Courts Issue Conflicting Judgments Post-Elections: FG, Security Agencies

On LP Chair, Scribe, Others’ Offices Must Not Take Sides, CNPP Warns CHIDI UGWU and the Department of State any political party if the coun-
PA S C H A L N J O K U While Justice Hamza retary, Alhaji Farouk Ibrahim; Services (DSS), are appearing try’s democracy must continue
ABUJA
ABUJA Muazu of the High Court of National Organising Secretary, to be taking sides with the All to transition from one admin-
the Federal Capital Territo- Mr. Clement Ojukwu, and one The Conference of Nigeria Progressives Congress (APC) istration to another without
Two conflicting court judg- ry (FCT) on Wednesday, re- other from parading them- Political Parties (CNPP) has in recent post-election events, hitches.
ments on Wednesday sacked strained the National Chair- selves as national officers of warned that the Federal Gov- saying that the Federal Gov- The CNPP was reacting to
and retained the national offi- man of the Labour Party (LP), the party, a state High Court ernment and security agen- ernment and its apparatus post-elections utterances of
cers of the Labour Party (LP). Mr. Julius Abure; National Sec- CONTINUES ON P29 ¢ cies, particularly the police should not do the bidding of CONTINUES ON P6 ¢

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FG Secures $800m From W/Bank

As Palliative To 50m Nigerians
INNOCENT OWEH
ABUJA
Global financial power house, the
World Bank, has granted the Nigeri-
an government $800 million to put up
a comprehensive palliative scheme for
citizens, prior to the removal of fuel
subsidy by June, 2023.
Minister of Finance, Budget and
National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, re-
vealed this on Wednesday, shortly after
the Federal Executive Council (FEC)
meeting presided over by President
Muhammadu Buhari.
According to Ahmed, the Nigerian
government has resolved to end subsi-
dy by June, hence it has begun moves
to make the impact less stressful for
the citizens.
She noted that already there has
been meaningful engagement with
the newly established Presidential
Transition Council (PTC) and the in-
CONTINUES ON P29 ¢

Nigeria’s
Economy
Won’t
Crumble If
Oil Dries Up
Today P29
— NEPC Boss
Kogi Attack:
10 Killed, 50
Houses Razed
— Witness P7
Rivers APC
SEC Suspends
Chairman,
Legal Adviser,
Others
Disowns Amaechi
Over Comment On
Tinubu P7
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (right); Pauline Tallen, Minister for Women Affairs and Social Development (second right); Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the
Buhari Unveils Government of the Federation (second left), and Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, during the Federal
14-Man Nat’l Executive Council meeting at the State House, Abuja on Wednesday.

Council ORGAN HARVESTING PLOT

For Digital
Obasanjo Writes UK Court, Seeks
P7
Innovation And
Entrepreneurship
Security Agents Clemency For Ekweremadu, Wife
Linked To APC S U L A I M A N FA S A S I has written the United Kingdom Court their conviction for organ harvesting Central Criminal Court, Old Bailey,
that convicted the former Deputy Sen- of a 21-year-old Nigerian. London, asked the United Kingdom
Pressuring Obi FormerPresidentOlusegunObasanjo ate
AB EO KUTA
President, Senator Ike Ekwerema- Obasanjo in a letter dated April 3, government to temper justice with
du and his wife, seeking clemency on and addressed to the Chief Clerk, the
To Go On Exile CONTINUES ON P29 ¢

— LP PCC P6 Business Enabling Council Engages MDAs On Business Facilitation Act P7

2 /Independentngr
News
Reps To Investigate
NCC's Failure To
Promote Spread Of
Telecom Services
Across The Country
T O R K WA S E N Y I E K A A
ABUJA
The House of Representatives
on Wednesday moved to set up
an Adhoc Committee to investi-
gate the inability of the Nigerian
Communications Commission
(NCC), to promote the spread of
telecommunication services in
the country.
This resolution of the House
followed a motion of urgent pub-
lic importance raised at plenary,
brought by Hon. Sergius Ose
Ogun, titled 'Need to investigate
the non-provision of mobile tele-
communication network services
to the underserved and unserved
areas of Nigeria by the Nigerian
Communications Commission.
The Lawmaker while pre-
senting the motion, He noted
that Section 3 of the Nigerian
Communications Act, Cap. N97,
Laws of the Federation of Nige-
ria, 2004, established the Nigerian
Communications Commission
(NCC) with the responsibility of
regulating the communications
sector in Nigeria.
He further noted that by the
provisions of Section 4 of the Ni-
gerian Communications Act, Cap.
N97, Laws of the Federation of
Nigeria, 2004, the Nigerian Com-
munications Commission (NCC)
is saddled with the responsibility
of facilitating investments in and
entry into the Nigerian market
for the provision and supply of
communication services, equip-
ment, and facilities.
"Aware that in the wake of the
rapid expansions of the Global
System of Mobile Communica-
tion (GSM) in Nigeria, most of
the mobile telecommunication
network operators were reluctant
to move to the rural areas owing
to business considerations.
"Also aware that the Nigerian
Communications Act, Cap. N97,
Laws of the Federation of Nige-
ria, 2004, empowers the Nigerian
Communications Commission
(NCC) to receive two and a half
percent (2.5%) of the annual turn-
over of the mobile telecommuni-
cation network operators as an
annual license renewal fee."
Benue Gov-Elect Spotted In Aso Rock, Vows To Broker
Peace Between Fulani Herdsmen, Residents
INNOCENT OWEH
ABUJA
T
he Benue State gover-
nor-elect, Rev Fr Hya-
cinth Alia on Wednes-
day paid a visit to the
seat of power, where he met
President Muhammadu Bu-
hari.
He hinged his visit to the
presidency on the need to thank
the President, who he noted
displayed neutrality in the just
concluded general elections.
When asked how he would
confront the challenges be-
tween residents of the state and
herdsmen, he said he would
seek all avenues to broker peace
among the warring citizens by
revisiting the existing anti open
grazing laws.
He described the current
state’s civil service as being
in a state of near collapse
and confined to the Intensive
Care Unit (ICU), noting that
he would infuse life into it and
keep it going.
Alia, was accompanied on
the visit by the former Gover-
nor and current Minister of
Special Duties and Intergovern-
mental Affairs, George Akume.
Responding to more ques-
tions posed at him, the Gov-
Sam Amuka Tasks Media Commission
To Ensure Professionalism
The board of the National Me-
dia Complaints Commission
(NMCC) otherwise known as
The Ombudsman, has been
tasked to work towards ensuring
highly professionalised and free
media in the country.
The Publisher of Vanguard
newspaper and Life Patron of the
Newspaper Proprietors' Associa-
tion of Nigeria (NPAN), Mr. Sam
Amuka, gave the charge on Mon-
day in Lagos while inaugurating
the nine-man commission.
Seven of the nine members of
the commission which has Izeze,
former Managing Director of the
Guardian newspapers, as Chair-
man, were in attendance.
Other members present were
Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna,
@independentngr www.independent.ng
ernor-elect particularly noted
that the state owes a backlog
of salaries including pensions
and gratuities, hence he is de-
termined to remain focused
and tackle the myriad of issues
on his desk when he assumes
office on May 29, 2023.
On whether he would pro-
ceed to probe his predecessor
against the backdrop of his
letter to the Benue Investment
Property Company, warning
them of financial transactions
with the incumbent governor,
Alia said, “I haven’t looked at
the books, so I wouldn’t want to
be quite preemptive. Once I’m
sworn in, I know that what the
good people of Benue want is
progress and development.
"And there’s so much that
we need to put on track for
things to work. Benue state is
an agrarian zone and so we
must focus on agriculture and
upgrade it.
“Benue is very capable of
feeding the whole nation, so
we are not just the food basket
of the nation by name and I
am hoping that we will up our
game in agriculture and take
care of the rest as well.
“It is sad that the life of civil
service in the state is near col-
lapse, it’s in the ICU, so I just
Deputy Vice Chancellor, (Aca-
demics) Paul University, Awka,
Anambra State; Dr. Hussain
Abdu, a Development Specialist
and Country Director, Care In-
ternational (Nigeria); Mr. Lanre
Idowu.
CEO/Editor-in-Chief, Di-
amond Publications Ltd. and
Founder, Diamond Awards For
Media Excellence (DAME); Mr.
Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director,
Media Rights Agenda (MRA),
Mrs. Dupe Ajayi Gbadebo a
Journalist, Lawyer, and Arbi-
trator; and Mrs. Eugenia Abu,
Broadcaster, Author, and Col-
umnist.
Mr. A. B Mahmoud, former
President of the Nigerian Bar
Association, and Honourable
need to get in there and infuse
life in it and keep it moving.
We have a lot of backlog of
unpaid salaries, pensions and
gratuities. So, already I got
much on the desk to keep a good
focus on and I remain hopeful
that I am going to do just that.”
The Benue governor-elect
who emerged on the platform
of the All Progressives Con-
gress (APC), commended Presi-
dent Buhari for standing on the
firm decision for the general
elections to take place.
He noted that although peo-
ple were expecting a perfect
election, it may not have been
perfect but a number of areas
in the country recorded a near
perfection in the outcome of the
results.
He said “For someone to feel
that we have never made the
stride in the right directions I
think that would be a flaw of
logic. So, we have done so much
and I remain quite grateful. My
visit is a solidarity visit and the
President leaves office in a mat-
ter of months, I came to wish
him well. He has done so much
for the nation. Remember, I am
a Catholic priest and I prayed
for all of us too and shared the
blessings with him too.”
On what he was set to do
Segun Odebunmi, Chair, of the
House of Representatives Com-
mittee on Information, were
absent.
Speaking at the ceremony,
the President of the Newspa-
per Proprietors' Association of
Nigeria (NPAN) who doubles
as the President of the Nigeria
Press Organisation (NPO), Mal
Kabiru A. Yusuf said "We expect
the commission to serve as an
independent forum for resolv-
ing complaints about the press
quickly, fairly and free of charge;
maintain high standards of Ni-
gerian journalism and journal-
ists ethics; and defend the free-
dom of the press and the right
of people to know".
While inviting all stakehold-
DAILY INDEPENDENT THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023
Ahmed Idris
Wase, Deputy
Speaker, House of
Representatives/
speakership
aspirant (right),
and Mai Mala
Buni, Governor,
Yobe State,
during Wase’s
consultative
meeting with
the governor
in Damaturu,
Yobe State on
Wednesday.
in his bid to address the ani-
mosity in the state over the
anti-grazing law and pacify,
Alia said: “One thing must re-
main clear, let it be on record
that the Benue people are very
hospital people. We are very
friendly people and over the
ages, we’ve lived in all cultures
and different people. And so if
some mishap had happened in
the last eight years, thank God
the eight years has expired.
“I want everyone to feel that
Benue is a home for everyone.
Remember, before I am step-
ping in there as a governor, our
history reveals that we have all
cultures in Benue and so it is,
we have all cultures in Nigeria
in Benue. So I believe my time
will not be any different.
“If there were some errors, I
would correct them. But I know
for sure we are hospitable, we
are friendly and the Benue
State Assembly is also a knowl-
edgeable Assembly.
"So, the 10th Assembly is go-
ing to work for the people and
do the work of the people. If by
chance anybody perceived us to
be a hostel state, please we are a
renewed hope of Benue, a hos-
pitable, friendly, law and order
people. So, we are all welcome
to Benue as we move in there.”
ers to support the project, he
noted that "the media is weary of
government regulation, because
politicians tend to have short
goals. We are happy to submit to
peer regulation by collaborating
with civil society, business, and
the profession"
Among those present at the
event were Prince Nduka Obaig-
bena, Publisher of ThisDay
Newspaper/NPAN Life Patron,
Prince Dennis Sami, NPAN
Council member and Publisher
of The Pilot, Mr. Frank Aigbo-
gun, Publisher of BusinessDay,
Fidelis Anosike, Publisher of
Daily Times, Mustapha Isah,
President of the Nigerian Guild
of Editors (NGE), Chief Chris
Isiguzo, MFR, President of the
Nigeria Union of Journalists
(NUJ) and Ms. Maureen Chig-
bo, President of the Guild of
Corporate Online Publishers
(GOCOP).
Suspension Of Abia
APC Chieftains
Diversionary, Won't
Save You, Onuigbo
Tells Emenike
T O N Y E Z I M A KO R
ABUJA
Hon Sam Onuigbo, House of Rep-
resentatives Committee Chair-
man on Climate Change and
member representing Ikwuano
-Umuahia federal Constituency
of Abia State has of Chief Ike-
chi Emenike, governorship can-
didate of the All Progressives
Congress in the last election over
his purported suspension along
eight other chieftains of APC in
Abia, noting that the desperate
action was only diversionary.
He said the APC governorship
candidate was merely trying to
evade scrutiny over how he de-
ployed and misused campaign
funds placed at his disposal by
the party with the effect that
Abia APC could muster a paltry
8000 votes for its presidential
candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed
Tinubu.
Hon has therefore urged the
national leadership of the party
to direct Emenike to account for
how he disbursed the huge sums
given for the election, as no cover
up would suffice with the show of
shame the party returned during
the general election.
Chief Emenike had in a letter
signed by the party's Secretary,
Chief Chidi Avajah, suspend-
ed nine chieftains of the party,
among them Hon Onuigbo,
for alleged anti party activities
during the just-concluded gener-
al elections.
How Onuigbo who held the
party's Abia Central Senatorial
District ticket but was surpris-
ingly excluded from the scheme
of things by Chief Emenike and
his cohorts apparently because
of the campaign funds dismissed
the purported suspension as an
action of a desperate man.
" They gave him money
from the national party and
he has to account for how he
disbursed it.
" He was going about cam-
paigning against me instead of
campaigning for the APC and the
President -elect. He lost in all the
places he campaigned against me
including his polling unit."
" Despite all the money that
the national leadership con-
firmed to us that was given to
him for Abia, he was only able
to deliver a paltry 8000 votes for
the President- elect."
The lawmaker who said he
remained a bonafide member
of the APC, insisted that his
purported suspension "holds no
water".
" Suspension of members of
a party is based on established
anti-party activities. You don't
wake up in the morning and start
suspending people; gather men
like puppets and ask them to sign
suspension letters.
" My Ward didn't suspend me.
I remain a bonafide member of
APC, and I'm working here in
Abuja with the National leader-
ship, handling some very import-
ant matters concerning our party
in the state.
"So, I don't see the basis for
such a frivolous, and absolute-
ly irresponsible and reckless
letter".
DAILY INDEPENDENT THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023
Adeola Donates 480 Laptops,
Others To Constituents In Lagos
I K E C H I N Z E A KO
LAGOS
S
enator Solomon Adeo-
la, senator representing
Lagos West at the Senate
has donated over 480 lap-
tops to teachers and students
in his constituency in the bid
to promote and enhance their
Information and Communica-
tion Technology (ICT) skills.
The teachers and students
were trained by one of the best
ICT training companies in the
country.
Adeola, who is the Chair-
man, Senate Committee on
Finance, also provided train-
ing of 2310 women and young
people on vocational skills
like agricultural value chain,
event planning, hairdressing
Post-Election: Babarinsa, Idowu To Discuss
Way Forward Boiling Point Arena
The popular Boiling Point Are-
na, a monthly online discourse
on politics and governance, will
feature renowned journalist and
historian, Mr Dare Babarinsa and
a Chartered Engineer, Apostle Mo-
ses Oludele Idowu as they point
the way forward for the highly
critical need for tribal cohesion,
integration and unity aftermath
Nigeria’s post-election of 2023.
The programme which will
be held online on Sunday April 9,
and others.
Speaking at the event, Adeo-
la said that the aim of the proj-
ect was to develop and enhance
human resource development
for teachers and educational
advancement for youth in the
senatorial district, adding that
ICT plays critical roles in the
life and economy of people.
He disclosed that the ben-
eficiaries were nominated by
the Lagos State Educational
Board from across the 10 LGAs
of Lagos West Senatorial Dis-
trict, adding that the training
involved acquisition of ICT
Skills in educational and aca-
demic presentation, basic and
advanced excel and digital
marketing.
According to him, he facili-
tated the training in association
2023 via Google Meet is expected
to be transmitted live by an Abeo-
kuta-based radio station, Oodua
99.9FM for the two-hour duration
from 8 pm to 10 pm.
Both Mr Babarinsa, a promi-
nent columnist, author, historian
and one of the Founders of Tell
Magazine, and Apostle Idowu,
a management consultant who
is more renowned as the Presi-
dent of Apostolic Christianity
Network, are Guest Speakers/
/Independentngr
with the Teachers’ Registration
Council of Nigeria and Federal
Cooperative College, Ibadan.
The Lagos West Senator
also facilitated the training of
women and young people in
different vocational skills like
event planning, agricultural
value chain, event planning
and management and others.
The trained beneficiaries
were given equipment and seed
capital to start their businesses.
Adeola urged not to sell the
equipment but use them to
create businesses and generate
employment and wealth in the
constituency.
Adeola, who will be repre-
senting Ogun West in the next
Senate, promised to always
remember the people of Lagos
West.
Discussants at the interactive
interview session which parades
large global audience.
The duo is to walk the audi-
ence through Nigeria’s electoral
past from nationhood and the
myriads of other volatile issues
of ethnicity, tribalism and religion
that almost marred the 2023 gen-
eral elections as well as point the
way forward for the reintegration
of several tribes and ethnic na-
tionalities that constitute Nigeria.
@independentngr
R A J I A D E B AYO
I BADAN
The Special Adviser to Gover-
nor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State
on Labour matters, Comrade
Bayo Titilola-Sodo has said that
the second term of the gover-
nor will be better than the first
term.
He made this disclosure
when he hosted members of
the Nigeria Union of Journal-
ists (NUJ) Oyo state council at
an Iftar (fast-breaking) in his
residence in Ibadan on Tuesday.
The special adviser who
2023 Election: Ex-Councillors Congratulate
Oborevwori, Delta Governor-Elect
S U N DAY A PA H
Former Councillors who
served in the 5th Assembly and
are still members of the Peo-
ples Democratic Party (PDP) in
Delta state have congratulated
the party's candidate, Rt. Hon.
Sheriff Francis Orohwedor
Oborevwori on his resounding
victory in the March 18th gov-
ernorship election in the state.
The councilors, in a state-
ment signed on their behalf
by Hon. Felix Maduwe, Hon.
Peres Beke, and Hon. Sunday
Apah, said they did not doubt
the PDP’s victory because Delt-
ans are progressives and would
always vote for the party.
The former lawmakers
described Oborevwori’s land-
slide victory as a testament to
the excellent work the PDP-led
government has done in Delta
www.independent.ng
'Makinde's Performance’ll Be
Better Than First Four Years'
said that the governor has per-
formed well insisted that the
second term will be better than
the first one.
Titilola-Sodo, who acknowl-
edged that no government can
satisfy everyone, added that
journalists have a role to con-
structively criticise those in
positions of authority.
He described the NUJ as a
versatile union that has been
helping to shape the current
State and the sterling qualities
of her candidate.
The councilors added that
the progressive nature of Delt-
ans, as well as their culture of
reciprocating gestures, also
played a significant role in
Oborevwori’s victory.
The statement reads: “We
congratulate Rt. Hon. Sheriff
Oborevwori emerged victori-
ous in the March 18th guber-
natorial election and returned
as duly elected next governor
of Delta State.
“We must note that our
party, the PDP , and its gov-
ernment, under the able lead-
ership of Governor Ifeanyi
Okowa, has delivered beyond
the expectations of the Deltans,
we, therefore, believe it was
only natural for the citizens to
reciprocate by voting for our
party.
3
News
democracy.
According to him, "NUJ is
a versatile union to associate
with. I want to say thank you
and appreciate what you have
done. No government can sat-
isfy everyone. It is your job to
criticise constructively.
"You have been constructive
partners in running the affairs
of Oyo state. It is my hope that
we will do better than the first
term".
“Our confidence was fur-
ther buoyed by the quality of
candidates presented for the
governorship poll. The com-
bination of Rt. Hon. Sheriff
Oborevwori and his deputy,
Sir. Monday Onyeme is what
Delta needs to continue with
the great work started by the
outgoing governor.
“We once again congratu-
late the winners for running a
good race and emerging victo-
rious. We also congratulate our
brother-governor, Senator Dr.
Ifeanyi Okowa, who has set a
winning template for the party
with good governance over the
years.
“Finally, our hearty felicita-
tions go to the people of Delta
State for voting wisely for PDP,
the party that will continue to
deliver the good for all the cit-
izens.”
4 /Independentngr
News
Chioma Nwachuku, Director
Ext. Affairs and Sustainability,
Seplat Energy (left); Bello
Rabiu, Independent Non-
Executive Director, Seplat
Energy (second left);
Kechi Ogbuagu, President,
Conversations 4 Change (C4C)
(second right), and Arunma
Oteh, former Independent
Non-Executive Director,
Seplat Energy, during
the cheque presentation
to C4C at the event to
celebrate past beneficiaries
(Fellows) of the Seplat JV/
C4C Entrepreneurship
Programme held in Abuja on
Monday
Akande-
Sadipe Repairs
Drainage At
Oluyole
K A Z E E M AW O J O O D U
I BADAN
Hon. Tolu Akande-Sadipe,
the member representing
Oluyole Federal Constitu-
ency, has commenced the
palliative repair of drain-
age at Odo Ona -Idi iroko
Adewolo road.
According to Akande-
Sadipe, who chairs the
House of Representatives
Committee on Diaspora,
the drainage was wrong-
fully excavated by a con-
tractor of FERMA, during
the construction of Ayegun
OLEYO road.
A statement by her me-
dia aide, Lekan Olusada,
added that the repair was
part of Akande-Sadipe's ef-
forts to alleviate the hard-
ship of her constituents,
who have been experienc-
ing difficulties due to the
damage caused by wrongful
evacuation.
The project is aimed at
providing a lasting solu-
tion to the problem and to
prevent further damage to
the road.
Olusada added that
the member representing
Oluyole Federal Constitu-
ency has shown deep com-
mitment to the welfare of
her constituents, saying
"this repair project is just
one of the many ways she
is demonstrating her ded-
ication to the community".
Speaking about the proj-
ect Akande-Sadipe stated
that the welfare of her
constituents is of utmost
importance to her and she
is committed to that.
Hon Akande-Sadipe said,
"I understand the plight of
the people in this commu-
nity, and I am committed
to ensuring that they have
access to good roads and
other necessary amenities.
The repair of this drainage
is part of my effort to make
life comfortable for my con-
stituents".
Abak Reps Supplementary, APC Candidate Petitions
INEC, Alleges Plot To Manipulate Outcome
IDONGESIT ASHAMERI
UYO
T
he All Progressives
Congress (APC)
House of Repre-
sentatives candi-
date for Abak/Etim Ekpo/
Ika Federal Constituency
in Akwa Ibom State, Mr
Clement Jimbo, has alleged
plans to scuttle the supple-
mentary election sched-
uled for April 25.
Addressing newsmen
during a press conference
in Uyo on Wednesday, Jimbo
queried the rationale behind
plans to conduct the supple-
mentary elections in 25 out
of the 386 polling units of
the constituency.
The APC Reps hopeful al-
leged that some staff of the
Independent National Elec-
toral Commission (INEC)
were planning to scuttle
the supplementary elec-
tion in favour of his main
contender and candidate
of the People's Democratic
Party (PDP) candidate, Mr
Aniekan Umanah.
He said he scored a major-
ity of the lawful votes cast
with a marginal lead of 2,962
votes after the February 25,
Bill Seeking Establishment Of FCT Sports
Commission Scales Second Reading In Senate
S A M U E L O G I DA N
ABUJA
A bill seeking to establish
the Federal Capital Terri-
tory (FCT) Sports Commis-
sion on Wednesday scaled
second reading on the floor
of the Senate.
The bill sponsored by
Senator Philip Aduda
(PDP FCT), will encourage
@independentngr www.independent.ng
2023 House of Representa-
tives election, and wondered
why INEC declared the con-
stituency election inconclu-
sive as a result of election
cancellation in some polling
units.
Jumbo stated that along-
side his lawyer, Barr. Inibe-
he Effiong, he has petitioned
the INEC Chairman to in-
vestigate the allegations and
stop the plans to scuttle the
supplementary election.
In his words "We are
minded to alert the public
of ongoing devious efforts
by compromised elements
within the Commission,
acting in collaboration with
some corrupt leaders and in-
terested persons within the
Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP) in Akwa Ibom State,
to engage in dubious, sin-
ister and illegal efforts and
actions which are geared
towards manipulating the
forthcoming supplementa-
ry election in our federal
constituency, with the sin-
gular agenda of concocting
inflated, fraudulent and fic-
tional figures and votes in
order to suppress, surpass
and undermine the exist-
ing wide margin of 2,962 in
the development, organi-
zation and participation
in sports in Abuja, if as-
sented to.
The commission, when
established, will be charged
with the responsibility of
administering, encourag-
ing and developing sports
& games in the Federal cap-
ital Territory.
The commission, accord-
ing to Aduda, will coordi-
favour of the APC and give
the PDP the leeway to steal
the election.
"As part of this fraudu-
lent scheme, a plan has been
hatched by some officials of
the Commission, acting in
concert with their sponsors
in the PDP, to illegally in-
crease the number of poll-
ing units where supplemen-
tary elections are to be held
in the federal constituency.
"This fraudulent scheme
has now been substantiated
by a worrisome publication
on the Commission's web-
site to the effect that the
April 15, 2023 supplementa-
ry election for Abak/ Etim
Ekpo/ Ika Federal Constit-
uency will be held in 25 poll-
ing units.
"We have undertaken a
rigorous verification and
investigation of the listed 25
polling units as published by
the Commission. We found
to our chagrin, that the Com-
mission has not offered co-
gent and verifiable reasons,
on the basis for isolating the
said 25 polling units for sup-
plementary election.
"Our fears have been fur-
ther confirmed by the fact
that some of the polling
nate and integrate efforts to
raise the standard of per-
formance in sports as well
as promote cooperation
with other sports bodies,
their physical fitness and
general well-being.
The commission is also
expected to organize, assist
financially the participa-
tion in sports at inter-state,
national and international
levels, provide and main-
DAILY INDEPENDENT THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023
units listed in the publica-
tion were added arbitrarily,
despite that election took
place in the units and votes
were scored, counted, re-
corded, declared, signed by
agents of various political
parties and even transmit-
ted to the INEC Result View-
ing Portal (IReV)," he stated.
He also demanded the re-
moval and replacement of
the Electoral Officer (EO)
of Etim Expo Local Gov-
ernment Area, Mr Edet Eyo
Effiong, saying the neutral-
ity of the EO has been un-
dermined.
When contacted, the
Public Relations Officer of
the commission, Mr Odaro
Aisien said, "This particu-
lar issue you are referring
to is being examined by the
commission. In order word,
there are specific polling
units and wards where the
supplementary polls will be
conducted.
"INEC national head-
quarters, Abuja, and the
commission office in Akwa
Ibom are both working on
the matter. So because the
matter is being considered,
we cannot make any con-
crete statement now".
tain sports centers and fa-
cilities for the training of
Nigerians as instructors
and organizers of sports.
Aduda further stated
that the bill will bring FCT
Sports to be in line with in-
ternational best practice in
the areas of sports admin-
istration.
The Bill, after delibera-
tion on the floor of the Sen-
ate, was referred to the Sen-
ate committee on sports for
further legislative actions
and to report back in four
weeks.
Oyo Refuse
Contractors’
Association
Congratulates
Makinde Over
Reelection, Solicit
More Support
K A Z E E M AW O J O O D U
I BADAN
The umbrella body of waste
collectors under the aegis of
Refuse Contractors Association
of Oyo State has congratulated
Governor Seyi Makinde over
his reelection at the just con-
cluded 2023 governorship Poll.
Arising from its quarterly
meeting held in Ibadan on
April 4, the association in its
communiqué made available
to journalists by its president,
Mr Temitope Jayeola, de-
scribed Makinde as a friend
of the commonma.
The association also de-
scribed Makinde as a politi-
cal evangelist whose services
to the people of Oyo state and
humanity at large through
politics and governance pre-
cede his name which reso-
nates good feelings anywhere
it is mentioned.
While reaffirming the
association's support and
commitment to the Oyo state
development agenda being en-
gineered by Makinde, Jayeola
assured that members of the
association remain resolute
in helping it achieve a clean
and green Oyo State.
They expressed optimism
that Omituntun 2.0 will be
a greater success having re-
corded such unprecedented
achievements during the sus-
tainable development agenda
under Omituntun 1.0.
"We want to as the umbrel-
la body of all refuse contrac-
tors in Oyo state congratulate
our God's sent man, His Ex-
cellency, Governor Seyi Ma-
kinde on his unprecedented
electoral victory at the just
concluded 2023 governorship
election."
DAILY INDEPENDENT THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023 /Independentngr @independentngr www.independent.ng 5

News
Nigerian Women
Breaking Barriers
In Professional,
Political Fields
– Opeyinka
T O R K WA S E N Y I E K A A
ABUJA

Motunrayo Opeyinka, found-

er of Womenovate, a female
focused online learning plat-
form globally offering women
in STEAM (Science, Technol-
ogy, Entering, Agriculture,
and Mathematics) disclosed
that over the past few decades,
women have broken barriers
and shattered glass ceilings
in many fields, including
business, politics, academia,
STEM, and the arts.
She said this in an inter-
Olasunkannmi Adekeye, Executive Director/COO, Veritas Kapital Assurance (left); Chiemerie Ogueiofor, first prize winner of Veritas Kapital Assurance plc quiz view with Journalists on a
on Education Competition from University of Lagos (second left); Christie Okwudishu, Head Lagos Branch/Co-ordinator, Business Development, Southern Fireside Chat in commem-
Region, Veritas Kapital (middle); Alabi Taofeek, Veritas Kapital Assurance, second winner, from Ekiti State University (second right), and Adeboye Gbenga, Head, oration of Women's History
Technical (South), during the prize presentation for the winners of Veritas Education quiz competition, in Lagos. Month, in line with this year's
theme, "DigitALL: Innovation
and technology for gender
FEC Approves N18.6bn To Construct New EFCC Training equality.
Opeyinka noted that wom-
en are increasingly starting
Academy, Procurement Of Census Facilities, Others businesses and pursuing en-
trepreneurial ventures, and
this trend not only empowers
INNOCENT OWEH build a new training facility ratory to the National Popu- He disclosed that a vari- rian Ports Authority (NPA) women to pursue their pas-
ABUJA for the Economic and Finan- lation Census scheduled for ation cost of N65 million at a cost of N1 billion. sions, but also helps to create
cial Crimes Commission May this year. was also approved for the According to the pres- more diverse and inclusive
(EFCC). Senior Special Assistant supply of fire crash tenders idential spokesman, "A workplaces.

