The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

Leader of socio-political body gets share of Senate election bonanza

THE curtain will be drawn on the race for the four top offices of the National Assembly on Tuesday. New lawmakers are expected to be sworn in and immediately elect their leaders, namely the Senate President and his deputy, and the Speaker and Deputy Speaker for the House of Representatives.

Aspirants to the top offices have stepped up their campaigns. Abuja is a beehive. Nigeria’s most luxurious hotel, Transcorp, is the centre of action for the Senate race. An aspirant holds court in the hotel, doling out cash in local and hard currencies.

Prominent figures from different states are trooping there to “obtain” – apologies to a politician from Delta State in the General Ibrahim Babangida era. The abode of the newbreed politician, as Babangida called them, who was campaigning for governor, had turned into a collection centre for anybody, relevant and irrelevant, who desired thousands of crisp naira notes.

At the Transcorp last week, a chieftain of a socio-cultural group whose kinsmen are known to protest perceived marginalisation in governmental affairs, visited an aspirant with the deepest of pockets to pledge support. A senator-elect and kinsman of the chieftain ushered him into the aspirant’s suite.

Read Also: Senate shifts valedictory session as Tinubu meets Senators-Elect tomorrow

Once they got into the suite, the Senator-elect showered praises on his kinsman. He spoke of his towering stature as a politician, businessman and leader of the socio-cultural organisation. With him, he assured the aspirant, senators from the zone of the chieftain will vote for him. A senator present almost shouted “Chineke!” that is “my God!”

Satisfied that he had secured the commitment of every senator from the zone, he thanked the chieftain for his coming and support. Of course, that came with a massive envelope containing some bundles of the much sought-after dollar notes.

PDP plot against APC

The main opposition party is plotting to take control of at least a chamber of the National Assembly. Its plan is to get its member to win the race for either Speaker of the House or President of the Senate.

Alternatively, it is plotting to back a recalcitrant APC member, thereby torpedoing the zonal arrangement of the ruling party.

The worst case scenario for the PDP is a re-enactment of the 2011 episode when Aminu Tambuwal defied the PDP and aligned with the then ACN to defeat Mulikat Akande for the office of Speaker.

The arrowheads of the PDP onslaught are Bukola Saraki, whose wings have been clipped in Kwara, Tambuwal who failed to install his preferred candidate as governor in Sokoto and some erstwhile journalists-turned consultants and strategists.

The PDP chiefs are queuing behind Yari and keeping their choice for Speaker close to their chests. Their resolve: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must not have his way.

June 10, 2023
June 12: Thirty years after

On Monday, some civil society groups will gather to celebrate ‘June 12,’ the anniversary of denial, deprivation and crude manners by military conquerors, oppressors and exploiters.

Many youths will turn to their parents to ask questions, since the study of history has been downplayed in most schools. They are likely to be taken aback that a free and fair election held on June 12, 1993 was cancelled by despots.

It is a story of great betrayal. It happened on two fronts. The first was disloyalty to the cherished values of friendship. That was an unresolved personal matter between former military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), the Evil Genius, and his friend, the late business mogul, Bashorun Moshood Kashimaawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, who died in the struggle to reclaim his mandate.

The second was infidelity to the bewildered nation-state that was thirsty for a new order. There is still lamentation over what had amounted to a waste of time and public resources on a transition programme that led to nowhere, and the resultant illusion of hope.

The casualty was democracy, as the long and tortious journey to the envisaged popular rule was truncated. The Army Generals and their befuddled treacherous collaborators loomed large on the nation’s administrative stage back then. They caused mischief, wreaked havoc and unleashed terror on the people’s psyche. They wallowed in the illusion that there would not be a tomorrow.

Read Also: NAPOC, others hold global June 12 Day in U.S.

Key actors and those who witnessed the dark period cannot forget the treachery and the inhumanity of man against fellow man. Apart from the destruction of the federal principle, the criminal annulment of the historic, credible and transparent June 12, 1993 presidential poll won by the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Abiola, would have been the greatest legacy of military rule.

The pain has lingered for three decades. The scars have not totally healed. Life became short, brutish and nasty in Nigeria as the soldiers stood against the people, turning the thriving country into a banana republic without caring a hoot.

As protests in defence of the people’s mandate turned bloody, innocent souls were wasted through the smoking guns of foot soldiers. Homes of pro-democracy crusaders were bombed. Their families were molested. Their businesses were crippled. Fear became palpable.

Scores were hounded into detention where they were subjected to inhuman treatment. They lost their freedom. Many others were exiled. Even those who escaped through the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) route suffered deprivations. They never planned for the nightmare of sojourning in foreign lands without sources of income and minimal comfort.

Tribes were played against tribes. National unity was sacrificed. What mattered to Babangida before he stepped aside in shame was self-perpetuation in power. He obviously underrated the complexity of Nigerian society. His inglorious agenda collapsed. But, sadly, the collective goal of an orderly transfer of power was not realised.

The same script of regime protection and sit-tight prognostics were acted by the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, following the collapse of the interim contraption headed by frontline economic manager but political naive Chief Ernest Shonekan of blessed memory.

