This_Day_Dailies_23rd_Mar_2021

FG Earmarks $1bn Syndicated-term Loan to Boost MSMEs James Emejo in Abuja and Medium Scale Enterprises Adebayo, at the Quantum of Nigeria (SMERAN), to provision of affordable loans of the scheme has so far (MSMEs) sector. Mechanics Limited MSME provide an empirical basis of medium to long-term tenor contributed to pulling the The Minister of Industry, survival fund capacity building for analysing the eligibility with moratorium benefits. country out of the COVID- Trade and Investment, Mr. He said the move was part programme in Abuja added of SMEs to access credit. 19-induced recession. Niyi Adebayo, yesterday said of the federal government's that the federal government He said the survival fund the Bank of Industry (BoI) has efforts towards economic is discussing with Dunn & He stated that the initiative could save at least 1.3 million The minister said the finalised plans to deploy a recovery and sustainable Bradstreet to establish an will enhance the capacity of jobs while strengthening the National MSMEs Clinics had $1billion syndicated-term loan growth, working with SME risk rating institution the bank to support small growth potential of beneficiary also offered support for the to support the Micro Small international partners to boost - the SME Rating Agency businesses across key sectors businesses. He added that the the sector. of the economy through the successful implementation Continued on page 10 Former S’Court Justice Wants Burden of Proof Shifted to INEC... Page 8 Tuesday 23 March, 2021 Vol 26. No 9480. Price: N250 www.thisdaylive.com TRUTH & REASON CELEBRATING POETRY... L-R: Renowned poet, Mr. Odia Ofeimun; art enthusiast, Chief Kayode Aderinokun, Managing Director/CEO, Providus Bank, Mr. Walter Akpani; veteran artist, Mrs. Taiwo Ajai-Lycett; Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka; Mrs. Winnie Akpani, Consul General, U.S. Consulate, Ms. Claire A. Pierangelo; and Nigerian explorer, Chief Newton Jibunoh, at the Providus Bank Poetry Café event, to mark World Poetry Day in Lagos…recently NNPC Pushes Back, Says New Refinery Will Cost FG about $12bn Kyari defends decision to rehabilitate Port Harcourt facility Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja government between $7 billion The NNPC helmsman taxes and other duties that that it was built in 1915 and combined refinery of 210, 000 and $12 billion. argued that there was no basis could come up. it’s a 107,000 barrels per day barrels to a much smaller and The Nigerian National for comparison between the refinery. It has been on shut much older refinery which has Petroleum Corporation Group Managing Director Port Harcourt refinery and the “The real cost is $1.34 billion. down by the regulators since many issues with regulators. (NNPC) yesterday vigorously of the corporation, Mallam one sold by Shell in America Even then you could argue early last year. Not only that, defended the approval of a Mele Kyari, who spoke for $1.2 billion in terms of and say why you wouldn’t when you buy a refinery “Simple due diligence was whopping $1.5 billion for in Abuja, stated that the capacity, describing the public build a new refinery. We you buy its assets and the not conducted before those the rehabilitation of the Port decision to revamp the old comments emanating thereof have also seen some curious liabilities,” he argued. comments were made. They Harcourt refinery, maintaining facility was further taken as curious. comparisons that shell sold have asked why we don’t just that apart from following because constructing a new one of its refineries for $1.2 He maintained that many build a new one. What does it due process, building a new refinery will take a period He disclosed that the actual billion and that it’s even better people do not know the take to build a refinery of this refinery in the class of the one of four years, during which cost of the project is about than our own. financial transactions that go status today? It’s anywhere in Rivers will cost the federal Nigeria must continue to $1.34 billion, noting that the into some negotiations, saying import products. additional expenses include “This is mundane. Even that it is needless to compare a Continued on page 10 a Google search will reveal 1,000 Terrorists Prosecuted, 500 Jailed, Says Military…Page 6

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T H I S D AY NEWS Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike Email [email protected], 08066066268 1,000 Terrorists Prosecuted, 500 Jailed, Says Military Indicates more to go on trial June Kingsley NwezehinAbuja members have been prosecuted. of the federal government to The minister, therefore, strategic empowerment of the neutralise non-state-actors I want to use this opportunity end security challenges in the described the summit themed: Multinational Joint Task Force and other agents of violence The military yesterday put the to say that over 500 have been country. \"Kinetic Operations, a Major (MNJTF) as well as intervention in our communities, forests number of Boko Haram terrorists jailed and are serving various Plank for Counter-Terrorism mechanism such as North-east and countryside to stabilise who have been prosecuted at jail terms for up to 60 years, the \"The federal government's first and Counter-Insurgency in development. the security situation across 1,000 while 500 have been jailed. minimum term is five years. line charge priority of ensuring Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and the nation to facilitate law and the safety of lives and property Prospects,\" as timely. Also at the event, Irabor said order and lastly to provide the In addition, more members \"Arrangements are also being of the citizenry is sacrosanct. the military would enhance its enabling environment for peace of the terror group are to go concluded to begin the trial of There is no going back on this He called for concerted kinetic operations in dealing with and development. on trial in June. another set of Boko Haram national aspiration.\" efforts to support the current the prevailing security challenges suspects. That will start between efforts to promote peace and confronting the nation. “These presuppose that the The decision to put the now and June.\" He stated that the presidential stability, while identifying military would need support insurgents on trial came as the directive to the armed forces various security instruments Irabor said the one-day from other security agencies federal government affirmed its In her remarks, the and other security agencies \"was emplaced by the federal summit would discuss the during the operations and determination to secure the Country Director, Centre for clear on the need to decisively government to address promotion of kinetic operations would be required to give country against threats to its Humanitarian Dialogue, Ms. end all forces of threats to the internal security challenges, by leaders and eminent support to others at different corporate existence. Millicent Ojomo, said the two- the national territorial integrity which include Operation Lafiya personalities in Nigeria. stages of the internal security day event was a continuation including banditry, terrorism and Dole, Operation Safe Haven and effort,\" he added. It also expressed the readiness of its policy dialogue to ensure kidnapping\". \"Our strategic objectives of the military to execute the that the objectives of ensuring are manifold and imbued to presidential directive to the rehabilitation, reconciliation and armed forces and other security resettlement were realised. PARK FOR THE PRESIDENT... agencies to end all threats to national territorial integrity, She called for synergy on President Muhammadu Buhari (left) and Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, during the governor’s visit to the president including banditry, terrorism the part of all stakeholders to in Abuja…yesterday and kidnapping. make the summit a reality. The United Nations (UN), In his goodwill message, European Union (EU), the Deputy Head of Mission United Kingdom (UK) and and Team Leader, Economic the Centre for Humanitarian Cooperation and Energy, Dialogue have also met in Alexandre Borges-Gomez, Abuja to chart a new course harped on the need for to contain the humanitarian stakeholders to go beyond crisis in the North-east, where humanitarian challenges and over eight million people have evolve an integrated approach been displaced. and a sustainable strategy. The Chief of Defence Staff, The British High Gen. Lucky Irabor, said at a Commissioner to Nigeria, meeting tagged: \"The North-east Catriona Wendy Laing, said Symposium on Reintegration, the UK was worried about the Reconciliation and Resettlement,\" Boko Haram insurgency and that 1,000 insurgents had been the concomitant humanitarian prosecuted since the inception of crisis that has to be confronted. Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC), saddled with the responsibility She said there was the need of deradicalising repentant for governors of the North-east insurgents, while 500 were and the heads of state of the jailed for five to 60 years. Lake Chad Basin to work in synergy to enable communities Irabor, who was represented to recover their livelihoods. by the OPSC Commander, Maj. Gen. Bamidele Ashafa, said: Meanwhile, at a national \"The federal government of defence and security summit Nigeria does not condone Boko in Abuja, Minister of Defence, Haram. Over 1,000 Boko Haram Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd), expressed the determination 39 Abducted Students’Parents Seek Rescue within 48 Hours John Shiklam in Kaduna Chairman of the parents, Mr. Kaduna, Nigeria”. until the military came after since the unfortunate incident all stakeholders involved, Kambai Sam, who spoke on He stated that gunmen three batches of students had happened and we as parents and indeed the world, to act Parents of the 39 abducted their behalf, said the plight been taken out of the college have not received any positive with dispatch to ensure the students of the Federal College of the parents was further on March 11 invaded the through the perimeter fence. message from either the school immediate and safe release of Forestry Mechanisation, compounded by the continuous Federal College of Forestry management, the Minister of of our children.\" Afaka, Kaduna, have called silence of the government and Mechanisation and abducted He said the parents had Environment under whose on the government to hasten the management of the school 39 students at gunpoint. thought that the government ministry the school is or the The parents called on human efforts at securing their release on efforts being made to rescue and the school authorities Kaduna State Government rights organisations, the within 48 hours. the students. According to him, 23 of them would take immediate steps to under whose territorial Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) are female students while 16 rescue the students, lamenting jurisdiction the school is and the United Nations, as At a news conference Sam said: “We have are male students. that since the incident, there located. well as well-meaning Nigerians yesterday in Kaduna, the called this press conference has been no communication and citizens of the world, to parents said since the abduction to address the world on “Several others sustained from the authorities. “This silence is unacceptable join them in prevailing on the of their children 11 days ago, the excruciatingly painful varying degrees of injuries as it only feeds our authorities to ensure the speedy they had been going through development surrounding while running for their dear Sam said: “We have put hopelessness with each passing rescue of the students. excruciating pains and anxiety. the kidnap of 39 of our sons lives,” he said. our trust in the government day. and daughters, students of the and school authority to rescue “Unless that is done, we will The students were abducted Federal College of Forestry According to him, the the students in good time “We have therefore called continue to hold the feet of the by bandits who invaded the Mechanisation, Afaka, Igabi bandits had a field day on and safely, but that has not for this press conference to call authorities to the fire until our school about 11:30 pm on Local Government Area, the night of capture, adding happened. the attention of governments children return safely,” Sam March 11, 2021. that for over an hour, they at state and federal levels and added. carried out their nefarious “It is now 11 dark days activity largely unchallenged 19 Perish in Auto Accident Along Kaduna- Abuja Highway John ShiklaminKaduna explaining that security agencies the crash, 16 of these died on Aruwan said further that Lagos. He also wished the injured reported the accident to the state the spot, with three others were “officials of the ministry of He said some of the victims a speedy recovery.” No fewer than 19 people have government. later confirmed dead. Internal Security and Home died in a fatal auto accident Affairs visited the site of the crash passengers were going to He also disclosed that the along the Kaduna - Abuja road. The commissioner said the “Thirty four sustained injuries, to ascertain the report of events Zaria, while Kano was the governor commended the security report indicated that a which ranged from bruises and and avoid misrepresentations final destination. personnel of the Federal Road The accident was said to have commercial DAF trailer, which cuts to dislocations and head of the incident.” Safety Corps for their swift occurred late Sunday evening at was on high speed lost control injuries. They were evacuated The commissioner said, response, and prompt evacuation the Kateri axis of the highway. and veered off into the bush from the scene by personnel of Aruwan also disclosed that the “Governor Nasir El-Rufai of the casualties from the scene. after the tyre burst. the Federal Road Safety Corps driver of the truck, Mr. Auwal expressed shock and sadness The Kaduna State (FRSC).” Idris, informed him that “most at the report, and prayed for “The governor enjoined Commissioner for Internal The DAF trailer was said to of the passengers on board the the repose of the souls of those drivers on the route to exercise Security and Home Affairs, Mr. be carrying 53 passengers. The statement said those who ill-fated trailer were picked at who perished in the crash, while caution at all times and avoid Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the survived the crash are receiving Kara, by a filling station in sending condolences to their potentially dangerous driving incident yesterday in a statement, According to Aruwan, “Atotal treatment at the hospital. families. practices like speeding.” of 53 people were involved in

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T H I S D AY NEWS Former S’Court Justice Wants Burden of Proof Shifted to INEC Alex Enumah in Abuja “There are some precedents the countries of the world. Justice of Nigeria (CJN), jurisprudential iconoclast that \"His proficiency in the Nigeria is no exception. Justice Ibrahim Muhammad, has offered the best of his dispensation of justice, which Retired Justice of the Supreme that are clearly out of date and What should be done is to described Rhodes-Vivour as intellect to the advancement is anchored on his mastery of Court, Justice Olabode Rhodes- reduce it drastically thereby \"affable brother justice,\" who of the legal profession through the law, presents him as a man Vivour, yesterday called for an should no longer be followed. making our dear country an diligently and meticulously his several years of inimitable of honour and scholarship. amendment to the Electoral Act exception by building credible offered unquantifiable services adjudications. to shift the burden of proof “I am of the view that and transparent systems,\" to Nigeria and humanity. \"His judgments are not only in an election petition from a Rhodes-Vivour stated. \"His Lordship is a rare gem incisive but also analytical and petitioner to the Independent precedents that no longer make \"We are all here today to and unblemished symbol of opulent by all standards,\" the National Electoral Commission In his remarks, Chief felicitate with an accomplished humility and piety. CJN stated. (INEC). sense anymore or are outdated Rhodes-Vivour, who retired should be laid to rest and never from the bench yesterday, having attained the mandatory followed,” he added. 70 years for retirement, also criticised governors for He stated that a petitioner is truncating local government administration in their states. \"always saddled with difficult Citing a judgment he requirements and procedures\" delivered in an election matter, Rhodes-Vivour said: \"A careful to prove electoral malpractices reading and understanding of decided authorities show in an election, adding that that a petitioner has an uphill task proving his petition in the \"Electoral Act should be accordance with the Electoral Act.\" amended to shift the burden The retired jurist said the of proof to INEC to prove Supreme Court had on some occasions held that it was bound that it conducted a fair and by the doctrine of precedent or stare decisis. reasonable election.\" He added that the doctrine On the issue of local means “stand by your decisions and the decisions of your government autonomy, predecessors, however wrong they are and whatever injustices Rhodes-Vivour noted that they inflict.” governors acted on their \"whims Justice Rhodes-Vivour stated that abiding by such a principle and fancies unknown to our would ensure that the apex court continued to follow some laws, clearly illegal\" when of its previous judgments that no longer make sense. they dissolved elected local government councils and replaced them with caretaker committees. According to him, it is the duty of governors to ensure that the system of local government continues unhindered. \"It amounts to executive recklessness for the governor to remove from office democratically elected chairmen and councillors under whatever guise. It is illegal and wrong\", he said. ENHANCING SECURITY STUDIES... He decried the high level of L-R: Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa; Commandant, National Institute for Security Studies, Mr. A.S. Adeleke; and Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Ihab Awad, during the closing ceremony of the Special Intervention Squad corruption in the country and Course 6 of the NISS in Abuja…weekend called for concerted efforts in tackling it. \"Corruption exists in all FG Highlights Opportunities for Nigeria in AfCFTA Obinna Chima sustainable Nigerian economy substantial transformation, they “That is about 10 times what individuals and companies. “But the important thing to with strong linkages with also do not qualify. And this will Nigeria does. That tells you the “To put it in perspective, in note is that these problems must The federal government has neighbours and the top economies guide the AfCFTA agreement. It size of the market. The other be addressed to create jobs and said it is working to ensure in Africa as well as a globally does not mean that those products thing to note is that Africa terms of services, transportation grow our economy. So, AfCFTAis that businesses in the country accepted country brand. cannot come in, but they cannot imports mostly manufactured alone, Africa imports about $16 providing a much bigger market maximise opportunities in the benefit from the packages in the products. So, that tells you the billion. So, the opportunities to sell our goods. There are areas African Continental Free Trade According to him, concerns of agreement,” he added. size of the market. So, if Nigeria are there, we just need to take where we have a comparative Agreement (AfCFTA). rules of origin is being addressed is able to displace one African advantage of it; especially because advantage. by stakeholders on the continent, Anatogu said concerns trade partner and sell Nigerian we have come together as African The Senior Special Assistant stressing that only goods produced about competitiveness were products toAfricans because tariffs countries to do this.” “Today our banks are all over to the President on Public Sector in the continent will benefit from being addressed by the federal have reduced, the standards and Africa, our fintech companies are Matters and Secretary, National the AfCFTA. government. qualities have been harmonised He, however, identified doing very well and the AfCFTA Action Committee onAfCFTA, Mr. and because we have agreed to challenges that could constrain provides an opportunity for our Francis Anatogu, told reporters in He stated that authorities to Highlighting opportunities trade together. the country from reaping the people. The rail lines that we Lagos yesterday that the federal administer the rules of origin in the AfCFTA, he said: “Africa benefits of the continental deal. need for the AfCFTA are already government is presently moving rules are being established and imports over 80 per cent of its “Then, we would ultimately be being built. The five international from state to state to sensitise the concept has been agreed upon. products from the rest of the growing our production capacity, “We need to produce what airports that have been renovated stakeholders on the benefits of world. Our export of crude oil we would be industrialising; be to sell. So, there have to be and so many other projects are the continental trade pact. “Rules of origin means that per annum is in the range of $50 creating jobs and be moving away investments in production capacity, geared towards improving for the products, if they are not billion and $60 billion. However, from the perennial problems investment in people. We need Nigeria’s competitiveness,” he He said success with AfCFTA made 100 per cent in Africa, they Africa exports $504 billion per of devaluation which affects to overcome infrastructure and added. would be a diversified and do not qualify and in others if annum. regulatory constraints. We need they do not meet the rules of to have access to funding. NEF: Weak, Ineffective Governance, Threat to Nigeria’s Existence John Shiklam in Kaduna security of all Nigerians for a protect the nation and citizens.” dangerous space which can intimidate or threaten the “It is vital that elected long time to come.” The statement maintained that further erodes the chances North into submitting to their leaders find the will to reduce The Northern Elders Forum that a rational approach to the demands are grossly mistaken”. the damage of opportunistic (NEF), has said that Nigeria’s Baba-Ahmed, said: “It is no the activities of these groups triggers to these provocations politicians.” existence is being threatened exaggeration to say that our suggest that they perceive a can be found.” He said, “The North also by a combination of weak and country has never been so vacuum which provides a wants a Nigeria which addresses He said further that, “If, as it ineffective governance and a threatened by a combination of perfect setting for questioning The forum called on leaders, at least a minimum of its clearly appears to be the case, determined effort in some weak and ineffective governance the legitimacy of the Nigerian elders and other patriotic requirements, and these are they cannot do this, citizens and a determined effort from state and its ability to fight Nigerians to rise to the occasion many. with the capacity to influence quarters to capitalize on the many quarters to capitalize against subversion and other and “save the country from opinion and chart a course weakness. on this weakness to attack acts of hostility as well as its imminent disaster”. “Like all other Nigerians, towards a safer country for the foundations which give all commitment to uphold the it believes this country must all citizens should get involved. In a statement on Monday in citizens and communities some rule of law. The forum restates its meet particular and general Kaduna, the Director, Publicity comfort that we are not headed commitment to dialogue on the interests, and no group’s interest “At the most minimal level, and Advocacy, Dr. Hakeem for almost certain, irretrievable According to Baba-Ahmed, challenges facing the country is superior to the other’s. attacks on Fulani communities Baba-Ahmed, also warned that disaster. “the only voices being heard, with responsible groups and who live peacefully with are those which demand the leaders. “There is a long way to go communities in the South those who believe they can “It appears that many groups balkanization of the country, or before 2023. Our democratic must stop.” intimidate or threaten the and persons who have public encourage dangerous politics According to the group, process must not be made North into submitting to their standing, political adventurers and other acts that pitch some “many of the provocations and the hostage to dangerous and He maintained that no demands are grossly mistaken. and upstarts believe that it is communities against others”. threats are directly related to shortsighted politics. Nigerian should be threatened open season to intensify attacks manoeuvres for 2023, as well or ordered to leave any part of The statement said: \"NEF on the foundations of our The statement regretted that as attempts to hurt and weaken “There are politicians who the country because it pleases has been following recent co-existence through acts that the continuous silence from the North by making it the think weakening the country other Nigerians that he does so. developments, events and provoke, frighten or otherwise responsible Nigerians and culprit behind all manner of is their best guarantee for utterances from many quarters, cast doubts over the capacities “the capitulation of hitherto grievances, real or contrived.” achieving their goals. The statement called on suggesting that our country of those who have sworn to influential groups to politics elected leaders to rise to their is at a defining moment that of the gutter is creating a Baba-Ahmed warned that: “Groups which are floating responsibilities of protecting will determine its fate and the “People who believe they irredentist agendas to blackmail citizens and their properties. others do not impress the North.

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ͰͮͰͯ 9 BOOK EXCERPT How We Acquired Access Bank In the second excerpts from his memoir, LEAVING THE TARMAC: Buying ABank in Africa, Aigboje Aig- ImoukhuededetailshowheandhisfriendHerbertWigwewalkedthedelicatepathofbuyingAccessBank: their manouvres, struggles, despair and determination. THISDAY exclusively continues the publication of excerpts from the memoir scheduled for presentation on 29th March 2021 So, once the decision to buy a bank was safety indicators did not point to an institution of GTB and Access and we recognise GTB’s Members of the board of Governors at the made, the next question was which that was on the verge of failure. contribution to Access Bank’s success. CBN knew us personally and I believe they one should we buy? I sat down with were all confident of our ability to run Access Herbert in my rented house at 10A While our decision to take up the unsubscribed If we had hoped to be welcomed with open Bank. One of them had tried to hire me over Festival Road, on Victoria Island, shares was in effect a leap of faith (endorsed, arms as Access Bank’s potential saviours, we the years, as his number two man. Banking is a Lagos, and launched our venture by compil- I would like to point out, by the pastor of my were soon to be brought back down to earth. fairly small world and so anyone with a good ing a list of all the banks that were potentially church), it was our belief that since we would The board and management, though having professional track record is soon known – as available. Our bank acquisition venture was be controlling the management of the Bank realised what was happening, adopted a defensive are those who do not have such good track tagged ‘Project Festival,’ by our team of advis- we were recapitalising, the risk of losing our posture. They did not buy into the idea of our records. They knew our family backgrounds, ers, coordinated by Albert Okumagba of BGL investment was almost entirely in our own approach at all, labelling our actions a hostile which suggested that we would be hard-working Securities. hands. takeover. and honest. We spoke to different people within the The first challenge which we needed to Buy-outs, takeovers and acquisitions had Nonetheless, though I had acted as CEO of industry and then we began to interact with overcome was raising the necessary capital to certainly happened in banks before we arrived GTB in the absence of the MD and the DMD, key stakeholders and shareholders of our target purchase the shares. We needed a billion naira, on the scene, but these were of failing, near even though both Herbert and I possessed list of institutions; we put together a team of (US$9-million), and Herbert and I had just two comatose banks. Unsolicited acquisitions were strong professional track records, Mr. Imala advisers consisting of lawyers and investment hundred million between us, comprising our not understood and were viewed with great still had his doubts and refused to approve bankers who were to support us in the process. shares in Guaranty Trust and the sum total suspicion and apprehension. In the past most our appointment as MD and DMD. of our savings. banks had only been acquired when they needed We were fortunate to have strong relationships to be rescued from collapse due to mismanage- He stood alone against everyone else around with committed advisers who were prepared to Therefore we needed to raise the balance ment by their godfathers. In many cases they him resolutely refusing to give an explanation take on our mandate on the basis of a success of eight hundred million. We put together were already in the hands of the regulators, or for his decision and without his approval we fee. As we engaged the key stakeholders of our a list of investors comprising of friends and were about to become so. In those situations would remain in limbo. target institutions, we quickly found out that family who we believed would be willing to the owners were so relieved to be offered any our preferred candidates, which were banks that support us. We convinced them to place at our lifeline that they were not too concerned about Luckily for us he didn’t ask us not to run the were doing fairly well by industry standards, disposal landed properties and bank deposits who might be offering it or on what terms. There bank, he simply said he would not ‘approve it’. were too expensive for us to be able to afford. on the strength of which we would be able to had also been occasions when two godfathers Eventually, on 17th April 2003, over a year after finance the acquisition. Once we had raised might come together and agree that a merger we assumed control of the bank, he approved our Used to working, as we were, for one of the the money we then had to make sure that the would be good for both of them, but never before appointments on an acting basis for two years. country’s most successful banks, we wanted recapitalisation complied with all relevant laws had there been a case where ‘mere banking our own bank to be of the same quality as of the country. We ensured that every step we professionals’ could have the temerity to take We were two young men with no godfather GTB in as many ways as possible, particularly took in consummating the acquisition was on established captains of industry and buy behind us and I think Imala found it hard to when it came to brand, culture and values. To consistent with legal requirements and would their bank. It was unheard of. believe that we had managed to pull off the assume that this would come ‘ready-made’ was meet the expectations of the SEC, the CBN and acquisition of Access Bank without some hidden obviously naive of us and we soon realised that the Nigerian Stock Exchange. The successful takeover of United Bank power pulling the strings behind the scene on we would never find a candidate who already of Africa by Hakeem Belo-Osagie was done our behalf. He suspected there was a catch to measured up to our expectations. Once the public offer was approved by the through a privatisation process. This acquisition this seemingly audacious acquisition and chose Securities and Exchange Commission rumours attached immense public interest but given the to take his time approving our appointments, One thing we were not prepared to com- inevitably started to circulate in financial circles very fact that privatisations implied a handover assuming if there was a catch it would soon promise, however, was our desire to build an that Access Bank had been bought by two young of ownership, the UBA acquisition was a bit reveal itself. How wrong did we prove Imala institution that was founded on ethical values guys from GTB. Eventually our bosses at GTB, easier for the public to understand and come to to be. and professionalism. Whatever deal was entered namely Fola and Tayo, learned of the rumours terms with. Subsequently, Standard Trust Bank, into had to be structured to ensure this was as well. They demanded a face-to-face meeting led by Tony Elumelu, bought over Hakeem’s Despite this hitch we had become the owners not compromised. at which they asked to know the truth. Without holdings in UBA, paving the way for STB to of the bank in March 2002. At that time I was disclosing any details we let them know that merge with UBA. still only thirty six years old, but I already had There were periods when Herbert and I indeed we were involved in a transaction whose had ten years of senior management banking despaired of ever finding a deal that would aim was the acquisition of Access Bank. We did face one regulatory challenge in experience at GTB, where I had risen from being match all our criteria, but we kept on going, our move to acquire Access Bank and this middle manager to working next to the managing refusing to give up, which is quite possibly the It was impossible for us to divulge details at was the issue of control and management. This director at the top of one of the best-run banks in most fundamental rule of true entrepreneurship. that time because such information could and was an issue for the Central Bank of Nigeria to the country and had been privileged to learn the Our faith in our abilities to succeed was sorely probably would be used to frustrate our plans. determine. The Central Bank (CBN) was going secrets of building a highly successful business. tested. The idea that was first germinated in It was an emotional meeting for all concerned. through its own internal transformation process My responsibilities had covered almost all the 2000 finally came to fruition late in 2001, when They were mentors and friends and obviously at that time, led by Dr. Joseph Sanusi, who key functions in both profit and cost centres. I we set our sights on Access Bank. felt betrayed that we would embark on a course before becoming governor of the CBN in 1999 knew that I was ready to run my own bank, of action which would see us depart from GTB had been managing director of First Bank. but the policies regarding regulatory approval Access Bank had been enmeshed in on-going without informing them. Realising that there for me to become chief executive were then Central Bank investigations regarding widespread was nothing they could do to get us to change ‘His tenure at some of the “Big Four” rather obtuse and for over a year I ran Access malpractices in foreign exchange, which involved our minds, an agreement was reached that we banks,’ Seth Apati wrote correctly in his without the stamp of the Central Bank’s formal a number of Nigerian banks. In an attempt to turn should resign our positions with immediate book, The Nigerian Banking Sector Reforms, blessing. After the approval on an acting basis its fortunes around, Access had in 1999 recruited effect. We completely understood that they ‘was instrumental to his understanding of the of April 2003, I was not confirmed in the post executives from GTB, engaged management needed to clear the air with GTB’s community banking system and the inner workings of banks until 2005, at the end of the two-year period. consultants and taken all the typical steps of of stakeholders and address issues of succession in Nigeria.’ Although this delay was enormously frustrating a company seeking to transform itself. Access and business continuity. at the time, it would eventually work to my was not the only bank to embark on this course Sanusi had brought in outsiders, highly advantage when the CBN changed the rules of action. Many other industry laggards that Soon after that Fola Adeola, the founding respected former CEOs namely Ernest Ebi, and announced that no one could run a bank escaped being liquidated in the mid-90s by the chief executive officer/CEO, announced his own Shamshudeen Usnan and Tunde Lemo to join as CEO for more than ten years. Had I been CBN and NDIC had embarked on corporate retirement, paving the way for Tayo Aderinokun, his board of Governors at the CBN. This was approved and confirmed from the start in 2002 I transformation programmes. Many of these and a new executive management team to emerge very helpful to our cause since they knew would have moved aside in 2012, before seeing programmes proved short-lived. The ability at GTB. Without a doubt, Herbert and I and all Herbert and I well, but at the same time we my plans come to full fruition. As it was, I had to sustain the change required to turn around the other people who we subsequently recruited still had to convince those below them that until 2015 to continue growing the bank and a distressed bank depends more on the quality from GTB owe an enormous amount to that we were qualified to run a bank, including prepare for a smooth succession to Herbert. of its leadership and the strength of its values institution and to its founders for the invest- the Director of Banking Supervision, Ignatius than the expertise of the management consultants ments that they made in us and the guidance Imala, who was known for his conservative t
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who are engaged to try and put things right. they gave us along the way. To this day, there thinking and a tendency to be very suspicious IUUQXXXMFBWJOHUIFUBSNBDDPN are obvious similarities between the cultures of young bankers. Successive management teams at Access were unable to marshal the necessary ingredients to put the bank on a sure footing and it continued to lurch from crisis to crisis. Somewhat ill-timed in 2001, the bank attempted to raise over N1 billion through a public offer for subscription. Although the offer was underwritten by their issuing houses the public failed to respond positively to the offer and, as the closure date came closer and closer, the advisers became increasingly worried about finding a buyer. Despite the fact that we conducted no due diligence, doing little more than a ‘back of the envelope’ analysis, we found Access attractive for a number of reasons. Firstly, its board of directors included men of integrity who were well-respected in business circles. Secondly, the bank was quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, which implied some minimum standards of governance, and thirdly, its financial