T
he Federal Execu-
tive Council meet-
ing presided over by
President Muham-
madu Buhari on Wednes-
day approved N3.3billion to
AHMED MUSA
ABUJA
A front runner in the race
for the Speakership seat of
the 10th House of Represen-
tatives, Hon. Yusuf Adamu
Gagdi, has commenced open
consultations with relevant
stakeholders across party
lines as he met with the
Abia State Governor-elect,
Dr Alex Otti, in Lagos to sell
his candidacy.
This is coming after the
former Deputy Speaker of
the Plateau State House of
Assembly, rounded off a se-
ries of private engagements
with the ruling party lead-
ers and caucuses across the
country seeking their sup-
port.
Speaking to Journalists in
Abuja on Wednesday, Gagdi
who currently chairs the
House Committee on Navy
HYPPADEC Commits To Development, Inspects Completed Projects In Kwara
NICHOLAS UWERUNONYE
The Chairman of the Gov-
erning Council of Hydro-
electric Power Producing
Areas Development Com-
mission (HYPPADEC), Ter-
fa Ityav, has reiterated the
commitment of the body to
keeping up with its develop-
ment plan.
Speaking to journalists
during a working visit to
Kwara State, Ityav revealed
that the policy thrust of the
commission includes educa-
tion, agriculture, entrepre-
neurship, health, infrastruc-
ture and security.
Beyond this, FEC also
approved a contract award
valued at N10.9billion for the
National Population Com-
mission NPC to boost its
ICT infrastructures, prepa-
Speakership Race: Gagdi Meets Otti In Lagos
said he has taken the con-
sultations across party lines,
meeting with stakeholders
of opposition parties with a
view to building a consensus
ahead of the June inaugura-
tion.
The lawmaker disclosed
that in just two public out-
ings between Tuesday and
Wednesday, he has scored a
milestone getting the sup-
port of Dr. Otti and those of
other Labour Party mem-
bers-elect.
He also said he moved
from Lagos to the Coal City
of Enugu, South East Nige-
ria, where he met with the
Labour Party governorship
candidate, Chief Chijioke
Edeoga, and other party
stakeholders, as well as mem-
bers-elect from the state.
"In as much as I’m as-
"We are in Kwara State
to inspect and verify some
of the projects that are be-
ing done by the commission
which are in line with our
two to five years plan,” he
said.
The chairman passed a
vote of confidence in the
management committee
of the commission for the
execution of some of the
projects which he said bear
direct impact on the host
communities even as he
noted some grey areas.
"Kwara is the third state
after Kebbi and Niger that
we are visiting to assess the
on Media and Publicity to
the President, Garba Shehu,
disclosed the approvals on
behalf of some of the Min-
isters who had other engage-
ments outside the Villa.
piring to be the speaker of
the House of Representa-
tives for the 10th Assembly.
I equally want to follow
the modus operandi of my
campaign strategy where I
have itinerary of activities
and by the special grace of
God in the next two weeks, I
will unveil to you the array
of commitment and activi-
ties that I’m going to do in
addition to what I have done
so far, which is silent consul-
tation with all stakeholders
of different platform in
terms of political parties
and citizens of this country
that have a stake in decision
making of whom becomes
the speaker.
"Yesterday I commenced
my public engagements
with a visit to Lagos to meet
with the Governor-elect of
level of work done by the
management committee. We
give a vote of confidence to
them because projects that
have been shown on papers
are actually existing and
even though there are some
projects that are not up to
the standard that we expect,
we believe they are the first
of its kind and we are going
to correct it,” he stated.
Noting that the visit also
availed the agency the op-
portunity to interact with
the people, he emphasized
that the commission will
consider some of the re-
quests from communities
for selected airports in the
country.
FEC deliberated on a
memo seeking approval for
the procurement of 19 oper-
ational vehicles for the Nige-
Abia State and members of
the Labour Party. Abia has
seven members from the La-
bour Party in the House of
Representatives. From there
I flew to Enugu to engage and
have interaction with the
state party chairman of the
Labour Party, as well as the
governorship candidate of
the Labour Party in Enugu
State.
"Engaging a Governor
who has a majority in the
House of Representatives
in terms of members-elect
is important, particularly
in the House of Representa-
tives. Yesterday was the first
public engagement I had but
silently I have visited 24 gov-
ernors across the country
but since I have commenced
the public engagement I will
increase the speed.
in view of its budgetary al-
location and capacity.
"We have received a lot of
requests from communities
and we will consider them
under our development
plan, budgetary allocation
and capacity," he said.
In his own remarks, the
Managing Director of HYP-
PADEC, Alhaji Abubakar
Yelwa, revealed that the ra-
tionale behind the visit to
the communities was aimed
at ascertaining the level of
projects compliance with
their design and specifica-
tions.
Yelwa expressed his de-
contract was approved for
the development of exter-
nal cost of infrastructure
for EFCC new training
academy at a cost of N3.
3billion".
"Going forward, you will
see more of my interactions
with stakeholders across
the country. On motivation,
a lot of things motivated me,
this is my second time in the
House of Representatives,
even the first time I was able
to sponsor 12 bills among
them Mr President assented
to 6. Check and see if you can
find any member that has
funded 12 bills out of which
6 have been assented to.
"Regarding my campaign
I think I have to finish the
public engagement first,
which I am looking at 25th of
this month to 30th between
which most of my activities
including public flag-off of
my campaign either in the
secretariat in Transcorp or
the one in Utako, I will do
that," he said.
light that the "projects ex-
ecuted so far have met the
aspirations of the communi-
ties and I assure you that the
commission will not relent
in its efforts to ensure that
the right quality of projects
are delivered".
The working visit saw the
members of the governing
council and management
staff of HYPPADEC pay-
ing courtesy visits to tradi-
tional rulers in Edu, Patigi
in Moro local government
areas of the state where
projects are monitored and
handed over to the host com-
munities.
According to her, wom-
en are in better positions of
power than ever before, but
success always comes with
struggle. She shared her in-
sights and strategies to help
women take the reins and
achieve their visions of im-
pact, reward, and influence
by using their core strengths
of bravery and power.
Opeyinka stressed that
there is globally $42 trillion
economic loss from lack of
women participation in tech-
nology, and this has caused a
pandemic.
She said that this meeting
is to encourage women to take
steps and to close the gender
gap.
"We need to have more
women be participative and
inclusive in textures, in de-
signing of new technology
and bringing more diversity
into the whole texture space,"
she said.
This meeting is to encour-
age younger women to stand up
and fill the space, so that wom-
en will be seen in leadership in
order to inspire more women.
On his part, Edosa Oviawe,
programme Manager, Global
Rights, said the edition of the
Fireside Chat was aimed at
highlighting and celebrating
women who have leveraged
technology to attain success
across various fields.
He said there is a need for
the conversation in order to
educate more women.
"The fire chat is to bring to-
gether the experienced wom-
en to educate and inspire the
younger women on the need
to take challenges to be part
of technology invention.
"Women have been abused
in the society by technology,
it has also provided addition-
al fertile grounds for gen-
der-based violence against
women and girls to an alarm-
ing extent, and with little ac-
countability."
6 /Independentngr
News
Security Agents Linked To
APC Pressuring Obi To
Go On Exile — LP PCC
KINGSLEY BENNETH
ABUJA
The Labour Party’s (LP) Pres-
idential Campaign Council
(PCC) has disclosed mounting
pressure by security agents
linked to the governing All Pro-
gressives Congress (APC) on
Peter Obi, the LP’s presidential
candidate in the 2023 elections,
to leave Nigeria on exile.
Tanko Yusuf, Chief Spokes-
man of the PCC, on Wednesday,
said that those making the call
are citing fears for Obi and his
family’s safety.
Tanko also highlighted that
the former Anambra State gov-
ernor has “been repeatedly and
categorically told that he has a
choice to leave Nigeria or face
the prospect of being arrested
on false charges of inciting in-
surrection in the country.”
He said that recent events
confirm this allegation, noting
that the plan involved “circulat-
ing a fake doctored audio call”.
In a statement made avail-
able to Daily Independent, the
Labour Party PCC spokesman
also called on religious leaders,
especially in the north to dis-
countenance attempts being
made to give Obi’s legal pursuit
to recover his allegedly stolen
mandate, a religious tone.
Tanko emphasized that “at
no time throughout the cam-
paign did Mr. Peter Obi ever
say, think or even imply that
the 2023 election is or was a re-
ligious war”.
The statement read, “We
continue to thank all Nigerians
especially the youths and Obi-
dients as they have remained
focused on the core mission of
a new Nigeria that is possible,
even after the presidential elec-
tions of 25th February 2023.
“Before, throughout and
after the campaigns, it is on re-
cord that Mr. Peter Obi main-
tained his commitment and fo-
cus on issues-based campaigns,
about a new Nigeria that is pos-
sible, a shift of emphasis from
consumption to production,
as well as a new Nigeria char-
acterised by inclusion, justice,
equity, fairness and prosperity.
¡CONTINUED FROM P1
some political interests and
the actions and inactions of
the President Muhammadu
Buhari administration as well
as security agencies.
In a statement signed by its
Secretary General, Chief Wil-
ly Ezugwu, the CNPP observed
that “our democracy will be in
total jeopardy if the govern-
ment chooses to take sides or
resorts to use draconian mea-
sures to muzzle opposition voic-
es in favour of the ruling All
Progressives Congress (APC).
“It beats the imagination
of lovers of democracy that
appointees of the Federal
Government find it difficult
to separate governance from
partisanship, thereby mixing
governance with politics. The
result is usually heating up the
polity.
“Some instances have led
to the belief that the Federal
Government is supporting the
APC against Nigerian opposi-
“He repeatedly stated that
no one should vote for him
based on tribe or religion, but
rather on the assessment of
character, competence, capac-
ity, credibility and compassion
to create a new Nigeria!
“Most unfortunately, in the
past few weeks, Mr. Peter Obi,
the Labour Party presidential
candidate in the February 25th,
2023 presidential election has
been contacted by associates,
elder statesmen, family and
friends with concerns for his
personal safety.
“These concerns have in-
creased intensely in the last
few days as immense pressure
has been mounted directly on
Mr. Obi to leave the country, no
doubt, from sources allied to
the All Progressives Congress
(APC) and its agents in the se-
curity services.
“Mr. Obi has been repeated-
ly and categorically told that he
has a choice to leave Nigeria or
face the prospect of being ar-
rested on false charges of incit-
ing insurrection in the country.
“It is difficult to fathom and
regrettably unfortunate that
state institutions have become
part of a well calculated, delib-
erate and orchestrated cam-
paign of calumny by the APC
to discredit and delegitimize
Mr. Peter Obi and compel him
to abandon his right to seek re-
dress in court following the out-
come of the last election which
was adjudged both locally and
internationally to have failed to
meet any standard of credibili-
ty or fairness.
“As part of the grand design,
they are circulating a fake doc-
tored audio call. At no time
throughout the campaign did
Mr. Peter Obi ever say, think or
even imply that the 2023 elec-
tion is or was a religious war.
“It is very sad and wicked
the attempts to manipulate
Nigerians. Our legal team has
been instructed to take appro-
priate legal actions against
media outlets that make them-
selves willing tools in the hands
of APC’s malicious propagan-
dists.
“Despite the public denunci-
Post-Elections: FG, Security Agencies Must Not Take Sides, CNPP Warns
tion parties.
“In November 2014, the
APC’s then National Publici-
ty Secretary, Lai Mohammed,
threatened to form a parallel
government if the 2014 elec-
tions were rigged, confirming
a statement credited to the
then governor of River State,
Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, at an
APC’s Salvation Rally, which
he equally confirmed to be
the stand taken by his party,
the APC, before the then Osun
State governorship election.
“Lai Mohammed said and
we quote, ‘Those who are fret-
ting about this statement are
those who are planning to rig
the elections and they should
be warned that Nigerians will
no longer accept the outcome
of any fraudulent polls. Those
who incite the people are those
who steal their mandate’, he
said and he was neither arrest-
ed nor threatened with treason.
@independentngr www.independent.ng
Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Navy/speakership aspirant of the House (left), and Alex Otti, Governor
Elect, Abia State, during Hon Gagdi’s visit to the governor elect in Abia State.
ation of the fake audio call, its
contents have been translated
into other Nigerian languages
and circulated in most parts
of Northern Nigeria with
some of our Moslem clerics
deceived and instigated to use
the contents for their sermons
at various Mosques during the
usual Friday prayers.
“This is a dangerous de-
velopment at a time when the
APC led-government and the
APC party which have been
awarded undeserved and un-
fair victories should be more
concerned in addressing the
ethnic and religious frictions
unfortunately created by the
outcome of the elections.
“Yet unsatisfied but deter-
mined to cause more problems,
Mr. Lai Mohammed, who fan-
cies himself as modern day
Goebbels is on a tour of some
selected countries to present an
“Also President Muhamma-
du Buhari while contesting for
Presidency in 2014, had also
threatened that the dogs and
the baboons will be soaked in
blood on the streets should the
election be rigged. He was nei-
ther arrested nor threatened
with treason.
“In 2023, the APC in Rivers
State threatened to mobilise its
members to barricade the main
entrance into the headquarters
of the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC)
in Port Harcourt over the com-
mission’s alleged refusal to re-
lease the certified true copies
(CTC) of the just-concluded
election results in the state.
Nobody has harassed the APC
leaders in the state.
“In Gombe State, at about
March 10, 2023, it was reported
that the Peoples Democratic
Party asked security agencies
to arrest the Gombe State cam-
alternative story about the 2023
discredited election, and from
his first statement in Washing-
ton have assumed the role of
the courts by stating that Mr.
Obi has no pathway to victory.
This is a direct intimidation of
the courts and a waste of Nige-
rian taxpayers’ money.
“There are many more cam-
paigns of calumny against Mr.
Peter Obi planned for the near
future both before and during
the court process. However, we
want to make it clear to the APC
party, APC led-government and
its agents that Mr. Peter Obi, a
widely traveled man, has no
intention to leave the country
at this time irrespective of the
pressure on him and his family.
“He is determined as he had
stated in his first and only press
conference after the election to
challenge the outcome of the
election and the process has be-
paign coordinator of the All
Progressives Congress, Jamilu
Gwamna, for allegedly issuing
death threats to voters in Bolari
West of the state.
“According to the report,
Gwamna allegedly threatened
parents in the area with ‘losing
their children’ should they allow
their youths to vote for PDP. The
security agencies are not pros-
ecuting anybody in the state in
connection with the threat.
“In Lagos State, voters were
openly threatened not to go
out to vote, while some were
wounded and others allegedly
died. Till date, no arrest has
been made.
“Making the matter even
laughable was a statement
credited to the Nigeria police
where the Force Public Rela-
tions Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa
Adejobi, said that anyone with
evidence against the chairman
of the Lagos State Parks and
DAILY INDEPENDENT THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023
gun. It is his fundamental right!
“While we call on all con-
cerned Nigerians and the
international community to
caution APC and the APC
led-government to stop their
nasty attacks, Mr. Peter Obi’s fo-
cus and commitment to lawful-
ly and peacefully retrieve our
mandate to secure and unite
our nation, take Nigeria from
consumption to production,
pull millions of Nigerians out
of multidimensional poverty
especially in the North and
jumpstart prosperity through
agricultural, industrial and
technological revolution re-
mains unchanged.
“He has continued to im-
press upon his supporters the
essence of the legal process and
will not now or in the future en-
courage any violence against
the state.
“He has absolutely no rea-
Garages Association, Musiliu
Akinsaya, popularly known as
MC Oluomo, can file a case of
attack against him.
“This is after he had open-
ly threatened voters in Lagos
State and the videos of the
threat as well as the eventual
attacks on voters by hoodlums
suspected to be APC supporters
in Lagos State were flying here
and there. But a video of a tra-
ditional ruler in Lagos was the
basis for which both the police
and the DSS arrested Igbo tra-
ditional leader who threatened
to invite the proscribed Indige-
nous People of Biafra (IPOB)
to protect their businesses in
the state.
“Perhaps the most mali-
cious case was the comments
by Lai Mohammed, who is the
information minister of the
outgoing government, accus-
ing the presidential candidate
of the Labour Party, Peter Obi,
PHOTO:JIDEOYEKUNLE
son for this nor is he desperate
especially as throughout the
campaign, he called for a new
Nigeria defined by opportuni-
ties for all, an end to poverty
and criminality in govern-
ment, especially corruption
and an end to tribal and reli-
gious division and bigotry.
“It is for these reasons that
we appeal to revered religious
leaders especially in the North
not to be part of the grand de-
sign of the state apparatus to
further increase the religious
and ethnic divides in the coun-
try.
“Irrespective of the out-
come of the court process, we
have the obligation to strive
for the peace and co-existence
of all Nigerians. We call on
President Buhari to rein in his
desperate officials at all levels
as their actions or inactions
could lead to unnecessary cri-
of inciting people to violence
over the outcome of the pres-
idential elections, saying it is
treasonable.
“This same Lai Mohammed
in 2014 as APC spokesman
claimed as earlier quoted that
‘Those who incite the people are
those who steal their mandate’.
“If the Labour Party pres-
idential candidate is alleging
that his mandate was stolen,
how can the same Lai Moham-
med who saw such demands
as legitimate in 2014 when he
was outside government turn
around to criminalise same?
“The CNPP therefore warns
the Federal Government, polit-
ical appointees, and security
agencies to exercise restraint
or be mindful of their actions
or inactions not to appear to
be taking sides with the rul-
ing APC as a party against the
rest of Nigerians”, the CNPP
stated.
DAILY INDEPENDENT THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023
Rivers APC SEC Suspends
Chairman, Legal Adviser,
Others
DA N I E L A B I A
P/HARCO URT
T
he Rivers State Execu-
tive Council (SEC) of
the All Progressives
Congress (APC) on
Wednesday suspended the par-
ty’s Chairman, Chief Emeka
Beke, and the Legal Adviser,
Iheanyichukwu Azubuike, over
alleged anti-party activities and
malfeasance.
The SEC equally dissociat-
ed itself from the comments
allegedly made by the former
Minister of Transpiration and
leader of the party, Rotimi Amae-
chi, over his recent comments
that the President-elect, Bola
Tinubu, singlehandedly nomi-
nated Prof. Mahmood Yakubu
as INEC chairman.
Dr. Chike Eyinda, acclaimed
leader of the SEC, who led other
members, disclosed these at a
media briefing in Port Harcourt
on Wednesday.
Eyinda said that the activities
of Chief Beke and Amaechi have
seriously affected the party in the
last couple of years, culminating
in its dismal outing in the just
concluded general elections in
the state.
He went on to say that the
trio of Amaechi, leader of the
party, Beke and Azubuike have
since 2021 led the Rivers APC to
damnation.
“These leaders have been re-
sponsible for the mass exodus of
Buhari Unveils 14-Man Nat’l Council For
Digital Innovation And Entrepreneurship
INNOCENT OWEH
ABUJA
Moves to shore up the non-oil
sector of the economy has
prompted President Muham-
madu Buhari to inaugurate a
14-member National Council
for Digital Innovation and En-
trepreneurship (NCDIE).
The Digital Council was es-
tablished based on the Nigeria
Startup Act, 2022 (NSA, 2022),
signed into law in December
2022 by the current adminis-
tration.
Buhari performed the inau-
guration shortly before he took
charge to preside over the Fed-
eral Executive Council (FEC)
meeting at the Council Cham-
bers, State House on Wednesday.
The NCDIE, which is
chaired by the president has 13
other members including the
president as chairman, vice
president as vice chairman,
minister of communication
and digital economy, who shall
preside over the council in the
absence of the chairman and
A resident of Aloko-Oganenig-
wu in Dekina Local Govern-
ment Area of Kogi State, Elder
David Abimaje, has said the
gunmen who invaded three
communities, last Sunday,
killed 10 people and set not less
than 50 houses ablaze.
Abimaje disclosed this
on Wednesday at Aloko-
Oganenigu during the visit of
Governor Yahaya Bello to the
communities.
Giving a breakdown of
members of the party as well as
the failures experienced by the
party in the just concluded gen-
eral elections in the state.
“To demonstrate this, Rt.
Hon. Amaechi, who contested
and lost the presidential prima-
ries to the President-elect, Bola
Tinubu, in active connivance
with the state chairman and the
legal adviser, a week to the pres-
idential election called the lead-
ership of the party to a meeting
and directed all APC members
in the state to work for the PDP
in the general election.
“It is on record that Rt. Hon.
Chibuike Amaechi, Chief Eme-
ka Beke and the Legal Adviser,
Mr. Iheanyichukwu Azubuike,
voted for Atiku Abubakar, the
candidate of the PDP, in the just
concluded election.”
He further alleged that
Amaechi’s earlier instruction
backfired on the APC during the
March 18 governorship election,
as no contrary instruction was
given to the party’s supporters
in the various local government
areas to counter the earlier in-
struction.
“And this accounted for the
party’s loss on the 18th March
governorship and state Assem-
bly elections.
“Instead of been remorseful
for what he did to the party, Rt.
Hon. Chibuike Amaechi decided
to hinge the blame on our dear
President-elect, Bola Tinubu,
claiming that he single handedly
vice chairman.
Other members are minis-
ters of finance, budget and na-
tional planning; industry, trade
and investment; science, tech-
nology and innovation; gover-
nor of the Central Bank of Nige-
ria (CBN), four representatives
of the startups consultative fo-
rum and one representative of
the Nigerian Computer Society;
one representative of the Com-
puter Registration Council of
Nigeria and the Director-Gen-
eral of the Nigerian Informa-
tion Technology Development
Agency (NITDA) as secretary of
the council.
Among the terms of refer-
ence for the Council include the
responsibility of promoting the
development of the country’s
digital economy and providing
a supportive environment for
entrepreneurs to thrive.
The job will also encompass
the implementation of the Ni-
geria Startup Act 2022, which
aims to stimulate the growth of
innovative startups and small
and medium-sized enterprises
Kogi Attack: 10 Killed, 50 Houses Razed — Witness
casualties, Abemaji said five
people were picked up dead in
Aloko-Oganenigu, three in Ed-
ede community and two others
Ojuole community.
“The attackers numbering
over one hundred entered the
community with guns and
gallons of petrol and started
shooting and killing people,
while setting over fifty houses
ablaze”, said Abimaje.
/Independentngr
Abubakar Malami, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (left); Jumoke Oduwole, Special Adviser to the President on Ease of
Doing Business/Secretary, Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) (middle), and Toyin Bashir, Head, Legal interventions, PEBEC,
during the stakeholder sensitization on The Business Facilitation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022, held in Abuja.
appointed the INEC Chairman,
Mahmood Yakubu.
“As party faithful, we con-
sider this statement by Rt. Hon.
Chibuike Amaechi as an affront
to our President-elect and the
highest level of anti-party activ-
ity,” Enyinda said.
Continuing, he said, “There-
fore, we stand before the world
today to totally condemn and
dissociate ourselves from those
statements credited to Rt. Hon.
Chibuike Amaechi and the party
Chairman, Chief Emeka Beke.
“We state that whatever he
said represents his personal opin-
ion and not our collective stand,
little wonder Emeka Beke up till
date has refused to refute same.”
(SMEs) in the country.
In his opening remarks,
President Buhari highlighted
the importance of the NCDIE
in driving economic growth
and job creation as well as con-
solidate on the gains recorded
in the sector under his admin-
istration.
He said the Act provides in-
centives for startups such as tax
breaks, access to funding, ease
of doing business, intellectual
property protection and partic-
ipation in public procurement.
The president noted that the
Act became law after approval
by the Federal Executive Coun-
cil on December 15, 2021, and
presidential assent on October
19, 2022.
He lauded the efforts of Min-
ister of Communication and
Digital Economy, Isa Pantami,
and the Chief of Staff for the
achievement.
He noted the remarkable
growth of startups worldwide
of over $400 billion of venture
funding in 2022.
He said this was fueled by
According to him, the
attackers were advancing
towards Ojoapata Ojole and
Ubaobu communities before
the reinforcement of the mil-
itary.
Governor Yahaya Bel-
lo, who visited the Aloko-
Oganenigu on Wednesday for
on spot assessment of the inci-
dent, charged security agencies
in the state to investigate the
@independentngr
While lamenting the party’s
woes in the state since 2015, he
said, “Today, the Rivers chapter
of APC cannot claim to be in
alignment with the party at the
centre because of one man who
has left so many party faithful
dead during elections and their
families wallowing in abject
poverty.
“Also, since the present chair-
man (Chief Beke) took over the
mantle of leadership of APC in
Rivers State.
“All funds released for the
2023 elections were disbursed
by the chairman and his cro-
nies without the consent and
approval of any member of the
executive working committee as
the demand for digital services,
as people worldwide turned
to technology to stay connect-
ed, work remotely and access
essential goods and services,
largely, due to the COVID-19
pandemic.
Buhari further noted that in
Africa, the startups ecosystem
has been growing at a remark-
able space.
He observed that Africa
startups grew to $5.4 billion in
funding.
“Nigeria has been at the fore-
front of this growth with Nige-
ria start up rising from over $400
billion between 2019 and 2022”,
he said.
He noted that Nigeria’s
startups still face significant
challenges, such as access to
funding, support infrastructure
and security payment.
“These remain major barri-
ers to the growth of the ecosys-
tem particularly for early stage
startups.
“The provisions of the Ni-
gerian Startups Act 2022, pres-
ent an important step towards
addressing these challenges
and promoting the growth and
inclusive startups ecosystem in
Nigeria."
causes of the attack in three
communities in Dekina Local
Government Area.
He ordered the security op-
eratives to investigate the inci-
dent thoroughly to unravel the
perpetrators and make them to
face the full wrath of the law.
Governor Bello, who was
represented by his Deputy,
Chief Edward Onoja, described
the killings and destruction of
www.independent.ng
prescribed by the party’s consti-
tution.
“The chairman treats other
exco members as though they
don’t exist,” saying the decision
was for the interest of the party
in the state.
“We the members of the State
Executive Committee, therefore,
resolve as follows: That Chief
Emeka Beke, the Chairman of the
APC in Rivers State, is hereby sus-
pended indefinitely for anti-party
activities, gross misconduct and fi-
nancial mismanagement pending
the outcome of an independent
committee of inquiry as may be
set up by the party.
“That until the outcome of
the committee of inquiry, Mr.
Business Enabling Council Engages
MDAs On Business Facilitation Act
A new framework has been
developed to coordinate and
harmonize the inputs of Min-
istries, Departments and Agen-
cies (MDAs) of the Federal
Government to foster business
environment in Nigeria, with
the enactment of the Business
Facilitation (Miscellaneous Pro-
visions) Act (BFA) 2023.
The provisions of the Act
were unfolded by the Special
Adviser to the President on
Ease of Doing Business, Dr.
Jumoke Oduwole, at a meet-
ing to sensitise stakeholders
on Tuesday, at the Olusegun
Obasanjo Auditorium, Federal
Ministry of Justice, Abuja.
Dr. Oduwole is also the Sec-
retary to the Presidential En-
abling Business Environment
Council (PEBEC), which is
chaired by the Vice President
Yemi Osinbajo.
Participants at the meeting
were representatives of MDAs
that provide products and ser-
vices to business operators.
Under discussion were the re-
sponsibilities and liabilities of
government and its agencies in
property in the communities
as barbaric.
“The attack is barbaric,
though such incident is not
very frequent in Kogi State. In
2018, one of the adjoining com-
munities experienced such
attack that made the governor
to visit the community despite
the difficult terrains.
“This recent attack will be
the end as government will not
7
News
Omiete Eferebo, the Deputy
Chairman, assumes the office
of the acting chairman with im-
mediate effect.
“That Mr. Iheanyichukwu
Azubuike, the Legal Adviser of
the party, also stands suspended
for anti-party activities and fi-
nancial mismanagement pend-
ing the outcome of the commit-
tee of inquiry.
“We urgently call on the
National Chairman, Senator
Abdullahi Adamu, to set up an
independent panel of inquiry
to look into the activities of the
above mentioned leaders with a
view to finding a lasting solution
to the problems of the party in
the state.”
the efforts to create an enabling
environment for business.
The Act compels each MDA
to provide a complete list of
requirements and make it
available to business operators
to obtain these products and
services.
Also, at the forum, the At-
torney-General and Minister
of Justice, Abubakar Malami,
said the growth and develop-
ment of the economy has been
one of the major focal points
of this administration’s policy
directives.
He said this necessitated the
development of the National
Development Plan 2021 – 2025
which was designed as a medi-
um-term development plan to
succeed the Economic Recov-
ery and Growth Plan (ERGP),
which ended in December 2020.
“This economic drive also ne-
cessitated several Executive
Orders aimed at encouraging
trade and stimulating foreign in-
vestments in Nigeria,” he said.
The minister traced the en-
actment of BFA from 2017 when
CONTINUES ON P29 ¢
relent until the needful is done
to give the communities peace
of mind. Nobody can come to
the state kill people and go back
freely, we must arrest them and
bring them to book”, he said.
However, the governor
commended the security
agencies for being proactive
which scaled down the level of
destruction, charging them to
embark on independent inves-
tigation to put a lasting solution
to the unwanted attacks.
8 /Independentngr @independentngr www.independent.ng DAILY INDEPENDENT THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023

Metro Trigger-Happy
Group Condemns Oro Police Officer Kills
Businessman In
Delta
Worshippers' Attack On Muslims O L A DA P O M I C H A E L
ASABA

A yet-to-be-identified police officer

Says It’s An Infringement On Their Human Rights of the Delta State Police Command
has shot a businessman dead in
Oshimili North Local Government
R A J I A D E B AYO tion, Prof. Muslih ‘Tayo Yahya. life-threatening injuries. We pray further urge the government in peace and safety, without fear Area of the state.
I BADAN Yahya said, "With deep sad- for their speedy recovery. This at- to take concrete measures to of persecution.” Daily Independent gathered
ness and outrage, we, the Muslim tack is a horrible reminder of the ensure that such events are not He urged all to speak up that the 37-year-old victim, simply

T
he Muslim Ummah of
South West Nigeria has
expressed dismay over
the recent alleged at-
tack on Muslims in Ile-Ife, Osun
state, describing it as an abuse
of human rights that should be
condemned entirely.
This condemnation was con-
tained in a statement on Wednes-
day and signed by the Executive
Secretary and Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) of the organisa-
Customs Intercepts N2bn Pangolin Scales, Hard Drugs, Smuggled Goods At FOU Zone C
ANDREW UTULU
LAGOS
The Nigeria Customs Service
(NCS), Federal Operations
Unit, Zone ’C’, with headquar-
ters in Owerri, Imo State, has
said it intercepted five sacks
of pangolin scales, hard drugs,
and other contraband worth
N2,757,676,390.00 between Jan-
uary 25 and March 25, 2023.
The unit said it also recov-
ered the sum of N61,467,109.00
from Demand Notices (DN)
raised based on some in-
fractions discovered, mak-
ing a cumulative value of
N2,819,143,499.00 within the
months under review.
The Zone also disclosed that
it arrested thirteen suspects in
connection with the seizures
within the period under review
(January 25th to March 25, 2023).
The Acting Comptroller,
FOUC, DC Kayode Kolade, dis-
closed this while addressing
journalists during his maiden
press conference in Owerri, Imo
State.
Kolade who assumed office
on January 25, said that the sei-
zures were among his signifi-
cant achievements.
He listed other seized con-
traband to include 398 sacks
of cannabis sativa popularly
known as Indian hemp, weigh-
ing 8,756kg, and 2,308 com-
Ummah of South West Nigeria, dangers of religious intolerance, repeated and that the safety and against such acts of violence and identified as Onyeka, who was a
condemn the recent attack per- and the urgent need to protect security of religious groups, no hatred and to defend religious populargadgetdealerandChief Ex-
petrated by members of the Oro the right of individuals to free- matter how few, are effectively freedom and tolerance. ecutive Officer of Onyi Gadgets at
cult on a congregation of Mus- dom of religion. safeguarded. “We call on the community the popular Ogbeogonogo modern
lims in Idi Omo Mosque, Ile Ife. "We are appalled by the fact "We have seen an increase and the entire Muslim ummah market, was shot dead while on his
"The violence that occurred that such an act could take place in religious intolerance and vi- to remain calm and shun any way from his residence in Ugbolu
on that fateful day is totally un- in a peaceful place of worship. olence in recent years, and this temptation to retaliate. We must Wednesday.
acceptable and a violation of the We call on the government, incident is yet another remind- all work together to create a soci- Our source who requested an-
human rights of those peaceful His Royal Majesty the Oni of er of how important it is to pro- ety in which people of all faiths onymity revealed that he was shot
worshippers.” Ife, and all relevant authorities mote religious tolerance and un- and beliefs are respected, and in by a police officer who was among
He added, “Our hearts go out to investigate this matter and derstanding. We must all work which everyone is free to practise a police team on duty along Anwai/
to the victims of this cruel attack, bring the perpetrators of this together to protect the rights of his faith without molestation,” Ugbolu road at about 11:00 a.m.,
who sustained various forms of heinous crime to justice. We individuals to practice their faith he said. while on his way to Asaba.
He was said to be riding on a red
Mercedes GLK wagon when he was
accosted by the police but there was
lion, Six Hundred CMC Cough Syrup with co- no clear account of what transpired
and Seventy-Six deine 100mg containing 2,600 between him and the police officers
Thousand, Three bottles, 3 units of exotic vehi- before he was shot.
Hundred and cles all bulletproof, 931 jumbo While one version of the story
Ninety Naira only bales of second-hand clothing, is that the police officers stopped
(N2,757,676,390.00) 484 bags of smuggled rice, 31 him on the suspicion that he was
between January cartons of various medica- an Internet fraudster (Yahoo boy),
25 to March 25, 2023, ments including 4 rolls of ZH and he refused to stop leading to the
making it my two- tramadol containing 40 packs, police chasing after him, the other
month score card. 540 pieces of used pneumatic version of the story is that he had
"Similarly, based tyres and 32 jerry cans of PMS an altercation with the officers bor-
on our intervention (25litres each) dering on how to settle them before
we recovered the “Remarkably, the five sacks he was shot.
sum of Sixty-One of pangolin scales weighing It was gathered that the un-
Million, Four 413.1kilograme and the 11,064kg armed victim was shot on multiple
Hundred and Six- of Indian hemp are the highest occasions by the police officers who
ty-Seven Thousand, if not arguably the first seizure left him as onlookers rushed him to
One Hundred and of such endangered species and the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba,
Nine Naira only hard drugs in the history of Fed- where he was confirmed dead.
DC Kayode Kolade, Acting Customs Controller, FOU Zone C with some top officers (N61,467,109.00) eral Operations Unit Zone C. The news of his death lead to
of his Unit, displaying some of the seizures made by his Unit in Owerri. from demand no- "Effort towards combatting outrage as his colleagues at the
tices raised based the illicit trade on endangered phone market in Ogbeogonogo took
pressed parcels of the same date which includes: blockage on some infractions discovered, species is to ensure that such an- thecorpsefromthehospitalatFMC.
Indian hemp 1kg each totaling of all revenue leakages, trade making a cumulative sum of imals don’t go into extinction. It was gathered that the angry
2,308kg. facilitation, and intensification Two Billion, Eight Hundred Hence, Nigeria, a signatory to protesters took the corpse of the
Others were 26 cartons of of anti-smuggling operations and Nineteen Million, One Hun- CITES (Convention on Inter- deceased from the Federal Medi-
CMC Cough Syrup with codeine at various entry points such dred and Forty-Three Thousand, national Trade of Endangered cal Center (FMC) Asaba, where he
100mg containing 2,600 bottles; 3 as seaports, land borders, and Four Hundred and Ninety-Nine Species) categorizes the scales was taken to for treatment before
units of exotic vehicles all bul- Airport within the Unit’s areas Naira only (N2,819,143,499.00) under absolute prohibition his death, and dropped it at the en-
letproof; 931 jumbo bales of sec- of jurisdiction in the South/ within the months under review. making its importation or trade tranceof theStatePoliceCommand
ond-hand clothing; 484 bags of South-South/East zone. “The DPV was derived from illegal globally. headquarters,Asaba,forcingthepo-
smuggled rice; 31 cartons of var- “After reviewing and re-jig- our detained and seized goods “While the predominantly lice to lock the main entrance to the
ious medicaments including 4 ging our operational modalities which include: five sacks of pan- white belly Pangolin scales were premises.
rolls of ZH tramadol containing based on the approved Standard golin scales weighing 413.1kilo- intercepted along Benin-Lagos As of the time of filing this re-
40 packs; 32 jerry cans of PMS Operating Procedure (SOP), the grame, 398 sacks of cannabis expressway, the 398 sacks and port, the protesters were still at the
(25litres each) and 540 pieces of unit lived up to its responsibility sativa popularly known as In- 2,308 parcels of Indian hemp police headquarters located along
used pneumatic tyres. by intercepting various contra- dian hemp weighing 8,756kg, were intercepted at Ewu-Auchi Okpanam Road while several at-
He said that the successes bands with a Duty Paid Value and 2,308 compressed parcels road and Asaba/Onitsha Ex- tempts to reach the Police Public
so far recorded were in line (DPV) of Two Billion, Seven of same Indian hemp 1kg each pressway respectively,” Kolade Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP
with his management man- Hundred and Fifty-Seven Mil- totaling 2,308kg, 26 cartons of stated. Bright Edafe, were futile.

BOLU-OLU ESHO
AKU RE
Motorists have been cautioned
by Federal Road Safety Corps
(FRSC) to avoid alcoholic
drinks whenever they want to
drive.
Corps Marshal of the
FRSC, Mr. Dauda Biu, hand-
ed down the warning during a
special enlightenment rally at
Ondo Motor Park, Ondo Road,
Akure on Tuesday organised
by the state command of the
FRSC.
Tagged, “Driving Tired Is As
Dangerous As Driving Drunk:
Avoid Night Trips, Worn Out
Tyres and Excessive Speed,” the
Corps Marshall, who was rep-
resented by Mr. Charles Edem,
Easter: FRSC Cautions Drivers On Alcohol Intake
Corps Commander of FRSC
and Deputy Corps Public Edu-
cation Officer, Abuja, explained
that drivers get false confidence
whenever they drink alcohol
and it usually led to an accident.
He noted further that most
of the accidents on the highway
were avoidable because they
were mostly fatigue-related.
The Corps Marshall, there-
fore, charged the drivers to
avoid alcohol while at the wheel
in line with traffic laws.
He also urged them to ensure
their vehicles were in the right
condition before putting them
on the road to avoid accidents,
particularly now that the Eas-
ter celebration is around the
corner.
He said, “As the Easter festive
period is approaching, our driv-
ers need to be in the right state
of mind to avoid crashes which
could result in loss of lives and
properties.
“If you are tired, you need
to rest, because whatever you
take as energiser cannot help
you, rather it can only result in
crashes.
“If the body needs rest,
please ensure you take a rest.
It is very important because
fatigue impacts you negatively.
Drunk driving also impacts you
negatively and gives you false
confidence that you can do and
undo.
“So, we encourage you to
take enough rest, take care of
yourself, equally your vehicle,
and your passengers by driving
them safely, especially while on
the highways.”
Meanwhile, the state Sector
Commander, Ezekiel SonAllah,
who appreciated the support of
the state governor, Oluwarotimi
Akeredolu, said the enlight-
enment rally was important
because the corps could not af-
ford the further loss of lives and
property in the country.
He, therefore, sought the
support and cooperation of
all stakeholders in the road
transport sector to support the
corps in achieving its target of
making travelling by road acci-
dent-free.
The state Sector Command-
er said, “Available statistics
worldwide indicate that the
effect of road traffic crashes on
a country’s economy is enor-
mous, especially in developing
countries such as Nigeria. The
onus, therefore, lies on all of us
to be resolute and united in this
cause.”
Special Adviser to Governor
(Transport), Mr. Tobi Ogunleye,
appreciated the corps, assuring
of government continued sup-
port for them to make roads in
the state safe.
He said, “We will continue to
partner FRSC and other agen-
cies in the state, and construc-
tion and rehabilitation of roads
will continue to be our priority
for the safety of our people.”
Chairmen of Ondo Park and
Lagos Branch Messrs Adewale
Bankole and Niyi Eniba respec-
tively commended the corps for
putting up the programme, de-
scribing it as apt.
They said it would go a long
way to helping their members
to adhere to traffic rules and
regulations, adding that they
would make it compulsory for
members of the union to check
their vehicles before hitting the
road every day.

