The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Time up calls for patriotism, celebrates national heroes

    Time up calls for patriotism, celebrates national heroes

    The docu-drama, Time Up play production, has continued to draw reviews from theatre entusiasts for its thrust which celebrates Nigeria’s heroes.

    The  two-man play meant for Terra Kulture Theatre on the Lawn is gracing the stage on all weekends in June in Lagos.

    Witten by the award-winning broadcast journalist and playwright, Ola Awakan and directed by Ifeanyi Eziukwu, the docu-drama utilises thought-provoking dialogue to dissect the political, social and economic situations of Nigeria in such a unique manner.

    The joint production of Just Theatre House and Artswax Communications runs all through the weekends in June at Terra Kulture in Victoria Island Lagos.

    Read Also: Fuel subsidy and masses’ self-proclaiming heroes

    According to the playwright, the script was written in 2008 and updated to accommodate some of the current situations that have shaped the existence of the Nigerian society. The play creates characters that caricature the various vices that have combined to negatively affect the growth of Nigeria, politically and economically. Time Up can also be seen as a play that embraces history from the dimension of celebrating national heroes, both living and dead. Ifeanyi Eziukwu of Just Theatre Production gave a brilliant directorial approach to the play, hence making the actors to breathe into the audience in such a unique manner.

    For some of the art lovers who have seen the play, their reviews have been awesome. They talked about the power of research deployed by the writer to help preserve the history of Nigeria and document some of the major situations that have contributed to the present status of the country. 

    “I got an in-depth history of Nigeria. I also learned about the amount of suffering that has been happening in this country for so long. As a professor myself, I thoroughly enjoyed it,”says a member of the audiences

    Others describe how timely the play is at a time that Nigeria really needs the input of Nigerians to correct the wrongs and not wait for the government at all times.

  • NERC: Why DISCOs recorded 40% revenue loss

    NERC: Why DISCOs recorded 40% revenue loss

    • • Planned tariff hike yet to be implemented

    The Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has urged Distribution Companies (DisCos) to make investments in infrastructure upgrades, modernise their metering systems and improve revenue collection methods, to ensure better efficiency and more revenue. This position was contained in a report released by NERC

    The call followed the loss recorded by the DisCos after exceeding their allowed targets for Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection (ATC & C) losses. The ATC&C losses include technical, commercial and collection inefficiencies in the power distribution process, such as power theft, meter tampering, billing inaccuracies and revenue leakages.

    The Commission’s data for June, this year show that the ATC&C losses of all the Discos exceeded their permitted targets. The failure to meet target, according to NERC, comes at a time when the sector was considering an increase in electricity tariffs brought about by macroeconomic conditions.

    “These losses can be attributed to technical issues, such as power theft, meter tampering, and equipment failures and commercial challenges, such as billing inaccuracies and revenue leakages. Furthermore, collection losses arise from difficulties in retrieving payments from consumers,” the Commission noted in the report.The losses were recorded between the third and fourth quarters of last year.

    It put the cumulative Disco ATC&C loss in the fourth quarter of 2022 at 44.15 per cent- comprising of 23.84 per cent technical and commercial losses, and 26.67 per cent in collection losses.

    “Thus, this level of the ATC&C loss implies that throughout 2022/Q4, on average, N44.15 in every N100 worth of energy received by a DisCo was unrecovered due to a combination of inefficient distribution networks, energy theft, low revenue collection, and the unwillingness of customers to pay their bills,” the report stated.

    It also stated that any DisCo that could outperform its allowed ATC&C, that is, lower actual ATC&C than the target used to compute its cost-reflective tariff, would earn more returns on its set tariffs.

    “Conversely, any Disco that under-performs relative to its allowed ATC&C (i.e., has a higher actual ATC&C than the target) will be unable to earn the expected returns on its set tariffs and could risk long-term financial challenges,” the Commission said.

    NERC, in its report, also highlighted the need for urgent action to address the losses and improve the overall efficiency of the electricity distribution system. It stated that by surpassing the allowed targets, the Discos were failing to meet their obligations and not delivering electricity services in a financially sustainable manner.

    The report further noted that the ATC&C losses were grouped into technical losses, which include heat losses due to load flow in electrical lines and transformation loss in transformers. Another is commercial loss, which is due to discrepancy in meter reading, erroneous billing, unmetered consumption, or energy theft, while the last is collection loss that has to do with unpaid bills.

    Read Also: DisCos await NERC’s nod to increase electricity tariffs

    The NERC report stated that the Aggregate Technical, Commercial, and Collection loss was a summation of billing losses incurred by Discos due to their inability to bill 100 per cent of delivered energy to consumers.

    “It is important to note that the collection losses arise from Discos’ inability to collect against the invoices issued to consumers,” the regulator stated.

    It highlighted the fact that the ATC&C was a critical performance-setting parameter for tariff determination because it represented the efficient losses that Discos were allowed to recover from customers.

    According to the NERC report, in the third quarter of 2022, all the Discos experienced technical, commercial and collection losses of 46.42 per cent, which decreased to 44.15 per cent in the fourth quarter.