Regrettably, June 12 was a failed battle. The efforts of freedom fighters were in vain for three reasons. First, the annulment of the poll result was never reversed by the annullers. Second, the symbol of the legitimate struggle, Abiola, died mysteriously in detention without realising his ambition to govern. With him also died his agenda to abolish poverty in the country.

Third, when civil rule was restored in 1999, power eluded true democrats at the centre. The beneficiaries were majorly military lackeys and confederates.

But it is now gratifying that 30 years after, a key witness, pro-democracy arrowhead and democrat, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who was instrumental to the proclamation of ‘June 12’ as Nigeria’s ‘Democracy Day’ by former President Muhammadu Buhari, is now in the saddle as President and Commander-in-Chief.

The surviving NADECO warriors may take solace in the fact that they may still have a unique opportunity at the twilight of life to contribute ideas to the reshaping of Nigeria through constitutional reforms under the leadership of a trusted ally and dependable comrade.

If the political class had heeded Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s admonition to exercise caution about jumping at the deceptive transition programme, perhaps, the polity would not have been taken for a ride. In his letter to the Political Bureau, chaired by Dr. J. S. Cookey, the sage observed that Nigeria had embarked on an deceptive search for democracy, warning that when people had imagined that the new order had arrived, they would be terribly disappointed.

Babangida converted Nigeria into a political laboratory for endless experimentations. After banning, unbanning and banning politicians, he advised them to form political associations. None of the 14 associations was registered as a political party. Instead, the military regime imposed two parties – the SDP and National Republican Convention (NRC) – on new breed politicians. The military also wrote manifestos for the two federal agencies christened political parties.

Twice, the handover date was shifted, thereby elongating the dubious transition programme that IBB, a wily political gambler, had designed to fail. The nation endured his antics. Politicians went through the hurdles of Option A4. When Abiola and Bashir Tofa of NRC were named the candidates for the contest, the coast became clear.

Nigerians, who were already fed up with military rule, trooped out on poll day to elect Abiola. The election was not shaped by ethnicity and religion but by the determination of Nigerians to draw the curtains on military rule.

The election was free and fair. There was no report of violence, rigging or any unruly behaviour among voters. It was a festival of choice and change. The National Electoral Commission (NEC), chaired by Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, had accomplished a big task. Results were being released in trickles. Suddenly, NEC stopped further release of the results, following an “order from above”. It was the end of the exercise.

Read Also: Between June 12, 1993 and February 25, 2023

A judge had been instigated at midnight to give an order restraining the NEC from conducting the poll. The infamous Association for Better Nigeria (ABN), led by maverick Senator Arthur Nzeribe and a phony character called Abimbola Davies, mobilized forces and resources to discredit the poll. But it was futile.

Abiola, the clear winner of the election, was derided by former Military Vice President Augustus Aikhomu, an Admiral of the Navy, saying the rich were not necessarily philosophical kings. In utter insensitivity to the wind of change, Babangida became more imperious. He said although he did not know who would succeed him, he knew those who would not.

The military became divided. Majority supported the conclusion of the political process. But the few who opposed Abiola were more powerful.

June 12 became a big battle of the people. Amidst the melee, there were clear barriers. Abiola had jetted out to rally the support of the international community for his mandate. Former Information Minister Uche Chukwumerije mocked him, describing him as the first Aare Ona Kankanfo of Yoruba land to run from a battle.

Abiola returned to Nigeria only to meet a divided and rancourous SDP. His business was ebbing away. Government had clamped down on his newspaper, Concord, and other media sympathetic to his cause. While NADECO, Afenifere and other pro-democracy groups stood firm, prominent members of the political class changed their allegiance.

When Abiola declared that he had won the poll, IBB yelled like a power-drunk ruler on the National Television Authority (NTA). People shook their heads as the military president was staggering after he alighted from the Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC) meeting. Asked by reporters to react to Abiola’s declaration, he said: “We know how we declare our president.”

Babangida vowed to deal ruthlessly with protesters who demanded his exit on August 27, 1993, warning that “we are not only in office, we are in power”.

But the protest became more sporadic. He was forced to hand over, but to an unelected government, thereby forfeiting a honourable mention in the history of democratic transition.

However, IBB wreaked havoc beyond August 27, 1993. He set up an interim government without a specific tenure. He said it was meant to exist within a reasonable period. The status and powers of the interim Head of Government were suspect. It appeared the Minister of Defence, Abacha, who he left behind, was the actual Commander-in-Chief.

Rationalising the interim option, General Olusegun Obasanjo, an ardent critic of the Babangida regime, said although it was regrettable, it was nevertheless understandable. Later, he even said Abiola was not the messiah Nigerians were expecting.

Yet, Abiola himself played into the hand of Abacha, who shoved Shonekan aside, after Justice Dolapo Adesanya had declared the ING illegal. In his naivety, he collaborated with the maximum ruler, deluding himself into thinking that he would later hand over to him.

There was a parting of ways. At the Epetedo declaration, the die was cast. Following Abiola’s declaration of himself as president, the military authorities started to hunt for him. He went into hiding. He was later arrested and detained for five years. He did not come back alive. The rest, as it is said, is history.