Politics
THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023
Our View
Revisiting Severance
Gratuities For Political
Office Holders
The public outrage that
has trailed the piece of
news revealing the hu-
mongous severance pack-
ages for the President,
Vice President, state gov-
ernors, legislators and
other political appointees
leaving office in May, 2023,
put at a whopping sum of
N63.45bn, is explicable.
11
Quote Of The Day
“(Peter) Obi finished
third in the February 25
presidential election with
6, 101, 533 votes. He won in
12 states, the same amount
as Bola Tinubu of the All
Progressives Congress, APC,
who was declared winner
and Atiku Abubakar of the
Peoples Democratic Party,
PDP, who came second. Obi
also scored 25 percent of
votes in 16 states. Obi was
a man that turned around
most of the things in our
country. He exposed so
many things. Obi came like
a hurricane and did what no
one had done. I’m not going
to come out and condemn
anybody. They have gone to
court. Then let the court do
justice in the matter.”
- Ayodele Fayose, Former
Governor of Ekiti State
DAILY
INDEPENDENT
Temidayo Akinsuyi +2348051334311; temidayo.akinsuyi@independentnig.com
Our Leaders Must Push For Restructuring, Only
Way To Heal The Land – Ugochukwu-Uko
Evangelist Elliot Ugochukwu-Uko is the founder of Igbo Youth Movement (IYM); Secretary, Eastern Consultative
Assembly (ECA), and Deputy Secretary, Igbo Leaders of Thought (ILT). In this interview he appraises the nation,
especially the South-East region, speaks about the just concluded general elections, among other issues. JOY
ANIGBOGU brings the excerpts:
How do you see the state of the nation
with regards to the South-East and espe-
cially the just concluded elections?
There's a time and season for ev-
erything. Time to be vociferous and a
time to be quiet. A time to watch and
say nothing and a time to mobilise. A
time to act and a time to prepare. For
everything, there's a time and sea-
son. Moreover this is electioneering
season of campaigning, elections
and election tribunals. I usually stay
away from partisan politics. I allow
politicians to do their thing. I dedi-
cated my life to speaking the truth
and the truth only in the hope that I
may inspire the younger generation
to stand on the truth, thereby initiat-
ing a better tomorrow. My activism
is anchored on the truth that Nigeria
needs to restructure the polity along
the lines of true federalism and pow-
er devolution. I've been standing on
this truth for decades now. I refuse
to get involved with partisan poli-
tics, but I can tell you that the just
concluded elections should teach
us all, certain lessons and that the
awareness in the land today is com-
mendable. In all humility, I played,
(through the benevolence and mercy
of God Almighty), a role in watering
the ground for the new conscious-
ness in the land through my over
a hundred Igbo Youth Movement
(IYM) seminars and conferences
through the 1980s and 1990s. I com-
mitted my adult life to opening the
eyes of the younger generation to the
reality of our existence as a people
and encouraged them to interrogate
our situation and condition. I usually
leave partisan politics to politicians.
In your estimation, how's the South-East
faring politically in present Nigeria, espe-
cially after the recent elections?
My region has been trying to get
across the message to other Nigeri-
ans that we want to be treated fairly,
treated right and treated as equals.
We've also remained good Nigeri-
ans over the years in hope that the
injustices meted out to Ndigbo will
be ameliorated through affirmative
action and by getting the chance to
govern Nigeria. We believe that eq-
uity demands Nigeria gets it right.
The just concluded elections went
the way of previous elections, the
usual verifiable incidents of voter
suppression, votes’ inflation, vio-
lence and citizens chased away from
polling stations in certain regions
of the country. These sad develop-
ments seem to validate the agitation
and create discontent. But all these
things happen because of the suffo-
cating unitary structure that has cre-
ated a domineering all-powerful cen-
tre, turning the federating units into
helpless entities depending entirely
on the centre for survival, which is
/IndependentNewspaperNigeria
Ugochukwu-Uko
why Nigeria must be restructured
without delay.
The overall outcome of the elections in
the South-East left many dissatisfied
and disappointed. What's your take on
the outcome of gubernatorial elections in
Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu States?
I normally don’t like commenting
on elections, but like everyone else, I
noted the emotions and sentiments
in the air. So many factors were at
play including the awareness as a
result of the agitation, even though
people don’t like to give the agita-
tors any credit, but the truth is the
anger in the land, as represented by
the agitation, inspired the mood of
the people and also the vote pattern.
Our people are awake now and very
conscious of the precarious situa-
tion of the country. People are tired
of the post-civil war political culture
and are more ready to hold the polit-
ical class accountable, unlike three
decades ago. The awareness today
is huge. The contest was keen in
Enugu and Abia. In Ebonyi, Umahi
bulldozed his way. In Enugu the 24
year old PDP structure was almost
toppled. In Abia it was overwhelmed
and replaced by a new political party.
What's interesting is the reaction of
the political leaders affected. Gover-
nor Ikpeazu showed commendable
statesmanship and humility by con-
gratulating Alex Otti hours after the
announcement of the final results.
He also advised against litigation,
pledging a smooth transition of pow-
er, saying he was looking forward to
a seamless handing over. That is so
beautiful. In Enugu the other party
refused to accept the result. I think
the South-East political culture is
maturing in an interesting way. 2027
promises deeper maturity, what with
the heightened level of conscious-
@independentngr www.independent.ng
ness and awareness in the land. The
elections have come and gone, I think
we all should concentrate on moving
the region forward.
How do you rate the outgoing Governors
and governments of Abia, Ebonyi and
Enugu?
I try all I can to avoid political
comments, I leave that to profes-
sional critics who attack leaders
on behalf of political opponents
and praise singers, cheerleaders
and different shades of ndi otinkpu
(meaning praise singers) who sur-
vive through that. The Governors
are not my friends. They resent my
guts. They don't understand why
Elliot should not bow down and say
only what they want him to say and
be a good boy like everyone else. I
disagree with their handling of the
agitation and said so publicly. I don't
agree with them. There's no love lost
between us. I call them out always
and ask them to do the right thing.
They can keep all their love for their
wives and girlfriends. I don't think I
need their love. I disagree with their
fear of Abuja. They are all scared of
offending the centre and they failed
to push restructuring as strongly
as they should. I tell them so and
they aren't fond of me. They should
have united the region and support
the demand for restructuring of
Nigeria and also they should have
engaged the agitators constructive-
ly. They know I disagree with their
error of judgment in the handling
of the agitators. Having said that,
I can tell you that Umahi cleverly
struggled to drive the narrative that
eye-catching infrastructure like fly-
overs, shopping centres and airports
are more important than manpower
development, which isn't true. I give
Umahi thumbs up for the schools,
and roads etcetera, but what is the
performance of Ebonyi students
in JAMB, unity schools entrance
exams and skill acquisition etcet-
era. Human development is zero.
Moreover he introduced politics of
intimidation and suppression in
Ebonyi, Uzodinma in Imo hasn't
been able to key in with the people
of Imo. He is still struggling to legit-
imise his reign. Soludo disappoint-
ed the people of Anambra in less
than one year. He'll need a series of
miracles to regain his pre-election
popularity. Ugwuanyi's case is fun-
ny. He is not pilloried as Ikpeazu of
Abia, but he disconnected from the
people of Enugu somewhere along
the way. Ikpeazu of Abia should be
pitied. He has received more flack
than any Governor ever. First litiga-
tions made his first term hell, next
a powerful, well-oiled opposition
managed to drown all he has done
in an anti Ikpeazu propaganda that
Interview D4
Our View 11
Your Views 12
World Politics D8
9
has been sustained for years now.
The strange thing is: his traducers
are those who ruined Abia from
1999 moving forward. They present
themselves now as angels and saints,
painting Ikpeazu as the devil. Abia's
troubles began 24 years ago, when
peeling egusi at Mother Excellency's
Aba residence opened doors to polit-
ical office. This cabal of “mamato-
cracy” has held Abia hostage ever
since. I wonder how and if Alex Otti
will survive and escape their tenta-
cles. 90% of Ikpeazu's critics today,
were part and parcel of the gang that
raped Abia ruthlessly since 1999.
They only become Ikpeazu's critics
if they fall out of favour. I commend
Ikpeazu for congratulating Otti and
suing for peace. That's the behaviour
of a humble man who has the fear
of God. Ikpeazu is no angel but the
morass in Abia predates him. That
is the truth. A ruthless cabal seized
Abia since 1999. I think the right
thing to do now, will be to move for-
ward, learning from past mistakes
and correcting errors of yesterday.
Our region needs healing. Our lead-
ers must push for the restructuring
of Nigeria. That's the only way to
heal the land. The South-East must
work as a team.
What advice do you have for the current
and especially incoming leaders?
The only route to progress and
real development is through re-
structuring the polity. The unitary
structure is responsible for over
80% of our miseries. Nigeria needs
to devolve powers to the federating
units and see the country explode
economically. The unitary struc-
ture is retarding the growth of the
country. We are only delaying the
greatness of our country by delay-
ing the restructuring of Nigeria.
Therein lies the roadmap to greater
Nigeria.
The Presidential candidate of the Labour
party has gone to the tribunal........
I am sorry I don't want to talk
about the election. I warned him face
to face that dethroning and replac-
ing the deity you have all worshipped
and benefited from over the decades
won't be a piece of cake. I don't want
to be dragged into the election and
the politics of it. My message to all
is that a restructured Nigeria will
make it impossible for impunity to
thrive. Nigeria has to be restructured
without delay.
“The suffocating unitary struc-
ture has created a domineering
all-powerful centre, turning the fed-
erating units into helpless entities
depending entirely on the centre for
survival, which is why Nigeria must
be restructured”
10
Politics
Speakership Race: Is Aliyu Betara Best
Man For 10th Assembly Leadership?
ROLAND OGBONNAYA highlights the qualities that
rightly position Hon. Aliyu Betara as the best man for
the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives
in the 10th National Assembly
S
ince the dawn of Democ-
racy in 1999 and the birth
of the fourth Republic
to date, power-sharing
among the six geo-political zones
is a convention easily adopted
by political parties to address
Nigeria’s regional and religious
diversities.
This theory of political exi-
gency in power-sharing also cas-
cades to the allocation of offices
after the election of presiding
officers of both chambers in the
National Assembly.
Interestingly, both the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) and
the All Progressives Congress
(APC) as ruling parties have had
their members in the National
Assembly torpedo power in the
2011 and 2015 elections of Pre-
siding Officers in both cham-
bers.
In the year 2007 easily re-
ferred to as the 6th House of
Representatives, the 360 mem-
bers from the then-ruling PDP,
ANPP and AD were initially
led by Hon Patricia Olubunmi
Etteh; a South-South Christian
from Osun and Babangida Sei-
du Nguroje, a Northeast Muslim
from Taraba State before they
bowed to pressure and threw in
the towel following the rebellion
against the leadership.
The two leaders were believed
to have been foisted on an un-
willing House which kicked
against the PDP. The party be-
came helpless once the members
from all the parties were unani-
mous to force them out.
Thereafter, Honourable Olad-
imeji Sabur Bankole, the young-
est Speaker from Ogun State
and Honourable Bayero Nafada
from Gombe state were elected
to serve the House.
In 2011, members of the
PDP, again, being in the major-
ity, ignored the party leader-
ship to install Rt. Honourable
Aminu Bello Tambuwal from
the North-West as the Speaker
and Hon Emeka Ihedioha from
the South-East as the Deputy
Speaker against the choice of
Hon Mulikat Akande from the
South-West.
However, as the Independent
National Electoral Commission
(INEC) completes the conduct of
the 2023 elections at the Feder-
al and state levels, and with the
composition of members from
the parties now in numbers af-
ter handing over the certificate
of return, it is getting clearer
that as the jostle for the Prin-
cipal Offices begins, the North-
West has produced the most
Speakers of the House of Rep-
resentatives while the South-
East and North-Central zones
have produced the most Senate
Presidents and Deputy Senate
Presidents.
/Independentngr @independentngr
When the 10th National As-
sembly formally convenes in
June after the dissolution of
the 9th Assembly, one Honour-
able member of the House that
has become a positive feature in
the last five Assemblies is being
favoured to lead the House of
Representatives. He is Honour-
able Muktar Aliyu Betara, an
accountant and high-ranking
lawmaker who was first elected
into the House in 2007 to repre-
sent the Biu/Bayo/Shani Feder-
al Constituency.
Betara has become a strong
force to reckon with in his state
and the National Assembly
since winning elections for the
first time in 2007.
The successes of the current
budgeting system now in place
by the Federal Government
could be attributable to his ef-
forts in the 9th Assembly that
first sat on the 11th day of June
2019.
As the current Chairman of
the Appropriations Committee,
presiding over all other commit-
tees regarding appropriation
and committees of both cham-
bers for the budget and subse-
quent signing by the President,
he worked so hard to ensure
compliance by all organs of
government.
Betara indeed succeeded in
causing the positive change
from the June - June budget
cycle to the much-preferred
January to December for more
effective oversight and imple-
mentation.
It was indeed during the pe-
riod that the Appropriation Act
2022 and the 2022 Finance Act
2021 were passed and reenacted
for the third year running with
zero failure rate. This makes
proper preparation and fiscal
changes by stakeholders easier
while implementing the budget.
Having won elections again
for the 10th Assembly which
marks his fifth term under the
ruling APC, the detribalised
Betara whose impressive lead-
ership character has endeared
him to agencies and colleagues
in the National Assembly, it will
surely be fitting to elect him as
the first among equals to lead
his colleagues.
A party man to the core and
nationalist, he has been con-
sistent with presentations and
contributions to national and in-
ternational issues in the House,
in 2007 when he was first elect-
ed to the House he acted as the
Chairman of the sub-committee
on NDIC, Banking and Currency
and equally serving as a mem-
ber of the House Committee on
Customs, Immigration and Pris-
ons Pension Office
Again, when he returned to
the 7th Assembly and following
www.independent.ng DAILY INDEPENDENT THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023
Betara
the collateral damage caused 8th Assembly in the year 2015,
by the Boko Haram terror he moved further to serve as the
group, the House leadership substantive Chairman of the
was unanimous to select him House Committee on Defence
as Chairman of the Committee but he is more renowned as a
on Army where he made direct bridge builder and crisis man-
recommendations to empower agement expert with critical
and sustain the activities of the decision-making skills in the
army against the rising insur- National Assembly.
gency in the Northeastern part On several occasions, his na-
of the country. tional and bridge-building skills
As Betara returned to the were called to action when he
brokered the logjam between the
House, the Senate, and MDAs
on fixing the actual budgets
and critical projects that need-
ed pruning down of numbers
to meet realities of inflow into
the national treasury. He not
The race for only settled the issues, but he
equally followed them through
the successor to ensure that critical projects
were prioritised.
of Rt Hon. Femi One of the few lawmakers
easily described as not being
Gbajabiamila, obstinately unreasonable, prej-
Speaker of udiced, or antagonistic towards
people based on their affilia-
the House of tions or membership, his con-
stituents and colleagues in the
assembly may Green chamber of the National
Assembly are quick to say that
be regarded his legislative interest is not lo-
calised in his immediate village
as a is a but strong interests in National
Security, youth and women em-
herculean task powerment, good governance
and development that saw him
with so many construct 20 health centres, 10
high ranking ambulances, a mini stadium
and installation of over 600 so-
lawmakers lar-powered street lights.
A devout Muslim married to
already Hajia Hauwa with whom he has
four children, he deploys per-
throwing their sonal resources to fund trans-
plant surgeries and empower
hats into the individuals and local business-
es in his constituency. Betara
ring who worked as an accountant
with the Presidency on the Di-
rectorate of Foods Roads and
Rural Infrastructure (DFFRI)
between1986 to 1990, returned
to Ramat Polytechnic for his
studies observing the NYSC in
Asaba Delta state before joining
the defunct NITEL in 1993. He
resigned in 2006 to venture into
politics.
Though he was not intent on
politics at the initial stage he
won his election into the House
under the platform of the All Ni-
geria Peoples Party (ANPP) and
is one of the few members that
has consistently won reelection
6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and now the
10th Assembly under the APC
as a core party man who won the
Democracy Heroes Award as the
Best performing member of the
House in 2020.
With the controversies sur-
rounding the conduct and re-
sults of the 2023 elections into
different elective offices, the
party at the centre will no doubt
find Betara very useful if they
listen to his colleagues who
want only the best to lead them
for the next four years.
The race for the successor
of Rt Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila,
Speaker of the House of assem-
bly may be regarded as a is a
herculean task with so many
high ranking lawmakers al-
ready throwing their hats into
the ring.
In what some people have
termed a major challenge, as
the move by Aliyu Betara, to
rally opposition party federal
lawmakers, particularly of the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
behind him to emerge Speaker
of the House of Representatives
in the 10th National Assembly
may have suffered a serious set-
back.
Former Delta State governor,
James Ibori and Rivers State
Governor, Nyesom Wike, were
gathered to have assured incum-
bent Deputy Speaker, Idris Wase
of support of federal lawmakers
from the two South-South States
ahead of the inauguration of
the National Assembly slated
for June.
The two top chieftains of the
PDP pledged their support to
Wase on Monday when the latter
visited them separately in Ikoyi,
Lagos State and Port Harcourt,
the Rivers State.
There are indications that
reminiscent of what happened
in the 8th National Assembly
when opposition party lawmak-
ers ensured victory for Bukola
Saraki and Yakubu Dogara to
emerge as Senate President and
Speaker, House of Representa-
tives, respectively as against the
APC favoured candidates, Betara
Chairman House Committee on
Appropriation and member, rep-
resenting Biu, Bayo, Kwaya Ku-
sar, Shani Federal Constituency
of Borno State in the House of
Representatives, has allegedly
opened discussion with opposi-
tion lawmakers to push through
his ambition.
In the emerging 10th National
Assembly, the PDP already has
102 seats to APC 162 while the
Labour Party has 34 seats and
the New Nigerian Peoples Party
(NNPP) 18 seats.
DAILY INDEPENDENT THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023 /Independentngr @independentngr www.independent.ng 11

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Revisiting Severance Gratuities For Political Office Holders

T
he public outrage that
has trailed the piece
of news revealing the
humongous severance
packages for the President,
Vice President, state gover-
nors, legislators and other po-
litical appointees leaving office
in May, 2023, put at a whopping
sum of N63.45bn, is explicable.
Coming at a period of ex-
cruciatingly harsh economic
situation, characterized by
the highest inflation fig-
ure over the past 25 years,
soaring food insecurity,
high cost of doing business
amidst huge debt profile,
there are indications that
the pay packages could be-
come the trigger for mass
revolt against the political
elite.
According to the United
Nations Resident and Hu-
manitarian Coordinator in
Nigeria, Matthias Schmale,
63 per cent of Nigerians
are multi-dimensionally
poor. This was confirmed
by the recent report of the
National Bureau of Statis-
tics (NBS). The agency in its
latest National Multidimen-
sional Poverty Index Report
states that Nigerians are
poor due to lack of access to
sound health, quality educa-
tion and unemployment.
Considered against the
dark background of the ‘An-
imal Farm’ situation of the
self-serving, rich politicians
pitted against the voiceless
poor, the warning becomes
patently obvious.
Worsening the gory sce-
nario is the recent flood di-
saster across several states
of the country, caused by
the freaky climate change.
It affected 3.2 million Ni-
gerians, with 1.4 million
displaced, according to the
United Nations (UN).
Therefore, on what moral
ground would the federal and
state governments stand to pay
out N3.39bn and N60.06bn re-
spectively as severance gratu-
ities for political office holders
at the centre and federating
states?
The severance allowances,
as reportedly obtained from
the website of the Revenue
Mobilisation Allocation
and Fiscal Commission
(RMAFC), are separate from
other financial packages
which may be in place as
retirement benefits or pen-
sions for some of the politi-
cal office holders.
For instance, some ex-gov-
ernors will be paid 100 per
cent of their annual basic
salary for life after leaving
office. They would also get
new cars every three years,
a house in any part of the
country, free medical care
as well as furniture and car
maintenance allowance.
They are entitled to cooks,
stewards, gardeners, in-
cluding policemen and De-
partment of State Services
operatives for life. In addi-
tion, political office holders
are entitled to 300 per cent
of their annual salary as a
severance package.
Added to these sums is a to-
tal of N13.81bn proposed for
the payment of pensions to
former Presidents, Vice-Pres-
idents, Heads of State, Chiefs
of General Staff, retired
heads of service, permanent
secretaries as well as retired
heads of government agen-
cies and parastatals in the
2023 fiscal year.
Our concern over the
gross inequity should be
taken with all the serious-
ness it deserves, especially
under the current dispensa-
tion with many of the aged,
sick and dying retired civil
servants groaning under the
heavy weight of unpaid gra-
tuities and pensions.
According to Paragraph
32, Part 1, Third Schedule
of the 1999 Constitution
(as amended), the Revenue
Mobilisation Allocation and
Fiscal Commission (RMAFC)
shall have power to - “(a)
monitor the accruals to and
disbursement of revenue
from the Federation Ac-
count; (b) review, from time
to time, the revenue alloca-
tion formulae and princi-
ples in operation to ensure
conformity with changing
realities… (c) advise the
Federal and State Govern-
ments on fiscal efficiency
and methods by which their
revenue can be increased;
(d) determine the remuner-
ation appropriate for politi-
cal office holders…”
It is glaringly obvious that
RMAFC is grossly inept and
lackadaisical, especially with
regards to items (a), (b) and
(c) of its mandates and ought
to be bludgeoned to life.
Nevertheless, we reiterate
the call for restructuring
of the polity along the prin-
ciples of fiscal federalism
with payment structures
that are in sync with the
economic realities of the
federating states and the
central government.

Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief ❱ Steve Omanufeme

Managing Editor ❱ Kingsley Ighomwenghian
Editor, Daily ❱ Don Okere
Editor, Saturday ❱ Yemi Adebisi
Editor, Sunday ❱ Austin Oboh

Deputy Editor, News ❱ Charles Okoh

Deputy Editor, Saturday ❱ Roland Ogbonnaya
Asst. Editor, Production ❱ Celestine Amoke
Bureau Chief, Abuja ❱ Tony Ezimakor
Bureau Chief, P/Harcourt ❱ Dan Abia
Bureau Chief, Ilorin ❱ Nicholas Uwerunonye
Bureau Chief, Jos ❱ Onoja Audu
Business Editor ❱ Sylvester Enoghase
Politics Editor ❱ Temidayo Akinsuyi
Sport Editor ❱ Peter Edema

Chairman, Editorial Board ❱ Opeyemi Soyombo

Procurement Manager ❱ Raphael Onovughakpor

Production Manager ❱ Charles Iheagwam

Editorial Advisory Board

Prof. Anthony Kila, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, Prince Felix Oba
Okojie, Jonathan Ishaku
12
Your Views
B I S H O P O . OV W I G H O
I
n the biological sciences, vi-
ruses are described as dead-
ly and fatal disease causing
organisms in nature. Un-
derstandably, virus diseases are
characterised by high mortality
and reduced chances of survival
once a person, animal or plant is
infected. For long, definition of vi-
rus encompasses anything in the
human environment that causes
deaths, losses and pains to man.
Thus we now have policy/admin-
istrative, computer/technological,
biological and chemical viruses. I
have seen people using the term,
‘that guy is a virus’, meaning he
can precipitate problems that can
lead to death of his target. Simi-
larly when you say a particular
leader, policy or administration is
a virus it connotes that his poor
administrative style has led to
unfortunate death and hardship
to many persons except himself,
surrogates and followers.
In this light, we refer to the
monetary policy implemented by
the Central Bank Governor Mr.
Godwin Emefiele and his cohorts
as a virus codenamed Emef 22 Vi-
rus. The figure 22 stands for De-
cember 2022 when the bank notes
changes were introduced. Most
worrisome is the high death rate
since the emergence of the virus.
On Sunday, March 12, 2023, the
DR MAU RICE EM ELU
R
egardless of which side
of the political spectrum
you fall, there is no deny-
ing that the 2023 Nigerian
presidential election had one clear
winner - the youth. This group of
determined men and women has
had enough of the corrupt politi-
cians and structures that have long
kept Nigeria from reaching its full
potential. They are true heroes who
embody everything good about the
Nigerian people’s moral audacity
and spiritual psyche.
Joining forces with these young
heroes are citizens who challenged
business-as-usual politics, all work-
ing toward a shared goal - a radical
change from corruption to ethical,
political leadership. The Obi-Datti
coalition serves as a mouthpiece
for this litany of heroes. It pro-
vides a platform through which the
youth find their voice and push for
change.
As court battles continue over
who truly won the election, it is vi-
tal to recognize the historical state-
ment made by the Nigerian youth
who spoke out against corruption
and demanded an ethical election
process. Their voices ring louder
than any attempt to subvert them,
marking a movement toward prog-
ress, unlike anything we’ve seen in
Nigeria in the past three decades.
It’s time to celebrate these coura-
geous heroes’ unwavering deter-
mination to make Nigeria a better
place for all. They have started a
powerful movement toward an eth-
ical election process and democra-
cy in the most populated African
nation, a country of more than 200
million people.
The Nigerian youth movement
for change is not about the Labour
Party or any other political party.
Instead, it represents a fight for the
moral soul of the giant of Africa.
Therefore, it is more appropriate to
see the movement as an apolitical
collective sentiment to elect cred-
ible people, not money bags and
/Independentngr @independentngr
The Virus Of Naira Redesign Policy (1)
It should be
noted that a
government
policy targeted
against a group of
people instead of
the generality is
bound to fail
Presidential Election And The Nigerian Youth
political parties.
In less than four months, our
youth have accomplished what
billions of naira spent on elector-
al reform could not achieve for
decades. They have demonstrated
that business as usual is no longer
acceptable, and they have dared
political cronyism. They have op-
erationalized the age-long wisdom
of Thomas Jefferson that govern-
ment’s “power belongs to the peo-
ple” and not to the so-called politi-
cal godfathers.
Against institutionalized forms
of corruption that have made Ni-
geria a questionable brand in the
global community, our youth have
risen to show that their ethical
standards outweigh corrupt kick-
backs. Despite being labelled “lazy”
by a Nigerian president, their work
and hard work speak louder than
words.
The youth movement represents
an existential fight for Nigeria’s
heartbeat, the country’s largest
economy in Africa. It is a fight for
Nigerian purity and a just politi-
cal order. Indeed, our youth deserve
praise for their boldness and com-
mitment to creating a better future
for themselves and the country.
From 1985, Nigerian politicians
learned from the reckless corrup-
tion of some Heads of State. Con-
sequently, the sowing of seeds of a
corrupt and decadent nation took
the main stage. These rotten seeds
were cultivated, nurtured and grew
into a plague that infected every fac-
et of the Nigerian society, from the
civil service to corporate lives, for
nearly four decades. It flourished
and became a harvest of delight
for political cronies controlling the
dominant one-party or two-party
chess boards. As each decade rolled
into another, our national brand
went from bad to worse, becoming
synonymous with corruption and
simply a volatile market in the glob-
al community. Yet politicians did
www.independent.ng
Sunday Tribune reported seven
persons who died in search of the
new currency. Unreported num-
ber of persons have also died in
different parts of the country as
well as deaths due to riots in La-
gos, Benin, Warri-Ovwian, just to
mention a few. Properties worth
billions of Naira were destroyed
as a result of the virus.
Apart from the physical death
and sufferings occasioned by the
Emef 22 Virus there is the psy-
cho-social precipitates of the vi-
rus. Hunger stared the people at
their faces. Poverty and nostalgic
feelings of hopelessness created
path ways along the roads where
the masses transverse. It is a pe-
riod characterised by mental ca-
tharsis and sitting on the fence. A
woman at the Bank the other day
in bemoaning her fate retorted by
saying that, ‘if die come make it
come. This period of using your
own money to buy money and
sometimes you cannot even get
it to buy is worse than COVID 19
pandemic’. Majority of people
have been sleeping with empty
stomach since the Emef 22 Virus
became more biting in February
and March 2023. To buy food you
need an economically valid ATM
card or phone to transfer to sellers.
POS operators exacerbated the sit-
As court battles
continue over
who truly won
the election, it is
vital to recognize
the historical
statement made
by the Nigerian
youth
not care as they felt safe with their
fat bank accounts while their clos-
est neighbours picked food from
the gutters.
However, February 25th, 2025,
marked a turning point in Nige-
ria’s history. It became the Nige-
rian youth public manifesto for
radical change. Our generation
has come to state that “we are.” A
time for silence is over, for as we
glean from Wole Soyinka’s, The
Man Died (1972), keeping silent in
the eyes of tyranny is self-annihi-
lation. The Nigerian politicians
have lived far too long in the false-
hood that “we aren’t.” So comfort-
able in their seemingly secure but
tented political Ivory Tower, they
fail to recognize that things have
changed. Corruption has blinded
them, eating deep into their mor-
DAILY INDEPENDENT THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023
Articles/ Opinions should be a maximum of 750 words and
sent to: opinion@independentnig.com or soyombo.
opeyemi@independentnig.com
uations of the depressed masses.
Owing to high frequency of
transfer of money the air waves
became clogged with transferred
moneys. Money hanging became a
syndrome occasioned by the Emef
22 Virus. Unfortunately, to get your
hanged money back is an uphill
task in many banks. The ravages
of the virus continue unabated
in the land even after the elec-
tions. The other day a particular
bank could only pay a maximum
N3,000.00 to customers. When the
question was asked the cashier
replied that the virus has affected
the rest of the money. It was later
we understood that he referred to
the Emef 22 Virus.
Three theoretical postulates
accounted for manufacturing
the Emef 22 Virus: political cum
conspiracy, economic and self-cen-
tred theories. The political cum
conspiracy theory appears more
popular among the populace. The
protagonists of this theory assert
that the Central Bank Governor
and the President conspired to im-
plement this political cum conspir-
acy theory. The theory revolves
around the economic principles
that when there is short supply
of money in circulation the pol-
iticians will be inhibited on vote
buying during 2023 general elec-
al sense of perception. They don’t
represent our sentiments because
they’ve played us like pawns on
their Aso Rock chessboard for too
long.
Contrary to their views, our po-
litically awakened youth are more
than just active on social media.
The youth are an unstoppable force
for social and political change.
They align with leaders who play
the card of honesty and integrity
within the system, those who re-
fuse to buy votes by violence or
through bribing voters and election
officials, and those who represent
the collective will of the Nigerian
people for real change. The Nige-
rian youth stand with politicians
who pursue political positions,
not because it is their turn or the
turn of their family, ethnic group,
tribe, or religion, but because they
are competent. Also, the youth
are champions to the people they
choose to serve, not those who steal
their way to the government house.
The temperature for radical
change is not just about Peter Obi,
although he deserves credit for
symbolizing authentic moral pol-
itics the Nigerian youth crave. It
is about Nigerians’ collective con-
sciousness and political will for
a new beginning. Despite alleged
rigging from all quarters through
the February 25th election results,
the Nigerian youth demonstrated
resiliency, showing they’re every-
where. No one can silence them.
They won’t stop until they’ve radi-
cally changed the corrupt Nigerian
politics.
The Nigerian youth have
emerged as a formidable force in
the fight against tribalism, reli-
gious bigotry and ethnic discrim-
ination in our body politic. Their
ability to see through the deceitful
tactics employed by candidates
vying for regional supremacy and
power is commendable. They have
demonstrated their commitment
tion. This theory failed to achieve
this desired objective because the
politicians even had more money
at their disposal than the banks
during the elections. It should be
noted that a government policy
targeted against a group of people
instead of the generality is bound
to fail. The world over, govern-
ment authorities are established
to improve welfare of the people.
To negate the pristine peace and
harmony of the people because of
power struggle is antithetical in
modern civilisation.
The economic theory of the
Emef 2022 Virus is rooted in ac-
ademic literature. The theory is
concerned with cash crunch and
periodic change of bank notes.
The theory apparently posits that
amount of money in circulation
is directly related to inflationary
rates. In other words, when the
amount of money in circulation
is reduced inflation will also come
down. Apart from inflation, too
much money in circulation might
promote ostentation and other an-
ti-social behaviours.
To be continued
Dr Ovwigho is a Professor of Agricul-
tural Extension with bias in Agricultur-
al Programme Evaluation
to democracy by voting beyond
regional lines despite threats to
their lives. They will serve the
movement effectively if they reject
any attempt by the political class
to make their mission a regional,
ethnic, tribal, religious, or sectar-
ian struggle.
The Nigerian youth have prov-
en that they possess a deep under-
standing of technology. Therefore,
a digital forensic of INEC’s Bi-
modal Voter Accreditation System
(BVAS) and the Election Result
Viewing Portal (IReV) to preserve
electoral credibility is an ethical
demand to the Independent Nation-
al Electoral Commission (INEC).
It isn’t complicated to do. If INEC
is independent, its officials must
prove it. INEC must recognize this
reality and take adequate measures
to ensure the sanctity of the elec-
toral process.
Considering these develop-
ments, it is only fitting to congrat-
ulate the Nigerian youth for their
resilience and unwavering ded-
ication to freedom. Their moral
integrity stands in stark contrast
to the moral apathy of corrupt
politicians. The youth’s audacious
pursuit of justice is a beacon of
hope for all Nigerians who yearn
for change.
As we look toward Nigeria’s
future optimistically, business as
usual is no longer acceptable. The
brave, moral, ethical, proud, auda-
cious and credible Nigerian youth
have emerged as a powerful force
against institutionalized corrup-
tion from Aso Rock to every corner
of Nigeria where corruption nests.
Only credible politicians and elec-
tions plus electoral transparency
win in this emergent force, a new
era in Nigerian politics. Anything
short of credibility is a non-starter.
Emelu writes from Tim Russert De-
partment of Communication, John
Carroll University, USA
NCC Wants Two-Factor Authentication To Secure WhatsApp CRUDE OIL Prices
WTI CRUDE 51.59 -1.00 -1.90%
JUSTUS ADEJUMOH NCC-CSIRT noted that WhatsApp, world of messaging apps, one of the security to your account.” BRENT CRUDE 60.48 -1.20 -1.95%
LAGOS which is a Meta-owned service, is in- most popular and recognizable is The Team said: “2FA gives busi-
MARS US •2 55.29 -1.00 -1.78%
creasingly becoming a prime target WhatsApp. WhatsApp is 100 per cent nesses or people the ability to moni- days
for hackers and scammers who are free to use, has a great mobile app, tor and help safeguard their most vul-
The Nigerian Communications Com- always looking for ways to gain un- and supports audio and video calls. nerable information and networks. OPEC BASKET 59.48 +1.24 +2.13%
mission’s Computer Security Inci- authorized access to users’ accounts. Whether you rely on WhatsApp for The 2FA is important because it URALS 59.32 +0.52 +0.88%
dent Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) The CSIRT described two-factor all your messaging needs or just use prevents cybercriminals from steal- LO U I S I A N A 59.22 +0.33 +0.56%
has recommended that users of the authentication (2FA) as an identity it from time to time, it is recommend- ing, destroying, or accessing your LIGHT
popular messaging app, WhatsApp, and access management security ed to set it up with two-factor authen- internal data records for their own
BONNY LIGHT • 61.65 -0.73 -1.17%
set up Two-Factor Authentication method that requires two forms of tication (2FA). With this enabled, you use”,The advisory stated.
(2FA) to avoid falling victim to ac- identification to access resources will need to enter a custom PIN every The recommendation further MEXICAN 52.40 +0.79 +1.53%
count takeover by hackers. and data. time you log in to WhatsApp from a BASKET •
In an advisory issued on Tuesday, According to the advisory, “In the new device, adding an extra layer of CONTINUES ON P.14 ¢ NATURAL GAS • 2.945 +0.132 +4.69%

DAILY
 Foldable Phones Thrive In Declining
INDEPENDENT

Business
Smartphone Market
– 21

 Why Eko, Ikeja, Abuja DisCos Plan To

Implement Bilateral Power Purchase Deals
With GenCos – 18
THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023 /Independentngr @independentngr www.independent.ng 13
Sylvester Enoghase +2348075038724 sylvester.enoghase@independentnig.com
COMMODITIES CURRENCIES RATES MARKETS
IT Experts Task FMDQ – NIBOR
Businesses To BRENT US$84.54 COFFEE US$174.9
CBN Parallel
Market NSE
MPR 18% 0/N 18.5000 -0.50
Leverage IXPs To GOLD US$2,037 SUGAR US$22.45
USD 460 745 1M 15.0000 -1.32 ASI 54.082.96
Improve Internet POUND 570 925 3M 15.3333 -2.04