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T H I S D AY PAGE EIGHT Ortom’s Aide Wants Fulani Group Prosecuted over Attack South-west govs, CAN condemn assassination bid Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja He, however, dismissed in and get them,\" he said. place. not open-ended”. do our security agencies and Funmi Ogundare in allegations that the Benue State Asked why the governor \"But God didn't allow the CAN has also condemned appear powerless before these Lagos Government was profiling the criminals? Are they holding Fulani ethnic group, saying was being targeted by the assailants to succeed. I will also the assassination attempt on superior ammunition? Are The Chief Press Secretary that it is only concerned about group and the possible way commend the security men Ortom by suspected herdsmen. they waiting till everyone some of the armed ones, who forward, Akase said the group with the governor who did a results to self-defense with to the Governor of Benue live in the forests with AK-47 had given reasons, labelling great job by repelling the attack It charged security agencies the attendant consequences?\" rifles. the governor as its problem. and safely took the governor to investigate, arrest and State, Mr. Terver Akase, has to where the vehicles were prosecute the masterminds. CAN added that if The CPS wondered why According to the CPS, the packed. You know the terrain President Muhammadu called on security agencies security agents have not group also accused Ortom of is not very good; you need In a statement yesterday Buhari wanted his name to combed the forests to arrest initiating the anti-grazing law to move by foot where the by the General Secretary, Rev. be written in gold, he should to prosecute leaders of the the killers. that purportedly put the Fulani farm is located. The vehicles Joseph Bade Daramola, CAN fix the security before the end in Benue State at risk and has were not close to where the said it was disappointed of his tenure in 2023. Fulani Nationality Movement He expressed concern that chased the Fulani away and attack took place; that is that the Fulani Nationality more than 24 hours after even called him an infidel. why the governor had to be Movement that claimed \"We challenge the federal (FUNAM), which claimed the attack, nobody is asking protected where the vehicles responsibility had not been government to roll out the list questions about the security “How is the governor an were parked,\" he said. outlawed by the government. of names of the kingpins of responsibility for Saturday's situation in the state. infidel? Is it about Jihad? The those murderous herdsmen, man who signed the FUNAM Meanwhile, the Chairman \"We are worried, sad, kidnappers, bandits and attempt to kill his principal, He said: \"It is unfortunate statement, Umar Shehu, exists of the South-West Governors shocked, disappointed, and terrorists in the prison and that a man who is the chief in this country. We expect that Forum and Ondo State pained at the collapse of the police custody and those Dr. Samuel Ortom. security officer of the state will as we speak, the man should Governor, Mr. Rotimi security architecture of the under trials. be attacked in this manner. So, be in detention somewhere Akeredolu, has described the government and the failure The attack on Ortom, what happens to the rest of and brought to book. He and attackers of Ortom as cowards. of those in charge to rise up \"As long as the government the citizens and Nigerians in his group should be asked to the security challenges. If a continues treating these during a visit to his farm, also Benue State who do not have questions; what has Governor Akeredolu said yesterday in state governor is unsafe despite criminals with kid gloves security around them? This Samuel Ortom done to deserve Akure during the swearing-in all the security operatives in so also will they continue attracted more condemnations is a question going on. What to be killed? If the governor of the first female Secretary to his convoy, then who is safe? operating with impunity,\" has happened to the security is not safe, who is safe in this the Ondo State Government it said. yesterday as the South-West of this country? country? We are absolutely (SSG), Princess Oladunni Odu, \"We welcome the disappointed,\" he stated. and four special advisers that presidential directive and that CAN also urged the Governors Forum and the “Why are the forests not their action was reprehensible. of the Inspector General of National Assembly to suspend being combed by our security He narrated how the attack Police that the investigation of a bill before the House of Christian Association of agencies? When we say this, happened, saying that Ortom He said: “l must pause to the matter should be thorough Representatives seeking to we are not profiling Fulani as had gone to inspect his condemn, in the strongest and it is our hope that the institutionalise the use of hijab, Nigeria (CAN) flayed the a race, but we are concerned farm located off the Gboko- term possible, the most recent matter will not be swept under describing it as ill-timed and about the armed ones who live Markurdi road, when he cowardly attack on the convoy the carpet,\" it said. uncalled for. incident and urged security in the forest with AK -47. Why was ambushed along with of the Benue State Governor, is no one asking questions?” this aides. Mr. Samuel Ortom. CAN said it was The bill titled: \"Religious agencies to arrest the attackers. disappointed that Fulani Discrimination (Prohibition, Akase accused the group of He commended the “I call on the security Nationality Movement that Prevention) Bill, 2021\" FUNAM, in a statement repeatedly saying the forests governor’s security aides for agencies to unmask the agents claimed responsibility has is seeking to provide a belong to it. helping to repel the attack. of darkness bent on throwing not been outlawed and the mechanism for enforcing signed by one Mr. Umar this country into a state of herdsmen leaders who publicly certain provisions of the He added that the Fulani \"The governor is a farmer anarchy. threatened the governor constitution and other Shehu, had claimed group lives in a forest around and he goes to his farm are still going about their international laws that the area where Ortom was anytime he has chance and “We note that the authorities businesses as if they have recognises the right of females responsibility for the attack. attacked. Saturday was one of those have assured the people of done nothing unusual. to adorn hijab in both public days. He, accompanied by Benue and Nigerians alike and private establishments in “Yes; yes, we did. The “Thank God, the Inspector one or two of his aides and that the perpetrators will It added: \"Is the government Nigeria. General (IG) of Police has security details, went to the face justice. waiting till they have Fulani Nationality Movement asked the Commissioner farm located off the Gboko- successfully carried out their CAN said: \"We wonder of Police in Benue State to Markudi road. The governor “May we, therefore, evil and wicked enterprise? what the sponsors of the bill (FUNAM) carried out the investigate the matter. We are has one of his farms close to admonish those saddled with What are these people seeks to gain from it other hoping that the police will not the bank of River Benue. He the responsibility of unraveling turning the country into in than to compound the security attack. We have genuine just stop at that, but go beyond. went there to supervise the the mystery to ensure that, as this century? problem and the wearing of These people are around the farm and on his way back, it has been in other incidents, hijab in public and Christian reasons. We acted on behalf border communities. The that is when the ambush took the investigation being \"If these murderous Fulani schools.” security agents should move conducted is thorough and herdsmen are not Nigerians, of millions of Fulani people as we are being told, why in 15 countries. “Our courageous fighters carried out this historic attack to send a great message to Ortom and his collaborators: Where ever you are, once you are against Fulani long term interest, we shall get you down. This is a clear warning. We hope those who take us for granted will get the indisputable message,\" the shadowy group had said. But Akase, who was a guest on ‘The Morning Show,’ a programme on ARISE NEWS Channel, THISDAY Newspapers’ broadcast arm, stated that Shehu who signed the FUNAM statement exists. FG EARMARKS $1BN SYNDICATED-TERM LOAN TO BOOST MSMES growth of MSMEs through Facility (EEF) under the National Youth Export Development fully supports MSMEs, as aimed at protecting MSME maximum of 10 employees in demonstrated by our MSME businesses from the shocks each MSME for three months is the provision of critical Economic Sustainability Plan Programme (YEDP) and survival fund initiative, which of the pandemic.\" According part of the federal government's was launched in the wake of to him, the Payroll Support efforts to cushion the effect of infrastructure, with 26 such (NESP) to support the resilience Promoting Women Inclusiveness the COVID-19 pandemic by Scheme meant to support the pandemic on MSMEs. the federal government as MSMEs in meeting their payroll clinics having impressive of new and existing MSMEs to in Non-Oil Export. part of the Nigerian Economic obligations and safeguard jobs He, however, added that the Sustainability Plan (NESP), by paying up to N50,000 to a policy has been reviewed to results. respond to the shocks of the Adebayo, in a statement by N30,000 per beneficiary. He said the Nigerian Export pandemic to retain and create his media aide, Mr. Ifedayo Promotion Council (NEPC) had more jobs, especially youth and Sayo, said: \"I will like to launched the Export Expansion women businesses through the reiterate that our ministry NNPC PUSHES BACK, SAYS NEW REFINERY WILL COST FG ABOUT $12BN between $7 billion to $12 because they no longer fund the government were involved borrowing angle was said in 18 months, gas will TOP GAINERS NGN NGN % billion to construct a refinery oil projects of that magnitude. in the process leading to the introduced because typically, be obtained from the plant of this nature. This is what we award, saying that it wasn’t lenders will give conditions, and will eventually, scale up JBERGER 1.70 18.70 10 call battery limit construction. Kyari said that the refineries a TAM that was currently one of which is an Operations until the contractors leave the That’s the estimate you see are national assets that must being carried out but total and Maintenance contract site, unlike a new one that STANBICIBTC 4.00 44.00 10 in the public space. be used to ensure energy rehabilitation, which means arrangement, meaning that will require the whole plant to security for the country, that major components will NNPC will not operate the be completed before it starts UACN 0.50 8.00 6.6 “There are things you do maintaining that if a new be replaced, new items will plant, as it will be done in functioning. outside the battery limits like refinery is started, it cannot be introduced and an upgrade consonance with what he JOHNHOLT 0.03 0.49 6.5 the tank and other utilities become functional in less of the plant. described as the best global According to him, the loan that are never accounted for than four years, which means practice. will be repaid from when the INTERBREW 0.30 5.40 5.8 when the estimates of this Nigeria will keep importing Kyari argued that the refinery becomes functional, nature are done. That’s about in the next four years. process went through the “More than that, the adding that a refinery can TOP LOSERS NGN % 25 per cent of the total cost. Bureau of Public Procurement contractors will give a produce a margin of $4-$7 So, when you say refineries According to him, even for and other such bodies, saying guarantee that it will work per barrel which will be used CHAMPBREW 0.20 2.24 8.2 can be built for $6 billion or national strategic purposes, that he was confident that the for such a period of time. to finance the loan. even $10 billion, you should that would be a wrong best decision was taken after That’s part of the requirements JAIZBANK 0.03 0.67 4.4 also think about the 25 per decision, with the last turn- the tender process. which was absent in previous “What we have done is to cent you will add to it,” Kyari around-maintenance of the ones under the TAM put in place a transparent JAPAUL 0.02 0.47 4.0 said. Port Harcourt having been He stressed that the process arrangements,” he said. process. This has not always done 21 years ago. was delayed for the past 10 been done. The EPC contract CHIPLC 0.01 0.30 3.1 He said that another option years because of unwarranted He vowed that the plant was thrown open. It has never would have been to scrap The GMD stated that interferences and strategy will work and the loans will been done. We have invited LEARNAFRICA 0.03 1.07 2.7 the current one and build the current huge cost of problems, including going to be repaid, saying that he was McKenzie to support us. We a new one, but added that rehabilitation was because the the original refinery builders, confident that in the next 15 have taken the control from HPE NestleNigPlc ₦1,375.00 the resources are not available last turn-around-maintenance which he said was the wrong years, the plant will still be the NNPC, including the while the banking sector is was badly carried out. thing to do. running. selection of EPC contractors,” Volume: 277.235millionshares not ready to put in the money he said. He posited that all Kyari said that the The NNPC helmsman Value: N3.053billion stakeholders and agencies of Deals: 4,299 Asat yesterday 22/3/2021 See details on Page 33

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T H I S D AY 11 NEWS Do Not Politicise Attempt on My Life, Ortom Tells Nigerians George Okoh in Makurdi avert an implosion. Governors’ Forum, National adding that the State Security politicise the incident because people wanted it and they are The governor who spoke at the leadership of PDP and APC, the Council had also set up a panel doing so would not be in the happy with it. Moreover, it has Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel media, the traditional institution to assist the State Commissioner interest of anyone. I have nothing brought relative peace to our Ortom yesterday cautioned against end of an emergency State Security and Christians as well as all of Police investigate the incident. against anyone or any group, state, so why would anyone anyone politicising last Saturday’s Council meeting held in Makurdi, Nigerians and people of goodwill all I am after is fairness, justice kick against it? attempt on his life by suspected appealed to Benue people to be for their show of concern and “I urge Benue people to be and protection of the rights, armed herdsmen at Tyo-Mu calm and await the outcome of solidarity since the incident. calm because the matter is being wishes and aspirations of the “Let’s all learn to do the right community in the outskirts of the investigation being carried out investigated and we hope that people who voted me to power. things to save our country from Makurdi town along Makurdi- by the Police as directed by the He expressed optimism in the those behind the attack would unnecessary crisis that endangers our Gboko road. Inspector General of Police (IG). ability of the IG team to do their be apprehended and prosecuted. “The Benue grazing law is unity and peace as a country,” job and fish put the perpetrators, not targeted at anyone, Benue he said. He stressed that the level of The governor who said he “I also plead with us not to insecurity in the country was a was still in shock, lauded the clear indication that Nigeria was presidency, the IG, as well as sitting on a gun powder and the array of groups including everyone must be conscious to Nigeria Governors’ Forum, PDP Governors’ Forum, APC House Summons COAS, CBN Gov over Arms Purchase Adedayo Akinwale and Udora the invitation. EIGHT HEARTY CHEERS… OrizuinAbuja The lawmaker said, ‘’CBN has L-R: Director, Afriland Properties Plc, Mrs. Olayinka Ogunsulire; Managing Director/CEO, Mrs. Uzoamaka Oshogwe; Chairman, Mr. The House of Representatives been a problem to this house Emmanuel Nnorom; Company Secretary, Mrs. Funmilola Suleiman; Director, Mr. Ayodele Adigun, during the eighth Annual General ad-hoc Committee on Arms and and they cannot operate the Meeting (AGM) of the company held in Lagos…yesterday Ammunition has summoned the way they are operating and this Chief of Army Staff, (CoAS), House will keep quiet because Escalating Insecurity Worsening Nigeria’s Troubled Lt. Gen. Attahiru Ibrahim and we approve their budget. What Economy, Says Gbajabiamila the Governor of Central Bank are we asking for? Come and of Nigeria (CBN),Mr. Godwin tell us how much we have paid Adedayo Akinwale and Udora long-termed Social and Economic now apparent to those paying are on a downward trend that Emefiele to appear before it and for the purchase of arms; we OrizuinAbuja Development Framework with attention that the era of oil is over is no longer sustainable. clarify issues and as well account have given you the right to fair a broad acceptance by critical while the world is racing away for the monies released for the hearing. The Speaker of the House of stakeholders to provide a pathway from the extractive economic model Gbajabiamila stated that the purchase of arms by Nigerian Representatives, Hon. Femi towards fixing the malaise that has towards a knowledge economy country must be resolute in its Army. ‘’Are you hiding anything? Gbajabiamila, has lamented that too long mitigated attaining the model that prizes technological determination to overcome the We will not allow it; if there the potentially dire consequences country’s fullest national potentials. innovation and the marketplace challenges. The summon was sequel is something you are hiding of the country’s current national of ideas over heavy industry and to a unanimous adoption of a because you are CBN, we will economic outlook have begun He noted that such a framework trade in natural resources. He added: “We have a limited motion by Hon. Bede Eke at its not allow it. People are being to manifest in troubling ways, would not be a product of politics window of time to act before sitting yesterday, to investigate killed everyday. I want to move a especially by the escalating trend or a tool for politicking, but a He said that presently, the worsening circumstances force the purchase of arms and motion because we do not have of insecurity across the country. foundation for national rebirth country is entirely at the mercy our hands in ways we cannot ammunition by the military time; we come here everyday, as has been done successfully in of fluctuations in the global price predict. I urge you to move with and paramilitary in the country. sit for hours and wait for a Gbajabiamila said that there other parts of the world. of oil and gas at a time when it is due haste, paying attention to all the government agency. I move that was need to articulate a national increasingly evident that prices intervening events without being The public officers had earlier we summon especially the COAS The speaker stressed that it is distracted by them.” on Friday, March 12, 2021 failed and CBN; enough is enough; to appear before the committee. let them be summoned, that is when they will know we are Moving the motion, Eke serious.’’ said that the summon became necessary following the refusal Earlier, the Chairman of the public officers to honour of the Committee, Hon. several invitations extended to Olaide Akinremi, said that them by the committee. the committee expected the Ministries of Finance, Defence, He said that the committee Interior, CBN, COAS and the has invited the COAS four times Bureau of Public Procurement and the CBN governor five times (BPP) to appear. and they have refused to honour Buhari, Masari Express NPA Suspends Export Receipts at Lagos Ports Shock as Fire Razes over 100 Shops in Katsina Market The Nigerian Ports Authority announces a 14-day suspension of this category of cargo. and booking for access into the (NPA) yesterday announced the of export receipts at both ports “Stakeholders should please ports on the Eto platform. Deji Elumoye in Abuja and THISDAY gathered that the suspension of export receipts at and all satellite truck parks, with Francis Sardauna in Katsina fire, which started around 8am Lagos ports for two weeks. effect from March 22. note that this suspension does “The authority thanks all from one of the shops in the not affect export refrigerated stakeholders for their support President Muhammadu Buhari main section of the market, NPA Spokesman, Mr. Ibrahim “This development is cargo and trucks whose operators towards the success of Eto since and Governor of Katsina spread to other shops as some Nasiru, said in a statement that necessitated by the need for have secured call-up tickets as its introduction three weeks ago State, Hon. Bello Masari have traders who were not affected the suspension was part of efforts consultations with export cargo of March 19. and seeks continued support in expressed sadness over the fire trooped to evacuate their goods to improve access to, and service stakeholders and the Nigerian the determination to end truck that razed Katsina Central before the raging fire reached delivery at Apapa and Tin Can Export Promotion Council “All other segments of port congestion on access roads into Market yesterday morning their shops. Island Ports. (NEPC) on the harmonisation of users are enjoined to continue the ports and improve service destroying hundreds of shops procedures required of owners carrying on their businesses by delivery,” he said. and billions of Naira worth of Though the cause of the “The authority hereby using the designated truck parks wares. fire was not yet known as at the time THISDAY visited THISDAY Learning Centre Begins with Coursera Challenge Buhari, in a reaction by his the market, a combined team Media Assistant, Malam Garba of State Fire Service, Federal VanessaObioha The US-based e-learning platform on the financial aid topic with echoed similar sentiments but with Shehu, described the destruction Fire Service and the State offers users a variety of online the promise to expand more in icing on the cake. visited by the fire as horrific. Emergency Management As media organisations adjust courses, certifications, degrees the next session. Agency (SEMA) battled to to the ‘new normal’ of gathering and masters in various subjects. He announced the Coursera He said: “I am extremely sad put out the fire. and disseminating news caused Some of the courses on Coursera “The idea could not have Challenge where members of to hear the tragic news about by COVID-19, the management are free, but for certifications and come at a better time given the staff are encouraged to obtain the fire in Katsina market this However, no casualties were of THISDAY Newspapers and degrees, users are required to pay COVID-19 lockdown reality that certifications in their field of morning. My thoughts are with recorded during the inferno but ARISE NEWS Channel is equipping a fee. However, the platform offers has made contacts with staff study and get rewarded. those who lost their valued most of the affected traders staff with learning opportunities financial aid and how to be a difficult, if not impossible,” said wares, and in some of the cases, were rushed to hospitals as to expand their skills within and beneficiary of the financial support Managing Director of THISDAY, The prizes, however, are in three entire savings. I have instructed a result of trauma. beyond the media. It formally kicked will be the focus of the facilitator, Mr. Eniola Bello, in a brief stages: the first person to obtain concerned authorities to provide off its knowledge sharing and Wale Thomas for this quarter. statement. any certification; the first person all possible assistance urgently.” One of the traders, Mr. interactive session on the THISDAY to obtain five certifications and Babangida Kabir, said the Learning Centre platform yesterday, The Daystar Leadership On his part, the Managing the first person to achieve the Goods worth millions of inferno started from one of with an introduction to the online Academy Director of Studies used Editor, Mr. Joseph Ushigiale highest certification within the Naira were destroyed by the shops when electricity was platform Coursera. the first session to educate staff lauded the effort and advised 90-day challenge period. For the fire, which gutted over supplied to the area, saying on how to navigate the learning staff to embrace the opportunity the last stage, he disclosed that 100 shops and stalls in the “we saw a spark from one Coursera is one of the world’s platform - from registering to as there are many fruits to reap the Chairman of THISDAY Media popular Katsina Central of the shops and before we leading online learning platforms searching for courses relating to from the learning platform. Group andARISE NEWS Channel, Market, situated in Katsina, realized that the fire had with over 70 million users globally. their fields. He touched lightly Prince Nduka Obaigbena will award the state capital. extended to other shops”. Coordinator of THISDAY the winner a star prize. Learning Centre, Mr.AyoArowolo

