crude petroleum production,<br />
as well as accommodation<br />
and food services.<br />
“Just <strong>of</strong> note is that we had<br />
vigorously implemented the<br />
Economic Sustainability<br />
Plan and we continue to implement<br />
the ESP. Even as we<br />
are taking the principles and<br />
the tenets <strong>of</strong> the ESC into the<br />
new National Development<br />
Plan that will be completed,<br />
we hope in the Medium Term<br />
Plan that we hope will be completed<br />
and launched in the<br />
month <strong>of</strong> April.”<br />
In another development,the<br />
Federal Executive Council<br />
approved N5.9 billion for<br />
three projects under the Ministry<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Federal Capital<br />
Territory (FCT). The Minister<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Federal Capital Territory,<br />
FCT, Mohammed Bello,<br />
explained that three memos<br />
were on the provision <strong>of</strong> infrastructure<br />
in the city as well<br />
as the purchase <strong>of</strong> needed<br />
equipment to make the city<br />
safe He said: “During today’s<br />
(yesterday) Federal Executive<br />
Council meeting, I presented<br />
three memos, two <strong>of</strong> which<br />
were on infrastructure and the<br />
other was for the purchase <strong>of</strong><br />
needed equipment to make<br />
the city safe.<br />
‘’The first was for a contract<br />
to rehabilitate the road leading<br />
to the Federal Integrated<br />
Staff Housing Estate in Apo,<br />
Abuja, and that contract was<br />
approved at the sum <strong>of</strong> N2.3<br />
billion with a completion period<br />
<strong>of</strong> 24 months. “As you<br />
know, the Federal Integrated<br />
Staff Housing Estates are being<br />
constructed in some locations<br />
in Abuja under the <strong>of</strong>fice<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Head <strong>of</strong> civil Service <strong>of</strong><br />
the Federation and these estates<br />
are intended to provide<br />
needed accommodation to<br />
federal civil servants.<br />
“The second infrastructure<br />
project relates to the contract<br />
for the construction <strong>of</strong> an access<br />
road and car park for the<br />
Abuja light rail station at ring<br />
road II otherwise known as<br />
Kukwaba station, which you<br />
see on the airport expressway<br />
immediately after the city gate<br />
near the Kukwaba recreation<br />
park under the Ministry <strong>of</strong><br />
Aviation. The contract was<br />
approved for N3.6 billion,<br />
with a completion period <strong>of</strong><br />
18 months.<br />
“The intention is that by the<br />
opening <strong>of</strong> that road, that railway<br />
station can be made functional<br />
and then commuters<br />
can use the station either when<br />
they visit the national park<br />
there or they want to have access<br />
to the Kukwaba district.”<br />
Osinbajo to lead discussions<br />
at Banks’s CEOs Summit on<br />
Economic Growth tomorrow<br />
*Govs Fayemi, Zulum, Sanwo-Olu to speak<br />
VICE President Yemi<br />
Osinbajo, Finance<br />
Minister, Zainab Ahmed,<br />
Governor <strong>of</strong> the Central Bank<br />
<strong>of</strong> Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele<br />
and Chief Executive Officers<br />
(CEOs) <strong>of</strong> banks will converge<br />
tomorrow at the Banks’ CEOs<br />
Summit.<br />
The event which is being organised<br />
by Vanguard Newspaper<br />
in collaboration with the<br />
CBN and the Bankers Committee,<br />
will also be attended<br />
and addressed by Dr Kayode<br />
Fayemi, Chairman, Governors’<br />
Forum and Governor <strong>of</strong><br />
Ekiti State; Governor Babagana<br />
Zulum <strong>of</strong> Borno State; and<br />
Governor Babajide Sanwo-<br />
Olu <strong>of</strong> Lagos State.<br />
Vice President, Pr<strong>of</strong> Yemi<br />
Osinbajo, is the Special Guest<br />
<strong>of</strong> Honour at the hybrid event<br />
holding virtually and onsite,<br />
with the Minister <strong>of</strong> Finance,<br />
Budget and National Planning,<br />
Zainab Ahmed, as Guest<br />
<strong>of</strong> Honour.<br />
The event is coming against<br />
the backdrop <strong>of</strong> the country’s<br />
exit from its second recession<br />
in five years, and the need for<br />
measures to sustain the recovery<br />
and ensure robust economic<br />
growth in the new decade.<br />
The theme <strong>of</strong> the one-day special<br />
summit, which holds at<br />
Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos,<br />
is “How to Overcome the<br />
Pitfalls <strong>of</strong> Recession: Bankers<br />
Perspective and Prescriptions<br />
for An Enduring National<br />
Growth Path”.<br />
Among other things, the<br />
summit will feature a keynote<br />
address by three state governors,<br />
a special session on ‘Road<br />
Map to Economic Recovery’,<br />
and executive syndicate sessions<br />
<strong>of</strong> banks’ CEOs.<br />
Keynote speakers at the<br />
summit include: Dr Kayode<br />
Fayemi, Chairman, Governors’<br />
Forum and Governor <strong>of</strong><br />
Ekiti State; Governor Babagana<br />
Zulum <strong>of</strong> Borno State; and<br />
Governor Babajide Sanwo-<br />
Olu <strong>of</strong> Lagos State.<br />
Fayemi will speak on “Rebuilding<br />
the Economy Through<br />
State Governments”, Zulum<br />
In<strong>security</strong>: Reps reject motion<br />
to allow citizens carry arms<br />
By Tordue Salem<br />
ABUJA — The House<br />
<strong>of</strong> Representatives yesterday<br />
shot down a motion to<br />
reverse President Buhari’s Executive<br />
Order prohibiting the<br />
issuance <strong>of</strong> licenses for fire<br />
arms by the police in Nigeria.<br />
Sponsor <strong>of</strong> the motion,<br />
Uzoma Nkem Abonta (PDP-<br />
Abia), failed to present the<br />
motion on notice when the<br />
public address system went <strong>of</strong>f<br />
just after the speaker had introduced<br />
it.<br />
The lawmaker, however<br />
pressed to be heard, when the<br />
House Leader, Alhassan<br />
Doguwa (APC-Kano), interjected,<br />
saying the motion was<br />
“dead on arrival”, because,<br />
according to him, it is an unpopular<br />
subject. The motion<br />
was entitled “Need to Reverse<br />
the Executive Order and Police<br />
Directive banning Possession<br />
and Issuance <strong>of</strong> New Licenses<br />
for Firearms in the<br />
Country”. Sensing a strong<br />
swell <strong>of</strong> opposition to the motion,<br />
Abonta appealed to the<br />
speaker to allow him step it<br />
will speak on “Rebuilding the<br />
Economy <strong>of</strong> Northern Nigeria”,<br />
while Sanwo-Olu will speak<br />
on “Rebuilding Lagos and the<br />
S<strong>out</strong>hern Nigeria Economy”.<br />
The session on “Road Map<br />
to Economic Recovery” will be<br />
addressed by Mr. Ben Akabueze,<br />
Director <strong>of</strong> Budgets in the<br />
Presidency, who will speak on<br />
“The Road Map to Economic<br />
Recovery: The role <strong>of</strong> Planning<br />
for a Desired Future”. On his<br />
part, HRM Sanusi Lamido<br />
Sanusi will speak on “The<br />
Road Map to Economic Recovery:<br />
Towards Positive Social<br />
Impacts”, while Dr. Doyin Salami,<br />
Chairman, <strong>Nigeria’s</strong><br />
Economic Advisory Council<br />
will speak on “Insights on the<br />
Economy: Towards Sustainable<br />
Development and Growth<br />
Paths”. The session will be<br />
moderated by Mr Bismarck<br />
Rewane, MD/CEO, Financial<br />
Derivatives Limited.<br />
The executive syndicate sessions<br />
will feature six groups<br />
<strong>of</strong> banks’ CEOs.<br />
Group A will address “Exploring<br />
Agro and Agro Allied<br />
Businesses as a Booster to Economic<br />
Growth”. The discussants<br />
are the Managing Director/CEOs<br />
<strong>of</strong> Ecobank Nigeria<br />
Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc,<br />
First Bank <strong>of</strong> Nigeria Limited,<br />
FSDH Merchant Bank.<br />
Group B will address “Resuscitating<br />
<strong>Nigeria’s</strong> Manufacturing<br />
Capabilities for the<br />
Next Level”. The discussants<br />
are the Managing Directors/<br />
CEOs <strong>of</strong> FCMB Plc, GT Bank<br />
Plc, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc,<br />
Citibank Nigeria Limited,<br />
and Nova Merchant Bank<br />
Limited.<br />
Group C will focus on<br />
“Funding for the Telecom and<br />
Oil and Gas Sectors”. The discussants<br />
are the Managing<br />
Directors/CEOs, Polaris Bank<br />
Ltd, Standard Chartered<br />
Bank Ltd., Sterling Bank Plc,<br />
United Bank for Africa Plc and<br />
Titan Trust Bank. The syndicate<br />
session Group D will address<br />
“Harnessing Economic<br />
Potentials Through Integrated<br />
Rural Development”.<br />
down for next Tuesday.<br />
However, the speaker urged<br />
Abonta to go ahead and take<br />
the motion since the public<br />
address system had been restored,<br />
or withdraw it altogether<br />
not to waste legislative<br />
time. Gbajabiamila told<br />
Abonta that listing the motion<br />
for Tuesday could jeopardize<br />
the chances <strong>of</strong> other items<br />
making the order paper.<br />
‘’So many issues are pending<br />
and in need <strong>of</strong> attention,’’<br />
the speaker said. At this point,<br />
Ahmad Jaha (APC-Borno),<br />
raised a point <strong>of</strong> order on<br />
matters <strong>of</strong> privilege, saying<br />
Abonta had three options<br />
available to him, including to<br />
take the motion already listed<br />
on the order paper; step it<br />
down for further legislative<br />
consultation beyond Tuesday<br />
next week; or to withdraw it<br />
totally, having developed cold<br />
feet in the ability <strong>of</strong> the motion<br />
to sail through. In his intervention,<br />
Fred Agbedi (PDP-<br />
Bayelsa), accused the House<br />
leader, Doguwa, <strong>of</strong> initiating<br />
the ill- will against the piece<br />
<strong>of</strong> legislation.
Y<br />
K<br />
Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021 — 9<br />
:Vanguard News<br />
:@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058<br />
MEETING: From left; Former Governor Liyel Imoke, Fformer Governor Ibrahim Hassan<br />
Dankwambo, Hon. Linus Okorie, Former Senate President, Iyorchia Ayu, Former Senate President,<br />
Bukola Saraki, Former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim at the PDP National Reconciliation &<br />
Strategy Committee’s meeting with Senator Ayu at his home in Maitama, Abuja.<br />
Senate confirms Bawa as EFCC chairman<br />
•I’ve never sold a single asset seized by EFCC, Bawa tells Senate<br />
•Says all stolen assets must be repatriated for benefit <strong>of</strong> Nigerians<br />
A BUJA—THE<br />
Senate has confirmed<br />
the appointment <strong>of</strong> Abdulrasheed<br />
Bawa as the substantive chairman<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Economic and Financial<br />
Crimes Commission, EFCC.<br />
The upper legislative chamber<br />
confirmed Bawa after screening<br />
him for over two hours yesterday,<br />
after he entertained questions<br />
from over 14 senators.<br />
Bawa, who was ushered into the<br />
hallowed chamber at ab<strong>out</strong> 11.<br />
45am by the Senior Special<br />
Assistant to President<br />
Muhammadu Buhari, Senator<br />
Babajide Omoworare, was<br />
through with the screening at 1.<br />
55 pm.<br />
Last week, President<br />
Muhammadu Buhari nominated<br />
Bawa as EFCC chairman and<br />
asked the upper legislative<br />
chamber to confirm him.<br />
Bawa, 40, is one <strong>of</strong> the pioneer<br />
EFCC cadet <strong>of</strong>ficers. Before his<br />
appointment, he was the Lagos<br />
zonal head <strong>of</strong> the anti-graft agency.<br />
At the screening, Deputy<br />
Senate President, Ovie Omo-<br />
Agege, said Bawa’s nomination<br />
has generated hope for the y<strong>out</strong>h.<br />
He said: “Ordinarily I’d have<br />
pleaded for him to take a bow but<br />
let him further showcase himself.<br />
This nomination has generated<br />
hope.<br />
“I thank President<br />
Muhammadu Buhari for this<br />
nomination. This is the first time<br />
we are sticking within the EFCC<br />
to govern this institution.”<br />
In his remarks, former Deputy<br />
Majority Leader, Bala Na’Allah,<br />
said Bawa has displayed the<br />
capacity to run the anti-graft<br />
agency.<br />
“He has displayed that he has<br />
the capacity to run the EFCC. I<br />
know him very well, he is not even<br />
half <strong>of</strong> the qualities <strong>of</strong> his father. I<br />
call on my colleagues to approve<br />
this nomination,” Na’Allah said.<br />
Speaking during the screening,<br />
Bawa, who was accompanied to<br />
the Senate by the speaker and<br />
members <strong>of</strong> Kebbi State House<br />
<strong>of</strong> Assembly, denied the allegation<br />
that he sold assets recovered by<br />
the anti-graft agency for personal<br />
gain.<br />
According to him, the power to<br />
dispose <strong>of</strong> any asset lies with the<br />
secretary <strong>of</strong> the commission.<br />
He said: “I never sold a<br />
single truck at the Port<br />
Harcourt <strong>of</strong>fice; the head <strong>of</strong>fice<br />
handled that at the time,” the<br />
nominee told the Senate.<br />
“When I took over the Port<br />
Harcourt <strong>of</strong>fice, they had 34<br />
convictions but when I got there,<br />
we recorded 216 convictions.<br />
“Anybody that is familiar with<br />
the processes <strong>of</strong> the EFCC<br />
knows that the chairman doesn’t<br />
have the power to sell an asset<br />
but the secretary <strong>of</strong> the agency.”<br />
Bawa, who assured that if he<br />
was confirmed, he would work<br />
towards strengthening the antigraft<br />
agency, said further: “Before<br />
we reposition, we need to know<br />
what the institution stands for.<br />
We would work on our standard<br />
operational procedures to<br />
improve on those procedures.<br />
“We are looking forward to an<br />
EFCC that when I give a wrong<br />
instruction to a junior <strong>of</strong>ficer; he<br />
will refuse it because that order<br />
contravenes the law.”<br />
He also said the nation must<br />
recover all stolen assets for the<br />
benefit <strong>of</strong> Nigerians, and promised<br />
to work with strategic partners<br />
around the world to see that<br />
Nigeria benefitted from the<br />
repatriation <strong>of</strong> assets stolen from<br />
its c<strong>of</strong>fers.<br />
According to him, EFCC will<br />
FG sets up 13-member ministerial<br />
taskforce on digital switch-over<br />
By Soni Daniel<br />
ABUJA—THE Federal<br />
Government has set up a<br />
13-ministerial taskforce to<br />
conclude the transition from<br />
analogue to digital broadcasting<br />
in Nigeria.<br />
Government also released<br />
additional N9.4 billion for the<br />
conclusion <strong>of</strong> the process<br />
nationwide.<br />
The taskforce, which has the<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> Information and<br />
Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed,<br />
as chairman, also has Pr<strong>of</strong>.<br />
Armstrong Idachaba (National<br />
Broadcasting Commission);<br />
Engineer Edward Amana<br />
(Digiteam); Dr. Tunde Adegbola<br />
(Digiteam); Hajia Sa’a Ibrahim<br />
(Broadcasting Organizations <strong>of</strong><br />
Nigeria); and Engineer Sadeeq<br />
Musa as members.<br />
Other members include Mr.<br />
Godfrey Ohuabunwa;<br />
Dr. Lekan Fadolapo; Ms. Aisha<br />
Shehu Omar (Federal Ministry<br />
<strong>of</strong> Finance, Budget and National<br />
Planning); Mr J. O. Attah<br />
(Nigeria Customs Service); Mr.<br />
Nnanna Ibom (Federal Ministry<br />
<strong>of</strong> Information and Culture);<br />
Engineer Olusegun Yakubu<br />
(Pinnacle Communications); Mr.<br />
Joe Mutah (Federal Ministry <strong>of</strong><br />
Information and Culture) who will<br />
serve as Secretary.<br />
So far, the digital switchover has<br />
only been piloted in Osun,<br />
Plateau, Kwara, Kaduna, Enugu<br />
states and the FCT, leaving the<br />
rest to continue to transmit on<br />
achieve its independent objective<br />
by sharing information with its<br />
partners.<br />
He promised that at the end <strong>of</strong><br />
his tenure, the EFCC would be a<br />
better place than he met it, noting<br />
that his training by the FBI and<br />
the National Crime Agency <strong>of</strong> the<br />
United States and the United<br />
Kingdom respectively would<br />
come in handy.<br />
Bawa said he will reposition the<br />
commission by ensuring that it<br />
strengthened its standard<br />
operating procedures and<br />
improve on them.<br />
•Releases N9.4bn to complete DSO •Kick-starts Audience<br />
Measurement, Media •Project to create 1m jobs<br />
the analog mode, which is limited<br />
in scope and dynamism.<br />
The Minister <strong>of</strong> Information,<br />
Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who<br />
disclosed this while inaugurating<br />
the ministerial task force, saddled<br />
with the task <strong>of</strong> completing the<br />
digital switch over across Nigeria.<br />
pointed <strong>out</strong> that with the<br />
payment <strong>of</strong> the <strong>out</strong>standing<br />
amounts due to the stakeholders<br />
by the federal government, the<br />
roadblock to the entire process<br />
had been removed.<br />
He, however, warned that the<br />
government would no longer be<br />
subsidising the project but would<br />
encourage the private sector to<br />
drive the scheme which has<br />
enormous economic potentials.<br />
Mr. Mohammed said that with<br />
the payment approval by FEC,<br />
and with 31 states to cover, there<br />
was no more excuse by the<br />
ministerial committee not to<br />
rapidly roll <strong>out</strong> the DSO across<br />
the country and meet the<br />
expectations <strong>of</strong> the government<br />
and Nigerians.<br />
The minister made it clear that<br />
from now on, government<br />
involvement in the DSO would<br />
be limited and that the lucrative<br />
business would henceforth be<br />
spearheaded by the private<br />
sector.<br />
He said: “We have studied the<br />
trend and it is clear that we have<br />
to reduce government<br />
involvement in the DSO<br />
ecosystem and allow the private<br />
sector to take the lead, on purely<br />
commercial terms. With the<br />
devastating effects <strong>of</strong> COVID-19<br />
and the fall in government<br />
revenues, the Federal<br />
Government can no longer afford<br />
to subsidize the program,<br />
especially the Set-Top-Boxes and<br />
the Signal carriage, which<br />
ordinarily can and should be<br />
highly-competitive commercial<br />
ventures. And in order to begin<br />
the commercialization <strong>of</strong> the<br />
DSO, we need to create a<br />
structure and an ecosystem<br />
that is self-sufficient, self-reliant<br />
and able to generate revenue<br />
which will drive strategic<br />
growth in key areas. The details<br />
<strong>of</strong> that structure are for the Task<br />
Force to explore.<br />
“My decision to set up the<br />
ministerial task force to drive the<br />
DSO process is hinged on the<br />
fact that a successful digital switch<br />
over is a massive job creator and<br />
a huge revenue generator. This<br />
process is capable <strong>of</strong> creating over<br />
1 million jobs over the next three<br />
years.<br />
“As part <strong>of</strong> our efforts to<br />
maximize the opportunities<br />
available in the process, we have<br />
made necessary changes in the<br />
broadcast code to protect local<br />
jobs and production, we have<br />
started the process <strong>of</strong> introducing<br />
world class Audience<br />
Measurement and Media<br />
Monitoring to deliver on our<br />
potential 1-billion-dollar TV and<br />
Online Advertising revenue<br />
market and now we will ensure<br />
that the DSO ecosystem delivers<br />
value to the economy.''<br />
Victims <strong>of</strong> NAF plane crash for<br />
burial at national military<br />
cemetery today<br />
By Kingsley Omonobi<br />
ABUJA—The<br />
seven<br />
Nigerian Air Force <strong>of</strong>ficers<br />
who died in last Sunday’s<br />
Beechcraft King Air B359i air<br />
crash will be buried at the<br />
National Cemetery, Lugbe,<br />
Airport Road, Abuja, today.<br />
The Nigerian Air Force, NAF,<br />
disclosed this in Abuja yesterday.<br />
Recall that the surveillance<br />
aircraft crash landed at Bassa<br />
village just before the runway <strong>of</strong><br />
the Nnamdi Azikiwe<br />
International Airport, Abuja,<br />
after reporting engine failure.<br />
The late <strong>of</strong>ficers are Fl. Lt.<br />
Haruna Gadzama; Flight<br />
Captain, Fl. Lt. Henry Piyo (Co-<br />
Pilot); Flying Officer Micheal<br />
Okpara (Airborne Tactical<br />
Observation System Specialist);<br />
Warrant Officer Bassey Etim<br />
(ATOS Specialist); Fl. Sgt.<br />
Olasunkanmi Olawunmi (ATOS<br />
Specialist); Sgt. Ugochukwu<br />
Oluka (ATOS Specialist) and<br />
Aircraftman Adewale Johnson<br />
(Onboard Technician).<br />
The tragic incident generated<br />
an <strong>out</strong>pouring <strong>of</strong> grief nationwide<br />
while the Chief <strong>of</strong> Air Staff, Air<br />
Vice Marshal Isiaka Amao,<br />
ordered an investigation into the<br />
mishap.<br />
The CAS said the deceased<br />
personnel, had been in Minna,<br />
Niger State, for days conducting<br />
intelligence, surveillance and<br />
reconnaissance missions in<br />
connection with the efforts to<br />
secure the release <strong>of</strong> the 42<br />
students and staff abducted from<br />
the Government Science College<br />
Kagara, Niger State.<br />
Meanwhile, following the crash<br />
and the death <strong>of</strong> the seven<br />
young Air Force <strong>of</strong>ficers, tributes<br />
have continued to pour in from<br />
their family members and friends<br />
via different platforms.<br />
The father <strong>of</strong> late Gadzama,<br />
who hails from Borno State, is a<br />
first class electrical engineer who<br />
retired as a wing commander in<br />
the Nigerian Air Force and was<br />
By Nkiruka Nnorom<br />
THE<br />
Managing<br />
Director/CEO <strong>of</strong> First<br />
Bank <strong>of</strong> Nigeria, Dr. Adesola<br />
Adeduntan, has restated the<br />
bank’s resolve to continue<br />
providing funding and other<br />
supports that would enable the<br />
growth <strong>of</strong> Small and Medium<br />
Enterprises, SMEs, in Nigeria.<br />
Adedutan made the<br />
commitment at the 2021<br />
Ehingbeti/Lagos Economic<br />
Summit, with the theme “For a<br />
Greater Lagos: Setting the Tone<br />
for the Next Decade”.<br />
He noted that SMEs formed<br />
an important aspect <strong>of</strong> what the<br />
bank does due to the importance<br />
<strong>of</strong> SMEs in the overall growth<br />
and development <strong>of</strong> the<br />
economy.<br />
He said besides proving<br />
financing, the bank also provides<br />
advisory service and mentorship<br />
that helps the owners <strong>of</strong> small<br />
business to prepare basic<br />
financial statement through its<br />
SME College.<br />
He said the bank’s support for<br />
businesses that are relevant to<br />
growth and development <strong>of</strong> the<br />
economy was the secret <strong>of</strong> its<br />
enduring business success over<br />
also the HOD, Electrical/Electronics<br />
Engineering, while late Henry<br />
Piyo, has an aged father, Mr Bitrus<br />
Piyo, who lives in Jos.<br />
Piyo’s father, who hails from Plateau<br />
State, once worked as a staff<br />
<strong>of</strong> the University <strong>of</strong> Jos and later<br />
transferred to University <strong>of</strong> Ibadan,<br />
UI, is a retiree after working with<br />
the Plateau State Government. He<br />
currently lives in Jos, Plateau State.<br />
Abbas Waziri, a fellow <strong>of</strong>ficer and<br />
friend to late Gadzama, described<br />
his late friend as very friendly and<br />
intelligent fellow while alive. He<br />
said they shared the same<br />
battalion and he was also the<br />
course senior in the battalion.<br />
“Late Flight Lieutenant Ciroma<br />
Haruna Gadzama was not only<br />
a course mate to me he was also<br />
a brother. We were both air force<br />
cadets in the Air force wing <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Nigerian Defence Academy and<br />
his room was directly below mine<br />
in Charlie company.<br />
“The last time I saw Gadzama<br />
was at the Nnamdi Azikiwe<br />
International Airport when I was<br />
travelling to Lagos some time ago.<br />
He was himself. Dashing, lively<br />
and chatty.<br />
“People that saw the plane<br />
crash say the pilot and the copilot<br />
were brave and considerate.<br />
They maneuvered the plane to<br />
not crash into people’s houses<br />
and domain,” he said.<br />
Piyo Bernard, brother <strong>of</strong> the<br />
deceased co-pilot said on his<br />
social media page, “Woke up with<br />
a sad news. Just lost a very dear<br />
brother, Flight Lieutenant Henry<br />
Piyo who lost his life in the Air<br />
Force plane crash. Rest on<br />
brother, you will forever be<br />
missed.”<br />
Members <strong>of</strong> the Ex Junior Pilot<br />
Association also took to the social<br />
media to mourn Gadzama,<br />
describing him as a jovial and<br />
hardworking <strong>of</strong>ficer.<br />
They said, “We are saddened<br />
by the tragic death <strong>of</strong> Flt Lt CH<br />
Gadzama <strong>of</strong> 07 set <strong>of</strong> Air Force<br />
Secondary School Kaduna on<br />
the Sunday 21st <strong>of</strong> Febuary 2021.<br />
He was a jovial and hardworking<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficer <strong>of</strong> the Nigerian Airforce.''<br />
First Bank reiterates commitment<br />
to SMEs support, funding<br />
the past 127 years it has been in<br />
Nigeria.<br />
He said: “As a bank, First Bank<br />
will always remain the largest<br />
lender to the SME sector. We<br />
have a dedicated portal that we<br />
call SME college where we<br />
basically support SMEs,<br />
providing them advisory services,<br />
ensuring that we up their skills<br />
and capabilities either in the area<br />
<strong>of</strong> preparing basic financial<br />
statement, assisting them with<br />
choice <strong>of</strong> technology and basically<br />
supporting them work through<br />
the threat.<br />
“Our portfolio <strong>of</strong> SME facilities<br />
is quite sizable and that’s quite<br />
understandable given the history<br />
<strong>of</strong> First Bank in Nigeria. We have<br />
been very active whether in<br />
providing overdraft, term loan,<br />
and all types <strong>of</strong> structured debt<br />
instruments to our SME<br />
customers.”<br />
Speaking at the plenary<br />
session on the topic, “Destination<br />
Lagos: Becoming the World’s Best<br />
Investment Destination,”<br />
Adedutan said: “If there is<br />
anything that is generally<br />
agreed, is the fact that the fast<br />
growth and development <strong>of</strong><br />
Nigeria economy is by developing<br />
and growing SME sector.''<br />
C
10 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021<br />
By Henry Ojelu<br />
LAGOS—TATA Africa<br />
Services, yesterday,<br />
dragged Jasper<br />
Biochemical and Allied<br />
Products Limited before a<br />
Lagos High Court over<br />
alleged breach <strong>of</strong> contract.<br />
According to court papers<br />
filed by Metrocrest Legal<br />
Practitioners, on behalf <strong>of</strong><br />
Tata Africa, the company is<br />
asking the court to compel<br />
Jasper Biochemical to pay<br />
an <strong>out</strong>standing debt <strong>of</strong> N39<br />
million for the supplies <strong>of</strong><br />
industrial and food<br />
chemicals.<br />
Tata averred that Jasper<br />
Chemical had purchased<br />
some industrial and food<br />
chemicals worth N44,<br />
352,357.59, but only paid a<br />
marginal part <strong>of</strong> the<br />
:Vanguard<br />
News<br />
Tata Africa sues firm over<br />
alleged breach <strong>of</strong> contract<br />
:@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058<br />
INSECURITY: Allow states to secure their space —Akeredolu<br />
By Dayo Johnson,<br />
Ola Ajayi, Shina<br />
Abubakar & James<br />
Ogunnaike<br />
A<br />
K U R E —<br />
CHAIRMAN <strong>of</strong><br />
the S<strong>out</strong>h-West<br />
Governors’ Forum,<br />
Governor Rotimi<br />
Akeredolu <strong>of</strong> Ondo<br />
State, yesterday,<br />
advocated that all states<br />
in the country should be<br />
allowed to secure their<br />
space.<br />
This came on a day the<br />
Olowu <strong>of</strong> Kuta, Oba<br />
Adekunle Oyelude, said<br />
that devolution <strong>of</strong> power<br />
remains the only<br />
solution to in<strong>security</strong> in<br />
Nigeria.<br />
Also, the Chairman <strong>of</strong><br />
Myetti Allah Cattle<br />
Breeders’ Association,<br />
MACBAN, in Oyo State,<br />
Ibrahim Jiji, yesterday,<br />
distanced himself from a<br />
report that Fulani<br />
herders demanded<br />
damages <strong>of</strong> N475 billion<br />
from Governor Seyi<br />
Makinde for the losses<br />
they incurred during the<br />
recent crisis at Shasha<br />
market, in Akinyele local<br />
government area <strong>of</strong> the<br />
state.<br />
Similarly, the Ogun<br />
State House <strong>of</strong> Assembly<br />
said plans were in<br />
motion to legislate on<br />
animal husbandry and<br />
related activities,<br />
through the enactment <strong>of</strong><br />
an all-inclusive law on<br />
anti-open grazing in the<br />
state.<br />
Allow states to<br />
secure their<br />
space<br />
—Akeredolu<br />
Akeredolu, who spoke<br />
during his swearing-in<br />
ceremony for a second<br />
term in <strong>of</strong>fice, also<br />
commended Amotekun<br />
operatives saying they<br />
have done well in their<br />
short time <strong>of</strong> existence.<br />
The second term<br />
inauguration ceremony<br />
<strong>of</strong> Akeredolu and his<br />
deputy, Lucky Ayedatiwa<br />
purchased sum leaving an<br />
<strong>out</strong>standing balance <strong>of</strong><br />
N39, 088,877.<br />
However, in a statement<br />
<strong>of</strong> defence, Jasper<br />
Chemicals denied all the<br />
claims against it and<br />
insisted that on the contrary,<br />
Tata Africa is indebted to it.<br />
The defendant is also<br />
asking for damages in the<br />
sum <strong>of</strong> N20million for<br />
breach <strong>of</strong> contract arising<br />
from the loss incured as a<br />
result <strong>of</strong> the sale <strong>of</strong> unfit and<br />
unsellable bad stock <strong>of</strong> food<br />
and industrial chemical<br />
Products which were<br />
returned by costumers as<br />
unsold.<br />
Meanwhile, the<br />
presiding judge, Justice<br />
Lateefat Folami has<br />
adjourned till April 15, 2021, for a<br />
hearing <strong>of</strong> the suit.<br />
• Says devolution <strong>of</strong> police central command is inexorable<br />
• My second term is not for relaxation<br />
• True federalism, a panacea to in<strong>security</strong>, says Osun monarch<br />
• Expedite action on compensation, Miyetti Allah tells Makinde<br />
• As Ogun Assembly considers law to ban open grazing<br />
attracted Governors<br />
Babajide Sanwo-Olu<br />
(Lagos), Dapo Abiodun<br />
(Ogun), Kayode Fayemi<br />
(Ekiti), Gboyega Oyetola<br />
(Osun) and Godwin<br />
Obaseki (Edo).<br />
Also present were<br />
former Lagos State<br />
governor, Asiwaju Bola<br />
Tinubu; former Osun<br />
State governor, Chief<br />
Bisi Akande; former<br />
Senate President, Ken<br />
Nnamani; former Deputy<br />
Governor <strong>of</strong> Osun State,<br />
Senator Iyiola Omisore;<br />
the Ohinoyi <strong>of</strong> Ebira<br />
land, Ado Ibrahim,<br />
ministers and National<br />
Assembly members<br />
Speaking on the state<br />
<strong>of</strong> in<strong>security</strong> in the<br />
country, Akeredolu said:<br />
“The primary<br />
responsibility <strong>of</strong> any<br />
government is the<br />
<strong>security</strong> <strong>of</strong> lives and<br />
property <strong>of</strong> its citizens.<br />
“We are <strong>of</strong> the firm<br />
belief that it is high time<br />
the police central<br />
command became<br />
devolved to the<br />
federating units for<br />
effective monitoring.<br />
“We have been<br />
relentless in advocating<br />
for the establishment <strong>of</strong><br />
state police. There can be<br />
no other way if we are<br />
indeed serious ab<strong>out</strong><br />
securing lives and<br />
property.<br />
“It is this incongruity<br />
which propelled the<br />
s<strong>out</strong>hwest governors to<br />
form a Regional <strong>security</strong><br />
Network codenamed<br />
Amotekun.<br />
“The ultimate is to<br />
convince others to<br />
understand that<br />
devolution <strong>of</strong> authority is<br />
inexorable. Every state<br />
must be allowed to<br />
RETREAT—Chairman, Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, former president Goodluck Jonathan (centre)<br />
flanked by the former vice president <strong>of</strong> The Gambia, Mr. Ousiniu Darboe, and the Majority Leader,<br />
The Gambian Parliament, Hon. Kebba Barrow, in a photograph with delegates and <strong>of</strong>ficials <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, at the closing <strong>of</strong> the two-day consultative retreat for political party<br />
leaders on the draft constitution, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi<br />
Adeshida.<br />
secure its space.”<br />
On the setting up <strong>of</strong><br />
the Amotekun <strong>out</strong>fit, he<br />
said: “It has been able to<br />
work within the law<br />
establishing it. Its<br />
operations and successes<br />
recorded justify its<br />
establishment.<br />
“We are not paying mere<br />
lip service to this avowal. It<br />
is a priority. There cannot<br />
be prosperity in an insecure<br />
environment.”<br />
My second term<br />
not for<br />
relaxation<br />
Governor Akeredolu<br />
assured the people <strong>of</strong> the<br />
state that his second term<br />
in <strong>of</strong>fice would not be for<br />
relaxation.<br />
His words: “The second<br />
term, for us, is not a time<br />
for relaxation. We are not<br />
under any illusion that it<br />
will be easy. We are,<br />
however, ready to proceed<br />
on the journey with<br />
renewed enthusiasm and<br />
vigour.<br />
“Though we are yet to<br />
reach the set goal, we are<br />
confident that this<br />
administration is on the<br />
right path.<br />
“We will not depart from<br />
the trodden path which has<br />
earned us affection and<br />
deep reverence for the<br />
citizenry. We shall continue<br />
with more vigour, to justify<br />
the trust earned by our<br />
administration.<br />
“We shall, God willing,<br />
continue to serve in the best<br />
interest <strong>of</strong> the people. Their<br />
welfare will be the central<br />
focus under my<br />
leadership.”<br />
Besides, the governor<br />
said that his administration<br />
in the next four years will<br />
pursue repackaged<br />
programmes christened<br />
REDEEMED.<br />
“Our administration<br />
intends to focus on<br />
agriculture and y<strong>out</strong>h<br />
empowerment through<br />
entrepreneurship.<br />
“This has led us to<br />
establishment <strong>of</strong> the Ondo<br />
State Entrepreneurship<br />
Agency, ONDEA”, he said.<br />
I’ll bring Obaseki<br />
back to APC<br />
Governor Akeredolu,<br />
however, promised to<br />
ensure that Governor<br />
Godwin Obaseki <strong>of</strong> Edo<br />
State returns to the All<br />
Progressives Congress,<br />
APC.<br />
He said: “I will personally<br />
lead in bringing back my<br />
brother Governor Godwin<br />
Obaseki to our fold, the<br />
ruling All Progressives<br />
Congress very soon.”<br />
True Federalism,<br />
a panacea to<br />
in<strong>security</strong><br />
—Olowu Kuta<br />
Meanwhile, the Olowu <strong>of</strong><br />
Kuta, Oba Oyelude<br />
advocated for true<br />
federalism; an<br />
arrangement where<br />
powers are shared among<br />
the federating units which<br />
are coordinate, to exert<br />
overwhelming influence<br />
over their sphere <strong>of</strong><br />
jurisdiction with<strong>out</strong> any<br />
form <strong>of</strong> usurpation.<br />
The monarch, in a<br />
statement, said: “True<br />
federalism as a system that<br />
promotes devolution <strong>of</strong><br />
power is the only<br />
institutional framework that<br />
arrogates exercisable<br />
amount <strong>of</strong> power and<br />
resources to every state to<br />
have overbearing influence<br />
on the governance<br />
activities within its spheres.<br />
“Taming in<strong>security</strong> and<br />
engendering social<br />
wellbeing are only<br />
realizable in Nigeria when<br />
the workload <strong>of</strong> the federal<br />
government emanating<br />
from the excessive power<br />
and influence which it<br />
wields, can be assuaged.”<br />
Expedite action<br />
on compensation,<br />
Miyetti Allah tells<br />
Makinde<br />
But Chairman <strong>of</strong> Myetti<br />
Allah in Oyo State, Alhaji<br />
Jiji has asked Governor<br />
Makinde to expedite action<br />
on the compensation he<br />
promised the herders who<br />
lost 27 cows in a crisis at<br />
Alafara/Ologuneru/Apata<br />
axis.<br />
Jiji, who spoke with<br />
Vanguard, said: “I don’t<br />
know anything ab<strong>out</strong> that<br />
demand but I want to plead<br />
with Governor Makinde,<br />
who has been <strong>of</strong><br />
tremendous help to us, to<br />
please see to the<br />
compensation he promised<br />
my people, who lost their<br />
cows during the recent<br />
attacks at Ido local<br />
government area.<br />
“When that incident<br />
happened, the attackers<br />
shot 27 cows and also<br />
wounded the herder who<br />
is now in the hospital.<br />
Those who lost their cows<br />
have come to me that I<br />
should plead with<br />
Governor Seyi Makinde to<br />
help us as he had<br />
promised”.<br />
“My people had a<br />
meeting yesterday and<br />
they promised that they<br />
wanted to live in peace with<br />
everyone and that any<br />
move that will lead to<br />
peace, they will support it.<br />
“Fulani and Yoruba have<br />
been living together as<br />
brothers. We want this<br />
peaceful relationship to<br />
continue. We will abide by<br />
what Governor Makinde<br />
says because he is a father<br />
to us.”<br />
Ogun Assembly<br />
considers law to<br />
ban open<br />
grazing<br />
On its part, the Ogun<br />
State House <strong>of</strong> Assembly<br />
said yesterday that plans<br />
were in motion to legislate<br />
on animal husbandry and<br />
related activities through<br />
the enactment <strong>of</strong> an allinclusive<br />
law on anti-open<br />
grazing in the state.<br />
Speaker <strong>of</strong> the Assembly,<br />
Mr. Olakunle Oluomo,<br />
disclosed this during a<br />
parley with executive<br />
members <strong>of</strong> the State<br />
Coalition <strong>of</strong> Civil Societies<br />
led by its Chairman,<br />
Comrade Yinka Folarin at<br />
the Assembly Complex,<br />
Oke-Mosan in Abeokuta.<br />
Oluomo recalled that<br />
stakeholders including<br />
some northern leaders had<br />
openly condemned the<br />
uncontrolled wandering <strong>of</strong><br />
cattle, which had resulted<br />
in series <strong>of</strong> attacks and<br />
criminal activities<br />
associated with herdsmen/<br />
farmers’ clashes across the<br />
State, especially in the<br />
Yewa axis <strong>of</strong> the state<br />
The speaker noted that<br />