What are the gains of June 12? The first lesson is that a free and fair poll is possible. Nigeria requires electoral reforms. It is an unfinished business expected to be undertaken by the Tinubu administration.

The second is that only a cross-ethnic support or votes from diverse parts of the people can install a president for all Nigerians. That was the reality in the days of Abiola. It was also demonstrated on February 25 when Tinubu was elected by popular votes.

Third, the electoral commission of the Third Republic embraced its duty with passion and patriotism. The method of voting involved lining up and straight counting. It is now old-fashioned. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu era has come up with innovative methods, including BIVAS. It should only be fine-tuned for future polls.

Fourth, those who lose elections should embrace the reality and wait for another day. Remarkably, many NRC chieftains accepted Abiola’s victory.

Fifth, the same-faith presidential ticket is possible in a highly heterogeneous country with diverse religious inclinations. The option can be dictated by inevitable circumstances. These were exemplified in Abiola/Babagana Kingibe ticket in the 1993 poll and Tinubu/Kashim Shettima ticket in the 2023 election.

Sixth, the message in 1993 was that military rule was outdated. Nigerians yearned for civil rule and political stability. Since 1999, civil rule has been in place. But, it is just one element of democracy, which is broader.

Abiola’s associate, Tinubu, is now in the saddle. It was “Hope” then; it is “Renewed Hope” now. The greatest tribute to Abiola’s memory is for the President to implement the agenda of poverty abolition across the country. That was the late Abiola’s plan for Nigeria. This is what the poor masses expect from their capable and trusted President Tinubu.

June 10, 2023
NUC presents provisional licenses to 37 new private universities

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has given provisional licences to the newly established 37 universities approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on May 15.

According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Executive Secretary, NUC, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, at the presentation of provisional licences to the universities, said that the number of private universities in the country now stood at 147.

Rasheed, who said that the country now has 264 universities, said that investment in tertiary education was a prerequisite for human capital development in the country.

He said that access to university education remained a challenge due to the high demand and increasing number of secondary school graduates.

“The Nigerian statistics of the high demand for tertiary education is grossly inadequate. Statistics put the number of enrollment in tertiary institutions at 2.23 million which is about 12 percent of the total population of 220 million,” he said.

Rasheed charged the proprietors of the newly established universities to ensure that the motive for creating the universities were not for money but for a higher and noble goal.

”In establishing universities, you don’t expect to get financial rewards. If your main motive is to make money, then you are in the wrong place. You are here to pay back to humanity.

”The establishment of private universities is in dire need of passion from people so that passion should drive you,” he added.

While charging the proprietors of quality assurance in the universities, the NUC boss assured of the commission’s support and cooperation to grow the university system.

The Permanent Secretary, the Federal Ministry of Education, David Adejo, said the federal government was committed to a public-private partnership, especially in the education sector which gave rise to the new universities.

Read Also: ‘How universities can be self-sufficient’

Adejo said this was in a bid to increase access for the university education system.

According to him, the gross total enrollment ratio stands at 12 percent so there is a gap between demand and supply and as long as this gap exists, the government will continue to welcome proposals for university enrollment by credible groups. He said the government would ensure that quality assurance and minimum standards in those universities were not compromised.

The lists of the newly licensed private universities are: Rayhaan University, Kebbi State: Muhammad Kamalu-Deen University, Kwara State; Sam Maris University, Ondo State; and Aletheia University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.

Others are Lux Mundi University, Abia State; Maduka University, Enugu State; Peaceland University, Enugu State; Amadeus University, Abia State; Vision University, Ogun State; Azman University, Kano State; Huda University, Zamfara State; Franco British International University, Kanuna; and Canadian University of Nigeria, FCT.

On the list are Miva Open University, FCT; Gerar University of Medical Sciences, Ogun State; British Canadian University, Cross River State; Hensard University, Bayelsa State; Phoenix University

Nasarawa State; Wigwe University, Rivers State; and Hillside University of Science and Technology, Ekiti State.

Also, University of the Niger, Anambra State; Elrazi University of Medical Sciences, Kano State; Venite University, Ekiti State; ,Shanahan University, Anambra State; the Duke Medical University, Cross River State; Mercy Medical University, Osun State; Cosmopolitan University, FCT; Iconic Open University, Sokoto State; West Midland Open University, Oyo State; and Amaj University, FCT are in the list

In the list are also Prime University, FCT; El-Amin University, Niger state; College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna State; Jewel University, Gombe; Nigerian University of Technology and Management, Lagos State; , Al-Muhibbah Open University, FCT; and Al-Bayan University, Kogi State.

June 10, 2023
Bolt, Uber, other ride-hailing drivers demand 200 percent price increase
- Issue seven day ultimatum to app companies
RIDE-HAILING drivers, including Uber, Bolt, LagRide, and Indriver have demanded a 200 percent price increase from ride-hailing companies.

They also demanded that the commission fee be reduced by 50 percent.

The riders also gave ride-hailing companies a seven-day ultimatum to meet their demands.