N
21.91

TIO
Reliability, Others CAP N29.44trn

LA
COCOA US$2915.00 N. GAS US$2.079 EURO 501 802 % 6M 15.8333 -1.75

INF
Local and regional businesses have
been urged to leverage peering and
interconnection through IXPs to
drive traffic-efficient business con-
S Y LV E S T E R E N O G H A S E
LAGOS Why MAN Lauds FG’s Decision To
Halt Proposed Increase In Excise
T
tinuity and growth in Nigeria and he Manufacturers Association
West Africa. of Nigeria (MAN) commend-
This call was part of the submis- ed the Federal Government’s
sion at the first webinar, from the we-
binar series for the year, organized by
Rack Centre, titled ‘Interconnection
decision to halt the proposed
increase in excise duty on alcoholic, non-
alcoholic beverages and tobacco to allow
Duty On Alcoholic, Tobacco, Others
and Peering: The role of IXPs and the 2022-2024 sectoral Roadmaps to run Finance, Budget and National Planning, and that government should devise oth- hension in the concerned sector neces-
Peering to drive traffic efficient busi- its full course. Hajiya Zainab Ahmed, stated that the er means of generating revenue rather sitated another courtesy visit and pre-
ness and ecosystem growth in Nige- Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director General new sugar tax was introduced to raise than inadvertently stifling the produc- sentation to the Honourable Minister of
ria,” held on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. of MAN in a statement, stated that the excise duties and revenues for health-re- tive sector which is already struggling. Finance, Budget and National Planning
Leading the conversation during major setback that plagued the produc- lated and other critical expenditures in “Still grappling with a recent in- by a delegation of the Manufacturers
the webinar series, the keynote tive sector in 2022 was the introduction line with the 2022 budget priorities. crease in line with a three-year road- Association of Nigeria.
speaker, Muhammad Rudman, Chief of an excise duty of N10 per litre on all Although the projected revenue was map, the proposed increase in Excise The delegation was led by the Presi-
Executive Officer, IXPN and a key vet- non-alcoholic, carbonated and sweet- projected at N81bn from 2021-2025, the on Beer, Wines and Spirits, Tobacco dent, Otunba Francis Meshioye and the
eran in the Nigerian internet indus- ened beverages in the country. potential loss to government in other and Non-Alcoholic Beverages in 2023 outcomes allayed the fears of MAN. The
try, explained that the significance He said the charge was part of a new forms of taxes and revenue cut leaves became another nightmare to a sector Honourable Minister reassured the del-
of IXPs in improving internet pen- policy introduced in the Finance Act, much to be desired. gasping for survival amidst evident egation of Government’s commitment
etration cannot be overemphasized which was signed into law by President Ajayi-Kadir said: “The Manufactur- setbacks occasioned by Naira scarcity, to the wellbeing of the manufacturing
because it helps to interconnect all Muhammadu Buhari on December 31, ers Association of Nigeria through se- forex crunch, infrastructure deficit but sector and the concerned sector in this
the network operators towards the 2021, alongside the 2022 Appropriation ries of advocacy channels warned that to mention a few”, he said. instance.
exchange of traffic, which is the foun- Bill. a new tax imposed on carbonated drinks On the recent outcomes, the Director
CONTINUES ON P.14 ¢
dation of any digital economy. It would be recall that the Minister of and others would be counter-productive General noted that the palpable appre-
Rudman noted that IXPs remains
a critical piece of infrastructure
needed to help improve internet
access by ensuring that internet
traffic is localized, making it faster
and affordable.
He disclosed that 90% of inter-
net traffic in Nigeria is mainly on
mobile devices stating that there
is a need for traffic to shift to other
devices.
He identified infrastructure, inter-
connectivity, content application, and
cloud as the critical technical infra-
structure required to support inter-
net ecosystem growth in the region.
Obinna Adumike, the Head,
Interconnection and Exchange
Platforms, AF-CIX, in his opening
remarks, noted that it has become
necessary for multiple IXPs to be
present in regional markets as this
would improve the quality and reli-
ability of the internet.
“You will notice that a signifi-
cant amount of Automated Systems
Numbers (ASN) is currently not ac-
counted for within the interconnec-
tion and peering space, if you look
at the sectors such as finance and
education. If we get these sectors
into the peering and interconnection Nkechi Naeche-Esezobor, Managing Director/CEO, BusinessToday Communication Ltd (left); Muda Yusuf, keynote speaker/Chief Executive Officer,
space, they will deliver better ser- Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (second left); Edwin Igbiti, President, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Salami Rasaaq,
vice to their clients and students”, Deputy Director, NAICOM/representative of Commissioner of Insurance, during the 7th annual BusinessToday conference on ‘Consumer satisfaction in
he said. deepening penetration in Insurance and Pension sectors’ held in Lagos on Tuesday.
14 /Independentngr @independentngr
Business
LASPPA To Prosecute Three For
Violating Physical Planning Law to the General Manager of LASPP-
DA DA J AC K S O N
LAGOS PA, Tpl. Kehinde Osinaike will be
prosecuted for breaking govern-
ment seals unlawfully, bye-passing
T
hree people comprising the restriction placed on the above
two site supervisors at property by the Authority and con-
No. 5, Eromosele street, tinuing construction works with-
Parkview Estate Ikoyi out authorisation.
namely: Samuel Adeleke 31, Oye- Explaining why the violators
wole Israel 21 and one Alhaji were arrested, Osinaike recalled
Morufu Alade 53 years have been that the property was served no-
arrested by the Enforcement Team tices and sealed by LASPPPA offi-
of Lagos State Physical Planning cials after which the owner of the
Permit Authority, LASPPPA and said property went on to bye-pass
members of Lagos State Task the seal and instructed his workers
Force for violating the State’s Phys- to go back to site without due re-
ical Planning Permit Law. course of visiting the District office
The three violators, according of LASPPPA at Ikoyi to start the
Organisations Seek Resilient CIO – Report
JUSTUS ADEJUMOH perspectives of businesses towards
LAGOS IT investments, measuring the ROI
of IT investments, and demonstrat-
ing the value to stakeholders. Read
As technology has become an es- below for a comprehensive discus-
sential element for any business to sion on the role of the CIO in the
remain competitive in today’s fast- digital age.
paced environment with the grow- The IDC research suggests that
ing complexity of technological 97% of CIOs are thinking about
solutions, Chief Executive Officers changing their IT strategy.
around the world are looking for “Over the past few years, we saw
Chief Information Officers (CIO) IT spending ramp up to about 11%
whose roles have become more cru- growth, which is very strong com-
cial than ever. pared to historical trends. It was
Crawford Del Prete, President in the 6-7% range the year before
of IDC, while speaking on the de- that. This year, it’ll be about 5%.
velopment recently, delves into the So it went up, and it’s going back
role of the CIO and their respon- down, but it’s still at that 5% range.
sibilities, including the changing “This represents the pivot to-
Air Travel Demand Increased By 55.5% In February – IATA
O L U S E G U N KO I K I cent compared to the year-ago period,
LAGOS while total February 2023 domestic
traffic was at 97.2 per cent of the Feb-
ruary 2019 level.
The International Air Transport It also emphasized that interna-
Association (IATA) has said that air tional traffic climbed 89.7 per cent ver-
travel demand continued to grow in sus February 2022 with all markets
February 2023 with 55.5 per cent when recording strong growth, led once
compared to February 2022 traffic re- again by carriers in the Asia-Pacific
sults. region. International RPKs reached
IATA said that the February figure, 77.5 per cent of February 2019 levels.
which was measured in Revenue Pas- “Despite the uncertain economic
senger Kilometers (RPKs), indicated signals, demand for air travel contin-
that global traffic is now at 84.9 per ues to be strong across the globe and
cent of February 2019 levels, the pre- particularly in the Asia-Pacific re-
Covid-19 outbreak. gion. The industry is now just about
The association stated that domes- 15% below 2019 levels of demand and
tic traffic for February rose 25.2 per that gap is narrowing each month,”
www.independent.ng
process of obtaining a permit be-
fore continuing construction.
He said the arrest would serve
as a deterrent to miscreants and
others who are in the habits of vi-
olating Physical Planning Permit
Laws of Lagos State by removing
seals without authorization.
While urging those in the act of
removing seals unlawfully to desist
from such, the General Manager
said “the state will no longer con-
done any disregard to Town Plan-
ning Laws as this usually results
to losses in the long run.”
In a related development, the
agency re-sealed an illegal Petrol
Filling Station at the at 1 Robinson
wards the pandemic and the move
towards technologies like personal
devices and collaborative software.
“As companies like Amazon in-
vested in logistics, Google invested
in new services, and Apple invest-
ed in new media services, I believe
we’ll see IT investment level off
at 5%, which is still higher than
a decade ago when it was in the
3% range. Every company needs
to invest in technology to be com-
petitive going forward, and I think
that’s a long-term trend we’ll see
for many years,” the report noted.
Companies, according to the
report, can measure the amount
they’re spending on tech as a per
cent of their revenue.
said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director
General.
Asia-Pacific airlines had a 378.7 per
cent increase in February 2023 traffic
compared to February 2022, maintain-
ing the very positive momentum of
the past few months since the lifting of
travel restrictions in the region.
Capacity rose 176.4 per cent and the
load factor increased 34.9 percentage
points to 82.5 per cent the second high-
est among the regions.
European carriers posted a 47.9 per
cent traffic rise versus February 2022.
Capacity climbed 29.7 per cent and
load factor rose 9.1 percentage points
to 73.7 per cent, which was the lowest
among the regions.
DAILY INDEPENDENT THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023
Gbagi street, Ajao Estate during a
joint enforcement exercise with
officials of Lagos State Building
Control Agency, LASBCA.
It was discovered that the owner
of the Filling Station went ahead
to continue construction despite
the stop work order and sealing of
the site exactly on March 18, 2022
due to non-conformity to Physical
Planning Regulations.
The Filling Station which has
now reached completion level has
been partially toked and re-sealed
by the State Government and will
remain sealed until the owner
meets all necessary provisions of
the law.
Kehinde ‘Kenny’
Ogungbe, Chief
Executive Officer,
Kennis Music
Group (left); Steve
Babaeko, founder
and CEO, X3M Ideas
(middle), and ID
Ogungbe, founder/
Executive Producer,
Exedia Media,
during the launch
party of X3M Ideas’
‘The Xperiment’
album in Lagos
recently.
The benefit is creating new
sources of growth or revenue for
the company as a result of technol-
ogy investments. For example, is
the company able to invest in tech-
nology and close leads faster, pene-
trate new customer bases, or create
new products/services? These are
happening in every industry.
Some airlines in the US won’t let
customers pay with a credit card
on the flight as there is no system
in-flight to capture the credit card
number and expiration date, and
then verify the transaction on the
ground. But with new technology,
airlines can accept payments in-
flight and penetrate new customer
bases.
Middle Eastern airlines saw a 75
per cent traffic increase compared to
February a year ago. Capacity climbed
40.5 per cent and load factor pushed up
15.8 percentage points to 80 per cent.
North American carriers’ traffic
climbed 67.4 per cent in February
2023 versus the 2022 period. Capacity
increased 39.5 per cent, and load factor
rose 12.8 percentage points to 76.6 per
cent.
Latin American airlines had a 44.1
per cent traffic increase compared to
the same month in 2022.
February capacity climbed 34 per
cent and load factor rose 5.8 percent-
age points to 82.7 per cent, the highest
among the regions.
NCC Wants
Two-Factor
Authentication To
Secure WhatsApp
¡CONTINUED FROM 13
states that, “WhatsApp provides
two-factor authentication so you can
further secure your account using a
PIN.
“It is an optional feature that adds
more security to your WhatsApp
account, so it is recommended that
everyone installs 2FA”.
The CSIRT stated ten steps for
enabling 2FA on WhatsApp, which
include the following steps:
Open WhatsApp, Tap Settings,
Tap Account, Tap Two-Step Verifica-
tion, Tap Enable, Enter the Six-Digit
PIN you wish to use, Tap Next, then
enter it a second time to confirm it,
Tap Next, Add an email address for
extra security (this step is optional
but it is an extra way to retrieve your
account if you forget your Pin) and
then Tap Next.
For those concerned that their
PIN might have been compromised
or is easy to guess, they can change
their WhatsApp PIN or email address
by tapping settings.
Two-Step Verification, tapping
Change PIN or Change Email Ad-
dress, Entering a new PIN or email
address, and then tapping ‘next’ to
effect the necessary changes.
Why MAN Lauds
FG’s Decision To
Halt Proposed
Increase In
Excise Duty
On Alcoholic,
Tobacco, Others
¡CONTINUED FROM 13
The Association is gladdened by the
assurances of the Minister, Hajiya Zain-
ab Ahmed that the 2023 Fiscal Policy
Guidelines and the reconsideration of
the Finance Act 2023 have been conclud-
ed and would be released immediately.
In specific terms, she assured that
the guidelines would not include the
proposed increase in Excise duty on
Beer, Wines and Spirits, Tobacco and
Non-Alcoholic Beverage in 2023, but
rather allow the Excise regime to run
its full course from 2022 to 2024 as pro-
grammed in the Road Map by the Fed-
eral Government in 2022.
This comes as a huge relief to our
members across the Federation and will
signpost the administration’s support
for the sustenance of manufacturing in
Nigeria on this score.
“MAN received the understanding
of Government on the introduction of
0.5% Import surcharge, which is meant
to fulfill Nigeria’s obligations to the con-
tinental agreement in the implementa-
tion of Africa Continental Free Trade
Area (AfCFTA) agreement, as well as
the promised intervention on resolving
the logjams in the interpretation of the
Tin Plate, HS Code 7210. 12.00.00 with the
Nigeria Customs Service.
“From the foregoing, the Association
views the Federal Government’s move
as one that will encourage our members
who are currently struggling with un-
precedented low sales, forex squeeze, in-
adequate electricity supply and multiple
taxes and levies from the three tiers of
government. This move will reassure
members of the administration’s re-
spect for stakeholder’s engagement and
the usefulness of public-private sector
dialogue.”
DAILY INDEPENDENT THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023 /Independentngr @independentngr www.independent.ng 15

EnterpriseNow
Dedicated to promoting enterprise.
Published in association with
Waterspouts Limited.

Enterprise
Issues
With Siaka Momoh

Bottom Of the Pyramid

Business Model
At a forum in Lagos, a Nigerian
entrepreneur and small enter-
prise person told the audience
how an advice from an Indian
friend to him on the beauty of
a poor-friendly packaging strat-
egy moved his sales volume up
dramatically. The entrepreneur
who manufactures black soap
(Ose Dudu) in syrup form, start-
ed off with a fanciful, expensive,
large size packaging.
On the advice of his Indian
friend, he changed to small size
sachet packaging. And that was
promulgated by a combination
of top-down forces (regulation,
new norms) and bottom-up
forces (public perception, social
action, new entrants, technolo-
gies) that would force companies
to radically rethink their ecolog-
ical footprint.”
For Boyer, “The innovators,
actors, and leaders that are
emerging in the BOP space fall
into seven broad categories,
spanning the continuum from
private to public sectors. Three
of these categories—corporate

Harnessing Dynamism And it. This is tapping into people at

the bottom of the pyramid.
The best business model in the
world now is tapping into people
pure-play experiments, cata-
lysts and enablers, and social
entrepreneurs—have partic-
ular relevance for companies,

Leadership Of Africa’s Youths

‘Youth form the backbone of
Africa’s population, constitut-
ing over 60% of the population.
The continent’s sustainable de-
velopment hinges on harnessing
this demographic dividend.’
SIAKA MOMOH
ADAPT pillar, has so far supported
35 youth-led enterprises in 14 Afri-
can countries with $3.5 million to
drive climate actions in sectors such
as agriculture, waste management,
renewable energy, water and sanita-
tion,” Kariuki added. YouthADAPT
is one of AAAPs four pillars for ac-
celerating climate adaptation.
Caroline Mukuhi Mwangi, found-
tively using drones to detect clogged
drainages and utilizing data for de-
mand driven waste management,”
Ngum said. Now, we aim to expand
across national borders into Dakar,
Senegal.”
Noël N’guessan’s Cote d’Ivo-
ire-based company, LONO(link is
external) – a winner of the 2022
YouthADAPT challenge – has pat-
at the bottom of the pyramid. Un-
less this is done, businesses will
not be able to scale up, industry
experts claim. Reports have it that
in India, every major business
has changed its business model
to this and volumes have gone up.
Bangladesh adopted this model
and has emerged a successful
economy whilst Pakistan which
is doing otherwise has problems.
The BOP concept cham-
pions new thinking and new
ways of doing business in the
and are characterized by their
faster-moving entrepreneurial
style and motivations.”
He listed and discussed them
as follows:
Corporate pure-play experi-
ments: These projects tend to be
100 percent for-profit businesses,
or have the near-term intention
of being so. They are the star cas-
es in the BOP literature because
they best stick within business
managers’ existing frame of
reference.

I
rri-Hub KE, an innovative cli-
mate-smart irrigation compa-
ny & 2021 AAAP YouthADAPT
winner, leverages technology to
provide climate smart irrigation to
smallholder farmers
According to African Develop-
ment Bank, the Africa Adaptation
Acceleration program (AAAP) – a
joint initiative of the African Devel-
opment Bank and the Global Center
on Adaptation – recently showcased
its initiative to harness the dyna-
mism and leadership of Africa’s
youth to drive climate adaption in-
novation.
On the side-lines of the recent 3rd
Gobeshona Global Conference(link
is external), AAAP brought togeth-
er participants in its YouthADAPT
program to share their experiences
with the program as well as strate-
gies to scale up youth-led approach-
es to adaptation
In his opening remarks, Dr. Kevin
Kariuki, African Development Bank
Vice President for Power, Energy,
and Climate & Green Growth un-
derscored young people’s integral
role in Africa’s sustainable devel-
opment.
“Youths form the backbone of
Africa’s population, constituting
over 60% of the population. The
continent’s sustainable develop-
ment hinges on harnessing this
demographic dividend,” Kariuki
said. “The AAAP, through its Youth-
Have you read the stuff on World Top Ten Per-
forming CEOs? Some of the longest-serving CEOs
like Warren Buffett – whose tenure with Berkshire
Hathaway spans almost 52 years – have remained
in their roles for an average of 33 years.
er of Kimplanter Seedling(link is
external) and Nurseries Limited,
said her company was already see-
ing the benefits of participation in
the program. Kimplanter provides
drought resistant seedlings that
boost food production and food se-
curity in Kenya.
Mwangi said, “We have ventured
into new markets in semi-arid re-
gions and expanded our seedling
varieties, increasing our revenue by
36% as a result of AAAP support. Our
customer base has also grown from
8,000 to 16,000 farmers and we have
increased our staff from 17 to 32, all
of whom are women or youth.”
Aramide Abe, the Program Lead
of Jobs for Youth & Entrepreneur-
ship at the Global Center on Adap-
tation(link is external) confirmed
that participating enterprises have
already begun to show results. She
said some have seen revenues rise
by up to 50 percent. A fifth have
ventured into new markets and have
raised over $106,000 in additional
funding from different sources.
Juveline Ngum, the founder of
Bleaglee Waste Management Lim-
ited, a Cameroon-based start-up
company using drone technology to
tackle waste disposal, also stressed
the benefits of participating in
YouthADAPT.
“We have expanded our waste
disposal management solution from
west Cameroon into Douala, effec-
Editor’s Note
A handful of these CEOs are also recognized as
some of the most influential leaders.
We have this and more for you this week. Only in
ented technology for the production
of organic fertilizer. The company
has also introduced modular and
mobile bio digesters for the agri-
food sector. Biodigesters use mi-
crobes and other bacteria to break
down organic waste including fat,
greases, and even animal manure.
Still, Nguessan said challenges
remained. “The cost of prototyp-
ing hardware equipment can be pro-
hibitively high, resulting in lengthy
project development cycles, “he
said. He pointed to financial man-
agement training as vital for youth-
led businesses.
The session also featured pre-
sentations by African Development
Bank partners and other global or-
ganizations that have rolled out sim-
ilar initiatives to YouthAdapt.
Sandra Simbiri, Program Spe-
cialist at UNICEF’s Generation Un-
limited(link is external), said:
“Supporting entrepreneurs
through STEM principles is key to
preparing the young for technolog-
ical innovations.”
Alfred Asiko, Senior Market En-
gagement Manager for the Clima-
teTech Programme at GSMA(link
is external), a mobile technology
association, said it has played a
role in empowering youth to deploy
such technologies as the Internet of
Things, artificial intelligence and
blockchain to tackle climate chal-
lenges.
world’s poor markets. While
this high-level aspiration is not
necessarily new, the current con-
cept, also known as B24B (busi-
ness-to-4-billion), was coined by
influential business academics
C. K. Prahalad and Stuart Hart a
few years ago in a working paper,
which then became a series of
important and well-cited articles.
These authors made the simple
yet powerful observation that
four billion people remain out-
side of the global market system.
The BOP concept frames this
stunning fact as both a tremen-
dous need and real opportunity
for corporations.
The BOP represents a vast,
unexploited, multitrillion-dollar
marketplace. For companies
struggling with maturing mar-
kets, floundering business mod-
els, and serious questions about
who their customers of the future
will be, these are important mar-
kets to crack. But tapping into
these overlooked markets will
require companies to reconfig-
ure their business assumptions,
models, and practices.
According to a working paper
titled ‘The Bottom of the Pyra-
mid: Re-perceiving Business
from the Bottomup’ by Nicole
Boyer, the downsides to ignor-
ing these untapped markets are
also enormous. “Conditions are
dangerously ripe for disruptive
technologies and ideas to emerge
from the BOP, although it may
be hard for large incumbent
companies to see or believe this
at present. Many things could ac-
celerate this development. One
scenario is a wave of sustainabil-
ity-driven creative destruction,
Catalysts and enablers: This
diverse group includes every-
thing from academic institutions
and think tanks to foundations
and NGOs to niche financial
organizations and consultan-
cies. These organizations often
perform a brokerage function,
act as intermediaries, and are
highly networked.
Social entrepreneurs: These
are actors who are putting their
ideas into action in the field and
providing services to clients and
customers. Most of these organi-
zations are for-benefit and have
had some government funding
and outside help, but often no
more than any other for-profit
startup. Significantly, some use
this initial support to migrate to
for-profit organizations.
In Bangladesh, “The banks
should not try to replicate their
urban business model in rural
areas. They need to go to village
customers,” said Toufic A Chow-
dhury, general secretary of Ban-
gladesh Economic Association.
Speaking at the seminar on
‘inclusive financing’ at Bangab-
andhu International Conference
Centre in the city, Chowdhury
said banks should also rearrange
their business hours to catch up
with the rural customers, as most
of them remain out during the
traditional banking hours.
Chowdhury, the keynote
speaker, said a well-functioning
financial system can economi-
cally and socially empower in-
dividuals, allowing them to bet-
ter integrate into the economy,
actively contribute to the devel-
opment and protect themselves
against economic shocks.
16 /Independentngr @independentngr www.independent.ng DAILY INDEPENDENT THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023

EnterpriseNow
This story, abridged, is sourced
from CEOMagazine.
World’s Top-Performing Country: China
Tenure: 16.4 years
Overall score: 85.9

T
he average tenure for CEOs
who ranked within the top 10
was 15.9 years.
Some of the longest-serv-
ing CEOs like Warren Buffett – whose
CEOs…Longevity Matters Huateng Ma
Company: Tencent
Sector: media
Country: China
tenure with Berkshire Hathaway “Many CEOs worked for many Tenure: 24 years
spans almost 52 years – have re- years or even decades within the Overall score: 85
mained in their roles for an average business before being elevated to the
of 33 years. A handful of these CEOs CEO role,” Haigh explains. Sundar Pichai
are also recognised as some of the This was true for all top 10 CEOs Company: Google
most influential leaders. in the Index. Sector: Technology
In the financial sector, where “To be able to build long-term busi- Country: US
duration is linked to greater stock ness value, you need to balance the Tenure: 7 years
returns, CEOs generally remain in needs of different stakeholders. It is Overall score: 83.3
their roles for longer. However, does clear, from our Index, that that takes
the same hold true for other sectors? time,” asserts Annie Brown, Associ- Shantanu Narayen
And when are the best value-creating ate at Brand Finance.
years for a CEO? Microsoft’s Satya Nadella was Company: Adobe
One of the difficulties in deter- named the world’s top CEO. When Sector: Technology
mining this is that no journey is ever asked what qualities could be at- Country: US
straightforward. Performance can tributed to his success, Haigh points Tenure: 14.1 years
fluctuate over time, making it even out that he is “well liked, modest and Overall score: 82.5
harder for boards to determine at has a relatively low profile, but has
what point it’s necessary for a leader executed a clear and different strate- Reed Hastings
to step back. gy without losing his audience in the
Research undertaken by consult- company”. Company: Netflix
ing firm Spencer Stuart and pub- Sector: Media
lished in Harvard Business Review Why longevity matters “CEOs that have moved within an The Top 10 CEOs Country: US
suggests that some of the most fruit- A ‘collaborative diplomat’ is a industry can bring lots of relevant Satya Nadella Tenure: 23.3 years
ful years for CEOs is between 10–15 term that describes the purpose of experience and ideas, but need to Company: Microsoft Overall score: 82.1
years, otherwise known as the Gold- a CEO as someone who balances the be particularly careful to win hearts Sector: Technology
en Years. needs of multiple parties: stakehold- and minds,” Haigh says. “Footballers Country: US Jensen Huang
This was a key finding in Brand Fi- ers, employees, investors and greater that play for Manchester United one Tenure: 7.9 years
nance’s ‘Brand Guardianship Index society. day and Chelsea or Spurs the next Overall score: 88.3 Company: Nvidia
2022’, where the average duration for David Haigh, CEO and Chair at are sometimes rejected by the other Sector: Technology
the top 10 CEOs was 15.9 years. UK-based Brand Finance, explains players and the fans. So they have to Tim Cook Country: US
The recent report reflects the work how the CEO is ultimately responsi- be particularly adept at ‘collaborative Company: Apple Tenure: 28.8 years
of more than 1,000 market analysts ble for “creating consensus and win- diplomacy’.” Sector: Technology Overall score: 81.1
and journalists, who analysed the ning hearts and minds to achieve the In contrast, a CEO who has moved Country: US
abilities of CEOs to build sustain- impossible”. up the ranks or has founded the Tenure: 10.4 years Marc Benioff
able business value and their perfor- And while CEOs who have plenty business is often in a better position Overall score: 87.6 Company: Salesforce
mance during their tenure. The Index of industry experience in various to lead, as they are intimately famil- Sector: Technology
lists the top 250 leaders, where the av- roles may contribute a lot of value, iar with the inner workings of the Jianjun Wei Country: US
erage duration is 7.6 years – half that it doesn’t always mean they’ll be ac- organisation and the relationships Company: Great Wall Motor Tenure: 20.2 years
of the top 10 cohort. cepted by the organisation. with stakeholders. Sector: Automotive Overall score: 80.2

Story, by Megha Rani, is sourced from

Startup Talky online platform.
Satya Narayana Nadella has been the Chief Ex-
ecutive Officer (CEO) of Microsoft by succeeding
Steve Ballmer in 2014 and under him, the compa-
ny had witnessed considerable growth. On 16th
June 2021, Nadella has been further appointed as
the Executive Chairman of Microsoft, succeeding
John W. Thompson.
Nadella is an Indian-American business execu-
tive. He is the former Executive Vice President of
Microsoft’s Cloud and Enterprise group. His last
position was conferred with the job of examining
the computing platforms of the company. Let’s
check out the success story of Satya Nadella and
look at his education, qualification and more.
Satya Nadella - Personal Life
Satya Nadella was born in Hyderabad, India on
August 19, 1967. His father, Bukkapuram Nadella
Yugandhar was employed as an Indian Adminis-
trative Service officer of the 1962 batch. His moth-
er, Prabhavati was a Sanskrit lecturer. His father
shifted from Nadella village to Bukkapuram in
Anantapuramu district, Andhra Pradesh, and
later to Hyderabad.
Satya Nadella was married to Anupama in
1992. The couple has three children: two daughters
and one son. His son, Zain is a legally blind quad-
riplegic with cerebral palsy. The family resides in
Clyde Hill and Bellevue, Washington.
Satya Nadella with his wife Anupama and
son, Zain
Satya Nadella - Education
Satya Nadella completed his primary educa-
tion at Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet. He
later pursued Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering
from the Manipal Institute of Technology, Karna-
taka in 1988.
Later, he went abroad for higher studies. He
completed his M.S. in computer science from the
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1990. He
also pursued MBA from the University of Chica-
go Booth School of Business in 1997.
Satya Nadella - Professional Life
BusinessChief
Satya Nadella: Success Story Of Microsoft’s CEO
Satya Nadella started his career as a member
of the technical staff of Sun Microsystems. In
1992, he joined Microsoft. Initially, he worked on
the development of Windows NT. He later led ma-
jor projects related to cloud computing at Micro-
soft. He held reputable leadership roles in business
and enterprises across Microsoft.
He also wrote a book, HitRefresh: The quest to
rediscover Microsoft’s soul and imagine a better
future for everyone, in 2017. The book consists of
his experience and career at Microsoft. Moreover,
he declared that the profits from the book would
go to Microsoft Philanthropies via nonprofit or-
ganizations.
Satya Nadella - Microsoft
Satya Nadella joined Microsoft in 1992 as a
young engineer. Nadella got promoted to corpo-
rate Vice President of Microsoft Business Solu-
tions in the year 2001. He was later employed as
the vice president of Research and Development
(R&D) for the Online Services Division (2007-2011)
and Microsoft Business Division.
He was then promoted to the President of the
Server & Tools Division (2011-2014). He vividly
helped the company to bring Microsoft’s database,
Windows Server and developer tools to its Azure
cloud. The revenue from Cloud Services grossed
$20.3 billion in June 2013 from $16.6 billion when
he took over in 2011. Moreover, he received $84.5
million in pay in 2016.
Satya Nadella was appointed as the new CEO
of Microsoft in February 2014. He was sequential-
ly the third CEO of Microsoft, following Bill Gates
and Steve Ballmer. Under Nadella, the company’s
stock has tripled by September 2018, with a 27%
annual growth rate.
After Nadella served Microsoft as its CEO for
over 7 years, Nadella was appointed as the Ex-
ecutive Chairman of the firm on June 16, 2021.
He succeeded John W. Thompson to become the
chairman.
Nadella proclaimed the amalgamation of
Nadella
Microsoft and Linux to rival other companies
like Apple, Salesforce and Dropbox. Microsoft of-
ficially joined the Linux Foundation as a Platinum
member in 2016.
Moreover, he empowered a cultural shift at
Microsoft by highlighting empathy, collabora-
tion, and a growth mindset. He has successfully
changed the corporate world of Microsoft into an
environment that emphasizes continuous learn-
ing and growth.
How Satya Nadella revamped Microsoft:
Microsoft’s Acquisition
Satya Nadella’s first acquisition with Microsoft
was in 2014. The company acquired a Swedish
video game developer, Mojang. Another company
best known for the computer game
Growth Of Indian Gaming Industry
During Pandemic
The Indian Online Gaming Industry is grow-
ing exponentially fast and is expected to be worth
$1.1 billion by 2021...
, Minecraft was also acquired by him worth
$2.5 billion.
He also purchased the software company, Xam-
arin. He then stepped up by purchasing the pro-
fessional network, LinkedIn worth $26.2 billion in
2016. GitHub was officially acquired by Microsoft
on 26 October 2018 for $7.5 billion.
Satya Nadella - Awards
He was recognized as the Time 100 honoree
in 2018.
He was named Financial Times Person of the
Year in 2019.
He was the Fortune magazine Businessperson
of the Year in 2019.
He was recently recognized as a Global Indi-
an Business Icon at CNBC-TV18’s India Business
Leader Awards in Mumbai in the year 2020.
Satya Nadella - Controversies
Satya Nadella was highly criticized when he
asserted a statement that women should not ask
for a raise and should trust the system. The state-
ment was conferred by him while attending an
event on Women in Computing.
He later wrote an apology letter to Microsoft
through email,admitting that he was “Completely
wrong”. Before the formal apology to the compa-
ny, he apologized on Twitter as well.
Conclusion
Satya Nadella’s story is inspiring to all gener-
ations. Satya Nadella didn’t build an enterprise
himself. He worked hard to achieve this success.
He was selected to run an existing large enterprise
depending on his past work and leadership skills.
Nobody cares what degrees you’ve got or
from which college or university you’ve gradu-
ated from. The only thing that matters is what
you can give to the company. The company only
cares about your ability to do the job and in Satya
Nadella’s case, Microsoft had 22 years to evaluate
that. People admire Satya Nadella for his positive
leadership skills and empathy towards the em-
ployees which have made him the best CEO to
work with.
DAILY INDEPENDENT THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023
BAMIDELE OGUNWUSI
LAGOS
F
ollowing its commitment to fa-
cilitate growth and development
in the Nigerian debt markets
and the economy at large by
continuously promoting an efficient,
transparent, and well-regulated market,
FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited
(Exchange), Nigeria’s largest securi-
ties exchange by turnover, through its
Board Listings and Markets Committee
has approved the listing of the Dangote
Industries Funding PLC N187.58 billion
Series 1 (Tranche A & B) and N112.42
billion Series 2 Senior Unsecured Bonds
under its N300.00 billion Debt Issuance
Programme on its platform.
The Series 1 and 2 bonds were listed
on FMDQ Exchange in November 2022
and March 2023, respectively.
Dangote Industries Funding PLC is
a special-purpose vehicle set up by Dan-
gote Industries Limited to raise finance
through the listing of debt securities.
Dangote Industries is a diversified
and fully integrated conglomerate with
an annual group turnover of over US$4
billion with vibrant operations in Nige-
ria and Africa across a wide range of
sectors including cement, sugar, salt,
condiments, packaging, energy, port op-
erations, fertilizer, and petrochemicals.
FY 2022: Unilever Nigeria Sterling One Foundation, JICA Partner On
Posts N31.1bn Profit Health Workers Training
Unilever Nigeria Plc has released
its audited report for the year end-
ed 31st December 2022 to the man-
agement and stockbrokers of the
Nigerian Exchange (NGX).
The company recorded a turn-
over of N88.5 billion in the year
under review which represents 26
per cent topline growth compared
to N70.5 billion Turnover recorded
in the corresponding year in 2021.
The company recorded a gross
profit of N31.1 billion for the year
ended 31st December 2022 which is
53 per cent up versus N20.3 billion re-
ported for the same period last year.
The result showed a profit for the
year from continuing operations of
N4.4 billion for the year ended 31st
December 2022 compared to a profit
for the corresponding year in 2021
of N0.7 billion which is 549 per cent
up versus 2021.
FMDQ Lists N300bn
Dangote Industries’ Bonds
To mark this noteworthy achieve-
ment FMDQ Exchange, in keeping with
its tradition, held a prestigious listing
ceremony at its offices on Wednesday,
March 29, 2023.
Present to celebrate the successful
admission of the bonds on the FMDQ
Exchange was the issuer, Dangote Indus-
tries Limited, represented by the Group
Managing Director, Mr. Olakunle Alake
and other representatives of Dangote
Industries.
Also present at the Ceremony were
the sponsors of the bonds and Registra-
tion Member (Listings) of FMDQ Ex-
change - Standard Chartered Capital
and Advisory Nigeria Limited (Lead
Sponsor to the Series 1 Bonds), Stanbic
IBTC Capital Limited (Lead Sponsor to
the Series 2 Bond), Absa Capital Mar-
kets Nigeria Limited, Afrinvest Capital
Limited, Coronation Merchant Bank
Limited, Ecobank Development Compa-
ny Limited, FBNQuest Merchant Bank
Limited, Futureview Financial Services
Limited, FCMB Capital Markets Limit-
ed, Greenwich Merchant Bank Limited,
Quantum Zenith Capital & Investments
Overall, Unilever recorded a net
profit of N4.4 billion for the year end-
ed 31st December 2022 compared to a
profit for the corresponding year in
2021 of N3.4 billion (including profit
from discontinued operations).
Carl Cruz, while speaking on
the results, the Managing Director,
said: “Unilever Nigeria remains
focused on the delivery of its 4G
growth model of competitive, con-
sistent, profitable, and responsible
growth. Unilever is pleased with its
performance progress riding on the
pillars of operational efficiency, cost
optimization, purposeful brands and
increasing market share across key
categories,”
“Unilever Nigeria will continue
to strengthen its operations in the
country to meet citizen’s needs in
health and hygiene through our
brands and products.” He added.
/Independentngr @independentngr
Limited, Meristem Capital Limited,
Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited,
United Capital PLC and Vetiva Capital
Management Limited (Co-Sponsors to
the Bonds), as well as other parties to
the issue.
Ms. Tumi Sekoni, Managing Direc-
tor, FMDQ Exchange, represented by Ms.
Jumoke Olaniyan, Senior Vice President,
Business Development Division, FMDQ
Exchange while welcoming the guests to
the ceremony, congratulated the issuer
and sponsors to the issue for achieving
this milestone, noting that their decision
to raise funds from the debt markets via
the Exchange’s platform was a testament
to the highly efficient time-to-market and
unrivaled listing and quotation service
offered by FMDQ Exchange.
She also commended the sponsors
of the bonds for their concerted efforts
toward ensuring the success of the is-
suances. She reiterated the Exchange’s
commitment to continue to innovate and
provide efficient services, to support is-
suers and investors, toward achieving
an operationally excellent and globally
competitive debt market.
Sterling One Foundation has
formed a new partnership with
the Japan International Cooper-
ation Agency (JICA) to improve
adolescent sexual and reproduc-
tive health in Nigeria.
This partnership, supported
by the National Primary Health
Care Development Agency (NPH-
CDA), kicked off in Abuja with a
two-day sensitization workshop on
adolescent sexual and reproduc-
tive health for nurses, midwives,
and members of the Community
Health Influencers, Promoters
and Services (CHIPS) programme
from Karu LGA, in Nasarawa
State.
Research shows that the
age-specific fertility rate in the
15-19 age group is about 106 per
1000 women, with this rate being
higher in rural areas than urban
areas. Unfortunately, childbearing
www.independent.ng
Banking & Finance
In his address at the ceremony, Alake
said, “We thank the investor community,
Securities and Exchange Commission,
FMDQ Exchange, and our team of
professional advisers led by Standard
Chartered Capital and Advisory Nige-
ria Limited and Stanbic IBTC Capital
Limited for ensuring successful outings
on both our debut and subsequent bond
issuances.
“The Series 1 and 2 bond issuances
represent the largest aggregate local
currency corporate bond issuances
within a calendar year and under a
single programme in the history of the
Nigerian debt markets. Proceeds of the
series 1 and 2 bonds were dedicated to
part-financing the Dangote Petroleum
Refinery Project which is the initiative
by the Dangote Group to establish an In-
tegrated Petrochemical Complex and the
largest Single Train Petroleum Refinery
in the World.
Ultimately, the completion of the
refinery would facilitate our ability as a
country to meet our local demand for re-
fined crude products, gearing us towards
self-sufficiency.”
Eberechukwu
Uneze, Executive
Director, Asset
Management
(fourth right);
senior officials of
AMCON, cadets,
who are 300
level accounting
students of
Nigerian Defence
Academy (NDA),
and others
during the cadets
visit to AMCON,
to see how their
schoolwork
applies to the
workplace, in
Abuja.
at such a young age is associated
with an increased risk of com-
plications during pregnancy and
childbirth and a higher neonatal
mortality rate.
The Multiple Indicator Cluster
Survey (’16-’17) found that 19.2 per
cent of young women aged 15–19
had started having children, with
3.1 per cent of women giving birth
before they were 15. The emer-
gence of this problem has been
attributed to various factors, in-
cluding early exposure to causal
sexual activity, early marriage,
rural community living, low so-
cial-economic status, peer pres-
sure, lack of sex education, and
others.
Yet too many young people face
barriers to reproductive health
information and care. Even those
able to find accurate information
about their health may be unable
17
Union Bank
Partners CIG
Motors On
Auto Loans To
Customers
Union Bank of Nigeria has signed a
commercial partnership agreement
with Choice International Group
(CIG) Motors Limited, a member
of CIG Group of Companies, to pro-
vide auto financing services to the
bank’s customers on purchase of
GAC range of cars, through its asset
finance loan scheme.
The deal, which was recently
signed at Stallion Plaza, Union
Bank’s head office in Marina, La-
gos, will allow customers to purchase
brand new GAC vehicles with as low
as 0% interest and N242,000 monthly
installment.
In addition, subscribers to the
Union Bank asset finance loan
scheme will enjoy after-sales service
and warranty during the tenor of the
financing as well as access to other
products from CIG Group at compet-
itive prices.
Mr. Mudassir Amray, Managing
Director/Chief Executive Officer
of Union Bank, while speaking at
the official signing ceremony of the
agreement said: “I am genuinely de-
lighted to have a partnership with
CIG Group which is inevitably a
market leader in terms of providing
quality products at affordable prices.
We are determined to bring value to
our clients through partnerships, be
it health care, cross-border business,
or transportation.
“We are convinced that with this
agreement, our customers will be
able to buy quality cars with easy
payment terms, which will provide
comfort and convenience to our cus-
tomers.”
Also commenting on the partner-
ship, Chief Diana Chen, Chairman
of CIG Group urged potential car
owners to take advantage of the
partnership and purchase brand-
new vehicles that will withstand the
test of time.
This partnership is a culmination
of Union Bank and CIG Group’s de-
sire to collaborate and explore mu-
tually beneficial business opportu-
nities. This strategically aligns with
the bank’s aim to examine various
options to provide financial support
and incentives for its customers.
to access the services needed to
protect their health.
Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of
the Sterling One Foundation,
while shedding more light on this
partnership, described it as a cru-
cial part of healthcare reform in
Nigeria, explaining that having
the right hands always makes a
huge difference in any system.
“Health is one of the five focus
areas for us at the Sterling One
Foundation, and part of our goals
is to make quality healthcare more
accessible, and we can’t achieve
that if the point of access for most
Nigerians, which is the primary
healthcare centres isn’t up to par,
that’s why this partnership is sig-
nificant. It represents our commit-
ment to improving the efficiency
of health workers, and in turn,
impacting the quality of life of
the people they serve,” she said.
18 /Independentngr @independentngr www.independent.ng DAILY INDEPENDENT THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023