the Assembly had equally<br />
finalized plans to engage<br />
relevant stakeholders<br />
through public hearings to<br />
put in place laws for the<br />
creation <strong>of</strong> an agency for the<br />
collection and maintenance<br />
<strong>of</strong> database for all residents<br />
in the State, thereby having<br />
verifiable details and biodata<br />
to improve on <strong>security</strong><br />
operations <strong>of</strong> residents<br />
across the State.<br />
He added that the<br />
legislative arm was already<br />
liaising with the executive<br />
arm to secure their<br />
commitment for the speedy<br />
assent <strong>of</strong> the bills within a<br />
reasonable time.<br />
C<br />
M<br />
Y
Vanguard, , THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021 — 11<br />
:Vanguard :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES:<br />
MEETING—From left: Lanre Olusola, Secretary General, Association <strong>of</strong> Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Bodies<br />
<strong>of</strong> Nigeria, APBN; Akin Oyegbola, President/Chairman, APBN; Dr. Danazumi Ibrahim,<br />
Director General, National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion, and Rawlings<br />
Elaumadu, Publicity Secretary, APBN, during APBN 2021 board meeting, in lagos,<br />
Yesterday.<br />
REHAB: Lagos to shut 3rd Mainland<br />
Bridge for 24hrs<br />
By Olasunkanmi Akoni<br />
LAGOS—LAGOS<br />
State<br />
Government said, yesterday,<br />
that it has concluded plans to shut<br />
down the Third Mainland Bridge<br />
from midnight Friday February<br />
26, to midnight Saturday 27th.<br />
The bridge was slated to be<br />
reopened to traffic by February<br />
ending, after over six months <strong>of</strong><br />
rehabilitation.<br />
The Commissioner for<br />
Transportation, Dr. Frederick<br />
Oladeinde, said the closure <strong>of</strong> the<br />
bridge was slated to enable the<br />
contractors to move the equipment<br />
used, during the rehabilitation<br />
process, <strong>of</strong>f the bridge completely<br />
to allow both the Oworonshoki<br />
and Adeniji bound lanes to open<br />
....Sets to launch FMLM scheme<br />
Decay in education, source <strong>of</strong> <strong>Nigeria’s</strong> crises,<br />
says Babalola<br />
By Rotimi Ojomoyela<br />
A DO-EKITI—FOUNDER<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Afe Babalola<br />
University, Ado Ekiti, ABUAD,<br />
Chief Afe Babalola, SAN,<br />
yesterday, attributed the decay<br />
in the nation’s educational<br />
system as the source <strong>of</strong> the<br />
crises confronting the country.<br />
Babalola said this in Ado-<br />
Ekiti, while playing host<br />
simultaneously to leaders <strong>of</strong><br />
Bursars’ Association <strong>of</strong><br />
Polytechnics and Colleges <strong>of</strong><br />
Technology, BURSCON, and<br />
Glo leads Internet growth rate<br />
….As telecom sector contributes 12.45% to GDP<br />
N<br />
A<br />
T I O N A L<br />
telecommunication<br />
Company, Globacom, grossed a<br />
total <strong>of</strong> 11,172,220 new internet<br />
subscribers between December<br />
2019 and December 2020, thus<br />
emerging the highest percentage<br />
gainer for year 2020.<br />
This is according to statistics<br />
released by industry regulator, the<br />
Nigerian Communications<br />
Commission, NCC, and<br />
published on its website.<br />
According to the data, the<br />
telecom industry’s acquisition <strong>of</strong><br />
28,145,458 new data subscribers<br />
represents 22 per cent increase,<br />
as the number <strong>of</strong> data users in<br />
Nigeria moved from 125,728,328<br />
subscribers, as at December 2019,<br />
to 153,873,786 in December 2020.<br />
Leading other operators,<br />
Globacom recorded 39 per cent<br />
fully to traffic.<br />
Meanwhile, the Managing<br />
Director <strong>of</strong> Lagos Metropolitan<br />
Area Transport Authority,<br />
LAMATA, Mrs. Abimbola<br />
Akinajo, has affirmed that the<br />
agency was working towards 'a<br />
connected Lagos' with the various<br />
transport projects being<br />
implemented through it by the<br />
state government.<br />
Akinajo spoke, while<br />
addressing <strong>of</strong>ficials <strong>of</strong> the Office<br />
<strong>of</strong> Transformation, Creativity and<br />
Innovation, (Office <strong>of</strong> Head <strong>of</strong><br />
Service), who led consultants<br />
engaged for scoping assessment/<br />
situating structure <strong>of</strong> MDAs<br />
whose mandate directly impact<br />
the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda <strong>of</strong> the<br />
state to the agency.<br />
the Federal Government’s Gas<br />
expansion Committee, who<br />
paid a courtesy call to ABUAD.<br />
While addressing the<br />
gathering <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essionals,<br />
administrators and academics,<br />
the ABUAD founder said: “The<br />
problem we have today is<br />
decay in quality education in<br />
this country. That was why,<br />
after turning down ministerial<br />
appointments thrice, I agreed<br />
to go to the University <strong>of</strong> Lagos<br />
as Pro-Chancellor and<br />
Chairman <strong>of</strong> the Governing<br />
Council, where I had an<br />
insight into what was<br />
happening to our education<br />
growth in the telecoms sub-sector,<br />
adding 11,172,220 new data<br />
subscribers in 2020. It ended the<br />
year 2019 with 28,934,439<br />
subscribers and moved to<br />
40,106,659 at the end <strong>of</strong> 2020, thus<br />
surpassing the 22 percentage<br />
growth recorded in the sector in<br />
the year under review.<br />
Globacom's performance has,<br />
thus, lent credence to the NCC<br />
statement, Monday, which said<br />
that Nigeria telecoms sector’s<br />
contribution <strong>of</strong> 12.45 per cent to<br />
the country's Gross Domestic<br />
Product, GDP, played a huge role<br />
in getting Nigeria <strong>out</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
recession.<br />
In the second place is MTN with 21<br />
per cent growth, closely followed by Airtel<br />
with 20 per cent, while reverse was the<br />
case for 9mobile, which dropped figures,<br />
recording 12 per cent loss.<br />
She said: “We have a transport<br />
master plan, which speaks to the<br />
vision <strong>of</strong> Mr. Governor on<br />
transportation. We have six rail<br />
lines and one monorail, 14 Bus<br />
Rapid Transit, BRT, corridors, over<br />
20 water r<strong>out</strong>es and are sure that<br />
when all <strong>of</strong> these are properly<br />
harnessed, Lagos will join the<br />
league <strong>of</strong> cities with an efficient<br />
transport system.<br />
“We have advertised four other rail lines<br />
for the private sector to invest in. We are<br />
working on the private sector so they<br />
could bring in ab<strong>out</strong> 1500 high-capacity<br />
buses by 2022; we would be launching<br />
our First Mile Last Mile, FMLM, scheme<br />
very soon. We are working on the<br />
construction <strong>of</strong> two interchanges at Mile<br />
2 and CMS. We want to ensure that<br />
Lagosians travel in comfort.”<br />
system.<br />
“At times, they used to close<br />
down the schools under the<br />
guise <strong>of</strong> strikes for almost a<br />
year, this is criminal. I want to<br />
be an example, a leader in the<br />
transformation <strong>of</strong> education,<br />
and that was why I established<br />
ABUAD.<br />
“Added to the foregoing was<br />
also our very selfish leaders.<br />
There are many Nigerians<br />
who could buy me; they are<br />
expected to set up a university<br />
like this to give functional<br />
education to Nigerians at<br />
affordable fees, but they never<br />
did.<br />
“I want you to be committed<br />
to financial discipline. But the<br />
problem has been that some<br />
wanted to be Bursars to steal<br />
because money is there.<br />
“The government is not doing<br />
enough to fund education.<br />
UNESCO directed governments<br />
to set aside 26 per cent to fund<br />
education, but what have they<br />
done? During the Western<br />
region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo<br />
set aside 22 per cent; the military<br />
came and reduced to nothing.<br />
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999<br />
budgeted 12 per cent and now, it<br />
is just six per cent.<br />
“Looking at all these, we are not<br />
serious with education in this<br />
country. What are we doing ab<strong>out</strong><br />
endowments? We must set up<br />
endowments in our schools. The<br />
endowment is the main source <strong>of</strong><br />
funding for universities. If you<br />
check American universities, they<br />
were being majorly funded<br />
through endowments.”<br />
The 9 months cannot arrive oo, when your<br />
grammar has arrested the pregnancy<br />
...Including all the goodies that come with<br />
the vow. Smart man!<br />
...And for the mutual ‘gains' there<strong>of</strong>!<br />
C<br />
M<br />
Y<br />
K
12 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021<br />
:Vanguard News<br />
:@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058<br />
PRESENTATION: From left—Robert Giles, Senior Banking Advisory, Retail Banking, Access Bank Plc; Tolulope<br />
Agbaje, winner <strong>of</strong> Access Bank transact and win promo; Mr Victor Etuokwu, Executive Director, Retail Banking,<br />
Access Bank Plc and Chioma Afe, Group Head, Retail Marketing and Analysis, Access Bank, during the<br />
presentation <strong>of</strong> car prize to the winner <strong>of</strong> transact and win promo in Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau.<br />
NASS to pass PIB April<br />
•As joint c'ttee regrets poor condition <strong>of</strong> Nigeria refineries<br />
By Davies<br />
Iheamnachor<br />
PORT<br />
HARCOURT—<br />
THE National Assembly<br />
said it was working tirelessly<br />
to ensure the passage <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB,<br />
in April 2021.<br />
This came as the Joint Adhoc<br />
Committee <strong>of</strong> the National<br />
Assembly expressed regrets<br />
over the poor condition <strong>of</strong> the<br />
nation's refineries, adding that<br />
PIB when passed would revive<br />
the refineries to function optimally.<br />
The joint committee <strong>of</strong> Senate<br />
and House <strong>of</strong> Representatives<br />
said this in Port Harcourt,<br />
Rivers State, yesterday, during<br />
a visit to Port Harcourt Refinery<br />
Company, in continuation<br />
<strong>of</strong> its oversight visit <strong>of</strong> the refineries<br />
in the nation.<br />
Speaking, Mohammed<br />
Mougunu, Chairman <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Ad-hoc Committee in the<br />
House <strong>of</strong> Representatives on<br />
PIB, and Chief Whip <strong>of</strong> the<br />
House, noted that the committee<br />
was poised to pass the petroleum<br />
bill as soon as possible.<br />
Mougunu noted that the<br />
main focus <strong>of</strong> the Bill was to<br />
entrench reformation <strong>of</strong> all the<br />
nation's refineries to international<br />
standard, noting that<br />
there as the need to make the<br />
Ambassadorial appointments:<br />
Nigerians angry with NASS —Wike<br />
By Egufe Yafugborhi<br />
PORT HARCOURT —<br />
GOVERNOR Nyesom<br />
Wike <strong>of</strong> Rivers State, has reasoned<br />
that Nigerians are angry<br />
with the National Assembly<br />
for confirming the nation's<br />
recently retired service chiefs<br />
nominated by President Mohammadu<br />
Buhari as ambassadors.<br />
Wike, expressing disappointment<br />
<strong>of</strong> Nigerians in the National<br />
Assembly over the development,<br />
asked visiting Senate<br />
Committee on Niger Delta<br />
at the Government House, Port<br />
Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday,<br />
why the Senators who<br />
joined Nigerians in decrying<br />
poor performance <strong>of</strong> the service<br />
chiefs would now clear them<br />
for another appointment.<br />
He told the senators, "Let me<br />
express the dismay <strong>of</strong> most Nigerians<br />
at the Senate. Convey<br />
this to the Senate. We must be<br />
courageous in whatever we are<br />
doing. Everything must not be<br />
party affairs. You (Senators) sat<br />
and discussed that they should<br />
dismiss the service chiefs.<br />
"You said they're not performing.<br />
Now, same people who<br />
were not performing, you have<br />
confirmed as ambassadors.<br />
What kind <strong>of</strong> country is this? In<br />
Senate c'ttee assures NDDC <strong>of</strong> support, collaboration<br />
PORT<br />
HARCOURT—<br />
CHAIRMAN, Senate<br />
Committee on Niger Delta<br />
Affairs, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi,<br />
has assured the Niger<br />
Delta Development Commission,<br />
NDDC, <strong>of</strong> the support<br />
and collaboration <strong>of</strong> his committee<br />
in the task <strong>of</strong> developing<br />
the Niger Delta region.<br />
Speaking during the oversight<br />
visit <strong>of</strong> the Senate Committee<br />
at the NDDC permanent<br />
headquarters in Port Harcourt,<br />
Rivers State, Nwaboshi<br />
noted that the commission's<br />
strategy <strong>of</strong> engagement and<br />
collaboration was important<br />
for progress in the Niger Delta<br />
region.<br />
He said: "The Interim Administrator,<br />
Mr Efiong Akwa,<br />
has been so nice in terms <strong>of</strong><br />
reaching <strong>out</strong>, communicating<br />
and discussing. He opened<br />
discussions with us. He apologised<br />
for whatever happened<br />
country's refineries more<br />
competitive.<br />
He said: "The main thrust<br />
<strong>of</strong> the PIB is to reform our oil<br />
and gas industry, to make it<br />
more competitive and bring<br />
their operation in tandem<br />
with international best practices.<br />
"We are here in Port Harcourt<br />
refinery to see their constraints<br />
and how best within<br />
the prodigies <strong>of</strong> PIB, leverage<br />
on same and then make their<br />
operations more competitive<br />
in the past and he told us that<br />
he is ready to work for the<br />
people <strong>of</strong> the Niger Delta region.<br />
We are happy that he<br />
accepted that there is need for<br />
cooperation and collaboration<br />
for Niger Delta to move<br />
forward."<br />
Nwaboshi assured that they<br />
would continue to collaborate<br />
with the Interim Administrator<br />
and the NDDC for as long<br />
as Akwa remained as the<br />
Chief Executive Officer <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Commission.<br />
"We don't have any problem<br />
with anybody. Let's be clear<br />
on that. This committee has<br />
no problem with anybody. But<br />
if in the course <strong>of</strong> our oversight<br />
function, we step on toes,<br />
it is because it is our duty.<br />
What happened in the past<br />
happened in the course <strong>of</strong> our<br />
oversight function.<br />
"No commission is perfect<br />
because you cannot satisfy<br />
in a bid to attract the muchneeded<br />
investment in the oil<br />
and gas industry, especially<br />
against the backdrop <strong>of</strong> the<br />
fact that the world is now<br />
moving away from fossil fuels<br />
to renewables."<br />
The committee's co-chair,<br />
said NASS would ensure the<br />
passage <strong>of</strong> the long-awaited<br />
PIB in April, adding that the<br />
bill will bring to an end the<br />
capital flight.<br />
Speaking earlier in a meeting<br />
with the management <strong>of</strong><br />
everybody. You started well<br />
by bringing peace and giving<br />
people the opportunity to discuss.<br />
I assure you that we have<br />
an open mind to collaborate<br />
and cooperate in the interest<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Niger Delta region.<br />
"The Interim Administrator<br />
appeared before us and we<br />
told him that to whom much<br />
is given, much is expected. We<br />
are here to represent the Senate<br />
and our function is to<br />
make sure that the interest <strong>of</strong><br />
the people <strong>of</strong> the Niger Delta<br />
region is protected. We oversight<br />
the NDDC, Ministry <strong>of</strong><br />
Niger Delta Affairs and the<br />
Presidential Amnesty Programme."<br />
Nwaoboshi expressed delight<br />
over the completion <strong>of</strong><br />
the NDDC permanent headquarters,<br />
noting that the committee<br />
had appropriated N16<br />
billion for the completion <strong>of</strong><br />
the headquarters building.<br />
Port Harcourt Refinery,<br />
PHRC, the Senate Ad-hoc<br />
Committee Chairman on<br />
PIB, Sen. Sabo Nakudu, noted<br />
that committees were<br />
mandated to submit it's report<br />
to the House as soon as possible.<br />
Also, Sen. Albet Bassey, who<br />
is Chairman Upstream, at the<br />
Upper Chamber, expressed regrets<br />
over the moribund condition<br />
<strong>of</strong> the nation's refineries,<br />
noting that efforts were on<br />
to return life to the facilities.<br />
However, the Managing<br />
Director <strong>of</strong> PHRC, Ahmed<br />
Dikko, expressed optimism<br />
that rehabilitation <strong>of</strong> the facility<br />
would commence in<br />
April.<br />
anything we do, we must remember<br />
there is tomorrow.<br />
Conscience is key. It's not because<br />
I want to be a loyalist to a<br />
party. There are things you cannot<br />
reconcile at all."<br />
On Niger Delta Development<br />
Commission, NDDC, the governor<br />
told the senators, "I don't<br />
like talking ab<strong>out</strong> it. It is unfortunate<br />
that those who fought for<br />
it if they knew that this is how<br />
NDDC will be, I don't think they<br />
would have even asked for it."<br />
He chided the National Assembly<br />
committees on NDDC<br />
for failing to provide sufficient<br />
direction to make the commission<br />
focus on the core mandate<br />
<strong>of</strong> developing the region, accusing<br />
some politicians <strong>of</strong> rather<br />
transforming NDDC into a<br />
cash cow for prosecuting sinister<br />
political agenda.<br />
Wike also expressed displeasure<br />
over a Senator (Smart<br />
Adeyemi) for allegedly overstepping<br />
his immunity during<br />
a plenary to demean a serving<br />
governor by calling him a<br />
drunk.<br />
Chairman, Senate Committee<br />
on Niger Delta, Peter Nwaoboshi<br />
told Wike, "As a committee,<br />
we are aware that you have<br />
some reservation ab<strong>out</strong> the<br />
NDDC based on your state's previous<br />
relationship with them.<br />
"We have come to assure you<br />
that with the people you have<br />
seen here, who are patriotic<br />
Nigerians, that we will make<br />
sure that the aspirations and the<br />
aim <strong>of</strong> creating the NDDC are<br />
achieved. We will do everything<br />
possible within the limits <strong>of</strong> the<br />
constitution through our oversight<br />
functions for them to<br />
achieve their objectives."<br />
I'm new king <strong>of</strong> Idumuje-Ugboko<br />
—HRM Solomon Nwoko<br />
Emma Amaize<br />
IAFTER DUMUJE-UGBOKO—<br />
a process that conformed<br />
to customs and traditions,<br />
HRM Solomon Nwoko,<br />
said, yesterday, that he is<br />
the new king <strong>of</strong> Idumuje-Ugboko<br />
in Aniocha North Local<br />
Government Area, Delta<br />
State.<br />
HRM Nwoko, who addressed<br />
newsmen at Idumuje-<br />
Ugboko in the presence <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Obi-in-Council, Diokpas,<br />
Iyase <strong>of</strong> Idumuje-Ugboko,<br />
Umu-Nwoko royal family<br />
and jubilant natives, said: "It<br />
is true that the Idumuje-Ugboko<br />
Kingdom now has a new<br />
Obi. His name is HRM Nwoko.<br />
I did not fall from the sky.<br />
I am one <strong>of</strong> you, your kith and<br />
kin and your blood.<br />
"Yet, I cannot be with<strong>out</strong> you,<br />
as a leader has no value if he<br />
has no followers. I have<br />
emerged as Obi through a<br />
transparent process that has<br />
regard for the customs and<br />
traditions <strong>of</strong> our people. I<br />
come as a peacebuilder to<br />
right the wrongs <strong>of</strong> our yesterday<br />
and to open the floodgate<br />
to development and peace for<br />
our community."<br />
On the controversy that has<br />
dogged the kingdom since the<br />
death <strong>of</strong> Obi Albert Nwoko III<br />
in 2017,<br />
he said: "In 2017, the only<br />
LAND DISPUTE: Delta community<br />
leader raises alarm over threat to<br />
life •Accuses Police <strong>of</strong> shooting his wife<br />
By Festus Ahon<br />
ASABA—THE 'Arum' (Ad<br />
ministrator), <strong>of</strong> Ilenobu<br />
quarters, Umunede kingdom,<br />
Ika North East Local Government<br />
Area, Delta State, Mr Ifeanyi<br />
Ikem has raised the<br />
alarm over an assassination<br />
attempt on his life, following<br />
a lingering land dispute in the<br />
area.<br />
Narrating his ordeal in the<br />
hands <strong>of</strong> some police <strong>of</strong>ficers<br />
who purportedly came from<br />
Zone 5, Benin City, Edo State<br />
to arrest him, Ikem, said, "On<br />
that fateful day, February 18,<br />
2021, I just put <strong>of</strong>f my generator<br />
so I could go to bed that<br />
night. I was ab<strong>out</strong> to lie down<br />
when I heard footsteps and my<br />
dog barking when I saw two<br />
men. One was wearing complete<br />
native attire while the<br />
other was on Jean trouser and<br />
a jean jacket.<br />
"They requested to know the<br />
occupants <strong>of</strong> the house but I<br />
kept quiet because I don't know<br />
them. So, my wife from inside<br />
the house sought to know who<br />
they were. They replied to her<br />
that she should call her husband<br />
that somebody is looking<br />
for him.<br />
"My wife told them that her<br />
husband was already asleep.<br />
They asked if he was not the<br />
one that just put <strong>of</strong>f the generator.<br />
In the process <strong>of</strong> my wife<br />
interrogating them, they frequently<br />
called one Sunny.<br />
They said we had some discussions<br />
and arrangements.<br />
"My wife came in to ask me<br />
if I knew anyone by the name<br />
Sunny, I said no. They walked<br />
away and one <strong>of</strong> them was<br />
pressing his phone, so I<br />
thought they had my number<br />
and wanted to call me. I<br />
reached <strong>out</strong> to my phone and<br />
put it on silence.<br />
nominee as the Obi <strong>of</strong> Idumuje-Ugboko<br />
after the demise<br />
<strong>of</strong> Obi Albert Nwoko III<br />
on February 6, 2017, from<br />
existing records was I, Prince<br />
Solomon Nwoko."<br />
"In 1927, following the vacant<br />
stool <strong>of</strong> Obi <strong>of</strong> Idumuje-<br />
Ugboko, Nkeze, the son <strong>of</strong><br />
Omorhusi, assumed the<br />
throne. Upon Obi Albert<br />
Nwoko III's demise in 2017,<br />
the Umu-Nwoko family met<br />
on August 21, 2017, at the residence<br />
<strong>of</strong> Diokpa Prince Onwuamaonyeuku<br />
Nwoko to<br />
recover the throne.<br />
"This was after confirmation<br />
that I, Solomon Ezeokwubundu<br />
was the only surviving<br />
son <strong>of</strong> Nkanye, the son <strong>of</strong><br />
Nwabuokei. By the principle<br />
<strong>of</strong> primogeniture, the name<br />
<strong>of</strong> Prince Solomon Eziokwubundu<br />
was forwarded to<br />
the Aniocha North Traditional<br />
Rulers Committee by the<br />
Obi-In-Council <strong>of</strong> Idumuje-<br />
Ugboko, dated July 2, 2018,<br />
and signed by the Iyase <strong>of</strong> Idumuje-Ugboko,<br />
Chief Christopher<br />
Ogwu.<br />
"If this simple line <strong>of</strong> succession<br />
was adhered to, perhaps<br />
the Idumuje-Ugboko<br />
community would have been<br />
spared the agony <strong>of</strong> bloodletting,<br />
maiming <strong>of</strong> innocent citizens,<br />
court cases and the global<br />
stigmatization <strong>of</strong> Idumuje-Ugboko<br />
as a land <strong>of</strong> bitter<br />
royal tussle.<br />
"Since I assume this Arum,<br />
many things have been going<br />
on and I have been watching<br />
them. So, my uncle came <strong>out</strong><br />
and questioned them on why<br />
they came at this time <strong>of</strong> the<br />
night to arrest someone?<br />
"They kept shaking the front<br />
burglary. By then, the window<br />
was opened because I wanted<br />
fresh air after putting <strong>of</strong>f<br />
the generator. So, I closed it<br />
quietly. After some time, I<br />
thought they had gone, surprisingly,<br />
they returned and<br />
started forcing the glass on the<br />
window and they pulled down<br />
the burglary pro<strong>of</strong>.<br />
"I told my wife and children<br />
to sh<strong>out</strong>. Their sh<strong>out</strong>ing made<br />
people know that something<br />
was happening around the<br />
area. Three men entered first,<br />
we were struggling together.<br />
I saw them with guns and I<br />
thought they wanted to kill<br />
me.<br />
"After the first three persons,<br />
another three entered through<br />
the window, making it six,<br />
they kept dragging me. They<br />
opened the back door and we<br />
started struggling, including<br />
my wife.<br />
"I asked them to tell me<br />
what I did and they said one<br />
Prince Paradise sent them that<br />
I destroyed his car and building<br />
and I told them that I don't<br />
know anything ab<strong>out</strong> it.<br />
"As they saw that people<br />
were coming, they started<br />
shooting and they were still<br />
dragging me but my wife<br />
didn't allow them to take me<br />
away. So, they shot her as my<br />
wife was sh<strong>out</strong>ing that she had<br />
been shot, I held onto them,<br />
they started shooting and<br />
started their vehicle and<br />
zoomed <strong>of</strong>f. They came with<br />
ab<strong>out</strong> three vehicles, one<br />
black Jeep, Tundra and one<br />
ash coloured Sienna, that was<br />
what happened that night."<br />
C<br />
M<br />
Y
Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021 — 13<br />
:Vanguard News<br />
:@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058<br />
RECEPTION: From left—Chief Chukuma Igwe, Secretary General, Ndigbo Lagos, Dr. Raymond Obieri, Chairman,<br />
Council <strong>of</strong> Elders, Ndigbo Lagos, Pr<strong>of</strong>. George Obiozor, President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Major<br />
Gen. Obi Umahi (retd.) , President General, Ndigbo Lagos and Amb. Okey Emutchy, Secretary General, Ohanaeze<br />
Ndigbo, during the Ndigbo Lagos civic reception for the PG, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, held at Civil Centre, Victoria<br />
Island, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor..<br />
BIAFRA: Igbo not at war with Nigeria<br />
—Obiozor •Says Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB must listen to us<br />
By Nnamdi Ojiego<br />
& Olayinka Ajayi<br />
THE PRESIDENT General<br />
<strong>of</strong> the apex Igbo socio-cultural<br />
organisation, Ohanaeze<br />
Ndigbo, Pr<strong>of</strong>essor George<br />
Obiozor, yesterday, reiterated<br />
that Ndigbo are not at war with<br />
Nigeria, stressing that Ndigbo<br />
would continue their efforts to<br />
seek justice, peace and fairness<br />
in all their dealings with everybody<br />
in Nigeria.<br />
Obiozor who spoke at a<br />
grand reception in his honour<br />
by Ndigbo Lagos, at the Civic<br />
Center, Victoria Island, cautioned<br />
those making utterances<br />
that have tendencies to put<br />
Ndigbo in danger to refrain<br />
from it.<br />
He said: "Everybody should<br />
stop utterances or actions that<br />
will or have the tendencies to<br />
put Ndigbo in present and immediate<br />
danger or on harm's<br />
way. That is what my message<br />
is in this matter.<br />
"Igbo are not at war with Nigeria.<br />
I want it to be noted very<br />
clearly. And we are not planning<br />
to have a separate existence<br />
from Nigeria. People<br />
should make no mistake ab<strong>out</strong><br />
it.<br />
"On the issue <strong>of</strong> Biafra, it is<br />
well beyond the capacity <strong>of</strong><br />
young men to resolve. Biafra<br />
is a collective dilemma <strong>of</strong> Ndigbo<br />
and it is not a child's play.<br />
"Biafra is not a child's play. It<br />
requires mature and experienced<br />
handling. Children<br />
should stop playing with fire<br />
and children shouldn't play<br />
with fire. Nnamdi Kanu is one<br />
<strong>of</strong> us. He is our son and he must<br />
listen to some <strong>of</strong> us because he's<br />
one <strong>of</strong> us."<br />
The former ambassador <strong>of</strong><br />
Nigeria to the United States <strong>of</strong><br />
America, described the <strong>security</strong><br />
situation in Igboland as a<br />
matter <strong>of</strong> concern and national<br />
emergency.<br />
"The greatest affliction <strong>of</strong><br />
man is in<strong>security</strong>. With in<strong>security</strong>,<br />
nothing happens. It is the<br />
greatest challenge facing Ndigbo<br />
in particular and Nigeria<br />
at large. However, we thank<br />
God that the S<strong>out</strong>h East governors<br />
themselves shared this feeling<br />
and have started taking<br />
steps particularly, ab<strong>out</strong> antiopen<br />
grazing ban; a great step<br />
which we believe is the right<br />
step to take towards handling<br />
<strong>security</strong> challenges in Igbo<br />
land."<br />
On restructuring, Obiozor<br />
charged the Igbo to pursue it<br />
with pride and dignity, saying<br />
that Nigeria must be restructured<br />
in order to reduce hostile<br />
Kingsley Omonobi &<br />
Steve Oko<br />
OTIES NITSHA—AUTHORI<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Nigerian<br />
Army have dismissed as handiwork<br />
<strong>of</strong> unpatriotic elements,<br />
a trending video alleging that<br />
troops <strong>of</strong> 302 Artillery Regiment,<br />
Onitsha, were given orders<br />
to commence the killing<br />
<strong>of</strong> people at Orlu market.<br />
This came as the Indigenous<br />
People <strong>of</strong> Biafra, IPOB, has<br />
distanced its members from<br />
the purported killing <strong>of</strong> six<br />
children in Anambra State,<br />
describing the allegation as<br />
"malicious and mischievous".<br />
Deputy Director, Army Public<br />
Relations, Col Aliyu Yusuf<br />
made the army position<br />
known in a statement yesterday.<br />
Yusuf said:“The attention <strong>of</strong><br />
Headquarters 82 Division Nigerian<br />
Army has been drawn<br />
to an orchestrated video clip<br />
by an unpatriotic element<br />
which is being circulated on<br />
the social media, claiming to<br />
be a soldier in the Nigerian<br />
Army by name Joseph from<br />
Bayelsa State.<br />
“The video was recorded in<br />
an unknown market claiming<br />
to be privy to a supposed order<br />
given by 302 Artillery Regiment,<br />
Onitsha to start killing<br />
everybody at Orlu market and<br />
environs, Orlu L.G.A in Imo<br />
State.<br />
“Preliminary investigation<br />
revealed that it was a calculated<br />
attempt to maliciously<br />
fabricate sensational stories<br />
to cause resentment and<br />
smear campaign against Nigerian<br />
Army Internal Security<br />
Operations.<br />
“The supposed individual in<br />
the video was not bold enough<br />
to reveal his true identity as<br />
claimed or present his so<br />
called military uniform and<br />
identity card which were deliberately<br />
obscured to deceive<br />
innocent target audience.<br />
“The Nigerian Army recognizes<br />
the right <strong>of</strong> citizens to<br />
hold and share opinions on<br />
tension among ethnic nationalities<br />
and move the country<br />
forward.<br />
According to him, restructuring<br />
would address the issue<br />
<strong>of</strong> hostile contacts<br />
among Nigerians and reduce<br />
tensions.<br />
On his part, Ndigbo Lagos<br />
President, Major General<br />
Obi Umahi, rtd, described<br />
the event as home<br />
coming for Ambassador<br />
Obiozor.<br />
He however, urged him to<br />
collaborate with s<strong>out</strong>h eastern<br />
governors to give considerations<br />
and attention to<br />
three key areas which are:<br />
"<strong>security</strong> <strong>of</strong> Alaigbo, requiring<br />
an urgent need for state<br />
police; . restructuring <strong>of</strong> the<br />
country and president <strong>of</strong><br />
Igbo extraction come 2023.<br />
"Ndigbo are not asking for<br />
too much. They are only<br />
asking for equity and fairness<br />
in a country they have<br />
contributed so much to it's<br />
development", he stated.<br />
Orlu mayhem: Army debunks false video<br />
information<br />
•As IPOB denies killing <strong>of</strong> children in Anambra<br />
social media and not to spread<br />
divisive contents by unpatriotic<br />
individuals.<br />
“This mischievous misrepresentation<br />
<strong>of</strong> facts, misinformation<br />
and fabrication <strong>of</strong> <strong>out</strong>right<br />
falsehood as deliberately captured<br />
in the video clip are being<br />
orchestrated in the social<br />
media to tarnish the good image<br />
and reputation <strong>of</strong> the military.<br />
This great disservice is<br />
not acceptable by any standard.<br />
“The Headquarters, 82 Division,<br />
Nigerian Army therefore<br />
wish to reassure law abiding<br />
citizens that the Nigerian<br />
Army remains a pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
force that respects fundamental<br />
human rights and deploy<br />
its personnel whenever or<br />
wherever duty calls.<br />
“It is worth to note that Nigerian<br />
Army troops deployed<br />
for Internal Security Operations<br />
are guided by extant rules<br />
and regulations as stipulated<br />
in Nigerian Army Code <strong>of</strong><br />
Conducts and Rules <strong>of</strong> Engagement<br />
in line with global<br />
best practices.<br />
“The general public is therefore<br />
urged to disregard the<br />
false information contained in<br />
the video.”<br />
IPOB denies<br />
killing <strong>of</strong> children<br />
in Anambra<br />
Denying the allegation,<br />
IPOB in a statement issued by<br />
its Media and Publicity Secretary,<br />
Emma Powerful entitled:<br />
"it's ridiculous to link IPOB,<br />
ESN with killing <strong>of</strong> children<br />
in Anambra State", said mischief<br />
makers were behind the<br />
false report.<br />
The pro Biafra movement<br />
said it is inconceivable that<br />
IPOB and ESN whose main<br />
mandate is to defend the people<br />
<strong>of</strong> Eastern region against<br />
terrorists, would turn against<br />
the same people they stake<br />
their lives to protect.<br />
The statement read:"The attention<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Indigenous People<br />
<strong>of</strong> Biafra (IPOB) ably led<br />
by our great leader Mazi<br />
Nnamdi Kanu, has been<br />
drawn to a malicious and mischievous<br />
report trying to link the<br />
IPOB and the Eastern Security<br />
Network, ESN with the purported<br />
killing <strong>of</strong> six children in Anambra<br />
State. Fabricated claims<br />
like this is only akin to giving the<br />
dog a bad name in order to hang<br />
it.<br />
"Those behind this lame and<br />
poorly scripted dummy forgot<br />
the main reason for the establishment<br />
<strong>of</strong> ESN, and the mission<br />
<strong>of</strong> IPOB. We came to save<br />
lives and not to waste them. We<br />
don't kill those we daily put our<br />
lives on the line to save and<br />
protect. Associating us with<br />
such barbaric act is not only<br />
insulting but a lie from the pit<br />
<strong>of</strong> hell.<br />
"But for the sake <strong>of</strong> the gullible,<br />
we wouldn't have bothered<br />
to signify distracting reports like<br />
this with a response. We have<br />
no hands in the purported incident."<br />
IPOB also denied that those<br />
paraded by the military were<br />
ESN members arrested in Orlu,<br />
claiming that <strong>security</strong> agents<br />
only arrested innocent citizens<br />
and branded them ESN operatives.<br />
"We also want to debunk the<br />
reports by the Nigeria military<br />
that those it arrested in Orlu during<br />
their genocidal raid and air<br />
strike last week are ESN operatives.<br />
" It's just unfortunate that the<br />
Army could curiously arrest innocent<br />
Biafran civilians at Orlu<br />
branding them ESN<br />
operatives.Their propaganda<br />
cannot work.<br />
"We equally want to warn the<br />
Nigerian military to ensure<br />
nothing happens to the Jewish<br />
Rabbi Kelechi Nwachukwu<br />
and his family as well as other<br />
IPOB members they arrested<br />
<strong>out</strong> <strong>of</strong> frustration following<br />
their humiliation by the indomitable<br />
ESN operatives at Orlu.<br />
"We must warn Hope Uzodinma,<br />
to ensure that nothing<br />
happens to these IPOB members<br />
and 33 synagogue worshipers<br />
arrested in Orlu and<br />
paraded in the public as if they<br />
were criminals."<br />
Uzodinma lauds Buhari over<br />
<strong>Nigeria’s</strong> exit from recession<br />
O WERRI—GOVERNOR<br />
Hope Uzodimma <strong>of</strong> Imo<br />
State has commended President<br />
Muhammadu Buhari’s<br />
deft management <strong>of</strong> the economy<br />
which resulted to the<br />
country’s exit from recession,<br />
just as he predicted that the<br />
President would soon overcome<br />
the <strong>security</strong> challenges<br />
in the country.<br />
He said only a leader with<br />
the patriotism, vision and determination<br />
<strong>of</strong> President Buhari<br />
would have seen Nigeria<br />
through recession within five<br />
years, adding that the same<br />
zeal and vision will navigate<br />
the country <strong>out</strong> <strong>of</strong> the present<br />
<strong>security</strong> situation in the country<br />
Ṡpeaking with reporters in<br />
Owerri, Governor Uzodimma<br />
noted that it was remarkable<br />
that the president was not responsible<br />
for any <strong>of</strong> the recession,<br />
yet he fought gallantly to<br />
steer the economy to safety.<br />
He also recalled that while<br />
notable World economies including<br />
UK,US, Japan,<br />
France and Switzerland<br />
among others were still battling<br />
with Covid-19 induced<br />
recession, Nigeria was <strong>out</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
it due mainly to Buhari’s hardwork.<br />
“If you recall, the first recession<br />
occurred as the President<br />
was assuming <strong>of</strong>fice and the<br />
second one came ab<strong>out</strong> as a<br />
result <strong>of</strong> the Covid 19 pandemic<br />
which devastated the<br />
world economy, but our president<br />
rose to the occasion in the<br />
two instances,” the governor<br />
said.<br />
According to him, just like<br />
Japan overcame recession in<br />
2015, Buhari also led Nigeria<br />
Okorocha: Igbo rights groups<br />
attack Uzodinma<br />
By Anayo Okoli &<br />
Chidi Nkwopara<br />
ENUGU—ANGRY reac<br />
tions have continued to<br />
trail the alleged intervention<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Presidency when Senator<br />
Rochas Okorocha was arrested<br />
weekend by the police<br />
in Owerri for breaking the seal<br />
<strong>of</strong> Imo State Government.<br />
While the Commissioner<br />
<strong>of</strong> Information and Strategy,<br />
Declan Emelumba,<br />
claimed that the police released<br />
Okorocha late Sunday<br />
night on health<br />
grounds,", the former governor<br />