National President, the Amalgamated Union of App based Transport Workers of Nigeria, (AUATWON), Adedamola Adeniran presented the demands of riders during a press conference on Friday in Abuja.

Other demands by the union included: recognition of AUATWON, collective bargaining with AUATWON on a periodic basis, unlawful deactivation of drivers, the safety of drivers, collaborative design for a fast and speedy appeal process for deactivated drivers, and research collaboration.

Adeniran said: “AUATWON has decided that a seven-day ultimatum will be given to the app companies which will expire Friday 16, June 2023.

Read Also: Bolt pledges €2.5m to attract female drivers in Nigeria, others

“During this period, app companies are expected to initiate a discussion for negotiation and dialogue on the below-listed demands, by responding to our demands through the submission of a letter to the Federal Ministry of Labour ( both offices of the permanent secretary and the registrar of trade union) and copying AUATWON and the Nigerian Labour Congress.

“We also purport that it is important for the government in taking responsibility for mediating the process and organizing the venue, date, and time for the dialogue.

“In the event that the app companies disregard our demand for negotiation and collective bargaining, we shall embark on an indefinite nationwide protest until all of our demands are met.

“We believe that to whom much is given, much is also expected. In view of this, we iterate that we have given much of our services to your companies to survive, and it has only made the CEOs of these companies richer while workers continue to get poorer.

“We say enough is enough, and we demand the liberty of workers.”
June 10, 2023
Alleged €250m fraud: Court adjourns to Sept 22
for submission of final written addresses

JUSTICE Mojisola Dada of an Ikeja Special Offences Court has adjourned till September 22, 2023 for adoption of a final written address in the alleged €250 million fraud involving a Malaysian, the late Tan Ah Chai Richard, and his company, Coastal Asia Investments Limited.

Justice Dada fixed the date after the defence counsel informed the court of closing their case and after conclusion of cross-examination of the prosecutor’s witness.

Richard and his company were first arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on May 22, 2019, on a five-count charge bordering on forgery, use of a false document, conspiracy to forge, and an attempt to obtain money by false pretence to the tune of €250 million.

He had pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.

During trial, Richard reportedly died in prison custody, necessitating the need to amend the charges.

On January 28, 2022, the prosecution approached the court with an amended charge.

One of the amended charges reads: “Tan Ah Chai Richard (Deceased), Coastal Asia Investments Limited, and Dr. Sawang Jana (still at large), on or about the 27th September 2018 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, conspired to commit a felony, to wit: forgery of Swift Telex Advice dated 27th September 2018, indicating transfer of the sum of €250,000,000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Million Euros) to Coastal Asia Investments Limited account with Polaris Bank Plc (formerly Skye Bank Plc), from HSBC Bank Plc, London, United Kingdom.”

During renewed proceedings on January 19, 2023, the defence had applied to the court to reopen its case, but the application was yet to be served on the prosecution.

Read Also: EFCC arrests 52 suspected internet fraudsters in Ogun

During another sitting of the court, the absence of the defence counsel, Mr. A. Onifade, stalled the progress of the case.

However during resumed proceedings yesterday, Onifade finally moved the application of the defence, seeking to open its case.

Counsel for the prosecution, R.A. Abdulrasheed, did not object, and he informed the court that the witness of the prosecution on whom a subpoena was issued, was also in court.

The application of the defence was granted by Justice Dada.

Thereafter, Onifade cross-examined the witness, John Yamah, an investigative officer of the EFCC who investigated the alleged crime.

Under cross-examination, the defence, through the witness, tendered in evidence the international passport of the late Richard, and it was admitted as exhibit by the court.

Onifade further asked the witness about “a search note filled by him”.

The witness denied knowledge of a search conducted on his residence.

Thereafter, Onifade informed the court that it was closing its case.

The trial judge consequently adjourned till September 22 for submission of written addresses.

June 10, 2023
Why Tinubu suspended Emefiele as CBN gov
- Apex bank chief faces DSS probe over alleged money laundering, terror financing, others
- Folashodun Shonubi to act as Central Bank helmsman
The suspension yesterday of Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele by President Bola Tinubu may have been triggered by the probe instituted against him last week by the House of Representatives, The Nation learnt last night.

News of the CBN governor’s suspension was broken by the Director of Information in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation OSGF (OSGF), Willie Bassey.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has suspended the Central Bank Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, CFR, from office with immediate effect,” Bassey said in a statement.

“This is sequel to the ongoing investigation of his office and the planned reforms in the financial sector of the economy.

“Mr Emefiele has been directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate), who will act as the Central Bank Governor pending the conclusion of investigation and the reforms,” he added.

The apex bank’s deputy governor in charge of Operations, Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi, was asked to take over in an acting capacity.

Sources in Abuja told The Nation that sequel to Emefiele’s suspension he has been barred from leaving the Federal Capital and may be probed by the Department of State Services (DSS) for alleged terrorism financing.

It was gathered that the House of Representatives’ inquisition into the activities of the CBN under Emefiele has opened many cans of worms, such that the authorities felt compelled to send him home to allow for proper investigation.