Power Mohammed Shosanya

+2348028337206
mohammed.shosanya@independentnig.com

Africa Must
Connect 90m
People To
Electricity By
2030 - AfDB
Africa must connect 90 million
people annually to electricity
by 2030 in order to achieve the
United Nations Sustainable
Development Goal (SDG),Afri-
can Development Bank (AfDB)
Group President, Dr Akin-
wunmi Adesina, has said.
Akinwumi, who disclosed
this while addressing partic-
ipants at the Berlin Energy
Transition Dialogue, hosted
by the German Federal Gov-
ernment, also said the conti-
nent must also shift 130 mil-
lion people from dirty cooking
fuels yearly.
He recognized the scale of
Solar power the challenge, just as he dis-
closed that Africa’s energy
transition would require an

Why Eko, Ikeja, Abuja DisCos Plan To estimated $100 billion annu-
ally between 2020 and 2040.
He said, Africa’s significant
cobalt, manganese and plati-

Implement Bilateral Power Purchase num reserves could be utilised

to build a robust manufactur-
ing sector rather than being
merely exported as raw mate-

Deals With GenCos rials.

He added: “Africa is a cru-
cial source for minerals and

T
hree power distribution
companies (Discos) , the
Eko, Ikeja and Abuja Dis-
cos will be implementing
bilateral power purchase agree-
ments with some Generation Com-
panies (Gencos) of their choice be-
fore the end of this year, Managing
Director of Eko Disco, Dr Tinuade
Sanda, has disclosed
Sanda in chats with our corre-
spondent noted that the Nigerian
Electricity Regulatory Commission
(NERC) had singled out the three
Discos as the excellent Discos to
start the innitiative.
She said when the bilateral pow-
er deal between the three Discos and
Gencos take effect, Nigerians would
be able to witness improvement in
power supply towards the end of
the year as the Discos will now be
dealing directly with Gencos.
She described the implementa-
tion of the partial power activation
by the market participants last year,
which was ‘botched’ as a step in the
right direction.
“Towards the end of the year
we should see some improvement.
Some part of last year was really
bad. This year is looking better
and we hope that it continues to
improve. So, in my opinion, I feel
that that partial activation imple-
mentation was a good one, the right
step in the right direction.
“I know that the regulator has
been talking about Eko, Ikeja, Abu-
ja Discos being the excellent Discos
to start full bilateral. What it means
is that we are looking to implement
bilateral before the end of this year.
When this commences, we will be
dealing directly with the Gencos
and that is when the real change
will start in the power sector.
“So, I will buy the energy that I
want, I pay for the energy I want,
there is gas commitment for the en-
ergy that I want to buy. And at the
same time, I know that the regulator
is trying to be careful in ensuring
that they are able to balance the
grid, they are able to balance every
other interest because everybody
in Nigeria is also important, they
are all entitled to receive power”,
she said
She, however, noted that lessons
had been learnt from the imple-
mentation of the failed partial acti-
vation, stating that with the intro-
duction of the partial activation last
year, there has been some discipline
in the sector.
Recall that NERC had on June 15,
2022 announced in Lagos that mar-
ket participants including Gencos,
Discos, Transmission Company of
Nigeria (TCN), gas suppliers and the
Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading
(NBET) had signed a contract that
would ensure that at least 5000mw
of power was generated, paid for 100
per cent and successfully delivered
to consumers on a daily basis with
effect from July 1, 2022.
But Gencos attributed the col-
lapse of the partial activation to the
imposition of the contract and its
terms on them, as well as the lack of
key contractual details in the agree-
ment document handed to them by
the regulator.
However, as a fallout of the par-
tial activation, Sanda stated that
stakeholders have upped their game
and were being careful of not incur-
ring liquidated damages, adding
that there was improved efficiency
arising from the activation.
metals for clean energy value
chains, including electric ve-
hicles and utility-scale battery
storage.
Africa is the perfect place to
build lithium-ion batteries to
power German cars.”
He also recognised green
hydrogen as a low-carbon in-
vestment in building decar-
bonised economies.
He reiterated that AfDB was
spearheading efforts to unlock
Africa’s vast renewable energy
potential, with 86 per cent of
its power generation invest-
ments in renewables and a ban
on coal energy projects.
He maintained that natural
gas should be crucial to Afri-
ca’s diversified energy mix
to guarantee a secure energy
supply for industries and res-
idences.
He said: “Africa, just like

Uninterrupted Power Supply To Ajoki Germany and Europe, must

be given time to transition
and be allowed to use its nat-

Community Excites Sahara Energy ural gas resources as a tran-

Delivering uninterrupted, clean
power to Ajoki is an outstanding
achievement for Sahara Group
which is already transforming
the lives of the people, Henry
Menkiti, Chief Operating Officer,
Asharami Energy, a Sahara Group
Upstream Company, has said.
He spoke when a delegation
Sahara Group, visited the Olu of
Warri recently.
He said Sahara Group was
also working with local contrac-
tors from the Ajoki community
to improve their competence and
capacity to be globally competi-
tive. “Beyond hiring the contrac-
tors from the community, we’ve
also provided training programs
where they are taught how to
make bids professionally using
best practices and computer soft-
ware,” he added.
He said that the courtesy visit
to the palace was to provide up-
dates on its operations and pay
homage to the Olu for the sup-
port of the good people of the
kingdom.
“It is quite an honour for us to
be here today to formally express
our appreciation to the Palace and
to share the good news of our lat-
est project in Ajoki”,he added.
On the Ajoki electrification
project, Director Governance and
Sustainability Sahara Group, Eji-
ro Gray said it would serve as a
template for the energy conglom-
erate as it continues to seek ways
of enhancing sustainable devel-
opment in its host communities.
“We’re essentially taking a re-
source that is available in the com-
munity and using it to transform
the community with attendant
endless possibilities. As foremost
promoters of access to clean en-
ergy in Africa, we are delighted
with this achievement and remain
grateful to our host communities
for the opportunity to serve and
make a difference,” she said.
Babatomiwa Adesida, Head
Stakeholder Relations at Ashara-
mi Energy said the Gas-to-Power
project has the potential to gener-
ate 1MW of constant clean energy
for the people of Ajoki, directly
impacting tens of thousands of
beneficiaries and unleashing
more prospects for socio-eco-
nomic growth in Ajoki and its
environs. He also mentioned that
Sahara has built schools, teach-
ers quarters and awarded schol-
arship to deserving students in
the communities.
” The construction of a 17.5km
road by Sahara and other part-
ners is ongoing from Ikpako to
Ajoki. When completed, it will
serve as a backbone for tourism,
trade, and accelerated develop-
ment in Ajoki, Ikpako and neigh-
bouring communities,” he added.
sition fuel.
“While Africa will do every-
thing possible to expand the
use of renewable energy, the
intermittency sources, such
as wind and solar, made it
impossible to guarantee the
security of supply.
“Natural gas is, therefore, a
key part of the energy mix for
assuring the security of sup-
ply and critical for Africa,”.
He also implored African
leaders and investors to shift
focus towards harnessing the
continent’s renewable energy
sources.
He emphasized the need for
urgent action to reduce the
world’s dependence on fossil
fuels and harness Africa’s re-
newable energy sources.
DAILY INDEPENDENT THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023
AbujaBusiness
NIPOST Explains Benefits Of New
Digital Post Code On Economy,
Information Security, Others
CHIBUZOR EMEJOR
ABUJA
T
he Federal Government
has stated that planned
launch of the Digital
Postcode system in Ni-
geria in June 2023 will further
secure and open more the post-
age system in the country.
Adeyemi Sunday Adepo-
ju, Postmaster General of the
Federation/Chief Executive
Officer of Nigeria Postal Ser-
vice (NIPOST), disclosed this
recently at the end of a two
Abuja City gate
FCTA Enforces Stricter Compliance On
Lands, Raids, Demolishes Estates At Idu
T OY I N A D E B AYO
ABUJA
Officials of the Federal Capital
Territory Administration (FCTA)
have again reiterated stance on
land acquisition in the nation’s
capital, stating that Abuja is no
longer open to any form of en-
croachment.
They underscored this with
raid and demolition of multiple
estates in a residential area of
the Idu Industrial District, in the
Abuja Municipal Area Council
(AMAC).
This is a clear effort to stop the
growing proliferation of unlawful
estates in the nation’s capital.
At the sites of White City Es-
tate and City Palace Estate Prime
Ville near the Idu Train Station
on Monday in Abuja, the security
personnel were accompanied by
FCTA officials, primarily from
day Workshop/ Retreat on the
Digital Postcode System in col-
laboration with the National
Population Commission(N-
PC), National Space Research
& Development Agency, Office
of the Surveyor General of the
Federation and other partners
in Keffi, a contiguous town to
Abuja, nation’s capital, but lo-
cated Nasarawa state.
According to the Post Mas-
ter General, the digitalisation
of the postcode system would
facilitate efficient mail delivery,
enhance security agencies’ re-
sponse to emergencies, thereby
the Department of Development
Control, who stormed and tore
down perimeter fencing and a
few buildings that were in various
stages of construction.
Tlp Mukhtar Galadima, the
Director of Development Con-
trol Department, said during the
exercise that the removal was a
part of the steps to prevent people
from just going to parcels of land
and allocating them to themselves
without recourse to the relevant
authorities of the government.
He hinted that most of them
are fenced while some of them
are about excavating, but their
advertisement has gone round
the globe, adding that “ the FCT
Administration is seriously com-
mitted to see that we do away with
this kind of illegality”.
He noted that the Department
is discussing with the Depart-
ment of Urban and Regional
Planning, which is the custodi-
/Independentngr @independentngr
reducing banditry, kidnapping,
and internet scams, and provide
an effective health care delivery
system, adequate revenue and
tax collections and utility bills
distribution.
He said the digital postcode
would boost Nigeria’s economy
and help reduce insecurity.
Adepoju added that imple-
menting digital postcodes
would enhance the seamless
issuance of driver’s licenses,
National Identity Management
number, international passport,
banking services and other ad-
dress verification services.
an of the Abuja Master plan, to
hasten and conclude the process
of design of the phase IV of the
Federal Capital City (FCC), which
the affected area is part of it.
According to him: “A month
ago, we had a press briefing,
where we intimated the citizens
about the rising cases of land
grabbing in the FCT especially
those using the social media to
advertise their commodity, so the
removal exercise is part of the ac-
tualisation of our briefing on the
menace.
“Today, we are at Idu Train Sta-
tion, where we have seen instanc-
es of people just coming to parcel
land, and allocate it to themselves
without recourse to the relevant
authorities of the government,
that is why we have to make good
our promises that we are going to
tackle the menace.
“The estates are uncountable,
because they just parcel and fence
www.independent.ng
Nicholas Uwerunonye
+2348182042961
“With the determination and
dedication of NIPOST and the
technical partners in fast-track-
ing and actualising, the pro-
gramme will make a mark in
Nigerian history.
“With our process of enhanc-
ing the postcode leveraging
technology, we draw up enti-
ties to ensure every part of the
country is effectively captured,
using a systematic framework
of alpha-numeric characters
from State, Local Government
Areas, Postcode Districts,
Postcode Areas and Postcode
Units”, he explained.
them. Everywhere have been
fenced, that is why we had to nip it
at the bud. And the longest mark-
ing here was done in 2018 or 2019,
and since then, the developer has
not continued to develop.
“It is part of the residential
area that would support the Idu
industrial area, so whatever peo-
ple are doing now it is just ille-
gality.
“And we have been creating
awareness on why people should
not just buy land on social media
as they should go to the right au-
thority to get things right. The
FCT Administration is serious
committed to see that we do away
with this kind of illegality”, he
stressed.
He warned that it is just the be-
gining of the removal exercise, as
they are returning back tomor-
row to continue with adequate
reinforcement and heavy duty
equipment to do the work.
19
Nigeria To Get
New Automotive
Policy Soon
– Adebayo
CHIBUZOR EMEJOR
ABUJA
T
he Minister of Industry,
Trade and Investment, Otun-
ba Adeniyi Adebayo, has dis-
closed that the ministry will
soon submit a new auto policy for
Federal Executive Council approval.
Addressing Senior Executive
Course 45 participants of the Nation-
al Institute of Policy and Strategic
Studies (NIPSS) who paid a visit to
the ministry on Monday in Abuja,
the Minister said the auto policy was
reviewed with the objective of in-
creasing local production of vehicles.
He explained that the new policy
would help the country to transit
from Semi Knock Down to Complete-
ly Knock Down/Completely Built Up
manufacturing, adding that the new
policy has as one of its objectives a
plan to increase employment in the
Automotive Value Chain.
Apart from the auto policy, the
ministry is also working on a new
investment policy and a review of the
current trade policy which it intends
to conclude before the expiration of
the Buhari administration.
Speaking on the “Industrialisa-
tion, Climate Change and Energy Se-
curity in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges
and Prospects”.
Adebayo said the Buhari admin-
istration has demonstrated in the
last eight years, its determination
to turn around the fortunes of the
country from a dependence on oil
to diversification of the economy, as
evident through the adoption and
implementation of robust policies
such as the Economic Recovery and
Growth Plan (ERGP) and the Nigeria
Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP).
According to him, “As part of the
process of enhancing and fast track-
ing our mandate towards industrial-
isation in this country, the ministry
came up with the Nigeria Industrial
Revolution Plan (NIRP), a 10 year
Plan to be reviewed after five years.
“The NIRP was approved in 2014
but its implementation started in
2015. The Plan which is now under
review, is designed to accelerate the
buildup of industrial capacity in Ni-
geria.
“Its aim is to significantly raise
manufacturing contribution to GDP
which is based on priority sectors,
where Nigeria has competitive and
comparative advantage.
“These are Agriculture and
Agro-allied Industries; Metals and
Solid Minerals Industries; Oil and
Gas Related Industries; Construc-
tion, Light Manufacturing and Ser-
vices.”
He said the ministry has record-
ed appreciable achievements in
the implementation of the NIRP,
especially in the development and
implementation of some sectoral
policies such as Backward Integra-
tion Program (BIP) in the Cement
industry, the Nigeria Sugar Master
Plan (NSMP), the Nigeria Automo-
tive Industry Development Plan
(NAIDP), the Cotton, Textile and
Garment (CTG) policy, Leather and
Leather products policy as well as
the Tomato Industry policy.
 DAILY
INDEPENDENT
IT-Telecom
THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023
JUSTUS ADEJUMOH
LAGOS
E
ngineer and inventor Marty
Cooper rang-in the mobile
handset industry 50 years
ago (3 April) when he made
the first call on a New York City street
using a phone that weighed just under
a kilogram and had a battery life of
25 minutes.
Martin Cooper, an American en-
gineer dubbed the “Father of the cell
phone,” has cautioned users of mo-
bile phones to limit the rate of its use,
especially those who spend so much
time starring at the screen.
According to the man who invent-
ed them 50 years ago, “The problem
with mobile phones is that people look
at them too much.”
While admitting that the neat little
device we all have in our pockets has
almost boundless potential and could
one day even help conquer disease, he
said, ‘but right now, we can be a little
obsessed’.
“I am devastated when I see some-
9mobile Wins
Industry Awards
For Innovation
JUSTUS ADEJUMOH
LAGOS
9mobile stood out in the telecommu-
nications sector at the 2023 edition
of The Industry Awards for its inno-
vative efforts held recently in Lagos.
The event was organized to ap-
preciate the outstanding contri-
butions and achievements of or-
ganizations in various industries,
including telecommunications.
9mobile was recognised for its
innovative efforts in the telecom-
munications industry with its in-
novative products and services that
have impacted the lives of millions
of Nigerians.
9mobile won the “The Indus-
try Award for Innovation” award,
a testament to its commitment
to designing new products and
providing innovative solutions to
meet the communication needs of
its customers.
Speaking on the awards, the
Executive Director of Regulatory
and Corporate Affairs, 9mobile,
Abdulrahman Ado, represented
by the Public Relations Lead, 9mo-
bile, Chineze Amanfo, expressed his
gratitude and attributed 9mobile’s
success to its customers and dedi-
cated team.
“We are thrilled to be recognized
for our innovative efforts in the tele-
communications industry. This feat
would not have been possible with-
out the support of our customers
and our dedicated team, who work
tirelessly to deliver top-notch prod-
ucts and services. We remain com-
mitted to providing innovative solu-
tions to make life easier and more
convenient for our customers.”
The Industry Awards is a presti-
gious event that celebrates Profes-
sional, individual, corporate, and
product brands, organizations,
and individuals that have made
significant contributions to their
industries through innovation and
creativity.
Mobile Phone Inventor Celebrates
50th Birthday Of First Call
 Advises Users To Spend Less Time On Screen
body crossing the street and looking
at their cell phone. They are out of
their minds,” the 94-year-old said.
“But after a few people get run over
by cars, they’ll figure it out,” he joked.
A contemporary copy of the orig-
inal cell phone that engineer Martin
Cooper used to make the first mobile
call on April 3, 1973, is on display in
Del Mar, California, till date.
At the time he was working for
Motorola, leading a team of design-
ers and engineers who were engaged
in a sprint to come up with the first
properly mobile technology and avoid
being squeezed out of an up-and-com-
ing market.
The company had invested mil-
lions of dollars in the project, hoping
to beat out Bell System, a behemoth
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)
(right), and Joran Bjallerstedt, Deputy Head of Misson, Embassy of Sweden, during the Swedish team’s visit to
the corporate headquarters of the agency, in Abuja.
CyberGirls Fellowship: 500 Female
Africans Admitted Into Third Cohort
JUSTUS ADEJUMOH
LAGOS
CyberSafe Foundation has kicked off
its third annual cohort of the Cyber-
Girls fellowship programme.
The programme has admitted 500
female cybersecurity enthusiasts aged
between 18-28 years old from 22 African
countries.
The CyberGirls fellowship pro-
gramme is Africa’s largest female-fo-
cused free cybersecurity training and
mentorship program, providing fellows
with world-class training and mentor-
ship to enable them to develop the skills
they need to thrive in the cybersecurity
industry.
The programme is an initiative of
CyberSafe Foundation, a non-profit
organization registered in the United
States of America, committed to facili-
tating safe and inclusive access across
Africa.
/Independentngr @independentngr
that dominated US telecoms for more
than a century from its inception in
1877.
Bell’s engineers had floated the
idea of a cellular phone system just
after World War II, and by the late
1960s had taken it as far as putting
phones in cars- partially because of
the huge battery they needed.
At the tail end of 1972, he decided
he wanted a device that you could use
anywhere.
So with the entire resources of
Motorola at his disposal, he pulled
together experts on semiconductors,
transistors, filters and antennae who
worked around the clock for three
months.
For his pioneering work, Cooper,
who is known as the Father of the Cell
The third cohort marks another
milestone in CyberSafe Foundation’s
efforts to close gender diversity and
inclusion gap which currently stands
at only 9% female participation in the
cybersecurity workforce
This year’s cohort was selected from
over 20,000 applications received from
across Africa, highlighting the growing
interest in cybersecurity among Afri-
can women.
To celebrate the launch of the third
cohort, CyberSafe Foundation hosted a
colourful orientation ceremony which
took place at the Microsoft Auditorium,
University of Strathmore, Nairobi,
Kenya, on March 25.
During the event, the new fellows
had the opportunity to physically and
virtually network with their peers in 21
other countries and learn more about
the CyberGirls fellowship program.
Confidence Staveley, Executive Di-
rector of CyberSafe Foundation, while
speaking to the new participants said:
justus.adejumoh@independentnig.com
www.independent.ng
Phone, was honoured at the world’s
biggest mobile tech show as the first
recipient of the GSMA’s GLOMO Life-
time Achievement Award.
From that first mobile call, GSMA
Intelligence data shows the mobile in-
dustry has grown to 5.4 billion unique
mobile subscribers as of end-2022 and
is on track to hit 6.3 billion by 2030.
There are also more than 8.4 bil-
lion SIM connections globally.
“This significant milestone under-
lines the astonishing societal impact
the mobile phone has had in just 50
years,” Ben Wood, Founder, Mobile
Phone Museum, noted: “It is the most
prolific consumer electronics device
in history and there are now more
mobile phones than people on the
planet.”
“We are thrilled to launch our third co-
hort of the CyberGirls fellowship pro-
gram, which is designed to attract and
empower young women across Africa
to take on cybersecurity as a profession.
“Our fellowship program contin-
ues to play a critical role in promoting
gender diversity and inclusion in the
cybersecurity industry. We believe that
training more women in cybersecurity
is not only closing the gender gap in the
industry but also contributing to Afri-
ca’s digital transformation.”
Board Member of CyberSafe Foun-
dation, Dr. Bright Gameli applauded the
initiative.
“The CyberGirls Fellowship has
produced nothing but excellence in
the cyber world. This has been possi-
ble thanks to the unwavering commit-
ment of our community mentors and
the guidance of highly skilled trainers.
We are excited to train our new cohort
of 500+ young women in twenty-two
African countries,” hesaid.
Justus Adejumoh,
+2348056801034,
20
Airtel Reiterates
Commitment To
Bridging Gender
Divide, Launches
Airtel Women
Network
JUSTUS ADEJUMOH
LAGOS
Airtel Nigeria has reinforced its
commitment to driving gender
equity as they launched the Airtel
Women network at Airtel Head-
quarters on recently.
Former Securities and Exchange
Commission boss, Arunma Oteh,
led the conversation as the keynote
speaker, on the theme “Empower-
ing Global Leaders”, where she
shared her experience and lectured
female employees on becoming
global leaders.
Krishna Menon, Chief Executive
Director, who was represented by
the Director of Airtel Business,
Ogo Ofomata, described Airtel
Women Network as a coaching plat-
form to empower and mentor wom-
en to become global leaders while
breaking stereotypes and closing
gender gaps.
“We are an equal opportunity
employer and it is embedded in our
DNA to be fair, just and respectful.
Airtel is committed to women ad-
vancement and achievements, both
internally and externally, and out
of many other initiatives, we have
recently demonstrated this through
our premium social investment
platform ‘Airtel Touching Lives.
Through ‘Airtel Touching Lives’, we
have not only provided relief and
succor to thousands of Nigerians
but we have also thrown our full
weight behind the Nigerian wom-
an, helping them own their craft
and even empowering women in
technology” she said.
Adebimpe Ayo-Elias, Director,
Human Resources, Airtel Nigeria,
also speaking at the event, said:
“Over the years Airtel women have
contributed immensely to the suc-
cess of the organizations and Airtel
recognizes this and is committed
to ensuring that the women thrive.
“We are currently at 25% and
our target is to grow women’s repre-
sentation at top-level management
to 30% before the end of the year.
To generally drive women inclu-
sion, especially in technology, part
of what Airtel has done is to pro-
mote digital financial inclusion by
registering and training women as
Smartcash PSB agents, at no cost”.
Aunmanh Oteh, while delivering
her keynote speech and interacting
with the employees, commended
the brand for driving gender equi-
ty and also commended the male
employees of Airtel for supporting
women to launch of Airtel Women
Network.
“The ability of any brand like
Airtel to bring innovations like this
means that they can do better than
the others. I like that Airtel is being
intentional about women empower-
ment and they recognize that they
are not doing women a favor, rather
empowering women is good for the
business”, she concluded.
DAILY INDEPENDENT THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023
HP Boosts
Gaming
Solutions
For Exciting
Experiences
JUSTUS ADEJUMOH
LAGOS
HP Inc. has announced its latest line-
up of gaming hardware and software
designed to bring gamers everything
they need to enjoy the games they love.
Unveiled at the Amplify Partner
Conference, they include the new
OMEN Transcend 16 Laptop, OMEN
16 Laptop, Victus 16 Laptop, and a vast
range of stunning OMEN monitors
that offer casual, hobbyist, lifestyle,
and hardcore gamers the power and
flexibility to play and work hard.
To bring everything together, new
enhancements in OMEN Gaming Hub
offer a variety of performance and per-
sonalization features.
People everywhere seek devices
that can adapt to hybrid play and work.
Sixty-two percent of gamers prefer a
PC that fits their entire life instead of
being used for gaming only.
With a billion new gamers entering
the space in the last seven years and
84 percent of them using games to
connect with others with similar in-
terests, gaming devices enable access
to countless games and corresponding
communities.
“The gaming world continues to
grow in popularity, plunging more peo-
ple into exciting and immersive worlds
to escape, compete, and connect with
others,” said Gagan Singh, General
Manager of HyperX and Head of HP
Gaming Strategy.
“HP is enhancing and expanding a
world-class ecosystem of hardware and
software, designed to empower gamers
and deliver the best experiences wheth-
er they’re gaming, creating, or connect-
ing with friends and communities.”
HP is also announcing the next
generation OMEN 16 Laptop for hard-
core gamers. This is the most power-
ful OMEN 16 yet, with a gen-over-gen
improvement of 119 percent FPS in
Cyberpunk 2077.
Huawei Partners TD Africa To Roll Out
New Enterprise Products For SME Market
JUSTUS ADEJUMOH
LAGOS
Huawei, one of the leading multination-
al technology company, has partnered
with TD Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa’s
biggest tech, solutions and lifestyle
distributor to unveil a range of state-of-
the-art products targeting the Small and
Medium Enterprises (SME) market in
Nigeria and beyond.
They include the Intelligent Col-
laboration IdeaHub series products,
next-generation networking devices
and smart storage products.
The revolutionary products were un-
veiled at a well-attended launch event at
Yudala Heights in Victoria Island, Lagos
recently.
The Huawei IdeaHub series is an
intelligent endpoint which integrates
multiple functions, including multi-
screen collaboration between mobiles
and PCs, interactive whiteboard, remote
collaboration, FHD video conferencing
and built-in HD AppGallery.
Among the IdeaHub series is the new
IdeaHub Board 2 which brings digital to
every classroom for interactive teaching
and immersive learning. Furthermore,
IdeaHub Board 2 is Huawei’s next-gen
Foldable Phones Thrive In Declining
Smartphone Market
JUSTUS ADEJUMOH
LAGOS
I
nternational Data Corpora-
tion (IDC) expects worldwide
shipments of foldable phones,
including flip and fold form fac-
tors, to reach 21,4-million units in
2023 – an increase of more than 50%
over the 14,2-million units shipped
in 2022.
An updated IDC forecast projects
that foldable phone shipments will
reach 48,1-million units in 2027 with
a compound annual growth rate
(CAGR) of 27,6% from 2022 to 2027.
Foldable phones remain the one
positive talking point in a market
Officials of TD Africa and Huawei Technologies, during the rollout of new enterprise products for targeting the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME)
market in Nigeria at Yudala Heights on Victoria Island, Lagos recently.
education device equipped with a 4K soft
light screen to protect the eyes.
It integrates the teaching hardware
and software ecosystem to provide
functions such as smooth writing, con-
venient projection, and multimedia
connection in digital classroom, hybrid
learning, and collaborative classroom
scenarios.
For its Next-Gen Networking Devic-
es rollout, the new devices include the
S3710 and S5735-L series SME switches,
AR617 and AR651 series SME routers
and the AirEngine 5761 series SME
access points. These devices offer ad-
vanced networking capabilities to help
SMEs build reliable, secure and scalable
networks that can support their busi-
ness growth.
“SMEs hold the economic framework
of every country as they represent over
90% of businesses and more than 50% of
global employment rate. With small busi-
nesses at the core of our economy, TD
Africa is proud to be the channel through
which SMEs have access to these busi-
ness transformational products.
“We are also glad that Huawei prod-
ucts play a major role in helping these
businesses grow,’’ disclosed Coordinat-
ing Managing Director, TD Africa, Mrs.
Chioma Chimere.
/Independentngr @independentngr
that declined more than 11% in 2022.
This segment’s recent success and
forecast growth highlight a healthy
demand for this growing form fac-
tor. Although average selling prices
(ASPs) are dropping slightly, fold-
ables remain in the premium price
segments in all regional markets.
Despite the expected drop in ASP
(-6,8% in 2023), IDC has witnessed
vast improvements in durability
and build while the overall user
experience has been elevated with
advancements in software and hard-
ware across all vendors.
More models from both new and
current vendors are expected to
bring further improvements and en-
hancements to the category to help
Interswitch Sets New Transaction
Volume Record, Processes 1.2 Billion
Transactions In March 2023
JUSTUS ADEJUMOH
LAGOS
One of Africa’s leading integrated
payments and digital commerce
company, Interswitch, has achieved
a new milestone in transaction vol-
ume processing, hitting 1.2 billion
transactions in the month of March
2023, the highest the company has
ever processed in a single month
within Nigeria alone, excluding
the company’s other markets across
Africa.
This impressive feat is a testa-
ment to Interswitch’s commitment
to providing secure, reliable, and
innovative payment solutions to
its customers across the country
and beyond.
Interswitch’s robust infrastruc-
ture and cutting-edge technologies
have made it possible to process
such large volumes of transactions
seamlessly.
This is coming few months after
the announcement of the Feder-
www.independent.ng
drive continued adoption.
“The foldable phone market fin-
ished slightly higher than previous-
ly forecast as consumers start to
embrace the new form factor,” says
Anthony Scarsella, research manag-
er, Mobile Phones at IDC.
“A 10% decline in ASP helped the
market grow 75,5% in 2022 as fold-
able devices became more affordable
in numerous markets. With new ven-
dors and models joining the race this
year, we expect the foldable market
to be the one bright spot in 2023 with
50,5% growth, while the total smart-
phone market contracts 1,1%.”
Nabila Popal, research director
with IDC’s Worldwide Tracker team,
adds: “A plethora of new models
al Government’s Naira redesign
policy which led to the increased
adoption of digital payments in
the country.
Consequently, Interswitch has
been able to scale its operations to
handle higher volume of transac-
tions.
Interswitch’s range of innovative
payment products, including Quick-
teller and Verve among others, have
become household names in Nige-
ria and beyond.
Speaking about the achieve-
ment, Mitchell Elegbe, Founder
and Group Managing Director,
Interswitch, said the company’s fo-
cus on innovation has been key to
their success adding that switching
1.2 billion transactions in a single
month further reinforces the com-
pany’s position as an enabler in the
Nigerian payment ecosystem.
He said: “We are thrilled to have
processed 1.2 billion transactions in
the month of March within Nigeria
alone. This milestone is a testament
to the trust that our customers have
21
IT-Telecom
from current and new vendors hit-
ting the market later this year can
only reiterate the recent success and
increased demand we are currently
witnessing in the market. Foldables
were a key focal point at Mobile
World Congress this year as vendors
were eager to show off new models
and concept devices.
“With the smartphone market de-
clining over 11% last year, consum-
ers need new motivation to go out
and upgrade to something that can
wow them,” Popal says. “Foldable de-
vices currently bring that ‘wow fac-
tor’ and I believe they will continue
to grab more headlines and outper-
form non-foldable smartphones over
the next five years.”
placed in us and our commitment
to delivering innovative and secure
digital payment solutions across Ni-
geria and beyond”.
Elegbe further said “This mile-
stone is one that was made possi-
ble by our proactive investment in
cutting-edge technologies that truly
power the financial landscape. As
we continue to grow and expand our
operations, we remain committed
to driving financial inclusion and
helping businesses and individuals
unlock the full potential of digital
technologies.”
He noted that the success under-
scores the hard work and dedication
of employees of Interswitch and
highlights the fact that the firm is
on the right track to achieving its
set objectives.
Interswitch is poised to continue
its growth trajectory by expanding
its product offerings, deepening its
partnerships, and investing in in-
novative technologies that propel
the growth of digital payments in
Africa and beyond.
22
Insurance&Pension
NHIA-Roche Partnership Provides 55 Patients
Access To Affordable Cancer Treatment
T
he National Health Insur-
ance Authority’s (NHIA)
landmark partnership with
healthcare company, Roche
has given 55 cancer patients access
to innovative cancer medicines at a
subsidised cost.
Fundamentally, the partnership
ensures the affordable of cancer
medicines to beneficiaries through
a costs sharing system.
Within that arrangement Roche
pays 50per cent, the NHIA pays 30per
cent and the patient pays 20per cent.
Speaking at the presentation of
progress report of the partnership,
Prof Mohammed Sambo, Director
General, NHIA, said: “This part-
nership shows that it is helping Ni-
gerians affected by cancer to proac-
tively avoid financial hardship and
supports them to focus on the most
Agency System Threatens Brokers’
Dominance Of Insurance Market In Nigeria
As Nigeria’s insurance industry
continues to develop unabated, stiff
competition among various arms
has come to play out on who holds
the day.
The agency system that was once
a no-go area has come to stay now
competing with high profile market
dominance of insurance brokers
who are currently controlling about
80per cent of the market share.
Recent report has it that, insur-
ance agent, in its performance assess-
ment as of December 2022 generated
over N141.39billion out of N726billion
industry-wide premium generation,
according to Daily Independent fact
check which was confirmed via the
National Insurance Commission’s
(NAICOM) statement last week.
According to Odewunmi Olakun-
le, the National President, Associa-
tion of Registered Insurance Agents
of Nigeria (ARIAN), insurance
agents are gradually taking over
underwriting space through retail
practice which has placed them top
in life business premium drive.
Olakunle disclosed that the feat
was achieved through personal sell-
ing of insurance, adding that agents
/Independentngr @independentngr
Chris Ebong, +2348060130283
important thing of all: their health.
“We are very pleased with the im-
pact this is having and this is why
we are going to now focus on rolling
this out even further, by expanding
to more centres nationwide.
“I also want to use this opportu-
nity to remind everyone that health
insurance under NHIA is available
to all Nigerians. We have offices
across the country for purposes of
enrollment so that they can access
innovative treatments as being im-
plemented under the partnership”.
Dr Ladi Hameed, General Man-
ager, Roche Nigeria, also speaking at
the occasion, said: “The barriers that
are preventing access are persistent
and complex, but they are solvable
and together, we are making a differ-
ence. “Roche is very proud to partner
with the NHIA to make innovative
are working assiduously to also take
control of the non-life business.
For their efforts, insurance bro-
kers, agents and others earned N97.07
billion commission from underwrit-
ers and reinsurers in 2020.
Available data revealed that non-
life insurers, paid N37.97 billion com-
mission, life operators, N52.97 billion,
takaful providers, N239 billion and
reinsurers, N5.85 billion.
Insurance agents generated
N164.08 billion, of the industry’s
N508.4billion 2020 gross premium
written, representing 32 per cent;
brokers, N281.08 billion, which is 55
per cent; direct sales yielded N42.95
billion indicating nine per cent; ban
assurance N4.69 billion, one per cent;
e-channel, N3.77 billion, one per cent
and others, N11.86 billion, two per
cent respectively.
According to the NIA, out of
the industry’s N508.44 billion GPW,
N388.03 billion was generated from
Lagos State.
NIA noted that while Lagos State
provided the highest premium for
the sector, Yobe State gave the lowest
amounting to N17.78 million.
The Federal Capital Territory
www.independent.ng
christopher.ebong@independentnig.com
treatments broadly, rapidly and eq-
uitably accessible to Nigerians, when
they need them.
“We commit to continuing this
partnership, and to contributing to
bold solutions that support sustain-
able health ecosystems and a future
where every Nigerian can access
world-class healthcare.”
This partnership is inspired by
three themes: the need for patients to
access medicines for diagnostic solu-
tions, the need for capacity building
and policy advocacy. We clearly see
that patients are starting to get the
access that they need.
The 55 patients who, have received
innovative cancer care through the
partnership are enrollees of the
NHIA and patients in the seven
pilot centers; University of Benin
Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Ahma-
(FCT) came second with N48.08 bil-
lion followed by Rivers State with
N21.98 billion.
Oyo State provided N7.83 billion,
Delta State, N5.23 billion, Kaduna
State, N5.17 billion and Edo state
N4.16 billion.
In terms of claims, Lagos got,
N177.54 billion, FCT, N17.36 billion
and Rivers, N6.52 billion.
An analysis of GPW contributions
by region in the country showed that
South West provided N402.32 billion;
North Central N52.57 billion; South
South, N33.49 billion; North West
N9.71 billion, South East N9.62 billion
and North East N721.72 million.
On claims, South West got N182.94
billion, North Central N18.78 billion;
South South N10.21 billion; South
East N4.10 billion; North West N3.17
billion and North East N374.79 mil-
lion.
Commenting on this development,
the immediate past Chairman of
NIA, Mr Ganiyu Musa, said despite
the huge challenges in year 2020, the
industry witnessed growth in its pre-
mium written as figures rose margin-
ally by 3.6 per cent from N490.8 billion
to N508.4 billion.
DAILY INDEPENDENT THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023
du Bello University Teaching Hos-
pital, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospi-
tal (AKTH), University of Nigeria
Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Univer-
sity College Hospital (UCH) and the
Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe.
Founded in 1896 in Basel, Swit-
zerland, as one of the first indus-
trial manufacturers of branded
medicines, Roche has grown into
the world’s largest biotechnology
company and the global leader in
in-vitro diagnostics.
The company pursues scientific
excellence to discover and devel-
op medicines and diagnostics for
improving and saving the lives of
people around the world. We are a
pioneer in personalised healthcare
and want to further transform how
healthcare is delivered to have an
even greater impact.
Mr. Olumide Hanson,
Company Secretary
(left): Mr. Tunde Hassan-
Odukale, Managing
Director/CEO (second
left): Hadiza Aliko-
Mohammed, Non
Executive Director
(third left): Dr. Ademola
Odeyemi, Non Executive
Director (third right);
Mrs. Adebisi Lamikanra,
Non Executive Director
(second right), and Mr.
Odein Ajumogobia, Non
Executive Director, all of
Leadway Assurance at
the 51st Annual General
Meeting of Leadway
Assurance held in Lagos
recently
Premium Pension’s AuM Hits N1trn
Despite increasing economic challeng-
es and stiff competition in the industry,
Premium Pension Limited, one of the
frontline pension fund administrators
(PFAs) has announced an Asset under
Management of over a trillion as of its
financial year, 2022.
This represents a growth of N120.93
billion over 2021 year-end of N879.48
billion, representing a year-on-year
growth rate of 12.08 percent.
Mr. Ibrahim Alhassan Babayo,
Chairman, Board of Directors of Pre-
mium Pension Limited who made the
disclosure at the 18th Annual General
Meeting (AGM) of the Company held
at its corporate head office in Abuja re-
cently also said that the PFA has paid its
shareholders a total dividend of N2.65
kobo amounting to N1.740 billion, rep-
resenting N1.20 kobo interim and N1.45
kobo final dividends of N788.14 million
and N952.833 million respectively.
In his address to shareholders, the
boardroom chieftain said the total
number of retirement Savings Account
Holders (RSAs) registered in both the
public and private sector organizations
as at 31st December 2022 stood at 774,235
representing 7.85 percent of the indus-
try count of 9,862,129.
According to him, PPL’s revenue
rose by 18.34 percent to N10.039 billion
from N8.483 billion recorded in 2021, re-
Group Life:
SUBEB
Employees’
Families Get
N190m Benefits
The benefits of Group life insurance
for employees, family, or groups need
not be over-emphasised as they say, the
taste of a puddy is in the eating. For
deceased families of SUBEB employ-
ees, it was unbelievable that insurance
can come to their financial rescue in
time of need.
Recently, Lasaco Assurance Plc pre-
sented over N190 million death benefits
to families of 97 deceased staff of both
Lagos State Universal Basic Education
and Local Government and Commu-
nity Affairs.
In the public presentation chaired
by Mr. Kayode Robert, the Special As-
sistant to the Lagos State Governor on
Local Government and Community
Affairs, appreciated Lasaco for con-
sistency in handling the Group Life
Scheme over the years.
The Managing Director of Lasaco
Assurance, Mr Razzaq Abiodun, traced
the genesis of the group life scheme for
the civil and public servants in Lagos
State to the administration of former
Lagos State Governor who is now the
president-elect of Nigeria.
He confirmed that Lasaco had paid
almost N3 billion as death benefits to
the beneficiaries of 1,356 deceased
staff since 2017, that they began pub-
lic presentation of death benefits on
the particular scheme.
Abiodun, used the opportunity to
praise the state government for prompt
payment of premiums, noting that
there were few state governments
committed to insurance on a consis-
tency basis.
He also admonished beneficiaries
to arrange personal insurance policies
beyond the ones provided by the em-
ployers of labour since they have now
seen the benefit of insurance.
sulting in a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of
N3.988 billion, up by 32.99 percent year-
on-year, while Profit After Tax (PAT)
stood at N2.654 billion, representing
35.51 percent above previous year levels.
He also informed shareholders that
this dividend represents the 15th con-
secutive year in which the Company
has paid dividends.
“Today, we celebrate a significant
milestone of attaining over N1 trillion
Assets under Management (AuM), a
momentous achievement that demon-
strates our resilience, innovation and
commitment.
“Our collective efforts have enabled
us to build a solid Company that can
withstand market volatility and un-
certainty. As we reflect on our journey,
the success we have achieved today did
not come easy. We have had to navigate
challenging economic conditions, dis-
ruptive technologies, and changing cli-
ent preferences. Yet, we have remained
steadfast in our commitment.” Mr. Ba-
bayo said.
In his remark, Mr. Umar Sanda
Mairami, the Managing Director and
Chief Executive Officer said the Com-
pany as a top tier PFA will continue to
grow and deliver even greater value to
its members, shareholders and other
stakeholders through consistent Pre-
mium Experience.
DAILY INDEPENDENT THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023 /Independentngr @independentngr www.independent.ng 23