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14 T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2021 COMMENT Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email [email protected] WHY BUHARI SHOULD HEEDVOICE OF REASON It’stimetoengagemercenariestocontaintheprotractedinsurgency,writes Abosede Ajibade The major plank of the tripod of the Buhari presidency THE SECURITY FORCES ARE FIGHTING TOO Now, the Nigeria’s House of Representatives, under the competent agenda is to tame the insurgency that was pronounced in MANY BATTLES ON SEVERAL FRONTS. THEY leadership of Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila made a bipartisan, patriotic the North Eastern part of the country. The then opposition NEED FOREIGN HELP URGENTLY! recommendation to re-engage mercenaries in the wake of a surge in All Progressives Congress (APC) harangue the then deadly violent crimes like kidnapping, banditry, cult clashes, among others. President Goodluck Jonathan over his inability to bring dare-devil Boko Haram insurgents on their knees. The domestic security architecture is obviously overwhelmed. The nation The handlers and think tank of the APC dazzled Nigerians with the is almost grounded to a halt. The security forces are fighting too many military credentials of General Muhammadu Buhari, the party’s presidential battles on several fronts. They need foreign help urgently! standard bearer. They reeled out his heroic gallant dexterity during the Maitatsine days. He promised to rescue Nigerians from rampaging ragtag Echoing the collective consensus of the Nigerian Senate on the insecurity Boko Haram guerilla fighters who had reportedly captured and hoisted in the country, APC Senator representing Niger South, Muhammad Enagi their flags in 13 local government areas of Borno State, the epicentre of the said, “The enemies of God, bandits, terrorists, kidnappers are everywhere. insurgency. The hopes were high but delivery was below par. Nigerians Where are we heading to in this country? What else do we need as queried the competence of the government to tame Boko Haram as the lawmakers that we are not doing? terrorists crushing attacks on Borno towns continued unabated. In a knee-jerk response to the unabated security, President Muhammadu Buhari ordered “Can we rightly say that the government is incompetent? Because this relocation of the military command centre to Maiduguri, the Borno capital. issue has been discussed here over and over and there is no improvement. It is getting worse. I’m sure everybody here has stories to tell about the Yet the gains were little. No respite in sight even when the government security challenges. What else are we supposed to do that we are not spokesman and the minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Moham- doing? Are we supposed to amend the laws in this country to give every med claimed that Boko Haram had been ‘greatly degraded’. According citizen freedom to carry arms? to him, communities and towns where insurgents hoisted their flags had been liberated. The argument fell flat in the face of growing insecurity The above concern made the Green Chamber after the motion moved in the state. Many sneered and wondered why ‘degraded Boko Haram’ by Abdukadir Rahis to contact foreign mercenaries for help. continued to wax stronger and became more vicious in its attacks. The federal government ego trip will further worsen the precarious About 43 rice farmers were slaughtered by the insurgents for flaunting security situation in the country. National Security Adviser (NSA), Major the order of Boko Haram not to farm. Sadly, the presidential spokesman General Babagana Monguno (rtd) said, “The President’s view and directive Garba Shehu displayed crass insensitivity and aggravated the grief of the is that we will not engage mercenaries when we have our own people to bereaved and other Nigerians by saying that the slain farmers did not get deal with these problems. We have the personnel and resources, and the clearance from the military before going to the rice field. President has given a new lease of life to the Armed Forces”. Shehu’s insensitive statement clearly confirmed that the Boko Haram The claim that the existing personnel and resources will defeat Boko terrorists are still very much alive, vicious and deadly. Haram is weak. The unabated killings, kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes punctured the NSA’s claim. The government should be Former Governor Shettima cried a few times over the heinous killings humble enough and descend its high horse to request for assistance. of Borno citizens before he left office in 2019. His successor, Professor Babagana Zulum who was determined to change the ugly narrative has If foreign interests wade in on the protracted insecurity that has turned escaped assassination attempt twice. Nigeria into one of the most dangerous places to live in the world, the better for the country. It will in no way diminish our standing in the He exposed the security forces lies that all was well. Out of frustration, comity of nations. All nations are interdependent and often seek each he called on the federal government to engage the services and expertise other’s assistance in times of distress. of mercenaries who are sure footed in guerilla warfare. On October 31, 2020, The early morning bravery operation of United Zulum’s proposal reawakened the conversations on the South African States Navy SEALs from Special Warfare Development Group(DEVGRU) fighters contracted by Goodluck Jonathan in the twilight of his administra- during the rescue mission of captured American, 27-year-old Philip Walton tion. Jonathan had engaged Specialised Tasks, Training, Equipment and in Nigeria brings to mind how foreign mercenaries could greatly help to Protection, (STTEP), a South African company to combat the insurgents in crush insurgency. They parachuted from Air Force Special Operations aircraft the North-east. The mercenaries whose assignment was to conquer Shekau of the 352d Special Operations Wing and rescued the American citizen and his evil men justified the confidence reposed in them as they achieved without hurt and dealt a deadly blow to his captors, killing six out of the milestones in the battlefield. It will be recalled that bombings and wanton seven-man-gang. If Nigerian government could extend collaboration to the attacks on soft targets subsided due to the sustained assaults they unleashed American forces just to rescue a single soul, why should the government on Shekau and his deranged ragtag army. Sadly, the mercenaries were hesitate in engaging trained and well-experienced foreign fighters at this disengaged by the Buhari government shortly after taking the reins of power. critical time? Truth be told, insurgency and insecurity have become a thriving industry for powerful people in and outside of the security forces. The government scored a petty political point against the ousted Jonathan government at the expense of security of lives and property of residents Former President Jonathan confirmed this when he cried out that Boko of war-torn North Eastern Nigeria. Haram sympathisers have infiltrated his government. President Buhari should listen to the voice of reason from the Green Chamber and do all within his powers to secure Nigerians GOODNIGHT, JO, COMMISSIONER NUMBER ONE Yusuph Olaniyonu paystributetoJohnOlusegunOdubela,lawyer,administratorandajollygoodfellow Why do I like pretending that From that moment, I was disorganized and was the three Senatorial districts to assess the state of argument to the other and he would appear serious no death can shake me again? only wishing there was a mistake somewhere. Some readiness of the management, students and facilities that only those of us who knew him very well Why was I deceiving myself minutes after, Dapo confirmed the news. The man for the new school term. He was so active that the would know he was just being mischievous. that I have heard about and I loved to call JO had passed on. This was one sad state television station, OGTV, had no option than to seen enough death in my news I could not live with. Throughout the night, I permanently place a television crew at his disposal He was our spokesman during the agitation by short life time that none can was awake and this time, I was not in the mood to to cover all his official functions. cabinet members that our salary was too small and shake me again? May be because as a 13-year-old do any of the normal things I usually resort to when needed special augmentation from the Governor. boy, I had woken up in the morning to find out I have sleepless nights - Tahajud (night supplication), During the period, he accompanied me to my The agitation was code-named “commencement”. the person lying next to me, another young boy, reading a book or writing. alma mater at the primary and secondary levels. However, each time after the State Executive Council was stone dead. May be because I had experienced Despite his tight schedule, JO would also attend meeting when we raised the issue, Odubela would speaking to my mother on the phone at about 2pm, It is still difficult to believe that JO is gone. I all social events in honour of his colleagues and he argue so beautifully for us but immediately the she was hale and hearty only for her to slump six first met him in 2011 when we were part of the was a man who was friendly with both political Governor hailed him as “Commissioner Number hours later and die. Maybe because I had seen new appointees into the cabinet of the Ogun State appointees and the bureaucrats. Whenever JO One” and gave him friendly signs that he should my usually bubbling and happy father gradually Government under our captain, Senator Ibikunle needed to write a crucial press statement, he usually not be leading agitation against him, he would become incapacitated by cancer and eventually gave Amosun, who served as governor between 2011 would prefer I handled it for him. He would walk jocularly make a u-turn. “What is commencement?”, up the ghost. Really, I had experienced the death - 2019. Odubela was Commissioner for Education, from his office about 500 meters away with all the Odubela would blurt out with that funny expression of too many people close to me, including three Science and Technology. Since we both left Ogun relevant officials to the Ministry of Information on his face, “we can’t be putting His Excellency siblings. State government in 2015, we had kept in touch and and Strategy, and we would all sit down to get the under pressure. Don’t worry, sir, they have to maintained a close relationship. JO was one of the statement prepared, after which he would walk manage. This is Mission to Rebuild Ogun State”. He Now, I pretend that as a muslim, I am prepared ‘salts’ of our administration. No dull moment with away with the hard copy. JO always cracked jokes would say it with that very funny expression on his for death and that no death will shake or disor- this lawyer who permanently wore smiles on his that he liked sitting beside me at events because he face and everybody will burst out laughing. That ganize me. Also, I thought I had steeled my heart chubby face like a glowing skin. knew the cameras would beam on the Information day, the Governor had won, once again. Thanks to so tough that I now consider death as part of the Commissioner and he would be on TV and in the Commissioner Number One. bargain of daily existence. However, all these postur- The Governor named Odubela ‘Commissioner newspapers. ing came out empty to me on the night of Monday, Number One’ because his portfolio, Education, On another occasion at the Executive Council March 15. While watching the television, my son, was the first in the five cardinal programmes of He was a man of drama and I believe that had meeting, when JO needed approval for the request Oladapo suddenly shouted “Inalilahi! Daddy, they the ‘Mission to Rebuild’ agenda of the Amosun he not taken to legal practice he would have made for funds for his ministry, he would say Mrs. M, are speculating that Mr. Odubela is dead”. I frowned administration. And he actually lived up to the so much money from the Nollywood industry in the Budget Commissioner was “the best” and even and looked at him to be sure he was okay. appellation. Odubela was passionate about his job. the area of acting, script writing and directing. He relinquished his “Number One” title to her. Once he He served with all his energy and the only time you would crack jokes and appear so serious that you got the approval he would say “who is Mrs. M? I John Olusegun Odubela, Senior Advocate of Ni- could get him looking disturbed were those periods would not know what to believe. In those four don’t know her. Finance is the best. She is number geria (SAN), was Dapo’s boss as he had influenced when schools were about to resume or it was time testy and dizzying years, I can’t remember seeing one”, that was a reference to Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, the young lawyer’s employment with Rickey Tarfa for the terminal examination and he could not get JO frowning, unhappy or engaged in any hot the Commissioner for Finance. And he would and co, a leading law firm where he was a partner the approval for funds to put all resources and other argument. He would always crack jokes and played continue switching his adulation for both women, and Head of Chamber. The young man had in the arrangements in place. pranks. It took our Commissioner for Budget, Mrs depending on whose intervention on his ministry’s afternoon of the same day informed me that the Oluwande Muoyo who we all called Mrs. M. over request was critical at the point in time. He said senior lawyer was indisposed and that I should try The energy JO put into his work and how he one year before realising that Odubela was not a those words in a unique way that anybody around and contact him. For Dapo to start talking about tried to mingle with and befriend the stakeholders medical doctor because he talked about the food he would be forced to laugh. the death of this my friend and brother a few hours in the education sector was commendable. During ate with his friends as surgical operations. Odubela Olaniyonu was Commissioner for Information later was confusing and unimaginable for me. any first week of school resumption, JO could visit would in jocular manner switch from one side of an and Strategy in Ogun State 2011 - 2015. as many as 50 primary and secondary school across

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2021 15 EDITORIAL AHMED INDIMI AND HIS LION PET The Lion should be taken to the safest place possible – a zoo Owning a lion and other wild fine of up to 500,000 dirhams ($136,000; £110,883). animals as pets is increas- In the past, Nigeria had a large population of the ingly becoming a status symbol among a class of Nigerians. protected animals. Regrettably, they are now known to Since nobody acquires these survive in only two sites in the country, and these are innocuous looking beasts out Kainji Lake National Park where researchers tracked of love, we are concerned by up to 30 lions and Yankari Game Reserve with less the legality of the action and than five cats. However, records show that no fewer than 50 cats live in the wild in Nigeria. Researchers be- the health of our society. The recent display on social lieve that a combination of factors like conflict between lions and humans as a result of habitat loss, poaching, media of an adolescent lion on a leach by Ahmed among others, could lead to the disappearance of these animals from Nigeria within the next decade. Indimi, son of renowned oil magnate and son-in-law Meanwhile, the trade in lions is prohibited to President Muhammadu Buhari, does not only internationally under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered violate local and international laws, it also portends Species of wild flora and fauna (CITES). In Nigeria, they are protected by the Endangered imminent danger to his family, friends and people Species Act of 2016 and by the Endangered Species Control, which was signed by President Buhari. Thus, who reside within his neighbourhood. conservationists are certain the government could evoke these laws and treaties to punish any Nigerian Conservationists and zoo keepers never cease to who displays a lion as an illegal pet. The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) is also seeking a emphasise the latent wildness in these beasts, even confirmation of the source of the animal and that anyone in that supply chain should feel the full weight when they are given sweet names like ‘kitty’ or ‘teddy’. of the law. Among reasons not to try to domesticate them is that Unfortunately, lion cubs are sold across Africa by captive breeders in farms, despite the existence of laws it is impossible to reproduce their natural habitat, and that should regulate such activities. Government, at all levels, must therefore do more to protect residents from there is usually breeding difficulties. It often gets to the avoidable accidents and possible death in our towns and cities if wild beasts like lions, kept as pets, break threshold where the ‘pet’ becomes overwhelmed when their bounds in search of food. It is also important for Ahmed Ndimi and fellow travellers to understand that it grows to its fullest, complete with its natural hunting the lion he is posing with on social media will always be a predator and only waiting until it is ready to instincts. There have hunt because of natural instincts. It will definitely kill because it is a killer by nature. GOVERNMENT MUST been confirmed Before the day comes when a slip triggers that DO MORE TO PROTECT cases where these T H I S DAY inevitable disaster, the authorities must retrieve the EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI lion from the illegal custody of Ahmed Indimi. RESIDENTS FROM predators are released DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI AJAYI, DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN, MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO AVOIDABLE ACCIDENTS into neighbourhoods DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE secretly without CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI AND POSSIBLE DEATH IN notification to the EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN OUR TOWNS AND CITIES IF authorities. MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE WILD BEASTS LIKE LIONS, KEPT AS PETS, BREAK The culture of T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D THEIR BOUNDS IN SEARCH attempting to domes- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA ticate beasts is almost GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLABELLO,KAYODEKOMOLAFE, OF FOOD ISRAELIWEGBU,IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUELEFENI alien to Nigerians, DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, leading us to believe ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUNVICTORDANBOYI that those who own them as pets are copying other SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH societies they frequently visit. Incidentally, some of ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI those countries like United Arab Emirates (UAE) have DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO actually outlawed the keeping of wild animals, includ- HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA ing lions and tigers, as pets. Violators of this law in the TO SEND EMAIL: first [email protected] oil-rich Gulf State now risk a six-month jail term or a Letters to the Editor TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications inTHISDAYshould be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to [email protected] also welcome comments and opinionsontopicallocal,nationalandinternationalissuesprovidedtheyarewell-writtenandshouldalsonotbelongerthan(950- 1000 words). They should be sent to [email protected] along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer. CustomsAnd The IndigenousAirlines Governments all over the world have been working to by the President. Customs became an island nation inside Nigeria that emboldens it to round the clock to minimize the negative effects of Here is the crux of the matter: Customs under the leadership of defy our laws. the Covid-19 pandemic on the aviation industries. In March, 2020, American government gave out over Hameed Ali has formed a parallel government - challenging the As an agency of government, if you’re not comfortable with any $25 billion as bailout funds to airlines to help absorb authorities of the President and National Assembly in a brazen law, you can approach the court to challenge it, but once that law is the shock created by the pandemic. In the same vein, disregard of a law passed by the legislature and duly signed by binding, you have no right to flout. Chairman of Air Peace Airline, Germany bailed out Lufthansa, the country’s biggest airline, with $10 the President. Despite the waivers granted to airlines on duties and Chief Allen Onyema expressed the frustration of the airline in an billion. VAT by this law, Customs still disobeys the laws of the country by event organized to receive its second brand new E195-E2 aircraft insisting that airlines should pay duties on new aircraft and spare recently. His words: “I want to thank the Minister of Aviation for The United Kingdom, following the same trend, gave over parts. the revolution he has brought in the industry. I want to thank the £1.8 billion pounds to four biggest airlines in the country—British President for removing custom duty on the importation of aircraft Airways, EasyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air to cushion the fallout of the We all know how important spare parts are to airlines, and which and removing Value Added Tax(VAT) from ticket fares. This lockdowns orchestrated by Covid-19. Ironically, in Nigeria—with are mostly sort abroad. In aviation industry, safety is of utmost President has done very well for the aviation industry by signing weak airlines, the aviation industry received paltry sum of N4 billion. importance. Recently, the aviation watchdog, NCCA, suspended into law these demands that we presented to him. This is like a drop of water in the desert. The amount is equivalent to AZMAN Airline from flying for alleged safety breaches. While the cost of one engine of Boeing 777! we commend NCCA for upholding its mandate, we should also “I plead with the Federal Government to talk to Customs Service. appreciate the dilemma airlines are facing today. What happens, They should try and feel the pulse of the President of this country Taking into consideration the fact that Nigeria is not as rich as for example, when AZMAN imports spare parts to service its jets and his regime. The customs knows very well that waivers have those countries mentioned above and its recessed economy could in order to avoid sledgehammer of NCCA and Customs impounds been signed into law, yet I have an aircraft on ground for over not afford such humongous bailout funds, the stakeholders in the those spare parts unlawfully and keep holding on to them in flagrant one month, an aircraft I pay over one million dollars of insurance aviation industry came together and made a proposal for waivers on violations of the law of the country? whether it flies or not. Customs duties and VAT, etc., in the form of a bill to the National Assembly. After painstaking deliberations cum legislative scrutiny, it This is exactly, albeit sadly, what Nigeria Customs is doing to Air “I pay over N490 million with a staff strength of over 3,000 people, was passed to provide lifeline for airlines in the country. President Peace Airline—the nation’s largest airline. Customs is insisting on yet our spare parts and engines will come into this country and Buhari, in his wisdom, and sound advice of Minister of Aviation, collecting duties and other charges, on spare parts bought by the customs had withheld them and giving us all manner of bills to pay. Hadi Seriki, signed it into law on 29th December, 2020. airline recently, even when there is already existing law giving the airlines reprieve in this regard. This is an act of impunity on the part But for the intervention of the Minister of Aviation, all the airlines This is not an executive order but a law that journeyed through of Customs Service. An agency of government should not be seen in the country would have shut down. Where does that leave the the hallowed chambers of National Assembly before it was assented assaulting the same law that birthed it. I certainly don’t know when economy of this country?” Chidiebere Nwobodo, [email protected]

16 TUESDAY MARCH 23, 2021 • T H I S D AY

TUESDAY MARCH 23, 2021 ˾
T H I S D AY 17 NEWS Ganduje, Bello Condemn Attack on Ortom Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Describing the attack on Ortom because life is life. Certainly, we’re Laleye Dipo in Minna as unfortunate, the governor worried because a governor is wondered if a state chief executive supposed to have some security The Kano State Governor, Dr. with security compliments could with him, let alone an ordinary Abdullahi Ganduje and his Niger be brazenly attacked, what man who has no security. So you State counterpart, Mr. Abubakar becomes of an ordinary citizen can see how serious the situation Sani Bello have condemned the in the street. is, but we believe we will come attack on the Benue State governor, over it.” Mr. Samuel Ortom. He expressed hope that with the new service chiefs settling On his part, Bello has described Ganduje yesterday disclosed down after their appointment, the the attack on the convoy of that his colleagues were really security situation in the country Ortom by suspected gunmen worried about last weekend would definitely change for the as a dangerous dimension in the attempt on the life of Ortom. better. already compounded insecurity challenges facing the country. Ganduje, who addressed According to him, “The attack is journalists after a closed-door unfortunate, but I believe with the Bello, who is the chairman of meeting with President appointment of new service chiefs, the North Central State Governors’ Muhammadu Buhari at the new strategy will be developed, Forum, stated this in a statement State House in Abuja, however, and I think the president has made available to journalists in submitted that Nigeria would always been serious on this issue, Minna, the state capital, yesterday. soon overcome the killings and but is rather unfortunate. other attacks associated with the He called on the federal security challenges experienced “Not only governors are being government to carry out a in the country. attacked, anybody who is attacked thorough investigation into the in Nigeria, one should be worried matter. Tetfund Warns 226 Beneficiary Institutions against Poor Service Delivery Kuni Tyessi in Abuja tertiary institutions would render its beneficiaries. dysfunctional services. Bogoro said: “We want to The Tertiary Education Trust Fund, (TETFund) has charged The Executive Secretary of achieve result as TETFund in line the 226 public tertiary institutions TETFund, Professor Suleiman with our mandate. However, this statutorily benefiting from its Bogoro, who stated this yesterday could be jeopardised if there are interventions to inculcate efficient in Abuja at a workshop organised dysfunctional in our beneficiary service delivery that would ensure by the fund for nodal officers and institutions. that Nigerian higher institutions directors of quality assurance of compete favourably with the best the 226 beneficiary institutions “The hallmark of the fund in the world. with the theme: “Building Skills is built on the bedrock of for Effective Service Delivery,” effectiveness and efficiency. The fund warned that its desire noted that the workshop was This is because of the to achieve results in line with its organised by the fund to engender anticipated impact we seek to mandate could be jeopardised if synergy between the agency and achieve in all our beneficiary institutions.”

18 T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY MARCH 23, 2021 POLITICS Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG Email [email protected] (08114495324 SMS ONLY) Endless Tussle for Imo North Senate Seat Can the Federal High Court ignore the Supreme Court ruling on a dispute or give an order on a matter still pending before the court? These are questions Davidson Iriekpen is seeking answers to in the tussle between Ifeanyi Ararume and Frank Ibezim for the Imo North senatorial district contest CJN Muhammad Ararume Ibezim The judiciary was virtually thrown judgments of the High Court and later the which erroneously conferred locus on Ararume as its candidate for the election. into palpable confusion last Thursday, Court of Appeal have conclusively disqualified had been voided by Supreme Court and cannot In a judgment, the Federal High Court rejected following two orders of the High Ibezim and therefore he cannot claim to be confer any advantage on the plaintiff. Courts over the tussle for Imo North an aspirant or candidate in the Imo North her prayers on the grounds that Ubah lacked senatorial district contest between senatorial election. Emma Osayomi, representing Ibezim, in the locus standi to have filed the suit. The Senator Ifeanyi Ararume and Sir Frank Ibezim. his own submissions, said that his client had court proceeded to disqualify Ibezim as the While Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High In opposing the suit, APC had told the court approached the Supreme Court to challenge party’s candidate and ordered INEC to accept Court in Abuja declared Ararume as winner that it never fielded him for the December 5, his disqualification on account of variation in Ararume as APC’s candidate for the by-election. of the December 5, 2020 senatorial district by- 2020, senatorial by-election for the senatorial his name. The counsel argued that as at the election in which the All Progressives Congress district. The party had, insisted that Senator election day, the name of his client was on the Both Ubah and Ibezim appealed the judgment (APC) was declared winner and ordered the Ararume lacked the locus standi to lay claim to INEC list and not that of Ararume and urged at the Court of Appeal, Owerri. While Ubah Independent National Electoral Commission the candidacy and urged the court to dismiss the court to dismiss Ararume’s claims and hold faulted the trial court for holding that she lacked (INEC) to issue him a Certificate of Return within his suit. that Ibezim remains the APC candidate. the requisite locus standi, Ibezim argued that his 72 hours from the delivery of the judgment, right to fair hearing was breached by the Federal an Imo State High Court in Owerri issued Ararume then dragged INEC, APC, and In all of these, many observers are wondering High Court, which ordered his disqualification another order of interim injunction restraining Ibezim before the Federal High Court praying what happened to the judgments of the Supreme in a suit in which he was not a party. the commission from recognising him as the for an order to compel INEC to recognise him Court that dismissed two appeals by Ararume winner of the election. as an APC senatorial candidate in the election on the same tussle? In the two appeals, he had In its judgments in both appeals, the Court won by the party. He claimed that Ibezim, having sought among others, to be made the candidate of Appeal, Owerri agreed that Ubah lacked the Although INEC had declared the APC winner been disqualified by a Federal High Court on of APC in the by-election. A five-man panel locus standi and also held that Ibezim’s right of the by-election, it did not return a candidate account of supplying false information to INEC of the court, headed by Justice Amina Augie, to fair hearing was breached. It proceeded to from the party. It hinged its decision on what to secure clearance and same disqualification in two judgments, affirmed the judgments of set aside all the orders disqualifying Ibezim it described as “several court orders” for and having been upheld by the Court of Appeal in the Court of Appeal, Owerri division, which and directing INEC to accept Ararume as the against the two major contenders. Abuja had knocked him (Ibezim) off from laying voided the proceedings and decisions in the candidate of the APC. any claim to the outcome of the by-election. suit filed by Lady Uchenna Onyeiwu Ubah Judicial analysts, however, view the order as before the Federal High Court in Owerri. Dissatisfied, Ararume appealed at the Supreme running contrary to an earlier judgment by the But, the APC, through its counsel, Osho Court, praying the court to among others, set Supreme Court on February 5, 2021, affirming Daudu asked the court to discountenance To properly understand this, Ubah had aside the decisions by the Court of Appeal and the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which Ararume’s claims insisting that his name was sued shortly after the APC’s primary election, restore the earlier judgment by the Federal had declared Ibezim as the authentic candidate never forwarded to INEC but that of Ibezim. preparatory to the December 5, 2020 by-election, High Court. of the APC for the by-election. praying the court to, among others, compel the The counsel submitted that a Federal High APC to submit the name of Ibezim to INEC The Supreme Court dismissed both appeals To the surprise of the people of the state, Court judgment delivered in Owerri, Imo State marked: SC/971/2020 and SC/972/2020 in two Justice Taiwo of the Federal High Court, in his unanimous judgments delivered on February 5. judgment delivered last Thursday, overruled the Counsel to Ararume told journalists after the court ruling apex court, stating that by a recent judgment that the judgments of the High Court and later the Court of The court said the judgments should be applied in a case marked CA/A/1085/2020 by the Appeal have conclusively disqualified Ibezim and therefore to the cross-appeal, marked: SC/1060/2020 filed Court of Appeal in Abuja, the 3rd defendant, he cannot claim to be an aspirant or candidate in the Imo Dr. Edith Chidinma Uwajimogu, in which Ibezim, remained disqualified. North senatorial election. In opposing the suit, APC had she sought to have Ararume declared as the told the court that it never fielded him for the December candidate of the APC. But same day, the Imo State High Court in 5, 2020, senatorial by-election for the senatorial district. Owerri quickly countered Justice Taiwo by an The party had, insisted that Senator Ararume lacked the Justice Tijani Abubakar, who prepared the order of interim injunction restraining INEC locus standi to lay claim to the candidacy and urged the lead judgments, said after reviewing all the from recognising Ararume as the winner of court to dismiss his suit. Ararume then dragged INEC, APC, arguments by parties and the records, the court the election and candidate of the APC. The and Ibezim before the Federal High Court praying for an found that the appeals were without merit. injunction also restrained INEC from issuing him order to compel INEC to recognise him as an APC senatorial a certificate of return or any other instrument candidate in the election won by the party. He claimed that Other members of the panel, Justices Augie, in his favour and respect of the said election Ibezim, having been disqualified by a Federal High Court on Uwani Abba-Aji, Samuel Oseji and Emmanuel pending the hearing and determination of the account of supplying false information to INEC to secure Agim, all agreed with the lead judgment. motion on notice in the suit. clearance and same disqualification having been upheld by the Court of Appeal in Abuja had knocked him (Ibezim) A day after the Supreme Court judgments, According to Justice E.O Agaba, the order off from laying any claim to the outcome of the by-election. the Court of Appeal in Abuja in another case followed an application by motion exparte But, the APC, through its counsel, Osho Daudu asked the marked CA/A/1085/2020 and filed by Ibezim brought before him by a member of the Imo court to discountenance Ararume’s claims insisting that against the judgment of the Federal High State working committee, Mr. Kelechi Soribe his name was never forwarded to INEC but that of Ibezim Court, Abuja on the senatorial tussle, upheld and five others against Ararume, INEC and his disqualification as the candidate of APC the APC. in the by-election. In the case before Justice Taiwo, without A three-man panel of the Court of Appeal, in citing the Supreme Court judgment delivered a unanimous judgment upheld the December on February 5, 2021, Ararume had, through his 4, 2020 judgment by Justice Inyang Ekwo of counsel asked the judge to invoke the judgments the Federal High Court, Abuja, to the effect of a Federal High Court marked FHC/ABJ/ that Ibezim submitted false information about CS/1229/2020 and that of an Appeal Court his age and academic qualification to INEC, marked CA/A/1085/2020 to disqualify Ibezim and was therefore not qualified to contest the and declare him as the rightful candidate for by-election held on December 5, 2020. APC. Justice Stephen Adah who read the panel’s Prior to the by-election held on December unanimous judgment, resolved the two issues 5, 2020, Ibezim and Ararume had fielded identified for determination against the appellant, themselves as APC candidates. saying that the finding of the trial Federal High Court was unassailable to warrant any Tunde Falola, who is the counsel to Ararume interference by the Court of Appeal. told journalists after the court ruling that the NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

TUESDAY MARCH 23, 2021 • T H I S D AY 19

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TUESDAY MARCH 23, 2021 • T H I S D AY 21