“There is a lot of dossier on him (Emefiele), so it is only proper that he should step aside in order to allow for proper investigation into the allegations preferred against him,” the source said.

Another source familiar with the development said: “The CBN governor’s probe by the Reps is just a prelude to what may follow in a few days.”

An ad hoc committee of the House investigating the alleged missing 48 million barrels of Bonny Light crude had summoned Emefiele to provide details on the N32.5 billion said to have been paid to two companies — Messrs GSCL Consulting and Bizplus — without formal records.

The Green Chamber is also investigating an alleged payment of $200 million to the firms for “consultancy service.”

Speaking at the investigative hearing, Mark Gbillah, chairman of the ad hoc committee, said available records showed that the CBN paid N16.5 billion to each of the two companies on the same day.

Gbillah added that the amount was withdrawn by the companies within two months.

The lawmaker said it was important for Nigerians to know why the apex bank paid the said amount to the companies, especially when Abubakar Malami, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, denied knowledge of the payments.

Embattled Emefiele barred from leaving Abuja

Mr. Emefiele, according to sources, has been restricted to Abuja for now and there were indications last night that the DSS might revisit its investigation of him for alleged terrorism financing.

It was also learnt that Emefiele may not return to his office and the Presidency technically removed the CBN Governor through suspension instead of outright sack because Tinubu was constrained by the law.

By the CBN Act, Emefiele can only be removed by two-thirds majority of the Senate, which will hold its 9th valedictory session today.

A source claimed that although Emefiele was advised by some forces to resign, he underrated the signal.

The source said Emefiele assumed he could earn the confidence of the new government.

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that Emefiele has many pending allegations against him but DSS probe was “crucial and interesting.”

A reliable source said: “Since it was a security matter, former President Muhammadu Buhari did not stop DSS from investigating Emefiele. But some members of the cabal in the Presidency frustrated the DSS.

“Now it is obvious the DSS may probe him because the encumbrances are no longer there. He had gone to the DSS headquarters for grilling before pressure came from some influential forces to halt the move.”

His suspension last night was soon followed by speculations that he had been arrested by the DSS.

But the spokesman for the DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya, could not immediately confirm the arrest.

In a chat with our correspondent, he wrote: “Inundated. I may not be able to make any confirmations NOW, please.”

On the likely recall of Emefiele from suspension, a government source said “it is remote. He has been technically removed like the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan did to a former CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

Read Also: Reps summons Emefiele over N32.5b payment without records

“By the provision of Section 11 of the CBN Act 2007, the President cannot unilaterally remove a CBN Governor, Deputy Governor or a director.

The section says that a CBN Governor can be sacked “provided that the removal of the Governor shall be supported by two-thirds majority of the Senate praying that he be so removed.”

“With the 9th Senate holding its valedictory session today, the legal advice available to President Bola Tinubu was suspension.

“But the curtain is already drawn on Emefiele’s tenure. Apart from the DSS factor, there are other issues he may need to clarify.”

The government source claimed that “the CBN Governor was prevailed upon by many sources but he underrated the advice. He assumed he could earn the confidence of this administration.”

A source said Emefiele “has not been arrested but I know he will not be allowed to venture out of Abuja.”

The source recalled how the DSS had, last December, sought to file charges of money laundering and terrorism financing against him.

The department said at the time that it was investigating Emefiele for “various acts of terrorism financing, fraudulent activities and his involvement in economic crimes of national security dimension.”

It claimed he was involved in “fraud, mismanagement of interventionist funds, round tripping and conferment of financial benefit to self and others.”

The DSS had averred, in the suit: FHC/ABJ/CS/2255/2022 that its preliminary investigation showed various acts of terrorism financing, fraudulent activities perpetrated by Emefiele and his involvement in economic crimes of national security dimension.

‘An end to a turbulent era’

Reacting to Emefiele’s suspension, Uche Uwaleke, a financial economist and Professor of Finance and Capital Market in the Department of Banking and Finance of Nasarawa State University Keffi, said: “The Suspension of Godwin Emefelie was long foretold. But this announcement caught not a few by surprise.

“The President cannot sack the CBN Governor, but he can suspend, which is what the President has done. Recall that Mr Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was equally suspended from office by the Jonathan administration. This Suspension will mark an end to a turbulent era.”

He added: “Godwin Emefiele will be remembered for implementing big ideas such as the Anchor Borrower Programme, the RT200, the eNaira and a raft of interventions which helped to stimulate the economy during periods of economic recession.”

Uwaleke stated that “Emefelie, to a large extent, succeeded in ensuring financial sector stability going by the prudential ratios. His FOREX demand management policies, especially the 41 items not qualified for FOREX, promoted import substitution, conserved external reserves and ensured relative stability in exchange rates.

“It would be unfair to blame him for the current high inflation rate since most of the causative factors are beyond the control of the CBN.

“On the flip side, he will also be remembered for the currency redesign exercise which didn’t go down well with Nigerians, and the CBN Ways and Means, which grew astronomically during his tenure.

“His greatest mis-step was his attempt to join the list of presidential candidates. All said, I think he deserves some rest now.