Titilope Joseph,
+234-802-288-1490
hi_titilope@yahoo.com Solicitor & Advocate
L Lawyers Urged To Embrace
awyers, law firms and Bar
organisations have been
urged by Mrs. Inemesit
Dike, founder and CEO at

Legal Education In Technology

the The Legal Concierge (Inemesit
Dike & Co.) to extend advanced and
continuing legal education into
technology.
She also called on the govern-
ments at all levels to help those who
are helping others to live meaning-
ful lives and do meaningful work in
law and other areas of endeavour.
Dike made the call during the
Annual General Conference of the
NBA Women Forum (NBAWF ) in
Abuja with the theme: “The Role
Of Tech In Creating Inclusion In
The Law Space And Benefits Of In-
ternational Collaboration Among
Sister Associations.
One of the panel session during
the conference examined the cur-
rent state of collaboration between
the NBA Women Forum and sister
organisations around the world.
Moderated by Oyinkansola Bade-
jo-Okusanya, Partner at the Africa
Law Practice (ALP), the panel was
made up representatives of vari-
ous law associations dedicated to
the empowerment of female law-
yers – Sheryl Galler, Chairperson
of the New York State Bar Wom-
en in Law Section; Ibukun Alabi,
Chair, Business Network at BNLF;
Cordelia Eke, who is currently a
Director at the Rivers State Min-
istry of Justice; Amina S. Agbaje,
the National President of the Ni-
geria branch of the International
Federation of Women Lawyers
(FIDA); and Mulikat Thomas,
Chairperson of Programmes at
the African Women Lawyers As-
sociation (AWLA).
Speaking on the topic of discus-
sion, Galler asserted that her or-
ganisation’s collaborations across
the globe must be a mirror to its
own overall objectives – with re-
spect to pay disparities; inclusion
and representation in leadership
roles; the importance of training
and capacity-building; and advo-
cacy for legislation and deliberate
policies towards enhancing the
rights of women, children and
natural environment.
On her part, Alabi saw the need
for constant networking, on both
bilateral and multilateral levels,
which she said her organisation,
BNLF, was committed to, as well as
raising awareness on the need for
women to affirm and promote one
another for career and business
opportunities.
In line with Alabi’s and Galler’s
contributions, Eke, Agbaje and
Thomas called on their female
colleagues not only to promote
greater cooperation among their
respective organisations but also
among individual female lawyers,
saying the ‘Pull Her Down’ syn-
drome was all too pervasive for
comfort. They went on to enumer-
ate their respective organisations’
efforts and programmes towards
achieving global solidarity among
female lawyers.
During the Q&A session
that followed, the President of
AWLA, Nigeria’s Mrs. Mandy
Asagba, appealed for all female
lawyers of African descent –
whatever their professional
affiliations may be – to come
together and see themselves as
one big family. Only by doing
so, she said, can they hope to
present a common front in the
fight for gender equity.

Olawuyi Gets Prestigious Book Prize Award

From American Society Of International Law
Frontline international law ex-
pert and the Deputy Vice Chan-
cellor of Afe Babalola University,
Ado Ekiti, Professor Damilola
Sunday Olawuyi, SA, has been
awarded the top prize in academ-
ic publishing by the American
Society of International Law
(ASIL).
The Senior Advocate of Nige-
ria, who is also Vice Chair of the
United Nations Working Group
on Business and Human Rights,
received the prestigious “ASIL
Certificate of Merit for High Tech-
nical Craftsmanship and Utility to
Practising Lawyers and Scholars”
for his book "Environmental Law
in Arab States" published by Ox-
ford University Press.
ASIL is the world’s most presti-
gious learned society in interna-
tional law, and the Certificate of
Merit Award its highest honour
for academic scholarship.
The most recent recipients of
the award include Amal Clooney
(Columbia Law School), Dame
Rosalyn Higgins (International
Court of Justice), Philippa Webb
(King’s College), and Lavanya Ra-
jamani (Oxford), amongst other
preeminent international law
experts.
Olawuyi’s award winning book Professor Olawuyi, SAN
is the very first authoritative book as visiting professor at Oxford, DC, part of the Society’s Annual
on the essential features of envi- Cambridge, Columbia, and Bir- Meeting which brings together
Lagos State CJ, Justice Kazeem Alogba ronmental law and regulation in mingham universities amongst more than 1,200 scholars and
the oil and gas-rich Arab region. others. While commending the practitioners of international

Lagos State Judiciary Begins The 400-page book outlines how

Easter Vacation April 7
Lagos State judiciary has ap-
proved one week of Easter hol-
idays for its workers.
The Chief Judge of Lagos
State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, in
a statement on Tuesday, approved
April 7 to April 14 as holidays for
the judicial workers to celebrate
Easter.
The statement signed by the
Acting Chief Registrar, Mr Taju-
deen Elias, dated March 13, but
made available to newsmen on
Tuesday, said workers were ex-
pected to resume work on April
17.
According to the statement, ar-
rangements for dealing with ur-
gent cases during the Easter va-
cation are that each judge wiould
deal with all urgent applications
related to any substantive case
already assigned to him/her.
Any urgent application, the
substantive case of which has not
already been assigned wiould be
dealt with by the judge to whom
the application is specifically as-
signed.
Notwithstanding the provision
of Order 49, Rule 4 any case or
matter may be heard by a judge
during the period of the Easter
vacation where such a case or
matter is urgent, provided that
the condition prescribed by Or-
der 49 Rule 5 shall be observed
and complied with,” it said.
international and regional in-
struments on environmental law
are applied across the twenty-two
countries of the region.
A distinguished expert in ener-
gy and environmental law, Profes-
sor Olawuyi has authored several
influential articles, books and re-
ports on energy, environment and
sustainable resource governance.
He has practised and taught law
in Europe, North America, Asia,
Africa and the Middle East. In
2022, he was appointed by the Unit-
ed Nations Human Rights Coun-
cil to represent Africa on the UN
Working Group on Business and
Human Rights for a six-year term.
Last year, he also received the
BOK Visiting International Pro-
fessorship (VIP) at the Universi-
ty of Pennsylvania Law School,
United States and has served
award-winning book, the ASIL
Awards Committee said: “The
book does a remarkable job
demonstrating in precise detail
the scope and depth of an under-
studied yet vitally important area
of international law: the appli-
cation of environmental law in
nations that hold and produce the
majority of the world’s oil.
The volume’s thoughtful
structure nimbly balances its
thoroughness and precision, an-
alyzing its topic with remarkable
granularity while remaining em-
inently readable…
This systematic, comprehen-
sive and insightful book exhib-
its high technical craftsmanship
and offers exceptional utility to
practising lawyers and schol-
ars.”Professor Olawuyi received
his award on March 31 at the
ASIL’s Assembly in Washington
law from around the world.
After receiving the award, Pro-
fessor Olawuyi said: “It is an ab-
solute honour to receive this book
prize of the American Society of
International Law.
This is an award that has been
in place since 1952 and over the
years I have seen it beeing re-
ceived by some of the most dis-
tinguished scholars that have
shaped his own interest in the
field of international law.
For my book to be found wor-
thy of recognition and mention
in this elite category of legal
scholars, it is indeed a special
moment.
I dedicate the award to my fam-
ily, friends and mentors who have
supported me to pursue my pas-
sion in the field of international
law and I look forward to our fur-
ther collaborations.”
24 /Independentngr
Your Views
P
rior to the action of Gov-
ernors Nyesom Wike and
Samuel Ortom of Rivers and
Benue states, respectively, in
obtaining court orders to prevent the
PDP from taking disciplinary mea-
sures against them for engaging in
anti-party activities, there had never
been cases of members engaging in
such practices in the annals of pol-
itics in Nigeria.
Rebelling against one’s party
with a view to destroying it while
still in the fold was such an oddity
and anathema that manifested in
the earlier mentioned Rivers and
Benue states, as well as Abia, where
Okezie Ikpeazu, Enugu with Ifeanyi
Uguanyi and Oyo states having Seyi
Makinde as governors, during the
recently held elections.
And it is curious that only two
(2) of the G-5 governors (Governors
Nyesom Wike and Samuel Ortom
of Rivers and Benue states, respec-
tively) obtained court injunctions
restraining the PDP from taking
disciplinary actions against them.
That is even when all the five (5) of
them were openly taking positions
against their presidential candi-
dates, Waziri Atiku Abubakar.
Their Abia, Oyo and Enugu coun-
terparts never secured court injunc-
tions as antidote for their perfidy of
anti-party activities and they were
not sanctioned.
The pertinent question is: without
discipline, how can an organization
thrive sustainably?
The evolving phenomenon of ob-
taining court order as a preemptive
and protective measure against in-
discipline which is such an absurd
concept that could impair political
party administration, has the poten-
tials of attaining epidemic propor-
tions if not curbed or nipped in the
bud.
How is it that one can take an in-
junction against being punished for
an offence committed or about to be
committed?
Does it mean that before commit-
ting fraud like embezzlement of pub-
lic or private funds, land grabbing,
domestic violence or homosexuality
which are established crimes in Ni-
geria, someone can go to court to ob-
tain orders restraining law enforce-
ment authorities from arresting and
arraigning them?
We are not talking about Caveat
Emptor or Buyer Beware principle
in law which is a forewarning or pro-
viso that is front loaded so that an
engaging party can recognize that
there are inherent risks and there-
fore take precautionary measures.
Getting court order to protect one
from being punished for a crime that
one is about to commit or has com-
mitted is still befuddling to me.
That is even though, I am aware
that one time governor of Rivers
State, Dr. Victor Odili, probably still
enjoys what seems like a restraining
order perpetually barring anti-cor-
ruption authorities from arresting
and prosecuting him after he left
office in 2007, and got entangled in
a fierce political battle with his erst-
@independentngr www.independent.ng
while godson, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi,
who succeeded him as governor.
Till date, it has been difficult to
wrap one’s head around the juris-
prudence that supports that order
or the moral justification, assuming
there is a legal backing for it.
In a sort of coincidence, one time
Chairman of PDP, Mr. Uche Secon-
dus, was removed from office al-
legedly by Governor Nyesom Wike,
who reportedly got Mr. Secondus’
folks back in his village to sack
him at the ward level, in a similar
manner that Senator Iyorchia Ayu,
erstwhile chairman of the party,
has equally been removed by his
party members at the ward level in
his homestead and subsequently by
Benue High Court.
He has subsequently been re-
placed by the deputy Chairman of
the party (north), Umar Damagum,
as chairman in acting capacity.
It is not clear if Rivers State gov-
ernor, Barrister Wike, enabled it via
a sleight of hand, but he has been
reveling in the downfall of Senator
Ayu from whom he has been trying
to extract a pound of flesh, literally.
It is quite fascinating that the
ouster of both Secondus and Ayu
were clinically executed in sinister
ways at the grassroots level where
their wards chairmen are claimed
to have been used to do the hatch-
et job that got finalized in the law
courts. That leads one to the ques-
tion: if such a window of expulsion
was open, why did Governor Wike
that was hell bent on the removal
of Ayu and replacing him with a
southerner which is a task that he
vowed to accomplish in the interest
of equity and justice, not explore or
exploit it earlier?
In any case, many political observ-
ers are wondering if the removal of
Senator Ayu at this point in time is
not medicine after death because it
was the main condition that the G-5
had put forward and to which the
PDP apparently turned deaf ears, re-
sulting in its losing valuable votes in
the five (5) states where the dissident
governors were in charge.
The concern and even fear cur-
Governor Ugwuanyi
has experienced a
lesser disappointment
compared to the
embarrassment suffered
by both Ortom and
Ikpeazu who lost both
their senatorial bid and
their plans to determine
who succeeded them in
office
DAILY INDEPENDENT THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023
Elections 2023,
Rebellious G-5 Losers
And Winners (2)
rently gaining grounds amongst
PDP members is the fact that what
initially appeared to be innocuous
or uncommon after Dr. Odili, whose
wife Justice Mary Odili was at that
point in time a Supreme Court jus-
tice and therefore probably lever-
aged her legal expertise in 2007, may
become the new rule rather than ex-
ception in the manner that impeach-
ment was weaponized by legislators
as soon as they discovered it at the
nascent stage of our democracy.
Thus, the political fad that seemed
like it would not attain the status
of the standard operating procedure
during the 2023 general elections
season with Governor Nyesom Wike
of Rivers State adopting the strate-
gy before it was thereafter extended
to Benue State where the governor,
Samuel Ortom, has also leveraged
it, may be embraced by more politi-
cians in the run-up to the 2027 gen-
eral elections.
Before dwelling further on the
enigmatic concept of aiming to
break or actually breaking the law
and then rushing off to court to
obtain injunction from being pun-
ished for the offence, it is appropri-
ate that as a postmortem we conduct
a census of the losers and winners
amongst the G-5 members.
Obviously, the consequences of
the rebellion did not impart all the
G- 5 governors equally-negatively or
positively.
But three of the governors are the
biggest losers.
These are the governors who lost
their states to the opposition parties
and also lost their quest to become
senators.
They include Mr. Samuel Ortom
of Benue State, who lost the state to
APC governorship candidate, Rev.
Fr. Hyacinth Alia, a cleric and thus
failed to produce his successor. He
also proved not to be loved enough
by Benue people to the extent of en-
abling him win the votes of at least
one third of the electorate to become
a senator in a state where he is cur-
rently holding sway as the governor.
Next is Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia
State.
In circumstances similar to the
situation in Benue State, the gov-
ernorship candidate of LP, Dr. Alex
Otti, defeated the PDP candidate
that Ikpeazu had hoped would suc-
ceed him. He too failed to realize his
ambition of becoming a senator in
the tenth (10th) assembly.
While Enugu State governor, If-
eanyi Ugwuanyi, lost his senatorial
bid, he was able to produce his suc-
cessor as the governor-elect from the
PDP platform, Dr. Peter Mbah.
Governor Ugwuanyi has experi-
enced a lesser disappointment com-
pared to the embarrassment suffered
by both Ortom and Ikpeazu who lost
both their senatorial bid and their
plans to determine who succeeded
them in office.
In what seems like poetic justice,
the G-5 adopted a song by the hip-hop
artist Timaya- ‘as e de pain them, e
de sweet us’.
It is a very nasty mocking song
Articles should be a maximum of 750 words
and sent to: opinion@independentnig.com and
densityshow@yahoo.com
that the rebellious governors often
use as a mantra to taunt the PDP
leadership.
And it is such an irony that while
it has been a very painful political
season for the trio of Ortom, Ikpeazu
and Ugwuanyi, it has been sweet vic-
tory for Governors Seyi Makinde of
Oyo State who won his re-election
and most especially Nyesom Wike,
governor of Rivers State who did
not only succeed in installing his
successor, but prides himself as the
one that stopped the candidate of his
party, Waziri Atiku Abubakar, from
realizing his dream of becoming
president of Africa in 2023.
To Wike, the loss of the presiden-
tial contest by the PDP to APC is a
sort of vindication for him.
The Rivers State governor did not
only have his way in installing his
successor, Mr Siminalayi Fubarra,
he might have an opportunity to play
a significant role in Asiwaju Bola
Ahmed Tinubu’s presidency as re-
ward for the pivotal role he played
in helping him secure the critical
Rivers State votes which is the state
with the highest number of regis-
tered voters in South-South Nigeria.
Apparently, PDP’s embarrassing
loss in elections 2023 is APC’s gain.
That is simply because as the
main opposition party was bleeding
its members from multiple parts of
its punctured body such as losing
Igbo votes to Mr. Peter Obi, the lead-
er of Obidients and former running
mate to PDP presidential candidate
in 2019 who jumped into the Labour
Party, LP, wagon, there was also the
exit from the PDP of another politi-
cal heavy weight from the north, Dr
Musa Kwakwanso, that was also dis-
appointed in the PDP and felt com-
pelled to form his own party, New
Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP.
While all that was on ongoing, the
APC that literally in 2014/15 rose
from the ashes of five (5) opposition
parties that got collapsed into one,
was like the coffin makers and grave
diggers that pray for people to die in
order to enjoy patronage. For obvi-
ous reasons, the APC was praying
for the PDP to bleed to death so that
it can continue to be the main star
constellating over Nigeria’s political
firmament.
You know what they say about
self-preservation.
Obviously, the APC’s prayers have
been heard and Wike and the G-5 in
particular, also to a lesser extent the
Kwakwanso led NNPP were certain-
ly the facilitators of PDP’s fall and
the undertakers as well.
And in what seems like a paradox,
they are equally the wind beneath
APC’s sail.
Magnus Onyibe, an entrepreneur,
public policy analyst, author, devel-
opment strategist, alumnus of Fletch-
er School of Law and Diplomacy,
Tufts University, Massachusetts, USA
and a former commissioner in Delta
State government, sent this piece from
Lagos.
To continue with this conversation,
please visit www.magnum.ng
DAILY INDEPENDENT THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023 /Independentngr @independentngr www.independent.ng 25

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I, formerly known as Adegboyega Gbadebo Olorisade,
, now wish to be known, called and addressed as
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record purposes. All other documents remain valid.
General public please take note.
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DIVINE INTERVENTION POWER
MINISTRIES
The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied
for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission under part C of the
Companies and Allied Matters Act 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

Godwin Ugwu Pastor Samuel okeke
Chioma Samuel Florence Okoronkwo

News Benson Iheakachi John

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
1. To preach and propagate the. Gospel of Christ all over the world.
2. To heal the broken hearted through the word and God.
Works, Housing Ministry Get Approval For 3. To seek the welfare of the poor and needy
4. To educate the children both academically and religiously thereby leading to a

Full Digital Operations At N916mn better and Godly generation.

INNOCENT OWEH paper records, files, our memo-
ABUJA randums into digital format and
move to a paperless office, if you
about twenty-something kilome-
tres has been completed, but the
rates at which the contract was
Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar- General,
Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.
"In this case, we approved four Signed: Pastor Samuel okeke (President)
roads, all of them in Kwara State.
The total is a distance of 283.938

M
inister of Works and
Housing, Babatunde
Fashola on Wednes-
day, gave indications
that the Federal Executive Coun-
cil granted approval for the min-
istry to go paperless in its opera-
tions going forward.
To this end, the sum of
N916,813,356 was approved for the
digitization of the operations of
the ministry, especially to docu-
ment projects it has carried out
across the country.
Fashola said, the Ministry of
Works and Housing, presented
three memoranda to Council,
they were project and contract
memoranda. The first was for
the digitization of the processes
and workflow and systems of the
Ministry of Works and Housing.
Essentially, to convert all our
M O H A M M E D A B U BA K A R
DAMATURU
like, through a web-based appli-
cation.
"So that memorandum was
considered and approved by
Council, it was for the sum of
N916,813,356, in favour of a com-
pany called Digital Communica-
tions Consult. The implementa-
tion is 12 months".
He noted that the second proj-
ect involved the augmentation of
the price of an existing contract.
Which is a contract for the con-
struction of the Kaduna Eastern
Bypass, that’s a very critical road
that connects Kaduna with about
11 other states in the country.
According to him, the con-
tract has been long standing,
having been awarded since 2002,
but largely unfunded, we resus-
citated it back to life through our
Sukuk Project, it’s 48 kilometres,
GADA Commends Buni For
awarded has become obsolete
because of inflation and so the
contractor sought.
"Council has considered and
approved an augmentation to
increase the contract size from
N38 billion to N74.64 9 billion. So
that's an augmentation of N36.459
billion.
"The third contract that was
approved was under the Tax
Credit Programme, covered by
Executive Order 7, which was
issued by Mr. President on the
25th of January, I believe 2019.
Yes, that Executive Order 7 in-
vites and allows private sector
members of our community in
Nigeria to invest in public infra-
structure, especially roads, by
spending their taxes in advance
and then claiming the tax credit
later.
kilometres, that's the total length
of the four roads. The approval
was for Messrs BUA Internation-
al Limited, BUA is a company fa-
mous for cement, but they also do
other things. One of the reasons
why they are investing in Kwara
is because some of their opera-
tions, including sugar and all of
that is impacted by road network
supply.
"So the roads involved are
Bode Sa’adu-Kaiama-Kosubu
Road, 130 kilometres, awarded
at N152.843 billion. Lafiagi-Shon-
ga-Bacita Road, 74.3 kilometres,
awarded at N80.222 billion; and
Eiyenkorin-Afon-OjokuOffa
Road, 42.638 kilometres, award-
ed at N56.329 billion; and Oku-
ta-Kenu-Tebe Road, 37 kilome-
tres, awarded N37.887 billion
naira''.
World Bank To Partner
NYSC On Corp Members'
Empowerment
JOSEPH UNDU,
ABUJA
The World Bank has stat-
ed its readiness to part-
ner the National Youth
Service Corps (NYSC) on
youth empowerment, job
creation and skills devel-
opment for corps mem-
bers.
The Lead Economist
of the World Bank Youth
Employment and Skills
Development Team, Elena
Glinskaya, disclosed this
during a courtesy visit to
the NYSC National Direc-
torate Headquarters in
"Anyone who is work-
ing on issues of youth em-
ployment in Nigeria must
learn about the NYSC pro-
gramme. This is a well-es-
tablished programme that
has helped youths and we
would like to know as
much as possible about
your programme", she
said.
In his response, the
NYSC Director General,
Brig.-Gen. YD Ahmed,
said the Scheme was es-
tablished for the promo-
tion of national unity and
integration.
Ahmed also stated that
NYSC has been at the fore-