disclosed that he was released<br />
through the prompt<br />
intervention <strong>of</strong> the Presidency.<br />
IGBO elite group, Alaigbo<br />
Development Foundation,<br />
ADF, has condemned the invitation<br />
<strong>of</strong> the military by Governor<br />
Hope Uzodinma <strong>of</strong> Imo<br />
State to overrun Orlu zone,<br />
warning that Ndigbo will n ot<br />
forgive him if he pushes the<br />
Federal Government to declare<br />
war on Igboland.<br />
ADF urged Uzodinma to<br />
“moderate his extreme s lavish<br />
loyalty to the Northern<br />
to achieve the same thing by<br />
repositioning the economy.<br />
On the <strong>security</strong> challenges<br />
in the country, the governor<br />
noted that both state governors<br />
and local government<br />
chairmen should equally<br />
take responsibility for the <strong>security</strong><br />
situation in their areas<br />
<strong>of</strong> jurisdiction, noting that <strong>security</strong><br />
was the collective responsibility<br />
<strong>of</strong> all stakeholders<br />
He argued that the same<br />
tenacity from the president<br />
which propelled the country’s<br />
exit from recession will<br />
soon bring ab<strong>out</strong> a lasting<br />
solution to the <strong>security</strong> challenges<br />
in the country.<br />
He commended the president<br />
for being proactive last<br />
year by setting up the Economic<br />
Sustainability Committe<br />
which fashioned <strong>out</strong><br />
ways <strong>of</strong> mitigating the effects<br />
<strong>of</strong> the pandemic in the<br />
country”s economy.<br />
He was also happy that the<br />
massive job creation embarked<br />
upon by the federal<br />
government including the injection<br />
<strong>of</strong> funds into the economy<br />
accelerated the exit from<br />
recession.<br />
Uzodimma said it was<br />
clear that Buhari has delivered<br />
on his campaign promises<br />
<strong>of</strong> reinvigorating the<br />
economy and will overcome<br />
the <strong>security</strong> challenges sooner<br />
than later.<br />
Canvassing support for the<br />
president from Nigerians, the<br />
Imo governor said Buhari<br />
was more than determinebd<br />
to turn the country around,<br />
the current challenges notwithstanding.<br />
Caliphate rulers and show<br />
loyalty to the people <strong>of</strong> Imo<br />
State."<br />
Another leading right<br />
group, International Society<br />
for Civil Liberties and Rule <strong>of</strong><br />
Law, Intersociety, also described<br />
it as “sad” and lamented<br />
that the governor decided<br />
to compromise the <strong>security</strong> and<br />
safety <strong>of</strong> his own people by aiding<br />
the unspeakable state violence<br />
against his own people<br />
and the state.<br />
ADF, in a statement by its<br />
spokesperson, Chief Abi Onyike<br />
said: “Governor Hope Uzodinma<br />
should be advised to moderate<br />
his extreme slavish loyalty<br />
to the Northern Caliphate<br />
rulers. He will not be forgiven<br />
by Ndigbo if he pushes the<br />
Federal Government to declare<br />
war on Igboland.<br />
“He should show loyalty to<br />
the people <strong>of</strong> Imo State and<br />
stop behaving like a surrogate<br />
character. Afterall, no<br />
other Nigerian governor has<br />
ever invited the military to<br />
invade his domain.<br />
“He is becoming a major<br />
problem by his poor governance<br />
skills and treacherous<br />
anti-Igbo posturing”.<br />
C<br />
M<br />
Y<br />
K
14 — Vanguard, , THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021<br />
:Vanguard News<br />
:@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058<br />
Zulum secures FGC admissions<br />
for 959 <strong>out</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-school girls, boys<br />
By Ndahi Marama<br />
M GOVERNOR<br />
AIDUGURI—<br />
Babagana Zulum <strong>of</strong> Borno<br />
State, has facilitated the<br />
admissions into Federal<br />
Government Colleges, FGC,<br />
for 959 boys and girls from 16<br />
Local Government Areas,<br />
LGAs, who had been forced <strong>out</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> school by Boko Haram<br />
activities.<br />
Of the 959 children,<br />
admissions were secured for<br />
774 girls into Federal<br />
Government Girls College,<br />
FGGC, Monguno operating<br />
temporarily in Maiduguri; while<br />
185 boys were taken to FGC,<br />
Maiduguri.<br />
In the first phase <strong>of</strong><br />
implementing Zulum’s multidimensional<br />
strategies on basic<br />
education, the Executive<br />
Secretary <strong>of</strong> the newly<br />
By Peter Duru<br />
M AKURDI—FIRST<br />
Lady <strong>of</strong> Benue State,<br />
Dr. Eunice Ortom, has<br />
expressed optimism that in no<br />
distant time, Sexual and<br />
Gender Based Violence, SGBV,<br />
would be a thing <strong>of</strong> the past in<br />
the state.<br />
Mrs. Ortom made the<br />
assertion yesterday in<br />
Makurdi at the assessment<br />
and review <strong>of</strong> activities <strong>of</strong> the<br />
State Sexual and Gender<br />
Based Violence, SGBV, Policy<br />
and<br />
Advocacy<br />
Implementation Team which<br />
she inaugurated last year.<br />
While expressing satisfaction<br />
at the efforts made by the<br />
committee members to work<br />
<strong>out</strong> a template to tackle SGBV<br />
in the state, the Governor’s<br />
wife noted that capacity<br />
building through campaigns<br />
established Borno State<br />
Education Trust Fund, Alhaji<br />
Maina Yaumi, yesterday formally<br />
welcomed 185 boys into JSS 1 at<br />
FGC Maiduguri for<br />
commencement <strong>of</strong> studies.<br />
Governor Zulum had already<br />
approved an initial N60 million<br />
for sponsorship <strong>of</strong> the 774 girls<br />
going to FGGC Monguno, and<br />
over N37 million, for the 185 boys<br />
at FGC, Maiduguri.<br />
The boys were drawn from 16<br />
local councils with most<br />
backward number <strong>of</strong> school<br />
enrollments in which long<br />
displaced Abadam was given<br />
the highest number <strong>of</strong> 17 slots,<br />
followed by Guzamala which<br />
got 15 slots, Marte-13, Maga-<br />
13, Mobbar-12, Kala-Balge, 11,<br />
Konduga 10, Ngala 10,<br />
Magumeri 10, Bama 10, Gubio<br />
10, Dikwa 10, Kaga 10,<br />
Kukawa 10, Nganzai 10 and<br />
Monguno-9 slots.<br />
Sexual, gender-based violence'll<br />
soon be a thing <strong>of</strong> the past in<br />
Benue — Mrs. Ortom<br />
and on-field contacts were imperative<br />
to reach local<br />
communities.<br />
She however noted that<br />
despite the gains made, “there<br />
is still room for improvement.<br />
That is why it is important to<br />
assess the successes so far<br />
recorded in order to seek ways<br />
to improve in areas that need<br />
attention.<br />
“I must also point <strong>out</strong> that<br />
with the work plan put<br />
together by the committee,<br />
I am optimistic that SGBV<br />
will soon be a thing <strong>of</strong> the past<br />
in Benue State.”<br />
Earlier, Chairman <strong>of</strong> the<br />
SGBV Implementation Team,<br />
Dr. Magdalene Dura stated<br />
that bills had been proposed<br />
to tackle obnoxious practices<br />
such as female circumcision,<br />
discrimination against<br />
disabled persons, equal rights<br />
and host <strong>of</strong> others.<br />
TGL promises reduction in<br />
auto accidents in Nigeria<br />
THE pioneer <strong>of</strong><br />
computerised vehicle<br />
inspection service (CVIS), Temple<br />
Group Limited (TGL), has<br />
reiterated its commitment to<br />
providing good services in an<br />
effort to minimise the rate <strong>of</strong> auto<br />
accidents and fatalities across<br />
Nigeria after it concluded its<br />
The group said it has partnered<br />
government at all levels to<br />
guarantee sound road<br />
worthiness <strong>of</strong> vehicles plying<br />
Nigerian roads.<br />
rising from its annual<br />
management retreat held in<br />
Abuja with theme "Greater<br />
Workforce for Sustainability," the<br />
group said the retreat which<br />
hosted top management staff and<br />
key executives <strong>of</strong> the company<br />
was to ex-ray some <strong>of</strong> the causes<br />
<strong>of</strong> road accidents with a view to<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>fering solution.<br />
According to the MD/CEO <strong>of</strong><br />
TGL, Prince Segun Obayendo,<br />
the retreat was an opportunity<br />
for the company to strengthen<br />
the commitment to grow the<br />
people behind the Temple Group<br />
brand.<br />
He said: “You will all agree with<br />
me that last year was a defining<br />
moment for us as a group. Right<br />
from the headquarters here in Abuja<br />
to the coastal city <strong>of</strong> Lagos, we<br />
weren't totally immune to the destruction<br />
occasioned by COVID-<br />
19 and the #ENDSARS protests,<br />
which rocked the country to its<br />
foundation.''<br />
He said the company will soar<br />
higher regardless <strong>of</strong> the pandemic<br />
and protests, saying: ”As we<br />
emerge from the ashes <strong>of</strong> these<br />
destruction into the bright<br />
sunlight, we are confronted with<br />
the reality that business will only<br />
triumph when its workforce is in<br />
full control <strong>of</strong> all the opportunities<br />
to improve its capacities and<br />
capabilities at its disposal.”<br />
Other objectives <strong>of</strong> the<br />
meeting was to ensure that<br />
vehicle owners and other road<br />
users ply the roads with minimal<br />
mechanical defects and accidents.<br />
Obayendo said among the<br />
inspections carried <strong>out</strong> at any <strong>of</strong><br />
the computerised vehicle<br />
inspection centres are emission,<br />
headlamps test, brakes efficiency<br />
states, steering and alignment<br />
tests, visual inspection to check<br />
for safety requirements in<br />
vehicles and underneath<br />
inspection to check for chassis<br />
and frame <strong>of</strong> vehicles.<br />
BORNO: Death toll rises to 16, over 60<br />
injured, as survivors recount ordeals<br />
•As FG moves to begin trial <strong>of</strong> 5,000 Boko Haram suspects •Minister<br />
condemns attack<br />
By Ndahi marama &<br />
Joseph Erunke<br />
M VICTIMS AIDUGURI—<br />
<strong>of</strong> Borno<br />
Haram’s attack on Maiduguri<br />
Tuesday night yesterday<br />
recounted their ordeals, as death<br />
toll rose to 16, with over 60<br />
injured persons in hospitals<br />
receiving treatment.<br />
This came as the Federal<br />
Government disclosed that it<br />
would soon begin trial <strong>of</strong> no fewer<br />
than 5,000 Boko Haram suspects.<br />
Meanwhile, Governor<br />
Babagana Zulum early yesterday<br />
disclosed that 10 persons died in<br />
the attack, while 47 were injured<br />
but by noon, the death toll had<br />
risen to 16.<br />
A survivor in Kaleri/Adam Kolo,<br />
one <strong>of</strong> the densely populated area<br />
affected by the attack in the<br />
metropolis, Alhaji Musa Kolomi,<br />
71, said: “We were sitting just<br />
before magrib (evening) prayers,<br />
when we saw something (rocket)<br />
coming from a distance and it fell<br />
in the middle <strong>of</strong> the road. It tore<br />
the car that was parked there<br />
into pieces and those <strong>of</strong> us that<br />
were there got affected by the<br />
impact <strong>of</strong> the explosion.<br />
‘’A man carrying a mat to go to<br />
the mosque got hit and his skull<br />
was opened and he died instantly.<br />
Then the rest <strong>of</strong> us sustained<br />
injuries. My leg was injured,<br />
while two boys hit in the head<br />
were rushed to University <strong>of</strong><br />
Maiduguri Teachning Hospital,<br />
UMTH.’’<br />
Another survivor in Gwange,<br />
Abubakar Mohammed, said: “I<br />
was just standing in front <strong>of</strong> my<br />
house in Layin bori, near COCIN<br />
church, when something that<br />
looked like a rocket landed before<br />
me. There were several <strong>of</strong> us<br />
there, some <strong>of</strong> the people even<br />
got killed instantly.’’<br />
Efforts to speak with some <strong>of</strong><br />
the survivors receiving<br />
treatment in hospitals were<br />
unsuccessful as Vanguard’s<br />
correspondent who visited two <strong>of</strong><br />
the hospitals was not allowed in.<br />
Most <strong>of</strong> the victims were in the<br />
emergency and intensive care<br />
units accessible only to health<br />
workers on duty call.<br />
Governor Zulum during his<br />
empathy visits to the State<br />
Specialist Hospital, and the<br />
University <strong>of</strong> Maiduguri Teaching<br />
Hospital, both in Maiduguri<br />
earlier yesterday, had told<br />
journalists that 10 persons died<br />
in the attack, while 47 were<br />
injured.<br />
The governor was told that<br />
some <strong>of</strong> the victims had sustained<br />
various degrees <strong>of</strong> injuries and<br />
were being treated, for which he<br />
directed the state ministry <strong>of</strong><br />
health to take over their bills.<br />
According to him, “Indeed it is<br />
a very sad moment for the people<br />
and government <strong>of</strong> Borno State,<br />
ab<strong>out</strong> 60 persons were affected,<br />
among them, 10 have died. It was<br />
as a result <strong>of</strong> long distance shots<br />
fired by the insurgents. I believe<br />
this is a new trend we have to rise<br />
up and stop it. We experienced a<br />
similar incident exactly one year<br />
ago. The solution is to deploy an<br />
appropriate technology, which we<br />
will have to work on. I share the<br />
pains <strong>of</strong> all those affected. We are<br />
not just visiting hospitals, we do<br />
so much behind the scene in our<br />
combined responses to the Boko<br />
Haram insurgency and we will<br />
keep making these and more<br />
efforts.”<br />
On military’s recapturing <strong>of</strong><br />
Marte, seized by Boko Haram’s<br />
terrorists few days ago, Governor<br />
Zulum said he was not just<br />
pleased, but optimistic that the<br />
Nigerian military would work had<br />
to retain, continue its peacebuilding<br />
and stability efforts in<br />
ways that should ensure the<br />
insurgents never took Marte<br />
again, or any part <strong>of</strong> the state.<br />
“I am optimistic that the<br />
insurgents will not take over<br />
Marte again,” Zulum said.<br />
Trial <strong>of</strong> 5,000 Boko Haram<br />
suspects<br />
In the meantime, on the<br />
planned trial <strong>of</strong> Boko Haram<br />
suspects in detention facilities<br />
across the country, the Director<br />
General <strong>of</strong> Legal Aid Council,<br />
Aliyu Abubakar, disclosed the<br />
development during a courtesy<br />
visit to Borno Governor Babagana<br />
Zulum at the Government<br />
House, Maiduguri.<br />
According to Abubakar, Giwa<br />
Barracks, Maiduguri, Kainji<br />
prisons were among facilities,<br />
where the suspects were being<br />
kept over alleged involvement in<br />
Boko Haram sect’s activities.<br />
He said the trial would be<br />
conducted by the Office <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Attorney General <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Federation, Office <strong>of</strong> the National<br />
Security Advisers in collaboration<br />
with the Theater Command<br />
Operation Lafiya Dole, while the<br />
Legal Aid Council had been<br />
mandated to provide defence for<br />
the inmates.<br />
According to him, the legal aid<br />
team had already interviewed 283<br />
suspects as part <strong>of</strong> efforts to<br />
establish their involvement in<br />
terrorism as well understand the<br />
nature <strong>of</strong> the crime they<br />
committed.<br />
Abubakar said “As their defence<br />
counsel, we have to interview<br />
them from time to time to enable<br />
us know their own part <strong>of</strong> the<br />
story. It so because regardless <strong>of</strong><br />
the crimes they committed, it is<br />
possible that <strong>out</strong> <strong>of</strong> hundreds, you<br />
may find <strong>out</strong> that one or two<br />
persons are innocent.<br />
“It is necessary for them to be<br />
represented by this council to<br />
make sure that all the<br />
requirements <strong>of</strong> the law are<br />
fulfilled. All evidence must be<br />
presented against them before<br />
the court <strong>of</strong> the law so that those<br />
found guilty would be prosecuted.<br />
In as much as everybody is aware<br />
<strong>of</strong> the nature <strong>of</strong> the crime they<br />
have committed, under our laws,<br />
they are innocent until proven<br />
guilty.”<br />
Responding, Governor Zulum<br />
represented by his Deputy, said<br />
the government was ready to<br />
partner with the Federal<br />
Government to achieve its<br />
Saidu tasks northern<br />
leaders on dignity before<br />
s<strong>out</strong>hern politicians<br />
By Jimitota Onoyume<br />
WARRI—LEADER<br />
<strong>of</strong><br />
the Arewa in the S<strong>out</strong>h,<br />
Alhaji Musa Saidu has enjoined<br />
Emirs and northern political<br />
leaders in the north to be mindful<br />
<strong>of</strong> how they visit politicians in the<br />
s<strong>out</strong>hern part <strong>of</strong> the country<br />
ahead <strong>of</strong> the 2023 general<br />
elections.<br />
Alhaji Saidu who is also<br />
spokesman <strong>of</strong> northern<br />
traditional rulers in the S<strong>out</strong>h<br />
said they maintain the dignity <strong>of</strong><br />
northerners before s<strong>out</strong>hern<br />
politicians.<br />
Saidu spoke to the Vanguard<br />
in Warri, Delta State, saying they<br />
would continue to commend the<br />
Emir <strong>of</strong> Katsina for his courage.<br />
“Our northern politicians<br />
should not come to sell<br />
themselves in the s<strong>out</strong>h, they<br />
SOLIDARITY<br />
VISIT: Nigeria<br />
Governors<br />
Forum, NGF<br />
Chairman,<br />
Governor Kayode<br />
Fayemi <strong>of</strong> Ekiti<br />
State (2nd left);<br />
Hon Shina Peller<br />
(2nd right); and<br />
others, during a s<br />
solidarity visit to<br />
Governor Bello <strong>of</strong><br />
Niger State over<br />
the recent<br />
kidnapping in the<br />
state.<br />
mandate and lauded the council<br />
for providing legal support to the<br />
people <strong>of</strong> the state.<br />
Minister condemns attack<br />
Reacting to the attack, Minister<br />
<strong>of</strong> Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster<br />
Management and Social<br />
Development, Sadiya Farouq,<br />
condemned the attacks on<br />
residents leading to several<br />
fatalities.<br />
In a statement by her Special<br />
Assistant on Media, Nneka Ikem<br />
Anibeze, the Minister described<br />
insurgents ‘action as not only<br />
wicked and inhuman but also<br />
insensitive.<br />
The statement read: ”The<br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> Humanitarian Affairs,<br />
Disaster Management and Social<br />
Development, Sadiya Umar<br />
Farouq has condemned insurgent<br />
attacks on residents <strong>of</strong> Borno<br />
state which left 10 persons dead<br />
and 47 injured.<br />
“Boko Haram insurgents fired<br />
rocket-propelled grenades shots<br />
from Kaleri on the <strong>out</strong>skirts <strong>of</strong><br />
Maiduguri on Tuesday night.<br />
“Two densely populated<br />
communities Gwange and Adam<br />
Kolo areas including a children’s<br />
playground were mostly hit by<br />
the grenade. I condemn in its<br />
entirety, the attacks on innocent<br />
residents <strong>of</strong> Gwange and Adam<br />
Kolo commutes.''<br />
should not sell northern honour<br />
before s<strong>out</strong>hern politicians. I also<br />
want to commend the Emir <strong>of</strong><br />
Katsina for the way he has been<br />
carrying on.<br />
“As the leader <strong>of</strong> Arewa in the<br />
s<strong>out</strong>h, I also want to appeal to<br />
our Emirs to help defend the<br />
values <strong>of</strong> the north. The s<strong>out</strong>h<br />
calls us beggars, pest so we should<br />
be careful.<br />
“I implore our leaders to be<br />
mindful <strong>of</strong> how they visit. They<br />
should defend the northern<br />
honour. You know when you visit<br />
politicians, people will say they<br />
gave you money even if they did<br />
not.<br />
''So, as leader <strong>of</strong> Arewa in<br />
the S<strong>out</strong>h I appeal to our<br />
northern politician, leaders,<br />
to uphold the dignity <strong>of</strong> the<br />
north in all they do.“<br />
C<br />
M<br />
Y<br />
K
Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021 — 15<br />
GOVERNOR AKEREDOLU'S SECOND TERM INAUGURATION<br />
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu <strong>of</strong> Ondo State and his Deputy, Mr. Lucky Ayedatiwa were sworn in for the second term at the<br />
International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Alagbaka, Akure, yesterday. PHOTOS: DAYO JOHNSON<br />
From left; Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; wife <strong>of</strong> Ekiti State governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi;<br />
her husband, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN); his wife,<br />
Betty; Ondo State Deputy governor, Mr. Lucky Ayedatiwa; his wife, Esther; Governor Adegboyega Oyetola<br />
<strong>of</strong> Osun State; his Ogun State counterpart, Prince Dapo Abiodun and Chairman, Ondo State Council <strong>of</strong><br />
Obas, Oba Obateru Akinruntan (Okoro Ajija I) during the inauguration.<br />
Governor Kayode Fayemi <strong>of</strong> Ekiti State (crouching)<br />
exchanging pleasantries with National leader <strong>of</strong> APC,<br />
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and former Osun State governor,<br />
Chief Bisi Akande (right).<br />
Governor Akeredolu and wife swearing to the oath <strong>of</strong> allegiance.<br />
From left: Wife <strong>of</strong> Ondo State governor, Betty Akeredolu, Governor Rotimi<br />
Akeredolu, his deputy and wife Hon Lucky Ayedatiwa while taking the oath <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice.<br />
Governor Akeredolu and former Senate President Ken Nnamani.<br />
Governor Akeredolu, wife, Betty and traditional rulers at the ceremony.<br />
From left; Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, his wife, Betty, Ondo State Chief Judge,<br />
Justice Olanrewaju Akeredolu, Deputy governor Lucky Ayedatiwa and wife.<br />
Governor Akeredolu addressing the gathering.<br />
C<br />
M<br />
Y<br />
K
16 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021<br />
ISTORY is made,” the<br />
‘HWorld Trade Organisation<br />
exulted on February 15 after its<br />
164 members finally appointed<br />
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its<br />
next Director-General. History is,<br />
indeed, made because, when she<br />
assumes <strong>of</strong>fice on March 1, Dr.<br />
Okonjo-Iweala will be the first<br />
female and first African Director<br />
General in the 73-year history <strong>of</strong><br />
the WTO and its predecessor, the<br />
General Agreement on Tariffs and<br />
Trade, GATT, established in 1947.<br />
Since her appointment, Dr.<br />
Okonjo-Iweala has received<br />
congratulatory messages from<br />
across the world. I, too,<br />
congratulate her on her<br />
remarkable achievement. But<br />
congratulations are also in order<br />
for Dr. Yonov Frederick Agah, an<br />
<strong>out</strong>standing Deputy Director-<br />
General <strong>of</strong> the WTO since 2013,<br />
whose tenure will end next week.<br />
This column pays tribute to these<br />
two great Nigerians and Africans!<br />
First, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala. Last<br />
November, the erratic Trump<br />
administration blocked consensus<br />
on appointing her for the WTO job.<br />
Thankfully, democracy intervened.<br />
Trump was voted <strong>out</strong> <strong>of</strong> power and<br />
Joe Biden became president.<br />
Elections have consequences:<br />
President Biden promptly<br />
endorsed Okonjo-Iweala for the<br />
WTO job after persuading her<br />
Trump-backed S<strong>out</strong>h Korean<br />
opponent, Yoo Myung-Hee, to<br />
withdraw her candidacy.<br />
In her acceptance speech, Dr.<br />
Okonjo-Iweala said: “With<strong>out</strong> the<br />
recent swift action by the Biden-<br />
Harris Administration to join the<br />
consensus <strong>of</strong> the membership on<br />
my candidacy, we would not be<br />
here today”, adding: “I am<br />
grateful to the US for the prompt<br />
action and strong expression <strong>of</strong><br />
support.” She’s right: by lifting<br />
WTO: Kudos to Okonjo-Iweala and<br />
Agah for making Africa proud<br />
Trump’s block, Biden helped her<br />
make history!<br />
But she also, rightly, said:<br />
“Special thanks to President<br />
Muhammadu Buhari and all my<br />
Nigerian compatriots for their<br />
support and prayers.” Of course,<br />
apart from nominating her for the<br />
job, the Buhari government had<br />
little influence on her selection.<br />
Yet, the Nigerian element played a<br />
big role in her victory. With<strong>out</strong> it,<br />
she wouldn’t have won. So, what’s<br />
the Nigerian element and how did<br />
it account for Okonjo-Iweala’s<br />
victory?<br />
First, let’s bust a myth. Dr.<br />
Okonjo-Iweala didn’t get the<br />
Director General job mainly<br />
because <strong>of</strong> her former role as<br />
managing director <strong>of</strong> the World<br />
Bank. Indeed, that worked against<br />
her with the Trump<br />
administration. Recently, Robert<br />
Lighthizer, former President<br />
Trump’s trade chief, told the<br />
Financial Times that Dr. Okonjo-<br />
Iweala wasn’t qualified for the<br />
WTO top job because she “has no<br />
experience in trade at all”, adding:<br />
“We need a person who actually<br />
knows trade, not somebody from<br />
the World Bank who does<br />
development.” But WTO members<br />
knew that Dr. Okonjo-Iweala was<br />
not a trade guru. Yet, they wanted<br />
her for the Director General job.<br />
Why? Well, the three things that<br />
everyone said ab<strong>out</strong> her were her<br />
negotiation skills, reformist<br />
mindset and anti-corruption zeal.<br />
These experiences were linked to<br />
her spell as finance minister in<br />
Nigeria, first, under President<br />
Olusegun Obasanjo, when she<br />
negotiated <strong>Nigeria’s</strong> debt relief<br />
The irony <strong>of</strong> President<br />
Buhari’s nomination <strong>of</strong><br />
Agah and Okonjo-<br />
Iweala as DG <strong>of</strong> the<br />
WTO is that he doesn’t<br />
share their economic<br />
views; but Dr. Okonjo-<br />
Iweala and Dr. Agah<br />
have done Nigeria and<br />
Africa proud and<br />
deserve our best wishes<br />
and undertook far-reaching<br />
economic reforms, and second,<br />
under President Goodluck<br />
Jonathan, when she was believed<br />
to fight corruption.<br />
Of course, her World Bank job<br />
got her noticed in Nigeria in the<br />
first place; made President<br />
Obasanjo to invite her to be his<br />
finance minister, and President<br />
Jonathan to appoint her as his<br />
finance minister and coordinating<br />
minister <strong>of</strong> the economy. And her<br />
achievements as minister gave her<br />
a global pr<strong>of</strong>ile. She captured these<br />
experiences and achievements in<br />
two fascinating books – Reforming<br />
the Unreformable and Fighting<br />
Corruption is Dangerous – that have<br />
been read by influential people<br />
globally. So, truth is, the Nigerian<br />
factor contributed significantly to<br />
her victory in the WTO’s DG race.<br />
But there’s also the American<br />
factor. By becoming a US citizen<br />
in 2019, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala<br />
strategically removed a potential<br />
obstacle to her being appointed as<br />
head <strong>of</strong> a world economic body. In<br />
2012, she lost <strong>out</strong> in the race for<br />
the World Bank presidency when<br />
President Obama appointed a<br />
Korean-American, Jim Yong Kim.<br />
But, recently, when a group <strong>of</strong><br />
influential Americans wrote to<br />
President Biden urging him to<br />
endorse Okonjo-Iweala’s<br />
candidacy, they didn’t refer to her<br />
as a Nigerian. Instead, they said:<br />
“Her selection as the first<br />
American and woman <strong>of</strong> colour to<br />
serve as the WTO’s directorgeneral<br />
will send a clear message<br />
<strong>of</strong> inclusion to the rest <strong>of</strong> the<br />
world.” Dual-nationality, <strong>of</strong><br />
course, has its benefits!<br />
So, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala is Director<br />
General <strong>of</strong> the WTO, what next?<br />
Well, she wants to reform the WTO<br />
and will certainly inject fresh<br />
energy and momentum into the<br />
organisation. But unless she can<br />
manage the tense and febrile<br />
relationship between China and<br />
the US, she would struggle to<br />
make real progress. What’s more,<br />
Africa’s, nay <strong>Nigeria’s</strong>, entrenched<br />
opposition to sensible reforms at<br />
the WTO could also limit the scope<br />
Send Opinions & Letters to:<br />
opinions1234@yahoo.com<br />
<strong>of</strong> what she can achieve.<br />
Which, finally, brings us to Dr.<br />
Agah. He was President Buhari’s<br />
first choice for the Director<br />
General job but later dopped for<br />
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala. Harsh, but it<br />
was a wise decision, given that<br />
Agah doesn’t have a fraction <strong>of</strong><br />
Okonjo-Iweala’s global pr<strong>of</strong>ile.<br />
Yet, he has been a linchpin <strong>of</strong> the<br />
WTO for nearly 15 years and has<br />
chaired all the main WTO bodies.<br />
In 2011, Dr. Agah served as chair<br />
<strong>of</strong> the WTO’s General Council,<br />
responsible for organising the<br />
WTO’s eighth Ministerial<br />
Conference. The conference was<br />
widely predicted to fail, but Agah<br />
snatched victory from the jaw <strong>of</strong><br />
defeat, and ensured its success. He<br />
was rewarded two years later when<br />
DG Roberto Azevêdo appointed<br />
him as one <strong>of</strong> his four Deputy<br />
Directors-General, with<br />
responsibility for development,<br />
training and technical<br />
cooperation, knowledge and<br />
information management, among<br />
others.<br />
Dr. Agah is a strong advocate <strong>of</strong><br />
economic liberalisation. Recently,<br />
he stressed the importance <strong>of</strong> open<br />
and predictable markets to foster<br />
economic recovery. Sadly, this idea<br />
is utterly at odds with the Buhari<br />
government’s entrenched<br />
protectionism. The irony <strong>of</strong><br />
President Buhari’s nomination <strong>of</strong><br />
Agah and Okonjo-Iweala as<br />
Director General <strong>of</strong> the WTO is<br />
that he doesn’t share their<br />
economic views.<br />
But Dr. Okonjo-Iweala and Dr.<br />
Agah have done Nigeria and<br />
Africa proud and deserve our best<br />
wishes. Indeed, if underperforming<br />
service chiefs could be nominated<br />
as non-career ambassadors, Dr.<br />
Agah certainly deserves a topranking<br />
diplomatic appointment!<br />
Dealing with gender-based violence<br />
By OMOLARA OTUYEMI<br />
ACCORDING to the<br />
United Nations, UN, Gender Based<br />
Violence, GBV, interchangeably used with<br />
Violence Against Women or at times<br />
domestic violence, is any act <strong>of</strong> violence<br />
that results in or is likely to result in<br />
physical, sexual or psychological harm or<br />
suffering to women/young girls, including<br />
threats <strong>of</strong> such acts, coercion or arbitrary<br />
deprivation <strong>of</strong> liberty whether occurring<br />
in private (domestic) or public life.<br />
GBV is a global phenomenon and not<br />
limited to Nigeria. It occurs in various<br />
cultures and affects people irrespective <strong>of</strong><br />
their economic status. The primary targets<br />
<strong>of</strong> gender based violence are women and<br />
adolescent girls.<br />
They also suffer exacerbated<br />
consequences as compared with what men<br />
endure. As a result <strong>of</strong> gender<br />
discrimination and their lower socioeconomic<br />
status, women have fewer<br />
options and less resources at their<br />
disposal to avoid or escape abusive<br />
situations and to seek justice.<br />
GBV can be physical, sexual or<br />
psychological. It can also be in the form<br />
<strong>of</strong> neglect and abandonment and<br />
economic disempowerment.<br />
It includes, but is not limited to, such<br />
acts as slapping, kicking, stabbing,<br />
shooting, hitting, pouring <strong>of</strong> acid or any<br />
other corrosive substance on victims and,<br />
<strong>of</strong> course, murder. Other forms are harmful<br />
traditional practices and female genital<br />
mutilation.<br />
Perhaps, the most common form <strong>of</strong> GBV<br />
is rape. Rape is having sex with a woman<br />
with<strong>out</strong> her consent. Today, the rape<br />
epidemic in our society reflects the extent<br />
to which women’s human rights are<br />
flagrantly being threatened. Our laws and<br />
collective attitudes toward this weapon <strong>of</strong><br />
domination and repression call to question<br />
not only our sense <strong>of</strong> justice but our level<br />
<strong>of</strong> civilisation. Like a scourge, the regular<br />
cases <strong>of</strong> reported rape in the country’s<br />
media and confirmed statistics from some<br />
states are threatening to smother the<br />
essence <strong>of</strong> the society.<br />
Each day, the media are awash with<br />
weird stories with varying degrees <strong>of</strong> what<br />
can be described as ludicrous: from child<br />
defilement to the rape <strong>of</strong> old women.<br />
Nobody, not even an infant, is safe from<br />
the rampage <strong>of</strong> these randy felons on the<br />
prowl.<br />
Domestic violence is so<br />
entrenched in our society that<br />
even the victims condone<br />
such violations <strong>of</strong> their rights<br />
Domestic violence is also a common<br />
aspect <strong>of</strong> GBV. These days, it is not<br />
unusual for husbands to turn their spouses<br />
to punching bags and <strong>of</strong>tentimes vent their<br />
anger and frustrations on the latter. They<br />
label their wives as witches whenever they<br />
experience downturn in their economic<br />
status or lose their jobs.<br />
Consequently, the wives suffer for the<br />
situations they did not create in the first<br />
place. In most cases, some charlatans<br />
pretending to be prophets or spiritualists<br />
are the major culprits.<br />
Similarly, if a woman earns more than<br />
the man, there may be conflicts in the<br />
home leading to domestic violence<br />
because the man may be feeling inferior<br />
and may believe the only way to assert his<br />
authority in the home is by becoming<br />
violent.<br />
In Lagos State, statistics have shown that<br />
30 per cent <strong>of</strong> females from age 15-49 have<br />
become victims <strong>of</strong> gender- based violence,<br />
either sexually, physically and<br />
emotionally, but most prevalently sexual<br />
violence. 2020, in particular, ushered in a<br />
spike in GBV.<br />
This, probably, is due to the COVID-19<br />
pandemic and its attendant effects on<br />
peoples’ sources <strong>of</strong> livelihood.<br />
For instance, at the peak <strong>of</strong> the<br />
pandemic, before the lockdown, reported<br />
cases <strong>of</strong> domestic violence in the state<br />
were relatively low compared to when the<br />
lock down was implemented.<br />
In the first half <strong>of</strong> 2020, the Lagos Police<br />
Command recorded 32 cases <strong>of</strong> sexualbased<br />
violence in the state. It was also<br />
reported that one in every four girls before<br />
attaining the legal age <strong>of</strong> sexual consent<br />
have been a victim <strong>of</strong> sexual violence. And<br />
this has continued to rise amidst the<br />
pandemic.<br />
In view <strong>of</strong> the evil it portends and<br />
dangers associated with it, the<br />
administration <strong>of</strong> Mr. Babajide Sanwo-<br />
Olu has demonstrated sufficient resolve<br />
to frontally confront the social vice in the<br />
state. In the forefront <strong>of</strong> the war against<br />
GBV is the wife <strong>of</strong> the State Governor, Dr.<br />
Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who has declared zero<br />
tolerance to all forms <strong>of</strong> gender-based<br />
violence.<br />
Currently, diverse methods geared<br />
towards eradicating the monstrous crime<br />
<strong>of</strong> GBV in the state are being deployed by<br />
Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, with the support<br />
<strong>of</strong> relevant government agencies.<br />
With the active role <strong>of</strong> the Ministries <strong>of</strong><br />
Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation,<br />
WAPA, Y<strong>out</strong>h and Social Development,<br />
Justice, Education, Health and<br />
Information and Strategy, Lagos State<br />
Judiciary, the State Police Command as<br />
well as the Lagos State House <strong>of</strong> Assembly,<br />
government is battling GBV through a<br />
multi-dimensional approach. This<br />
includes legislation, public enlightenment<br />
campaigns and proper implementation <strong>of</strong><br />
existing laws against GBV, among others.<br />
Many GBV usually lack the courage to<br />
seek legal redress on the violation <strong>of</strong> their<br />
rights due to lack <strong>of</strong> positive response from<br />
the society as the problem is <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
dismissed as a private one even by law<br />
enforcement agents and the fear <strong>of</strong> being<br />
exposed to more intense forms <strong>of</strong> abuse.<br />
Domestic violence is so entrenched in<br />
our society that even the victims condone<br />
such violations <strong>of</strong> their rights as some<br />
perceive it as a sign <strong>of</strong> love and the socioreligious<br />
belief that a broken marriage or<br />
relationship is a mark <strong>of</strong> failure in life.<br />
And also because many women and girls<br />
depend on the financial resources <strong>of</strong> their<br />
husband, father or families, they are forced<br />
to put up with domination for fear <strong>of</strong> the<br />
withdrawal <strong>of</strong> this financial support.<br />
Therefore, in Lagos State, for instance,<br />
the government and its partners have<br />
continued to sensitise and educate women<br />
to draw a line between true love and<br />
abuse.<br />
Similarly, several empowerment<br />
programmes aimed at creating credible<br />
sources <strong>of</strong> livelihood for the women are<br />
being constantly organised by the<br />
government.<br />
The issue <strong>of</strong> gender-based violence is a<br />
social malady that requires holistic<br />
approach and solution from all<br />
stakeholders. The civil society groups,<br />
traditional and religious bodies, women<br />
rights groups, law enforcement agencies,<br />
all tiers <strong>of</strong> government and families must<br />
all work together with a view to stemming<br />
the tide <strong>of</strong> this dreadful societal ill.<br />
•Otuyemi is <strong>of</strong> the Features Unit, Ministry<br />
<strong>of</strong> Information and Strategy, Alausa,<br />
Ikeja.
Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021 — 17<br />
The governor as a quisling<br />
THE idea <strong>of</strong> democracy is<br />
straightforward. “Democracy<br />
is government <strong>of</strong> the people for the<br />
people and by the people,” said<br />
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president<br />
<strong>of</strong> the United States, a definition that<br />
borrows heavily from its meaning in<br />
Greek – “rule by the (simple)<br />
people.”<br />
Lincoln simply amplified the<br />
essence <strong>of</strong> the concept, and his<br />
definition presupposes that in a<br />
democracy, the interest <strong>of</strong> the people<br />
is preeminent. It superintends over<br />
every other interest, including the<br />
interests <strong>of</strong> government <strong>of</strong>ficials. But<br />
the idea in an ideal democratic<br />
setting is for the interest <strong>of</strong> the people<br />
to resonate with the leaders since the<br />
ultimate goal is the promotion <strong>of</strong> the<br />
common good.<br />
For this to happen, there must be a<br />
constitution, which, among other<br />
things, guarantees basic personal<br />
and political rights, fair and free<br />
elections, and independent courts <strong>of</strong><br />
law. In a democracy, the inalienable<br />
right <strong>of</strong> the people to choose, in a<br />
free and fair election, those that will<br />
allocate their collective values, is<br />
sacrosanct and inviolable because<br />
the fidelity <strong>of</strong> a leader to the common<br />
good is predicated on the fact that he<br />
owes his <strong>of</strong>fice to the sovereign will<br />
<strong>of</strong> the people expressed through the<br />
ballot box.<br />
But when leaders in a so-called<br />
democracy access power not by the<br />
sovereign will <strong>of</strong> the people but<br />
through the back door, they are<br />
alienated from the people they claim<br />
to lead. Their allegiance is to those<br />
powerful external forces who brought<br />
them to power. Such leaders<br />
inevitably become quislings - traitors<br />
to the common good. That is the<br />
wretched fate <strong>of</strong> Imo State today.<br />
When Imolites went to the polls on<br />
March 9, 2019 to elect a governor,<br />
they voted massively for the candidate<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,<br />
Emeka Ihedioha; not Hope<br />
Uzodimma, the man now sitting<br />
pretty in Douglas House.<br />
The Independent National<br />
Electoral Commission, INEC,<br />
dutifully returned Ihedioha winner<br />
and on May 29, 2019, he took the<br />
oath <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice. But the sovereign will<br />
<strong>of</strong> the people was whimsically<br />
upended on January 14, 2020 when<br />
the Supreme Court illogically<br />
declared Uzodimma, the man who<br />
came a distant fourth, winner <strong>of</strong> the<br />
election in which the same Supreme<br />
Court had ruled barely two weeks<br />
earlier that he was not even a<br />
candidate.<br />
While throwing <strong>out</strong> the petition <strong>of</strong><br />
the governorship candidate <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Action Alliance, AA, Uche Nwosu, on<br />
December 20, 2019, the apex court<br />
ruled that he was not qualified to vie<br />
for the election because he doubled<br />
as both the candidate <strong>of</strong> the APC and<br />
AA.<br />
In a lead judgement read by Justice<br />
Amina Augie, the apex court held that<br />
by virtue <strong>of</strong> double candidature,<br />
Nwosu, ab-intio, was not qualified<br />
to vie for the <strong>of</strong>fice. In an April 29,<br />
2020 article titled: “Hope<br />
Uzodimma’s 100 days <strong>of</strong><br />
hopelessness”, I predicted that the<br />
consequences <strong>of</strong> the Supreme Court’s<br />
shenanigan will be dire for the state.<br />
“What the country’s apex court did<br />
by imposing Hope Uzodimma on a<br />
people who rejected him at the polls<br />
is to create a hopeless situation for<br />
the state. The consequences are better<br />
imagined.”<br />
You need to get this background to<br />
appreciate what is happening in Imo.<br />
Today, the state is in a sorry situation.<br />
There is little or no governance. Most<br />
workers are not paid their salaries<br />
as and when due. Those who are<br />
lucky to get paid at all take a cut<br />
with<strong>out</strong> any explanation. Beyond all<br />
that, Imo is in a state <strong>of</strong> war, literally<br />
and metaphorically. In the last 13<br />
months since the Supreme Court<br />
torpedoed the electoral will <strong>of</strong> the<br />
people and imposed Uzodimma on<br />
them as governor, the stories have<br />
been horrifying, more so in the last<br />
two weeks. On the invitation <strong>of</strong><br />
Uzodimma, military fighter jets took<br />
to the skies on Thursday, February<br />
18 reminiscent <strong>of</strong> the civil war years<br />
and rained bombs on towns and<br />
villages, killing and maiming<br />
innocent, law-abiding citizens in the<br />
name <strong>of</strong> hunting for operatives <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Eastern Security Network, ESN, the<br />
so-called military wing <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Indigenous Peoples <strong>of</strong> Biafra, IPOB,<br />
led by Nnamdi Kanu.<br />
Suddenly, 51 years after the<br />
fratricidal war, Alaigbo has once<br />
again become a theatre <strong>of</strong> war, with<br />
videos showing old men, women and<br />
Alaigbo has once<br />
again become a theatre<br />
<strong>of</strong> war, with videos<br />
showing old men,<br />
women and children<br />
running <strong>out</strong> <strong>of</strong> their<br />
homes, some <strong>of</strong> them<br />
half-naked and terribly<br />
frightened as military<br />
jets hovered above<br />
children running <strong>out</strong> <strong>of</strong> their homes,<br />
some <strong>of</strong> them half-naked and terribly<br />
frightened as military jets hovered<br />
above because Uzodimma wanted<br />
to please those who made him<br />
governor. The only crime the IPOB<br />
activists committed was their<br />
audacity to resist bandits occupying<br />
the forests in the S<strong>out</strong>h East and<br />
committing unspeakable atrocities.<br />
Yet, no one is waging war against<br />
the bandits.<br />
Last week, Uzodimma boasted that<br />
“our government decided to invite<br />
military to flush <strong>out</strong> IPOB and their<br />
so-called ESN,” insisting that his<br />
administration will not hearken to<br />
the pleas <strong>of</strong> those calling for the<br />
withdrawal <strong>of</strong> the soldiers. He has<br />
made all manner <strong>of</strong> allegations<br />
against Igbo y<strong>out</strong>hs, accusing them<br />
<strong>of</strong> murdering “four Moslems doing<br />
their business in Orlu,” and killing<br />
“several policemen and innocent<br />
citizens in the area”, with<strong>out</strong> any<br />
shred <strong>of</strong> evidence.<br />
Of course, he has been hailed by<br />
those who gave him the power he<br />
did not merit. Yet, the same people<br />
hailing him as an action governor<br />
for decimating his own people are<br />
negotiating for not only<br />
unconditional amnesty for the<br />
bandits up North but insisting they<br />
be paid compensation. Bandits<br />
wreaking havoc across the country,<br />
we are told by the northern elite, are<br />
not criminals. They are militants -<br />
and even freedom fighters - who<br />
have the right to carry AK-<br />
47 rifles, not to protect<br />
themselves but to kill<br />
Nigerians, if need be,<br />
because the herdsmen are<br />
aggrieved.<br />
Despite the carnage in<br />
the North, none <strong>of</strong> the<br />
governors hailing<br />
Uzodimma as a patriot has<br />
called for the military to<br />
flush <strong>out</strong> the bandits from<br />
their states even when they<br />
know where they are in the<br />
forests. Instead, they are<br />
negotiating and paying them<br />
millions <strong>of</strong> naira as ransom. This<br />
week, Uzodimma went to Aso Rock<br />
to brief President Muhammadu<br />
Buhari on how well the military<br />
operation in Orlu was going. “I came<br />
here (Presidential Villa), pleaded<br />
with Mr. President for his support and<br />
he sent additional support by<br />
sending in police and the military<br />
also came in. And that is where we<br />
are. It was on my invitation that the<br />
military came. And I did that because<br />
I know the situation was beyond the<br />
local arrangement, we needed help.<br />
And the help was given to us,” he told<br />
journalists after a close-door meeting<br />
with Buhari.<br />
That is what quislings do - they<br />
collaborate with an enemy<br />
occupying force. Uzodimma could<br />
invite the military to decimate his<br />
own people because he does not owe<br />
any allegiance to them. He owes<br />
allegiance to those who made him<br />
governor. He knows his power base.<br />
It is not Imo State. If he became<br />
governor with<strong>out</strong> the people’s vote,<br />
why should he care a hoot ab<strong>out</strong><br />
them?<br />
Political<br />
observers<br />
While the battle is still raging in<br />
Orlu, a new theatre erupted in Owerri<br />
between Uzodimma and one <strong>of</strong> his<br />
co-conspirators, Senator Rochas<br />
Okorocha, former governor <strong>of</strong> the<br />
state. Discerning political observers<br />
know it is a war foretold - natural<br />
consequence <strong>of</strong> a shenanigan taken<br />
too far.<br />
In his dissenting judgement when<br />
Ihedioha asked the Supreme Court<br />
to set aside its January 14, 2020<br />
ruling, Justice Centus Nweze - who<br />
was not part <strong>of</strong> the original sevenmember<br />
panel that nullified<br />
Ihedioha’s election - said most<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>oundly: “The decision <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Supreme Court in the instant matter<br />
will continue to haunt our (<strong>Nigeria’s</strong>)<br />
electoral jurisprudence for a long<br />
time to come.”<br />
He is right. But it is not only the<br />
electoral jurisprudence the<br />
judgement is haunting. It is haunting<br />
Imo State terribly. It is also bound to<br />
haunt those who orchestrated the<br />
injustice. That is called nemesis,<br />
which explains the deadly tango<br />
between Uzodimma, Okorocha and<br />
Ifeanyi Araraume. Okorocha’s<br />
humiliation over the weekend in a<br />
state he thought he had conquered is<br />
a well-deserved comeuppance.<br />
Same for Araraume who was denied<br />
the APC senatorial ticket in Okigwe.<br />
That is what happens when<br />
bootleggers sit back to share the<br />
spoils <strong>of</strong> their political philandering.<br />
Interestingly, Okorocha’s son-inlaw,<br />
Nwosu, has gone back to the<br />
Supreme Court to request a<br />
declaration that Uzodimma was not<br />
the APC candidate in the 2019<br />
election. He is also praying the apex<br />
court to declare Ihedioha winner<br />
and mandate the INEC to once<br />
again issue him with the certificate<br />
<strong>of</strong> returns. I wish the Supreme Court<br />
justices will appreciate the fact that<br />
Imo, a constituent part <strong>of</strong> Nigeria,<br />
will not know peace as long as<br />
Uzodimma continues to usurp a<br />
position he does not merit. And<br />
Nigeria will be worse for it.<br />
:Vanguard News<br />
By Ozioruva Aliu<br />
BENIN CITY—THE Private<br />
Depot <strong>of</strong> Oil and Gas Marketers<br />
Association <strong>of</strong> Nigeria, PDOGMAN,<br />
has in collaboration with the Nigerian<br />
Security and Civil Defence Corps,<br />
NSCDC, inaugurated a <strong>security</strong><br />
surveillance team in Benin City, Edo<br />
state to check incidences <strong>of</strong> pipeline<br />
vandalism across oil installation and<br />
oil pipeline r<strong>out</strong>es.<br />
The Assistant Commander, Edo<br />
State Command <strong>of</strong> the NSCDC,<br />
Emmanuel Ojile who represented the<br />
Edo State Commander <strong>of</strong> NSCDC,<br />
assured that the command has what it<br />
takes to protect all federal<br />
government's critical assets and<br />
infrastructure in Edo State and the<br />
country in general, adding that it has<br />
Divisional Officers in all the eighteen<br />
local government areas <strong>of</strong> the state<br />
that can be called upon in case <strong>of</strong> any<br />
emergency.<br />
He said: "We have a core mandate<br />
to protect all federal government assets<br />
and infrastructure across the country.<br />
We are happy to be part <strong>of</strong> this success<br />
story that the Edo State branch <strong>of</strong><br />
PDOGMAN is being inaugurated<br />
today. We have the capability to<br />
NANNM endorses JIK to promote<br />
hygiene practice in Nigeria<br />
By Gabriel Olawale<br />
L AGOS—NATIONAL<br />
Association <strong>of</strong> Nigeria Nurses<br />
and Midwives, NANNM has<br />
announced a strategic endorsement<br />
with leading household disinfectant<br />
brand, JIK to promote hygiene<br />
practices in Nigeria.<br />
The partnership is in line with JIK’s<br />
long-term vision to realise a world<br />
where families are safe from illnesscausing<br />
germs and viruses. It will<br />
also enable Reckitt Benckiser (RB<br />
Nigeria), through its brand JIK, to<br />
further encourage good hygiene<br />
practices in communities and the<br />
public through several far-reaching<br />
bouquet <strong>of</strong> programmes.<br />
In his remarks, General Secretary<br />
:@vanguardnews<br />
Private depot operators, NSCDC<br />
partner to tackle pipeline vandalism<br />
interface and protect, even at the state<br />
headquarters, we are available for you<br />
to work with", he assured.<br />
Earlier in his opening remarks, the<br />
National Secretary <strong>of</strong> PDOGMAN,<br />
Mr. Fred Ufuah said the inauguration<br />
<strong>of</strong> the joint <strong>security</strong> surveillance team<br />
was made possible because <strong>of</strong> the<br />
MoU the body entered with NSCDC<br />
which spelt <strong>out</strong> all the legal<br />
requirements <strong>of</strong> the operation which<br />
he said is for three years in the first<br />
instance.<br />
According to Ufuah, "we signed an<br />
MoU, a legal document with them to<br />
collaborate in the <strong>security</strong> activity. The<br />
legal document was signed in July last<br />
year and it has three years tenure which<br />
is subject to renewal based on the<br />
performance <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>ficers in the job.<br />
Before the signing <strong>of</strong> the MoU, our<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficers went through lectures and<br />
training from the NSCDC command".<br />
While reminding the team<br />
members that the Benin NNPC<br />
petroleum products Depot became<br />
moribund because <strong>of</strong> pipeline<br />
vandalism, Ufuah urged them to hand<br />
over to the <strong>of</strong>ficials <strong>of</strong> NSCDC anyone<br />
caught vandalising petroleum<br />
pipelines or any other oil installation.<br />
Delta Speaker, Oborevwori was never<br />
invited by EFCC —CPS<br />
By Festus Ahon<br />
ASABA—CHIEF Press Secretary,<br />
CPS to the Speaker <strong>of</strong> Delta State<br />
House <strong>of</strong> Assembly, Mr Dennis Otu,<br />
Tuesday, said the Speaker, Chief Sheriff<br />
Oborevwori was never invited by the<br />
Economic and Financial Crime<br />
Commission, EFCC over the purchase<br />
<strong>of</strong> cars for members <strong>of</strong> the House.<br />
Otu in a statement made available<br />
to newsmen in Asaba, described media<br />
reports that the Speaker and the Clerk<br />
<strong>of</strong> the House, Mrs Lyna Ocholor were<br />
arrested and detained by the EFCC as<br />
incorrect and malicious.<br />
Noting that the report was the<br />
handwork <strong>of</strong> mischief-makers who<br />
were <strong>out</strong> to tarnish the good image <strong>of</strong><br />
the Speaker, he explained that VAT<br />
and Tax were deducted at source by<br />
the <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong> Accountant General <strong>of</strong> the<br />
State from the value <strong>of</strong> the cars.<br />
ASUU <strong>of</strong>fers scholarship to 30 most<br />
deserving UNIZIK students<br />
By Vincent Ujumadu<br />
AWKA—THE Nnamdi Azikiwe<br />
University branch <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Academic Staff Union <strong>of</strong><br />
Universities (ASUU) yesterday<br />
awarded scholarships to 30 students<br />
<strong>of</strong> the institution as part <strong>of</strong> measures<br />
to reduce the burden on their parents<br />
who were finding it difficult to<br />
finance their education at this period<br />
<strong>of</strong> economic hardship in the country.<br />
The students received N50,000<br />
each for the 2019/2020 academic<br />
session, with the Unizik ASUU<br />
chairman, Comrade Stephen<br />
Ufoaroh explaining that the<br />
Explaining that the Clerk who was<br />
invited by the EFCC to bring<br />
documentary evidence <strong>of</strong> the cars<br />
transaction based on a petition, he said<br />
the Clerk returned same day after<br />
presenting documents requested by the<br />
Commission.<br />
Otu held that the cars were<br />
purchased in accordance with the<br />
procurement law, adding that the<br />
Petitioners decided to resort to<br />
blackmail having failed in their<br />
devilish act.<br />
While calling on the public to<br />
disregard the said media report in its<br />
entirety, he reiterated that neither the<br />
Speaker nor the Clerk <strong>of</strong> the House<br />
was detained by the EFCC.<br />
Insisting that the Speaker has never<br />
been involved in shoddy businesses,<br />
he said the Speaker is on the same<br />
page with the members and very<br />
transparent in the running <strong>of</strong> the<br />
House.<br />
beneficiaries were those who deserved<br />
it most.<br />
Ufoaroh said the gesture was to<br />
support the students to complete<br />
their academic pursuit, adding that<br />
ASUU members tasked themselves<br />
to raise the money despite the fact<br />
that all academic staff <strong>of</strong> Unizik were<br />
owed salaries between four and<br />
twelve months.<br />
He said: "Despite the prevailing<br />
<strong>problems</strong>, ASUU-Unizik, still saw<br />
the need to help in alleviating the<br />
suffering <strong>of</strong> our students, who have<br />
also borne the pains <strong>of</strong> the ruling<br />
class insensitivity to the suffering<br />
masses <strong>of</strong> this country.‘‘<br />
<strong>of</strong> NANNM, Comrade Thomas<br />
Shettima, said the association was<br />
proud to identify with JIK. “Reckitt<br />
Benckiser’s products are well-tested<br />
and the efficacy <strong>of</strong> their products –<br />
especially JIK, is not in doubt; the<br />
reason for our endorsement. We are<br />
confident that this will further<br />
promote the acceptance <strong>of</strong> the<br />
brand.”<br />
With the Memorandum <strong>of</strong><br />
Understanding signing, the<br />
association has granted RB the<br />
exclusive right to use its <strong>of</strong>ficial logo<br />
on all its JIK products and brand<br />
materials. Every RB’s advertising<br />
material for JIK products and<br />
brands on all media platforms will<br />
likewise carry the association’s<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficial endorsement and logo.<br />
C<br />
M<br />
Y<br />
K
18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021<br />
IT has long been public knowledge<br />
that most occupants <strong>of</strong> political<br />
<strong>of</strong>fices in Nigeria send their children<br />
to schools abroad due to the virtual<br />
collapse <strong>of</strong> quality education in<br />
Nigeria.<br />
A non-resident scholar <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Carnegie Endowment for<br />
International Peace, Matthew Page<br />
(who is described as “a Nigerian”),<br />
in a study titled: “West African Elites’<br />
Spending on UK Schools and<br />
Universities: A Closer Look”, has<br />
accused <strong>Nigeria’s</strong> politically-exposed<br />
persons, PEPs, <strong>of</strong> perpetrating money<br />
laundering by using the education <strong>of</strong><br />
their children and wards abroad as a<br />
conduit pipe.<br />
The report, which was<br />
commissioned by the United<br />
Kingdom government, according to<br />
its High Commissioner in Nigeria,<br />
Catriona Laing, was meant “to better<br />
understand the risk to the UK from<br />
illicit finance in West Africa.<br />
We will now consider the report’s<br />
Funding Nigerians’ education<br />
abroad with illicit funds<br />
finding and take a view on what if<br />
any further action is required”.<br />
Page’s report also accused the UK<br />
government <strong>of</strong> reluctance to<br />
acknowledge the shortcomings <strong>of</strong> its<br />
anti-money laundering policies or<br />
learn lessons from recent anticorruption<br />
failures, especially as<br />
many UK schools are clearly<br />
complicit in matriculating students<br />
linked to known or even convicted<br />
“kleptocrats”.<br />
We are waiting to see exactly what<br />
the UK government is going to do<br />
ab<strong>out</strong> this unwholesome finding<br />
which hurts both the UK and the victim<br />
countries. Nigeria bears the<br />
main brunt <strong>of</strong> public treasury fleecing<br />
to educate the children <strong>of</strong> PEPs<br />
abroad while virtually abandoning<br />
public-funded education.<br />
We suggest they start by monitoring<br />
the sources <strong>of</strong> funds being used<br />
to pay for the children and wards <strong>of</strong><br />
these Nigerian PEPs and consider<br />
rusticating/deporting any student<br />
being sponsored with stolen or illicit<br />
public funds.<br />
The UK has an obligation to show<br />
its sincerity in commissioning the<br />
inquiry by the resolve with which it<br />
deals with the proven cases <strong>of</strong><br />
money laundering.<br />
In spite <strong>of</strong> the much-vaunted “anticorruption<br />
wars” in Nigeria, the<br />
country has almost lost its capacity to<br />
bring culprits to book because <strong>of</strong> the<br />
nature <strong>of</strong> the system we run.<br />
With<strong>out</strong> the assistance <strong>of</strong> developed<br />
countries and international bodies,<br />
corruption in the topmost political<br />
circles in Nigeria virtually has no<br />
deterrence.<br />
The deterioration in the quality <strong>of</strong><br />
education in Nigerian schools is<br />
greatly responsible for the poverty,<br />
underdevelopment and growing<br />
instability in Nigeria.<br />
It also affects advanced countries<br />
like the UK by way <strong>of</strong> the quantum <strong>of</strong><br />
unwanted emigrants seeking better<br />
life.<br />
It is in the UK’s interest that<br />
Nigerian leaders are encouraged to<br />
educate the bulk <strong>of</strong> their children in<br />
well-funded and run domestic<br />
schools.<br />
OPINION<br />
The delusion <strong>of</strong> institutionalising online learning<br />
BY SEGUN IGE<br />
ALEARNING management system is an<br />
online learning platform or portal where<br />
lecturers upload lecture notes, slides, or videos<br />
on certain courses on the one hand, and where<br />
students download relevant materials, submit<br />
assignments and take whatever assessments,<br />
on the other hand. LMS is not actually a<br />
modern technique <strong>of</strong> learning. It’s been an<br />
integral part <strong>of</strong> every successful “management<br />
system” where learning is invariably mediated<br />
via socio-cyber space.<br />
Schools in Nigeria, in general, have not been<br />
digitally institutionalised and equipped to the<br />
point <strong>of</strong> meeting up with the demands <strong>of</strong><br />
teaching and learning online. And as far as<br />
online learning is concerned, we’re extremely<br />
lagging behind because the foundation <strong>of</strong> our<br />
educational system wasn’t digital-driven, and<br />
we’re entrusted with the decades-to-come<br />
responsibility <strong>of</strong> recalibrating the education<br />
sector to the proper place <strong>of</strong> competence and<br />
performance.<br />
The new learning environment the<br />
pandemic has created is an indisputable social<br />
pro<strong>of</strong> and indispensable fait accompli that<br />
students would not continually be physically<br />
gathering to learn for a long period <strong>of</strong> time,<br />
and the necessity <strong>of</strong> putting in place spatiallearning<br />
modes, models and platforms comes<br />
to the fore. It’s such a servile way <strong>of</strong> saying<br />
physical learning has come to an end.<br />
The deception <strong>of</strong> lecturers, who claim to be<br />
technological “know-hows” and have indeed<br />
been systematically bred and reared by the<br />
traditional ‘paper-and-pencil’ methodology <strong>of</strong><br />
teaching and learning, is typically posing a<br />
great deal <strong>of</strong> threat to students who themselves<br />
have been endangered by such learning<br />
processes.<br />
The danger it presupposes is, <strong>of</strong> course, the<br />
overwhelming under-performance <strong>of</strong> students,<br />
who surely find it a herculean task coming to<br />
classes, let alone attending one Zoom lecture<br />
fluctuated by power <strong>out</strong>age and insufficient<br />
data, who are under duress and in a gruelling<br />
situation to grasp one thing or two.<br />
Such is the endemic problem students are<br />
achingly and perilously going through as a<br />
result <strong>of</strong> the COVID-19 pandemic. But clearly,<br />
the fact that the students would not rarely<br />
observe social distancing, and what have you,<br />
is a selling point that really they could resume<br />
physical learning some way or other. That is<br />
not to say that the preventive protocols <strong>of</strong> the<br />
pandemic would not be observed. No! It would<br />
and it should! This stance should not be<br />
If we’re going online, then<br />
students should not have<br />
<strong>problems</strong> accessing the internet<br />
put in place by the managements<br />
problematically given, notably when one<br />
considers the same holds sway in churches and<br />
mosques.<br />
To me, I could dare to argue, with the<br />
measures and sanctions imposed on schools<br />
vis-à-vis religious bodies, how deteriorating<br />
we’re devaluating and denigrating the role<br />
education plays in national-building and<br />
national development. I perceive there<br />
couldn’t have been any pandemic greater than<br />
that. Education, not religion, is the lifeblood<br />
and spring <strong>of</strong> life <strong>of</strong> everything and anything<br />
we do – adding to or subtracting from the social<br />
norms, moral principles, and all-round success<br />
<strong>of</strong> a nation – depending on how we handle it.<br />
What’s the lot <strong>of</strong> students struggling to learn<br />
online, download avalanche <strong>of</strong> lecture slides<br />
and materials which are largely untaught,<br />
amid unstable internet access, erratic power<br />
supply and exorbitant purchase <strong>of</strong> data from<br />
telecommunications network service<br />
providers?<br />
To be sure, the lecturers would admit that,<br />
because <strong>of</strong> how stochastic and sterile the<br />
operational system is in adapting to the “new<br />
normal,” going virtual is technically a will-o’-<br />
the-wisp. In other words, it’s a sheer waste <strong>of</strong><br />
time, on the one hand, trying the impossible in<br />
an excessively monolithic environment and,<br />
on the other, the preference for physical<br />
learning could be overtly overemphasised. The<br />
bottom line is the online learning is not<br />
working for them!<br />
Students are seriously going to be on the<br />
receiving end, after all. The new measure<br />
seems to favour the lecturers who have<br />
generally been monochromatically<br />
programmed, nay in tabula rasa, in coming<br />
for late classes. The students, sometimes or<br />
most <strong>of</strong> the time, would be the ones running<br />
after them, reminding them, calling them,<br />
wasting their precious airtime and time in<br />
holding a diluted, prevaricated, soporific,<br />
jejune, ‘story-telling,’ ‘song-singing,’ mumbojumbo<br />
class.<br />
The narrative would essentially have been<br />
rather hooked to the sinker, thanks to the<br />
pandemic. Mostly, such is the pervasive scene<br />
<strong>of</strong> higher institutions <strong>of</strong> learning. Well, these<br />
lecturers themselves have been side-cheeked<br />
<strong>of</strong> their salaries, overtime, particularly with<br />
the Federal Government’s indefatigable<br />
enrolling <strong>of</strong> the new Integrated Payroll and<br />
Personal Information System mode <strong>of</strong><br />
payment, which really denied certain senior<br />
staffers <strong>of</strong> their rights, regardless <strong>of</strong> the<br />
daggers-drawn altercation <strong>of</strong> one worldwith<strong>out</strong>-end<br />
Memorandum <strong>of</strong> Understanding.<br />
Send Opinions & Letters to:<br />
opinions1234@yahoo.com<br />
The solution to this is to ensure the labourers<br />
get paid and the learners get quality education.<br />
And quality education is integrating, not IPPIS,<br />
but computer-assisted standards <strong>of</strong> learning<br />
the pandemic has envisioned for us. Period!<br />
It’s a good thing that now we’re embracing<br />
Zoom, Telegram, and the like, to hold two-orso<br />
hour classes. But beyond that, we need to<br />
start funding and supporting our social-science<br />
and engineering departments; encouraging<br />
and sponsoring them to compete with their<br />
global peers; and making use <strong>of</strong> and promoting<br />
our domestically-produced technological<br />
inventions locally and internationally. That’s<br />
what could squarely cement the synergy<br />
between the parents, the President, those in<br />
loco parentis, and those in statu pupillari.<br />
If we’re going online, then students should<br />
not have <strong>problems</strong> accessing the internet put<br />
in place by the managements. Remember, it’s<br />
a “management system,” not “student system.”<br />
They should not be deeply sorrowful and<br />
regretful ever coming to school, namely, the<br />
freshers. Some <strong>of</strong> these students absolutely<br />
depend on this that they use it to take tests,<br />
submit assignments, and eventually and if<br />
possible, take exams. It would be so, so<br />
catastrophic for them if they in the end see the<br />
<strong>out</strong>come. It’s not ideal to use their ‘pocketmoney’<br />
on data that’s largely predictably<br />
going to shatter their hopes on crucial days.<br />
That would be abundantly <strong>out</strong>rageous.<br />
And if we’re going physical, which is what’s<br />
presumably going to work if the former is not,<br />
we should strictly adhere to the safety measures<br />
put in place in preventing COVID-19. Simple!<br />
And as though they’re babes, they’ve been<br />
baby-seated in baby-walkers, while the babes<br />
themselves are physically learning in school<br />
every now and then.<br />
Continues online: www.vanguardngr.com<br />
•Ige, a freelance journalist, wrote via,<br />
igesegunadebayo5@gmail.com
ENERGY<br />
Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021 — 19<br />
FG considers new options to deliver prepaid<br />
meters<br />
By Udeme Akpan<br />
THE Federal Govern<br />
ment has started considering<br />
new options in delivering<br />
prepaid meters to 60 per<br />
cent <strong>of</strong> consumers still being<br />
exploited through estimated<br />
billing in Nigeria.<br />
In its ‘Consultation Paper on<br />
the Review <strong>of</strong> Meter Asset<br />
Provider’ obtained by Vanguard,<br />
yesterday, Sanusi<br />
Garba, Chairman, Nigerian<br />
Electricity Regulatory Commission,<br />
NERC, disclosed that<br />
the three options include:<br />
allowing the implementation<br />
<strong>of</strong> both the National Mass<br />
Metering Programme,<br />
NMMP and Meter Asset Provider,<br />
MAP metering frameworks<br />
to run concurrently, continuing<br />
with the current MAP<br />
framework with meters procured<br />
under the NMMP supplied<br />
only through MAPs (by<br />
being <strong>of</strong>f-takers from the local<br />
manufacturers/assemblers);<br />
and winding down the MAP<br />
framework and allow the<br />
DisCos to procure meters directly<br />
from local manufacturers/assemblers<br />
(or as procured<br />
by the WB), and enter into<br />
new contracts for the installation<br />
and maintenance <strong>of</strong> such<br />
meters.<br />
The Chairman, who noted<br />
that the options have their<br />
merits and demerits, stated:<br />
“Under the concurrent framework<br />
all customers are expected<br />
to pay their bills with<strong>out</strong><br />
any specific reference to<br />
metering charge. The metering<br />
component shall be embedded<br />
in the energy charge.<br />
The payment framework under<br />
the MAP-NMMP concurrent<br />
implementation option<br />
shall require all customers<br />
on the same tariff classification<br />
in a DisCo to pay a uniform<br />
energy tariff that includes<br />
a metering cost that would en-<br />
CURRENCY BUYING SELLING<br />
US DOLLAR<br />
POUNDS<br />
EURO<br />
FRANC<br />
YEN<br />
CFA<br />
WAUA<br />
RENMINBI<br />
RIYAL<br />
RAND<br />
379 379.5 380<br />
533.8973 534.6017 535.306<br />
460.6366 461.2443 461.852<br />
420.8773 421.4325 421.9878<br />
3.6006 3.6054 3.6101<br />
0.6819 0.6919 0.7019<br />
545.9805 546.7008 547.4211<br />
58.6297 58.7075 58.7853<br />
101.0505 101.1838 101.3171<br />
25.8178 25.8519 25.8859<br />
CBN Exchange rate as at 24/02/2021<br />
able DisCos recover the cost<br />
<strong>of</strong> meter and other associated<br />
expenses for the repayment<br />
<strong>of</strong> the NMMP facility and the<br />
services provided by MAP.<br />
“The repayment <strong>of</strong> the<br />
NMMP facility would be a<br />
second line charge against<br />
DisCos’ monthly collections in<br />
accordance with the term<br />
sheet for the financing. This<br />
option recognises the continued<br />
role <strong>of</strong> MAPs and the<br />
DisCos while strengthening<br />
the securitisation <strong>of</strong> payment<br />
to MAPs through a third line<br />
charge against the DisCos’<br />
monthly revenues. This option<br />
maintains all other provisions<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Meter Service<br />
Agreement (“MSA”) except<br />
where both parties choose to<br />
make amendments to the<br />
agreements.<br />
“The MAPs are thus required<br />
to make arrangements<br />
for the procurement, financing,<br />
delivery and installation<br />
<strong>of</strong> meters in line with approved<br />
deployment plans and<br />
the MSA. Customers who<br />
choose not to wait to receive<br />
meters based on the deployment<br />
schedule <strong>of</strong> the NMMP<br />
shall continue to have the option<br />
<strong>of</strong> making upfront payments<br />
for meters which will<br />
be installed within a maximum<br />
period <strong>of</strong> ten working<br />
days. Such customers shall be<br />
NPA records 6.6% decline in<br />
vessel call<br />
MARITIME<br />
refunded by the DisCos<br />
through energy credits.<br />
“However, it is imperative<br />
to note that this option is an<br />
exception as all MAPs are required<br />
to deploy meters in<br />
accordance with the agreed<br />
meter roll <strong>out</strong> plan and consistent<br />
with the MAP framework.<br />
There shall be no option<br />
for meter acquisition<br />
through the payment <strong>of</strong> a<br />
monthly meter service<br />
charge. In the determination<br />
<strong>of</strong> rates payable by customers,<br />
the Commission shall<br />
take into account the blend <strong>of</strong><br />
“cost <strong>of</strong> debt” on account <strong>of</strong><br />
the concessionary financing<br />
to DisCos under the<br />
NMMP.”<br />
“The increase in registered<br />
customers was, in addition<br />
to the new connection,<br />
due largely to the ongoing<br />
customer enumeration<br />
exercise by DisCos<br />
through which unregistered<br />
consumers <strong>of</strong> electricity<br />
were brought unto the<br />
DisCos’ billing platform.<br />
Similarly, the increase in<br />
metered customers was attributed<br />
to the roll-<strong>out</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
meters under the MAP<br />
scheme. The Abuja, Benin,<br />
and Eko DisCos had metered<br />
more than 50% <strong>of</strong> their<br />
registered electricity customers<br />
as <strong>of</strong> 30 June 2020.”<br />
United Capital’s pr<strong>of</strong>it up by 61% to N7.95 billion<br />
By Godwin Oritse<br />
Reflecting the impact<br />
<strong>of</strong> the COVID-19<br />
pandemic on the<br />
maritimes sector, the<br />
number ships that sailed<br />
into the nation’s port (vessel<br />
call) fell by 6.6 per<br />
cent, year-on-year, (y/y) to<br />
3972 in 2020 from 4251 in<br />
2019.<br />
Similarly, the volume <strong>of</strong><br />
goods imported into the<br />
country, or<br />
c a r g o<br />
throughput<br />
137.80 -0.50 fell by 2.2<br />
per cent y/<br />
1,835.00 -1.00 y to 78.4<br />
million<br />
17.15 +0.14 metric<br />
tonnes<br />
(MT) in<br />
2020 from<br />
66.84 +1.47<br />
80.2 million<br />
MT in<br />
63.73 +0.90 2019.<br />
Managing<br />
Director,<br />
Nigerian<br />
Ports<br />
Authority,<br />
Hadiza<br />
B a l a -<br />
Usman,<br />
disclosed<br />
this yesterday<br />
while<br />
addressing<br />
maritime<br />
correspondents<br />
in a virtual forum.<br />
She said, “In 2019, we<br />
had a total <strong>of</strong> 4,251 vessels<br />
that called into our ports,<br />
according to the ship traffic<br />
data. In 2020, we had<br />
3972. So, we had a drop.<br />
In terms <strong>of</strong> cargo throughput,<br />
we had 78.4 million<br />
metric tonnes in 2020<br />
while in 2019 the nation<br />
recorded 80.2 million MT<br />
in 2019.”<br />
Speaking on the new<br />
truck park initiative designed<br />
to ease traffic<br />
around port access roads<br />
and drive down port cost,<br />
she said: “We will address<br />
the challenges we<br />
have with the movement<br />
<strong>of</strong> the barges themselves,<br />
to sequence it and make<br />
sure that the harbour<br />
master is in control <strong>of</strong> the<br />
activities. We will also<br />
develop a Standard Operating<br />
procedure on<br />
barge operations.”<br />
Bala-Usman warned<br />
trucks to desist from parking<br />
along the port corridors,<br />
noting that they could not<br />
drive into the ports to receive<br />
a cargo with<strong>out</strong> using<br />
the e-call up app.<br />
She explained that the<br />
process is free, inclusive <strong>of</strong><br />
on-boarding but the truckers<br />
would pay when they<br />
are exiting the truck park<br />
though it would not be operational<br />
till February 27.<br />
United Capital Plc,<br />
has recorded 61 per<br />
cent growth in Pr<strong>of</strong>it Before<br />
Tax, PBT to N7.95 billion for<br />
the year ended December<br />
2020 from N4.95 billion in<br />
2019.<br />
Consequently, the company<br />