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T H I S D AY MARKET NEWS Shareholders to Receive N2.10 Dividend as CAP Plc’s Board Approve Results Goddy Egene and Allied Products (CAP) Plc, ended December 31, 2020. The The board also approved that the AFS be submitted to Commission and any other the 2020 audited financial the Nigerian Stock Exchange relevant regulator no later than has recommended a dividend recommended was made at the statements(AFS) and decided (NSE), Securities and Exchange March 31, 2021. Board of Director of Chemical of N2.10 per share for the year board’s meeting held yesterday. Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors. A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Bid Price: The price at which Investors vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the investment vehicle that allows both small and Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. return an investor would have earned on that willl generate their desired return. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their his investment. Money Market Funds report investments. The assets are divided into shares that Yield while others report Year- to-date Total An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Return. of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, NAV: Is value per share of the real estate bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDETO DATA: assets held by a REIT on a specific date. etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 19- shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Mar-2021, unless otherwise stated. DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Fund Name Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund Nigeria Entertainment Fund Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 100.00 100.00 0.98% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 152.77 100.00 154.27 -5.57% 127.10 127.63 17.97% Nigeria International Debt Fund Afrinvest Dollar Fund 350.05 100.00 3.74% GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD 109.86 Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 350.05 -12.05% Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name ACAP Canary Growth Fund 109.86 -1.97% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Income Funds AIICO CAPITAL LTD [email protected] GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] AIICO Money Market Fund 1.03 1.04 14.54% AIICO Balanced Fund 0.65 0.65 -11.04% Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.82% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.67 2.73 16.47% Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% 100.00 Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 3.29 100.00 2.40% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 153.06 153.43 -1.54% 3.45 -7.18% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD 1.08 1.08 5.17% [email protected] fi[email protected] Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 0.38% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1.35 1.37 -1.38% Anchoria Equity Fund 126.16 127.59 -5.10% 1,143.21 1,143.21 1.76% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.14 1.14 -14.29% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD [email protected] Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 18.06 18.60 -0.42% N/A N/A N/A ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 401.48 413.58 0.28% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] ARM Ethical Fund 35.30 36.36 4.71% Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.20 1.20 -2.00% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.04 1.05 -6.88% PACAM Balanced Fund 1.59 1.62 7.49% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.78% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.24 AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 12.36 0.04% Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com [email protected] PACAM Equity Fund 1.53 Fund Name PACAM EuroBond Fund 109.58 10.00 1.74% AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM CAPITAL LIMITED 1.55 -2.92% Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name 103.14 103.14 1.41% 112.29 0.16% [email protected] [email protected] Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 121.40 122.25 -3.78% 125.66 127.81 3.84% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.34% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD [email protected] CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED [email protected] Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 3.31% CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.04 2.04 -24.86% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.15 2.20 -18.17% Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,096.21 3,119.85 -3.74% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 227.24 227.24 1.06% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.13 1.14 -3.81% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 297.76 297.76 1.05% Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 2.97% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 207.21 209.81 -5.17% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.84% Paramount Equity Fund 15.36 15.65 -3.93% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund -8.50% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 9,608.86 9,731.49 1.28% Women's Investment Fund 130.61 132.04 -1.89% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 1.24 1.24 1.54% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] 112.79 112.79 Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 2.06% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 126.71 127.59 UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 110.42 110.42 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT [email protected] United Capital Balanced Fund 1.31 1.33 -4.09% Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 United Capital Bond Fund 1.91 1.91 1.23% United Capital Equity Fund 0.87 0.89 0.82% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.86% Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 0.82% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.15 1.16 -4.41% United Capital Eurobond Fund 118.64 118.64 1.33% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.45 1.45 -8.24% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.06 1.08 -2.25% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.02 1.02 2.44% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD [email protected] Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 2.09% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 1.94% Zenith Equity Fund 11.95 12.05 0.69% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,162.86 1,166.63 -3.06% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.26 13.37 8.49% Zenith Income Fund 24.22 24.22 1.02% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.00% Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,350.27 1,350.27 5.40% REITS FBN Balanced Fund 181.49 182.74 -3.30% Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn SFS Skye Shelter Fund 121.90 0.96% FBN Halal Fund 110.27 110.27 4.63% Union Homes REIT 52.85 0.86% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 2.41% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 0.00% EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 0.00 0.00 FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 123.87 123.87 2.81% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 12.17 FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 146.81 148.71 -2.89% Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund 115.48 12.27 -7.91% SIAML Pension ETF 40 91.13 FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED [email protected] Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund 115.48 -5.14% VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Bid Price Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 92.84 -8.29% Fund Name Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn [email protected] Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.37% Legacy Debt Fund 3.90 3.90 0.90% Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Equity Fund 1.52 1.56 -0.02% Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 3.73 3.77 -1.24% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.53 1.15 17.73% Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 5.28 5.36 -7.16% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD [email protected] Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 16.40 16.50 0.44% Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1.00 1.00 0.42% Vetiva Money Market Fund 18.63 18.83 -9.16% Coral Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 177.74 179.74 -19.54% Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn INFRASTRUCTURE FUND FSDH Treasury Bills Fund N/A N/A N/A 107.40 13.11% Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

LAWYER A WEEKLY PULLOUT 23.03.2021 HON. OLABODE RHODES-VIVOUR JSC AT 70, OLABODE RHODES-VIVOUR, JSC TAKES HIS LEAVE

2/DASHBOARD 23.03.2021 LAWYER Striking Out or A WEEKLY PULLOUT 23.03.2021 Transferring an Ac- tion to the Appropri- HON. OLABODE RHODES-VIVOUR JSC ate Court AT 70, OLABODE PAGE 4 RHODES-VIVOUR, JSC TAKES HIS LEAVE Nigeria-Born Canadian Lawyer Bags QC in QUOTABLES Canada PAGE 5 'In Kaduna, everywhere, kidnapping.....Today, they kidnap 100 students, in the next 48 hours Okpeku Family they are released; in the next 24 hours, 200 are Cries for Justice kidnapped, in the next 10 hours they are released.... PAGE 5 What is going on? Who is deceiving who?..... What are you telling Nigerians? That the security Adegboruwa architecture is right?....We are playing games.' - Raises Alarm Ezenwo Nyesom Wike CON, GSSRS, POS, About Health of Lawyer, Life Bencher, Governor, Rivers State, American Lady in Federal Republic of Nigeria Police Custody PAGE 5 ‘People should understand. These people we are dealing with, are not ideologically inclined. They are not a group that is seeking either government recognition, or are not happy with the Government and want a new system. These are people who are driven, essentially by criminal- ity.’ - Aminu Bello Masari, Governor, Katsina State, Federal Republic of Nigeria

23.03.2021 /3 For Rt. Hon. ‘Icheoku’ Wase Where exactly should I start? Our dear country, they are outside the country, is simply nothing at 385 per Ogunbiyi JCA (as she then “BABATUNDE FASHOLA Nigeria seems to be an ongoing Nollywood short of being asinine, when we are all aware was) defining a constitutional right thus: “..... GOT PRESIDENTIAL series plagued with new dramas each passing that aside from having relatives at home, is that inherently provided and which APPROVAL TO IMPORT day. When I was a child, I used to find a the world has shrunk and become a global cannot by any act or stretch or reasoning WEAPONS FOR HIS particular television comedy series - \"Icheoku\" village because of technology. The sooner be taken away, without a constructive STATE..... THESE ARE THE quite hilarious. It was set in the colonial era, our Legislators realise their role - that they laid down legal due process of the law”. TYPES OF INITIATIVES WE somewhere in the Eastern part of Nigeria. The are the third arm of government, elected by My advice is that all law makers should at WANT TO HEAR OF, NOT Judge was a British man (a very poor imitation the people as our representatives to protect least, bother to familiarise themselves with THE CONSTANT WHINING of a British man I might add, from the nasty our interests (See Sections 4, 88 & 89 of the Constitution which is the grundnorm, THAT GOVERNORS DO wig he adorned to look like a white man with the of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal before they publicly disgrace themselves with NOT HAVE CONTROL silky hair, and his Ibo accent which sounded Republic of Nigeria (as amended in 2018) outlandish utterances. OVER THEIR STATE nothing like a British one), who required the (the Constitution), a check and balance on POLICE COMMISSIONERS. assistance of a court interpreter to act as an the other arms of government, and not an Firearms Amendment Bill 2021 THEY HAVE CONTROL intermediary between him and the locals, extension, protector or stooge of the Executive, As for the Firearms Amendment Bill 2021 OVER THEIR SECURITY since he did not understand the lbo language the better for all of us. aka Licence to kill Act (LKA), I have not VOTE - LET THEM USE IT and the natives did not understand English. had the benefit of reading the full text of it, JUDICIOUSLY” The British Judge made use of a native man, Fundamental Rights only the snippets which were publicised. It who - I’m not sure whether it was that he For the avoidance of doubt, Section 25 of is probably another knee-jerk, fire brigade same because of foreknowledge. I would have had a limited understanding of the English the Constitution (and other provisions too) response to the level of insecurity Nigerians imagined that by now, all roads, especially language, or that he did it deliberately to clearly define who a Nigerian citizen is or are currently facing. At any rate, we already from places like Benue, Borno, Yobe, Niger, intimidate and oppress the people, as well can be, and nowhere in that provision does it have the Firearms Act 2004 (FA) which is Kaduna and so on, would lead to countries as for his own personal gain - but either mention that the rights of a citizen are limited permissive enough, allowing those who are like Israel. Government, both Federal and way, he would misinterpret what the Judge or curtailed by the fact that such citizen resides 18 and above to apply for a firearms licence State, cannot just sit down twiddling their said to the litigants and vice-versa, and the outside the country. As far as I know, the (Sections 2 & 3 of the FA), though Section thumbs, while encouraging parents to continue people would have no choice but to accept Constitution does not even exclude Nigerians 7(2) provides that an applicant must have a to endanger their children’s lives by sending the harsh decisions despite their misgivings who reside outside the country from voting. cogent reason for wanting to own a firearm. them to schools which are totally unsecured, and objections. Like the present-day people It is just that, the absentee voting system has In fact, I was taken aback when I discovered making them sitting ducks and pawns in this of Nigeria, you would often hear the natives not been introduced here yet (unlike countries that Section 7(2))(a) of the FA allows a 17 year horrible game. who were present in the courtroom during like America where people can vote from old to obtain a gun licence or permit, even the proceedings, shouting in protest when outside the country, and those within the though a 17 year old is not eligible to vote! These are some of the issues that the National the Interpreter conveyed ‘pronouncements’ country can even vote by post). It could be that one of the main differences Assembly should be concentrating on and of the Judge to the litigants. Whether it was between the FA and LKA, is that the need questioning the Governors about, instead a case of a little knowledge is a dangerous Nigerians in the diaspora contribute to our to give a cogent reason to own a firearm has of wasting time enacting useless laws. As thing, or that of selfishness and a total of GDP and foreign exchange earnings in no been dispensed with, and self-defence may be Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola lack of concern for the plight of others on small measure through their remittances; and the new omnibus condition which does not got Presidential approval to import weapons the part of the Interpreter, the litigants ended as much as this is very well acknowledged have to be proven specifically, instead - this for his State, and they were then given to up being the losers! and appreciated by us all, it plays second will be revealed when we see the full text the Lagos State Command to utilise for the fiddle to their fundamental rights as Nigerians of the LKA, benefit of the people of Lagos. At the time, Nigerian Diaspora guaranteed by Chapter IV of the Constitu- the crime rate reduced drastically. These are The Deputy Speaker of the House of Rep- tion, more particularly pertaining to this In a country which has been declared to the types of initiatives we want to hear of, resentatives, Hon. Ahmed Wase, reminded matter - their rights to freedom of thought, be the poverty capital of the world, where not the constant whining that Governors me of the Interpreter in Icheoku - nonchalant expression and association as provided by the level of insecurity and criminality is do not have control over their State Police about the displaced people of Benue State Sections 38(1), 39(1) & 40 of the Constitution unprecedented, and part of the reason for Commissioners. They have control over their who have suffered so badly as a result of the respectively. In other words, it goes without this is poverty and desperation, what we need Security Vote - let them use it judiciously. farmer/herder crisis - when he ignorantly saying that Nigerians in the diaspora have the is gun control, not everybody being able to blurted out that Nigerians in the diaspora right to petition if they so desire, whether or walk into Shoprite to buy a gun! Why would have no right to bring a petition before the not their group is registered. See the case of Hon. Adeogun, the sponsor of the LKA believe House of Representatives (on this or any Olufunmilayo Ransome-Kuti & 3 Ors v that the best way to fight the insecurity we other issue I would imagine), because they AGF, Chief of Army Staff & 7 Ors 1985 are facing, is to arm angry, anguished people do not live here and do not know what is 2 N.W.L.R. Part 6 Page 211 at 230 where with gusto and relish? In a country such as happening here! That is the most absurd and the Apex Court held that a fundamental right ours, arming every adult with such ease would embarrassing statement I have heard lately, is one “which stands above the ordinary be a terrible idea. Sections 14(2)(b) and 17(3) and it is worse coming from a supposed law laws of the land, and which are in fact, (c) of the Constitution hold the Government maker who should obviously know better. antecedent to the political society itself”. responsible for the security, safety and welfare See also Imonikhe v AG Bendel State of Nigerians, not individuals, unlike the USA If they are not relevant to the scheme of 1992 23 N.S.C.C. Part II Page 480 at 491 where the right to keep and bear arms is a things in Nigeria, why did this administration per Nnameka-Agu JSC where his Lordship constitutional right (2nd Amendment). Again, establish the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, stated thus: “Any act which infringes or would individuals be licensed to carry AK headed by Hon. Abike Dabiri? Does Hon. runs contrary to those organic principles 47s? Because, if they are only allowed to bear Wase not know that being in the diaspora or systems (in the Constitution), is said rifles and pistols, by the time the bearer of a simply means that though these Nigerians to be unconstitutional”. Also see the case rifle has shot once, 10 bandits would have reside outside the country, they very much of R. Benkay (Nig) Ltd v Cadbury (Nig) shot 10 times each - 100 to 1! Invariably, other identify with Nigeria? Don’t the Nigerians Plc 2006 6 N.W.LR. Part 976 Page 338 petty criminals will use such weapons against abroad have families here? According to citizens to rob etc, because it is impossible to Nairametrics, between January and November defend yourself with a manual firearm against 2019, Nigerian diaspora direct remittances an automatic one. In fact, it is a death wish amounted to a whopping $17.5 billion! Could to try to come up against a machine gun it be that Hon. Wase is suffering from such with a ‘shakabula’ - the chances of survival a level of benightedness akin to that of the would be higher, if a victim hid under the Interpreter (assuming that the Interpreter only bed to avoid the armed bandits and their had a limited grasp of the English language more sophisticated firearms! and therefore, was unable to understand let alone interpret accurately), or that he cares Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Suggestions more about the interests and reputation of Hon. Ahmed Wase Why can’t many of our unemployed graduates the Federal Government than the misfortunes who are willing to join the Forces, be trained of those who have been displaced in Benue and armed? As it is, Nigeria is faraway from State and unable to return to their ancestral fulling the UN recommended ratio of Police land (in this case, a deliberate attempt by to citizens. Can they not be trained by outfits the Interpreter to pursue his own interests, like the GSG 9 elite Police Tactical Unit of the over and above that of the people)? Either German Police Force or the SWAT Team of way, such level of unconcern, cluelessness USA? What are the Governors doing with and gormlessness displayed by such a high their ‘secret’ Security Vote? Should they not ranking elected representative of the people and have invested in the purchase of sophisticated decision maker, can spell nothing but doom drones, technology and equipment, especially for Nigeria. Do Hon. Wase and many like to monitor all the schools in their various him, even understand their role as members States, since they have become targets? With of the National Assembly, especially their the deployment of such equipment, they would oversight functions? be aware of any impending attack before they take place, and will be better prepared to repel To decide that Nigerians in the diaspora do not know what is going on here because

4/LAW REPORT Striking Out or Transferring an Action to the Appropriate Court Facts Honourable John Inyang Okoro, JSC Court’s Judgement and Rationale The Appellant was an employee of the Respondents, until In resolving the Preliminary Objection raised by the Respondent his dismissal from the service of the Respondents on 12th In the Supreme Court of Nigeria and argued by respective counsel for the parties, the court March 2009. He filed an action challenging his dismissal at Holden at Abuja reiterated the well settled position of law that a ground the Federal High Court, Maiduguri Judicial Division. The of appeal must challenge the ratio of the decision suit was later transferred, to the Yola Judicial Division of On Friday, the 18th day of December, 2020 and must not be formulated in abstract, and in the the Federal High Court. Hearing commenced in the suit on same vein, issues for determination must arise from 12th July, 2011 and as at this time, the Federal High Court Before Their Lordships a competent ground of appeal. had been divested of jurisdiction to entertain employment Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili and labour related matters, by virtue of an amendment to The Respondent’s grouse on the issue of transfer of the the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. Olukayode Ariwoola suit to the National Industrial Court which they alleged By the Third Alteration Act 2010, Section 254(c)(1)(a) vested Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun was never mentioned or ventilated at the Court of Appeal, the National Industrial Court with exclusive jurisdiction was misconceived as the record of appeal showed that the over all matters relating to employment and labour. The John Inyang Okoro said issue was raised suo motu by the learned Justices of Third Alteration Act, 2010 took effect from 4th March, 2011. Chima Centus Nweze the Court of Appeal, who called on both counsel to address The trial court however, continued hearing of the suit, and the court on same. The Appellant also made extensive eventually dismissed the claims of the Appellant. Justices, Supreme Court submissions on this issue and urged the court to invoke SC.535/2014 Section 15 of the Court of Appeal Act and transfer the suit The Appellant filed an appeal, at the Court of Appeal. At to the National Industrial Court, in the event that it finds the hearing of the appeal, the appellate court, suo motu, Between that the trial court lacked jurisdiction. The court held that it raised the issue of jurisdiction of the Federal High Court was evident that the refusal of the Court of Appeal to to entertain the suit, and invited the parties to address it. MUSA ISMAILA MAIGANA APPELLANT transfer the Appellant’s suit to the National Industrial After hearing the arguments of counsel for the parties, the And RESPONDENT Court was the substratum of the Appellant’s appeal court delivered its judgement in which it struck out the before the Supreme Court; hence, the issue of transfer proceedings and judgement of the Federal High Court, and 1. INDUSTRIAL TRAINING FUND of the suit to the National Industrial Court cannot be the appeal that emanated therefrom, on the ground that 2. INDUSTRIAL TRAINING FUND said to be a new issue which required leave of court. the trial court wrongly assumed jurisdiction to determine The court thereby, overruled the Preliminary Objection. the suit. GOVERNING COUNCIL On the sole issue for determination, the Supreme Court Aggrieved, the Appellant appealed to the Supreme Court. (Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable John Inyang held that by Section 22(3) of the Federal High Court Okoro, JSC) Act and Order 49 Rule 5 of the applicable Federal Issue for Determination High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2009, where a suit In its determination of the appeal, the Supreme Court the trial court to have entertained the matter, in view of over which the Federal High Court lacks jurisdiction is considered the following sole issue: the provision of Section 254(c)(1) of the 1999 Constitution. filed before it, the Federal High Court has the power He contended that it was therefore, not a new issue that to transfer the suit to either the State High Court or Whether having regard to the provisions of Section 22(2) required the leave of court first sought and obtained. the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory as of the Federal High Court Act Cap. F12 Vol. 6 LFN 2004 the case may be. Although the said Sections did not and Section 15 of the Court of Appeal Act Cap C36, Vol. “.....SECTION 24(3) OFTHE mention National Industrial Court, this did not affect 4 LFN 2004, the Court of Appeal was right in striking out NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL COURT its applicability in respect of matters involving the the Appellant’s suit, after holding that the trial court had ACTFORBIDSTHE STRIKING OUT National Industrial Court, because the Federal High no jurisdiction to entertain the suit. OF ITS MATTERS PENDING INTHE Court Act was enacted long before the Third Alteration FEDERAL, STATES AND FEDERAL Act, 2010 which vested exclusive jurisdiction in the Arguments CAPITALTERRITORYHIGH COURTS. National Industrial Court, came into force. Apart from Counsel for the Appellant argued that by Section 22(2) RATHER,THATSUCH MATTERS this, Section 24(3) of the National Industrial Court of the Federal High Court Act, the Federal High Court SHALL BETRANSFERREDTOTHE Act forbids the striking out of its matters pending in is empowered to transfer any matter it discovers it has NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL COURT the Federal, States and Federal Capital Territory High no jurisdiction to entertain, to another court of competent HAVINGTHE JURISDICTIONTOTRY Courts. Rather, that such matters shall be transferred jurisdiction. He submitted that had the issue of jurisdic- SAME” to the National Industrial Court having the jurisdiction tion been raised at the trial court, the court would have to try same. legitimately transferred the suit to the National Industrial Court by virtue of the provision of Section 24(3) of the The court held that it was clear from the wordings of National Industrial Court Act. He relied on the case of Section 24(3) of the National Industrial Court Act, that the ASSOCIATED DISCOUNT HOUSES LTD v AMAL- intention of the legislature is to preserve suits pending GAMATED TRUSTEES LIMITED (2006) 10 NWLR before the various Federal and State High Courts prior (Pt. 989) 635 at 649, Par. A-H. to when the Third Alteration Act, 2010 was passed into law. Section 22(2) of the Federal High Court Act and Counsel submitted further that, having found out that Section 24(3) of the National Industrial Court Act aimed the trial court had been divested of jurisdiction by the 3rd at avoiding a miscarriage of justice to a party who, after Alteration Act, the lower court ought to have invoked its commencing an action before the Federal High Court or powers under Section 15 of the Court of Appeal Act and the High Court of a State or the Federal Capital Territory, made an order transferring the suit to the National Industrial would have his case thrown out after they were divested Court, to enable the parties ventilate their grievances and of jurisdiction to entertain the action. Furthermore, the the case decided on the merit. provisions save a matter from being caught by the stat- ute of limitation which may arise due to no fault of the In the Respondents’ joint Brief of Argument, counsel Plaintiff, but as a result of an intervening event such as for the Respondents raised a Preliminary Objection to the amendment of the Constitution after commencing the the competence of the issues raised in the Appellant’s action - ASSOCIATED DISCOUNT HOUSES LTD ground of Appeal. The basis of the objection was that v AMALGAMATED TRUSTEES LIMITED (supra); the said issues relating to the transfer of the suit, raised in GAFAR v THE GOVERNMENT OF KWARA STATE the grounds of appeal and argued by the Appellant, were (2007) 4 NWLR (Pt. 1024) 375 and AMC v NPA entirely new issues which were never canvassed before the (1987) 1 NWLR (Pt. 51) 475 at 504. trial court or the Court of Appeal. They contended that the Appellant ought to have sought the leave of court before The court held that inasmuch as the Court of Appeal raising the said issues, and since no leave was first sought was right that where a court lacks jurisdiction to try and obtained, the Notice of Appeal as well as the grounds a matter, it has a duty to strike it out, it is also trite of appeal and issue raised therein, were all incompetent. that that where the law provides that such a matter be transferred to a court which has jurisdiction, the In response to the arguments of counsel for the Appellant on court should apply the provision accordingly. The the sole issue for determination, counsel for the Respondents Apex Court held that the Court of Appeal ought to have submitted that where a court has no jurisdiction to try a invoked Section 15 of the Court of Appeal Act to transfer matter, the only order it can make is one striking out the the suit to the National Industrial Court after holding that suit, and not an order of transfer. He relied on FASAKIN the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain it, FOODS NIG. LTD v SHOSANYA (2006) 10 NWLR instead of striking it out. (Pt. 987) 126 at 147 – 148 PAR. H-A. By his position, there was nothing for the Court of Appeal to transfer, Appeal Allowed. Appellant’s suit restored and transferred and the Court of Appeal was right to have declared the to the National Industrial Court. proceedings before the Federal High Court, Yola a nullity and struck the same out since it was conducted without Representation jurisdiction. Chief L.D. Daniel Nzadon with others for the Appellant. Replying to the Respondents’ Preliminary Objection, counsel D.A. Machar Esq. for the Respondents. for the Appellant submitted the issue of transfer of the suit was thoroughly canvassed by the Appellant before Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, Publishers the lower court, and determined by the court. He argued of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR)(An that the grounds of Appeal and the sole issue formulated affiliate of Babalakin & Co.) from same, came about as a result of the issue being raised suo motu by the Court of Appeal on the jurisdiction of