The leadership of Gulani Area

Appointing Umar Auditor-General
Development Association The chairman said they were
(GADA), under the Chairman- happy with the governor over the
ship of Alhaji Babayo A. Jalo appointment, assuring Governor
Tetteba, has commended the Ex- Buni that Gulani is a God-fearing,
ecutive Governor of Yobe State, honest, dedicated, thorough-bred
Mai Mala Buni, for appointing civil servant, loyal and competent
Mai Aliyu Umar Gulani as the and would not be found wanting
state Acting Auditor General. in any way.
IPAC Crisis: National Body Disowns New
Northern IPAC Chairmen Forum Dogara, over the formation of
KINGSLEY BENNETH
the body, demanding reasons
ABUJA
disciplinary actions "should not
be taken against him along with
The national leadership of the other officials found culpable in
Inter Party Advisory Council this gross misconduct".
(IPAC) has disowned the newly IPAC National Secretary, Yu-
formed Northern IPAC Chair- suf Dantalle, in a statement to
men Forum, describing it as an Daily Independent on Wednes-
Illegality. day, cited Dogara's misdemean-
It also queried IPAC Plateau or to include the creation of the
State Chairman, Abubakar Forum which he said is "in clear
"I have faith that Mai Aliyu
Umar Gulani, an experienced
accountant per excellence and a
fellow of the Association of Na-
tional Accountants of Nigeria,
will for sure justify the trust and
confidence reposed in him, In
Sha Allah", he said.
violation of the Council's Code
of Conduct, which only provides
for National, States and Local
Government Areas structures,
and issuing a press statement
which was outside his jurisdic-
tion using the same illegal body
on matters of national interest
already addressed by national
leadership of IPAC".
The body also disowned the
"Forum of Ex-IPAC Officers',
The Association also congrat-
ulated Governor Buni on the
recent victory at the just-con-
cluded polls and further made a
passionate plea to the governor
for the speedy completion of road
and bridges linking Gulani and
Tetteba.
stating that it is illegal and
unknown to IPAC Code of Con-
duct, as it warned stakeholders
to desist from dealings with the
purported forum.
The statement further cited
a letter dated 3rd April 2023,
and copied to INEC Chairman,
National Chairman of Political
Parties, Inspector General of
Police, Director General of De-
partment of State Service (DSS)
and Civil Society Organizations;
where Dantalle urged security
agencies to take necessary ac-
tion.
Maitama, Abuja.
The Team Lead of the
World Bank group, who
commended the NYSC for
introducing skills acqui-
sition and entrepreneur-
ship development into the
orientation course pro-
gramme, added that the
vocational training that
corps members are being
exposed to while at the ori-
entation camp, has helped
a large number of them to
become self-reliant.
According to a state-
ment signed by Eddy
Megwa, Director, Press
and Public Relations,
NYSC Headquarters, Abu-
ja, which a copy was made
available to Daily Indepen-
dent, Glinskaya stated that
the team was also interest-
ed in learning from NY-
SC's vast knowledge and
experience in the area of
youth empowerment.
front of empowering corps
members with vocational
skills while at the orien-
tation camp since 2012,
which has made thou-
sands of former corps
members self+reliant in
different vocations across
the country.
He informed the World
Bank team that one of the
focal points of his five-
point policy thrust is to
advance the skill acquisi-
tion and entrepreneurship
development programme
of the scheme.
He reiterated his ad-
ministration's determina-
tion to promote the spirit
of entrepreneurship and
self-reliance among the
corps members.
The Director General
thereafter applauded the
World Bank team for the
kind gesture of assis-
tance.
26
News
Senator Solomon Adeola, Senator representing Lagos West (right); Adebayo Oluwapelumi, Student of Awori Senior College, Ojo/beneficiary (middle), and
Babatunde Osho of Yayi Empowerment Projects, during the graduation and empowerment with laptops of 480 graduands in ICT for trained teachers and students
in Lagos West, facilitated by Senator Adeola, at Academy Guest House, Ikeja, Lagos on Wednesday.
T O N Y E Z I M A KO R
ABUJA
T
he All Progressives
Congress (APC) has de-
scribed as barbaric the
unprovoked attack on
members of the party in Rivers
State and urged the Inspector
General of Police (IGP) to act
quickly by directing the investi-
gation of the action of alleged
linked People's Democratic Party
(PDP) thugs and bring the perpe-
trators to justice.
Felix Morka, National Publici-
ty Secretary of the APC, who con-
demned the attack in the stron-
IDONGESIT ASHAMERI
UYO
A section of members of Akwa
Ibom State chapter of the All
Progressives Congress (APC)
has condemned Senator God-
swill Akpabio's nomination of
his former Chief of Staff and
Secretary to State Government,
Etekamba Umoren, as minis-
ter-designate.
Patrick Edem, former state
officer of the party, who spoke
with Daily Independent in Uyo
on Wednesday, said the devel-
opment will finally bury the
already fractured party, if not
K A Z E E M AW O J O O D U
I BADAN
A socio-cultural group, Ebedi
Frontliners, Iseyin (EFI), has
congratulated Nigeria’s Presi-
dent-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu;
Governor Seyi Makinde, Senator
of Oyo State, Fatai Buhari, Oye-
shina Oyedemi (Oshine) and Dele
Adeola, on their victories at the
last general elections.
It urged them to prepare to
key into the community’s devel-
opment agenda, which they said,
would have positive impacts on
the nation.
The group, in a press state-
ment on Wednesday, outlined
various projects, programmes
and actions that they believed
would have benefits for the people
of the community, Oyo State and
Nigeria, in the areas of food sus-
tenance, job provision, completion
of the Ikere Gorge Dam Project,
re-construction of federal roads
around Oke-Ogun area, among
others.
The organization also be-
moaned what it called a total ne-
/Independentngr
APC Condemns Port Harcourt Attack
gest terms, in a statement, said
the attack on some of its leaders
and members in Port Harcourt
on Monday, April 3, 2023, by thugs
and supporters of the PDP, was
unacceptable
According to Morka, the
attack occurred during a visit
to the Independent National
Electoral Commission’s (INEC)
office by Tonye Cole, APC gover-
norship candidate, Dr. Innocent
Barikor, deputy governorship
candidate, Emeka Beke, state
chairman of the party and three
other party officials to obtain the
Crisis Rocks A'Ibom APC As Members Condemn
Akpabio's Ministerial Nomination
immediately reversed.
Edem said the APC's elector-
al misfortune started "when Ak-
pabio defected to the party and
attempted to hijack the party
for his personal and selfish in-
terest".
According to him, Etekamba
is eminently qualified for a min-
isterial appointment but in the
interest of justice, equity, fair
play and political balance, Ak-
pabio should nominate someone
else, particularly from another
Ebedi Frontliners Presents Agenda For Iseyin
Development To Tinubu, Makinde, Others
glect of the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo
State by the administration of
President Muhammadu Buhari
in his eight years in office, as no
physical infrastructural project
was allocated to the region that
consists of 20 local government
areas.
The statement, which was is-
sued after an emergency meeting
of the group at the Aseyin Palace
in Iseyin and made available to
newsmen, indicated that EFI
called on Tinubu to see the com-
pletion of the abandoned Ikere
Gorge Dam Project as a must,
so as to show gratitude to the
people of Oke-Ogun Region for
their support towards his victory
and to effect a positive change in
power generation by reactivating
the dam.
The group’s position in the
statement, as signed by its Presi-
dent, Olusegun Adeleke, indicat-
ed that the duo of Tinubu and
Governor Makinde’s success to
achieve the agenda would be an-
@independentngr www.independent.ng
Certified True Copies (CTC) of
vital documents in the March 18
governorship and House of As-
sembly elections.
"Without warning, thugs and
supporters of the PDP descended
on our party officials, inflicting
severe and life threatening inju-
ries on them, and damaging per-
sonal and party properties.
"This premeditated attack
by PDP thugs and operatives on
our officials and members in Port
Harcourt is yet another in what
has now become an orgy of vio-
lence carried out with mind-bog-
senatorial district, to ensure
justice and equity.
He noted: "Akpabio has no
moral ground to make the nomi-
nation without input from other
stakeholders of the party in the
state.
"if Akpabio had the interest
of the party and of the state at
heart, he would have nominated
either the governorship candi-
date of the party, Obong Akani-
mo Udofia, the current Minister,
Obong Umana Umana, Eket
chored on the legislative support
from the likes of Senator Fatai
Buhari of the Oyo,-North Senato-
rial District, Oyeshina Oyedemi
of the Federal House of Represen-
tatives, representing Iseyin, Itesi-
waju, Kajola and Iwajowa and the
member of the Oyo State House
of Assembly representing Iseyin
and Itesiwaju State Constituency,
Dele Adeola.
“We congratulate the Presi-
dent-elect, Senator Ahmed Bola
Tinubu, for his victory at the last
presidential election and the Gov-
ernor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde,
for his re-election.
“We are using this medium
to also felicitate with the Senator
representing Oyo North Senato-
rial District, Fatai Buhari, on his
re-election, Oyeshina Oyedemi
(Oshine) of Iseyin, Itesiwaju,
Kajola and Iwajowa Federal Con-
stituency, as well as Dele Adeola
of the Iseyin-Itesiwaju State Con-
stituency for their victory and
re-election. We have come with
gling audacity, and with absolute-
ly no serious investigation by the
Police or repercussions for the
instigators and perpetrators of
this serial violence".
He explained that the latest at-
tack was aimed at frustrating the
effort of the APC governorship
candidate to obtain vital docu-
ments to challenge the declared
result of the governorship elec-
tion in the state.
"For the PDP that claims to
have won the election to resort
to this level of violence to block
a legitimate legal challenge tells
Senatorial candidate, Martyns
Udoinyang or any other person
from another senatorial district
for the ministerial appointment.
"Why should Akpabio place
his interest above that of the
party by nominating the same
Etekamba, who is from Essien
Udim, his local government
area, for the appointment?"
"The APC in Akwa Ibom will
experience massive defection if
Akpabio succeeds in his selfish
political adventure".
an agenda for development that
will not only develop the Iseyin
community, but Oke-Ogun, Oyo
State and Nigeria as a whole.
“The agenda for develop-
ment in our area is anchored
upon sustainable agricultural
development, security of lives
and properties, provision of em-
ployment and public infrastruc-
tures like the federal roads in and
around us.
“The Ikere Gorge Dam was in-
augurated by the Shehu Shagari
administration in 1979 to generate
electricity and potable water for
Oyo State and three other neigh-
boring South-Western States, but
has been abandoned since then
while the multimillion Naira
equipment procured then, have
been outdated or left to rot. We
believe that as part of the move
by the incoming administration
to increase power generation to
meet the industrial and household
needs of the people of South-West
Nigeria, there is a need to com-
DAILY INDEPENDENT THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023
a different story of a party sitting
precariously on needles and pins
in the face of prospects of a legal
challenge by our Governorship
Candidate.
"While we commend the swift
response of security agencies,
especially the Police and the Ni-
gerian Army, in restoring peace
and order in the wake of this
brutal attack, again, we call on
the Inspector General of Police to
order an urgent and thorough in-
vestigation into this and previous
incidents of violent attacks on
leaders and members of our pcc
arty in Rivers State, and to bring
the sponsors and perpetrators to
justice".
The party stalwart, therefore,
called on the President-Elect,
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
the 10th Senate, the National ex-
ecutives of the party and other
relevant authorities, to save the
party from imminent extinction
in Akwa Ibom State.
''As we speak, so many mem-
bers of the APC will return to
the PDP because of Akpabio's
domineering and self-centered
political behaviour," he lament-
ed.
plete the project as well as put life
into the water distribution aspect
of the project to meet the yearn-
ings of the people.
“This will also provide employ-
ment for the youths in the agro-al-
lied industry, assist farmers with
irrigation during dry season and
create an all-year-round food pro-
duction sustenance.
“Attached to this demand is
the need for the Federal Govern-
ment to urgently reconstruct the
Abeokuta-Iseyin Road that has
been abandoned since the ad-
ministration of former President
Olusegun Obasanjo reconstruct-
ed it. The road has since been left
to damage, with casualties from
robbery attacks, kidnapping and
traffic crashes that have led to
many deaths of road-users.
“It is our belief that the bird
will not fly with one wing. The ef-
forts of the legislators to assist the
Executive to make Bills and laws
that will aid human development.
This is where our legislators like
Senator Fatai Buhari, Oyeshina
Oyedemi and Dele Adeola from
our area will have to show that
they are capable."
Tinubu’s Govt Is
Yours, APC Nat’l
Youth Leader Assures
Young People
J OY A N I G B O G U
LAGOS
The All Progressives Congress
(APC) National Youth Leader,
Dayo Israel, has told Nigerian
youths to consider the adminis-
tration of the President-elect, Asi-
waju Bola Tinubu, as their own.
Dayo also had a get-together
with the young people in com-
memoration of the 71st birthday
of Asiwaju Bola, where he hosted
the youths to Iftar in Transcorp
Hilton, Abuja.
It was also an occasion to
render supplication to God for
Divine wisdom, protection and
prosperity for the President-elect.
The event attracted over 1,000
Nigerian youths from across the
36 states of the federation and the
Federal Capital Territory (FCT),
Abuja.
The excited youths converged
on Transcorp Hilton Hotels, Abu-
ja, on Wednesday to celebrate the
71st birthday of Nigeria’s Presi-
dent-elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu,
in an Iftar (Ramadan Break at
dust) organised by the National
youth leader, where he assured
the youths that they would ben-
efit greatly in Asiwaju’s govern-
ment.
The event was well attended
by deputy governors, senators,
members of the House of Repre-
sentatives, youth political stake-
holders, captains of industries
and members of Federal para-
statals, among others.
Welcoming the large crowd
and youth stakeholders to the
gathering, Israel said that the
event was put together to further
stamp the presidential victory
pronouncement of Tinubu as
announced by Chairman of the
Independent National Electoral
Commission, (INEC), Prof. Mah-
mud Yakubu.
He said: “We have come to-
gether tonight to felicitate with
one another on the victory of
the party, APC and the Presi-
dent-elect, my father, Asiwaju
Bola Tinubu.
“The victory is a youthful
victory and we must celebrate
graciously. Fortunately, this is a
period we must show love, as Ra-
madan teaches love, forgiveness
and steadfastness in the way of
God, and the birthday of our
father, Bola Tinubu, falls within
the holy month of Ramadan and
Christian Lent, which is a pointer
to the fact that this incoming gov-
ernment of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu
is ordained by God and is going to
be prosperous for all Nigerians.
“I want to use this medium to
call on Nigerian youths to take
charge of this coming admin-
istration and ensure we guard
it jealously against scavengers
and social media agents of de-
struction.
“As our father marks 71st
birthday, we wish him good
health, long life and victory at
all times.”
Dayo used the opportunity
to seek God’s face forTinubu’s
administration and prayed for
sound health and prosperity of
the coming administration.
Present at the event were Sen-
ator Ita Enang, JackRich Tein,
Sadiq Fakai, Dauda Adamu and
Ismeel Ahmed, former national
youth leader of APC.
DAILY INDEPENDENT THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023 /Independentngr @independentngr www.independent.ng 27

News
Poor Power
Supply Not
Peculiar To Niger
Alone – AEDC
CHINWENDU NNADOZIE
M I N NA
Adedamola Docemo,
The Abuja Electricity Dis- Managing Director, of
tribution Company (AEDC) Lagos State Signage and
has absolved itself from Advertisement Agency
blame for epileptic supply (LASAA) (left), receiving the
to Niger State, attributing award of Excellence in Media
the trend to a number of Regulation from Abiola Salami
factors including short- of the Peak Performer Africa
fall from power generating in recognition of the Agency's
companies and customers consistent commitment to
who are not forthcoming in excellence and performance,
paying bills. in Lagos.
The clarification is com-
ing against the backdrop of
near total blackout being ex-
perienced in parts of Niger
State, Minna the state capital
in particular and the rumour
that some youths are planning
to embark on protests against
poor electricity supply and
acute water shortage.
Groaning under the sud-
den drastic drop in electricity
supply and the fears of a pos-
sible outbreak of meningitis
and other hot weather-related
Arase's Appointment As PSC Chairman, Clear Manifestation
diseases, residents of Minna
metropolis in particular are Of Putting Round Peg In Round Hole – Oshiomhole
pointing accusing fingers at
the AEDC for not living up to FRANCIS ONOIRIBHOLO manifestation of putting a "I congratulate you on your that it can positively impact unquestionable loyalty to
expectations. B EN I N round peg in a round hole. nomination, confirmation the welfare of both serving our country and the enthusi-
Speaking on the devel- Oshiomhole made the and swearing in as Chair- and retired police personnel. asm with which you served
opments, Alhaji Adamu declaration while congrat- man, Police Service Com- The immediate past Edo in the Force certainly made

Mohammed, the Public Re-
lations Officer (PRO) AEDC
Regional Office, Minna said
any group that is planning
to protest is not being fair to
the company because it is not
their fault.
Pleading for the under-
standing of customers under
the circumstance, Adamu
said everything about electric-
ity generation, allocation and
distribution is under the ex-
clusive control of the federal
government and the region is
doing its best to manage avail-
able allocation to it.
Besides the fact that the
power sector is segmented,
the PRO regretted that cus-
tomers’ attitude to payment
of bills is affecting the region,
and this according to him is
basically why the epileptic
supply is being experienced
lately.
The power sector was
unbundled to three major
segments hence, “People
should not always blame the
AEDC over electricity supply
because we do not generate,
allocate but distribute what-
ever is allocated to us. Mind
you, we are in business to
also make a profit, we buy to
sell”.
Adamu Mohammed also
pointed out that the attitude
of customers to paying bills
is affecting the entire chain
of generating, allocating and
distributing electricity, adding
that the region is under obli-
gation to generate a certain
sum in order to remain in
business.
“If we do not generate a
certain percentage of funds
it will be difficult to be consid-
ered for required allocation.
Customers, for instance, are
owing like N5, 000 and when
he/she chooses to pay with
only N2,000, how do you ex-
pect us to continue to serve
them better?"
T
he Senator-elect and
former governor of
Edo State, Comrade
Adams Oshiom-
hole has described Solo-
mon Arase's appointment
as Chairman Police Service
Commission (PSC) as a clear
Edo APC Dismisses Ex-Minority Whip's Suspension
FRANCIS ONOIRIBHOLO
B EN I N
The All Progressive Con-
gress (APC) Umagbae
South Ward six (6), in
Uhunmwode Local Govern-
ment Area of Edo State on
Wednesday, passed a vote
of confidence on former
Whip of the House of Rep-
resentative, Rt Hon Samson
Osagie.
The vote of confidence
is coming following Mon-
day's viral report that the
APC chieftain had been
Viral Video: Ohanaeze Lagos Seeks Release Of Eze Igbo, Nwajagu
J OY A N I G B O G U
Following the arrest and
detention by men of the De-
partment of State Services
(DSS) of the Eze Igbo Ajao,
Eze Fredrick Nwajagu over
a viral video he sent on so-
cial media, suggesting that
the Indigenous People of
Biafra (IPOB) may be called
to protect Ndigbo in Lagos
State from constant attacks,
the Lagos State chapter of
Ohanaeze Ndigbo is seeking
the release of the royal father.
The Igbo socio-cultural or-
ganisation, led by Chief Sun-
day Ossai in a press statement
on Wednesday asked the Com-
missioner of Police and Gov-
ernor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of
Lagos State to intervene in the
ulating the former Inspec-
tor General of Police on his
appointment as Chairman
Police Service Commis-
sion.
Oshiomhole in a state-
ment signed by his Media
Aide, Victor Oshioke, said
suspended by an APC exec-
utive in his locality under
the Chairmanship of Hon
Osawe Osayemwenre and
11 others.
Osagie, who was the Di-
rector of Contact and Mobi-
lization, South-South Zone,
for the APC Presidential
Campaign Council had ear-
lier described the suspen-
sion as illegal and against
article 21 of the party’s con-
stitution.
But reacting to the Hon
Osawe Osayemwenre-led
action against Osagie, the
chairman of the party in
case of Eze Nwajagu and sup-
port the call for his immediate
release.
The statement noted that
Chief Ossai along with the
chairman of chairmen of the
57 Local Government Areas
(LGAs) and Local Council De-
velopment Areas (LCDAs) of
Ohanaeze, Lagos State, Chief
Mike Orji, having visited the
Eze Nwajagu, on Monday
3rd April 2023 at the State
Criminal Investigation De-
partment, (SCID), Panti, Yaba,
Lagos State, discovered that
there was no need for further
detention of the Igbo leader.
According to the state-
ment, the President of
Ohanaeze Ndigbo noted that
if the DSS, Police and oth-
er security personnel had
mission, by President Mu-
hammadu Buhari.
"As IGP, you served the
nation exceptionally well
and I have no doubt that you
possess the needed experi-
ence and capacity to steer
the PSC to greater heights so
Umagbae Southward 6,
Hon Clifford Igbinewe-
ka and 40 others met and
passed a vote of implicit
confidence on the former
lawmaker.
In an endorsed letter by
the Chairman, Clifford Ig-
bineweka and addressed to
the Edo State Chairman of
the Party, Col David Imuse,
condemned the suspension
while urging the party’s
leadership to disregard the
said suspension.
Part of the letter reads,
“That the complaints
against Rt Hon Samson
searched the Eze’s Ajao Es-
tate residence and didn’t find
any incriminating evidence
against him, then, he should
be released.
Ossai appealed to Governor
Sanwo-Olu to use his good offic-
es and secure the release of the
Eze for the sake of the cordial
relationship that has existed be-
tween Yoruba and Igbo people
for many decades, especially
when the Eze has in a subse-
quent viral video retracted his
suggestion of inviting IPOB to
Lagos to defend the lives and
properties of Ndigbo.
Chief Ossai acknowledged
the fact that it was not only
Igbo people that were attacked
during the election, but that
other tribes experienced the
mayhem as well.
State governor described
Arase as a man of honour
with an unblemished track
record as well as a profound
passion for the development
of not only the police force
but Nigeria as a whole.
"I am convinced that your
Osagie, neither emanated
from his unit, nor ward, nor
from the ward Executive
of Umagbse South Ward
(6) of Uhunmwode Local
Government Area where
Rt Hon Samson Osagie is
a party leader and a regis-
tered voter.
“That, prior to the elec-
tions, no political meeting
was called at any level
that Hon Samson was
invited that he never at-
tended.
“That to the best of our
knowledge RT Hon Samson
Osagie campaigned for the
“I want to say that I con-
demn all forms of aggressions
and counter-aggressions ex-
pressed by many people, for
which Eze Igbo Ajao fell vic-
tim,” he said.
Ossai also appealed to the
Commissioner of Police to
consider giving Eze Nwajagu
administrative bail in view
of his failing health due to
High Blood Pressure (HBP)
and more so when the offence
committed is bailable, in the
interest of justice.
To forestall further occur-
rence, Chief Ossai, suggested
to Governor Sanwo-Olu to set
up a Peace and Reconciliation
Committee to look into all is-
sues relating to the 2023 gen-
eral elections violence, with
a view to bringing permanent
you the right man for the
job".
" I also pray for God’s
guidance and blessings
upon your life as you begin
your stewardship at the Po-
lice Service Commission,"
Oshiomhole said.
party and its candidates
prior to the elections and
worked assiduously for the
party and candidates in
all the elections physically
and using his hard-earned
money to fund campaigns to
different units in his ward
(ward 6) and supported some
other wards physically and
financially.
They also called on the
State Chairman and Exec-
utive of the Party to disre-
gard and discountenance
the purported and laughable
suspension adding that it is
malicious and against the
Constitution of the party
and the Federal Republic of
Nigeria.
peace in Lagos State.
The statement also noted
that the counsel to Eze Igbo
Ajao; Barr (Mrs) Agubuzor
Nkechi, observed that her
client has been in the custody
of SCID, Panti, Yaba, Lagos
for four days, that is 92 hours,
which she considers an infrac-
tion of the due legal procedure.
“This is unlawful and quite
discriminatory against the
person of my client consid-
ering his health challenges,”
Agubuzor said.
She stated that mere verbal
statements of dissatisfaction,
vituperations and anger with-
out any requisite action to ex-
ecute the same are considered
verbose speech, mere threat,
aggression and inconsequen-
tial.
28 /Independentngr @independentngr www.independent.ng DAILY INDEPENDENT THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023

News
CSOs Condemn
Obi's Alleged
Leaked
Audio Phone
Conversation
With Oyedepo
JOSEPH UNDU
ABUJA

Civil Society Organisations

under the auspices of the Glob-
al Network for Sustainable De-
velopment (GNSD) have con-
demned the trending audio of
a leaked phone conversation
between the Presidential Can-
didate of the Labour Party, Mr.
Peter Obi, and the Presiding
Bishop of the Living Faith
Church, David Oyedepo.
It also called on Nigerians
to "Ignore the blackmail and
focus on retrieving the man- Eunice Olaniyan, widow of the Founder, Victory Group of Schools (middle front row) with guests and participants, during the seminar on ‘mentorship and character
date they gave to Obi from moulding for leadership: The role of Private School in Perspective" held in honour of late Dr. Christian Olaniyan, founder, Victory Group of Schools, in Lagos.
those who stole it", saying
"the wishes of the people ex-
Oyo Govt.
pressed at the poll can never
be suppressed."
The convener of the group,
10th Assembly: House Minority Caucus Appoints Rivers
State Monarch
Ambassador Philip Roberts at
a press conference on Tuesday
in Abuja said, "Those calling
out Peter Obi today are noth-
Strategises For Leadership Position As Chancellor
ing but a bunch of shameless T O R K WA S E N Y I E K A A He explained that the meet- The leader of the Labour ership. We will not be silent in Of LAUTECH
hypocrites." ABUJA ing was organised to enable Party who spoke on behalf of the face of oppression. We will
Citing section 37 of the 1999 them to network and famil- the Caucus, Honestly George work together to bring about K A Z E E M AW O J O O D U
constitution of the Federal Re- iarise themselves adding Ozodinobi, expressed opti- good leadership to the tenth I BADAN

public of Nigeria as amended
provided for the right to priva-
cy of citizens, he said, "Every
citizen of Nigeria is entitled
to their privacy. Be it in their
homes, communications with
people by way of letters, tele-
phone or telegraph are pro-
tected and guaranteed by the
Constitution)."
According to him, "Those
who leaked the purported
telephone conversation acted
in breach of a citizen's confi-
dentiality and right to privacy,
and it is malicious, callous,
and criminal.
"For placing Obi's purport-
ed private conversation in the
public domain, those behind
this despicable plot are liable to
criminal prosecution," he said.
Speaking further, he
said, "We are aware that the
All-Progressives Congress
(APC) orchestrated this
blackmail to distract Nigeri-
ans from challenging the par-
ty's purchased victory at the
fraudulent presidential poll.
The purported leaked audio
conversation has APC's black-
mail mill written all over it.
"The infamous political
Almajiri has used his office
as the Director, New Media
APC Presidential Campaign
Council to carry out similar
dirty jobs before, especially
against Tinubu's opponents."
Roberts said the ruling par-
ty has reduced politicking in
Nigeria to cheap blackmail-
ing and throwing tantrums.
It is a pity that issue-based
politics has been murdered
by psychopathic sycophants
and desperate politicians who
thrive on blackmail and char-
acter assassination.
"It is a shame that a party
that claimed to have won an
electoral victory has resort-
ed to underhand practices
and cheap blackmail against
a purported loser instead of
defending their purchased
victory in court."
T
he House of Rep-
resentatives mem-
bers-elect of Mi-
nority political
parties have held a strate-
gic meeting ahead of the
inauguration of the 10th
Assembly at the Transcorp
Hilton Hotel In Abuja.
Reps members who attend-
ed are from the minority, the
Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP), Labour Party (LP), All
Progressive Grand Alliance
(APGA), Social Democratic
Party (SDP) Youth Progres-
sive Party (YPP), and New Ni-
gerian People’s Party (NNPP).
In the opening address, the
leader of the minority caucus,
Hon. Fredrick Agbedi who
congratulated all the mem-
bers of the Minority Parties
urged them to see Nigeria as
their Constituency.
APGA's Edozie Njoku Writes INEC, Seeks Implementation Of Supreme Court Judgment
KINGSLEY BENNETH
ABUJA
The All Progressives Grand
Alliance (APGA's) reinstated
National Chairman, Edozie
Njoku, has written to the In-
dependent National Electoral
Commission (INEC), seeking
implementation of the Su-
preme Court's judgment of
NANS Laments Unfair Hike In Goods, Services In Students' Community In Ondo
A PATA OY E N I R A N
As the effect of the rising in-
flation bites harder and the
challenges of cashless policy
in the country is yet to abate,
the umbrella body of stu-
dents in Nigeria, the Nation-
al Association of Nigerian
Students (NANS) had called
on the Ondo State Governor,
Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredo-
lu to intervene as traders in
that from the information
released by the Independent
National Electoral Commis-
sion (INEC), 324 members
have won the House of Rep-
resentatives seats where APC
won 162 seats, PDP 102, LP 34,
NNPP 18, APGA 4, both ADC
and SDP won 2 seats each
while YPP won 1 seat.
However, INEC is expected
to conduct supplementary elec-
tions in the 33 Federal constit-
uencies on the 15th April, 2023.
He noted that, out of the
two lawmakers from African
Democratic Congress (ADC),
only one was present at the
meeting while Hon. Leke
Abejide was absent, saying
that with the outcome of the
elections, the Minority Cau-
cuses have a greater number
to deepen the role of the oppo-
sition in the House.
Friday 24th March 2023 which
declared him the party's au-
thentic head.
In the said judgment, the
Apex Court reinstated Njoku
in a ruling that saw it put to
rest the leadership tussle
between Victor Oye and the
former and clarified that
the earlier disputed verdict
by former justice of the Su-
preme Court, Mary Odili, was
academic communities in the
state are making learning and
living difficult for students.
As the situation in commu-
nities populated by students is
becoming unbearable, NANS
Joint Campus Council (JCC)
Chairman, Comrade Akinola
Elijah and Comrade Okeniyi
Elijah, the Public Relations
Officer in a joint address
to Governor Akeredolu de-
scribed the trend of exploita-
mism that the meeting of the
Minority Caucuses will help
achieve mutual benefits.
He noted that the caucus
commitment will reflect the
ideology of the Labour Party
and added that the resolution
of the LP Caucus in the choice
of the House leadership will
be based on competence, char-
acter and integrity.
Hon. Beni Lar, on her part,
averred that for the first time
the Minority Caucuses in the
House “I believe with our
number, our doggedness and
our strength we can achieve
a lot.”
She also said that the group
will not succumb to oppres-
sion.
”It is a great joy to see the
opposition become the ma-
jority. With our numbers and
strength, we will provide lead-
a 'mere' clerical error.
Justice Odili in a previous
judgment on the party's lead-
ership struggle inputted the
name of Oye as the party's na-
tional chairman; though this
has since been invalidated by
the respective appellate court,
and now the Supreme Court.
APGA's national secre-
tary, Muhyideed Imam, in
a statement, said “The Su-
tion as heartless.
NANS in the statement ti-
tled: “Hike In Prices Of Goods
And Services In Students
Communities Within Ondo
State Is Inhumane and Com-
pletely Unacceptable NANS
Ondo Kicks”, regretted that
the cashless policy has inflict-
ed hardships on economic and
social activities that have made
living miserable for many
students in the state who are
Assembly,” Hon Lar said.
While urging all the Mi-
nority Caucuses to remain
united, she harped on the need
to define their collective inter-
ests and friendship in order
to strengthen the democratic
structure in the 10th Assembly.
Also speaking, Hon. Abdul-
mumin Jibrin, enjoined law-
makers to know that whatev-
er meeting they are invited to
the truth may not be laid bare.
He pointed out that the
Caucus needs to come to-
gether to achieve interest and
ideology and continue to put
their best.
On her part, Hon Chinwe
Nnabuife (YPP) called for a
better Nigeria and the inclu-
sion of women in the main-
stream as a lot of Nigerians
are looking up to the tenth
assembly.
preme Court in its judgment
resolved conclusively the
APGA leadership dispute
in favour of Chief Edozie
Njoku as the undisputable
Chairman.”
It noted that his purported
removal as National Chair-
man was declared null and
void by the apex court.
“The statement noted, “It
is important to note that the
surviving at the mercy of shy-
lock traders in communities
populated by students.
The statement made avail-
able to Daily Independent
read, “The attention of the
leadership of NANS JCC,
Ondo axis has been drawn to
the continuous hike and delib-
erate inflation in the prices of
goods and services within the
student communities within
Ondo State.
The Oyo State Executive
Council (ExCo) has an-
nounced the appointment of
HRM Ohna Sergeant Chidi
Awuse, Paramount Ruler of
Emuoha Kingdom, as the
Chancellor of the Ladoke
Akintola University of Tech-
nology (LAUTECH), Ogbomo-
sho.
The State Commissioner
for Information, Culture and
Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubo-
sun made this known after
the State ExCo meeting held
on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.
LAUTECH will benefit
from the rich experience of
the first-class monarch as an
administrator, community
leader and revered traditional
ruler. The appointment takes
immediate effect.
forwarding letter was written
to the Chairman of INEC and
all the National Commission-
ers of the commission with
copies to: “Mr Taninu Inuwa
(SAN), Director, Litigation
and Prosecution, Legal De-
partment, INEC, Mr Abdula-
zeez Sani (SAN), Chief Legal
Officer, INEC and El Hassan
Umar (SAN), Chief Legal Of-
ficer, INEC.
“It is no more news that
a few weeks ago, the entire
country was thrown into
huge disarray following the
anti-masses cash policy of
the Central Bank of Nigeria
concerning the acceptance of
the Old Naira notes as legal
tenders despite the Supreme
Court ruling declaring our old
N200, N500 and N1,000 Naira
notes as legal tenders till De-
cember, 31st 2023. "
DAILY INDEPENDENT THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023 /Independentngr @independentngr www.independent.ng 29

News
¡CONTINUED FROM P1

coming administration, with
the view to driving the pallia-
tive programme.
“We have secured a modest
sum of $800 million from the
World Bank to drive the pallia-
tive and we are targeting about
10 million households or 50
million vulnerable Nigerians
in the first instance,” the min-
ister stated while briefing State
House correspondents.
She noted that a good chunk
of the funds will go to the 10 mil-
lion households considered to
be most vulnerable, to cushion
¡CONTINUED FROM P1
FG Secures $800m From W/Bank As Palliative To 50m Nigerians
the effect of the subsidy remov-
al.
“We are currently engag-
ing with all the stakeholders.
We know that various plans
are being considered, includ-
ing the need for buses by the
Labour, amongst several other
palliatives scheme,” she noted.
“The secondary question
on exit of fuel subsidy, this is a
commitment in the Petroleum
Industry Bill. There’s a provi-
sion that says that 18 months
after the effectiveness of the
PIA that all petroleum prod-
ucts must be deregulated, that
18 months takes us to June 2023.
“Also, when we were work-
ing on the 2023 Medium Term
Expenditure Framework and
the Appropriation Act, we
made that provision to enable
us exit fuel subsidy by June
2023. We’re on course, we’re
having different stakeholder
engagements, we’ve secured
some funding from the World
Bank, that is the first tranche
of palliatives that will enable
us give cash transfers to the
most vulnerable in our soci-
ety that have now been reg-
istered in a national social
register. Today, that register
has a list of 10 million house-
holds. 10 million households
are equivalent to about 50 mil-
lion Nigerians.
“But we also have to raise
more resources to enable us
do more than just the cash
transfers and also in our en-
gagements with the various
stakeholders, the various
kinds of tasks that we have
to go beyond the requirement
of just giving cash transfers.
Labour, for example, might be
looking for mass transit for its
members.
“So there are several things
that we’re still planning and
working on, some we can start
executing quickly, some are
more medium-term implemen-
tation”, she said.
When asked how much
funding was received from the
World Bank for the execution
of the planned exit, she said,
“$800 million for the scale up of
the National Social Investment
Programme at the World Bank
and it’s secured, it’s ready for
this disbursement”.
Asked if the incumbent
government had been discuss-
ing subsidy removal with the
incoming administration, she
said, “There are a lot of discus-
sions going on at different lev-
els, including with members of
the transition committee of the
incoming government”.

mercy in sentencing the former
Senate President.
The former president, who
condemned the action of the
Ekweremadus, describing same
as unpleasant and condemnable
which can’t be tolerated in any
sane or civilised society, howev-
er, requested intervention of the
UK government to be magnani-
mous against the convicts.
He also appealed for the UK
government to take their good
character and parental instinct
and care into consideration in
whatever punishment is to be
meted out.
“Mr. Chief Clerk, I am very
much aware of the current
travails and conviction of Ike
¡CONTINUED FROM P1
Obasanjo Writes UK Court, Seeks Clemency For Ekweremadu, Wife
Ekweremadu and his wife in
the United Kingdom resulting
from their being charged with
conspiring to arrange the travel
of a 21-year-old from Nigeria to
the UK in order to harvest or-
gans for their daughter.
“I do realise the implications
of their action and I dare say, it
is unpleasant and condemnable
and can’t be tolerated in any
sane or civilised society.
“However, it is my fervent de-
sire that for the very warm rela-
tions between the United King-
dom and Federal Republic of
Nigeria; for his position as one
of the distinguished senators in
the Nigerian Parliament, and
also for the sake of their daugh-
ter in question whose current
health condition is in danger
and requires an urgent medi-
cal attention, you will use your
good offices to intervene and
appeal to the court and the gov-
ernment of United Kingdom
to be magnanimous enough to
temper justice with mercy and
let punishment that may have to
come take their good character
and parental instinct and care
into consideration.”
The former president ex-
toled Ekweremadu’s virtues
in the return of democracy in
Nigeria, his achievement as a
parliamentarian and his efforts
as a humanist through his foun-
dation, Ikeoha Foundation.
“Within this period of his
service in the Nigerian Parlia-
ment, he has served as Deputy
Senate President of the Senate
and has headed so many Com-
mittees in various capacities
and brought to bear his broad-
based experience in legal prac-
tice and public administration.
“Sometime in 2009, he was
appointed as the First Deputy
Speaker of the Economic Com-
munity of West African States,
ECOWAS, and made to lead ad
hoc committee to work for the
return of constitutional order
in the Niger Republic.
“I clearly remember that in
the heady days of the keen con-
test for the presidential ticket of
our party early 1999, he joined
other well-meaning Nigerians
from the South-Eastern part of
Nigeria to set aside extraneous
considerations and ensured
that South East unanimously
adopted me for the presidency.
“I truly cherish his God-fear-
ing, dispassionate, moderate
and pan-Nigerian approach
to national issues and devel-
opments, in our multi-ethnic,
multi-religious geo-polity.
“He dedicates himself to the
service of God and humanity
and he continues to play visible
roles in national development.
Through the Ikeoha Foun-
dation, a non-governmental
organisation founded by him
and his wife, in 1997, he and
his wife have rendered a lot of
charitable activities, enhancing
poor people’s access to quality
education and healthcare and
building their capacity to par-
ticipate in mainstream social,
political and economic activities
of their communities.
“Ike Ekweremadu’s confer-
ment with the coveted national
honour of Commander of the
Federal Republic, CFR, is fur-
ther testimony to his selfless
service to our country, Nigeria.”

sitting in Benin restrained
the party from suspending its
national officers till the deter-
mination of motion on notice.
Justice Muazu issued the re-
straining order upon an ex-par-
te application argued by Chief
James Onoja (SAN).
Onoja had in the application
told the court how the restrained
national officers allegedly
forged several documents of the
FCT High Court to carry out un-
lawful substitutions in the last
general elections.
Among the documents were
the receipts, seal and affidavits
of the court to carry out crimi-
nal activities.
The lawyer, who tendered
several documents confirmed
to the Judge that the Chief Reg-
istrar of the Court wrote the
Labour Party to disown several
documents used for the alleged
criminal activities by Abure
Courts Issue Conflicting Judgments On LP Chair, Scribe, Others’ Offices
and three others.
Onoja said following their
indictment by police investiga-
tion, the four people are to be
arraigned in court, adding that
warrants for their arrest have
already been obtained.
Ruling on the motion, Justice
Muazu held that the application
and the supporting affidavits
have made out a good case for
the request to be granted.
The Judge subsequently or-
dered that the four officers of
the party should immediately
stop parading themselves as na-
tional officers of Labour Party.
The plaintiffs in the suit
marked, CV/2930/2023, are Mar-
tins John, Lucky Shaibu, Isah Ze-
keri, Omogbai Frank, Abokhaiu
Aliu, Ayohkaire Lateef, Job Elo-
mah, and Abayomi Arabambi.
By the suit, the plaintiffs are
praying the court to declare that
“the 1st — 4th defendants lack
the moral and legal standing to
continue to function in office”
as national officers.
Therefore, they want “an or-
der directing the 1st defendant
to vacate office as the national
chairman of the 5th defendants
based on the communique is-
sued by the Ward 03 Executive,
Arue, Esan North East Local
Government Area of the 5th
defendant, Edo State chapter
dated 31st March 2023.
“An order directing the
National Executive Commit-
tee and the National Working
Committee of the 5th defen-
dant to appoint interim nation-
al chairman, national secretary,
national treasurer, and national
organising secretary for the 5th
defendant pending the conven-
tion of the 5th defendant for
such purpose.”
More so, the plaintiffs are
seeking “an order of perpetual
injunction restraining the 1st,
2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants
from henceforth parading
themselves as the national
chairman, national secretary,
national treasurer, and national
organising secretary, respective-
ly, of the 5th defendant”.
However, in a twist of
event, LP National Secretary,
Umar Farouk, in a statement
made available to newsmen on
Wednesday claimed that a state
High Court sitting in Benin on
Wednesday restrained the par-
ty from suspending its national
officers till the determination of
motion on notice.
The statement quoted LP
lawyer, G. C. Igbokwe (SAN), as
saying that the court ordered
that status quo be maintained
and no action which may result
in the suspension of any nation-
al officer of the party be taken.
It read, “Our attention has
been drawn to a latter order pur-
portedly from another court of
equal jurisdiction restraining my
clients. Of course, such order is
of no consequence and will have
no effect until after the determi-
nation of the motion on notice.
“Recall that the entire lead-
ership of Labour Party in Edo
State including the State, Local
Government and Ward execu-
tives on Monday had passed a
vote of confidence on Abure,
who was allegedly suspended
by a factional group of the party.
“The party recalled that
some groups who claimed to be
Ward 3 executives of the party
in Edo State, led by the Ward’s
Chairman, Martins Osigbem-
he, had earlier announced the
suspension of the LP national
chairman.
“However, in a solidarity
visit to the Barrister Abure at
the national secretariat of the
party in Abuja, the chapters
said the Osigbemhe faction are
unknown to the party and are
working for the opposition po-
litical parties.”
Kelly Ogbaloi, Chairman of
the Edo State chapter of the par-
ty, while addressing newsmen
said that the constitution of
the party did not empower any
group or party members to sus-
pend a national officer.
Ogbaloi said that since Abu-
re was elected by a national con-
vention “imposters who are not
registered party members can-
not suspend him, so their action
is out of ignorance. Those who
did it don’t even understand
the message they were asked
to deliver.”