He was said to have applied for overseas study leave in the twilight of the Buhari administration.

A Presidency source at the time informed The Nation that there was an application from Mr. Emefiele seeking such approval.

“I heard the CBN Governor applied to the President for study leave, but I don’t know if the President has granted the application,” the source said.

Emefiele was appointed to the office on June 4, 2014 by former President Goodluck Jonathan to replace Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

Sanusi himself was suspended on February 2, 2014 for alleged “financial recklessness and misconduct,” after alleging that $20bn in oil revenue had gone missing.

The man Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi

Mr. Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi was born on the 7th of March, 1962.

He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Lagos and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering with bias in Production Engineering from the same University.

He switched to Finance and obtained a Masters’ in Business Administration, specializing in Finance.

He began his working experience as a Consultant Engineer at Mek-ind Associates and worked from 1984 to 1989. From 1989 to 1990, he was a Marketing Executive at Inlaks Computers Limited.

He moved to Citibank Nigeria Limited as Head, Treasury Operations from 1990 to 1993. He joined Agusto & Co. Ltd as a Supervising Consultant from 1993 to 1996 from where he moved to MBC International Limited as Deputy General Manager, Banking Operations & Information Technology from 1999.

In 1999, he joined First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited as Vice-President, Operations & Information Technology and was there till 2002.

In 2003, he moved from FCMB to Ecobank Nigeria Plc as an Executive Director, Operations & Information Technology and in 2007 he became the Director, Information Technology and Corporate Services, Renaissance Securities Nigeria Limited.

He was recruited by Union Bank of Nigeria Limited as an Executive Director, Operations, Technology and Services, September 2009 to April 2012.

He became the Managing Director/CEO, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc from May 2012 to October 2018.

October 2018 to date, Mr. Folashodun is the Deputy Governor, Operations of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) representing the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria on the Board of FIRS since the 9th of December, 2019. He is married with children.
June 10, 2023
EFCC arrests 108 suspected internet fraudsters in Ogun, Rivers

OPERATIVES of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 108 suspected internet fraudsters in Ogun and Rivers State.

According to the spokesman of the anti-graft agency, Wilson Uwujaren, 56 of the suspects were arrested in Port Harcourt, Rivers State while 52 others were arrested in another operation in Ogun State.

Uwujaren made the disclosures in a statement he issued in Abuja yesterday.

According to him, the suspects in Rivers State were arrested on Monday in a sting operation at Rivtaf Golf Estate, Port Harcourt, following intelligence reports on their alleged internet fraud-related activities.

Their activities, he said, included dating/romance scams, investment scams, oil scams, contract scams, impersonation, business scams, possession of fraudulent documents, cryptocurrency scam and forgery.

“The suspects are Chukwuemeka Andrew, Gospel Asawale, Godbless Otuan, Francis ThankGod, Kingsley Udennaka, Ajuobi Obioma, Gogo Johnson, Hope Offor, Oxford Ibinabo, Boma Kallu, Ebuka Igwe, Hope Nweke, Augutus Chukwudi and Benard Greatman.

“Others are Chile Mark, George Lumartins, Iyala Ibisejubotonbo, Chizzy Collins, Marvin Maccus, Chimaobi Emmanuel, Precious Chibukem Kelvin, Peter Ayigi, Godswill Chukwu, Dele Emmanuel Niabari, Gabriel Noble, George Williams and Prince Sonah.

“There were also Iwuoha Wisdom Chinemerem, Divine Loiya Princewill, Victor Ajieaku, Goodluck Richman, Nnadozie Kenneth, Daniel Bright Asuquo, Dickson Mirade, Onyechi Emmanuel, Chika Eguma, Fraclin Onokpite, Silvar Uzoeto and Great Rapheal,” he said.

Uwujaren identified other suspects arrested in Port Harcourt as Victor Awahobasi, Sydney Morris Olaka Nkpoma, Boma Sobio, Uche Jerry, Onooriode Ruemu, Prince Davidson, Michael Anderson, Lovina Harry and Oti Wilfred Chinonso.

“They also included Divine Success, Promise Blessing Tamunoimama, Kpakol Bethram Tombari, Michael Solomon, Faisal Abdul, Victor Eseh Chika and Daniel David Elubu.

“Items recovered from the suspects include phones of different brands, laptop computers, Nigerian and Spanish passports, Apple wristwatches, ATM cards, local and foreign currencies (pounds, dollars, cents and E2 Coins (Binary Coin).

Read Also: EFCC arrests identical twins, 26 others for alleged internet fraud

“Other items include different brands of exotic cars – a black Lexus GS 460, C300 4Matic Mercedes Benz car, a black Lexus I

S250, a black Lexus ES350, a Toyota Corolla 2007 Model, a black Range Rover and a black Toyota Camry,” he said.

He said that the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigation was concluded.

In Ogun State, operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of EFCC also arrested no fewer than 52 suspected internet fraudsters in Ogun State.