23.03.2021 NEWS/5 Nigeria-Born Canadian Lawyer Bags QC in Canada Stories by Steve Anya Foluke Oyedeji-Laosebikan, QC General, the Chief Justice University, Ile-Ife in Ni- of the Court of Appeal geria. She obtained LLB, Foluke Oyedeji-Laosebi- She is well-deserving of Queen’s Counsel ap- Committee consisting of for Saskatchewan or LLM and PhD degrees in kan, has been elevated Saskatchewan’s Minister the Chief Justice of the Nigeria and South African to Queen’s Counsel in the Queen’s Counsel pointments are based on of Justice and Attorney/ Court of Queen’s Bench universities. She was also Saskatchewan, Canada. and the past Presidents of a Professor for a period designation”. recommendations from a the Saskatchewan branch of time in South Africa, Foluke Oyedeji-Laose- of the Canadian Bar As- prior to moving to Melfort bikan is the proprietor sociation and the Law in 2004. of FLK Law Firm in Society of Saskatchewan. Melfort, and presently the Responding to her President of Law Society Individuals must live in achievements, Laosebikan of Saskatchewan, Canada. Saskatchewan, Canada said “I hope to be able and must have practiced to contribute to mov- In a statement, the law for at least 10 years ing the Law Society of Minister of Justice and in the superior courts of Saskatchewan forward, Attorney- General for any province or territory and continue to make Saskatchewan, Gordon of Canada, the United sure everyone has access Wyant said: “I am pleased Kingdom or Ireland. to justice these coming to recognise Dr. Laosebi- years, as well as to always kan for her commitment Laosebikan started prac- be innovative, listening to the legal community, ticing in Canada in 2011. and adapting so that and her dedication as 6KHÀQLVKHGKHUVHFRQGDU\\ the work that we do is the President of the Law school from Moremi High relevant and practical”. Society of Saskatchewan. School, Obafemi Awolowo Okpeku Family Cries for Justice The Okpeku Family has called Late Emmanuel Okpeku who was supposedly expected as he was told that the unit thus far, and his overall physical deeply saddened that such on the Government and law exactly was wrong with Uhi, by the Local Government Focal had closed for the day, and so condition, arrangements were conclusion can be reached and enforcement agencies, to thor- and the treatment required. He Person could not be attended he and his friend had to stay made for Uhi to be taken to broadcasted, in the absence oughly investigate the mysterious however, mentioned to Ose to at the Warri Central Hospital at a hotel. A family member Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Benin of any medical support. death of their son, Uhiosanobua Okpeku that Uhi displayed funded the bill as well, as we where he was admitted and 8. The Covid test result from Emmanuel Okpeku at the some symptoms of Covid -19 have the proof of transfer of another Covid-19 test was Benin is now out, and it shows National Maritime University, and that they were sending him funds. Uhi’s sample and that conducted. The result had not that Uhi did not contact Okerenkoko Delta State. to Central Hospital Warri for of his friend were taken on the come out as at 7th March, 2021 Covid-19 as alleged by the Covid-19 test. Realising that he 4th of March, and they were when Uhi passed on. NMU. The family has since The University authorities has was being sent unaccompanied asked to leave. 5. Contrary to the assertion of been requesting for the result of claimed in a press statement on a two-hour boat ride, his 3. The NMU asserted that Uhi NMU, the family arranged for the test from Central Hospital issued on March 12, 2021, uncle insisted that he ought to and his friend abandoned the Uhi to be transferred to Benin, Warri, and against all known that Uhiosanobua Emmanuel be accompanied by a medical drugs that Uhi was given, at the and paid all the medical bills protocols was informed that Okpeku, a promising 20-year-old personnel from the Health jetty. This is not only ridiculous at Stella Obasanjo Hospital. the test result had been sent Nigerian died on 7th March, Centre. When the Health but beggars’ common sense, as 6. With the sudden turn of directly to a doctor at the 2021 after falling ill while in Centre was not forthcoming, NMU had none of its medical events, the family requested for NMU. the custody of the NMU. In his friend volunteered to go personnel in attendance. The a post mortem examination to 9.It is our candid belief that the press release signed by the with him. If his friend had absence of a medical personnel determine the cause of death, the management of NMU Registrar of the NMU, Dr. Alfred not so volunteered, Uhi would on this medical trip is even while the NMU made a press is playing games with the Mulade, the NMU inferred have had to make that 2-hour more disturbing considering release on 12th March, 2021, family and are orchestrating that Uhi was diagnosed with boat journey alone, in a very the state Uhi was in physically, same date Uhi was buried, a grand plot to cover-up the Covid-19 symptoms, and that bad condition, both physically and otherwise having been claiming that he died from circumstances that led to the they followed Covid-19 protocols and psychologically. This we seriously unwell and unable Covid-19 complications. avoidable death of Uhi, in a bid in responding to the situation dare say, is against all known to eat for three days. 7. As at the time the NMU to avoid the legal consequences until the eventual death of our patient care protocol. 4. When the family made an released the aforementioned of their negligence and breach beloved Uhi. 2. Contrary to NMU’s claim assessment of the way things press statement, the Covid-19 of duty of care in the way that arrangement was made were looking, considering the test results were not out. and manner Uhi’s illness was The family of the deceased for Uhi to go to Warri and little or no care he had received The family is shocked and managed by the NMU. however, refuted the claim, and land in the waiting hands pointed out that facts show that of the Local Government Adegboruwa Raises Alarm About Health of American the hierarchy of the NMU acted Focal Person, it was a family Lady in Police Custody negligently in responding to the member who provided the medical situation reported by funds required to transport Human Rights Activist, Ebun- Autopsy report into the death Chief Judge, Federal High Lagos State Commissioner of Uhi. Uhi and his friend from the Olu Adegboruwa, SAN has has consistently shown that he Court, J.T. Tsoho Police, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu, University Health Centre to raised an alarm concerning died of cardiac trauma and execution and perfection of the WRXVHKLVJRRGR΀FHVWRGLUHFW The Okpeku family in a press Warri. Upon arriving Warri on the deteriorating health of heart related conditions, and bail papers, Kari Ann was told the immediate release of Kari statement stated that :- 3rd March, 2021, the same Uhi anAmerican lady in Police that Kari Ann is not in any to pack her belongings which Ann, so that she can attend 1. Uhi fell ill on 28th February, custody, Kari Ann R’ouke. way connected with the death she did, only to be told later to her health urgently. Her 2021 and visited the MNU This is coming on the heels or suspected of any foul play on to go back into custody. international passport has al- Health Centre on the 1st of of the expectation that Kari in any manner whatsoever. ready been seized by the Police, March. He returned on the Ann would be released from It is on this basis that Adeg- and a reputable church has 2nd of March as he was not custody on March 19, 2021, Kari Ann has been in police boruwa has appealed to the volunteered to accommodate feeling any better, and was in XSRQ WKH IXOÀOPHQW RI DOO custody since March 9, 2021, at Kari Ann in Nigeria until such very bad shape. He was therein her bail conditions and the SCID, Panti, Yaba, where she a time that the Police will be admitted. His family was not acceptance of her surety. has lost about 23 pounds and willing to allow her travel back aware until 3rd of March, 2021, VXͿHUHGERXWVRIPDODULDDQG to her home State in America. when his uncle, Ose Okpeku In a press release in Lagos dysentery. She has a delicate Adegboruwa is concerned that who is resident in Lagos, made today, Adegboruwa stated that health condition of severe the Police are keeping Kari Ann a random call to him during he is scared that something anaemia, for which she is due in perpetual custody for well which he informed his uncle devastating may happen to for comprehensive medical treat- over one month, without any that he was at the Health Centre Kari Ann, if she is not released ment in America. On March charge before any court of law. and in very bad shape, as he forthwith. It would be recalled 19, 2021, responsible sureties He stated further that in this had been unable to eat and that Kari Ann was arrested visited the SCID in Yaba, to sign period of the Coronavirus had attendant pains and fever. by the Lagos State Police all documents for the expected pandemic, it is not safe for any Questions posed by his uncle Command, in respect of the release of Kari Ann, with her one of Kari Ann’s age with her as to the symptoms he had and death of her friend that she Lawyers, who all spent hours underlying health condition, to the treatment he had received met online and whom she left at the Police department till late be kept in Police custody for and the answers by Uhi which in good health at the time of in the night, when they were DQLQGHÀQLWHSHULRGRIWLPH were alarming, compelled Ose her departure to the airport. later informed to go. Upon the Okpeku to request to speak with the medical personnel on duty at the said time. The said medical personnel was unable to provide any sense of direction as to what

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8/COVER 23.03.2021 At 70, Olabode Rhodes- The Nigerian Judiciary has had its fair share of astute and sagacious Jurists, one of them being Honourable Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour CFR who retired from the Supreme Court yesterday, March 22nd, 2021, having attained the mandatory retirement age of 70. Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, Chief Judge of Borno State, Hon. Justice Kashim Zannah, Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN and Alex Muoka eulogise this quintessential judicial titan, as they take us through the highlights of his illustrious career, from his humble beginnings as a Pupil Counsel at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice in 1976, to his appointment as a High Court Judge in February 1994, his elevation to the Court of Appeal in April 2005, his secondment by the Federal Government of Nigeria while he was still a Justice of the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone in 2008, culminating in him reaching the pinnacle of the career of a Nigerian Judge on his appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on September 16, 2010. Certainly, Rhodes-Vivour, JSC will go down in the history of Nigeria for his landmark judgement in Ukeje v Ukeje, in which his Lordship declared as being unconstitutional, the patently repugnant Igbo custom of disinheriting a woman. We congratulate his Lordship on the attainment of his Platinum Anniversary, thank him for his service to our dear country, and wish him the very best as he begins a new chapter in his life What Manner of Man is of them - post judgement, and I usually Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, gave him my candid opinion. CFR, JSC? Given the incumbency of our antecedents Chief Wole Olanipekun, OFR, SAN and relationship, I would describe the Honourable Justice Olabode Rhodes- All men are bound by invisible strings. Vivour as a bosom friend, a brilliant These strings, hard as iron and flexible like Lawyer, a sound Judge qua Justice, a the wind, tie themselves around us from gentleman who knows himself; and a birth, and stay with us till our departure devoted father and husband. from this earthly plane. Jointly and sever- ally, by virtue of their genetic fibre, they Hon. Olabode Rhodes-Vivour JSC Congratulations constitute a sedimentary accumulation of As he descends from the Bench, nay, our experiences, beliefs, propulsions, ethos, become the Director of Public Prosecu- from public service, having spent 16 pathos and quintessence; and within that tion (DPP), before his appointment as a years as a Law Officer and 27 years structure, they nourish us, guide us, urge Judge of the Lagos State High Court, in adjudication, we heartily congratulate us on, caution us, but most of all, they I forayed into private legal practice, him for a very robust and successful form the pith, nucleus and character of and have remained there ever since. I career; and rejoice with him that despite our decision-making stratosphere. Either have always been fascinated by his rise all the vicissitudes of life, particularly in by providence or spiritual fixation, or and ascendancy on the Bench; from the a climate like ours which is beclouded even by coincidence or otherwise, people High Court where he was appointed by inclement weather, he is being pulled are bound to meet, associate, collaborate, as a Judge on 18th February, 1994; out with pomp and pageantry. Now, in relate, and, in the process, either become through to the Court of Appeal where retirement, he will have much time for friends or acquaintances. he became an appellate Justice on 25th his darling wife, loving children and April, 2005; and finally berthing at the beautiful grandchildren. Providential Fixation “...... I WOULD DESCRIBE Supreme Court, where he was sworn Thus, by what I would classify as provi- THE HONOURABLE in as a Justice of the apex court on 16th I wish him well in retirement. dential fixation, I was a Law student JUSTICE OLABODE September, 2010. He is due to retire Chief Wole Olanipekun, OFR, SAN, at the Faculty of Law, University of RHODES-VIVOUR AS from the highest court in the land on LL.D, FCIArb., FNIALS Lagos, between 1972 and 1975; and, A BOSOM FRIEND, A 25th March, 2021, at which time, he at the same time, by the same sequence BRILLIANT LAWYER, would have spent a cumulative period Normalising Law and of divine gesticulation, a tall, handsome A SOUND JUDGE QUA of 11 years at the pinnacle of Nigeria’s Justice: The Call of and athletically built Olabode Rhodes- JUSTICE, A GENTLEMAN adjudicatory organogram. Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, Vivour was also conspicuously a Law WHO KNOWS HIMSELF; JSC student at the same Faculty of Law, AND A DEVOTED FATHER On numerous occasions, and in respect of but a year ahead of me, having entered AND HUSBAND” very sensitive cases and causes, I appeared Hon. Justice Kashim Zannah the University in 1971. We were not as counsel before Honourable Justice just only in the same Faculty of Law, Bode Rhodes-Vivour as a Judge of the Comfortable in his robes, as in his own being taught by the same set of great High Court of Lagos State, Justice skin. Not for him ungainly compositions as and highly committed lecturers, but of the Court of Appeal (particularly in garments of gravitas. Take any judgement also in the same Hall of Residence, Lagos and Abuja Judicial Divisions) and of the Hon. Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, Mariere Hall - the great Baluba City, Justice of the Supreme Court. Arising Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, it where we regularly met to socialise at from the foregoing, I bear eloquent is all about the law and justice, simply and the Hall’s quadrangle after lectures. He testimony of his courteous approach to clearly expounded, devoid of unhelpful graduated from the Faculty in 1974, and relationship with counsel. Despite our cant. The judgements are spitting images while I did in 1975. In other words, we close relationship and affinity, we never of the Judge, unpretentious dignity and have known ourselves intimately since discussed or dialogued on any of the depth. A short and simple sentence from our formative years. cases I handled before him in advance; his lordship’s judgement brings clarity to but on a few occasions, we critiqued some obfuscated principles: “miscarriage of His Journey justice is all about failure on the part Over the years, we have sharpened each of the court to do justice”, explained other’s intellect; initially, in the spirit of His Lordship, thus, arming one to wade camaraderie, and subsequently, in the through the thicket of contrived failings course of our pursuit and commitment and amplified slips, and determine if to our mutual profession, Law, and justice was done. AFOLABI & ORS administration of justice. While he took v WESTERN STEEL WORKS LTD off as a State Counsel in the Lagos & ORS (2012) LPELR-9340(SC). State Ministry of Justice and rose to Knowing him for only a short while, that is about twenty years ago, one cannot fail to be amazed at how personality and

23.03.2021 COVER/9 Vivour, JSCTakes His Leave pursuit cohere in him: the clarity in his Hon. Olabode Rhodes-Vivour JSC and his wife, Doyin Rhodes-Vivour, SAN “AHEAD OF HIS TIME, judgements are the projections of an affable JUSTICE RHODES- personality that at the same time, exude His Lordship’s pen becomes corrosive, went on to proffer the solution, transpar- VIVOUR’S MIEN, the dignity of his calling. Never appears on contact with undue technicalities. ency as a condition for the admissibility METHINKS, IS INNATE AND dour and stiff, yet epitomises dignity. The Where there is a discretion to exercise, of confessional statements. NOT CULTIVATED. IT’S THE dynamics of even a casual conversation His Lordship leaves no doubt that it PACKAGE. EFFORTLESSLY with his Lordship, is a study in enigma. shall be exercised to further the course Humanising Judges, justice systems COMBINING SIMPLICITY The natural aristocratic mien inexplicably of justice, substantial justice, being a firm and judicial processes is these days an AND SWAG,....IT IS works to immediately put one at ease, believer that “courts are constituted endeavour in many parts of the civilised DIFFICULT TO REFLECT yet enables one to walk away with a few for the purpose of doing substantial world, and many informed Judges steer ON HIS ILLUSTRIOUS insights into whatever was the subject justice between the parties, and in so towards that course. Ahead of his time, CAREER WITHOUT SOME of conversation. doing, Rules of Court must always be Justice Rhodes-Vivour’s mien, methinks, is LYRICAL INTRUSIONS. OL’ interpreted to achieve that purpose.” innate and not cultivated. It’s the package. BLUE EYES INTRUDES Our First Close Acquaintance ABUBAKAR & ORS v NASAMU Effortlessly combining simplicity and MINE, BECAUSE HIS The memory of my first close acquain- & ORS (2011) LPELR-1831(SC). swag, one often notices his attention LORDSHIP DID IT HIS WAY. tance with Justice Rhodes-Vivour, recurs Yet, the aversion to technicalities stops being called by a simple “Bode”, instead UNPRETENTIOUS, YET frequently. I had the good fortune of being where whim starts, “when no credible of the usual Milord or Your Lordship. PROFOUND” grouped along with His Lordship at a excuse is given, no indulgence can A personality that projects simplicity, an conference, to study a legal issue of concern. be granted. Affidavit evidence must aura that awes not but elicits humane Embrace of a Worthy Each time he spoke, we saved about ten show something which entitles the interaction, without detracting from the Jurist’s Redundancy minutes, because he cut into the meat Applicants to the court’s discretion” profundity of his thoughts and actions. of the matter. So simply put were his ADEGBOLA & ORS v IDOWU & Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN insights, that even a simpleton could not ORS (2017) LPELR-42105(SC). ‘.....I did it my way.....’ have been left in uncertainty. Indeed, we As the Hon Justice Olabode Rhodes- Why does it have to be that, in life, when completed our assignment first of all the The Hon Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour Vivour clocks 70 and bows out at the there appears to be nearness to perfection groups and had the inadvertent reward never minced words highlighting flaws pinnacle of his profession, it is difficult or at least as near to that illusive concept as of getting our orishi rishi freshest, having in law and procedure, by translation to reflect on his illustrious career without a mortal may attain, comes a resolution, an inevitably been first for the lunch break. into the practical realities of our society: some lyrical intrusions. Ol’ Blue Eyes end; bringing to a crushing waste all that The icing on our cake, was when the “Confessional Statements are most intrudes mine, because His Lordship did life experience, wisdom and knowledge report went straight into the rapporteurs’ times beaten out of suspects, and the it his way. Unpretentious, yet profound. seemingly acquired, simply to ascend with summary. courts usually admit such statements Starting as a Pupil State Counsel in Lagos fury to the peak and then a creeping as counsel and the accused are unable State, he traversed the justice system burst? Retirement, perhaps a fancy word A Consummate Judge to prove that the statement was not highway, reaching the critical post of to shroud the fact that owing to a mere The consummate Judge he is, I should made voluntarily. A fair trial presup- Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) effluxion of time, which is not justified have expected his verdict to cut another poses that Police investigation of the before crossing over to the High Court by diminished capacity or responsibility, way one day. It did. When the late vision- crime for which the accused person Bench, and then passing through the Court there must be a crushing halt to what ary Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon Justice stands trial, was transparent. In that of Appeal before ultimately arriving and would have been a glorious attainment at Dahiru Mustapha (may Allah shower his regard, it is time for safeguards to be sitting on two Supreme Court Benches, of a time when the attained wisdom might mercies on him) embarked on the task put in place to guarantee transpar- Sierra Leone and Nigeria. Always stating be of considerable and immense benefit of charting an informed course of reform ency. It is seriously recommended his case with simplicity but certainty too, to the society. for the judiciary, leveraging technology to that confessional statements should leaving behind profound footprints on enhance the judiciary’s effectiveness and only be taken from suspect if, and the sands of justice, and more, much Our Initial Encounter efficiency was an inescapable route. It was only if his counsel is present, or in more than this, did it his way. I still remember it as if it were yesterday, also necessary to avoid the pitfalls that the presence of a legal practitioner. Honourable Justice Kashim Zannah, the initial encounter I had with him. I bedevilled the technology deployment Where this is not done, such a confes- Chief Judge, Borno State met Hon. Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour efforts of other judiciaries, principally sional statement should be rejected in 1981 when I was part-coordinating a that of disparate vendor-driven projects. by the court.” OWHORUKE v COP Reminiscence on the legal course on Legislative Drafting in Under the auspices of the National Ju- SC.500/2012. His Lordship not only Voyage and Chilling the United States of America which was dicial Council (NJC) emerged a Judicial identified a real and felt dysfunction, but conducted by an organisation of Common Information Technology Policy Committee Wealth and American distinguished legal (JITPCO), to formulate and implement draftsmen and women, then resident in a comprehensive policy to seamlessly the United States of America, known as automate the superior courts. Professional Consultants on Africa. The programme was both theoretical and A Chairman with capacity and clout practical. Our journey, which started in was needed, and the Hon. Justice Olabode Chicago Illinois, took us to Washington Rhodes-Vivour was the obvious choice, and accordingly, appointed. His Lord- cont'd on page 10 ship returned from, I was informed, an international engagement, the night before the inauguration and met the late Chief Justice. I still do not know what transpired at their meeting. But, at the inauguration ceremony, yours sincerely was ordered to take the seat of the Chairman, an order without any court to appeal to. Weeks later, I summoned the courage to seek explanation from Justice Rhodes-Vivour. I got it, short, simple and clear, just like the judgements. Not a word was uttered, just a look and a smile. Did I discern, or merely imagined the sternness? By carriage, style and diction, His lord- ship leaves no one in doubt, that “cases are not decided on emotions, sentiment, or some misguided consideration. Cases are won on pleaded facts, supported by compelling evidence.\" ADEKEYE & ORS v ADESINA & ORS (2010) LPELR-103(SC). A stickler for due process and evidence, but by no means beholden to crass legalism. The ink dripping from

10/COVER 23.03.2021 At 70, Olabode Rhodes- Vivour, JSC Takes His Leave cont'd from page 9 “THE LONGERTHE JURISTSPENDS IN DC, and eventually to Springfield Illinois. SUCH ENDEAVOUR The course was largely attended by senior ATTHE APEX LEVEL, Lawyers in the Drafting Department of THE MORE ALTRUISTIC the National Assembly, as well as their AND CONSISTENTTHE counterparts from the Federal and State DECISIONS WILL EMERGE. Ministries of Justice in Nigeria. As expected, THIS CONSISTENCYIN there ought to be nothing elegant in a POLICYWILL INVARIABLY course in legal/legislative drafting and SPAN NUMEROUS consequently, the class was constantly ADMINISTRATIONS, AND embroiled in monochromatic episodes THUS, FOSTER STABILITYIN of relevance of terms like “null and void THE GROWTH PROCESS” and of no effect whatsoever” and Latin expressions in legal documents. One bloc Hon. Olabode Rhodes-Vivour JSC also the final authority of who should the Constitution, a fundamental rights which was dominated by Lawyers called be male and female. Accordingly, provision guaranteed to every Nigerian. to the Bar in the 1960s were of the constant last purpose of law that the legacy of Hon. for a custom or customary law to The said discriminatory customary law view that law is a specialised discipline, Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour may reign discriminate against a particular is void, as it conflicts with Section and thus, eliminating such “words of art” supreme, although reference could be sex, is to say the least, an affront 42(1) and (2) of the Constitution”. from law and legal documents will amount made to multiple decisions especially in on the Almighty God Himself. Let to denuding the great profession of its election and pre-election matters, where the nobody do such a thing. On my part, There are no doubt numerous frontiers elegance and the hallowed presence which leading decisions of his Lordship define I have no difficulty in holding that to conquer in this complex society, which set it apart from the reach and realm of the legal path. the \"Oli-ekpe': custom of Nnewi, is oftentimes reminds the discerning mind the uninitiated. This bloc of whom I term repugnant to natural justice, equity of the apt statement of the great African traditionalists were even more alarmed Mojekwu v Mojekwu and good conscience.\" patriot who had this to say: when informed that some States in the By a community reading of the entire Sec- United States of America had proscribed tion 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Per TOBI, JCA (Pp. 28-35, paras. Our world is not divided by race, colour, and imposed fines for the adoption of Latin Republic of Nigeria 1999, a citizen of Nigeria D-B) gender or religion. terminologies in legal documents, with of a particular community, ethnic group, the determined objective of simplifying place of origin, sex, religion or political The Respondent at the Supreme Court Our world is divided into wise people and encouraging the appreciation of legal opinion shall not by reason of that classifica- in MOJEKWU v IWUCHUKWU 2004 and fools. And fools divide themselves documents. These innovations were largely tion be subjected to disabilities, restrictions 11 N.W.L.R. Part 831 Page 196 ap- by race, colour, gender or religion. considered heretical by these traditionalists or advantages which other citizens are prehensive of what a patently conservative and self-acclaimed guards of mystic tools, not made subject to, or enjoy. Further, no and male dominated Supreme Court Adding the word “tribe” to that clas- who tediously contended that it should not “…citizen of Nigeria shall be subjected to might hold, elected to play safe and urged sification in our local parlance, certainly be transmitted to Nigeria, as eradication any disability or deprivation merely by primarily the peculiar Onitsha custom may not be out of place. Frontiers of of such expressions would demystify the reason of the circumstances of his birth.” which favoured the inheritance right of segmentation based on tribe, race, gender noble profession and ultimately pink-slip By the provisions of the Interpretation a woman, with the hope of preservation or religion in democratic nations, were them from their precious and well-fortified Act, “his” as used equally applies to the of the far-reaching pronouncement of invariably conquered by the women and ornamental castles. feminine gender. On the firm strength Niki Tobi J.S.C. As was anticipated, the men who put pride and virtue over and that gender is a circumstance of birth, in Supreme Court parried the nullification above the external advantages of fame, In all this, His Lordship, Hon. Justice the case of MOJEKWU v MOJEKWU of the Igbo custom which disfavoured a rank and fortune. They are invariably Rhodes-Vivour found the most appropriate 1997 7 N.W.L.R. Part 283 Page 1, woman from inheriting landed property, aided and protected by the brave judex, moments of the argy-bargy to make the upon an alleged failure of a male issue and did not pronounce on same. The especially those who conceive nothing to entire exercise the target of lampoons in his uncle’s home (he had females), the Court, however, sustained the inheritance lose; who with their long and unblemished which brought about the often needed Appellant claimed that he had inherited right of a woman based on the lex situs, record can steer at the eye of the storm comic reliefs, though temporary panacea his uncle’s landed property under the Igbo being the Onitsha custom. In an equally and refuse to blink. to what might have been mere dispensable custom of “Oli Ekpe”. The Court of Appeal watershed decision, the matter was anxieties when faced with what law in a was urged by the Respondents in that frontally confronted by the Supreme Retirement Age society really ought to attain. Beyond that case to uphold the inheritance right of a Court ten years later in UKEJE v UKEJE At this stage when the National Assembly pixies façade, however, lay a resolute and woman, based on Section 42 of the 1999 2014 11 N.W.L.R. Part 1418 384 in is on the verge of taking a decision on practical personage whose sterling character Constitution. In so doing, his Lordship, which Justice Rhodes-Vivour delivered whether to increase the retirement age of manifested in some of the climacteric deci- Hon. Justice Niki Tobi (JCA) (as he then the lead Judgement. In placing the Judges and Justices by five years across sions which have furthered the requisite was) after upholding the lex situs which matter beyond peradventure, his Lordship the board, I reflect on the memoirs of a social justice in the sometimes hard to was the Onitsha custom which entitled struck down the patently repugnant Igbo retired Supreme Court Justice. define society called Nigeria. women to inherit their father’s property, custom of disinheriting a woman as in a most graphic manner held thus: unconstitutional, and held thus: In his book titled “Justice Under the His Elevations Shadow of the Almighty: My Life Sojourn to Elevated to the exalted office of a Judge of \"We need not travel all the way “No citizen of Nigeria shall the Nigerian Supreme Court”, Hon. Justice a High Court in the Lagos State Judiciary to Beijing to know that some of our be subjected to any disability or James Ogebe opined that the reason for in 1994 where he served creditably, he customs, including the Nnewi \"Oli-ekpe\" deprivation merely by reason of increasing the retirement age of Supreme was also periodically engaged in National custom relied upon by the Appellant are the circumstances of his birth. No Court Justices during the General Sani assignments one of which brought him to not consistent with our civilised world matter the circumstances of the Abacha regime, was more clandestine the often Cimmerian desert, also known in which we all live today, including birth of a female child, such a than one based on rationality. as election dispute resolution in Anambra the - Appellant. In my humble view, it child is entitled to an inheritance State. is the monopoly of God to determine from her late father's estate. cont'd on page 11 the sex of a baby and not the parents. Consequently, the Igbo custom- In that era, while many jurists at the Although the scientific world disagrees ary law which disentitles a female conclusions were impaired in one way or with this divine truth, I believe that child from partaking in the sharing another, his Lordship emerged unscathed, God, the Creator of human being, is of her deceased father's estate is in just like I had prayed, expected and ad- breach of Section 42 (1) and (2) of vertised when I knew of his advent. It was, therefore, not surprising that so soon thereafter, his Lordship was elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2005, and thereafter, to the Apex Court in 2010. The purpose of law in a society might sometimes be indeterminate or incapable of homogeneous capture. A few objectives might aid in finding that unitary definition, if there must be one. Law in a society serves to keep peace in the society; to shape moral standard; promote social justice; facilitate orderly changes; provide basis for compromise; helps in facilitating a larger societal plan; resolving disputes and most of all protecting individual rights and liberties. It is perhaps, in this