Nigeria’s Economy Won’t Crumble If Oil Dries Up Today — NEPC Boss
CHIBUZOR EMEJOR
ABUJA
Dr. Ezra Yakusak, Executive
Director/Chief Executive Of-
ficer of the Nigerian Export
Promotion Council (NEPC),
has asserted that Nigeria’s
economy will not collapse, if
crude oil, which is the major
source of government’s reve-
nue, dries up today.
Yakusak who stated this
on Wednesday in Abuja at
the Commerce and Industry
Correspondents Association
(CICAN) stakeholders’ confer-
ence, said the non-oil sector of
the economy would sustain the
economy in the event that the
crude oil dries up.
He said: “Nigeria will not
have oil one day. Assuming that
there is no crude oil tomorrow,
what happens?
“I strongly believe if crude
oil is taken away from us today,
Nigeria will not crumble.
“It is when you are pushed
to the wall that you know your
potential, capability and what
you can do.
“If crude oil disappears in
Nigeria, we are going to come
out stronger. We have so many
products that we can leverage
on.
“I need to tell you that Ni-
geria is so blessed with so
many products that you will
be amazed.
“We just realised that people
are not even aware of the prod-
ucts we have. We exported 214
products last year. People were
surprised that we have these
products.
“Because of this, the man-
agement of NEPC has decided
to launch a programme called,
‘Export 774’, which is targeted
at identifying the products in
all the 774 local government
areas in Nigeria.”
He pointed out that the vi-
sion of the council is to make
the world a market place for
Nigeria’s non-oil products and
services.
Commenting on the Export-
4Survival Initiative, Yakusak
explained that the programme
is a clarion call for all Nigerians
to adopt export trade as a means
of economic development that
will boost the nation’s foreign
exchange earnings.
“It was designed to be pivot
for sustainable economic devel-
opment as it seeks to increase
awareness on the opportunities
that abound in non-oil export,”
he explained.
He affirmed that Export-
4Survival Programme has the
potential to increase Nigeria’s
foreign direct investment, cre-
ate jobs, enhance economic sus-
tainability and value addition
of Nigeria’s products.
He, however, stated that the
NEPC discourages exporters
from exporting raw materials,
adding that without value addi-
tion, Nigerian exporters would
be exporting jobs to other coun-
tries.
He said one of the critical
components of Export4Sur-
vival campaign is packaging
of Nigeria’s products, adding
that Nigeria has one of the best
products in the world.
“Our products are good, well
processed but the packaging is
very poor. Packaging is key. We
are working on a regulation
that will make us to see your
packaging before export.
“Our products have been
rejected abroad due to poor
packaging. In packaging, we
need to be sensitive to the envi-
ronment,” he said.
He disclosed that the Export-
4Survival campaign has paid-
off, adding that in 2022, that
non-oil sector generated over
$4.82 billion as export earnings.
Earlier, Chairman of CI-
CAN, Mr. Ifeanyi Onuba, ex-
pressed optimism about the
growth of the nation’s econo-
my, adding that “recent devel-
opments have shown that the
Federal Government’s drive
for economic diversification
from the oil to the non-oil sec-
tors, given the volatile nature
of crude oil prices, is yielding
the desired results.”
According to him, “We must
support non-oil exports to boost
the economy in the light of
present economic realities.
“Nigeria must move beyond
oil and export of raw commod-
ities and build a vibrant man-
ufacturing sector capable of
exporting finished goods that
could boost the nation’s foreign
exchange earnings.
“Expanding the country’s
non-oil export has remained a
matter of strategic economic
importance requiring contin-
ual intervention and CICAN
will continue to put the issue
on the front burner of public
discourse.”
The theme of the confer-
ence is ‘The Role of the Non-Oil
Sector Towards Economic Di-
versification, Gross Domestic
Product Growth’.
Business Enabling
Council Engages
MDAs On Business
Facilitation Act
¡CONTINUED FROM P7
stakeholders, particularly PE-
BEC and the Federal Ministry
of Justice, “realised that there
was a need to realign existing
business-related legislation to
effectively aid the ease of doing
business in Nigeria. The BFA
therefore amends 21 critical
business facilitation laws and
codifies Executive Order 001
of 2017 on the promotion of
Transparency and Efficiency in
the Business Environment. The
Act consolidates the last seven
years of PEBEC-led reforms
and demonstrates the adminis-
tration’s commitment to driving
economic growth.”
He commended PEBEC for
organising the meeting, as well
as MDAs and stakeholders for
their commitment to the efforts
to improve the investment cli-
mate and business environ-
ment in Nigeria.
30
Sport
NPFL Hammer Falls On Remo
Stars For Assaulting Referee
Super Falcons players during their training on Wednesday ahead of their friendly games
AYO B A DA
LAGOS
R
emo Stars have been
docked three points and
three goals amongst
other sanctions im-
posed on the club by the Interim
Management Committee (IMC)
for the assault on match Referee
Ndubuisi Ukah and subsequent
disruption of the MatchDay 12
fixture of the Nigeria Premier
Football League (NPFL) against
Gombe United.
The match of Sunday, April
2 was concluded the next day
after the Referee was assaulted
in the dressing room at halftime
as a result of Remo Stars failure
to provide adequate security for
the match Officials.
The IMC in a Summary
Jurisdiction notice signed by
Davidson Owumi, the Head of
Int’l Friendlies: Oshoala Arrives Super
Falcons Camp In Antalya
AYO B A DA
LAGOS
Barcelona Femini forward Asisat
Oshoala has hit the camp of the
Super Falcons in Antalya to take
the number of players in camp
to 19 players.
It will be recalled that the
Super Falcons camp opened offi-
cially on Tuesday and according
to the update on Super Falcons
verified Twitter handle, 10 more
players arrived on Wednesday
morning in addition to the nine
that came in on Tuesday.
The Super Falcons are
Lima Withdraws As Host Of U20 World Champs
Due to circumstances beyond its
control, Lima has withdrawn as
the host city of the 2024 World
Athletics U20 Championships.
The Peruvian Athletics Fed-
eration has informed World
Athletics that recent political
instability and social unrest, as
well as natural disasters in Peru,
/Independentngr
Operations said the sanctions
followed review of findings of
the official match report.
In the charge, Remo Stars
was found in breach of Rules
B8.21, B13.21, C11 and B13.52.
For breach of Rule B8.21,
which is failure to adequately
secure match Officials before,
during and after the match
leading to the assault on one
of them, the club was fined
N500,000 and also directed to
pay N250,000 to the said official,
Ukah Ndubuisi as compensa-
tion.
For breach of Rules C.11,
three points and three goals was
ordered to be deducted from the
total points and goals accrued
to the club for the assault on
the match official, while Mr.
Ekene Adams identified as the
attacker has been banned from
all NPFL activities for the rest
of the season.
camped at the Sense De Luxe
Hotel, Antalya.
The nine-time African cham-
pion will take on Haiti at the
Emir Sports Complex in Antalya
on Friday, April 7, 2023.
The Nigerian girls will later
lock horns with New Zealand at
the Mardan Sports Complex also
in Antalya next week Tuesday,
April 11, 2023.
After helping Barcelona reach
their fifth consecutive semifinal
of the UEFA Women’s Champi-
ons League in a season where she
has scored 24 goals in 30 matches
across all competitions, Europe-
an football governing body UEFA
have left the federation and the
local organising committee un-
able to stage the event next year.
The World U20 Champion-
ships were to be held in the
South American city from 26-31
August 2024.
We would like to thank the Pe-
ruvian Federation and the LOC
@independentngr www.independent.ng
Remo Stars is also to ensure
diligent prosecution in the law
court, of Mr. Adams who is the
Club’s General Manager.
The Club was also found to
have breached Rule B13.21 for
disturbances and disruptions,
which led to the discontinuation
of a league match. The club was
fined N500,000.
The Ikenne based club was
also found in breach of Rule
B13.52 in that it failed to ensure
the restriction of access by
unauthorized persons to all re-
stricted areas, which resulted in
the assault of a match official.
Remo Stars was reminded
that in accordance with Rule
C.26, that it is required in writ-
ing within 48 hours of the date
of the notice, to submit to the
ruling of the IMC or elect to
appear before a Disciplinary
Panel. The fines are to be paid
within seven working days.
has hinted that Oshoala, is the
best women’s striker in the world.
The Nigerian has been in fine
form for the Blaugrana both in
the Primera Division Femenina
and Europe. Oshoala scored and
provided an assist as Barcelona
hammered Roma 5-1 last Wednes-
day to reach a fifth straight UEFA
women’s Champions League
semifinals.
Oshoala, who is the sole re-
cord holder of the CAF Women’s
Player of The Year Award, after
winning it for a record fifth time,
has been in superb form for the
Catalans despite a season blight-
ed by injuries.
for the extensive time and effort
they have already dedicated to
this event and for their ongoing
commitment to global athletics.
World Athletics is in discus-
sion with a replacement host
for next year’s event and will
provide more information in
due course.
Peter Edema
+2348050498540
peter.edema@independentnig.com
Liverpool Get Virgil Van Dijk Boost
Ahead Arsenal Match
Liverpool defender, Virgil van
Dijk, may be fit for the Premier
League game against Arsenal
on Sunday.
The defender was a nota-
ble absentee in their goalless
game against Chelsea at Stam-
ford Bridge. Reports, however,
suggested that illness was the
reason for Van Dijk’s absence
against Chelsea, as Joel Matip
and Ibrahima Konate lined up
in defence.
Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool
manager, spoke afterwards to
confirm: “I think he will be ready
for the weekend.”
If the Arsenal game does
come too soon for the cen-
tre-back, it appears near enough
certain that he’ll be fit to face
Leeds eight days later on Mon-
day, April 17.
As for Luis Diaz, it would be a
surprise to see him return to face
Brighton Dream Playing Champions League
Brighton are "dreaming of
playing in Europe" after a 2-0
victory against Bournemouth
at the Vitality Stadium boost-
ed their Champions League
hopes.
Evan Ferguson opened
the scoring with his left heel,
before Julio Enciso scored in
second-half stoppage time
Brighton are four points
off fourth-placed Tottenham
with two games in hand - and
face Spurs away this Saturday.
Manager Roberto de Zerbi
said: "We have to keep men-
tality and humility, but we
want to dream and to achieve
Europe."
De Zerbi's side have lost
Ms Olarinonye Bags Board
Membership Of ANOCA
The Nigeria Olympic Com-
mittee (NOC) has congratu-
lated Ms Adenike Adjat Ola-
rinoye, a Nigerian Athlete,
for her recent International
appointment.
She was appointed to the
Athlete's Commission on the
Board of the Association of
National Olympic Commit-
The Reds Turn To Caicedo To Fix Midfield
Liverpool will make a move
to sign Brighton midfielder
Moises Caicedo in the sum-
mer, according to the Daily
Mirror.
Caicedo, 21, attracted the
attention of Arsenal and
Chelsea in January -- with
both clubs reportedly offer-
ing £70 million to sign him
-- but Brighton held firm
even when the Ecuador in-
ternational publicly asked
for a move.
DAILY INDEPENDENT THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023
Arsenal having not played since
October due to a knee injury,
which suffered a major setback
over the World Cup break.
Currently being reintegrated
into a full-time return to train-
ing, the Colombian is most likely
looking at the Leeds trip for his
playing comeback.
Klopp said earlier this week:
“I wouldn’t say Arsenal is com-
pletely out of the picture, but it’s
rather unlikely. But after that,
Luis will be back.”
A hip injury has kept Thiago
out since early February but he
returned to first-team training
on the weekend.
Klopp has suggested that Sun-
day’s visit to the capital is on the
cards for his return, depending
on how the midfielder “reacts” to
putting more pressure on his hip.
The Liverpool manager cast
a downbeat assessment of Naby
just one of their past 11 Pre-
mier League matches and are
unbeaten away from home
since October.
Another victory on the
road at Tottenham Hotspur
Stadium could be huge in
their pursuit of Champions
League football.
"We all know how import-
ant Saturday's game is, so
we will try our best to win it.
We are dreaming of playing
in Europe," Enciso said after
the game.
They had a worrying mo-
ment when midfielder Moises
Caicedo was forced off injured
in the second half after land-
ing awkwardly on his ankle,
tees of Africa (ANOCA).
''There's no doubt that
your appointment is a pride
to you but the NOC as well
and improve your personal
growth generally in sports,''
said NOC Secretary-General,
Tunde Poopola in a congratu-
latory message.
The appointment was ap-
Since then Caicedo has
mended his relationship
with the club and signed a
new contract until 2027, but
Brighton won't be able to hold
on to him forever and Liver-
pool are looking to test their
resolve.
Other players to be tar-
geted by Liverpool include
Borussia Dortmund's Jude
Bellingham, Wolves' Matheus
Nunes and Chelsea's Mason
Mount.
Keita’s condition after he re-
turned from Guinea duty over
the recent international break
with a muscle injury.
Suggesting the player may
never appear in a Reds shirt
again, with his contract up in
the summer, Klopp said: “We will
see how long it takes, but obvi-
ously, the season is not too long
anymore. There is a chance that
Naby comes back, but we have to
wait a little bit.”
Earlier this month, it was
confirmed Bajcetic’s season
was over after he picked up a
“stress”-related injury to his
thigh.
The young midfielder posted
online: “It’s very sad to say good-
bye to this amazing season for me
but I understand this is part of
football and will only make me
stronger physically and mental-
ly.”
although the club tweeted that
the Ecuadorian will be avail-
able to take on Spurs
Bournemouth meanwhile
fall back into the bottom three.
The Cherries are one of four
sides on 27 points in the Pre-
mier League, but sit 18th be-
low West Ham, Nottingham
Forest and Everton on goal
difference.
Manager Gary O'Neil told
Match of the Day: "The con-
sequences are if you don't
take your chances, you have
to push hard and you can get
caught. Their boy takes a re-
ally difficult chance, we had
some good chances we didn't
take."
proved at an
ANOCA Forum held in
Algiers, Algeria.
''Once again and on behalf
of members of the Olympic
Family, we praise this out-
standing achievement.''
Ms Olarioye is of the
Nigeria Weightlifting Fed-
eration.
However, Liverpool have
removed Leicester City mid-
fielder Youri Tielemans from
their shortlist, says Football
Insider. The 25-year-old Bel-
gium international is set to
become a free agent in the
summer when his contract
expires and has also been
linked with Arsenal, but Liv-
erpool scouts have reportedly
decided that he is not mobile
enough to play in Jurgen
Klopp's midfield.
DAILY INDEPENDENT THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023
Liverpool Call For End To ‘Vile Chants’
Klopp
Liverpool say tragedy chanting
"has to stop" after songs relat-
ed to the Hillsborough disaster
were sung by some Chelsea
Nottingham Forest Back Cooper As Manager
Steve Cooper
Nottingham Forest say Steve
Cooper remains manager but
"results and performances must
improve immediately".
Forest, beaten 2-1 by Leeds
United on Tuesday, are 17th in
the Premier League, above the
Uncertainty Surrounds Mike Dean Future As
Premier League VAR
Mike Dean's future as a VAR is
in doubt after he was taken off
selection in the Premier League
with performance levels part of
the decision, sources have told
ESPN.
Dean, 58, has not been ap-
pointed to a game in the Pre-
mier League or FA Cup for two
months, when he was in the
VAR hub for Leicester City's 4-1
win over Tottenham Hotspur on
Feb. 11.
That day proved to be a wa-
tershed moment for Howard
Webb, who in December took
over as chief refereeing officer
for Professional Game Match
Officials Limited (PGMOL),
the organisation that oversees
refereeing in English football.
Lee Mason, the second of two
full-time VARs in the Premier
League along with Dean, failed
to identify Christian Norgaard
was in an offside position before
Ivan Toney scored Brentford's
equalising goal in a 1-1 draw at
Arsenal. The same day, VAR
John Brooks applied the offside
lines onto the wrong player to
disallow a Brighton & Hove Al-
bion goal in a game the Seagulls
drew 1-1 at Crystal Palace.
A PGMOL statement said
fans during Tuesday's 0-0 Pre-
mier League draw at Stamford
Bridge.
Chelsea apologised and con-
demned the "inappropriate"
chants saying "hateful chanting
has no place in football".
The Premier League says
such chanting is "an unaccept-
able issue and are seeking to
address it as a priority".
This season has seen a rise
in tragedy chanting.
Manchester City said they
were "disappointed" by "inap-
propriate chants" by their fans
during Saturday's 4-1 win over
Liverpool.
Last month, Liverpool and
Manchester United managers
Jurgen Klopp and Erik ten Hag
called for an end to tragedy
relegation zone only on goal dif-
ference.
In a statement, owner Evan-
gelos Marinakis said he wished
to end "false and disruptive re-
porting" about Cooper's future.
Forest have not won in eight
Mike Dean
Webb accepted there were "sig-
nificant errors in the VAR pro-
cess" and the issues were being
/Independentngr
chanting in a joint statement
before the two sides met.
In November, the Football
Association expressed con-
cerns over the rise of "abhor-
rent chants" related to stadium
tragedies - including by fans
of City and United on visits to
Anfield.
In February, Manches-
ter United and Leeds United
"strongly condemned" chants
about historic tragedies when
they met at Elland Road.
"We know the impact these
vile chants have on those who
continue to suffer as a result of
football tragedies," Liverpool
said in a statement after Tues-
day's game.
"For their sake, this has to
stop."
games, the longest winless run
in the top flight.
Cooper joined Forest in Sep-
tember 2021 and guided them to
the Premier League for the first
time since 1999 in his first season.
He has signed 29 players since
last summer, spending more
than £160m.
Marinakis said: "No-one de-
nies that our club is in a difficult
position in the Premier League.
"But we wish to end the spec-
ulation and the false and dis-
ruptive reporting in the media
to confirm that Steve Cooper
remains our manager at Not-
tingham Forest.
"We have all been disappoint-
ed with recent performances and
it is very clear that a lot of hard
work needs to be done to address
this urgently."
Cooper signed a new contract
at the City Ground until 2025 in
October, when the club were
bottom of the table after eight
games.
"thoroughly reviewed."
Now it seems Dean's future
has been part of that review,
while there is no confirmation
if he will be appointed again
this season or if he will return
for the 2023-24 season after going
through additional training.
While Dean was not at fault
on the weekend of Feb. 11, he
had made a number of high-pro-
file errors across the season.
In August, he failed to identi-
fy a red card against Tottenham
defender Cristian Romero for
a violent hair pull on Chelsea
defender Marc Cucurella deep
into added time. From the re-
sulting corner -- which would
not have been taken had Dean
advised a VAR intervention
-- Spurs scored a 95th-minute
equaliser.
Dean wrongly failed to inter-
vene when AFC Bournemouth's
Jefferson Lerma should have
been sent off at West Ham Unit-
ed, though David Moyes' won
2-0. But Wolverhampton Wan-
derers should have been given
a seventh-minute penalty at
home to Arsenal when William
Saliba fouled Goncalo Guedes,
and Arsenal went on to win than
match at Molineux 2-0.
@independentngr
Lukaku Calls ‘Real Action’
After Racist Abuse
Lukaku
R
omelu Lukaku says Se-
rie A must take "action
for real this time" after
he was racially abused
by Juventus fans before being
sent off on Tuesday.
He was shown a second yel-
low card for holding his finger
to his lips in front of the home
fans after scoring a 95th-minute
penalty in the Coppa Italia tie.
"History repeats itself," the
Messi
Lionel Messi is considering
a move to Saudi Arabia that
would see him join Al Hilal,
the city rivals of Cristiano
Luis Enrique In London To Hold Chelsea Talks
Former Barcelona and Spain
boss Luis Enrique is understood
to be in London to hold talks with
Chelsea over their managerial
vacancy.
The 52-year-old, who is out of
work after leaving the Spain job
following the World Cup, won the
treble at Barcelona in 2014/15, lift-
ing LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and
the Champions League.
Chelsea are set to assess up to
seven candidates, including Luis
Enrique, as they undergo what
they insist will be an "exhaustive
process" to replace Graham Pot-
ter, who was sacked on Sunday
after just seven months in charge.
Julian Nagelsmann is anoth-
er frontrunner for the job with
www.independent.ng
Inter Milan striker wrote on
Instagram. "Been through it in
2019 and 2023 again.
"This beautiful game should
be enjoyed by everyone."
He added: "I hope the league
really take actions for real this
time."
Michael Yormark, president
of Lukaku's representatives
Roc Nation Sports Internation-
al, said the abuse was "beyond
Messi Move To Saudi Arabia
Increasingly Likely — Sources
Ronaldo's Al Nassr, when his
Paris Saint-Germain contract
expires this summer, a source
familiar with the negotiations
told ESPN.
Having opened talks with
Messi and his advisers late last
year, senior figures in the bid to
take him to the Middle Eastern
nation had initially believed
they had no more than an out-
side chance of persuading the
former Barcelona forward to
follow Ronaldo to Riyadh.
However, a source told ESPN
there is now an increasing like-
lihood of Messi, 35, who fronts
the Visit Saudi tourism cam-
paign, moving to the Saudi Pro
League, putting the probability
as high as "50-50" following talks
Luis Enrique
Sky in Germany reporting that
talks between the former Bayern
Munich head coach's represen-
tatives and Chelsea are ongoing
and positive.
The 35-year-old wants to man-
age in the Premier League and
31
Sport
despicable".
Juventus said they would
work with police to identify
those responsible following the
game.
A statement read: "Juventus
Football Club, as always, are
collaborating with the police to
identify those responsible for the
racist gestures and chants which
took place last night."
Scuffles broke out between
players from both sides after
Lukaku's equaliser.
Inter captain Samir Handano-
vic and midfielder Juan Cuadra-
do were shown red cards after the
final whistle, with the fracas con-
tinuing down the tunnel.
"Tonight's racist remarks
made towards Romelu Lukaku
by Juventus fans in Turin were
beyond despicable and cannot
be accepted," Yormark said in a
statement.
"Romelu scored a penalty late
in the game. Before, during and
after the penalty, he was sub-
jected to hostile and disgusting
racist abuse.
"Romelu celebrated in the
same manner he has previously
celebrated goals. The referee's
response was to award a yellow
card to Romelu.
"Romelu deserves an apology
from Juventus and I expect the
league to condemn the behav-
iour of this group of Juventus
supporters immediately.
with the player's camp in Saudi
Arabia last month.
A separate source told ESPN
that Messi received an offer
from Saudi Arabia last week.
ESPN reported Tuesday
that Messi is unlikely to reach
an agreement to extend his con-
tract at PSG, which runs out at
the end of the season. He signed
a two-year deal on his arrival
from Barcelona in 2021.
While Barcelona president
Joan Laporta maintains an in-
terest in funding a deal to take
the Argentina captain back
to the Spotify Camp Nou, the
LaLiga leaders continue to bat-
tle against financial problems,
and a move for Messi appears
unlikely to succeed.
sees it as his natural next destina-
tion but will not be rushing into
a decision over his future amid
strong interest from Chelsea and
Tottenham.
The German wants a short pe-
riod to reset after being sacked by
Bayern last month and his prefer-
ence is to oversee a full pre-season
when taking on a new job.
However, his agency,
Sports360, will be listening to pro-
posals and have already fielded
sounding-out calls from Chelsea
and Spurs.
More formal contact is set to
be made, and an agreement being
reached in the coming weeks that
only becomes effective next sea-
son has not been ruled out.
 /independentngr
DAILY
INDEPENDENT
Opeyemi Soyombo
The Pathfinder
d e n s i tys h ow @ ya h o o . co m ; 0 8 0 894701 4 8
S
ometime in 1993, a national
magazine carried a rumour
on the political ambition of
Gen. Sani Abacha, then the
Defence Secretary of the Interim
National Government, headed by
Earnest Shonekan. I dismissed it as a
huge joke. Abacha, I reasoned, was too
unpolished to crave a political space of
such magnitude; besides he’s barely
able to write his name. Consequently,
I did not imbibe the rumour. Now, it’s
13 years after, it rankles; I couldn’t for-
give such culpable innocence. But how
did the ‘murderous imbecile’ come to
rule Nigeria, for five unabated years
for that matter? Could Shonekan
have saved us the plague even if he
would not oversee the inauguration
of M.K.O. Abiola as the President?
And the military itself, was there no
one worthy of honour?
Indeed, Gen. Abacha was not only
adroit enough to persuade Babangi-
da into retaining him after stepping
aside with all his accomplices in the
National Defence and Security Coun-
cil, he was to benefit from ‘resignation
or death’ of the interim Head of State,
according to the ING decree. That
should have jolted Shonekan if he
were prescient. But he could bid his
time and wean himself from political
surrogacy within a few weeks of firm-
ly in control of machinery of force. Or
did the import of the title ‘Command-
er-in-Chief of the Armed Forces’ elude
him? While the ghoul is representing
him in distant Yenagoa, another De-
fence Secretary is being sworn in in
Abuja since the appointment takes im-
mediate effect! All the lackeys of IBB
and Abacha could have been retired in
one fell swoop. Heavens wouldn’t fall,
for the Nigerian military was then an
institution of perfidy and opportun-
ism. Was the ING man supine, bereft
of chivalry or simply petrified by the
weight of opposition to the contrap-
tion he oversaw, even when Abacha’s
ambition was no longer a matter of
conjecture, that he essayed no move
of self-preservation; or even hurried-
ly handing over to the winner of the
fairest and freest election in the annals
of Nigeria? Chief Ernest Shonekan,
head of Interim Government of 90
days, has remained taciturn. He could
have saved us from Abacha and pre-
served M.K.O. Abiola.
So shameful that the Nigerian
military could not produce even one
Brutus to put at bay the many psycho-
paths that have polluted our landscape
directly and indirectly with the blood
of the innocent. At least the military
has exposed itself: behind the façade
of a stern-looking general is a coward
anyway. In one moment of derange-
ment by the now deceased scorpion,
we saw, before him, officers at the
height of their career weeping and
gnashing their teeth: the coup was
not on principle or for the general good
but a moment of stupefaction foisted
on mere mortals by no other one than
the devil! And the Stone was for once
Printed and Published by Independent Newspapers Limited. Head Office: 8, Wempco Road, Ogba, Lagos. Tel: Newsroom: 01-4535267; 08111813017; Advert: 08134597000. Circulation: 08028295031. Subscription:
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Email: info@independent.ng Website: www.independent.ng ISSN 1595-983X Editor: DON OKERE, 08051725112.
THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER AMONG THE POLITICAL AND BUSINESS ELITE
THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023
Remembering Abacha And Diya…
Abacha
moved, offering tissue paper of an
handkerchief to his captives to wipe
away their tears: you are right, only
the devil could lead chocolate cream
officers (Bernard Shaws) to war-front;
were you to be led by God, you would
be in the vanguard of my campaign
of totalitarianism and life presidency,
thereby securing a future for your-
selves in my kingdom...
Ah! Gen. Diya, the man who be-
strode Ogun State like a Colossus. Civil
servants trembled at the mention of
that name between 1983 and 85. How
easy it was to issue orders to bloody
civilians in the cosiness of Govern-
ment House yet collapse under mock-
fire in the battle-field! But then how did
soldiers attain the rank of general in
Nigeria? Planning coups and counter
coups, treachery and criminality! It
is sheer sadism, lack of shame and
apprehension of what passes for
professionalism for some generals to
brandish Civil War experience as their
curriculum vitae. The fact is, Biafra
forces were peopled with volunteers
for martyrdom hurriedly trained by
remnants of Eastern officers from
July and September 1966 genocidal-po-
groms. In a properly constituted army,
those so-called generals should have
been court-marshalled for allowing a
civilian army to stretch a mere ‘police
action’ to a three-year combat of attri-
tion. Ah! Gen Gowon. When Ojukwu’s
half-baked army unexpectedly crossed
the frontiers to Benin and Ore before
they ran out of steam, the general in
the State House in Lagos reportedly
ordered his plane to be made ready for
escape! And when it was time to suc-
ceed his slain boss, Gen. Obasanjo al-
legedly retreated! O Nigerian generals!
@independentngr
Diya
How easy it was
to issue orders to
bloody civilians
in the cosiness of
Government House
yet collapse under
mock-fire in the
battle-field! But then
how did soldiers
attain the rank of
general in Nigeria?
Of course, such tendentious rant-
ings of General Ishaya Bamaiyi, as
being a victim of political vendetta
orchestrated by former President
Olusegun Obasanjo because of his
refusal to endorse the candidacy of the
retired general for Aso Rock in 1999,
can only take in the gullible, patients
of amnesia and those who lack a sense
of history.
A general swore like a trooper that
he had nothing to do with the killer
squad of the late butcher, General Sani
Abacha, but allegedly suffered no com-
punction in luring his fellow generals,
on behalf of the same psychopath, on
to the slaughter slab of a coup scheme!
Legal justice is not necessarily social
justice. At least the circus show of an
Thinker's Corner
The best and most beautiful things
in the world cannot be seen or even
touched - they must be felt
with the heart
— Helen Keller
interminable murder trial has laid
bare the craven nature of the so-called
men of war. Behind the thundering
and fire-spitting carapace of a former
general is a spineless form. I had lived
under the illusion that generals damn
the consequences, including death!
While the trial lasted, he did not even
affect an air of stoicism. Rather, he
caught a pathetic sight of a man para-
lysed with fear - always in the dumps,
eyeing the judge wistfully, fawning and
jockeying for clemency! O Nigerian
generals!
Not that anyone wished the stinker
and his comrades-in-crime were sur-
rendered to the gallows. But at least
life incarceration might be a condign
atonement for their crying atrocities
against unarmed Nigerians while
they were draped in appurtenances
of raw power.
Of course, the law of evidence in
murder (attempted murder) trials
weighs heavily against the prosecu-
tion. The platitudinous phrase ‘prove
beyond a reasonable doubt’ is usually a
saving grace but sometimes an unwit-
ting collaborator in crime - aiding and
abetting criminality. We accept it is bet-
ter for a judge to err on the side of cau-
tion in cases where life is the forfeit. It
is better for a thousand criminals to go
scot free than for an innocent soul to be
made the sacrificial lamb.
It is regrettable being compatriots
of sadists and spineless generals. Ni-
gerians have no modicum of regard
for those generals whose stock-in-trade
were coup-making, perfidy and crim-
inality. Watching them bark orders to
civilians during their reign of terror,
you mistook them for men of steel.
And I pity an unfortunate nation that
www.independent.ng
spawned these funks dissembling as
men of valour.
So, the nation could claim a page
in the Guinness Book of Records for
producing a record number of gener-
als that flagged, floundered and fainted
under fire, real and imagined! Thank
God Abacha did not stretch his aggres-
sions to Bakassi. Rather than declare
war against Cameroun and risk turn-
ing his army into Prisoners of War in
Yaounde, he chose to fight his war in
the city, against unarmed Nigerians!
Even the officers the shyster sent
outside the shores of Nigeria against
rag-tag armies had their minds in gov-
ernment houses or political appoint-
ments. Till date, no one has given us
the number of Nigerian soldiers killed
in Liberia and Sierra Leone. And they
are getting the appointments, aren’t
they? GENERALising Nigeria in a de-
mocracy! By the time a state of emer-
gency is declared in the remaining 34
states and 774 local governments, there
will be no more generals for the jobs!
I restate my call in The Guardian
October 4, 2004 and ThisDay Novem-
ber 16, 2004 respectively: “All military
officers that held political offices
between 1966 and 1979 should be re-
turned to their pre-1966 ranks. Yaku-
bu Gowon, for instance, should hence-
forth be addressed as Lt. Col. (rtd). The
same for Odumegwu Ojukwu. All of-
ficers that partook in political gover-
nance from 1983 to 1999 should revert
to their pre-1983 ranks. Their service to
the nation ended with the subversion
of the Constitution of the nation… A
situation where a soldier would seize
power by force and return to lead the
same country passes us for a nation
and people without conscience and
common sense” and “Since Nigeria
was brought to her knees essentially
by the military, no former military rul-
ers or administrators must hold elec-
tive office for at least half a century.”
If Earnest Shonekan had had a
whiff of military training during
his college days, he would probably
have checkmated Abacha. No single
institution should monopolize the ca-
pability to wield the weapons of force.
Henceforth, all students of higher in-
stitutions must undergo compulsory
one solid year of rigorous military
training. With such background,
they will have the capability to defend
their votes and, if need be, rise against
arbitrariness and unconstitutionali-
ties; the police will be forced to civilize
- guide and protect protesters as done
in other climes; a dictator like Abacha
will not last a month in power; there
will be mutual respect between citi-
zens and members of the armed forc-
es… Above all, the Nigerian President
will willy-nilly respect the rule of law
and tow the path of constitutionalism.
First published in 2006