Uwujaren, who also disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on yesterday, identified the suspects as Olamilekan Ayuba, Ogundeyi Kayode, Abdulrahman Abiodun, Blessing Omokaro, Olasupo Ridwan, Adetola Salau, Adeola Ideraoluwa, Victor Osikwemeh, Taiwo Ayobami, Eleshin Ademola, Ayomipo Adelere, Shogbesan Quadri, Sanni Qudus.

“Others are: Olanite Oluwatosin, Olatunbosun Alameen, Aderemi Adekunle, Olawunmi Tosin, Ayobado Olatunde, Ariyo Taofik, Olugbade David, Olumayowa Adedayo, Aremu Alabi, Akintosoye Pelumi, Fatoye Akanbi and Adio Oyebanji.

“Also arrested were Adekoya Samuel, Adebayo Taiwo, Olawale Bayole, Emmanuel Benjamin, Omotosho Ayobami, Usman Boluwatife, Adewale Adeniyi, Obadina Olawunmi, Ashiru Abdullahi, Ahmed Mubarak, Idowu Kazeem, Olukoya Emmanuel and Yusuf Lukman.

“The suspects also include Agesin Eniola, Tajudeen Mustapha, Falola Olalekan, Usman Funsh, Bolaji Usman, Ayiyon Naoh, Mohammed Adeoye, Babatunde Seun, Afela Mustapha, Yusuf Habeeb Olanrewaju, Alao Ayomide, Oyeleye Uman Abduljelil Raji, Adeniyi Abdulmojeeb,” he said.

He said that they were arrested during sting operations between June 7 and June 8, following intelligence received by the commission about the activities of some individuals involved in computer-related fraud in some parts of the state.

He said that items recovered from the suspects included mobile phones, laptop computers and cars.

Uwujaren said that the suspects would be charged to court after investigations were concluded.

June 10, 2023
Ganduje, Kwankwaso renew rivalry over Kano demolition
- I could’ve slapped him if I’d met him in Aso Rock, ex-gov threatens
- Ganduje is the number one stooge, NNPP leader alleges
The rift between two former governors of Kano State; the immediate past Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and his predecessor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, further escalated on Friday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, when they paid separate visits on President Bola Tinubu.

It would be recalled that the two Kano political leaders had been at daggers drawn for more than five years over what has been explained to be a war of supremacy.

However, the old wound was reopened on Friday when both men, who had separately visited President Tinubu, decided to also address State House Correspondents separately, each one accusing the other of wrongdoings and throwing expletives and threats at each other.

Former governor Ganduje, who was the first to address correspondents after his meeting with the President, accused Senator Kwankwaso of being the mastermind of a series of building demolitions being executed by the new Kano governor, Abba Yusuf.

Ganduje, who dubbed his successor, Yusuf, as a stooge of Kwankwaso, however, threatened that, being within the walls of the Presidential Villa with his predecessor (Kwankwaso), he could have been tempted to slap him if he had run into him.

“I know he is in the building, but we have not met. Probably if we had met, maybe I could have slapped him”, Ganduje had said.

The former governor said he was in the Villa to brief President Tinubu on the heat that the actions of Governor Yusuf’s administration was generating in Kano, warning that if he was not curbed, the situation might degenerate into something of a religious crisis.

Ganduje lamented the fact that the shopping complex around the New Daula Hotel developed under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement and approved by the state’s executive, was demolished on the directive of Kwankwaso, without any investigation, without any notice, by the Yusuf administration.

“We appointed a technical committee right from the beginning. They submitted a report to the executive council. The executive council approved the PPP project. The PPP project is 90% executed, but now without any investigation, without any notice, this new government under the directive of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso demolished the building. The issue is in a court of law,” he lamented.

It would be recalled that Ganduje was the deputy governor under the Kwankwaso’s administration between 1999 – 2003 and 2011 – 2015.

Reacting to Ganduje’s claims and allegations against him, Kwankwaso, who emerged from the President’s office along with Senator-elect Jubril Abdulmumin, also accused Ganduje of abusing office while serving as governor, alleging several cases of land-grabbing.

Kwankwaso, who said they were both summoned to the Villa by President Tinubu over the tension being generated by the demolition in Kano, disclosed that the President was shocked when he was informed about Ganduje’s alleged misdeeds as governor of the state.

Read Also: Kwankwaso: bring back those who have left NNPP

The New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) candidate in the 2023 Presidential election, who in turn labelled his former governor as “number one stooge”, alleged that Ganduje illegally acquired the demolished properties.

“The President was shocked. Are you not shocked that somebody will sell university? Are you not shocked that he demolished the only university? Daula Hotel, for those of you who are in Kano, you know the old Daula, demolished to zero and that is a faculty under the university of science and technology. He demolished that one. Are you not shocked?

“The President was shocked. He didn’t know. He even mentioned that he talked to somebody to go and find out for him. But when I told him, I said you are a Muslim, very soon you are going for Sallah. How can you go under that circumstance and pray in that place? And even the Triumph place he is talking about. You are journalists, you should be angry because that’s your constituency, he demolished it completely and put shops everywhere,” he said.

According to Kwankwaso, his party, under Governor Abba Yusuf, was only fulfilling the campaign promises to demolish such structures.