23.03.2021 COVER /11 At 70, Olabode Rhodes- Vivour, JSC Takes His Leave cont'd from page 10 Hon. Olabode Rhodes-Vivour JSC Our First Encounter which disentitles a female child from My first encounter with My Lord did not inheriting the estate of her late father. In According to him, Supreme Court Justices My Lord started his legal career as a occur until he had started his second (and his lucid and very simple language, Hon. could not form a quorum to hear late Pupil State Counsel with the Lagos State perhaps more glorious) legal career – on Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour succinctly set Moshood Abiola’s bail case following his Ministry of Justice. He rose through the the Bench. On the 18th of February, 1994, out the facts of the case, the judgements unilateral declaration of himself as the ranks to Principal State Counsel in 1984, he was appointed a Judge of the High of the two lower courts, the issues framed elected President of Nigeria, and rather and in 1989 became Director of Legislative Court of Lagos State. He brought to the by the parties and the submissions of than “…appoint new Justices who would Drafting. Perhaps the best years of his life Bench, years of forensic advocacy skills, respective counsel. then form a quorum to hear Abiola’s bail at the Ministry were between 1989 and a deeply questing mind and a steely case, General Abacha decided to extend the 1994, when he held sway as the Director compass for justice. Having agreed with concurrent findings retirement age of Justices from 65 years of Public Prosecutions at the Lagos State of the trial court and Court of Appeal that to 70 years, to continue to keep Abiola Ministry of Justice. He and his team were He also brought a ruggedly attractive the Respondent was indeed, a daughter in legal limbo”. As frightening as this responsible for securing numerous convic- visage and formidable physique – tall, of the late L.O. Ukeje, Hon. Justice Bode might be if it were true, perhaps, more tions and putting away villainous felons. athletic, with a stern look, deep piercing Rhodes-Vivour went on to proclaim the petrifying is the retrospective thought of eyes and a gravelly voice. He dominated law in the following clear terms: compelling retirement of Justices of the “COMING FROM A his courtroom. I had started out in practice Supreme Court at 65 years when a Jurist COSMOPOLITAN in 1992, and in the mid-nineties, enjoyed “Agreeing with the High Court, the at that stage and age, would have just BACKGROUND, ANDWITH appearing before him. Outside of court Court of Appeal correctly found that settled down to the onerous demands GENERATIONS OF LEARNED and his sober robes, he was quick witted, the Igbo native law and custom which of that revered and tectonic office. The ANCESTORS (INCLUDING humorous, and charming. He was, easily, disentitles a female from inheriting in her Supreme Court is a policy Court, and A JUDGE FATHER), HON. one of the well-loved (and respected) Judges late father's estate is void, as it conflicts one of the three arms of Government. JUSTICE BODE RHODES- on the Lagos High Court Bench. And, with Section 39(1)(a) and (2) of the 1979 Its role in establishing and sustaining VIVOUR HAS JUSTICE it was our earnest prayer then that he Constitution (as amended). consistent policies to guide the nation, FLOWING IN HISVEINS.THE would reach the Supreme Court. is highly invaluable. Sustained policy IDEATHATA CHILD SHOULD Section 39(1)(a) and (2) of the 1979 demands consistency in the women and BE DISINHERITED SOLELY On the 25th of April, 2005, our prayers Constitution are now contained in the men charged with the responsibility of ON ACCOUNTOF SEX, MUST were partially answered, and the journey 1999 Constitution as Section 42(1), (a), advancing the society through serene and HAVE BEEN REPUGNANTTO to the Supreme Court began with his and (2) and state that: relevant decisions that ought to steady the HIS SENSE OF JUSTICE AND elevation to the Court of Appeal. Three growth of a nation such as ours, which is EQUITY” years later, My Lord reached the Supreme \"42(1) A citizen of Nigeria of a particular inexplicably still trying to find its feet. The Court Bench – in Sierra Leone! He was community, ethnic group, place of origin, longer the jurist spends in such endeavour seconded by the Government of the Federal sex, religion or political opinion shall not, at the apex level, the more altruistic and Republic of Nigeria to Sierra Leone, to by reason only that he is such a person:- consistent the decisions will emerge. This serve the Judiciary there as a Justice of consistency in policy will invariably span the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone for (a) be subjected either expressly by, or numerous administrations, and thus, foster two years. in the practical application of, any law stability in the growth process. in force in Nigeria or any executive or Of course, our prayers intensified. My administrative action of the government, Where there is a genuine ascertain- Lord Hon. Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour to disabilities or restrictions to which ment and declaration of age by a jurist, served with distinction in Sierra-Leone, citizens of Nigeria of other communities, a greater benefit will rest, not in sending and proved his mettle at the Apex Court ethnic groups places of origin, sex, religions a competent, trusted and tested jurist like there. Upon his return to Nigeria, he was or political opinions are made subject: Hon. Justice Rhodes-Vivour to redundancy appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court or ...................... and a never-ending vacation, when Fridays of Nigeria on the 16th of September, 2010. rather than being the best day of the week, (2) No citizen of Nigeria shall be subjected will compete with Mondays and the other Ukeje v Ukeje to any disability or deprivation merely by days of the week. Greater benefit will In his ten and a half years at the Supreme reason of the circumstances of his birth\". emerge if Justices who are still fit, are Court, Hon. Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour’s allowed to operate in an environment judicial industry has been prodigious. Of He then declared with finality (in his where they have access to Supreme Court- his numerous leading judgements, one characteristic no-nonsense gruff voice): employed competent research-oriented legal that stands him out as a courageous practitioners as both Clerks and Interns change-maker was his lead judgement in “No matter the circumstances of the assigned to them, as is done in the United the watershed case of Mrs Lois Chituru birth of a female child, such a child States and the United Kingdom. It will Ukeje and Another v Mrs. Gladys Ada is entitled to an inheritance from her not amount to copying for the sake of Ukeje [2014] 38 WRN 1. late father's estate. Consequently, the it, but rather adopting that which has Igbo customary law which disentitles worked effectively for those countries. In that case, the Supreme Court was a female child from partaking, in the invited to pronounce upon the Igbo custom sharing of her deceased father's estate To His Lordship , I say, “congratulations is in breach of Section 42(1) and (2) of on being forced to extend your weekends the Constitution, a fundamental rights with five days, also called workdays; unless provision guaranteed to every Nigerian. the National Assembly feels otherwise”. The said discriminatory customary law is void, as it conflicts with Section Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu OON, SAN, 42(1) and (2) of the Constitution.” FCIArb And the women rejoiced! As did all Justice in his Blood: men of good conscience. Tribute to Hon. Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour It should not have come as a surprise, JSC, CFR though. Coming from a cosmopolitan background, and with generations of learned Alex Muoka ancestors (including a Judge father), Hon. Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour has justice My Lord the Hon. Justice Olabode flowing in his veins. The idea that a child Rhodes-Vivour JSC, CFR, attained, the should be disinherited solely on account landmark age of 70 years yesterday, of sex, must have been repugnant to his Monday, the 22nd of March, 2021 and sense of justice and equity. He could not (in accordance with the Constitution) will brook it. retire from the Bench of the highest court of the land. He has earned his rest. As he retires after 45 years of active service to grateful State and Country, I Born in Lagos on the 22nd of March, join in wishing him a very well deserved 1951, to Hon. Justice (Chief) Akinwunmi rest. From what I know of him, though, R.W. Rhodes-Vivour (who retired as a Judge I suspect that his agile and razor-sharp of the Bendel State High Court) and Mrs. mind will not allow him to idle away. I R.W.A. Rhodes-Vivour, Hon. Justice Bode see him consulting, writing and taking on Rhodes-Vivour (as he is popularly called) special interest projects. I hope he will also has had an unbroken career in law from make out time for family and friends, and 1976 – some 45 years of ‘hard intellectual enjoy his wife and companion of many labour’. He has, literally, ‘seen it all! years – Mrs. Doyin Rhodes-Vivour, SAN, Chartered Arbitrator – and their children and grand-children. My Noble Lord Justice – I bow before you in admiration. Alex Muoka, Esq, Former Chairman, NBA Lagos Branch

12/ 23.03.2021 State Police and Community Policing: The Urgency of Now (Part 2) Introduction State Governors, who wield enormous and overbearing influence over their subjects. They argue that having State Police is too costly Encore and resource-consuming (Chief Parry Osayande, quoted by Bulus, Last week, we commenced our discourse on this vexed and 2012). State executives can use State Police to harass and intimidate intriguing issue, regarding the desirability or otherwise of having political opponents. State Governors will surely abuse it to the State Police. I have personally crusaded for State Police, for over detriment of their political opponents and opposition. State Police two decades. Today, we shall shed more light on it and take a can lead to secession where one powerful Governor, considering his critical look at the merits and demerits, the thesis, anti-thesis and full control over fully armed security personnel and arms, would the synthesis, of having State Police. I shall then give my firm declare his own country (Nwachukwu, 2012). There is likelihood conclusion, unapologetically, stating that having State Police and of conflict of jurisdiction between States, especially where the community policing must be achieved with the urgency of Now. conflicting States are run by different political parties (Kehinde, 2013); The lack of uniformity in financing, may also pose a great SOME OPPONENTS OF STATE POLICE (continues) Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu challenge to the establishment of State Police Forces in Nigeria. Dr. Samson S. Ameh, SAN, once added his voice to this debate, as Some States are financially stronger than others. Lesser paid Police follows: “We should maintain the Nigeria Police on the exclusive and corruption within the Police Force and the society (Chief officers in poorer States may get jealous of their better remuner- legislative list of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chekwas Okorie as quoted by Bulus, 2012). It will curb the attitude ated colleagues in richer States, and thus, lead to demoralisation 1999. The idea of having a State Police is a good one, but the time of Policemen who hardly go to their States of origin to work, but and low input. Some Governors can be reckless by embezzling is not ripe for it yet. We should remember that Nigeria started as go to other States which they consider lucrative to make money, the money budgeted for same, and will not therefore finance it a British colony, indeed, a creation by a foreign power and thereby, even when they do not know the terrain of such States. State properly. It can lead to a diversion of criminals and criminality any institution like the Nigeria Police which emphasises our image policing will prevent unwarranted attack, and imposition of Islam from one strong State with effective policing, to another weak State as a nation, as one country, should be encouraged for now”. or other ideologies on some unwilling States. Having State Police with poor community policing. State Policing will lead to anarchy will reduce the financial burden on the central Federal Government. and chaos, with no moderator appearing to be in control. It will Nella Andem-Rabana, SAN, forcefully argues that: “Unless It will help abate the ugly trend of kidnappings and militancy, in enthrone tribalism, nepotism, cronyism and favouritism; There may Nigeria thinks through the necessary amendments/provisions to the Southern part of Nigeria. It is easier to operate close systems be conflict of interest between the Federal Police Force, and that be made with regard to the following: (a) 2011 Constitution (as and shorter processes because of less loops, error percentage and of States. Having State Police is not financially feasible (Ahmed, amended) (b) the Revenue Allocation Formula; and (c) infrastructure, you know your target (Mr Ekene Nwogbo as quoted in Kehinde, quoted in Nwogu, 2012). and until it puts into effect those amendments for effective State 2013). State Police will help institutionalise true Federalism, and policing, it may not be expedient to whimsically dismantle the localise/confine criminal activities to their areas of origin. Every According to a Report released on 16th August, 2012, during existing Police structure. State knows its peculiar problems and challenges, and how to President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, by the Presidential adequately engage State Police will also help reduce corruption Committee on Reorganisation of the Nigeria Police and the Forum “The fact that the Nigeria Police Force is under the command in the Police, because in community policing, every citizen knows of Former Inspectors-General of Police (IGPs), they warned that of the IGP, an appointee of the President of the Federal Republic, the Police officer up to his pedigree and genealogy. the institution of State Police in Nigeria will be a prelude to the means that all Commissioners of Police report directly to him, disintegration of the country. and have limited powers/authority to make on-the-spot or far Demerits and Disadvantages of State Police reaching decisions and in maintaining and securing public safety In spite of the compelling attractiveness of the merits and advantages Even former IGPs, that include Alhaji Muhammadu Gambo- and order. This is a constitutional matter, which must be expressly of having State and Community Police, some schools of thought Jimeta, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomasie, Mr. Sunday Ehindero and Sir addressed in order to decentralise the Police Force. have equally pointed out the numerous demerits and disadvantages Mike Okiro, have since argued that the clamour for State Police was of establishing State Police in Nigeria. an invitation to anarchy, because it was not in the interest of the “Also of constitutional significance, are matters such as purchase nation’s democracy. They argued that the most unreasonable thing of firearms, ammunition, explosives, banking, financial crimes, They argue that the system is susceptible to abuse by dictatorial for any administration to do at this time was to allow State Police, fingerprinting, identification and criminal records, all of which stressing that with the current ‘political climate in our country, a are on the Exclusive Legislative list in the 1999 Constitution (as “YET, SOME OTHERS HAVE State Police would only be a tool in the hands of political leaders amended). These matters should be put on the concurrent list to ARGUED THAT CREATION OF at the State level’. These, no doubt, are very strong reasons to give States necessary and relevant powers to enable them prevent, STATE POLICE IS SIMPLY AN discard with State Police. investigate and prosecute such crimes independent of Federal Police. INVITATION TO ANARCHY, This would give the Federal Police the opportunity to concentrate BECAUSE EVEN IF WE CREATE My Humble Submission on Federal crimes which would have by then been clearly determined STATE, LG, CLAN, COMMUNITY However, notwithstanding this powerful line of thinking, it is my such as, interstate, cross-border crimes and national security issues”. OR FAMILY POLICE, IT IS THE humble submission that the current ratio of 1:602 with which the SAME CORRUPT NIGERIANS AND Nigeria Police is operating, is grossly inadequate and far below the She argued that strengthening the Police to cope with current CORRUPTED INSTITUTIONS THEY United Nation’s ratio. This, notwithstanding the fact that 20,000 insecurity in the country, requires optimal professionalism. “The WILL MANAGE” Police officers have since been recruited to fill the yawnin gap. need for up-to-date technological and scientific expertise, robust This is still a very far cry from the UN ratio of 222 Policemen to and comprehensive criminal justice training especially in areas 100,000 people, or 1:400. With this, to meet up with the UN ratio, like psychology, forensic investigation, report writing, handwrit- the Nigeria Police Force requires over 170,000 additional Police ing analysis, voice analysis, the purchase of hi-tech equipment, officers in the next five years. interrogation, negotiation, fingerprinting analysis, study of bomb composition and disposal, Cybercrime, deep sea diving etc, have to This is coupled with the ugly spectre that a large chunk of the form part of the ongoing training program”, she argued powerfully. officers and men of the NPF are attached privately to top elites, politicians, government officials, companies and money bags. Yet, some others have argued that creation of State Police is simply an invitation to anarchy, because even if we create State, LG, Our argument for the desirability of State Police, is further clan, community or family Police, it is the same corrupt Nigerians strengthened by a disclosure by the then Inspector-General of and corrupted institutions they will manage. They remind us of Police, Mr Ibrahim Kpotum Idris, at a public hearing on Police the havoc Native Council and Emirate Police caused Nigerians, reforms at the House of Representatives. He maintained that the during colonial times and the First Republic. Police would require N1.13 trillion annually, to effectively execute Police operations. Chief John Ochoga noted that: “modern type policing began in London with the establishment of the Metropolitan Police by Sir He noted that the N560 billion recommended by the MD Yusuf-led Robert Peel in 1829, whereas the Nigeria Police Force started as Police Reform Committee in 2008, was a far cry from the current a body to meet the British colonial needs. The Consular Guards amount required to reposition the Police. was established in Lagos in 1861, and later by 1879 became the Hausa Constabulary, an armed Force. Subsequently, there was the He told the Committee that fuelling of Police vehicles alone annually, Northern Nigerian Police (1886), Royal Niger Constabulary (1888), required an average of N26.9 billion, including maintenance costs The Niger Coast Constabulary (1894) and The Southern Nigerian of course, with spiral inflation, these figures have since gone up. Police Force (1906). By 1906, three distinct Police Forces existed With this frightening scenario, why should the Federal Government in Nigeria. And in 1930, they were amalgamated; thus, the present alone be saddled with policing matters? name of The Nigeria Police Force. Conclusion “It is, therefore clear that, our colonial history produced our There is the clear and urgent need to have State Police. It accords current policing status. We can therefore, not separate our political with common sense, modern trends and true Federalism. We could development from our Police Force”. still have a Federal Police like the FBI, that deals with cross-border crimes, high profile crimes, treasonable, drugs and narcotics matters. Nigeria’s 1966 political experience of coups, counter-coups, civil war and military regimes have made our democracy “a learning Emerging criminal behaviours have necessitated the creation process”, even at the age of 53 years. of State Police and Community Policing, to address the various needs of the Police, including proper funding and staff strength. “In Northern Nigeria, opposing politicians and their Lawyers were detained at electoral/polling units, to ensure nomination forms State Police would also bring security closer to the people, while and documents were not filled against the ruling NPC (Northern making the people part of the new security arrangement. People’s Congress). Multi-party democracy was nothing but a big sham… The primordial nature of Nigeria, still makes State Police Modern community policing, appears to be the in-thing nowadays. an idea whose time has not come. Our leaders are still emperors By the way, tell me the difference between State and Community in pretentious democratic garbs”. This argument, from the reverse Police, and Amotekun, Eastern Security Network. side of the coin is also very compelling. Now, let us see more. In any event, State Police is not going to be created for any Merits and Advantages of State Police particular person, as there would be laws to regulate its opera- The following are considered by some schools of thought as the tions. We cannot, because of fear of the unknown, resist an idea merits and advantages of establishing State Police and Community whose time has come. Now is the time for State Police. It is the Police Forces in Nigeria: URGENCY OF NOW. It will help curb the rising tide of insecurity, amongst other social THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK vices in Nigeria. It will reduce the rate of unemployment, as more “I am in favour of community policing, because it builds better people would be recruited into the State Police in proportion to working relationships with the communities”. (Vincent Frank) the population of each State. It will help check criminal activities “The way you make communities safer and Police safer, is through community policing” (Tim Kaine)

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  MONTH-TO-DATE 0.90 YEAR TO DATE 1-MONTH 3-MONTH Quick Takes FACILITYTOUR AdesinaCallsforStabilisationMechanism The African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Dr. Akinwumi L- R: Chief Financial Officer, Lagos Free Zone (LFZ), Mr. Ashish Khemka; Chief Executive Officer, Dinesh Rathi; Governor of Lagos State, Adesina, has called for a quick and comprehensive plan for debt BabajideSanwoOluandManager,BusinessDevelopment,LFZ, Mrs.ChinjuUdora,duringthevisitoftheGovernortotheLFZ…recently restructuring in Africa. FGtoEnd Electricity Speaking at the launch of the African Development Bank’s 2021 Subsidiesby December2021 edition of its annual African Economic Outlook recently, Adesina urged African governments to consider collectively establishing Emmanuel AddehinAbuja ENERGY administration. has was that if Discos are given an African financial stabilisation mechanism, which would give According to Zakari, the incentives, they would be able Africa the fiscal space it needs to deal with debt. Africa’s collective The federal government intends that the collection efficiency of the to improve supply, explaining debt now stands at 70 per cent of the continent’s gross domestic to end the current subsidy being Distribution Companies (Discos), government at the centre was that the power being wheeled product (GDP). paid on electricity by the end has significantly improved since expecting to spend over the which is in the region of of the year, Special Adviser to the CBN started warehousing next 24 months, between $2.5 4,900MW will soon be raised “It is high time that we set up a homegrown financial stabil- President Muhammadu Buhari the funds. billion to $3 billion in the sector, to 7,000MW. ity mechanism where we work together to mutualise our funds on Infrastructure, Mr. Ahmad adding that in less than a year, and ensure we avoid the spillover effects that come from global Zakari, has said. Zakari stated that the Buhari- the power being wheeled by the He explained that the pandemics or any external shocks,” the head of Africa’s premier led administration was focused Transmission Company of Nigeria government was of the firm financial institution said. He also said that following on moving from the traditional (TCN) will exceed 7,000MW. belief that if the sector has the the recent intervention by the way of funding subsidies or using appropriate economics, it can “We must start by making sure that we carry out the macroeco- Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the liquidity in the sector to fund “With this enhanced metering get enough energy through to nomic policy reforms and the fiscal policy reforms that we need the government was expecting consumption, rather than using on the service-based tariff, we the people and migrate away to get done,” he said, adding that Africa “is not looking for a free collections on electricity tariffs it to provide infrastructure that can see the Nigerian electricity from subsidies. pass. We are just looking for an equitable way in which Africa’s to hit N100 billion in the short will ultimately lead to growth. supply industry generating over fiscal space gets dealt with.” to medium term, adding that N100 billion in the near to mid- He added: “We plan to the amount it pays monthly to He said the federal government term. This is very impressive. eliminate subsidy by the end of The idea was backed by Joseph Stiglitz, who proposed an subsidise the sector was gradually recently got a nod from the World “The hypothesis that we have the year. People will say if you international debt framework. reducing. Bank to fund the distribution and is that if you enhance payment eliminate subsidies, you will rehabilitation of the sector to the discipline through metering the have poor people pay more. “That’s a question I’ve been very concerned with for a long time,” Speaking during a recent tune of $500 million, which he population, revenue will go up. But our argument is that the Stiglitz said. webinar organised by the Abuja said is a reflection of the donor We have proven that,” he stated. only reason the power prices Chamber of Commerce and In- community’s confidence in the in Nigeria are high is because ICD, Côte d’Ivoire Bank Seal Deal dustry (AICC), Zakari, explained reforms being carried out by the Zakari stated that the second we don’t generate enough. The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private hypothesis that the government Sector (ICD), the private sector arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, and Banque de l’Union - Côte d’Ivoire (the Bank NNPCStreamlinesMeasurestoAchieve$10/blProductionCostTarget orBDU-CI),amemberoftheBDMGroup,havesignedanagreement to finance private sector enterprises in Côte d’Ivoire. Peter Uzoho ENERGY forward for the Oil and Gas ing, the transformational level Industry Post COVID-19”. was the level with the highest The CEO of ICD, Mr. Ayman Amin Sejiny and Managing Director The Nigerian National Petro- quarter of this year as the time maturity and lowest in cost per of BDU-CI, Mr. Wélé Diallo, signed the €8 million Line of Financing leum Corporation (NNPC) has to achieve the $10 per barrel “We all know that cost is the barrel of oil. agreement under the Commodity Murabaha Financing Structure taken a step further to achieve the production cost benchmark. greatest subject affecting our & Wakala. $10 per barrel oil production cost operations today, and we have “The traditional level has to benchmark with the development The General Manager, Joint identified the major cost drivers do mostly with companies that A statement quoted Sejiny to have said: “The Line of Finance of the five-levelled Upstream Venture Operations, NAPIMS, as HR cost, logistics, direct lifting react to situations, not being very facility will be utilized by BDU-Côte d’Ivoire to support economic Cost Efficiency Transformation Mrs. Martina Atuchi, said cost is cost which represents almost 70 proactive. activities of eligible private sector businesses. Framework. currently affecting the operations per cent of the OPEX. of the oil and gas industry. “We noticed that in reacting to “This facility intervenes in this difficult time due to the Covid-19 The model developed by the “And we have been mandated situations, when there is low oil outbreak. We have no doubt that it will provide support to private National Petroleum Investment Atuchi added that NAPIMS by the Hon. Minister of Petroleum price, they go into reduction of sector businesses which have been affected by the Pandemic.” Management Services (NAPIMS), was acting on the mandate of the Resources to get down to UOC lump sum contracts payments, the upstream investment arm of Minister of Petroleum Resources (Unit Operating Cost) of $10 per renegotiation of contracts pay- In his speech, Wélé praised, “the pro activeness of ICD in the NNPC, detailed a-step-by- and the Group Managing Director barrel. ments, and it was observed responding to their financing request during these challenging step method of driving down of NNPC to find solution to the that the players within this times and ensured that the facility will be extended to the eligible the unit operating cost in the production cost challenge. “And the GMD of NNPC level operate around $30 per end beneficiaries.” oil exploration and production directed NAPIMS to drive the barrel,” she explained. activity. She stated this while speaking national E&P investment to work ICD has extended Line of Financing facilities to several financial on “Adjusting Operational Model with the industry players and Atuchi further said the, institutions in Sub Saharan countries for the development of the The need to reduce the high to Reduce Cost and Optimise be able to find the solution to “second level, which is the private sector.This LOF facility is among the first ones deployed oil production cost in the country Value,” during a panel session at this costs,” Atuchi said. tactical level, represents silos by ICD in Côte d’Ivoire. has been on the front burner for the just ended 2021 edition of the operation model within the a long time and was further Society of Petroleum Engineers According to her, the Upstream companies, noting that “when Berger Paints Appoints Director reinforced by the devastating Olibiri Lecture Series and Energy Cost Efficiency Transformation you operate in silos, you increase Berger Paints Nigeria Plc has appointed a former staff member impact of the oil price collapse Forum. Framework developed by the operating cost. of International Finance Corporation (IFC), Mr.Victor Adeniji, as last year. NAPIMS has five levels. an independent non-executive director. The appointment became The central theme of the lecture “Companies that operate effective from February 16, 2021. In a similar vein, two of the com- The situation had prompted was “Operational Excellence and She explained that the first within this particular level have pany’s directors, Chief Musa Danjuma and Chief Nelson Nweke, the NNPC to set the end of last Portfolio Optimization, Way level, which is the traditional, their operating cost between $20 would be retiring from the board effective from the 2021 Annual was the level with the lowest to $25 per barrel.” General Meeting (AGM), after their meritorious services. efficiency and highest cost, say- The Company Secretary and Legal Adviser, Berger Paints Nigeria Plc, Mr. Ayokunle Ayoko, said in a statement that Adeniji’s appointment would be ratified at the company’s AGM. “Theboardhasapprovedtheappointment,ofMr.VictorOlusegun Adenijiasanindependentnon-executivedirectoreffectiveFebruary 16, 2021. Adeniji will be bringing on board, almost four decades of extensive financial services sector experience encompassing multilateral development finance, investment banking and asset management at top-flight institutions, most notably The World Bank/International Finance Corporation (IFC).” “Iexpecttoseea changeintherole ofbrick-and-mortar bankingestablishments asadoptionofdigital bankingplatforms continuestoincrease” CEO,UnionBank, Emeka Emuwa