recorded a 57 per cent<br />
increase in Pr<strong>of</strong>it After Tax,<br />
PAT which rose to N7.81<br />
billion N4.97 billion in 2019.<br />
The marked increase in pr<strong>of</strong>itability<br />
was inspired by a 50<br />
percent growth in gross earnings<br />
which rose N12.87 billion<br />
in 2020, from N8.59 billion<br />
in 2019.<br />
Furthermore, United Capital<br />
recorded a 48 per cent increase<br />
in total assets to<br />
N224.75 billion in 2020 from<br />
N150.46 billion in the 2019;<br />
while shareholders’ funds<br />
grew to N24.43 billion rising<br />
by 25 per cent from 19.59 billion<br />
a year earlier.<br />
Consequently, the Directors<br />
<strong>of</strong> United Capital have<br />
proposed a dividend <strong>of</strong> 70 kobo<br />
per share, amounting to a total<br />
<strong>of</strong> N4.2 billion dividend to be<br />
paid upon ratification by shareholders<br />
at its forthcoming<br />
Annual General Meeting,<br />
AGM. The 70kobo dividend<br />
per share, which is higher than<br />
the 50k per share declared in<br />
2019, is payable to shareholders<br />
whose names appear on<br />
the Register <strong>of</strong> Members at<br />
the close <strong>of</strong> business on<br />
March 5, 2021.<br />
The Group Chief Executive<br />
Officer, United Capital Plc,<br />
Mr. Peter Ashade, expressed<br />
delight on the performance,<br />
which according to him is<br />
cheering news despite the<br />
challenges that most companies<br />
faced in the year 2020.<br />
He said, “I am pleased to<br />
inform all stakeholders that<br />
United Capital delivered impressive<br />
returns amid the unprecedented<br />
environment<br />
worsened by the pandemic<br />
during the 2020 financial year<br />
with remarkable double-digit<br />
growth in revenue, PBT and<br />
PAT and solid performance<br />
across key business<br />
parameters.<br />
“This empowers us to adopt<br />
a more positive <strong>out</strong>look for the<br />
year 2021 as we navigate the<br />
tough terrain compounded by<br />
a second wave <strong>of</strong> the COVID-<br />
19 pandemic among other<br />
severe economic challenges,”<br />
Ashade noted.<br />
WorldRemit<br />
backs CBN on<br />
new USD bank<br />
account<br />
opening process<br />
By Nkiruka NNorom<br />
MONEY MARKET<br />
WorldRemit, a crossborder<br />
digital payments<br />
service, has expressed<br />
support for directive<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Central Bank<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Nigeria’s</strong> (CBN) mandating<br />
banks in Nigeria to<br />
facilitate money transfers<br />
by opening domiciliary accounts<br />
for those who<br />
currently do not have one.<br />
Commenting on this<br />
development, Gbenga<br />
Okejimi, Country Manager,<br />
Nigeria and Ghana,<br />
at WorldRemit, said: “We<br />
are very pleased by the<br />
CBN’s decision to mandate<br />
Nigerian banks to<br />
help citizens who do not<br />
have a dollar account by<br />
automatically providing<br />
this facility on their behalf.<br />
This development will<br />
make all the difference to<br />
those who receive<br />
support from family and<br />
friends abroad.<br />
“For our part, we are<br />
excited by the fact that we<br />
can continue to enable the<br />
transfer <strong>of</strong> remittances to<br />
more people across Nigeria<br />
while also supporting<br />
the Nigerian government<br />
in its efforts to strengthen<br />
the economy.<br />
C<br />
M<br />
Y
20 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021<br />
We need new ways to project Nigeria<br />
positively — Young CEO<br />
By Gabriel Ewepu<br />
THE Managing Director,<br />
Multimix Academy,<br />
Oluchi Okafor, in this<br />
interview expressed concern<br />
over challenges facing<br />
<strong>Nigeria’s</strong> supply chain<br />
industry and the need for<br />
urgent attention to tackle<br />
issues including pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
manpower to boost the<br />
economy, as she discloses<br />
Multimix Academy’s<br />
commitment towards<br />
changing the narrative and<br />
her views ab<strong>out</strong> the Nigerian<br />
Press.<br />
Excerpts;<br />
On your recent<br />
appointment as the Managing<br />
Director <strong>of</strong> Multimix<br />
Academy, what was on your<br />
mind when you accepted the<br />
appointment?<br />
Well, I’m no stranger; it is my<br />
family’s business and was<br />
founded by my father, Dr.<br />
Obiora Madu ab<strong>out</strong> 25 years<br />
ago. In a way, it was a full<br />
circle moment as I have done<br />
holiday jobs here as a<br />
teenager, accompanied my<br />
father for presentations as a<br />
young girl and helped him<br />
change slides on his computer<br />
before laser pointers became<br />
the in-thing. Even during my<br />
10-year stint in corporate<br />
Nigeria, I was still involved<br />
with the company from a<br />
distance. However, it was time<br />
for the company to move in a<br />
different direction which made<br />
me take the very difficult but<br />
very necessary decision to<br />
leave paid employment and<br />
resume as General Manager<br />
<strong>of</strong> the academy. Becoming the<br />
MD <strong>of</strong> a company that has<br />
survived for so long is<br />
definitely daunting, but I have<br />
accepted the challenge<br />
wholeheartedly and with the<br />
help <strong>of</strong> the very impressive<br />
human capital <strong>of</strong> friends and<br />
mentors I have been able to<br />
build along the years. My<br />
father is now the Chairman/<br />
CEO.<br />
What are you going to do in<br />
transforming this Academy?<br />
The transformation has<br />
already begun. Since my<br />
resumption in 2019, it has<br />
been ab<strong>out</strong> setting processes,<br />
and moving gradually into<br />
becoming a tech-enabled<br />
organisation. This work is<br />
currently ongoing and we are<br />
making great strides.<br />
Becoming tech-enabled<br />
essentially means that our<br />
services, customer<br />
engagement, advertising,<br />
marketing and teaching<br />
methods are up to 21st<br />
Century standards and in just<br />
two short years, we have<br />
achieved this.<br />
What areas <strong>of</strong> the academy<br />
do you want to improve and<br />
taken to the next level?<br />
We would like to be more<br />
visible than we currently are.<br />
We believe that we should be<br />
part <strong>of</strong> the conversation at all<br />
levels, where the topic is<br />
concerned in this country. The<br />
supply chain industry in<br />
Nigeria is suffering from one<br />
major thing; an extreme lack<br />
<strong>of</strong> talent, especially amongst<br />
the younger generation. They<br />
are unaware <strong>of</strong> the<br />
opportunities that lie within the<br />
sector. People who are already<br />
in it found themselves there by<br />
virtue <strong>of</strong> posting or that being<br />
The timing <strong>of</strong><br />
Dr. Okonjo-<br />
Iweala’s<br />
appointment<br />
as DG <strong>of</strong> the<br />
WTOcould<br />
not be more<br />
important;<br />
she would<br />
not be there<br />
if she was<br />
not supported<br />
and<br />
encouraged<br />
in her quest<br />
for<br />
knowledge<br />
the only available course <strong>of</strong><br />
study for them. We are<br />
committed to changing this<br />
narrative, one pr<strong>of</strong>essional at<br />
a time through our intervention<br />
programmes for private and<br />
public organisations. A well<br />
trained supply chain<br />
department can make or mar<br />
an entire company and its<br />
goals. We understand this, but<br />
we need everyone else to<br />
understand this too.<br />
What do you intend to<br />
achieve in the next five years<br />
as MD?<br />
Apart from Multimix<br />
Academy becoming a<br />
household name, I would like<br />
to have achieved a lot with<br />
regards to working with the<br />
Nigerian government on<br />
supply chain and logistics<br />
matters. Many state and local<br />
governments organise training<br />
sessions in different fields for<br />
young Nigerians to give them<br />
more access to opportunities.<br />
Trainings in Logistics and<br />
Supply Chain should not be<br />
missing from the narrative.<br />
Imagine having more trained<br />
Warehousing personnel,<br />
procurement pr<strong>of</strong>essionals,<br />
young people well versed in<br />
International trade and<br />
Import/Export processes. I<br />
would like to be a part <strong>of</strong> that<br />
and because we are an Impact<br />
First company, we measure<br />
our successes on the number<br />
<strong>of</strong> lives changed before<br />
speaking to monetary gains.<br />
This is what I intend to focus<br />
on, with the assistance <strong>of</strong> wellplaced<br />
individuals and others<br />
who buy into this vision.<br />
On the issue <strong>of</strong> girl-child<br />
education in Nigeria, are you<br />
impressed with the effort <strong>of</strong><br />
government to give the girlchild<br />
a sense <strong>of</strong> belonging<br />
and quality education?<br />
I think a lot more needs to<br />
be done with our society in<br />
general not just the<br />
government. Yes, there needs<br />
to be more governmental<br />
support for girls in school but<br />
the society itself should also<br />
not have the perception that<br />
an educated female is a waste<br />
<strong>of</strong> money. The timing <strong>of</strong> Dr.<br />
Okonjo-Iweala’s<br />
appointment as DG <strong>of</strong> the<br />
World Trade Organisation,<br />
WTO, could not be more<br />
•Oluchi Okafor<br />
important. She would not<br />
be there if she was not<br />
supported and encouraged<br />
in her quest for<br />
knowledge. She is the first<br />
African and first female in<br />
that position and it is<br />
important that we ensure<br />
she is not the last.<br />
What do you think can be<br />
done to add value to girlchild<br />
education in Nigeria?<br />
A lot <strong>of</strong> care should be<br />
given to initiatives and<br />
NGOs that cater to<br />
ensuring education among<br />
disadvantaged children,<br />
male and female alike,<br />
while ensuring that these<br />
interventions take equality<br />
seriously, in terms <strong>of</strong> ratio<br />
<strong>of</strong> participation <strong>of</strong> boys and<br />
girls. Initiatives like Slum<br />
to School, The Stellar<br />
Initiative and Girls who<br />
Code are just a few<br />
examples.<br />
What is your assessment<br />
on the way government<br />
has addressed genderbased<br />
violence with rape<br />
topping the chart after<br />
several protests on the<br />
dastardly act?<br />
I like to look at issues<br />
from what can be<br />
immediately done, and not<br />
from the sea <strong>of</strong> <strong>problems</strong><br />
plaguing whatever it is that is<br />
being discussed. Yes, the<br />
government has done some<br />
things recently with regards to<br />
posting some individuals as<br />
sex <strong>of</strong>fenders and reviewed<br />
the punishments to be more<br />
suitable for the crime.<br />
However, stigmatisation is one<br />
<strong>of</strong> the major issues<br />
surrounding this. People are<br />
reluctant to come forward with<br />
allegations because no one<br />
believes them, and the longer<br />
time passes, the harder it is<br />
to prove it in a court <strong>of</strong> law<br />
and the perpetrator more <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
than not, walks away scotfree.<br />
More support must be<br />
given to survivors by way <strong>of</strong><br />
therapy, support and mental<br />
health initiatives to help them<br />
heal and live a healthy life<br />
post- trauma.<br />
Do you have any plan to be<br />
a voice in this struggle to<br />
stop gender-based violence?<br />
Definitely, I am very<br />
passionate ab<strong>out</strong> this subject<br />
and I participate in any and<br />
every way I can to help any<br />
initiative that fights against<br />
this.<br />
Also being a media<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional, what do you<br />
think ab<strong>out</strong> press freedom in<br />
Nigeria?<br />
Press freedom is<br />
unfortunately mostly a myth<br />
in a lot <strong>of</strong> countries in the<br />
world and not just Nigeria. It<br />
speaks to the innate difficulty<br />
<strong>of</strong> us as human beings to take<br />
criticism or to accept the fact<br />
that our best intentions are not<br />
viewed as what it is by the<br />
public. It’s really all ab<strong>out</strong><br />
perspective for all parties<br />
involved. One party thinks<br />
they are doing all they can<br />
and the other party thinks<br />
nothing is being done. Press<br />
freedom in Nigeria can<br />
definitely be better, and will<br />
help the government plug<br />
identified holes detected by<br />
the media.<br />
Can you say Nigerian Press<br />
is divided along regional,<br />
religious and political lines?<br />
It is, but that doesn’t mean it<br />
is a bad thing. In developed<br />
countries, different factions and<br />
regions have their own<br />
dedicated media. One central<br />
media source alone cannot<br />
serve an entire nation, certainly<br />
not one as diverse as Nigeria.<br />
It is, however, important that<br />
the regional and political sides<br />
do not descend to falsehoods<br />
and maintain journalistic<br />
integrity at all times.<br />
What is the missing link in<br />
the Nigerian Press in terms <strong>of</strong><br />
promoting pr<strong>of</strong>essionalism?<br />
For me, there are several<br />
missing links. Passion must be<br />
rewarded and remunerated<br />
properly. The damage in ethics<br />
with most journalists and their<br />
willingness to sacrifice their<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essionalism more <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
than not boils down to<br />
Continues on page 21<br />
C<br />
M<br />
Y
Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021 — 21<br />
Osaide for Girls Foundation awarded scholarships to seven girls during her first anniversary. Four from the<br />
secondary school and three from the university. In the Secondary School category were Idemudia Esohe<br />
and Purity Eloghosa Edegbe from St.Maria Goretti Girls' Grammar School; Osaigbovo Franca from Oba<br />
Akenzua Sec.Sch.and Osamwonyi Mercy from Imaguero Girls Secondary School, Benin City, Edo State<br />
while in the University category were Esther Imhande Ehiawaguan, Chemical Engineering (a first class<br />
student with a CGPA <strong>of</strong> 4.94); Jasmine Aizenosa Nosa-Ehima, Civil Engineering. Post-Graduate category<br />
was Maduka Hephzibah Chidimma,Civil Engineering, who made second class upper.<br />
Lokoja varsity viral videos: Kogi women network<br />
decries attack, calls for probe<br />
By Boluwaji Obahopo<br />
LOKOJA— A nongovernmental<br />
organisation, Kogi Women<br />
Network for Democratic<br />
Change and Good<br />
Governance, KWNDCGG, has<br />
decried the attack on the<br />
former Vice-Chancellor,<br />
Federal University Lokoja,<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Angela Freeman<br />
Miri by some staff members.<br />
Last weekend, some<br />
members <strong>of</strong> the staff unions<br />
made a mock obituary poster<br />
<strong>of</strong> the former VC and<br />
circulated it round the achool.<br />
They also 'swept -<strong>of</strong>f’ her feet<br />
from the institution. All these<br />
were recorded in a vedio that<br />
went viral across social<br />
network.<br />
The group, however, decried<br />
the action <strong>of</strong> those involved,<br />
describing the attack as a<br />
collective attack on womenfolk<br />
which should be resisted.<br />
National Co-ordinator <strong>of</strong> the<br />
association, Hajia Ramatu<br />
Muhammed made this known<br />
in a statement made available<br />
to newsmen in Lokoja on<br />
Monday.<br />
“We berate the few<br />
individuals within the<br />
university community who<br />
came <strong>out</strong> shamelessly and<br />
childishly to embarrass the<br />
entire university community<br />
with their ill-motivated protest.<br />
Continues from page 20<br />
“Those in the Ivory tower that<br />
should be cultured,<br />
abandoned decency,<br />
decorum and civilized way <strong>of</strong><br />
life and embarked on a<br />
shameful, disgraceful and<br />
degrading protest carried <strong>out</strong><br />
last Saturday.”<br />
The association who called<br />
on the law enforcement<br />
agencies to wade into the<br />
matter to unravel those<br />
behind the despicable act,<br />
stressed that those involved<br />
have been behind all sorts <strong>of</strong><br />
wicked publications mounted<br />
in the last three and half years<br />
to cause serious disaffection<br />
in the institution between the<br />
former Vice-Chancellor, Pr<strong>of</strong>.<br />
(Mrs.) Angela Freeman Miri<br />
and the rest <strong>of</strong> the staff.<br />
“It should be noted that<br />
these few individuals had<br />
been the evil brains behind<br />
various skirmishes between<br />
the university community<br />
and the host communities in<br />
the past.<br />
“They lied ab<strong>out</strong> and raised<br />
false alarms as well as sowed<br />
the seed <strong>of</strong> discord<br />
everywhere in order to create<br />
tension and chaos in the<br />
university. Pr<strong>of</strong>. Miri, on<br />
several occasions, was<br />
accused <strong>of</strong> financial<br />
recklessness, corruption,<br />
nepotism and embezzlement<br />
which they could not<br />
substantiate.<br />
“They never had the<br />
audacity and the facts to<br />
prosecute her in a law court<br />
or any <strong>of</strong> the anti-corruption<br />
bodies. What did she<br />
embezzle? No funds came to<br />
her account. Most <strong>of</strong> the<br />
projects executed are<br />
TETfund-funded projects<br />
which she worked hard to<br />
attract to the university and<br />
the contractors were not<br />
recruited by her. The work<br />
done are there for all to see.<br />
“These enemies <strong>of</strong> progress<br />
did everything within their<br />
power and imagination to<br />
pull her down, but God did<br />
not allow them to have their<br />
selfish way. The only thing<br />
they felt they could do was to<br />
place an obituary <strong>of</strong> the<br />
woman who is hale and<br />
hearty. Everyone that had<br />
input in the obituary saga has<br />
no fear <strong>of</strong> God as they<br />
wanted her dead, This is<br />
wicked <strong>of</strong> them and they have<br />
belittled themselves and<br />
made the university a<br />
laughing stock <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Nigerian society.<br />
“They have done what<br />
ordinary illiterates wouldn’t<br />
have done. What a shame,<br />
and in Yoruba parlance, if<br />
people announce anyone's<br />
death when in actual fact, he<br />
or she is alive, it simply<br />
means he or she will live long<br />
and in fact <strong>out</strong>live his or her<br />
detractors. For Pr<strong>of</strong>. Miri, it<br />
is a sign <strong>of</strong> long life for her.”<br />
We need new ways to project Nigeria positively<br />
— Young CEO welfare <strong>of</strong> Nigerians, unity<br />
survival. Other missing links<br />
boil down to personal<br />
convictions and morality, and<br />
a willingness to deep-dive for<br />
the hidden stories, and to<br />
always report the hard truth<br />
and facts.<br />
What can help the Nigerian<br />
Press impact positively in the<br />
<strong>of</strong> the country and attraction<br />
<strong>of</strong> investors and tourists to<br />
Nigeria?<br />
A lot is to be said <strong>of</strong> how we<br />
are projecting the nation. I<br />
personally think not enough<br />
attention is being paid to<br />
places like our very own<br />
Silicon Valley in Yaba, by<br />
members <strong>of</strong> the traditional<br />
press corps. The majority <strong>of</strong><br />
the news that has gotten <strong>out</strong><br />
there with regards to Yaba is<br />
via social media and other<br />
means <strong>of</strong> reporting. It seems<br />
like news ab<strong>out</strong> Nigeria is<br />
restricted to more traditional<br />
roles like medicine, education<br />
and social governance, but it<br />
is tech that is attracting big<br />
names like Mark Zuckerberg<br />
and Jack Dorsey to come to<br />
Yaba. We need to look for<br />
new ways to project the<br />
nation positively.<br />
Make shelters more accessible to<br />
PLWDs, foundation tells NAPTIP<br />
By Esther Onyegbula<br />
NATIONAL Agency for<br />
the Prohibition <strong>of</strong><br />
Trafficking in<br />
Persons, NAPTIP, has been<br />
urged to ensure that safe<br />
homes and shelters are more<br />
accessible to people with<br />
disability.<br />
The call was made recently<br />
in Lagos at the public<br />
dissemination <strong>of</strong> findings on<br />
gender audit report <strong>of</strong><br />
shelters and safe homes in<br />
Lagos by Cleen Foundation.<br />
According to the Executive<br />
Director, Cleen Foundation,<br />
Benson Olugbuo: “NAPTIP<br />
should monitor existing safe<br />
homes and shelter services<br />
and ensure caregivers and<br />
other service providers take<br />
a victim-centered approach<br />
to victim care.<br />
“NAPTIP should carry <strong>out</strong><br />
quarterly monitoring <strong>of</strong> all<br />
safe homes and shelter to<br />
ensure compliance with<br />
stipulated guidelines as well<br />
as develop uniformed<br />
template guidelines for data<br />
collation with built-in periodic<br />
Imaan Sulaiman – Ibrahim<br />
By Providence Adeyinka<br />
ANon-Governmental<br />
Organisation, NGO,<br />
Bola Oyebade<br />
Foundation, BOF, has<br />
empowered some Nigerian<br />
entrepreneurs as part <strong>of</strong><br />
activities marking the 50th<br />
birthday anniversary <strong>of</strong> Bola<br />
Oyebade.<br />
Oyebade is the founder <strong>of</strong> the<br />
NGO and some <strong>of</strong> the items<br />
given <strong>out</strong> to empower the<br />
entrepreneurs included 15<br />
sewing machines, 10 barbing<br />
kits, five industrial machines,<br />
five grinding machines and<br />
cash to 50 traders in 10<br />
communities which is part <strong>of</strong><br />
the NGO’s third anniversary<br />
celebration.<br />
Meanwhile, he urged the<br />
government to extend lowinterest<br />
loans with long<br />
payback period to<br />
entrepreneurs to further boost<br />
the small and medium scale<br />
sector.<br />
submission method <strong>of</strong> data<br />
collated by all frontline<br />
protection service providers,”<br />
he said.<br />
Olugbuo noted that it is also<br />
paramount for the agency to<br />
popularize the existing<br />
National Monitoring Centre<br />
and expand its use to<br />
accommodate data entry by<br />
other frontline protection<br />
service providers.<br />
The project, which was<br />
focused on preventing forced<br />
migration and trafficking <strong>of</strong><br />
women and girls in Nigeria,<br />
was aimed at building<br />
resilience, promoting<br />
sustainable development as<br />
well as enabling a gendersensitive<br />
policy environment<br />
that addresses forced<br />
migration and trafficking sites.<br />
The project also seeks to<br />
strengthen genderresponsiveness<br />
<strong>of</strong><br />
interventions by the National<br />
Agency for the Prohibition <strong>of</strong><br />
tTrafficking in Persons,<br />
NAPTIP, and other relevant<br />
government agencies.<br />
Beyond the 16 days <strong>of</strong><br />
activism observed globally in<br />
the month <strong>of</strong> December, the<br />
gender audit report <strong>of</strong> safe<br />
homes and trafficking<br />
shelters resonates perfectly<br />
to increase efforts to amplify<br />
the voices <strong>of</strong> women workers<br />
in the informal economy<br />
while continuing to end all<br />
forms <strong>of</strong> gender-based<br />
violence in public and private<br />
spaces.<br />
Human trafficking which<br />
mostly involves women and<br />
girls is a form <strong>of</strong> gender-based<br />
violence and must be stamped<br />
<strong>out</strong> from our communities.<br />
Gender-based violence is a<br />
pervasive threat that survives<br />
through harmful gender<br />
norms and silences, and which<br />
has been exacerbated by<br />
COVID-19 pandemic.<br />
Foundation empowers entrepreneurs,<br />
calls for low interest loan<br />
In a statement, Oyebade said<br />
that the items received by the<br />
entrepreneurs were in<br />
fulfillment <strong>of</strong> the vision <strong>of</strong> the<br />
NGO which was founded to lift<br />
individuals through economic<br />
empowerment and improve<br />
their lives.<br />
“For one to live and help<br />
others, he must be equipped<br />
with sustainable skills. The NGO<br />
planned to delve into<br />
mechanised agribusiness,<br />
micro credit scheme,<br />
entrepreneurial mentorship<br />
and vocational training,” he<br />
said.<br />
In his address titled: Turning<br />
ideas into pr<strong>of</strong>itable ventures,<br />
financial expert, Ayobami Alabi,<br />
said that lack <strong>of</strong> passion,<br />
commitment and poor funding<br />
are some <strong>of</strong> the factors that<br />
impede<br />
budding<br />
entrepreneurship.<br />
Alabi advised entrepreneurs<br />
to deploy their savings in<br />
starting up a business instead<br />
<strong>of</strong> borrowing.<br />
C<br />
M<br />
Y<br />
K
22 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021<br />
By Davies Iheamnachor<br />
SENIOR Advocate <strong>of</strong><br />
Nigeria, SAN, Tuduru<br />
Ede in this interview,<br />
speaks on the<br />
reoccurring clashes<br />
between herdsmen and<br />
farmers across the<br />
country and how a<br />
holistic amendment <strong>of</strong><br />
the Land Use Act can<br />
effectively tackle the<br />
problem. He also speaks<br />
on the agitation by oilbearing<br />
communities and<br />
other national issues.<br />
Excerpts:<br />
IN recent times, cult-related<br />
killings have been on the increase<br />
in Rivers and some other states<br />
in the Niger-Delta area. How can<br />
this be checked?<br />
Cult killings and restiveness<br />
arising from cult-related activities<br />
have been on the rise and this is<br />
traceable to some politicians.<br />
Unemployment, opportunities for<br />
self-actualisation <strong>of</strong> our y<strong>out</strong>hs are<br />
also responsible for the rise in cult<br />
activities in the region. When<br />
some <strong>of</strong> us left secondary school<br />
in the late 70s, we had the<br />
opportunity to work anywhere we<br />
wanted. We got employed with<strong>out</strong><br />
knowing anybody. I think one <strong>of</strong><br />
the ways to tackle the problem is<br />
for government to come up with<br />
worthwhile programmes to<br />
engage the y<strong>out</strong>hs.<br />
Do you think new laws should<br />
be made or enforcement <strong>of</strong><br />
existing ones should be given<br />
more attention in order to end<br />
this menace?<br />
Enforcement <strong>of</strong> law and making<br />
<strong>of</strong> additional laws will not really<br />
solve the <strong>problems</strong> <strong>of</strong> the society.<br />
Take for instance, immediately<br />
after the civil war, laws relating<br />
to armed robbery were enacted,<br />
but people also forget that there<br />
have been laws governing armed<br />
robbery. Those days, they used<br />
to call it Highway Robbery. If you<br />
look at the Tribunal set up<br />
pursuant to the robbery laws that<br />
were enacted by the Federal<br />
Government, has it reduced<br />
armed robbery? It has even<br />
accentuated it. So it is not a matter<br />
<strong>of</strong> making new laws.<br />
I agree on enforcement, but it<br />
is also the business <strong>of</strong> the society<br />
to give <strong>out</strong> information to the law<br />
enforcement agencies ab<strong>out</strong> cult<br />
and criminal activities. Don’t also<br />
forget that sometimes, those who<br />
pass information are also given<br />
<strong>out</strong> by the <strong>security</strong> agencies, who<br />
receive this information and that<br />
is why we have what I may term<br />
the conundrum in law<br />
enforcement.<br />
EDITORIAL<br />
Innocent Anaba<br />
( Editor)<br />
Ikechukwu Nnochiri<br />
Henry Ojelu<br />
Onozure Dania<br />
08152060944<br />
HERDERS/FARMERS' CLASHES:<br />
Review <strong>of</strong> Land Use Act 'll ensure<br />
lasting solution — EDE, SAN<br />
The Petroleum Industry Bill<br />
has generated a lot <strong>of</strong> debate,<br />
particularly on the aspect <strong>of</strong><br />
percentage <strong>of</strong> equity holding by<br />
host communities. How can oilbearing<br />
communities get a bill<br />
that will protect them?<br />
The simple thing is to make oilbearing<br />
communities co-owners.<br />
You cannot produce oil from a<br />
community and not make the<br />
people have a sense <strong>of</strong> belonging<br />
in a resource that is removed from<br />
under their soil. Communities<br />
should be made part owners <strong>of</strong><br />
the resources. For instance, if oil<br />
well is struck in community A,<br />
you should be able to give the<br />
community opportunities relating<br />
to employment. I am aware some<br />
companies enter into MoU and<br />
GMoU with the host communities.<br />
They should, however, go<br />
further to say, if from this oil well<br />
we make N1 million, we intend<br />
to give back to the community<br />
something in the region <strong>of</strong> a given<br />
percentage, so that, if the oil no<br />
longer flows, the community will<br />
know that they will no longer get<br />
anything. I can assure you that<br />
when such is done, some <strong>of</strong> these<br />
agitations will be brought to the<br />
barest minimum.<br />
Oil spill is a regular occurrence<br />
in the oil-bearing communities<br />
from the activities <strong>of</strong> the oil<br />
majors, but most times, the<br />
regulatory agencies fail the<br />
people by not holding the oil<br />
majors accountable. Even when<br />
oil communities get court<br />
judgment, paying the judgment<br />
sum is <strong>of</strong>ten times frustrated by<br />
the oil majors. What should be<br />
done to make sure oil<br />
communities that suffer spills<br />
don’t continually go through that<br />
challenge?<br />
All the companies, with<br />
exception <strong>of</strong> one or two, are<br />
colossally responsible for the<br />
incessant oil spills in most <strong>of</strong> the<br />
communities, but they claim that<br />
the spills are largely man-made,<br />
sabotage or third party<br />
interference. It is not true. First,<br />
the communities do not have the<br />
technical know-how, the<br />
knowledge on how to tamper with<br />
those facilities. It is the company<br />
staff that go to the communities<br />
and collude with some persons<br />
to ensure that there are spills to<br />
enable them give <strong>out</strong> or get<br />
contracts. Again, if 1000 barrels<br />
<strong>of</strong> crude oil spills in a community,<br />
the oil company in collusion with<br />
the regulatory agencies like<br />
NOSDRA and DPR will bring<br />
down the quantity <strong>of</strong> the crude<br />
oil spill to ab<strong>out</strong> 500 barrels in<br />
order to escape payment <strong>of</strong><br />
compensation to the people.<br />
It is even worse when they go<br />
to the spill site with armed escorts<br />
and exclude the communities. Part<br />
<strong>of</strong> the solution will be to make oil<br />
conglomerates pay judgment<br />
sums accruable to communities<br />
and affected landlords from the<br />
share they hold or they are<br />
If one section <strong>of</strong> the<br />
country uses the<br />
issue <strong>of</strong> herdsmen<br />
to say let all the<br />
people from a<br />
particular origin<br />
leave their place,<br />
there may be some<br />
reprisal from the<br />
other states to say<br />
people from this<br />
ethnic group should<br />
leave their place too<br />
•Ede, SAN<br />
obligated to give to the company<br />
through the JV agreements. All<br />
the oil companies have JV<br />
agreement with the NNPC. So if<br />
the National Assembly can go to<br />
the extent <strong>of</strong> providing for a kind<br />
<strong>of</strong> funds or making it part <strong>of</strong> the<br />
law that when oil company owes<br />
community, then NNPC should<br />
be made to pay, that will help the<br />
communities get their judgment<br />
sum paid on time.<br />
What is your take on what<br />
played <strong>out</strong> in the country<br />
following the quit notice given<br />
to killer herdsmen by Oyo State<br />
Government and FG’s reaction<br />
to the issue?<br />
It is a complicated situation.<br />
First, there is the provision for<br />
freedom <strong>of</strong> movement. You also<br />
have the freedom or Right to Life.<br />
If you put these together then,<br />
somebody should be able to leave<br />
his home and go to some other<br />
place to be able to find a living<br />
and occupation provided that<br />
person will make all efforts to<br />
conform with the rules and norms<br />
<strong>of</strong> the locality where he or she<br />
resides. The issue <strong>of</strong> killer<br />
herdsmen has been a problem all<br />
across the country. You and I know<br />
that to do a meaningful activity<br />
here, our people buy cows. So if<br />
you ask them to completely move,<br />
what do we do? Secondly,<br />
amongst the lot you will always<br />
find those who cause <strong>security</strong><br />
challenges; robbery, kidnappings<br />
and killings.<br />
My attitude to it is that, the state<br />
governments and governors<br />
should actively engage the<br />
Federal Government, so they<br />
have a common solution. If one<br />
section <strong>of</strong> the country uses the<br />
issue <strong>of</strong> herdsmen to say let all<br />
the people from a particular origin<br />
leave their place, there may be<br />
some reprisal from the other states<br />
to say people from this ethnic<br />
group should leave their place<br />
too.<br />
What is the way <strong>out</strong>?<br />
When there is an issue, you<br />
complain and the authorities do<br />
not seem to listen to you, the best<br />
approach is to make public your<br />
concerns. For me, I commend<br />
those who protest when no<br />
listening ear has been extended<br />
to their complaints. I commend<br />
them because that is the only way<br />
they should go. I urge the<br />
<strong>security</strong> agencies not to terrorise<br />
them, not to cause them any harm.<br />
In civilized societies, when<br />
people protest, it is the place <strong>of</strong><br />
the <strong>security</strong> agencies to shepherd<br />
them along and ensure that they<br />
are not attacked and they are safe;<br />
subject only to the fact that you<br />
can also give reasonable notice<br />
not seeking permission because<br />
I am aware that within the laws<br />
<strong>of</strong> Nigeria, if you want to protest<br />
or demonstrate, you don’t need<br />
to secure any permit from any<br />
place. But you can give notice <strong>of</strong><br />
what you intend to do so that the<br />
authorities will ensure that traffic<br />
is not halted.<br />
Which areas <strong>of</strong> the Constitution<br />
do you think need to be<br />
amended to forestall looming<br />
ethnic crisis in the country?<br />
The most challenging aspect <strong>of</strong><br />
the Constitution in relation to what<br />
is going on generally in Nigeria<br />
is the question <strong>of</strong> the Land Use<br />
Act. It needs either to be<br />
completely abrogated or to be finetuned<br />
to assure every community<br />
and every landlord <strong>of</strong> their right<br />
to use the land upon which they<br />
were born or inherited, just the<br />
way people exercise rights<br />
relating to property. It is not<br />
strange that we are from the<br />
Niger-Delta. That is what God<br />
has done for us. It is also not<br />
strange that people are born<br />
elsewhere. The best and most<br />
fundamental change which the<br />
Constitution will receive is if the<br />
Land Use Act is tinkered with. I<br />
say so because you are talking<br />
ab<strong>out</strong> oil spill which has to do with<br />
Land Use Act. If you are talking<br />
ab<strong>out</strong> herdsmen, it is ab<strong>out</strong> Land<br />
Use Act. If the rights <strong>of</strong> every land<br />
owner is protected and if the<br />
mineral laws do not say once oil<br />
is discovered, the land<br />
automatically belongs to<br />
government, the problem will be<br />
less. If somebody is not<br />
somewhere misinterpreting the<br />
law by saying that because <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Land Use Act, all land belongs to<br />
government, the issue <strong>of</strong><br />
herdsmen will be less.<br />
You saw how the judiciary<br />
refused to be used to thwart the<br />
US election. What lesson should<br />
<strong>Nigeria’s</strong> judiciary learn from<br />
this?<br />
It shows that each <strong>of</strong> the three<br />
arms <strong>of</strong> government can function<br />
effectively with<strong>out</strong> one<br />
overlapping into the functions <strong>of</strong><br />
another. I can tell you too that our<br />
judges have done very well. The<br />
judiciary in Nigeria does not<br />
receive what it ought to have. So,<br />
it also tells you a lot ab<strong>out</strong> how<br />
our elections should be conducted.<br />
If there are no disputes, the case<br />
won’t go to court.<br />
The first point is to conduct<br />
credible elections. If we conduct<br />
the elections well and INEC do<br />
their job well, no case will go to<br />
court. In the US election, it was<br />
confirmed by the election agency<br />
that nothing went wrong, but in<br />
our case, INEC will be the first to<br />
say everything went wrong.<br />
C<br />
M<br />
Y<br />
K
Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021 — 23
C<br />
M<br />
Y<br />
K<br />
24 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021<br />
Ekeh: Toast to an<br />
entrepreneur-patriot<br />
By RAY UMUKORO<br />
NIGERIA is reputed to be a difficult place<br />
to do business, especially if your<br />
business is the type that requires constant<br />
power supply. It’s even more cumbersome if<br />
other businesses depend on your business to<br />
thrive. When your business is an enabler <strong>of</strong><br />
other businesses, you are encumbered with<br />
more pressure and responsibility. You must<br />
grind <strong>out</strong> success for others to succeed. That<br />
was the dilemma <strong>of</strong> Leo Stan Ekeh over three<br />
decades ago when he returned from the United<br />
Kingdom to birth an information<br />
communications technology, ICT, start-up. And<br />
he chose the complex computer ecosystem,<br />
then thought to be <strong>out</strong> <strong>of</strong> the ken <strong>of</strong> knowledge<br />
for Africa and Africans. Against odds, he has<br />
made a success <strong>of</strong> it, etching his name on the<br />
boulder <strong>of</strong> history.<br />
As he marked his 65th birthday, February<br />
22, it was apposite to peek into the life odyssey<br />
<strong>of</strong> the man who easily typifies the true Nigerian<br />
spirit <strong>of</strong> courage and productivity even in the<br />
face <strong>of</strong> crippling headwinds. Needless to say<br />
that no comet heralded his birth but his life<br />
has been a herald <strong>of</strong> hope for humanity and<br />
the nation. And if every victory has a scar, as<br />