“You see the governor is doing what we campaigned with. I wanted to be president, I campaigned also. And I went to Kano and told them that these places, schools, in fact most of our schools in Kano were being encroached on and it is our policy to make sure that the land they encroached on are returned to them,” he said.

But also speaking to correspondents after his separate meeting with the President, Kwankwaso dismissed his successor’s claim, accusing him of appropriating government property for himself and family members.

He revealed that the issue of a ministerial post for him in the Tinubu administration came up during his discussion with the president.

He conceded that he was open to work with the president to move the nation forward, adding that discussion on the issue was ongoing.

While noting that himself and the president had come a long way, Kwankwaso affirmed that he would not join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as Tinubu was only looking at a government of national unity.

Asked whether the issue of a ministerial appointment for him was discussed, he said: “The issue came up but we are still discussing. We will see how it comes to fruition. We will be very happy to see how we can move the country forward.”
June 10, 2023
How Electricity Act will impact sector, by experts

The signing of the Electricity Bill 2023 into law yesterday by President Bola Tinubu has the potentials of opening a new vista of opportunities in the nation’s electricity market, experts have said.

The Electricity Act which consolidates all legislations on the electricity sector is expected to guide the post-privatization phase of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry and encourage private sector investments in the sector.

It is replacing the Electricity and Power Sector Reform Act 2005.

Speaking with The Nation last night, Prof Adeola Akinnisiju, an energy expert hailed the coming of the Act and said it would liberalise the electricity sector.

“I think it is going to be a major opportunity to liberalise the sector by bringing many players legally into the electricity market,” he said.

“The law is going to allow not just the federal government alone to generate and distribute power but all other actors to generate as well as distribute power for their own electricity,” according to him.

Akinnisiju, a onetime President Association of International Energy Economists (AIEE), added: “The liberalisation is going to encourage small scale players and even communities to come together to generate their own electricity without the usual encumbrance associated with that kind of venture as it was the case in the past. That move will significantly increase supply of electricity across Nigeria. It is going to increase the economy including productivity across the country.”

He urged its immediate implementation.

His words:”I think the implementation should be immediate. With the removal of fuel subsidy some people are already thinking of bringing in electricity powered motor cars and motorcycles, as this will increase demand for electricity.

“So implementation of this policy which has since become law since it has been signed by the president will be the right thing to do now.”

Also commenting on the new law, Dr Muda Yusuf, the Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise [CPPE] described it as a game changer of some sorts.

He said: “The country has been battling a major deficit in electricity supply for ages, as such, this new bill assented to by President Bola Tinubu is a very good development. It will lead to more jobs, boost productivity and improve socioeconomic growth across all spheres of the economy.”

Yusuf, the immediate past Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) also said, President Tinubu deserves thumbs up for thinking through this policy and assenting to it early enough because it is long overdue.

Read Also: ‘Electricity reform’ll drive investments, improved services’

The 9th National Assembly passed the bill in July 2022.

The development comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s challenging power sector.

The law ensures the de-monopolisation of Nigeria’s electricity generation, transmission, and distribution at the national level and empowers states, companies and individuals to generate, transmit and distribute electricity.

Under the Act, states can issue licenses to private investors who can operate mini-grids and power plants within the state. However, the Act precludes interstate and transnational electricity distribution.

It empowers the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to regulate the electricity sector within Nigeria without prejudice to the states’ powers to make laws and create electricity markets within those states and to regulate those markets.

Electricity generation licensees are obligated to meet renewable generation obligations as may be prescribed by NERC. Under the Act, electricity generating companies will be mandated to either generate power from renewable energy sources, purchase power generated from renewable energy or procure any instrument representing renewable energy generation.

The Act also states that anyone may construct, own or operate an undertaking for generating electricity not exceeding 1 megawatt (MW) in aggregate at a site or an undertaking for distribution of electricity with a capacity not exceeding 100 kilowatts (KW) in aggregate at a site, or such other capacity as NERC may determine from time to time, without a license.

June 10, 2023
Subsidy removal: Obaseki approves three-day weekly work schedule

The Godwin Obaseki’s administration in Edo State has rolled out modalities for the implementation of the thrice-a-week office work directive, as part of efforts to ameliorate the sufferings of the people, in the wake of the rise in prices of goods and services and overall cost of living, occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government.

Edo Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa, yesterday in a meeting with Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), stated that the reduced office workdays would not affect the productivity and efficiency of the service.

He said: “The reduction of work days in Edo State will in no way affect our performance and productivity negatively. According to the directive of Governor Obaseki, workers in Edo State will work three days a week, and offices will not be shut in the two days of the five working days, as we will have officers on the ground to continue government activities.

Read Also: Obaseki raises minimum wage to N40,000

“People should continue to visit government offices, as the offices are open for business.

“The template of COVID-19 will be reactivated, as offices are not shut. Arrangements are in place for officers to come to work, ensuring government activities continue, provided that nobody is forced to work more than three days a week.

“For people who want to work for more than three days in a week, they should be allowed to do so, as the conducive environment and the uninterrupted Internet service attract workers to continue to come to work, and such people will be commended.”

June 10, 2023