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 Ajumogobia:ActiveRefineriesAloneWon’t GuaranteeFullDeregulation Aformer Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. OdeinAjumogobia, in this interview explains the conditions needed to guaranteeanefficientderegulationofNigeria’sdownstreamoilsector.Histhoughtsdoesnotalignwiththepositionofthecountry’s organised labour that active refineries are exclusively needed to achieve deregulation. Chineme Okafor provides the excerpts: You lead a resourceful team at Ajumogobia Let me briefly illustrate this by using current As I have said an effective and fully deregulated the Nigeria Natural Resource figures and prices. The current PPPRA pricing downstream sector is not dependent on the Charter (NNRC) Expert Advi- contracts towards ensuring the efficient running template shows the average gasoline price (FOB functioning refineries or refinery downtime alone. sory Panel, what has your team of the nation’s largely moribund refineries, are Rotterdam Barge) to be N169.22 per litre. That is It encompasses the other issues that make the said about Nigeria’s oil sector examples of initiatives towards a more productive already higher than our current pump price! To that implementation of a downstream deregulation in 2021? and sustainable downstream sector. However, a must be added freight of N6.51 per litre; lighterage policy the challenge that I earlier alluded to, rebound of the oil price seems to be testing govern- expenses, NPA and NIMASA dues, plus jetty and including oil market volatility and consequent Indeed, I feel honoured to lead a team of oil ment’s will to sustain the policy of liberalization. storage charges and financing costs - various sums petroleum products costs and pricing. Government sector experts, as Chairman of the Expert Advisory ranging between 20 kobo and N4.81 per litre to must address these several other directly related Panel of the Nigeria Natural Resource Charter Perhaps a fallout of the pandemic, the produce an expected landing cost of N189.61. This is matters in order to create a vibrant and competitive (NNRC). NNRC was established in 2011. Its government in 2020 announced an unclear before adding wholesalers’ margins, administrative downstream. Functional refineries are only one small objective is to encourage necessary reforms in downstream sector deregulation, how relevant charges, transporters allowance; bridging fund component in the entire scheme of a deregulated Nigeria’s extractive industry through its focus on was this? (N7.51 per litre administered by the Petroleum downstream, especially when talking of the existing the management of our non-renewable oil and gas Equalisation Fund) to ensure uniform prices old refineries with dated technology and without resources, in a way that will generate economic The federal government’s partial deregulation of gasoline across the country; what is termed the advantageous economies of scale that the new growth, promote the welfare of the population and policy was a timely intervention. It appears to have ‘marine transport average’ and retailers’ margin Dangote refinery for example will have. that is environmentally sustainable. To that end, the been based on the government’s recognition of that together results in an expected retail price of NNRC has been at the forefront of advocacy for the benefits that could accrue to Nigerians, if the between N209.61 and N212.61 per litre. Where The PIB is back to the parliament for the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), downstream sector was liberalised. NNRC has NNPC incurs this high cost of importation without legislation, what chances does it have this to provide a clear legal and regulatory framework since provided a solid framework for implementing that predetermined budget, NNPC recoups the time, or do you think it will be another wild that will offer clarity to prospective investors in the policy to achieve a transparent, competitive, differential or “loss” through ‘under-recovery’, goose chase? Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. A competitive legal efficient, and sustainably liberalized downstream which is really a euphemism for a subsidy which framework will undoubtedly stem disinvestment petroleum sector in Nigeria. This framework it pays itself, before repatriating proceeds from There appears to be an effective collaboration trends and attract new investment revenues. A amongst other things, addresses the structural the export and sale of crude oil to the Federation between the current ninth National Assembly transparent legal and fiscal regime is critical impediments to full deregulation. For example, Account for distribution amongst the three tiers and the Executive. This was absent in previous for such new investments to be made in the it highlights legal impediments through the laws of government recognised by the constitution. assemblies which were not as aligned. We have seen sector. Nigeria’s grossly underdeveloped gas that support a price fixing regime; namely the critical laws vital to strengthening the oil and gas infrastructure continues to stunt the growth of Price Control and Petroleum Acts and the PPPRC What elements make a truly deregulated industry passed in the life of the current National our power sector and the numerous industries Act. The announced proposed reform is further downstream oil sector because fuel queues Assembly: the PSC Amendment Act to increase that would be enabled to flourish and to create undermined by unavailability of foreign exchange at some point returned back on our streets? Nigeria’s stake in deep offshore explorations, the desperately needed jobs. Given the inevitable shift at a uniform rate to all players. Currently NNPC new CAMA to legislate and mandate beneficial away from fossil fuels, we are also encouraging as the sole importer of PMS has access to foreign As the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources ownership in divestment of Assets, update of the Nigeria to begin to prepare for a low carbon exchange for the import of products at preferential recently acknowledged, Nigeria’s downstream sector Finance Act to mention a few critical pieces of future. Another essential emphasis in NNRC’s exchange rates, giving it an unfair advantage over is not fully deregulated. Indeed, even what has legislation. I am therefore optimistic that the PIB will advocacy is about sustainability in seeking to other petroleum product marketers even if they been announced is a policy of partial deregulation. similarly benefit from this welcome collaboration ensure that the government properly regulates were to import in a liberalised environment. In Still the minister and the government must be in the law-making process between the Legislature the negative effects of extraction in relation to such circumstances, prices would continue to be commended for it. The pronouncement was a and the Executive that is required to sign a bill host communities and the environment. It is determined by NNPC. The NNRC framework first welcome step in a series of commitments into law. Nigeria continues to lose ground to other especially important in the light of the reducing was thus developed in support of government’s and actions that need to be taken towards the hydrocarbon plays across the world, amidst the focus on non-renewable energy resources, that the deregulation policy and in anticipation of the implementation of a laudable policy. However, rapidly shrinking investment funds earmarked remediation of the environmental degradation challenges that government would face in the implementation requires much more than liber- for non-renewable investments by oil companies. that has taken place unabated in the Niger Delta, event of the predictable rebound in oil prices that alisation of the pump price as is often thought. Therefore, the sooner the bill is passed the better. is prioritized and accelerated. we have recently witnessed. We recognised that Even that requires the repeal of all price control a decisive plan, carrying along all stakeholders laws and mechanisms. Current legislation gives In the PIB, the host community interests A year ago, the COVID-19 pandemic and securing buy-in was what was needed before the powers to set prices to different bodies. In are still quite contentious, we even witnessed began to mess up economies and sectors such a rebound in the price of a barrel of crude addition, the downstream sector would need to a brawl at a public hearing on this, what including the oil sector, how deep was this oil. Unfortunately, the current higher crude oil be made open for all players to operate on a level could be done about this? on Nigeria’s oil industry? prices which are obviously pleasing to the treasury, playing field in terms of their access to petroleum have simultaneously put the government under products importation reception and transportation Host community issues have always been The oil and gas sector was hit hard by the immense pressure to revert to the pre-deregulation facilities, namely crude oil and petroleum products predicated on the need for host communities to current COVID-19 pandemic. However, prior to fixed pump price regime with its implied subsidy. pipelines; access to foreign exchange at a uniform meaningfully participate in and benefit directly the pandemic, we had for several years already rate for all importers that I mentioned earlier. But from the exploitation of resources to which they witnessed a disinclination by existing and new With the government still controlling pump on a structural infrastructure level it also includes play host or are regarded as playing host in the case players to make new investments in Nigeria, with price, who absorbed the price shortfalls expansions in port capacities to increase the scale of offshore operations especially in shallow water. the deferment of several significant oil and gas especially when there was no provision for of imports of fuel. I believe that the framework in the current PIB is development projects. As governments battle to subsidy in the budget? capable of addressing past host community neglect bring the pandemic under control, it appears that Can an efficient deregulation happen without that gives rise to agitation and violence within host the performance of the energy investments of Typically, the differential between the price of the refineries in place as organised labour communities, through the fairly transparent process NOCs [National Oil Companies] listed on petrol at the pump and the actual cost, is absorbed see this as the main condition for them to of participation that it stipulates. The purpose of exchanges around the world have already lost by the importer or marketer as the case may be. support the exercise? a public hearing of a bill is to ensure stakeholder significant value, while investments in renewables Where it is imported by any organisation other buy-in. That is sometimes contentious. However, have begun to increase as investor funds have than NNPC, that differential is repaid by the the more difficult imperative of agreeing the rallied along with them. This has put economies government in the form of subsidy payments. principle of host community participation and like ours that remain almost solely dependent on the framework for it seems to have been agreed. non-renewables for their economic survival, at All affected stakeholders must thereafter come severe risk. Nigeria consequently risks the real to agreement on the detailed implementation prospect of permanently stranded assets. Further through dialogue. delays in the passage of the PIB further attenuates Nigeria’s inability to attract the investments it Do you consider the current PIB progres- needs to drive exploitation of its oil resources sive and reflective of today’s realities in the speedily, towards the goal of a more diversified industry, especially with regards to attracting economy. investments and assuring returns? Crisis situations like the pandemic tests Yes, I do believe it largely achieves this. I do the ingenuity of nations and its managers. however feel that the lack of focus on clean energy With regards to Nigeria’s oil industry, did will have to be addressed. It is not sufficiently in you see that skill to protect and sustain the PIB. The NNRC’s recent work on the energy the industry? transition will be helpful to the government in considering the required policies towards embracing I daresay the government’s long overdue a low carbon transition as soon as possible. NNPC announcement of a deregulated downstream must seize the energy transition as a business was in response to the pandemic and the low opportunity to save itself as well as Nigeria from oil price that resulted from low demand in the its unsustainable and dangerous oil dependence. shrinking global economy. Thus, in March 2020, To do so, NNPC must itself pursue deep structural the government made policy pronouncements reform to lead the way to diversify away from oil that demonstrated an understanding that it could and invest in clean energies. To do this, NNPC not be business as usual and that there was an must undertake critical reforms which focus on urgent need to develop the downstream sector and strengthening the governance of NNPC to position unleashing its potential. The deregulation policy, it as a credible actor in the energy transition in and the consideration by NNPC of management order to attract partners and investors.

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  Ashade: Rising Oil Prices May Support External Reserves’Accretion TheGroupChiefExecutiveOfficer,UnitedCapitalPlc,Mr.PeterAshade,inthisinterviewspeaksaboutrecentlyreleaseddata ontheNigerianeconomyaswellastheperformanceofhisorganisationinthemarket.UgoAliogo providestheexcerpts With the recent data on the Asahde negative real return? December 2020, our securities business was ranked Nigerian economy, what is We remained committed to providing the best among the top five stockbrokers in terms of value your view about the outlook to those in the diversified household goods, of equities traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. for the economy? breweries or oil and gas. For those of us in the value proposition to all market segments while As observed in the latest GDP financial services, the results are mixed. What striving to exceed client expectations. Interestingly, How did United Capital Plc navigate report by the NBS, showing a mild recovery in we have done at United Capital is to take bold we doubled our client base during the year the tough terrain towards delivering solid Q4-2020, the outlook for the economy is broadly steps in a time of crisis leveraging our expertise amid the low yield environment resulting from performance in 2020? positive in 2021. I believe that the low base effect in investment management while aggressively technology-driven acquisition drive. Furthermore, of the 2020 economic contraction will support a growing our volumes. Again, I like to note that our mutual funds grew to N162 billion in 2020 United Capital Plc is an integrated financial fragile V-shaped recovery in 2021. Thus, there United Capital is entering a high growth phase. from N37.2 billion in 2019, and emerged as third services group serving diverse client segments is an optimistic view about the sustained pace We have implemented and executed our strategy largest in terms of value from 10th position as at with bespoke solutions that address financial and of recovery in the aggregate level of economic fully and our result seemed to be better than we 2019 among other business growth parameters. investment needs. In preparation for the 2020 activities. While growth in Q1-2021 may be muted even expected. We have been religious about what We have consistently delivered the best possible financial year as part of a three-year strategic due to a high base effect of Q1-2020, the informed we set out to achieve. Nigerian corporates are returns while adhering to a robust risk manage- planning cycle, we had begun prospecting key optimism feeds largely on potential more robust very susceptible to the impact of Covid-19, it just ment policy to grow and preserve value of our market segments that will present the greatest op- recovery in Q2 and Q3-2021 relative to the negative depends on the sector you look at. While sectors clients’ investments. We will continue to create portunities across all our businesses in the locations growth observed in the corresponding quarters such as ICT, food processing, and healthcare have innovative solutions that address emerging needs that we operate. We outlined clear action plans of 2020. Specific to the non-oil sector, expectations done well, others have not been so fortunate. and the growth achieved in 2020 reflects strong to pursue growth strategies within the domestic are that there will be improved performance in client confidence in the United Capital brand, and international markets. Our organisation was the services sector, to be sustained as people The value of naira, exchange rate, inflation providing stability even in times of uncertainty. also realigned to improve service delivery and be become more confident to go about their daily rate and monetary policy stability have been more responsive to our clients. The impressive activities. FGN’s move to acquire vaccines and its front issues in the market, what are your From an issuing house and a Trusteeship financial results in 2020 validates the effectiveness efforts to inoculate the population pan-Nigeria is suggestions for achieving balance and growth? business point of view, would you say the of the planning process, strengthened execution laudable and may even spur growth quicker than low yield environment was positive for your capabilities, growing client patronage in the expected. While it is anticipated that growth in In response to rising inflation and in a bid to businesses? brand, and increasing stakeholders’ confidence the agricultural sector would build on the gains stabilise the currency market, I imagine that the in the strategic direction of the organisation. We of 2020 as demand remains strong, and weather CBN would begin to tighten its monetary policy The low yield environment which prevailed strive to exceed client expectations across every conditions improve, security and social-political stance at some point in 2021. So, on the exchange through the year 2020 limited the availability of interaction, and we see the current unprecedented crisis remains a significant concern for growth in rate, I expect a potential convergence of FX rates low-risk financial instruments providing significant environment as an opportunity to reinforce that the space. In the oil sector, recent rebound in oil when the CBN begins full intervention at the I&E real returns to investors. Notwithstanding, the commitment. price towards $70/b is clearly positive for domestic window. Thankfully, rising oil prices may help low-yield situation was positive for debt issuances output level in 2021. Although cap agreement to support accretion to the external reserves. As due to relatively lower cost of funds, thus presenting United Capital Plc as a Group achieved under the OPEC+ quota may limit growth, it such, it is anticipated that the parallel market will corporate issuers excellent opportunity for tapping impressive growth during the year 2020. Can is expected that OPEC+ will gradually return appreciate from N470/$ towards the NAFEX rate the domestic debt market. Consequently, United you elucidate on how the businesses fared production to pre-pandemic levels following which is around N410/$. So, to achieve a balance, Capital played a lead or joint role as Issuing House and any notable milestones? recent price gains and positive sentiments from the recommendation would be a well-coordinated or Trustee, across several debt capital market increased rate of vaccinations which could spur policy framework that ensure rising price level is transactions during the year. We always strive All our business recorded significant growth demand for travel and consequently oil. Give or brought under control, to bring about a positive to navigate our operating environment towards across key metrics amid other notable milestones. take, I expect the economy to rebound by 1.7 per real interest environment that can spur investment achieving the best possible outcomes across all United Capital emerged top 3 Mutual Fund Manager cent to two per cent in 2021. and aggregate productivity. Again, to promote our businesses. from 10th position in 2019, with Funds Under market stability, the CBN should guide markets to Management valued over N160 billion from N37.2 There are concerns about national debts, minimise market distortion. This improves long- The Nigerian stock market surged 50 per billion in 2019. United Capital was ranked top especially in the light of upward review of term planning, reducing the risk of investing in cent in 2020, how would you say this impacted 10 in terms of value of equities traded on the the debt-to-GDP ratio, what’s your opinion our market. Moreover, it provides FPIs with clear on your performance? NSE surpassing our initial target of top 10 for the on the questions of national debts and how guidance, which would help to reduce the capital Securities Business with a 360-degree turnaround in best can Nigeria optimise its debt issues to and finance accounts dependency on dollar-inflows Our performance, especially growth recorded Revenue and profitability contribution. Our Private make more meaningful impact on national therefore, improving the exchange rate. in our securities business, was certainly impacted Trust portfolio grew in leaps and bounds, deepening growth and development? positively, driven by increased interest in the Nigerian our retail market penetration and improving our The year 2020 witnessed an unprecedented stock market, spikes in equities trading volumes, Trusteeship Business sustainability. In addition, So, for me, debt is not essentially an issue; decline in the yield environment and galloping and improved client acquisition on our digital we concluded maiden United Capital N10billion it all depends on the context. Countries in the inflation, how did United Capital manage platform – InvestNow, and increased sensitisa- 5-Year Series 1 Bond issuance, achieving 124 per cent west have debt-to-ratios well above 100 per cent, to retain its huge clientele base in the face tion activities across diverse media channels. By subscription amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a first and there isn’t any imminent risk of default. The among issuing houses in Nigeria, reflecting investor DMO has revised Nigeria’s threshold to 40 per confidence in the brand and strategic direction of cent. Debt to GDP ratio becomes an issue when the organisation. Furthermore, we surpassed N1 your government’s fiscal revenue base starts billion in terms of transaction value of investor assets to dwindle, as seen in Zambia and Argentina processed on our flagship digital platform InvestNow recently. The FGN, in the last five years, felt the from N0.5billion in 2019. Our client base doubled best way to tackle its fiscal handicap and spur during the year, thanks to our technology driven growth was to borrow more, as two recessions Consumer Finance Business. Our Corporate Rating have hit the economy in five years. Regarding Improved to A- (Agusto) with a stable outlook. debt optimisation, the FGN’s oil revenue base has not been consistent due to external headwinds Furthermore, our affluent segment proposition such as, the trade war and Covid-19, which halted grew into a sustainable business line and contributed demand. On the non-oil side, the government significantly to income generated during the year. has looked to boost its revenue by hiking the We also launched United Capital Sukuk Fund in VAT rate. We saw rapid increases in company December 2020 targeted at a growing segment income taxes (CIT) - these were on the rise but of ethical investors, bringing our mutual funds were halted last year due to the pandemic, so it to seven (7). isn’t for the lack of trying. The debt to revenue ratio in first half 2020 was around 44 per cent I am pleased to inform all stakeholder groups of the revised budget, slightly on the high side. that the year 2020 was positively eventful for It is way more efficient and productive when United Capital Plc with notable milestones amid debt is reserved for capital and infrastructural the tough operating environment worsened by or human development projects which will add the pandemic. growth in the medium-long run. What can we expect from United Capital Your results for 2020 was way better than Plc in 2021? pre-COVID-19 year, was it that Nigerian corporates are less susceptible to the negative We will continue to work with regulators impact of the pandemic? towards deepening the Nigerian Capital Market and strengthening the broader financial system No! corporates cannot be separated in entirety as the domestic economy continues the path to from the rest of the economy. We operate in the recovery in the year 2021. Clearly, the unprecedented same tough environment as other stakeholders. environment has created new challenges and op- How does an FMCG or manufacturing firm keep portunities for us and our clients. Consequently, costs down during a pandemic when there are FX we will be investing in new competencies and shortages? For instance, if you look at the results forging strategic partnerships to improve our value of corporates submitted to the NSE, you will proposition across all segments while also creating notice that performances are mixed. Operators in income buffers such as earnings on longer-term the ICT, healthcare and food processing sectors investments. seemed to have had a good year compared We are unwavering in our commitment to all stakeholder groups and we expect all our businesses to remain profitable and competitive in the near term.

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  Ikokwu:WomenVitaltoNigeria’sSocio-economicDevelopment The Chief Marketing Officer of OVH Energy, Lilian Ikokwu, in this interview on the back of the just celebrated International Women’s Day, stressed the need for more women to be encouraged to play active part in Nigeria’s socioeconomic development process in order to achieve the desired results. Ikokwu, also highlighted measures put in place by OVH Energy to give equal support to both genders in and outside the organisation, advising women especiallytheyouths,totaketheirdestinyintheirhands.Peter Uzohobringstheexcerpts: D o you think women in Nigeria Ikokwu I always tend to mentally step back and Nigeria, face varied challenges such as are given enough opportuni- ask myself if what I want to voice out makes socio-cultural limitations, workplace ties to grow? seeing as being emotional. So a man can get sense -is it constructive and does it add inequalities, among others. How has Well, if opportunities are upset at work and scold the team and/or value? If it does, I do speak out sometimes OVH Energy as a private company looked at in two ways: con- protest about unsavory comments/situations, with the passion it requires. Other times, I contributed to reverse the situation? ducive environment, and freedom to grow, he is seen as a strong and objective leader. am more subtle so as not to step on egos. on the first, which is conducive environ- When a woman does the same, she is said Women should never make themselves Yes, OVH Energy is very conscious about ment, I would say not enough has been to be emotional. This tends to keep women victims, rather find a balance that allows the gender balance in the workplace. Even done across all sectors to enable women from voicing out objective criticisms and/ them preserve their mental health and own though the percentage is still more skewed to to fully participate. There are still many or speaking out when situations demand their voice. men than women, the company has in place gender-biased roles not only pushed by that they do. an equal gender employment policy that men but also women. Secondly, on freedom Women all over the world, including can see the ratio change as more competent to grow, I believe women in Nigeria, to How were you able to overcome such women bring their ‘A’ game. The company‘s a large extent, have less restrictions to limiting gender stereotypes? promotion at work is performance-based, speak up or go for what they want. In thereby making sure that women can get to the end, the desire to grow is a personal the very top of the organization if they put decision and the force to drive it can only in their best. Both genders are celebrated come from us. Shirley Chisholm, the first and recognised across the usual national African- American Woman to be elected events such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, to US congress, said, and I quote: “If they paternity and maternity leave, etc. We also don’t give you a seat at the table, bring have confidential and anonymous platforms to your folding chair”. Women need to make support any gender in reporting harassment the move and not always sit back and wait or perceived biases of any kind. to be recommended or appointed. What is your take on the rising cases In summary, in Nigeria, we are not yet of sexual harassment and other inhu- where we should be in terms of giving man treatments melted out to women women the opportunities to grow but some especially in corporate environment? progress has been made over the past few How are such social malaise affecting years. Women can grow more if we are more the Nigerian society? involved in creating the opportunities and taking the front seat in our empowerment. Speaking from a corporate environment perspective, sexual harassment can only How would you describe the role of prevail if an organisation is not responsible women in nation development in Nigeria? enough to put in place platforms that would allow both genders to report and also impose I believe in the quote from Hilary Clinton, strict sanctions for anyone found culpable. which says: “When women participate in I believe it’s a lot easier to manage this the economy, everyone benefits”. You see, within the corporate environment than women have an innate ability to multi-task in the wider society. Sexual harassment and give full attention to all tasks to elicit is becoming a pandemic in our society desired result. The more women are included today and should be tackled quickly as in nation development, the more efficient it’s now escalating to more rape cases. and effective that process is. Sexual harassment eats away at the victims’ mental health and will affect the society at I think that Nigeria will blossom economi- large if not curtailed. cally and socially if we allow more women to participate. The reforms required need the What is your advice to young women women’s viewpoint to drive the changes we out there? desperately need. A nation’s development needs the input of both competent men and My advice to young ladies is for them to women. The women should not be left out! develop themselves through acquiring skills, education, etc. Don’t leave your growth in Can you share some of the limiting anyone’s hands. Demand more from yourself gender stereotypes you have faced in so you can demand more from the society. your private sector career? Don’t accept to be a victim, don’t dwell on gender biases but focus on your aspirations The typical limiting gender stereotypes and dreams. You are in charge! I have faced in my career is that, you are NIPOST,CapitalMarketRegistrarsForgeStrongerCorporateRelationship Oluchi Chibuzor Adewusi noted that there his organisation was more Market Registrars, its Presi- Owoturo said the com- The NIPOST boss, in his has been a decline in recent interested in knowing the dent/Chairman of Council panies themselves are not closing remarks, assured that The top echelon of the times, in the volume of reason for the decline, noting of Institute of Capital finding things, noting that his organisation is already Nigerian Postal Services documents from the capital that all issues involved were Market Registrars, Mr. the impact of covid-19 and deep in its innovative diver- (NIPOST) recently met market registrars adding that to be sorted for continued Seyi Owoturo, said the the advent of new technology sifications adding that the with the leadership of the NIPOST remains the best mutual benefits. decline in the volumes had combined to change NIPOST will not continue Institute of Capital Market option for the despatch of of business from the the ways things are done to rely on the old ways of Registrars towards seeking relevant documents gener- He added: “The Nigerian capital market registrars globally. doing business which he stronger ties for corporate ated by the capital market. Postal Service is reaching out is partly due to the impact said are already going out mutual benefits. to her Corporate Customers of coronavirus saying the “There was a time the of fashion. He said: “There has been and partners to re-assure companies themselves have only means of delivering The meeting, held in generally a decline in the them of our commitment not found things easy documents was by NIPOST. The General Manager, NI- Lagos, recently, sought volume of mails below to providing quality and since the disruption in But today, due to technology, POST BulkPost, Mr. Johnson to rejuvenate the existing expectations and with the affordable service delivery. the economic activities people now use other means Olakunle, while welcoming relationship especially in line advent of technology for across the land. of delivering documents not participants at the meeting, with the challenges posed ease of business, coupled “We are here to engage even minding the risks of said the last time a Post- by technology to logistics with Government policies, with you to know what you Owoturo, who was attendant losses,” he said. master General of NIPOST operations across the world. the decline in the quantity want, how you want them represented by Mrs. attended a meeting with the of Capital Market mails is and when you want them. Catherine Nwosu, said, Others who spoke at the registrars was in 2001. Speaking at the event in not unexpected. Our responsibility is to serve “NIPOST and the capital meeting agreed that there Lagos, Postmaster General you and your clients in order market registrars are like was a need for both parties He thanked Adewusi of the Federation and Chief “It is therefore, pertinent to reduce the cost of doing fish and water. We cannot to set up a committee to for giving credence to the Executive Officer, NIPOST, to state that the few mails business.” deny ourselves. But then, work out an agreement on seriousness of NIPOST rela- Dr. Ismail Adebayo Adewusi, generated through this covid-19 came and disrupted the new way forward. tionship with its stakeholders said the meeting became Market, should be treated Adewusi said the capital everything. And then you by leading his team to the germane in view of the need with utmost care in order market registrars had in the also have the impact of They said this would meeting. to breath more life into the to remain competitive and past contributed immensely technology which has also ensure that in line with the utilisation of the NIPOST relevant in the market.” to the revenue generation affected the way business new realities of technology At the meeting were of- services by the capital market capacity of NIPOST. is carried out.” and the society, both NIPOST ficials of many capital market registrars. A statement quoted the and capital market registrar registrars and management NIPOST boss to have said Responding on behalf continue to be in business. staff of NIPOST. of the Institute of Capital