it’s <strong>of</strong>ten said, then Leo Stan bears many scars,<br />
seen and unseen. He has fought many battles,<br />
chief <strong>of</strong> which is the battle against ignorance.<br />
The Imo State-born computer magnate is<br />
reputed to be behind the computerisation <strong>of</strong><br />
many Nigerian secondary schools, higher<br />
institutions and corporates. He has spent more<br />
than half <strong>of</strong> his life working to change the<br />
orientation <strong>of</strong> Nigeria and Nigerians from<br />
analogue to digital. This has seen him at the<br />
cutting edge <strong>of</strong> pioneering several tech-based<br />
initiatives, and growing a small computer typesetting<br />
<strong>of</strong>fice operating from a rather obscure<br />
<strong>of</strong>fice in Alausa, Lagos into a conglomerate<br />
with interests in ICT, property, banking, e-<br />
commerce, oil, among others.<br />
Gifted with unrelenting entrepreneurial<br />
spunk, he has since grown his yesterday’s startup<br />
from its initial one-<strong>of</strong>fice space in Lagos to<br />
a multinational with <strong>of</strong>fices in Africa, Europe<br />
and Asia. So, who’s Leo Stan? He’s the one his<br />
close associates call the pioneer-in-chief. He<br />
pioneered desktop publishing in Nigeria. It’s<br />
akin to setting the captives free. He changed<br />
the entire Nigerian publishing landscape from<br />
its slow and dodgy analogue r<strong>out</strong>ine to a smart,<br />
clean digital patch. Newspapers, advertising<br />
agencies and printing houses were the early<br />
birds to embrace what was then seen as the<br />
magic box, the computer. At a time Nigerian<br />
media houses felt very comfortable with their<br />
typewriters and compugraphic machines, it<br />
took Leo Stan to disrupt the system. He pushed<br />
aside their burly<br />
compugraphic<br />
machines and<br />
placed in their<br />
hands the then<br />
rave <strong>of</strong> the<br />
moment, Apple<br />
computers. He’s<br />
the one who for the<br />
Leo Stan is the one<br />
his close associates<br />
call the pioneer-inchief;<br />
he pioneered<br />
desktop publishing<br />
in Nigeria<br />
first time<br />
introduced theWorldwide Interoperability for<br />
Microwave Access, WiMAX, to Nigeria,<br />
planting the first hub in Yobe State in 2007,<br />
and exposing the state to a brave new world <strong>of</strong><br />
opportunities and skill in cyberspace. He<br />
pioneered the deployment <strong>of</strong> digital dispensing<br />
pumps at Nigerian filling stations, a business<br />
born <strong>out</strong> <strong>of</strong> circumstance than anything else.<br />
Before he partnered with then Elf oil (now Total<br />
Plc) to upscale fuel dispensing with digital<br />
dispensers, he had fallen victim to a notorious<br />
scam among petrol station attendants who<br />
cashed in on the unintelligent analogue fuel<br />
pumps to cheat on motorists.<br />
Leo Stan was fleeced at a filling station in<br />
Ikeja, Lagos. It was that incident that opened<br />
his eyes to the business opportunity unnoticed<br />
by many at the filling stations. He’s the<br />
archetypal street-smart opportunistic investor.<br />
Again, who’s he? He’s the undisputed pioneer<br />
<strong>of</strong> e-Commerce in Nigeria when he launched<br />
BuyRightAfrica.com in 2012. Aside being the<br />
forerunner <strong>of</strong> all the e-commerce ventures in<br />
Nigeria, BuyRightAfrica, though suffered a<br />
temporary death, was later resurrected by his<br />
son, Prince Nnamdi Ekeh, first as Yudala and<br />
now Konga. He’s the man who, having made<br />
a success <strong>of</strong> automating corporate Nigeria<br />
with exotic computer brands, decided to create<br />
his own brand, a Nigerian computer identity.<br />
He made good his ambition when he launched<br />
the Zinox range in 2001 during President<br />
Olusegun Obasanjo tenure. Zinox was not just<br />
an expression <strong>of</strong> patriotism and ambition, it<br />
was a carefully created brand and the first<br />
indigenous computer to earn both Intel and<br />
Micros<strong>of</strong>t certification. It came bundled with<br />
inbuilt power surge protector, taking<br />
cognisance <strong>of</strong> <strong>Nigeria’s</strong> epileptic power supply<br />
prone to surges and brown<strong>out</strong>s. Plus, it has a<br />
naira sign cleverly engrafted as part <strong>of</strong> the Q-<br />
w-e-r-t-y keyboard.<br />
This gave Zinox a shoulder-high advantage<br />
over other exotic brands to the delight <strong>of</strong><br />
President Obasanjo who had to issue a<br />
directive to ministries, departments and<br />
agencies, MDAs, to standardise their tech<br />
operations on Zinox and other indigenous<br />
brands most <strong>of</strong> which were swamped in the<br />
marketplace by foreign brands until Zinox<br />
burst into the stage. Today, the Zinox brand<br />
has not only made inroad into Nigerian <strong>of</strong>fices,<br />
it has been deployed to host major<br />
international conferences and events<br />
including the seventh Ordinary Session <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Assembly <strong>of</strong> the Africa Union, AU, from July 2<br />
to 5, 2006 in Banjul, The Gambia. The list is<br />
•Leo Stan Ekeh @ 65<br />
long. Leo Stan is the patriot who made gamechanging<br />
interventions during <strong>Nigeria’s</strong> 2007<br />
and 2011 general elections. He leveraged on<br />
the strength and international partnerships <strong>of</strong><br />
Zinox to salvage <strong>Nigeria’s</strong> voter registration<br />
exercise by delivering 11,500 Direct Data<br />
Capture, DDC, machines in 14 days for the<br />
2007 polls. That marked an epochal<br />
introduction <strong>of</strong> technology into the nation’s<br />
electoral process and ended the duplicity that<br />
hallmarked the voter register in the past.<br />
He repeated the same feat in 2011 when he<br />
delivered 80,000 fully integrated units <strong>of</strong> DDC<br />
machines within 35 days ahead <strong>of</strong> two foreign<br />
companies just in time for the conduct <strong>of</strong> the<br />
general elections <strong>of</strong> that year much to the relief<br />
<strong>of</strong> then INEC chairman, Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Attahiru<br />
Jega. Though a successful entrepreneur, but<br />
he’s quick to tell you he’s not mindful <strong>of</strong> the<br />
balance sheet, but is concerned more by the<br />
value he adds to humanity. He tells you he’s<br />
not driven by pr<strong>of</strong>it but by empathy for<br />
mankind and it shows in the manner he strives<br />
to wipe away tears from those who weep and<br />
give food to the hungry. A very silent<br />
philanthropist, he has built a collateral <strong>of</strong><br />
integrity over the years which has earned him<br />
respect from global players in the ICT agora.<br />
For his ceaseless efforts to help in building a<br />
better Nigeria not just by creating jobs but by<br />
creating the milieu and technology that make<br />
it possible for Nigerians, especially the y<strong>out</strong>hs,<br />
to claw their way into the complex computer<br />
technology marketplace where they have<br />
brought honour to the country, Leo Stan has<br />
been rewarded with a couple <strong>of</strong> national<br />
medals. President Muhammadu Buhari in<br />
2019 honoured him alongside Aliko Dangote<br />
and others with the National Productivity<br />
Order <strong>of</strong> Merit, NPOM, award. President<br />
Obasanjo also on October 1, 2001 named him<br />
‘Icon <strong>of</strong> Hope,’ a symbolic emblem that speaks<br />
to his birthing <strong>of</strong> a new threshold <strong>of</strong> hope for<br />
the nation and her teeming y<strong>out</strong>hs.<br />
All this in addition to the Order <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Federal Republic, OFR, national honour,<br />
Micros<strong>of</strong>t Global Adviser, dozens <strong>of</strong> national<br />
and international awards and several honorary<br />
doctorate degrees (Honoris Causa) from<br />
Nigerian universities.<br />
Continues online:www.vanguardngr.com<br />
•Umukoro, a journalist, wrote from Lagos<br />
TRIBUTE<br />
Jide Akinbiyi: Man <strong>of</strong> history drops into<br />
history<br />
By BANJI OJEWALE<br />
AFTER his long engagement in enriching<br />
and enchanting encounters with history,<br />
Prince Edward Olajide Akinbiyi has himself<br />
slipped into the annals, passing on at the age<br />
<strong>of</strong> 87. He died in Lagos on Tuesday, February<br />
9, 2021, leaving behind a mixed multitude <strong>of</strong><br />
mourners and merrymakers. It has been a rare<br />
hybrid <strong>of</strong> emotions at the loss <strong>of</strong> one man.<br />
The point is that all deaths, even if timely at<br />
a grand old age, bring up criers. Akinbiyi didn’t<br />
depart a young man, but there are those<br />
grieving who would have loved to relish more<br />
<strong>of</strong> his old age tenderness, compassion and<br />
charity. They claim they got to meet the prince<br />
<strong>of</strong> Ibadan only lately. And then suddenly, he<br />
was cut <strong>of</strong>f from them. Surely, they have<br />
reasons to be sorrowful.<br />
There’s a large crowd <strong>of</strong> this group in the<br />
prince’s primary constituency, journalism. A<br />
WhatsApp conclave with the mission to revive<br />
the ideals <strong>of</strong> the iconic WNTV, Africa’s first TV<br />
station, has continued to wail on account <strong>of</strong><br />
the death <strong>of</strong> Akinbiyi, a revered member <strong>of</strong> the<br />
platform. He was part <strong>of</strong> the pioneering staff<br />
<strong>of</strong> the news room <strong>of</strong> WNTV when it all started<br />
in 1959. They say they will henceforth be bereft<br />
<strong>of</strong> the prudence <strong>of</strong> his intervention each time<br />
they derailed. And we go <strong>of</strong>f line <strong>of</strong>ten in the<br />
group. We r<strong>out</strong>inely depart from the mission<br />
and vision that should drive the struggle to<br />
reclaim the Obafemi Awolowo dream aborted<br />
by a military junta under Olusegun Obasanjo<br />
in the '70s.<br />
Yemi Farounbi, <strong>Nigeria’s</strong> ex-ambassador to<br />
the Philippines and one-time general manager<br />
<strong>of</strong> WNTV-WNBS, leads us in the group. He is<br />
our chief mourner. He can no longer count on<br />
the weighty counsel <strong>of</strong> Akinbiyi. For, in the<br />
past, when the former envoy failed to tame the<br />
tempests <strong>of</strong> members’ wild tempers, he would<br />
look in the<br />
direction <strong>of</strong> the<br />
sedate Pa<br />
Akinbiyi. The<br />
prince <strong>of</strong><br />
Ibadan never<br />
turned him<br />
down. What<br />
many <strong>of</strong> us<br />
didn’t know<br />
A nationalist until<br />
he died, Akinbiyi<br />
never supported<br />
the strident calls<br />
that Nigeria should<br />
break up<br />
was that most<br />
times Farounbi kept the hotline between him<br />
and Baba busy, all in the service <strong>of</strong> the group.<br />
Mama Olufemi Akinbiyi, Pa Akinbiyi’s<br />
spouse <strong>of</strong> 55 years, is in the company <strong>of</strong><br />
mourners. In her 80s also, she will miss Baba.<br />
They were love birds to the end. Each time you<br />
called to say hello to Akinbiyi, and you<br />
rounded <strong>of</strong>f by requesting him to extend your<br />
compliments to his wife, Akinbiyi would say:<br />
"She’s right beside me. Will you want to speak<br />
to her?” And Mama’s voice would be next on<br />
the line. They were inseparable. Now, there’s a<br />
divide: doleful, painful and baneful. You can’t<br />
blame Mama if she weeps, consolably or<br />
inconsolably.<br />
The community <strong>of</strong> activists urging that<br />
Nigeria should be structured in order to return<br />
the country to a genuine federal arrangement<br />
that powered its progress before the military<br />
struck in 1966 would also miss Akinbiyi. He<br />
was a recognised member <strong>of</strong> Afenifere and<br />
National Democratic Coalition, NADECO,<br />
two <strong>of</strong> the implacable anti-military bodies that<br />
have been responsible for Nigeria not sliding<br />
into anarchy and extinction. He was also a<br />
founding father <strong>of</strong> Alliance for Democracy,<br />
AD, the party seen as the successor to Awo’s<br />
UPN that made waves in the Second Republic.<br />
Akinbiyi’s early links to the camps <strong>of</strong> the<br />
great Obafemi Awolowo and Lateef Jakande,<br />
Awo’s acolyte, placed the Ibadan prince in the<br />
ideological cauldron that served to brew a<br />
disciple who on his own continued to shape<br />
himself, first from what was passed to him by<br />
the masters, and later from what he gained by<br />
diligent study <strong>of</strong> the Nigerian political<br />
environment. The progressive camp in the<br />
society will feel the absence <strong>of</strong> Baba Akinbiyi<br />
because his pr<strong>of</strong>essional exploits were<br />
interpreted, correctly in my view, as the<br />
<strong>out</strong>growth <strong>of</strong> his intercourse with politics.<br />
His position, as I gathered in many <strong>of</strong><br />
discussions with him, was that journalism, or<br />
any other pr<strong>of</strong>ession, should be an avenue to<br />
serve the society. So, when there was a political<br />
crisis in the Western Region that displaced his<br />
hero, Awo, Akinbiyi left WNTV. The emerging<br />
•The late Prince Edward Olajide Akinbiyi<br />
atmosphere threatened the concept <strong>of</strong><br />
marrying ideology and pr<strong>of</strong>ession. There must<br />
be a union <strong>of</strong> the twain to allow for perfect<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional service to the people. So in 1964<br />
he dashed to Lagos, where he applied his<br />
experience at the premier TV station to work<br />
in the Nigerian Television Service at Victoria<br />
Island. That, again, was history for Akinbiyi.<br />
He would go on to be at the centre <strong>of</strong> the<br />
formation <strong>of</strong> Nigerian Television Authority<br />
Network News.<br />
That didn’t last. Akinbiyi wasn’t getting<br />
ideological fulfillment in his work at NTA,<br />
owned by a conservative government at the<br />
centre. Jakande, his old friend, had become<br />
the governor <strong>of</strong> Lagos State in the Second<br />
Republic in Lagos. Seeking to break the<br />
propaganda monopoly <strong>of</strong> the central<br />
government as well as use the media to<br />
publicise the great socio-economic strides in<br />
Lagos, Jakande brought in Akinbiyi to<br />
establish the leveller Lagos Television, LTV8.<br />
It was a leveller because other states followed<br />
suit and opened their own stations, ushering<br />
in a level ground for TV broadcast. The Federal<br />
Government was no longer on the high horse<br />
we all looked up to in the industry.<br />
How did Jakande and Akinbiyi develop such<br />
intimate bond? Once, Akinbiyi had left Lagos<br />
to interview Jakande in Ibadan. The latter was<br />
working on a script he couldn’t abandon to<br />
attend to Akinbiyi, who was kept waiting for<br />
five hours. The interview finally commenced<br />
at 1.00am! Akinbiyi impressed Jakande,<br />
himself a journalist <strong>of</strong> no trifling note, who<br />
knew how to weigh a reporter through his<br />
capacity to endure or manage seeming<br />
rejection by the ‘prey’.<br />
Now, for Jakande also, like Awo when he<br />
inaugurated WNTV, your service to society<br />
through your journalism, must be in the context<br />
<strong>of</strong> your ideological instincts. Let’s not make<br />
any mistake ab<strong>out</strong> it: when you report the news<br />
or engage in any editorial <strong>out</strong>growth <strong>of</strong> the<br />
news, you’re reflecting society, not for the raw<br />
mission <strong>of</strong> informing, but for applying a<br />
complex process <strong>of</strong> the information to improve<br />
society. A study <strong>of</strong> the legislative debate that<br />
preceded the creation <strong>of</strong> WNTV forcefully<br />
confirms this.<br />
In his lifetime Akinbiyi followed that<br />
tradition, standing on journalism to look into<br />
his environment. He didn’t suffer any prismatic<br />
disorder to blur his vision. A nationalist until<br />
he died, Akinbiyi never supported the strident<br />
calls that Nigeria should break up. He coined<br />
the term ‘emirate north’ to describe the cabal<br />
responsible for the <strong>problems</strong> <strong>of</strong> Nigeria. He<br />
argued this group would be neutralised only if<br />
Nigeria is restructured to let the regions operate<br />
with a severely enervated centre.<br />
I did say at the opening <strong>of</strong> this tribute that<br />
there are those who would celebrate the<br />
passage <strong>of</strong> Jide Akinbiyi, even when we mourn.<br />
They are those, like me, that sat at his feet and<br />
received an exceptional experience <strong>of</strong> history.<br />
He would speak <strong>of</strong> journalistic trips. He would<br />
tell you <strong>of</strong> meetings he had with great<br />
personalities: Awo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Jakande,<br />
Kwame Nkrumah, Anthony Enahoro, etc. He<br />
would tell you that his country began sinking<br />
when the weight <strong>of</strong> the military was added to<br />
the ship <strong>of</strong> state.<br />
Sadly, Baba Akinbiyi didn’t complete a book<br />
he began writing in old age to document the<br />
story <strong>of</strong> Nigeria and the roles <strong>of</strong> some <strong>of</strong> these<br />
nationalists along with his interpretations <strong>of</strong><br />
their actions and how they could help repair<br />
the gravely battered polity now on a cusp<br />
overlooking an abyss. The country will miss<br />
Prince Edward Olajide Akinbiyi!<br />
*Ojewale, a journalist, wrote from Ota, Ogun<br />
State.
Towards a new Nigeria: From Federal<br />
Fatherism to a Commonwealth<br />
BY DR AKINWUMI<br />
ADESINA<br />
I<br />
would like to congratulate my<br />
dear brother and friend, H.E.<br />
Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on his<br />
well-deserved re-election as the Executive<br />
Governor <strong>of</strong> Ondo State.<br />
Your renewed mandate by the good<br />
people <strong>of</strong> Ondo State, is an undeniable<br />
mark <strong>of</strong> confidence in your remarkable<br />
leadership.<br />
Thank you for greatly honouring<br />
me with an invitation to deliver this<br />
inauguration lecture. My lecture today<br />
is titled: “Towards a New Nigeria:<br />
From Federal Fatherism to a<br />
Commonwealth”.<br />
Let me be clear from the onset that<br />
I speak for no one, I speak ab<strong>out</strong> no<br />
one, I speak for myself, from my<br />
heart, ab<strong>out</strong> my country, the nation<br />
<strong>of</strong> my birth, for which I have a relentless<br />
passion and longing for its glorious<br />
future, not too far from now. It<br />
has been a long time Governor<br />
“Aketi” since our student days at the<br />
great University <strong>of</strong> Ife, where we always<br />
say “great”. Today, I say to you<br />
“Aketi”: “Great”! - congratulations!<br />
Your Excellency, Governor Akeredolu,<br />
like an athlete on the 4th and<br />
final lap <strong>of</strong> a 400-meter race, you<br />
must now run for the home stretch<br />
with your eyes fixed on the finish line<br />
that is ahead <strong>of</strong> you.<br />
Race for legacy<br />
It is a race for legacy. A legacy, for<br />
you, a legacy for the people <strong>of</strong> Ondo<br />
State. You stand today as Governor<br />
<strong>of</strong> Ondo State, for a second time, by<br />
the grace <strong>of</strong> God. Be the instrument<br />
to change things, more radically.<br />
Make your second term one <strong>of</strong> double<br />
blessings for the people.<br />
Make growth more inclusive.<br />
Harness the dynamism and entrepreneurship<br />
<strong>of</strong> the y<strong>out</strong>h and the<br />
power <strong>of</strong> the industrious women <strong>of</strong><br />
Ondo State. This is the time to consolidate.<br />
This is the time to readjust.<br />
This is the time to move at a pace<br />
faster than you ever have. There is<br />
always a tendency for complacency<br />
during a second term, with the pressure<br />
<strong>of</strong> running for re-election no<br />
longer a factor. In such situations,<br />
the sense <strong>of</strong> urgency can easily evaporate.<br />
Therefore, with an eye on history,<br />
this is the time to reignite your<br />
vision. When the pages <strong>of</strong> history are<br />
turned, let them be turned to remember<br />
you for the exceptional good that<br />
you have done for the people <strong>of</strong> Ondo<br />
State.<br />
As a Minister <strong>of</strong> Agriculture in<br />
Nigeria, I had the great opportunity<br />
to work with all the state governors<br />
and state governments. When I<br />
launched the Agricultural Transformation<br />
Agenda that revolutionized<br />
<strong>Nigeria’s</strong> agriculture and food <strong>security</strong>,<br />
and turned agriculture into a<br />
business, I recognized that success<br />
required that I worked very closely<br />
with all state governments <strong>of</strong> the<br />
federation — regardless <strong>of</strong> party<br />
affiliation. With<strong>out</strong> the States, there<br />
will be no Nigeria.<br />
Therefore, Nigeria can only be as<br />
strong as its constituent States. Ondo<br />
State is rich in resources. Consider<br />
that it has the second largest deposits<br />
<strong>of</strong> bitumen in the world. With an<br />
estimated 37 billion barrels <strong>of</strong> bitumen<br />
reserves, the bulk <strong>of</strong> which is<br />
found in Ondo State, this vital resource<br />
remains untapped in Nigeria<br />
(Source: The State <strong>of</strong> the States<br />
Report, 2018).<br />
Given its vast resources in bitumen,<br />
Ondo State should have the best<br />
roads in Nigeria. But its roads are<br />
barely tarred with bitumen. That is<br />
the irony <strong>of</strong> Nigeria: it imports what<br />
it has in abundance and leaves its<br />
own resources untapped. The total<br />
value <strong>of</strong> bitumen reserves in Nigeria<br />
could be worth up to $1.5 trillion.<br />
With an estimated 16 billion barrels<br />
But let us face it,<br />
political autonomy<br />
is meaningless,<br />
unless it is backed<br />
by greater fiscal<br />
selfreliance at the<br />
state level<br />
ency.<br />
State Governors now spend more<br />
time in Abuja than they do in their<br />
own states, seeking the monthly federal<br />
manna. This financial pilgrimage<br />
creates a sense <strong>of</strong> helplessness<br />
and overt dependency on the centre.<br />
States must become financially<br />
independent <strong>of</strong> the centre in Abuja.<br />
The USA from which Nigeria<br />
derived its federal system, is<br />
essentially a coercive federalism. The<br />
federal government uses conditional<br />
grants to states to mainly support<br />
social, infrastructure and insurance<br />
programs. Essentially, these are<br />
‘carrots’ to get the states to do what<br />
the centre expects.<br />
<strong>Nigeria’s</strong> system is essentially a<br />
revenue sharing system. To be clear:<br />
only three states in Nigeria can<br />
survive with<strong>out</strong> a Federal Revenue<br />
Allocation.<br />
This is a Federalism <strong>of</strong> fiscal dependency.<br />
It is a Federalism that is<br />
fiscally unhealthy for the states and<br />
the Federal Government. Because<br />
Nigeria depends on oil for over 70%<br />
<strong>of</strong> government revenues, any decline<br />
in the price <strong>of</strong> oil creates fiscal and<br />
economic volatilities that reverberate<br />
across the states. What’s needed<br />
is greater economic and fiscal autonomy<br />
for the States. The issue is<br />
less ab<strong>out</strong> state or regional autonomy,<br />
but financial and economic viability<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Nigeria’s</strong> constituent states.<br />
If Nigeria were to be a conglomerate<br />
firm, it would not be economically<br />
viable because 92% <strong>of</strong> its constituent<br />
‘subsidiary companies’ are<br />
not viable with<strong>out</strong> the support <strong>of</strong> the<br />
holding company. <strong>Nigeria’s</strong> federalism<br />
does not grow its constituent<br />
entities. It simply makes them perpetually<br />
dependent. The Nigerian<br />
system is therefore not Federalism ...<br />
but ‘Fatherism’. The agitations for<br />
decentralization can be understood<br />
in Ondo state, the potential state<br />
wealth from bitumen alone could be<br />
worth $657 billion. The paradox<br />
however is that Nigeria spends over<br />
300 billion Naira importing<br />
bitumen. The publication The State<br />
<strong>of</strong> States (2018) shows that the vast<br />
deposits <strong>of</strong> bitumen can help Ondo<br />
State break into the asphalt shingles<br />
market that is estimated to be worth<br />
$10 billion globally by 2022 (The<br />
State <strong>of</strong> States, 2018 edition).<br />
Ondo State also has abundant deposits<br />
<strong>of</strong> metals and minerals such<br />
as granite, gold, marbles, gemstones,<br />
lignite, and diorite. The State has one<br />
<strong>of</strong> the largest gas deposits in the<br />
world. It could also become a leading<br />
exporter and processor <strong>of</strong> cocoa<br />
and earn at least $1 billion per year<br />
(Source: The State <strong>of</strong> the States, 2018<br />
edition, by www.YourBudgit.com).<br />
But nobody eats potential.<br />
Ondo State’s wealth is not seen. It<br />
is locked under the ground. The state<br />
ranks number 13 <strong>of</strong> the top 20 States<br />
in Nigeria in terms <strong>of</strong> its GDP, estimated<br />
at $ 8.4 billion. That is the<br />
irony <strong>of</strong> <strong>Nigeria’s</strong> states: They are<br />
poor in the midst <strong>of</strong> plenty. They do<br />
not maximally explore or leverage<br />
what they already have in abundance.<br />
The Federal system <strong>of</strong> monthly<br />
grants has paralyzed them. With<br />
stupendous resources, all concentrated<br />
at the centre, states are ever dependent<br />
on the centre. With the magnetic<br />
field <strong>of</strong> federal revenue allocations,<br />
states are constantly pulled,<br />
powerlessly into perennial depend-<br />
Dr Akinwumi Adesina<br />
when viewed in the light <strong>of</strong> a craving<br />
for greater autonomy.<br />
Greater fiscal selfreliance<br />
But let us face it, political autonomy<br />
is meaningless, unless it is backed<br />
by greater fiscal selfreliance at the<br />
state level. Nigeria has an estimated<br />
87 million people living in extreme<br />
poverty. You cannot tax people who<br />
can barely afford to eat. This<br />
debilitating poverty makes the country<br />
highly vulnerable to social and<br />
political risks. And it provides fodder<br />
for anti-social behaviour and recruitment<br />
by insurgents and terrorists.<br />
Poverty provides supermarkets<br />
for terrorists.<br />
The level <strong>of</strong> indebtedness <strong>of</strong><br />
Nigeria is extremely high, at N22<br />
trillion. The debt stock <strong>of</strong> states is<br />
over N4.1 trillion. The three states<br />
with the highest revenues also have<br />
the highest levels <strong>of</strong> debt. With<strong>out</strong><br />
incomes and rising debt, many states<br />
are essentially not viable. <strong>Nigeria’s</strong><br />
inequality is also extreme. Over 55%<br />
<strong>of</strong> the y<strong>out</strong>h do not have jobs. Rural<br />
areas are now zones <strong>of</strong> economic<br />
misery with high rates <strong>of</strong> poverty and<br />
extremely high birth rates. This<br />
double whammy continues to<br />
perpetuate an inter-generational<br />
transfer <strong>of</strong> poverty. Poverty, comingled<br />
with high levels <strong>of</strong> unemployment<br />
and underemployment<br />
has led to an astonishing rise in<br />
crime, banditry, and kidnappings.<br />
Great dangers <strong>of</strong> leadership<br />
Sometimes leaders think all is well<br />
when it is not! One <strong>of</strong> the great dangers<br />
<strong>of</strong> leadership is to rely on others<br />
to tell you what is going on. Effective<br />
leaders must connect themselves.<br />
You can delegate tasks, but you<br />
cannot delegate your vision and responsibility.<br />
Transparency is the core<br />
<strong>of</strong> accountability. Citizens have the<br />
right to know. Today, therefore, there<br />
is a greater need for e-governance<br />
systems to enhance transparency and<br />
accountability to the people. That is<br />
people-centered governance. That is<br />
why the African Development Bank<br />
is developing a public service<br />
delivery index that will rate<br />
governments on the quality-<strong>of</strong>-service<br />
delivery for citizens. Participatory<br />
tax-based financing systems demand<br />
participatory governance.<br />
While tax rates are low in Nigeria<br />
compared to several African and<br />
non-African countries, this is not a<br />
justification to increase taxes.<br />
Norway's tax to GDP ratio is 39%.<br />
In Singapore, the tax to GDP ratio is<br />
13.2%. <strong>Nigeria’s</strong> tax to GDP ratio is<br />
6.1%. It is easy to make the<br />
comparison and say Nigeria needs<br />
to raise its taxes to similar levels as<br />
in Norway or Singapore. But in Norway,<br />
like all the Nordic countries,<br />
education is free through university.<br />
Singapore, a country that had 1/3 <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Nigeria’s</strong> per capita income at its<br />
independence in 1965, has today<br />
100% access to electricity and 100%<br />
access to potable water.<br />
Also think <strong>of</strong> the following: the per<br />
capita income <strong>of</strong> Norway is $68,000,<br />
while that <strong>of</strong> Singapore is $ 65,300.<br />
<strong>Nigeria’s</strong> per capita GDP is just $<br />
2,250. Taxes must therefore take income<br />
levels into consideration. The<br />
rich must pay more, but we cannot<br />
tax the poor to death. We must distinguish<br />
between nominal taxes and<br />
implicit taxes — taxes that are borne<br />
by the people but are not seen or re-<br />
Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021 — 25<br />
corded. Truth be told, Nigerians pay states focus on unlocking the huge<br />
one <strong>of</strong> the highest implicit tax rates resources they have, based on areas<br />
in the world.<br />
<strong>of</strong> comparative advantage, they will<br />
Many Nigerians provide rapidly expand wealth for their<br />
electricity for themselves via people. With their increased wealth<br />
generators; they repair roads in their they will be able to access capital<br />
neighborhoods, if they can afford to. markets to secure long-term<br />
There is no social <strong>security</strong> system. financing to fast-track their growth<br />
They provide <strong>security</strong> for their own and development.<br />
safety. They provide boreholes for States that adopt this strategy<br />
drinking water with their own monies.<br />
Governments simply transfer trips to Abuja for grants.<br />
would have less <strong>of</strong> a need for monthly<br />
their responsibility to citizens. When Instead, part <strong>of</strong> their federal<br />
governments or institutions fail to revenue allocations can be saved as<br />
provide basic services, the people internal ‘state sovereign wealth<br />
bear the burden <strong>of</strong> a heavy implicit funds’. This can then be used as<br />
tax. If people pay taxes, governments guarantees against borrowings from<br />
must deliver services. The public capital markets.<br />
service is the engine <strong>of</strong> government. Restructuring should not be driven<br />
The more efficient it is, the better by political expediency, but by<br />
government runs. The slower and economic and financial viability.<br />
more bureaucratic it is, the slower Economic and financial viability are<br />
governments deliver. Governments the necessary and sufficient conditions<br />
for political viability.<br />
should set high performance targets<br />
for public service and be held Surgeries are tough. They are<br />
accountable.<br />
better done well, the first time. The<br />
Tangible delivery<br />
resources found in each state or state<br />
If the people do not see tangible groupings should belong to them.<br />
delivery in terms <strong>of</strong> improved quality<br />
<strong>of</strong> services, they should demand federal taxes or royalties for those<br />
The constituent entities should pay<br />
for them. That is why the African resources. The achievement <strong>of</strong><br />
Development Bank will support the economically viable entities and the<br />
development <strong>of</strong> public service delivery<br />
indices for state and federal gov-<br />
requires constitutional changes to<br />
viability <strong>of</strong> the national entity<br />
ernments in Nigeria.<br />
devolve more economic and fiscal<br />
There is an urgent need to diversify powers to the states or regions. The<br />
the source <strong>of</strong> financing for states stronger the states, or regions, the<br />
across Nigeria. Just take a look at stronger the federated units. In the<br />
the Nigerians in the diaspora and process, our union would be renewed.<br />
what they hold in resources. The value<br />
<strong>of</strong> remittances to Nigeria in 2019 <strong>of</strong> Nigeria, we could think <strong>of</strong> The<br />
Instead <strong>of</strong> a Federal Government<br />
was $24 billion. Compare that to the United States <strong>of</strong> Nigeria or The<br />
value <strong>of</strong> crude oil exports at $48 billion.<br />
Remittances to Nigeria ac-<br />
will pass away for the new. We would<br />
Commonwealth <strong>of</strong> Nigeria. The old<br />
counted for 50% <strong>of</strong> the value <strong>of</strong> crude change the relational mindset<br />
oil exports from Nigeria.<br />
between the states and Abuja: the<br />
It is clear: Nigerians in the diaspora<br />
are <strong>Nigeria’s</strong> new oil. State gov-<br />
the centre would support them, not<br />
fulcrum would be the states, while<br />
ernments should float diaspora lord over them.<br />
bonds targeting specific investments With good governance and better<br />
in their states. States can match the accountability systems, and a zero<br />
diaspora resources to finance infrastructure<br />
development.<br />
economically stronger constituent<br />
tolerance for corruption, more<br />
We need a better way <strong>of</strong> supporting<br />
States to finance critical infra-<br />
We would unleash massive wealth<br />
states would emerge!<br />
structure. While many roads are across the states. It would be a<br />
federal roads, the challenge is that commonwealth. Wealth for all, not<br />
they pass through state boundaries. wealth for a few. A New Nigeria<br />
The poor condition <strong>of</strong> some <strong>of</strong> the would arise! We will need all <strong>of</strong> us —<br />
Federal roads negatively affect the not some <strong>of</strong> us. From the flickers <strong>of</strong><br />
economies <strong>of</strong> the states. The very fading longings <strong>of</strong> forgotten rural<br />
high cost <strong>of</strong> construction makes villages, to our boisterous and<br />
many <strong>of</strong> the roads too expensive for dynamic urban areas; from the<br />
the States. As a result, critical roads sparks <strong>of</strong> desire in the eyes <strong>of</strong> our<br />
take forever to complete. People in children, to the heartbeat <strong>of</strong> hope <strong>of</strong><br />
the states do not care whether a road our y<strong>out</strong>h; from the yearnings <strong>of</strong> our<br />
is a federal road or a state road. women and mothers, to the pride in<br />
They just need good roads. We must the heart <strong>of</strong> fathers for a better<br />
learn from others and deliver quality<br />
infrastructure, faster. For a com-<br />
that our end would be better than<br />
tomorrow, and the desires <strong>of</strong> the old<br />
parison, the Golden quadrilateral our past; from the hard-working<br />
road project, the largest in India, with street vendors and small businesses<br />
a length <strong>of</strong> 5,846 kilometers, with 4- to the largest business<br />
6 express lanes, was started in 2001 conglomerates — we must create a<br />
and completed in 2012 — in just 11 movement <strong>of</strong> hope. Hope for a better<br />
years. The total cost? $13.2 billion Nigeria! Not a Muslim Nigeria. Not<br />
or $2.2 million per kilometre. In Nigeria,<br />
the East-West road, <strong>of</strong> only 337 Nigeria, Western Nigeria, or<br />
a Christian Nigeria. Not Eastern<br />
kilometres, is one that has been on Northern Nigeria, but one Nigeria -<br />
the books for decades. Originally estimated<br />
to cost N211 billion in 2006, A New Nigeria, powered by<br />
a New Nigeria.<br />
its cost has since risen to N349 torrents <strong>of</strong> hope, trust, equity, fairness,<br />
billion, with estimates that it may and wealth at every level, in every<br />
cost up to one trillion naira by the state ... by all and for all. We have the<br />
time the road is eventually capacity to do this and make it<br />
commissioned.<br />
happen. We must rise above mistrust<br />
For a 337 Km road, that is a cost and divisions and make history. Not<br />
<strong>of</strong> $2.7 billion or $8.1 million per the history that is written ab<strong>out</strong> us,<br />
kilometre. It’s been 14 years and the ab<strong>out</strong> Northern Nigeria, Eastern<br />
road is still not completed.This is also Nigeria, Western Nigeria; not the<br />
the case with the Lagos-Ibadan history <strong>of</strong> divisive political parties;<br />
express way, a road <strong>of</strong> only 128 but a new history that we commit to<br />
kilometers. It is time for governments write for ourselves - the history <strong>of</strong> a<br />
to strongly embrace the private New Nigeria — a nation where<br />
sector more strategically and majority prosper, not just a privileged<br />
transition into Public-Private few; a nation that provides real<br />
Partnerships for all major opportunities for the y<strong>out</strong>h. A nation<br />
infrastructure projects. The Federal where equality <strong>of</strong> opportunities for<br />
government could also allow states women is a reality, not a dream.<br />
to own these roads by delegation. A nation known for wealth, not<br />
This will allow the states to support poverty. A nation set on a hill whose<br />
their construction by utilizing light will never be hidden. A New<br />
development finance institutions to Nigeria that we all are proud to call<br />
provide cheaper sources <strong>of</strong> finance home. So, help us God! May the<br />
to complete these roads.<br />
same God bless you, Your Excellency,<br />
I am delighted with the progress Governor Akeredolu. Thank you<br />
Nigeria is making <strong>of</strong> recent on very much. God bless you all.<br />
railways. The recent launch <strong>of</strong> the Speech Delivered By Dr Akinwumi<br />
A. Adesina, President, Afri-<br />
InfraCo to mobilize 1 Trillion Naira<br />
for investment in infrastructure, can Development Bank Group, on<br />