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28 TUESDAY MARCH 23, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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TUESDAY MARCH 23, 2021 PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT Nigeria Needs to Spend More on Infrastructure, Says Adegbite Bennett Oghifo Special Guest of Honour at the in the country was caused routine structural maintenance and private sector can work of ours chasing containers on webinar, recalled that last year essentially by negligence, like and integrity tests. “This is together to address the root the street, trying to enforce Minister of the National Economic Council the use of substandard building particularly relevant to old cause of building collapse in something we should have Mines and approved the construction of materials, illegal conversion of buildings like in Lagos Island.” the country. been doing in the Ports.” Steel Devel- 300,000 mass housing units in existing buildings into other opment, Arc. all the states of the federation usage, inadequate primary site He also recommended ex- “We are here to review the He said about three weeks Olamilekan and in the FCT. investigation, poor concrete mix ecuting proper preliminary site challenges, the causes and ago, SON shutdown some steel Adegbite has said that, as a ratio, inadequate structural investigation, amongst others. further proffer sustainable companies because their survey developing country, Nigeria “The project, with an average analysis, lack of adherence to solution to eliminating the showed they were guilty of should increase spending on of 10,000 homes per state, is materials’ specification, none He said another nagging issue of building collapse in putting substandard products infrastructure, particularly in the expected to provide at least adherence to building code problem was the issue of the country. It is an all-inclusive into the market, adding that construction of housing units 1.5 million homes for Nigerian and design, and inadequate trained artisans in the building affair, building for the nation they are being monitored for its growing population. families. The industry, as a supervision by professionals, industry. “The problem, which and building for the future closely. whole, should ensure that the among others. we are trying to work against generation.” The minister stated this at the global best practices are adhered at the federal level, is that the He lauded most manufactur- second edition of the Concrete to in the construction of these He said the desire to cut procurement system in Nigeria He said Lafarge, as a group, ers in Nigeria, including Lafarge Ideas Webinar Series organised housing units to forestall the cost, particularly in low budget precludes most of this level of was reinventing how the world for excellent products. “They last week by Lafarge Africa. This tragedy of building collapse,” projects, at the expense of qual- workers from gaining access builds, by shaping a world that don’t have issues. Our cable in edition focused on ‘Addressing the minister said. ity breeds disaster. “Ultimately, to projects, and what happens is greener, smarter and that this country is so well-respected, the Root Cause of Building the cost of collapse is greater thereby is that they are only works for all. Our commit- because of the monitoring we Collapse in Nigeria’. The first According to him, “The than the cost that you were engaged in those low-end ment to sustainability, which do with these local manufac- Concrete Ideas webinar series, unacceptable frequency of trying to save.” private projects where disaster is at the core of our operation turers; with the collaboration, held in October last year, had building collapse has sadly led occurs. The people that you and strategy, resonates and as people are now faking Nigerian the theme: “Public-Private Part- to loss of lives and property in To avoid incidences of build- have trained do not have access a leading building solution cable. They go overseas, make nership Approaches to Rapidly Nigeria.” He said recent studies ing collapse, he recommended to the right projects where they company, we believe in building a cable and label it made in Upscaling Nigeria’s Economic show that building collapse had that project owners should resist can hone their skills and get the world that works for people Nigeria.” Infrastructure,” professionals become prevalent and that if the temptation to cut corners, better.” and the planet.” proffer credible solutions and deliberate measures were not embark on accurate structural He said it was important to implementable options to the adopted to curb the menace, evaluation which starts from He urged the government to The Director General, Stan- allow SON to do its duty at nation’s infrastructure problems. it will have more devastating the land itself, engagement amend the procurement law dards Organisation of Nigeria the Ports, particularly with the effect on the society. qualified professionals, use of to include this class of people (SON), recommended effective African Free Trade Agreement Architect Adegbite, who was standard building materials and for certain projects. “Right now, supervision of construction coming up, and “if government He said building collapse even for the smallest project, sites and sanctioning of err- does not bring in scanners into you can’t employ this class of ing practitioners. “I have not the Ports, to make sure we can Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; and the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi people.” seen an engineer, a building check products coming in, then Hamzat at the official commissioning of modern aerial fire-fighting vehicle of the Federal Fire Service or an individual punished for we have a big problem coming Zone F, Command, at Teslim Balogun Stadium… recently The was attended by breaking the rules.” ahead.” reputable Thought Leaders, including Engr. Joseph Makoju, He said people have been On insurance in the na- Chairman, Nigerian Cement known to increase a four storey tion’s construction industry, Association, Michael Scharpf, building to 10 on the same Dr. (Mrs.) Bola Onigbogi, Head, Sustainable Construction, foundation meant for the four President, Nigerian Council of LafargeHolcim, Mallam Farouk storey, without consequences. Registered Insurance Brokers Salim, who is the Director (NCRIB) said it was impera- General/Chief Executive Of- The organisation, he said tive to embrace compulsory ficer, Standards Organisation of does periodic survey of building insurance in the construction Nigeria (SON), Dr. (Mrs.) Bola materials and regular enforce- industry as stipulated in the Onigbogi, President, Nigerian ment in the areas where they Insurance Act. Council of Registered Insurance have jurisdiction. “I’m sure Brokers (NCRIB), Engr. Ali you’re aware that for the past She said a major problem is Alimasuya Rabiu, Council for 10 years SON has been kept the enforcement of the manda- the Regulation of Engineering away from the Ports and most tory insurance, adding that in Nigeria, and Dr. Kehinde of the substandard building “NAICOM is really working Babajide Oshifala, President, materials/goods “come in round the clock concerning Nigerian Institution of Structural through the Ports, 85 per cent its implementation. As we Engineers, of them come through Lagos, all know, insurance is purely and our people are forced to a risk mitigation device that Setting the tone for the dis- rely on Customs magnanimity reduces the liability of the cussion, the programme’s host to allow us into the Port if the insured, when a loss occurs. and Country CEO of Lafarge suspect some items or we rely It may not prevent building Africa, Khaled El Dokani said on certain intelligence which is collapse per se, but will reduce the focus of the brainstorming not reliable all the time, and you the liability at the aftermath of session was how the public have these young employees such collapse.” Merciport Challenges Women to Seek Safer, Cleaner Energy Fadekemi Ajakaiye Day is not just about the As chairman of the oc- Vision; to become a glob- Energy industry within the Cities and Communities and Boardroom Amazons, it is casion, Merciport invited ally rated brand known for country. Its Corporate Social 13: Climate Action). As a March is traditionally known also about the marketplace, the DPR Comptroller for delivering dependable, cutting Responsibility also aligns with Company Merciport believes as women’s month. In the last trading stalls and home Ilorin represented by Mr. edge and sustainable energy the 2030 SDGs (Sustainable that the Future is Green, and few weeks we have celebrated front Amazons. It’s about Charles Okobowade; and services that powers economic Developmental Goals, specifi- that Energy should be safe the International Women’s day, recognising all women and other delegates from DPR production for businesses and cally addressing Goals 3,7,11 for both the users and the Women History Month and their enormous contributions to speak to the women in everyday life has helped it and 13. 3: Good Health and environment and sustainable Mother’s Day amongst other to the nation’s economy. So vernacular. Mr. Okobowade to map out strategies in Wellbeing, 7: Affordable and for future generations for de- events. Companies all over for this year’s International spoke extensively about the building inclusion in the Clean Energy, 11: Sustainable velopment to be meaningful. the world have used this Women’s Day, Merciport is need to promote clean energy opportunity to celebrate the bringing the Rural Woman and safer cooking practices, Representative of The Zonal Controller DPR Ilorin, Mr. Charles Okobowade; and another delegate brave industrious amazons to the International Stage, by showing the women that from DPR Ilorin with some of the lucky women with their gifts of cylinders and cookers…recently in all spheres of life, blazing recognising their economic role challenging traditional cooking the trails and challenging the and challenging their status methods not only promoted status quo. quo in the area of traditional their health and wellbeing, but methods of cooking. also resulted in cost and time Merciport Energy adopted savings for them. In line with a unique approach. In this In an illustrious event the Minister of Petroleum’s year’s International Women’s held on the 17th of March, declaration earlier this year, Day event, Merciport chose Merciport hosted over Merciport announced the to shine the spotlight on 120 rural women; traders, Decade of Gas at this auspi- particular group of women, housewives, and farmers at cious occasion and promptly women in the informal. its new LPG plant in Olulade gifted some of the women in Ilorin, Kwara State. With the with Gas Cylinders to ensure These are women that theme Challenging Tradition; that they could immediately can be considered as the Promoting a Safer, Cleaner begin to practicalise all that backbone of their families and Environment By Embracing they had learned about Safer the economy at large. In a LPG as A Cleaner Cooking and Cleaner Environments. country where more than 70% Fuel. Merciport desired to of the population live on a bring to light the issues As outlined by the Founder subsistence income, Merciport of health and safety and and CEO, Mrs. Rita James, felt it was necessary to include environmental degradation Merciport’s incursion into this large demographic in the by enlightening rural women Gas was because of its desire celebrations of the month. about the benefits of Gas to pursue Cleaner Energy (LPG) as a cleaner energy alternatives for millions of According its founder and source for cooking. Nigerians. The Corporate CEO, Mrs. Rita Adachukwu James; International Women’s

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TUESDAY MARCH 23, 2021 31 PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT Buhari: FG Consults Professional Bodies in Formulation of Mineral Polices Bennett Oghifo Ibadan International Conference bodies engaged as partners in be homegrown solutions rather and most importantly provides be felt by the most vulnerable Center, Ibadan, Oyo State, developing the Nigeria of our than those imposed on us. jobs for the teeming army of groups of our citizens, who President Muhammadu recently. Conference theme is choice, where poverty and the unemployed in the country. are usually left behind by the Buhari has said his Responsible Exploration and backwardness in all sphere of “The development of the conventional economic models.” administration opted Exploitation of Mineral Resources the Nigerian lives will be more Roadmap for the Mineral “The centrality of the develop- for homegrown solu- in a Secured Environment. of an exemption rather than the Sector would not have been ment of the mineral and energy The 30th President NMGS tions, in collaboration norm. This is because we believe possible without the active sectors in the rejigging of the Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, with professional bodies and President Buhari said his as an administration, that no collaboration of the NMGS nation’s economy had neces- expressed excitement with “the associations, to arrive at its presence and association with other persons will build a better and its members who assisted sitated the roll-out of series of renewed vigour with which the policies in the mineral and the NMGS should be understood nation for us than ourselves.” in getting critical details of the policy initiatives aimed at not governments in Nigeria at all energy sectors. from the standpoint of his Roadmap developed and the only revamping the Nigerian levels are pursuing policies and Administration’s commitment He said, “In shaping the sustained implementation since economy but to ensure that programmes in the Mineral and The president stated this at the to inclusive engagement of all policies and initiatives in these it was launched. The Roadmap the economic growth arising Agricultural sectors. These two opening ceremony of the 56th relevant stakeholders in the sectors, the administration had provided a clear pathway for the therefrom are inclusive and sectors have been globally ac- annual international conference development of the country. “My generously received massive development of a robust, resilient sustainable. “This means that claimed as huge job creators and and exhibition of the Nigerian Administration, since assumption technical support from the profes- and sustainable mineral sector we are not only interested in the can conveniently absorb more Mining and Geosciences Society of office, has reiterated the need sional societies and associations of the economy that contributes macro-economic growth alone than 70 % of the vast army of the (NMGS), at the University of to have the Nigerian professional making the policies indeed to meaningfully to the nation’s GDP but in getting the growth to unemployed if fully developed.” LekkiDeveloper BreaksLASBCA’s Stop-workOrder forBuildingCodeViolation Bennett Oghifo Lekki Scheme I, Lagos to enable years after LASBCA served Close, Lekki Scheme I, Lagos detailing the alleged violation, has erected a building overlook- them determine the next line the new builder a violation noticed that the owner/ titled ‘Petition for Violation of ing our client’s building, built The Lagos State Building of action. notice and stop-work order, developer of a structure on Building Code and Planning a structure attached to our Control Agency (LASBCA) has the developer has allegedly Plot 12 next to them allegedly Laws of Lagos State’ client’s perimeter fence and said it would swoop on a build- Lagos State Government has broken the seal to continue used their perimeter fence as this developer did not observe ing developer that flagrantly very strict physical develop- construction. the wall of a structure he is The petition addressed to the the prescribed setback from removed its stop-work seal on ment codes that, unfortunately, erecting and that the structure General Manager of LASBCA, the border fence.” a site in Lekki for violation are rarely enforced until there The bewilderment home- looked directly into their said, “This petition is against of the state’s building code. is tragic loss of innocent lives owner whose perimeter fence building because they violated the owner of a property being The petition said, “The in some avoidable collapse of is being used by the erring statutory setback codes. developed besides our client’s infraction into our client’s A senior official of LASBCA buildings in central Lagos. builder has urged the Lagos building at Plot 12, Abimbola space poses serious danger, told THISDAY last week that State governor to intervene Thus, on June 25, 2018, the Okulaja Close, Lekki Scheme I, security threat and invasion of the Director of Enforcement This was why a homeowner and enforce the state’s building owner of the existing building Lagos, in fragrant abuse of the our client’s privacy. It is utterly Unit would be briefed on the wrote a petition to LASBCA code. contacted its solicitor, Gbayode Building Code and all relevant an unacceptable act to build a illegal resumption of work by that their neighbour allegedly Somuyiwa & Co, which wrote laws of Lagos State. structure against a perimeter the developer of house No. used their perimeter fence as It all began in June 2018, a petition to the Lagos State fence in a highbrow area like 12 Abimbola Okulaja Close, the back wall of a structure when the owner of a building Building Control Agency, “The developer in absolute Lekki Scheme I.” he is erecting. Almost two at Plot 13, Abimbola Okulaja disregard of our client’s space NIOBPresentsNotebooks, SchoolBags toSurvivor-pupils of Lagos Building Collapse Bennett Oghifo both the survivors and the The expert to handle this Development. One of the key parts of the Regulations which states: ‘The dead, during the presentation delicate process is the trained “These steps birthed the regulations is the correct and site execution of every build- The Nigerian Institute of of the notebooks and bags at and certified Builder, who has unambiguous provision of Sec- ing under construction shall Building (NIOB) has donated the collapse site on the second been licensed by the Council of 2019 physical planning and tion 4, Subsection 2 of the 2019 be managed by a registered notebooks and school bags to Builders’ Day, the President of Registered Builders of Nigeria building control regulations Lagos State Building Control builder.’ the pupils that survived when NIOB, Bldr. Kunle Awobodu (CORBON).” of Lagos State. a five storey building at No 63, said, “The building that collapsed Massey Street, Ita-Faaji, Lagos at Ita-Faaji immediately Mr. Awobudu said, “Following The President of the Nigerian Institute of Building, Bldr. Kunle Awobodu presents the pupils that sur- Island, housing their school Babajide Sanwo-Olu won the the collapse of the five-storey vived the building collapse at Ita-Faaji books and bags sponsored by the Nigerian Institute of Building collapsed on March 13, 2019. Lagos State gubernatorial election building at Ita-Faaji, the loophole during the 2nd Builders’ Day event at Massey Street, Lagos Island... recently served as a challenge to the then in the law and development The presentation was one of incoming government on the rise process that had been severally several events that took place in the spate of building collapse exploited to promote quackery simultaneously across the nation and the importance of addressing on building sites, in Lagos State as NIOB marked the Builders’ the building collapse menace in particular and Nigeria in Day 2021. dispassionately. general, was again identified by the panel of investigation. The The families of the more than “Meanwhile, the outcome of Lagos State House of Assembly 20 pupils, according to mothers many investigations on collapsed took steps to decisively block the that showed up at the two-year buildings has identified inap- loophole through a stakeholders’ anniversary last week, have propriate management of the public hearing on its physical not been compensated by the building production process on planning and building control developer of the unfortunate sites as the major problem. The regulations which regulations building neither has the Lagos interwoven complex activities were eventually signed by the State government contacted of building construction require Commissioner responsible for them. expertise in their management. Physical Planning and Urban Addressing the families of UNILAG’s VC, Ogundipe, Wins Celebrating British Science Week at €38,000 Global Biodiversity Grant Lagos Preparatory, Secondary School Fadekemi Ajakaiye proposal: “Implementation of data on biodiversity available Bunmi Alegbeleye The Purpose ing, tracking, and, ultimately, the Biodiversity Information through the internet. The purpose of British how we will tackle COVID-19. The Vice Chancellor of Univer- and Data System for Coastal Each year, the British Science Science Week is to encour- sity of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ecosystem in Nigeria.” It provides human resources Association runs a ten-day cel- age people of all ages to get Involving our students at Ogundipe, and another botanist, and technical infrastructure ebration of science, technology, involved in various scientific LPSS in British Science Week Dr. Temitope Onuminya, have Onuminya, on the other enabling publication of and engineering, and maths called disciplines, such as science, is a perfect way to give them a won 2021 Global Biodiversity hand, won an institutional level access to large volumes of data British Science Week. technology, engineering, and positive and hopeful outlook to Information Facility (GBIF) grant of €18,850 for implementa- gathered over centuries about mathematics – any STEM learning and the future ahead. grants. tion of a BID project proposal: the earth’s species. As a school that runs the discipline. “Expanding the Visibility of British curriculum, Lagos At LPSS, we focus on engag- As science teachers, we Mrs. Nonye Oguama, a the Lagos Herbarium through Ogundipe Preparatory & Secondary School ing our students to get involved understand the importance Principal Assistant Registrar, Digitisation and Mobilisation takes part in the events and in these scientific disciplines, as of British Science Week for Corporate Affairs of the institu- of Plant Specimen Data.” activities to develop the skills there is a real drive within the the younger generations, and tion, made the disclosure in a of our students in these areas. education system to encourage we love to see our students statement on Saturday in Lagos. ”The university of Lagos is the development of future following their dreams and rejoicing with them (mentor In 2021, British Science Week scientists. paving their way in the scientific According to Oguama, the and mentee) and wishes them took place at LPSS from 8th For example, Science has community; whether it is in awards are part of the 2021 successful implementation of to 12th March, running with been at the forefront of the engineering, manufacturing, or Biodiversity Information for their proposals,” Oguama said. the theme of ‘Innovating for news this year like never before, technology, we are all part of Development (BID) programme, the Future’. But what exactly and it has been pivotal in the the same scientific principles. funded by the European Union. The News Agency of Nigeria is the purpose of the British development of our understand- (NAN) reports the GBIF, an Science Week? -Mrs. Bunmi Alegbeleye is Ogundipe, a Professor of international organisation with Head of Science, LPSS Botany, won a national level Secretariat in Copenhagen, grant of €38,000 for his project focuses on making scientific

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2021 BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE Elumelu:EntrepreneurshipKeytoAfrica’sSustainableGrowth Dike Onwuamaeze dynamic entrepreneur ecosystem the control and allow them to of one millionAfricans, expanding grow their talents, harness their The Founder of the Tony Elumelu strategic partnerships to scale the drive and resilience as a continent. Foundation (TEF), Mr. Tony O. existing TEF Entrepreneurship Elumelu, has reiterated that equip- Programme to reach more small He said: “We wanted to change ping young people to succeed businesses across all 54 African how Africa is perceived and through entrepreneurship is one countries and others to mitigate how Africa grows by creating of the surest sustainable, dignified the effects of the pandemic and something that is transformative, ways to create a path to prosperity provide support for young en- scalable, inclusive, youth-focused for all in Africa. trepreneurs. These achievements and African-led. “Aid has a role, also include the TEF’s €20 million it has saved many lives, but it Elumelu stated clearly that the partnership with the European does not challenge the status quo. TEF believes in, “entrepreneurship Union and the Organisation of as the solution to the very visible African and Caribbean States “Our Entrepreneurship challenges that we see in Africa: (OACPS) to support more than Programme demonstrates that forced migration, extremism, and 2,500 women entrepreneurs: entrepreneurship is the singular political instability.” most effective tool to creating He said, “our goal is for more jobs, opportunity, economic He made these comments in the women to participate in economic hope, stability, peace, sustained 2020 Annual Letter (report) of the development, realise their full growth and poverty reduction. TEF, which was captioned “The potential and accelerate economic Power of EntrepreneurshipAmidst inclusion.” The founder of the “In 2020, the world stopped, but Uncertainty,” that showcased the TEF noted that entrepreneurship, we did not. When we launched achievements of the Foundation not charity, would give Africans the TEF in 2010, we did something in supporting a growing and new in Africa – we ‘democratised’ luck. GTBankPlansKenyanAcquisition Elumelu Africa sub-region to avail steel manufacturers undermine one products in order to improve MARKET INDICATORS manufacturers the opportunity another through the production the country’s foreign exchange to produce and export to differ- of substandard steel reinforcement earnings. MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) ent countries within the region. bars under the name and code of rival firms and competitors. “We are assuring genuine JULY 2020 He added: “We want to also manufacturers of SON’s warn that any steel manufacturer “Such act is not acceptable resilience and doggedness to Money Supply (M3) 36,822,751.47 caught circumventing quality and it is to the detriment of the protect local production from assurance requirements will unsuspecting end-users who buy unfair competition. -- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors 3,476,121.25 be prosecuted in line with the and use the products. SON Act 14 of 2015. “We urge manufacturers Money Supply (M2) 33,346,630.22 “We also warn you to desist to imbibe the culture of self- “We are giving this warn- from tampering with any consign- regulation and monitoring, it -- Quasi Money 120,764,479.02 ing because the life of every ment put on hold by officials of the will help to prevent standards Nigeria is important; any agency for suspected infractions infractions,” Salim added. -- Narrow Money (M1) 12,582,151.19 product that will destroy lives during investigation and quality and property is not worthy to verifications, such acts by anyone He recalled that the federal ---- Currency Outside Banks 2,002,026.89 be in the Nigerian market.” in the steel or other sectors will government through the Federal attract the wrath of the law,” he Ministry of Works and Housing ---- Demand Deposits 10,580,124.31 The director general also warned. Salim also warned that the and its Transportation counterpart stated that compliance to agency will stop at nothing to bring recently directed SON to com- Net Foreign Assets (NFA) 7,637,137.23 quality and standards would sanity to Nigeria’s steel sector as mence calibration of all axle load guarantee local and interna- the federal government has been weighbridges in Nigeria as part Net Domestic Assets(NDA) 29,185,614.24 tional patronage of Nigerian working tirelessly to support and of measures to protect the roads steel products. expand the exportation of steel from excessive loads by cargo -- Net Domestic Credit (NDC) 39,711,115.95 trucks and trailers. “I understand that the steel ---- Credit to Government (Net) 19,521,851.08 SONOrdersRemovalofSubstandardSteelProducts ---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA 0.00 Dike Onwuamaeze ---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA) 0.00 The Director General of the standards for steel production and international patronage of ---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS) -130,189,264.87 Standards Organisation of across West Africa sub-region to Nigerian steel products. Nigeria (SON), Mr. Farouk avail steel manufacturers the op- --Other Assets Net 3,472,017.70 Salim, has ordered manufac- portunity to produce and export “I understand that the steel turers and importers of steel to different countries within the manufacturers undermine one Reserve Money (Base Money 13,421,827.07 products to evacuate fake and region. another through the production substandard steel products in of substandard steel reinforcement --Currency in Circulation 2,395,917.03 Nigerian market and prepare He added: “We want to also bars under the name and code themselves for harmonised steel warn that any steel manufacturer of rival firms and competitors. --Banks Reserves 11,025,910.04 ˾

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 standard across West Africa. caught circumventing quality --Special Intervention Reserves 317,234.17 assurance requirements will “Such act is not acceptable Salim noted that the required be prosecuted in line with the and it is to the detriment of the Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) SON Act 14 of 2015. unsuspecting end-users who buy 117 must be adhered to because and use the products. Month March 2018 steel products are key materials “We are giving this warning used in building bridges and because the life of every Nigeria “We also warn you to desist Inter-Bank Call Rate 15.16 must pass the quality threshold is important; any product that from tampering with any consign- to safeguard lives and property. will destroy lives and property is ment put on hold by officials Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) not worthy to be in the Nigerian of the agency for suspected He also revealed that steps market.” infractions during investigation Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) 14.00 were underway to harmonise and quality verifications, such acts The director general also stated by anyone in the steel or other Treasury Bill Rate 11.84 that compliance to quality and sectors will attract the wrath of standards would guarantee local the law,” he warned. Savings Deposit Rate 4.07 Intra-AfricanTradeFairGetsNewDate 1 Month Deposit Rate 8.82 The second Intra-African Trade The new date would enable event. “The extra time given 3 Months Deposit Rate 9.72 Fair (IATF2021) is now set to organisers to take stock of all the to preparatory activities and 6 Months Deposit Rate 10.93 take place from 8th to 14th latest safety precautions, allow effective roll-out of COVID-19 12 Months Deposit Rate 10.21 December, 2021. for wider roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines will allow IATF2021 to vaccines and to put in place be held under favourable condi- Prime Lending rate 17.35 According to a statement, the effective COVID-19 safety and tions, giving more confidence Maximum Lending Rate 31.55 African Export-Import Bank prevention protocols. to participating governments, (Afreximbank), the African Union exhibitors, buyers, conference ˾
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ͯͱϱ (AU) and the Government of It quoted IATF2021 Advisory delegates and other visitors,” Rwanda decided to shift the date Council Chairman and former Obasanjo added. OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE 

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ͰͮͰͯ of the continental trade fair, which President of Nigeria, Chief The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $62.47 a barrel on Friday, compared was previously scheduled to hold Olusegun Obasanjo, to have said “IATF2021 will bring together with $64.79 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. from 6th to 12th September, 2021, the new date would also give continental and global players to The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan to allow for a broader roll-out of countries and businesses more showcase and exhibit their goods Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light COVID-19 vaccines across the time to prepare for IATF2021. and services, and explore business (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), continent and ensure that the and investment opportunities Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and event is held under the most “Our intent is that all partici- enabled by the single market Merey (Venezuela). optimal health conditions. pants garner the full benefits of created by the African Continental the abundant networking, trade Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna It explained that the decision and investment opportunities that to accelerate Africa’s integration was made at the extraordinary will arise at IATF2021. Despite and industrialisation agenda,” meeting of the IATF2021Advisory the COVID-19 pandemic, there he added. Council held virtually. is a lot of enthusiasm for the

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AfrilandPropertiesAssuresShareholdersofImprovedPerformance,Returns Goddy Egene yesterday in Lagos, the MD said optimise future rental income He said: “The real estate review.” The company had over According to him, Afriland the company would continue to from our proprietary proper- industry was affected negatively 41 projects in different locations Properties recorded a revenue The Managing Director of explore more ways to ensure that ties and to actively pursue an by the pandemic as public in the country and at various of N1.42 billion, profit before tax Afriland Properties Plc, the business remains profitable. aggressive development of select and private properties such stages of completion.” stood at N1billion, while total Uzoamak Oshogwe, yesterday properties for residential and as offices, apartments, hotels, assets rose to N27.07billion assured shareholders of bet- She said: “During the year commercial purposes, with a sports, and entertainment He said although the per- representing an increase of ter performance, saying the under review, we commenced view to maximizing shareholders venues were singled out as formance was affected by the nine per cent as against the company was ploughing back and completed the construction wealth.” potential spreading locations events in the larger economy, the N24. 86billion recorded in 2019. most of its earnings to be able of some offices nationwide while for the novel coronavirus. These company further strengthen The board recorded a dividend to generate more profits and significant progress was made In his address, Chairman, Af- places were either shut down or its balance sheets and business of N68. 695 million dividend deliver better returns. on other non-proprietary projects riland Properties Plc, Emmanuel had restrictions imposed. several model this year by tapping (five kobo per share), which was and we have positioned your Nnorom, said the pandemic and projects were commenced and into the opportunities that will commended and approved by Speaking at the company’s 8th company to take advantage of the resultant lockdown also took completed in the year under be created in the building and the shareholders. annual general meeting (AGM) government’s policy direction; a turn on its business activities. construction sector. PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED AS OF 22/03/2021 MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED MAIN BOARD DEALS MARKET QUANTITY VALUE TRADED PRICE TRADED ( N) PRICE TRADED ( N)

34 TUESDAY MARCH 23, 2021 • T H I S D AY