under public-private partnership, is The Inauguration <strong>of</strong> His Excellency<br />
Rotimi Akeredolu, S.A.N, Exec-<br />
highly commendable. It will be the<br />
first such fund in Africa. This should utive Governor <strong>of</strong> Ondo State, February<br />
23, 2021 Akure, Ondo State,<br />
help support infrastructure<br />
development across the states. If Nigeria
26 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021<br />
How to end farmers/herders’ crises<br />
— YCE, AFENIFERE, AGBEKOYA, HUNTERS<br />
•We’ve lost over 60 members — FARMERS’ ASSOCIATION<br />
By Dayo Johnson, Dapo<br />
Akinrefon, Ola Ajayi,<br />
Rotimi Ojomoyela, Shina<br />
Abubakar & James<br />
Ogunnaike<br />
THE clash between farmers and<br />
herders across the coun-try has<br />
led to sorrow, tears and blood.<br />
Already, tongues are wagging over<br />
the rising conflict between herders<br />
and farmers in Nigeria especially in<br />
the S<strong>out</strong>h-West which is taking a<br />
dangerous dimension if not urgently<br />
nipped in the bud.<br />
There have been repeated calls on<br />
governments, at all levels, to wade<br />
in and calm frayed nerves by finding<br />
a lasting solution before it degenerates<br />
to a level that can no longer be<br />
salvaged.<br />
Unfortunately, the violence between<br />
herders and farmers has<br />
escalated, killing more than 1,300<br />
people since January 2018.<br />
Also, it has been discovered that<br />
three factors have been identified to<br />
aggravate the decades-long conflict.<br />
They include the environmental<br />
degradation in the far north and<br />
encroachment upon grazing<br />
grounds in the Middle Belt: militia<br />
attacks; the poor government response<br />
to distress calls and failure to<br />
punish past perpetrators; and new<br />
laws banning open grazing in some<br />
states.<br />
With the incursion <strong>of</strong> killer herdsmen<br />
into the S<strong>out</strong>h-West, stakeholders<br />
are no longer at ease with these<br />
pastoralists, who have seen the region<br />
as a haven to unleash terror on their<br />
hosts.<br />
S-West govs should enforce<br />
anti-open grazing law<br />
The Director-General <strong>of</strong><br />
Development Agenda for Western<br />
Nigeria, DAWN, Mr. Seye Oyeleye,<br />
proposed the enforcing <strong>of</strong> open grazing<br />
law in the region saying it will<br />
solve the problem <strong>of</strong> incessant<br />
herders/farmers clashes.<br />
Oyelele said: “Our governor<br />
should use the police and Amotekun<br />
to enforce the ban on open grazing.<br />
You can’t make a law and go to bed<br />
expecting that it would be complied<br />
with. Former Governor Ayo Fayose<br />
enforced the law when he was there.<br />
Our governors are serious but to<br />
be seen as serious, they must enforce<br />
the anti-open grazing law.<br />
“Open grazing has been banned<br />
by states in the S<strong>out</strong>h-West and we,<br />
at the DAWN Commission, believe<br />
this is the first step towards ensuring<br />
<strong>security</strong> in our forests.<br />
“Everybody must comply, we don’t<br />
want open grazing. It is the way <strong>of</strong><br />
life <strong>of</strong> some people to graze cows but<br />
that way <strong>of</strong> life is harmful to our own<br />
way <strong>of</strong> life which is agriculture and<br />
it must stop.”<br />
But the Yoruba Council <strong>of</strong> Elders,<br />
YCE; the pan-Yoruba socio-political<br />
organisation, Afenifere; the<br />
Agbekoya Farmers’ Society, and the<br />
Soludero Hunters’ Association,<br />
share different views to the farmers/<br />
herders’ clashes.<br />
There’s no clash but terror<br />
from herders — Afenifere<br />
On his part, Yinka Odumakin,<br />
National Publicity Secretary <strong>of</strong> the<br />
pan-Yoruba socio-political<br />
organisation, Afenifere, insisted that<br />
there is no clash between herders and<br />
farmers but terror from herders.<br />
Odumakin said: “There is no clash<br />
but terror from herders. The way <strong>out</strong><br />
is for government to become governmental<br />
or for the people to fight<br />
back as the Minister <strong>of</strong> Defence has<br />
advised. But enough is enough!"<br />
Govs must ensure<br />
enforcement <strong>of</strong> the law<br />
— Agbekoya<br />
While pr<strong>of</strong>fering solution to the<br />
conflicts, the Agbekoya Farmers’<br />
Society, who spoke through its<br />
National Publicity Secretary, Chief<br />
Olatunji Bandele said: “The S<strong>out</strong>h-<br />
West governors should enact a law<br />
banning open grazing <strong>of</strong> cattle and<br />
ensure the enforcement <strong>of</strong> the law.<br />
“<strong>Nigeria’s</strong> porous land borders<br />
should be properly manned to<br />
prevent illegal foreign Fulani herdsmen<br />
from entering Nigeria and the<br />
S<strong>out</strong>h-West.<br />
Also, erring criminal herdsmen,<br />
bandits and kidnappers should be<br />
prosecuted. The federal and<br />
state governments should conduct<br />
farmers and herdsmen enumeration<br />
and issue identity cards to them.”<br />
Herdsmen should stop<br />
destroying farmlands<br />
— Hunters Association<br />
While speaking with Vanguard in<br />
a telephone interview, the National<br />
President <strong>of</strong> Soludero Hunters' Association,<br />
Oba Wahab Anabi expressed<br />
worry over the pains inflicted<br />
on farmers and their families in the<br />
region.<br />
Anabi said: “In this year alone, they<br />
have killed over 40 people across the<br />
state. People keep calling me to inform<br />
me ab<strong>out</strong> the atrocities <strong>of</strong> these<br />
herders. I don’t know how many<br />
women they have raped. They are<br />
too many.<br />
“We are not <strong>out</strong> to kill Fulani<br />
because they are our brothers. We are<br />
ready to live in peace with them. But,<br />
any Fulani herder caught with<br />
dangerous weapons will be arrested<br />
and handed over to the police.<br />
“Also, those Fulani herders whose<br />
intention is to kill, rape, maim our<br />
people and destroy our farms will be<br />
arrested. Now, we Soludero Hunters’<br />
Association, are in Oke-Ogun<br />
area <strong>of</strong> Oyo State. We are here to<br />
ensure that all those bad eggs among<br />
Fulani herders are fished <strong>out</strong>.<br />
“We promise our people that by<br />
the time we are able to fish <strong>out</strong> these<br />
bandits, they will experience a great<br />
relief.”<br />
When asked how the issue could<br />
be resolved, he simply said the violent<br />
Fulani herders must stop kidnap-<br />
ping, raping women and destroying<br />
their farmlands.<br />
He said: “The only way <strong>out</strong> is for<br />
Fulani herders to stop disturbing the<br />
peace <strong>of</strong> our zone. When they stop<br />
kidnapping people, raping our<br />
women and destroying our means<br />
<strong>of</strong> livelihood which is farming, there<br />
will be peace. But, you don’t expect<br />
us to fold our arms while our promising<br />
men and women are being<br />
hacked down.<br />
"We are ready to live in peace with<br />
those Fulani who are not violent or<br />
armed with dangerous weapons.”<br />
We’ve lost many members<br />
— Farmers’ association<br />
The Chairman, Ondo State Agricultural<br />
Commodities Association,<br />
OSACA, Gbenga Obawoya<br />
expressed worry that no fewer than<br />
FARMERS KILLED BY<br />
HERDSMEN SINCE<br />
JANUARY 2021<br />
OYO — 40<br />
ONDO — 10<br />
OGUN — 15<br />
OSUN — 1<br />
10 farmers have been gruesomely<br />
murdered since January this year by<br />
the herders adding that the herders<br />
have destroyed farmlands worth over<br />
N500m since January this year.<br />
Obawoya said: “Because <strong>of</strong> the<br />
stigma, those who have been raped<br />
kept it to themselves with<strong>out</strong><br />
reporting to the association. But<br />
many wives and daughters <strong>of</strong> farmers<br />
have been raped in their presence<br />
on their farms. It is really a pitiable<br />
experience.”<br />
On his part, the Chairman <strong>of</strong> the<br />
All Farmers Association <strong>of</strong> Nigeria,<br />
in Ogun State, Chief Segun Dasaolu<br />
said: “The State government has set<br />
up a Conflicts Resolution<br />
Committee, which I am the<br />
chairman. The committee will,<br />
among other things, uncover the root<br />
cause <strong>of</strong> the problem and the number<br />
<strong>of</strong> casualties.”<br />
Investigation by Vanguard revealed<br />
that no fewer than 15 persons<br />
had been killed by Fulani herdsmen<br />
in different parts <strong>of</strong> Ogun State between<br />
January and now.<br />
Also, a farmer identified as Ridwan<br />
was killed on his farm at Boole<br />
village via Ijabe in Osun State after<br />
a fight ensued between the deceased<br />
and herdsmen, following the<br />
destruction <strong>of</strong> his farm by the latter’s<br />
herd.<br />
The secretary <strong>of</strong> farmers association<br />
in the state, Adewale Wahab said<br />
the deceased was killed on January<br />
12, 2021 at a village in Ijabe, Odo-<br />
Otin Local Government Area <strong>of</strong> the<br />
state.<br />
Our morale is low in Oyo<br />
— Amotekun <strong>of</strong>ficial<br />
One <strong>of</strong> the coordinators <strong>of</strong><br />
Amotekun in Oyo State, who is not<br />
authorised to speak, confided in<br />
Vanguard that from January to date,<br />
Fulani herders have killed several<br />
people.<br />
The operative said: “I can confirm<br />
that they have killed a lot <strong>of</strong> people.<br />
I have lost count <strong>of</strong> their number.”<br />
The <strong>of</strong>ficial used the opportunity<br />
to tell Vanguard that the morale <strong>of</strong><br />
his colleagues is down now because<br />
<strong>of</strong> one Amotekun operative the police<br />
arrested for the past 35 days over<br />
the death <strong>of</strong> a Fulani herder.<br />
The <strong>of</strong>ficial said: “There was a<br />
distress call and the <strong>of</strong>ficer was there<br />
to help but the Fulani herder opened<br />
fire on him, used machete but all<br />
these didn’t have effect on the<br />
Amotekun operative. It was then<br />
somebody shot the herder in the thigh.<br />
He started bleeding and was rushed<br />
to the hospital where he was confirmed<br />
dead.”<br />
“Despite the fact that it was not the<br />
operative that shot the herder, he was<br />
arrested and taken to Iyaganku. For<br />
over 35 days now, he is still being<br />
held by the police. His wife has been<br />
extorted many times to the extent that<br />
the grocery store she has went under.<br />
“The Amotekun operative has now<br />
been transferred to Oyo town. So,<br />
this has lowered the morale <strong>of</strong> other<br />
operatives. If such a thing could<br />
happen to a colleague, then it means<br />
we, too are at great risk.”<br />
Amotekun’ll ensure safe<br />
forest in Osun<br />
— Brig-Gen Adewinmbi<br />
When contacted, the Amotekun<br />
Corps Commandant in Osun State,<br />
Brig. Gen. Bashir Adewinmbi, retd,<br />
disclosed that though herdersfarmers’<br />
clash is minimal in the state<br />
but the corps is not relenting in<br />
ensuring the forests are safe for<br />
farmers.<br />
According to him, the state has<br />
mechanism in place with which it is<br />
settling crisis between farmers and<br />
herdsmen and avoid escalation. But<br />
the corps is not overlooking the<br />
possibility <strong>of</strong> any eventualities.<br />
Adewinmbi said: “Although the<br />
issue <strong>of</strong> violent clash between farmers<br />
and herdsmen is minimal here,<br />
possibly because <strong>of</strong> the peace committee<br />
on farmers-herdsmen<br />
relation put in place by the state government<br />
to resolve disputes before it<br />
escalates into crisis, however, the<br />
corps is not relenting to ensure<br />
measures are put in place to tackle<br />
any eventualities that may arise as a<br />
result <strong>of</strong> displacement <strong>of</strong> herdsmen<br />
from other states in the region.<br />
“We are also exploiting area <strong>of</strong><br />
common interests with our partners<br />
in a bid to ensure our forests, along<br />
border lines, are also secured.”<br />
Herders must be law abiding<br />
— Ondo Amotekun<br />
Commander<br />
For the Amotekun Commander in<br />
Ondo State, Chief Adetunji Adesina,<br />
the “only way <strong>out</strong> is for herders to<br />
stop destroying farmers' crops, the<br />
farmers are doing their business, the<br />
herders are doing their business, both<br />
<strong>of</strong> them are doing their businesses,<br />
they should respect each other’s<br />
position. You don’t expect the farmers<br />
to sit idle when their crops are<br />
destroyed by the herders.<br />
“Tactically, they are destroying the<br />
farmers’ economic base and that <strong>of</strong><br />
the herders are growing and that’s<br />
not fair. That’s why the government<br />
is not too happy ab<strong>out</strong> it.<br />
“You’ve the right to do your business<br />
and they also have the right to<br />
do theirs.<br />
“The herders should respect the<br />
law, once everybody is law abiding,<br />
there would not be clashes.<br />
“The herders can do their<br />
businesses anywhere in the country<br />
and the farmers can do theirs too.<br />
“If the herders are law-abiding and<br />
respect the right <strong>of</strong> others, there<br />
wouldn’t be any skirmishes.”<br />
Amotekun established to<br />
serve our people, — Ogun<br />
Amotekun Commandant<br />
On his part, the Commander <strong>of</strong><br />
Amotekun Corps in Ogun State, Mr.<br />
David Akinremi, said that the corps<br />
is established to serve the people <strong>of</strong><br />
the state<br />
He said all states in the S<strong>out</strong>h- West<br />
region <strong>of</strong> the country need to work<br />
and collaborate to guarantee<br />
<strong>security</strong> <strong>of</strong> lives and property that will<br />
allow indigenes and residents <strong>of</strong> the<br />
region to sleep with their two eyes<br />
closed.<br />
He said: “We are prepared, we are<br />
taking our time to ensure that we get<br />
the best available grassroots men<br />
who will be able to function<br />
adequately well towards achieving<br />
the vision and purpose <strong>of</strong> establishing<br />
the agency. We have been given<br />
the go-ahead to commence recruitment<br />
by His Excellency and we are<br />
working <strong>out</strong> modalities to ensure<br />
that we have quality men in line with<br />
the Ogun Standard <strong>of</strong> excellence.<br />
“The state has been known for<br />
producing fantastic men and women.<br />
We want to leverage on that and<br />
ensure that we have an effective take<strong>of</strong>f.<br />
On the issue <strong>of</strong> fear being<br />
expressed by our people, I want to<br />
assure them that we have come to<br />
work. We have come to serve them.<br />
“Our people have no cause to fear,<br />
we are on top <strong>of</strong> the situation. Notwithstanding<br />
that operatives have<br />
not taken <strong>of</strong>f, we are doing some<br />
strategic work underground on the<br />
<strong>security</strong> situation on hand, not just<br />
within the state but in the S<strong>out</strong>h-West<br />
as a whole.<br />
“I had cause to meet with my<br />
colleagues from other states trying<br />
to tap from their experiences to build<br />
up the <strong>security</strong> architecture that<br />
would meet our <strong>security</strong> challenges.<br />
“Criminals are everywhere! I hate<br />
it when people begin to pr<strong>of</strong>ile some<br />
set <strong>of</strong> people. Criminals abound<br />
everywhere.<br />
"All that is important is to make it<br />
clear to people that it is either you<br />
Continues on page 27
Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021 — 27<br />
ASHIRU<br />
I, formerly known as Ashiru<br />
Saifullah, now wish to be known<br />
as Ashiru Saifullah Inuwa. All<br />
former documents remain valid.<br />
General public take note.<br />
ACHINAULO<br />
I, formerly known as Onyinye<br />
Josephine Achinaulo, now wish<br />
to be known as Onyinye<br />
Josephine Imonigie. All former<br />
documents remain valid. General<br />
public take note.<br />
FALLANG<br />
I, formerly known as Fallang<br />
Paul Benard, now wish to be<br />
known as Bernard Konang<br />
Paul. Date Of Birth 22/02/<br />
1994. Not 12/12/1992. All<br />
former documents remain<br />
valid. General public take note.<br />
ABUH<br />
I, formerly known as Abuh<br />
Patience, now wish to be<br />
known as Alilu Ezekiel Patience.<br />
All former documents<br />
remain valid. General public<br />
take note.<br />
PETER<br />
I, formerly known as Peter<br />
Benjanin Ezioba, now wish to<br />
be known as Benjamin Osita<br />
Ezioba. My Correct Date Of<br />
Birth Is 28/12/1974. Not 17/<br />
11/1974. All former documents<br />
remain valid. General public<br />
take note.<br />
SHAIBU<br />
I, formerly known as Shaibu<br />
Popoola, Shaibu Popoola<br />
Salaudeen and Salahu Shu’aibu<br />
Popoola, now wish to be known<br />
as Shu’aibu Salaudeen Popoola.<br />
All former documents remain<br />
valid. General public take note.<br />
HAKEEM<br />
I, formerly known as Hakeem<br />
Nekan Bashiru, now wish to<br />
be known as Abdulhakeem<br />
Bashir. All former documents<br />
remain valid. NIMC and Polaris<br />
Bank and general public<br />
take note.<br />
SALLAU<br />
I, formerly known as<br />
Abdulrahman Sallau, now wish<br />
to be known as Abdulrahman<br />
Sallau Nuhu. All former documents<br />
remain valid. General public<br />
take note.<br />
MUHAMMAD<br />
I, formerly known as Jamila Aliyu<br />
Aja, now wish to be known as<br />
Jamila Muhammad Aja. All former<br />
documents remain valid. First<br />
Bank PLC and general public take<br />
note.<br />
DAVID<br />
I, formerly known as David Sunday,<br />
now wish to be known as<br />
David Uzah Sunday. All former<br />
documents remain valid. Access<br />
Bank PLC and general public take<br />
note.<br />
USMAN<br />
I, formerly known as Usman<br />
Hadiza Bawuro, now wish to be<br />
known as Hadiza Bawuro. All<br />
former documents remain valid.<br />
General public take note.<br />
:Vanguard News<br />
How to end farmers/herders’<br />
crises<br />
Continues from page 26<br />
are law-abiding or you are<br />
not.<br />
If you are law-abiding, you<br />
have a peaceful enjoyment <strong>of</strong><br />
the facilities but where you<br />
decide to run afoul <strong>of</strong> the law,<br />
<strong>of</strong> course, the long arm <strong>of</strong> the<br />
law will catch up with you.<br />
We are willing and ready and<br />
we are capable <strong>of</strong> providing<br />
protection to their lives and<br />
property.<br />
There is no <strong>security</strong> with<strong>out</strong><br />
human beings and no human<br />
beings with<strong>out</strong> <strong>security</strong>. It is a<br />
symbiotic relationship. The<br />
work <strong>of</strong> <strong>security</strong> agencies at<br />
whatever level cannot be done<br />
with<strong>out</strong> the support <strong>of</strong> the<br />
people.<br />
That is why we want to build<br />
a people-oriented<br />
organisation.”<br />
YCE on way <strong>out</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
farmers/herders<br />
clash<br />
Secretary-General, Yoruba<br />
Council <strong>of</strong> Elders, YCE, Dr<br />
Kunle Olajide, who spoke on<br />
the way <strong>out</strong> <strong>of</strong> the farmers/<br />
herders clashes in the S<strong>out</strong>h-<br />
West said: "Honestly, I don't<br />
know where the Federal<br />
Government stands on the<br />
matter, because Mr President<br />
hasn't addressed the nation on<br />
this issue. Unfortunately, our<br />
EKE<br />
I, formerly known as Eke<br />
Joy Oluchi, now wish to be<br />
known as Uchechukwu Joy<br />
Oluchi. All former documents<br />
remain valid. General<br />
public take note.<br />
ENANG<br />
My name was wrongly captured as<br />
Sylvanus Enang, instead <strong>of</strong> Precious<br />
Enang Sylvanus, henceforth wish to<br />
be known as Precious Enang<br />
Sylvanus. All former documents<br />
remain valid. General public and<br />
authority concerned please take<br />
note.<br />
WARRIE<br />
I, formerly known as Miss<br />
Etieneabasi Uyoata Warrie,<br />
now wish to be known as Mrs<br />
Etieneabasi Maurice Inyang.<br />
All former documents remain<br />
valid. General public and<br />
authority concerned please<br />
take note<br />
IKOTIDEM<br />
I, formerly known as Miss<br />
Patience Asuquo Ikotidem,<br />
now wish to be known as Mrs<br />
Patience Enobong Ntuen. All<br />
former documents remain<br />
valid. General public and<br />
authority concerned please<br />
take note<br />
YAKUBU<br />
I, formerly known as Yakubu<br />
Mohammed, now wish to be<br />
known as Yakubu Mohammed<br />
Kabiru. All former documents remain<br />
valid. General public take<br />
note.<br />
HASSAN<br />
I, formerly known as Hassan<br />
M. C. Tahir, now wish to be<br />
known as Hassan Muhammad<br />
Tahir. All former documents<br />
remain valid. General public<br />
please take note.<br />
unitary constitution has put all<br />
the powers over the <strong>security</strong><br />
agencies in the hands <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Federal Government and the<br />
Federal Government's body<br />
language appears to support<br />
the invasion <strong>of</strong> forests<br />
anywhere and in fact, a state<br />
governor was quoted to have<br />
said that anybody can go into<br />
any forest, it is as if we are in a<br />
lawless society."<br />
Besides, the YCE scribe said:<br />
"Personally, I would think state<br />
governors ought to take up the<br />
responsibility <strong>of</strong> protecting<br />
their states and find whatever<br />
means possible to flush <strong>out</strong><br />
criminal herders in their<br />
forests. I know ab<strong>out</strong> S<strong>out</strong>h-<br />
West, I know that there are no<br />
free forests in the S<strong>out</strong>h-West.<br />
The forests are either forest<br />
reserve or forest owned by<br />
family and you will have to go<br />
through certain processes to be<br />
able to go to the forest. The<br />
Chairman <strong>of</strong> Governors'<br />
Forum reminded us a few days<br />
ago that in the days <strong>of</strong> yore, we<br />
had forest guards employed to<br />
secure the forests so that no<br />
invaders go into the forests.<br />
"Forest reserves are treasures<br />
for the people <strong>of</strong> the states. I<br />
think that the way <strong>out</strong> is number<br />
one... the governor <strong>of</strong> Kano<br />
State has made very cogent<br />
point, that he had land that he<br />
was prepared to surrender for<br />
ranches. I think we should<br />
encourage that. On top <strong>of</strong> it all,<br />
those who are interested in the<br />
genuine unity and progress <strong>of</strong><br />
this country must push for a new<br />
constitution that would give<br />
powers over <strong>security</strong> to the<br />
governors <strong>of</strong> the states and then<br />
will devolve powers to the states<br />
and local governments where<br />
the citizens <strong>of</strong> this country<br />
reside.<br />
"The citizens <strong>of</strong> this country<br />
reside in the states and local<br />
governments, not in Abuja but<br />
this constitution has reversed<br />
the order, it gives the power to<br />
Abuja, whereas few <strong>of</strong> the<br />
citizens reside in Abuja.<br />
"The final solution to this<br />
recurring crisis is for us to have<br />
a new constitution that will<br />
empower each <strong>of</strong> the states to<br />
take responsibility for its<br />
<strong>security</strong>, protection and welfare<br />
<strong>of</strong> its citizens and their<br />
property."<br />
Ban open grazing<br />
— Ekiti Farmers'<br />
Association<br />
When contacted on<br />
telephone, the chairman, Rice<br />
Farmers Association who<br />
doubles as the Secretary, All<br />
Farmers Association <strong>of</strong><br />
Nigeria Ekiti State branch, Mr.<br />
Kolawole Rotimi affirmed that<br />
there had been many cases <strong>of</strong><br />
herders killing farmers and<br />
destroying farms in the state.<br />
Mr Rotimi said: "There was<br />
a recent case <strong>of</strong> Mr Ilori, a rice<br />
farmer and a hunter; he was<br />
killed by herdsmen. I led a<br />
protest to the Government<br />
house but to my surprise,<br />
nothing concrete has been<br />
done to put a stop to this<br />
dastardly act.<br />
On its part, the Ekiti State<br />
Security Network Agency<br />
codenamed Amotekun Corps<br />
has revealed that the decisions<br />
<strong>of</strong> governors in the S<strong>out</strong>h-West<br />
to ban open grazing would go<br />
a long way to address the<br />
lingering farmers-herders<br />
clashes.<br />
The Amotekun Corps<br />
commander, Brig. Gen. Joe<br />
Komolafe (retd) noted that<br />
the herders must be made to<br />
adhere strictly to the new<br />
directives, saying his<br />
personnel would be <strong>out</strong> to<br />
enforce the directive.
28—Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021<br />
<strong>Way</strong> <strong>out</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Nigeria’s</strong><br />
<strong>security</strong> <strong>problems</strong><br />
Continues from Page 5<br />
“We should be able to deal<br />
with it and on one hand,<br />
we must be open to<br />
amnesty, forgiveness, and<br />
on the other hand, we need<br />
to keep law and order and<br />
not make it an incentive for<br />
others to pick up arms and<br />
wait for amnesty and<br />
rehabilitation,” he said.<br />
Onaiyekan said though<br />
he believed criminals<br />
should be forgiven when<br />
they repent, there was the<br />
problem <strong>of</strong> figuring <strong>out</strong> if<br />
they had truly repented or<br />
not.<br />
He asked the<br />
government to ensure that<br />
criminals had truly<br />
repented before they were<br />
given amnesty.<br />
He cited instances <strong>of</strong><br />
return to insurgency <strong>of</strong><br />
some Boko Haram<br />
members after they had<br />
been granted pardon by<br />
the federal government.<br />
According to him, the<br />
supposedly repentant<br />
Boko Haram members<br />
either return to the sect as<br />
fighters or informants.<br />
Onaiyekan said: “I<br />
believe firmly in what the<br />
Bible says, that it is not<br />
the will <strong>of</strong> God that a<br />
sinner should die but that<br />
he should repent and<br />
live.<br />
“So obviously, if a<br />
criminal sincerely repents,<br />
he should be forgiven.<br />
But the question is when<br />
it comes to the real facts<br />
<strong>of</strong> whether he has<br />
repented or not, the state<br />
must have a way <strong>of</strong><br />
making sure that this is<br />
not a joke.<br />
“The whole idea <strong>of</strong><br />
amnesty is not only to be<br />
applied to armed bandits,<br />
in that case it is true for<br />
everybody in jail in<br />
Nigeria. For the sake <strong>of</strong><br />
law and order, to protect<br />
the rest <strong>of</strong> us, the few who<br />
are making life difficult<br />
have to be restrained. The<br />
armed dogs should be<br />
tied down. The armed<br />
bandits should be<br />
disarmed.<br />
“Before we talk <strong>of</strong><br />
amnesty, there should be<br />
clear evidence that there’s<br />
a sincere repentance and<br />
that the people concerned<br />
have decided not to pick<br />
up arms anymore, that<br />
they’re ready to go back<br />
to their normal way <strong>of</strong> life<br />
and if they’re foreigners,<br />
they’re ready to go back<br />
home. All this must be<br />
part and parcel <strong>of</strong> the<br />
process <strong>of</strong> amnesty.<br />
“The bandits must be<br />
reconciled with society,<br />
they must change, they<br />
must decide to be really<br />
repentant and show it<br />
clearly. And not be put in<br />
a position to brag around<br />
to appear that they have<br />
actually won, and<br />
defeated the nation.”<br />
Rejig 1999<br />
vanguardnews @vanguardnews @vanguardnews<br />
constitution<br />
He also canvassed total<br />
overhaul <strong>of</strong> the 1999<br />
constitution to make way<br />
for state police, so that<br />
governors and local<br />
government chairmen can<br />
be seen as real chief<br />
<strong>security</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficers <strong>of</strong> their<br />
domains.<br />
According to him, this<br />
will help to effectively<br />
protect the nation’s illegal<br />
entry points to stop<br />
criminals from infiltrating<br />
the country.<br />
“I don’t know who<br />
doesn’t want this<br />
constitution to be<br />
improved because too<br />
much <strong>of</strong> it does not work,”<br />
the cardinal said.<br />
Northern elders<br />
disown Gumi<br />
Also yesterday, northern<br />
elders dissociated<br />
themselves from recent<br />
comments credited to<br />
Islamic cleric, Sheikh<br />
Abubakar Gumi, who<br />
accused the military <strong>of</strong><br />
triggering the raging<br />
banditry in parts <strong>of</strong> the<br />
North.<br />
Gumi had alleged in one<br />
<strong>of</strong> his visits to interface<br />
with bandits in Kaduna,<br />
Zamfara, Kaduna and<br />
Niger states, that non-<br />
Muslim soldiers had<br />
carried <strong>out</strong> orchestrated<br />
killings in some<br />
communities,<br />
precipitating anger.<br />
But replying Gumi, the<br />
northern elders in a<br />
statement signed by the<br />
National Coordinator <strong>of</strong><br />
NEEPD, Engr. Zana<br />
Goni, said Gumi’s<br />
allegations are not a<br />
representation <strong>of</strong> the<br />
position <strong>of</strong> the region,<br />
saying the public must<br />
see same as personal<br />
sentiments <strong>of</strong> the cleric.<br />
While urging the<br />
general public to<br />
discountenance the<br />
allegations, the elders<br />
vouched for the<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essionalism and nonpartisan<br />
nature <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Armed Forces <strong>of</strong> Nigeria.<br />
The elders vowed to<br />
resist attempts by any<br />
individual or group to<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>ile the military which<br />
they maintained<br />
remained the most visible<br />
symbol <strong>of</strong> national unity<br />
and cohesion.<br />
They wondered why an<br />
Islamic cleric and scholar,<br />
who had taken the<br />
initiative to discuss with<br />
bandits, will end up<br />
taking sides, as his<br />
statements suggested.<br />
The elders expressed<br />
worries that Gumi’s<br />
action might expose the<br />
lives and safety <strong>of</strong> non-<br />
Muslim soldiers to serious<br />
danger in their operational<br />
theatres in the North.<br />
The statement read: “We<br />
rise in one voice to<br />
dissociate ourselves from<br />
the dangerous and divisive<br />
allegations levelled against<br />
NEWS HOTLINES<br />
018773962,<br />
08052867058<br />
NLC PROTEST—President <strong>of</strong> the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Waba (M) leading<br />
the joint unions <strong>of</strong> the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) employees in a protest over alleged antilabour<br />
matters by CAC management, in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: NAN.<br />
our patriotic soldiers by<br />
Sheikh Gumi in one <strong>of</strong> his<br />
missions to meet with<br />
bandits in a forest around<br />
Niger State.<br />
“Ordinarily, we would<br />
have commended the<br />
Sheikh for daring to do<br />
what the authorities failed<br />
to do, but for the pr<strong>of</strong>iling<br />
comments attributed to him,<br />
which we consider<br />
abhorrent and unhelpful to<br />
national development and<br />
peace.<br />
“We insist that our military<br />
is one <strong>of</strong> the finest in the<br />
world, with zero-tolerance<br />
for partisanship, ethnic<br />
consideration and other<br />
unpr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
dispositions.<br />
“We warn that comments<br />
such as this have the<br />
potential <strong>of</strong> pitting the<br />
exposed soldiers against<br />
general areas in the North,<br />
where they have continued<br />
to put down their lives to<br />
protect the territorial<br />
integrity <strong>of</strong> the nation from<br />
those that seek to violate it.<br />
“Our concern is further<br />
hinged on the possibility <strong>of</strong><br />
the world concluding that<br />
the North may be <strong>of</strong>fering<br />
tacit endorsement to<br />
banditry and associated<br />
crimes against society.<br />
“To douse this tension,<br />
therefore, we call on<br />
relevant authorities,<br />
including prominent<br />
individuals and groups<br />
from the North, to condemn<br />
Gumi’s position in a<br />
manner that will absolve<br />
the region <strong>of</strong> conspiracy and<br />
vicarious liability in the<br />
long run<br />
“In whatever position we<br />
find ourselves, we must, at<br />
all material times,<br />
endeavour to put the<br />
collective interest <strong>of</strong><br />
Nigeria over and above all<br />
other considerations,<br />
bearing in mind the fact<br />
that when the country<br />
collapses, it will do so on<br />
all <strong>of</strong> us, regardless <strong>of</strong><br />
religion, ethnicity, or belief.<br />
“Lastly, we urge Gumi to<br />
stop approbating and<br />
reprobating at the same<br />
time, and to immediately<br />
call-<strong>of</strong>f his mission, if he<br />
has developed lethargy in<br />
the course <strong>of</strong> undertaking<br />
visits to deep forests.”<br />
No apologies to<br />
anybody — Bauchi<br />
gov<br />
Meanwhile, Bauchi State<br />
governor, Bala<br />
Mohammed, has said he<br />
won’t apologize to anybody<br />
for defending Fulani<br />
herders against alleged<br />
ethnic pr<strong>of</strong>iling.<br />
The governor, who stated<br />
this during the <strong>of</strong>ficial<br />
launch <strong>of</strong> the 2020/2021<br />
annual livestock<br />
vaccination campaign, held<br />
at Galambi Cattle ranch in<br />
Bauchi, said the Fulani,<br />
over the years, had made<br />
so much sacrifices in their<br />
nomadic and pastoral life,<br />
noting that they provide the<br />
protein needs <strong>of</strong> the country<br />
through the supply <strong>of</strong> beef,<br />
milk and other essentials.<br />
He said: “We kicked<br />
against the pr<strong>of</strong>iling <strong>of</strong> the<br />
By Innocent Anaba<br />
A Federal High Court<br />
sitting in Lagos,<br />
yesterday, adjourned till<br />
March 2, 2021, to rule on<br />
whether to hear the<br />
contempt application<br />
filed against three banks<br />
and their <strong>of</strong>ficials for<br />
disobeying a court order<br />
to block Shell Petroleum<br />
Development Company<br />
<strong>of</strong> Nigeria Ltd bank<br />
accounts.<br />
Trial judge, Justice<br />
Oluremi Oguntoyinbo<br />
adjourned to the date<br />
after hearing arguments<br />
<strong>of</strong> counsel on which<br />
application should be<br />
heard first.<br />
AITEO Eastern E & P<br />
Company Ltd through its<br />
counsel, Kemi Pinheiro,<br />
SAN, had filed form 48<br />
against <strong>of</strong>ficials <strong>of</strong> the<br />
three banks.<br />
Pinheiro told the judge<br />
that the alleged<br />
contemnors willfully<br />
disobeyed the court’s<br />
interim orders <strong>of</strong><br />
Fulanis as killers and<br />
kidnappers. We have no<br />
apology for what we have<br />
done because what we<br />
have done is to say the truth<br />
that there is no tribe or<br />
group that is free <strong>of</strong><br />
criminality.<br />
“We are not saying that<br />
to spite anybody or spark<br />
unnecessary controversy,<br />
we have made our point.<br />
Nigerians across board<br />
have discussed it and I am<br />
happy to say that from all<br />
indications, majority <strong>of</strong><br />
sensible Nigerians have<br />
appreciated what we have<br />
said and that is the point.<br />
“I, therefore, won’t say<br />
anything further on this<br />
matter, for fear that<br />
controversy will be<br />
escalated. I will listen to<br />
voices <strong>of</strong> reason and keep<br />
quiet ab<strong>out</strong> it. I am calling<br />
on our brothers, the<br />
Fulanis, to ensure they<br />
make their communities<br />
free <strong>of</strong> criminality.”<br />
The governor, however,<br />
urged the Fulani to rid their<br />
communities <strong>of</strong> criminals<br />
among them and make<br />
efforts to show that majority<br />
<strong>of</strong> them are good citizens.<br />
“They must make sure<br />
they fish <strong>out</strong> the bad eggs<br />
among them because<br />
criminality is criminality. In<br />
as much as we will protect<br />
them from being badly<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>iled, they should make<br />
efforts to show that majority<br />
<strong>of</strong> them are good citizens,<br />
contributing positively to<br />
the growth and<br />
development <strong>of</strong> Nigeria,”<br />
he added.<br />
Governor Mohammed<br />
said his administration will<br />
free resources which<br />
belong to the Fulani<br />
pastoralists, so they could<br />
have their own right <strong>of</strong> way,<br />
thereby reducing the<br />
conflicts between Fulani<br />
herders and farmers.<br />
Shell $2.7bn ‘oil theft’ case: AITEO asks court<br />
to commit 3 banks <strong>of</strong>ficials to prison<br />
January 25, 2021,<br />
directing them to block<br />
SPDC’s accounts for<br />
allegedly “interfering,<br />
obstructing and/or<br />
frustrating compliance<br />
with the interim orders.”<br />
Justice Oguntoyinbo,<br />
had on January 25, 2021,<br />
made the interim order<br />
against SPDC, following<br />
AITEO’s ex-parte<br />
application, seeking to<br />
recover the cash value <strong>of</strong><br />
more than 16 million<br />
barrels <strong>of</strong> crude oil<br />
allegedly diverted by the<br />
oil giant from AITEO.<br />
She directed 20 banks<br />
to “ring-fence any cash,<br />
bonds, deposits, all<br />
forms <strong>of</strong> negotiable<br />
instruments to the value<br />
<strong>of</strong> $2.7 billion and pay<br />
all standing credits to the<br />
Shell companies up to<br />
the value into an interest<br />
yielding account in the<br />
name <strong>of</strong> the Chief<br />
Registrar <strong>of</strong> the court.”<br />
Pinheiro told the judge,<br />
yesterday, that <strong>out</strong> <strong>of</strong> 20<br />
nominal respondent<br />
banks in the case, only<br />
the trio had failed to<br />
comply with the order.<br />
The banks’ and Shell’s<br />
counsel opposed the<br />
application to hear the<br />
committal proceedings<br />
first.<br />
SPDC counsel,<br />
Adewale Atake, SAN,<br />
informed the court <strong>of</strong> his<br />
pending motion praying<br />
the court to stay<br />
proceedings and refer<br />
the case to arbitration.<br />
But the judge declined<br />
his oral application,<br />
noting that the Federal<br />
Government was not a<br />
party to the suit.<br />
Counsel for the banks,<br />
Mr Olawale Akoni,<br />
SAN, also prayed the<br />
court to hear his motion<br />
to discharge the Mareva<br />
order first.<br />
Justice Oguntoyinbo<br />
said the Mareva order<br />
subsists and differed<br />
ruling on which<br />
application to be heard<br />
first on March 2, 2021.
Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021—29<br />
NLC, TUC affiliates at war over CAC's workers<br />
By Victor Ahiuma-Young<br />
ONE <strong>of</strong> the things the harsh<br />
economic situation and<br />
globalisation has taught trade unions<br />
especially in this part <strong>of</strong> the<br />
world, is that the days <strong>of</strong> armchair<br />
unionism where workers are<br />
forced into union membership<br />
through legislation and check- <strong>of</strong>f<br />
dues automatically deducted and<br />
remitted to unions is fast fading<br />
away.<br />
In fact, the principle <strong>of</strong><br />
voluntarism as encapsulated by<br />
the Trade Union Amendment Act<br />
<strong>of</strong> 2005 has made unions’ struggle<br />
for membership more daunting<br />
and demanding in the midst<br />
<strong>of</strong> unwilling and antagonistic<br />
employers.<br />
In efforts to boost their membership,<br />
affiliate <strong>of</strong> Nigeria Labour<br />
Congress, NLC;<br />
Amalgamated Union <strong>of</strong> Public<br />
Corporations, Civil Service<br />
Technical and Recreational<br />
Services Employees, AUPCTRE,<br />
and affiliate <strong>of</strong> Trade Union<br />
Congress <strong>of</strong> Nigeria, TUC; Senior<br />
Staff Association <strong>of</strong> Statutory<br />
Corporations and Government<br />
Owned Companies,<br />
SSASCGOC, are at each other's<br />
throats in long drawn battle over<br />
the unionisation <strong>of</strong> workers <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Corporate Affairs Commission,<br />
CAC.<br />
Already, the SSASCGOC, has<br />
petitioned the Minister <strong>of</strong> Industry,<br />
Trade and Investment,<br />
Otunba Richard Adebayo, accus-<br />
•NLC pickets commission over alleged anti-Labour practices<br />
ing NLC and AUPCTRE, <strong>of</strong> efforts<br />
at reversing the judgment<br />
<strong>of</strong> National Industrial Court,<br />
NIC.<br />
In the petition by its General<br />
Secretary, Ayo Olorunfemi among<br />
others, the union insisted that<br />
“AUPCTRE has no locus standi<br />
under the law as pronounced by<br />
the NIC judgment, to speak for<br />
any senior staff be it in CAC or<br />
any Statutory Corporation until<br />
the judgment <strong>of</strong> NIC is reversed<br />
through the Court <strong>of</strong> Appeal or<br />
Supreme Court.<br />
"We make bold to state this<br />
because the NIC has made<br />
several pronouncements/<br />
judgments to that effect that the<br />
freedom <strong>of</strong> association as<br />
enshrined in the Nigeria Constitution<br />
is not absolute. The Trade<br />
Union Act specifically classifies<br />
AUPCTRE as a junior staff union.<br />
These judgments and the<br />
provision <strong>of</strong> the Trade Union Act<br />
can never be subjected to the<br />
NLC President’s mere internal<br />
digestion. He must obey the judgment<br />
otherwise he risks being<br />
charged for contempt <strong>of</strong> the<br />
court."<br />
According to him, NLC and<br />
AUPCTRE do not have jurisdiction<br />
over senior staff <strong>of</strong> Corporate<br />
Affairs Commission and cannot<br />
speak for them. NLC and<br />
AUPCTRE can only speak on behalf<br />
<strong>of</strong> junior staff <strong>of</strong> CAC which<br />
they represent according to the<br />
Trade Union Act and NIC judgments.<br />
SSASCGOC which is the<br />
legitimate union <strong>of</strong> senior staff in<br />
CAC has put machinery in place<br />
to discuss and resolve all<br />
industrial relations issues both<br />
old and emerging trends.<br />
If NLC and AUPCTRE are not<br />
happy with the NIC judgment,<br />
they should approach the Court<br />
<strong>of</strong> Appeal or the Supreme Court<br />
as provided for in the law <strong>of</strong> the<br />
land. SSASCGOC that controls all<br />
the senior staff <strong>of</strong> the Nigeria Ports<br />
Authority and many other<br />
Statutory Corporations in<br />
Nigeria, has never issued threat<br />
<strong>of</strong> strike or picketing because we<br />
advance our courses.”<br />
Pending appeal<br />
Reacting, President <strong>of</strong><br />
AUPCTRE, Benjamin Anthony,<br />
among others said: “Ordinarily,<br />
we would not have responded to<br />
such a petty write up if not for the<br />
ignorance <strong>of</strong> the position <strong>of</strong> law<br />
displayed and an attempt to mislead<br />
the Minister and the general<br />
public. It should be made<br />
clear that the court judgment<br />
floated by SSASCGOC has been<br />
appealed against and is still<br />
before the Federal Court <strong>of</strong><br />
Appeal. That signifies that status<br />
quo ante should be maintained.<br />
Unfortunately, SSASCGOC<br />
go<strong>of</strong>ed in questioning the<br />
legitimacy <strong>of</strong> NLC to intervene in<br />
a case where the CAC has turned<br />
itself to a defacto management to<br />
proscribe AUPCTRE, dissolve<br />
the executive and transfer all<br />
union executives to all parts <strong>of</strong> the<br />
country with<strong>out</strong> regards to<br />
married people within the executive.<br />
“The excesses <strong>of</strong> the Registrar<br />
General <strong>of</strong> CAC must be curtailed.<br />
Workers are no slaves.<br />
Their rights must be protected.<br />
Having a meeting with<br />
SSASCGOC as they advised the<br />
Minister to do, will amount to creating<br />
a heroic figure <strong>out</strong> <strong>of</strong> nonentity<br />
thereby giving them<br />
recognition. The Registrar-General<br />
<strong>of</strong> CAC should be advised to<br />
face his work and stop dabbling<br />
into union affairs. AUPCTRE is<br />
disposed to a mutually beneficial<br />
industrial relations practice that<br />
will endure peaceful coexistence."<br />
NLC pickets CAC<br />
Meanwhile, <strong>of</strong>ficials <strong>of</strong> NLC,<br />
led by its President, Ayuba Wabba,<br />
yesterday picketed the Maitama,<br />
Abuja, headquarters <strong>of</strong> the CAC<br />
to protest alleged anti-Labour<br />
activities <strong>of</strong> the management.<br />
However, when the NLC<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficials stormed the premises as<br />
early as 8 am, they were<br />
confronted by members<br />
SSASCGOC who tried to stop the<br />
picketing.<br />
This led to a mild drama<br />
between leaders <strong>of</strong> AUPCTRE<br />
and SSASCGOC members led by<br />
its General Secretary, Ayo<br />
Olorunfemi.<br />
There was exchange <strong>of</strong> harsh<br />
words as well as accusations and<br />
counter-accusations by the<br />
leaders <strong>of</strong> the two unions on<br />
issues <strong>of</strong> jurisdiction and the<br />
rights to organize and unionize<br />
the members <strong>of</strong> the commission<br />
between the NLC and the TUC.<br />
In the melee, a young man,<br />
who attempted to set ablaze NLC<br />
buses used to block the entrance<br />
<strong>of</strong> the CAC’s building was<br />
arrested by policemen who were<br />
around to ensure the picketing<br />
did not degenerate.<br />
Addressing the protesters and<br />
others, Wabba said: “All the female<br />
workers with their husbands<br />
working here (CAC head <strong>of</strong>fice),<br />
the Registrar General had<br />
transferred them and left their<br />
husbands here causing problem<br />
is their homes.<br />
“We are here to make the point<br />
and to ensure that workers’ right<br />
are not meant to be trampled<br />
upon. The fundamental issue is<br />
not ab<strong>out</strong> unionization. It is ab<strong>out</strong><br />
respecting workers’ right. It is not<br />
ab<strong>out</strong> the issue <strong>of</strong> membership but<br />
ab<strong>out</strong> defending the workers’<br />
right. For the first instance, we<br />
will be here for three days. He<br />
(the Registrar General) should try<br />
to come <strong>out</strong> to address workers<br />
because we have raised some<br />
fundamental issue <strong>of</strong> how he<br />
used N250 million to build car<br />
pack.<br />
how he used N35million to fumigate<br />
<strong>of</strong>fice, which is why he is<br />
afraid that the unions have exposed<br />
him; and that is why he is<br />
fighting the unions.
C<br />
M<br />
Y<br />
K<br />
30 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021<br />
Incessant abduction <strong>of</strong> students: Great<br />
disservice to education — Stakeholders<br />
By Adesina Wahab<br />
HOLDING the unenviable<br />
record <strong>of</strong> being home to the<br />
highest number <strong>of</strong> <strong>out</strong>-<strong>of</strong>-school<br />
children, OSC, ab<strong>out</strong> 15 million, and<br />
also regarded as the poverty capital<br />
<strong>of</strong> the world, <strong>Nigeria’s</strong> quest for<br />
economic and social growth will be<br />
further hampered if the trend <strong>of</strong><br />
abduction <strong>of</strong> school children is not<br />
stopped now, stakeholders have said.<br />
The mass abduction <strong>of</strong> school<br />
children started with the kidnap <strong>of</strong><br />
students <strong>of</strong> Government Secondary<br />
School in Chibok, Borno State on<br />
April 14, 2014 and was followed by<br />
the abduction <strong>of</strong> over 110 school girls<br />
in Dapchi, Yobe State on February<br />
19, 2018.<br />
While over 100 <strong>of</strong> the Chibok girls<br />
are still missing, only Leah Sharibu,<br />
is still unaccounted for among the<br />
Dapchi girls. However, with the<br />
abduction <strong>of</strong> students in Government<br />
Science College, Kankara, Katsina<br />
State, last December and a repeat <strong>of</strong><br />
the incident at the Government<br />
Science College, Kagara, Niger State,<br />
penultimate Wednesday, it is like the<br />
kidnap <strong>of</strong> students to bargain for<br />
certain things has come to stay in the<br />
country, a development that will<br />
adversely affect education, according<br />
to stakeholders.<br />
By Adesina Wahab<br />
THE Registrar, Teachers<br />
Registration Council <strong>of</strong><br />
Nigeria, TRCN, Pr<strong>of</strong>. Josiah Ajiboye,<br />
has said the country needs<br />
technologically savvy teachers to be<br />
able to cope with developments in<br />
the sector and achieve her potential.<br />
He noted that though technology<br />
will not be able to fully replace<br />
teachers in the classroom, teachers<br />
who are able to use technology to<br />
aid their work will replace those<br />
who lack the ability.<br />
He described teachers who are not<br />
technologically savvy as “Born<br />
Before Computer.”<br />
Ajiboye stated this while delivering<br />
the 48th Inaugural Lecture <strong>of</strong> the<br />
University <strong>of</strong> Ibadan, titled:<br />
Teaching: In the classroom, as a<br />
regulator.<br />
While emphasizing the<br />
importance <strong>of</strong> teachers in the<br />
education sector, Ajiboye noted that<br />
while education is a means to better<br />
life and uplift the society at large,<br />
teachers, being the major operator<br />
<strong>of</strong> the system, have a lot <strong>of</strong><br />
responsibilities thrust upon them.<br />
He added that the modern world<br />
requires the kind <strong>of</strong> education where<br />
knowledge is the primary<br />
commodity and therefore, teachers<br />
must be able to fit into that.<br />
“Today’s teacher is therefore,<br />
expected to function and fit into this<br />
world. It is for this world that today’s<br />
educational system and schools<br />
have to prepare learners who will<br />
contribute to its continued progress.<br />
“Teachers are essential players in<br />
promoting quality education. They<br />
are advocates for and catalysts <strong>of</strong><br />
•Immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor, who is also a Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> Statistics at the Redeemer's University,<br />
Ede, Osun State, Pr<strong>of</strong>. Kayode Adekeye, left, with the Vice-Chancellor <strong>of</strong> the institution, Pr<strong>of</strong>. Anthony Akinlo,<br />
after Adekeye delivered the Seventh Inaugural Lecture <strong>of</strong> the university titled: Assignable variation: The<br />
unknown that must be known.<br />
Psychologist’s view<br />
A psychologist, Adeyemi Akinleye,<br />
explained that the trauma <strong>of</strong> being<br />
kidnapped is not only felt by the<br />
victim, but by many other people<br />
too. “To know how such a<br />
development would adversely affect<br />
people apart from the victim, let me<br />
give you this Yoruba proverb that says<br />
“one’s child being dead is better than<br />
one’s child being missing.” Apart from<br />
the victims, the effects on relatives,<br />
parents and others are also weighty.<br />
The victims would have been seriously<br />
traumatized no doubt and that will<br />
surely affect their perception <strong>of</strong><br />
education and going back to school.<br />
“Also, the incident may negatively<br />
affect other students too, whether in<br />
the same school or other schools. They<br />
may not feel safe in school. An<br />
unfortunate aspect <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Type <strong>of</strong> teachers Nigeria needs now — Ajiboye, TRCN boss<br />
change. This, therefore, means that<br />
no education reform is likely to<br />
succeed with<strong>out</strong> the active<br />
participation and ownership <strong>of</strong><br />
teachers. “The progress <strong>of</strong> education<br />
is judged mainly by the products<br />
(results or <strong>out</strong>comes) and these<br />
cannot be the desired type and level<br />
if the processes go wrong,” he said.<br />
While calling for better funding <strong>of</strong><br />
the sector, he noted that quality<br />
education must be provided for the<br />
y<strong>out</strong>h and that the image <strong>of</strong> the<br />
teacher be enhanced.<br />
On what the TRCN is doing to<br />
improve the lot <strong>of</strong> teachers and the<br />
teaching pr<strong>of</strong>ession, Ajiboye listed<br />
the introduction <strong>of</strong> the Pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
Qualifying Examination, PQE,<br />
and the Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Qualifying<br />
Examination Integrated, PQEI.<br />
“The PQE and PQEI have put the<br />
Council on global map and are<br />
paradigm shift that introduced<br />
teachers to the digital world and<br />
make them literate in computer<br />
application and manipulation.<br />
By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo<br />
OVER 27,500 applicants, <strong>out</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
which over 19,000 were<br />
female sat for the recently-concluded<br />
teachers' recruitment test exercise<br />
conducted by the Osun State<br />
Government.<br />
The Special Adviser to the state<br />
Governor on Education, Jamiu<br />
Olawumi, in an interview with<br />
Vanguard, said the state government<br />
deliberately <strong>out</strong>sourced the<br />
computer-based test to the Joint<br />
Admissions and Matriculation<br />
Board to ensure credibility.<br />
“Also, the new career path for<br />
teachers recently approved by the<br />
National Council on Education, and<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional standard for teaching<br />
in Nigeria serve as a major stepping<br />
stone and introduction <strong>of</strong> a new path<br />
for teachers career programme and<br />
growth,” he stated.<br />
By Mary Obaebor<br />
THE Office <strong>of</strong> Education<br />
Quality Assurance, OEQA,<br />
Ministry <strong>of</strong> Education, Lagos State<br />
has commenced safe school<br />
clearance visits to public and<br />
private schools below tertiary level<br />
in the state to ensure they are safe<br />
to remain open for academic<br />
activities.<br />
OEQA had earlier mandated<br />
public and private schools in the<br />
state to register online on the<br />
development is that the schools being<br />
targeted are boarding schools that the<br />
government set up to be a sort <strong>of</strong> model<br />
schools and take some burdens <strong>of</strong>f<br />
the parents.<br />
“Now the boarding schools are<br />
being shut down, the parents and<br />
students are back to square one. The<br />
parents <strong>of</strong> the affected students will<br />
be in deep pain. The Chibok girls that<br />
are still missing, can one imagine<br />
how the parents have been coping for<br />
the past seven years? All the Dapchi<br />
girls have been freed except Leah<br />
Sharibu, let us put ourselves in her<br />
parents’ shoes, over three years and<br />
the girl is still missing. Unfortunately,<br />
all these terrible things are<br />
happening in a region where the<br />
literacy level is very low. To convince<br />
parents to send their wards to school<br />
now may be difficult and such will<br />
have ripple effects on the country as a<br />
whole,” he submitted.<br />
Parents’ view<br />
The National President <strong>of</strong> the<br />
National Parent Teacher Association<br />
<strong>of</strong> Nigeria, NAPTAN, Haruna<br />
Danjuma, described as unfortunate a<br />
situation where innocent students<br />
have been turned to objects <strong>of</strong><br />
merchandise by criminals.<br />
“How do we want the parents to<br />
feel now? Students are now being used<br />
by criminals to bargain for freedom<br />
or make cheap money through<br />
ransom payment. In as much as we<br />
sympathise with the government, we<br />
want them to take the necessary steps<br />
and do the needful. Ugly incidents like<br />
this must be nipped in the bud and<br />
not allowed to be a recurring decimal<br />
in our society. Security in and around<br />
our schools must be beefed up and<br />
people should also help in<br />
intelligence gathering. If we continue<br />
to have ugly developments like this<br />
happening over and over again,<br />
many will lose interest in education,"<br />
he noted.<br />
Teachers’ opinion<br />
According to the Lagos State<br />
Chairman <strong>of</strong> the Nigeria Union <strong>of</strong><br />
Teachers, NUT, Rotunda Adesina<br />
Adedoyin, human life is no longer<br />
valuable in the country. “What we are<br />
seeing is a reflection <strong>of</strong> the high level<br />
<strong>of</strong> in<strong>security</strong> in the country.<br />
Unfortunately, that has translated to<br />
the school environment now. It is not<br />
only the students that are feeling<br />
threatened and unsafe, teachers too<br />
are feeling so. How do you get the<br />
best <strong>out</strong> <strong>of</strong> the teacher if he has to<br />
work in a state <strong>of</strong> fear?<br />
"Something urgent must be done<br />
ab<strong>out</strong> the issue. A nation’s<br />
development is tied to its level <strong>of</strong><br />
educational development. If those in<br />
the education sector are now<br />
traumatized to the point <strong>of</strong> not feeling<br />
safe in their beat, then we have a big<br />
problem on hand,” he said.<br />
Students’ perspective<br />
The Coordinator, S<strong>out</strong>h-West Zone<br />
<strong>of</strong> the National Association <strong>of</strong><br />
Nigerian Students, NANS, Kappo<br />
Samuel Olawale, urged the<br />
government to put an end to the<br />
development as quickly as possible.<br />
“Nigerian y<strong>out</strong>hs want to be educated<br />
and be able to compete with their<br />
colleagues anywhere in the world, but<br />
that cannot be possible with these<br />
abductions <strong>of</strong> students every now and<br />
then. Students should feel safe in<br />
schools if we are not to discourage<br />
parents from sending their wards to<br />
school,” he said.<br />
COVID-19: Lagos starts safe school clearance visit<br />
agency’s website, develop and<br />
upload learning plans which<br />
include: operational,<br />
communication, environmental<br />
and safety & health plans to obtain<br />
a clearance for reopening.<br />
The process includes schools<br />
self-assessment on COVID-19<br />
safety protocols and an online<br />
training, a certificate to be issued<br />
which ends up with visits from<br />
OEQA evaluators for physical<br />
assessment <strong>of</strong> submitted plans to<br />
obtain a final clearance to remain<br />
Osun teachers' recruitment: 27,500 candidates sit for test<br />
He berated those spreading<br />
rumour that the state deliberately<br />
wanted to fail candidates, saying the<br />
questions were such that they met<br />
prerequisites for teaching, including<br />
questions in Mathematics, English<br />
Language, Education Psychology<br />
and Education Management.<br />
He added that the cut-<strong>of</strong>f mark<br />
arrived at by the State Executive<br />
Council meeting was 40% for an<br />
average graduate teacher and 35%<br />
for an average NCE teacher.<br />
"A major problem is that some <strong>of</strong><br />
them couldn't operate computer and<br />
scored zero and they want to give<br />
Osun students 21st Century<br />
education, it is not possible. Don't<br />
forget ab<strong>out</strong> 32,000 registered for it,<br />
29,000 accessed the internet for the<br />
exam, while 27, 000 wrote the exam<br />
proper.<br />
"Out <strong>of</strong> this, we have close to 19,000<br />
female candidates and ab<strong>out</strong> 8,500<br />
male candidates. There are also<br />
candidates from other states <strong>of</strong> the<br />
federation that came. So, if you now<br />
say the cut-<strong>of</strong>f mark is this, do they<br />
expect an examination not to have a<br />
pass mark? So you can't deliberately<br />
fail anybody.<br />
open.<br />
Speaking during the visit to<br />
Corona Day Secondary School<br />
and Primary School, Lekki, the<br />
Director-General, Office <strong>of</strong><br />
Education Quality Assurance,<br />
Mrs. Abiola Seriki-Ayeni,<br />
disclosed that the OEQA had<br />
commenced the physical<br />
assessment <strong>of</strong> schools across the<br />
state.<br />
This is based on the clearance<br />
request <strong>of</strong> schools received upon<br />
successful online submission <strong>of</strong> all<br />
required safety plans. According to<br />
her, the state government had put<br />
measures in place to ensure<br />
compliance to COVID-19 safety<br />
protocols which would help reposition<br />
the state’s educational<br />
system to fulfill the T.H.E.M.E.S.<br />
agenda <strong>of</strong> Governor Babajide<br />
Sanwo-Olu, on education and<br />
technology.<br />
OEQA has embarked on a<br />
continuous pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
development training for its<br />
evaluators, private school<br />
proprietors, public junior and<br />
senior secondary school<br />
principals and heads <strong>of</strong> public<br />
primary schools, on what is<br />
expected <strong>of</strong> them this period.
AFCON Qualifiers: Lesotho train in Covid’19 bubble<br />
Lesotho have created a<br />
Covid’19 bubble for their<br />
players to train ahead <strong>of</strong><br />
next month’s Africa Cup <strong>of</strong> Nations<br />
qualifying tie against the<br />
Super Eagles.<br />
The Likuena were given the<br />
green light to train by the country’s<br />
National Covid-19 Secretariat<br />
(NACOSEC) on Tuesday.<br />
Lesotho will play against Sierra<br />
Leone before coming down to Lagos<br />
to face the Super Eagles in<br />
must win games, if they hope to<br />
qualify for the AFCON billed for<br />
Cameroon February 2022. Lesotho<br />
have just two points so far.<br />
Last month, LeFA suspended all<br />
footballing activities on the back<br />
<strong>of</strong> a spike <strong>of</strong> Covid-19 cases.<br />
The government later declared a<br />
national lockdown suspending all<br />
sporting activities.<br />
Lesotho coach<br />
According to Lesotho Football<br />
Association (LeFA) secretary general<br />
Mokhosi Mohapi,<br />
NACOSEC met with cabinet on<br />
Eagles suffer blow as Osimhen<br />
<strong>out</strong> until early March<br />
Manager Gernot Rohr’s<br />
bid to have Victor<br />
Osimhen available for<br />
<strong>Nigeria’s</strong> two African Cup <strong>of</strong> Nations<br />
qualifying matches next<br />
month, has been dealt a big blow<br />
as the Napoli striker’s doctor<br />
warns he’ll be <strong>out</strong> until early<br />
March.<br />
The forward fell backwards and<br />
•Pepsi Football Global Stars: Jadon Sancho, Leo Messi,<br />
Shanice Van De Sandem and Paul Pogba<br />
Joshua: I’m the boss <strong>of</strong> Fury<br />
Anthony Joshua insists “all options<br />
are open” for the location <strong>of</strong><br />
his fight with Tyson Fury, and has<br />
described himself as “the boss” as<br />
talks intensify.<br />
Joshua and Fury’s teams are<br />
locked in negotiations to finalise<br />
the generation-defining heavyweight<br />
fight that would crown an<br />
undisputed champion.<br />
IBF, WBA and WBO titleholder<br />
Joshua exclusively told Sky<br />
News: “[The pandemic] is getting<br />
close to things being normal.<br />
We’re working on a date for<br />
around June.<br />
“So if Tyson is serious, which I<br />
think he is, he’ll know where to<br />
come and find the boss!<br />
“I’m ready. I’m really looking forward<br />
to competition - all I want to<br />
do is fight, fight, fight!”<br />
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn<br />
recently told Sky Sports that<br />
Saudi Arabia, America, Qatar,<br />
Dubai, Singapore and China were<br />
all interested in hosting the fight.<br />
Joshua told Sky News when<br />
asked if it was possible for the<br />
fight to remain in the UK: “Any<br />
option. Home turf, Middle East,<br />
my back garden, your back garden.<br />
I don’t mind where it is.<br />
“I’m just ready to fight. I want<br />
that belt. I want to compete with<br />
Fury so all options are open to<br />
me.”<br />
Man Utd, Arsenal, Leicester in<br />
Europa League action tonight<br />
Europa League is back today<br />
with round <strong>of</strong> 32 return leg<br />
showing matches holding across<br />
different venues, with the likes <strong>of</strong><br />
Manchester United, Arsenal and<br />
Leicester, featuring Eagles duo <strong>of</strong><br />
Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi<br />
Iheanacho all bidding to qualify<br />
to the next ound..<br />
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s<br />
Arsenal will face a tough match<br />
against Benfica with the first leg<br />
ending in a draw.<br />
Marcus Rashford’s Manchester<br />
United and Tottenham Hotspur<br />
have less pressure, having won<br />
the first leg. Last English club,<br />
Leicester City, will have to step<br />
up their games if they want to advance<br />
in the competition.<br />
Monday and tabled LeFA’s proposal<br />
for commencement <strong>of</strong><br />
preparations for the AFCON<br />
qualifiers. The proposal was approved.<br />
After hard fought victories<br />
against S<strong>out</strong>h Sudan and<br />
Rwanda recently at the 2021<br />
Afrobasket qualifiers, D’Tigers<br />
shooting guard, Keith Omoerah<br />
says the team should be prepared<br />
for more difficult games on the<br />
continent.<br />
Many expected and predicted a<br />
stroll in the park but we were<br />
shocked when D’Tigers had to<br />
dig deep before pulling <strong>of</strong>f a 75-<br />
70pts win against S<strong>out</strong>h Sudan in<br />
their first game and another 64-<br />
Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021 — 31<br />
Get politicians <strong>of</strong>f our sports<br />
– Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Bademosi<br />
By Jacob Ajom<br />
surgeon<br />
Alfredo<br />
Bucciero to<br />
Radio Kiss<br />
Kiss.<br />
“Now the<br />
medical tests<br />
are showing<br />
good results,<br />
but we still<br />
need to wait<br />
for the natural<br />
recovery time<br />
to be completed.<br />
hit his head on the turf during the<br />
Serie A match against Atalanta on<br />
Sunday and was dropping in and<br />
<strong>out</strong> <strong>of</strong> consciousness.<br />
He was rushed to the local hospital<br />
for tests, which fortunately<br />
all came back clear, but it has<br />
emerged he has no memory <strong>of</strong> the<br />
incident.<br />
“He suffered head trauma with<br />
memory loss,” explained neuro-<br />
“We don’t<br />
have signs <strong>of</strong> a<br />
haematoma<br />
on the brain, nor damage to the<br />
skullcap. We must be cautious, he<br />
needs at least a week <strong>of</strong> complete<br />
rest.<br />
“I think he could be available<br />
again from early March. Osimhen<br />
is in a rush, he wants to play and<br />
asks me to hurry up the process,<br />
but in these situations, rest is necessary.<br />
We cannot run any risks.”<br />
African opponents tougher than ever-<br />
Omoerah<br />
Coach Fatai Osho has said<br />
Enyimba have a good chance<br />
<strong>of</strong> becoming only the first Nigerian<br />
club to win the CAF Confederation<br />
Cup.<br />
The two-time African champions<br />
have been drawn in a tough-looking<br />
Group A <strong>of</strong> the Confederation<br />
Cup alongside Orlando Pirates <strong>of</strong><br />
S<strong>out</strong>h Africa, Algeria’s ES Setif<br />
and Al Ahli Benghazi from Libya.<br />
At the weekend, Enyimba pipped<br />
fellow Nigerian club Rivers<br />
United 5-4 on penalties after aggregate<br />
scores stood at 1-1.<br />
‘The People’s Elephant’ open<br />
51pts victory against Rwanda.<br />
The player who is currently with<br />
Mykolaiv in Ukraine reckoned<br />
that kudos must go to their opponents<br />
for putting up a good fight<br />
to make them sweat for the wins.<br />
“We didn’t have big wins this time<br />
around against S<strong>out</strong>h Sudan and<br />
Rwanda unlike when we met the<br />
first time and that’s credit to them.<br />
Every time we play a team we are<br />
going to get their best effort, especially<br />
in Africa and that was apparent<br />
in those games. We have to<br />
be ready for that and we will be”.<br />
Enyimba can win CAF Confederation Cup—Osho<br />
their campaign in the group<br />
phase at home on March 10<br />
against Ahli Benghazi.<br />
“It’s a tough group, I believe<br />
none <strong>of</strong> the teams are<br />
comfortable with this pairing,”<br />
admitted Osho, who<br />
calls his own brand <strong>of</strong> football<br />
as “Sugar Football”.<br />
“All four teams are very experienced<br />
playing on the<br />
continent.<br />
“We respect our opponents,<br />
but we remain positive and<br />
our immediate target is our<br />
Former Captain <strong>of</strong> the Nigerian<br />
and West African Cricket<br />
teams, Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Jide Bademosi<br />
has called on the federal government<br />
to get rid <strong>of</strong> politicians in the<br />
administration <strong>of</strong> sports in the<br />
country.<br />
Speaking with our reporter in his<br />
Ibadan home early in the week,<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Bademosi who turned 80<br />
today said it was unfortunate that<br />
people who had no business running<br />
sports were occupying sensitive<br />
positions and taking decisions<br />
that affect the everyday life<br />
<strong>of</strong> athletes in the country.<br />
“They should get rid <strong>of</strong> politicians<br />
who want to interfere with the administration<br />
<strong>of</strong> sports in the country,”<br />
he said at the interview which<br />
was part <strong>of</strong> events lined up to mark<br />
his 80th birthday.<br />
Continuing, the former Nigerian<br />
national cricket team captain said,<br />
in place <strong>of</strong> politicians, they should<br />
“get people who are knowledgeable,<br />
who have a background in<br />
sports whether on academic or on<br />
practical basis.<br />
“And more importantly, probity. If<br />
you cut away all those fringes like<br />
Senators, friends and all those who<br />
see every sporting event as a jamboree,<br />
where you pay one individual<br />
estacodes that would be<br />
enough to pay the whole team<br />
things would be better.”<br />
He recalled the step he took to<br />
ensure probity, when he was captain<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Oyo State cricket team.<br />
“As captain <strong>of</strong> my team, I was supposed<br />
to be on $180 – $250 dollars<br />
a day, but as a player, I was supposed<br />
to be paid $6 dollars a day.<br />
Yet they wanted me to take more<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficials who would have been paid<br />
$180 dollars a day. We asked some<br />
<strong>of</strong> them, why don’t you let go part<br />
<strong>of</strong> your allowances, put it in the<br />
kitty, along with mine and we distributed<br />
it among the players. But<br />
that is on a personal basis as either<br />
a captain or a player.” He said<br />
the excess money was shared<br />
among the players who were all<br />
happy to give their best.<br />
“If we have such strict adherence<br />
to probity and justifiable administration<br />
<strong>of</strong> funds and those who<br />
know enough, not because they<br />
want to be there for the largess,<br />
then there will be a future,” he remarked.<br />
He praised the efforts <strong>of</strong> cricketers<br />
both old and young who have<br />
invested their time and resources<br />
in the development <strong>of</strong> the sport in<br />
the country, heaping encomiums<br />
on the present leadership <strong>of</strong> the<br />
first game against Benghazi at<br />
home.<br />
Osimhen, Ndidi among most expensive stars in world football<br />
...Worth N29 Billion, 26 Billion Naira respectively<br />
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen star Paul Pogba and his teammate<br />
and Leicester City Kalidou Koulibaly.<br />
midfielder Wilfred Ndidi have However, his valuation decreased<br />
by 6.8 million Euros since<br />
been ranked among the 150 most<br />
expensive football stars in the December 2020 an account <strong>of</strong> personal<br />
performance, the<br />
world.<br />
Top auditing firm KPMG has Coronavirus Pandemic among<br />
published its latest market valuation<br />
<strong>of</strong> football stars after it last Defensive midfielder Ndidi is<br />
several other variables.<br />
did so in December 2020. the 122nd most valued player in<br />
Osimhen, 22, who cost Napoli a<br />
record-breaking 83 million Euros<br />
when he moved from French<br />
Ligue 1 club Lille last summer, is<br />
the most valued Nigeria star.<br />
The report put his market value<br />
at 50 million Euros (ab<strong>out</strong> 29 Billion<br />
Naira) and that places him as<br />
the 98th most expensive player in<br />
the world.<br />
Wilfred Osimhen Ndidi<br />
His value is higher than those <strong>of</strong><br />
the likes <strong>of</strong> Manchester United<br />
The Europa League matches are<br />
live on pay television network,<br />
StarTimes.<br />
Arsenal, who drew 1-1 against<br />
Benfica, will play their home<br />
game in Greece because <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Covid 19 pandemic, while Leicester<br />
City, who played a goalless<br />
draw in Slavia Prague, welcome<br />
the Czech club to the King Power<br />
Stadium.<br />
Bademosi<br />
Enyimba<br />
the world with his price tag now<br />
44.2 million Euros (ab<strong>out</strong> 26 Billion<br />
Naira) after an increase <strong>of</strong> a<br />
million Euros from December<br />
2020.<br />
Genk striker Paul Onuachu is<br />
666th most expensive footballer<br />
with a price tag <strong>of</strong> 14.10 million<br />
Euros following a remarkable increase<br />
<strong>of</strong> 8 million Euros from<br />
December 2020.
Vanguard, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021<br />
TODAY’S CROSSWORD<br />
QUICK CROSSWORD<br />
YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION<br />
TODAY’S PUZZLE<br />
Sudoku<br />
YESTERDAY’S ANSWER<br />
ACROSS<br />
7 Definitely (7,4)<br />
8 Set alight (6)<br />
9 Powerful (6)<br />
10 Hang loosely (6)<br />
12 Spanish rice dish (6)<br />
13 Melody (3)<br />
14 Vocalist (6)<br />
16 Trial (6)<br />
18 Sloping script (6)<br />
20 Need for food (6)<br />
22 US state (5,6)<br />
DOWN<br />
1 Small branch (4)<br />
2 Twine (6)<br />
3 Ancestor (8)<br />
4 Stalk (4)<br />
5 Bracelet (6)<br />
6 Fleet <strong>of</strong> small ships (8)<br />
11 Airmen (8)<br />
12 Foretell the future (8)<br />
15 Eight pints (6)<br />
17 Concerning teeth (6)<br />
19 Head-cook (4)<br />
21 Whirlpool (4)<br />
How to Play Sudoku<br />
Place a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have<br />
two <strong>of</strong> the same number).<br />
Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine<br />
lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block<br />
(nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means<br />
that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.<br />
No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or<br />
multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.<br />
Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri-Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-4548355. Advert Hotline:<br />
08027767834; 01-4544821. Abuja <strong>of</strong>fice: 7, Dambata Close, Area 7, Garki, 09-2921024. Ikeja <strong>of</strong>fice: 73, Awolowo <strong>Way</strong>. V.I. Office: Murplus Plaza, 27, Sanusi Fafunwa Street. Asaba: 21, Anwai<br />
Road. Benin City: 4E, Arusa Street. Port Harcourt: 50, Ikwerre Road; Warri: 102, Efurun-Sapele Road. Advert: advertproduction@yahoo.com; E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com,<br />
news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: EZE ANABA. Phone: 01-4548355. All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.