    Additionally, technical and commercial losses were recorded at 24.31 per cent in the third quarter of 2022 and improved to 23.84 per cent the following quarter.

    Furthermore, collection losses accounted for 29.13 per cent in the third quarter of 2022 and decreased to 26.67 per cent in the fourth quarter.

    It further explained that the ATC&C losses were critical to lower or higher electricity tariffs because they reflected the efficiency of the distribution system and the revenue collection of the utility.

    “ATC&C losses are the difference between the amount of electricity received by a distribution company from the transmission company and the amount of electricity for which it invoices its customers plus the loss of the adjusted collection,” the NERC stated.

    It said the higher the ATC&C losses, the lower the revenue and the higher the tariff required to cover the cost of supply.

    The regulator added, “Conversely, the lower the ATC&C losses, the higher the revenue and the lower the tariff required to maintain a reasonable return on investment.

    Meanwhile, respite comes for electricity consumers as the planned tariff increase scheduled for July 1 has not been implemented.

    A consumer on Ikeja Electric platform in Ojodu, Wale Odeyingbo, said he still got the same 203 units of electricity for N10,000 yesterday.

    Another consumer in Akute, Kevin dey Ojo, said it is quiet receiving that the intended increase has been put on hold.

    However, it might be a short lived relief going by the submission of the President, Nigeria Consumer Protection Network, and coordinator, Power Sector Perspectives, Kunle Olubiyo. “It might be raised quietly in the near future. Tariff adjustments happen every six months. However, most of us just concluded that the six months was supposed to end on June 30, 2023, and that with effect from July 1, there might be an upward review.

  • When culture drives product re-launch

    When culture drives product re-launch

    There couldn’t have been a better time than now to re-enact the culture of hard work, prayer and belief as Nigerians yearn earnestly for a new dawn. With different dance drama performances by Segun Adefila led Crown Troupe of Africa and other talking drummers, the tone for the gathering at Marriot Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos was set.

    It was the re-launch of International Distillers Limited’s Eagle Aromatic Schnapps campaign tagged: Journey with authentic prayers unveiled to promote hard work and dedication among Nigerians.

    Speaking at the event, the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Patrick Anegbe, said the campaign was launched to remind Nigerians, especially the youth of the age-long cultural value of hard work and prayer, especially against the backdrop of current realities.

    He said: “You may recall not too long ago we invited you to witness the rebirth of the Eagle and like the eagle bird, Eagle Aromatic Schnapps has been rejuvenated, coming in a trendy sleek bottle and majestic new pack. Since the re-launch, there have been positive reviews and wide acceptance from the market.

    “Today, we embark on a new journey with the authentic prayer drink, to inspire and to bring hope to our target audience with our new initiative. From generation to generation, our elders have passed on a recipe for success. The ingredients they say are – hard work, prayer and belief.”

    Read Also: Oyo state creates another ministry out of Information, Culture and Tourism ministry

    The company’s Head of Marketing, Mobolaji Alalade, said, “After a wide acceptance of our new look Eagle Aromatic Schnapps by our consumers, we unveil an exciting initiative, themed ‘Journey with Authentic Prayers’, which aimed at revolutionising the way the target audience interacts with the brand.”

    The company’s Head of Marketing, Mobolaji Alalade, said that the initiative was a follow-up to the re-launch of the brand, which was recently repackaged.

    “After a wide acceptance of our new look by our consumers, we unveil an exciting initiative, themed Journey with authentic prayers which aimed at revolutionising the way the target audience interacts with the brand.

    “It seeks to inspire individuals to work hard, pray and believe knowing that life itself is a journey. These ingredients; hard work, prayers and believe form a winning recipe for success. This push comes on the backdrop of the harsh economic realities. It will instill age-long values in our working class youths and motivate them to succeed,” Alalade added. As part of the campaign, Eagles Aromatic Schnapps will embark on market storms, road show, festival and palace visitation across cities and regions of the country. 

  • Akinyemi unveils poetry on financial system

    Akinyemi unveils poetry on financial system

    History beckons as talented Nigerian poet, essayist, storyteller and children’s book author, Tolu’ A. Akinyemi emerged the first to publish a collection of financial crime compliance poems titled, Architects of a Cleaner Financial System.

    With 20 published books, the writer has indeed etched his name in the literary hall of fame, showing the inimitable power of the written word and how writers can break boundaries using literary powers.

    The Newcastle, UK-based author cum financial crime compliance consultant, who has over a decade of experience working within the financial services sector, has set a precedent that not a few will seek to emulate in many years to come.

    Architects of a Cleaner Financial System is a collection of poems that x-rays inherent risks within financial crime compliance and how we can mitigate them. The poet addresses subjects such as Compliance Programmes, Know Your Customer, Sanctions, Anti-Money Laundering, Due Diligence, Politically Exposed Persons, Risk Assessments, and Screening among others.

    Read Also: Financial Relief in a Struggling Economy

    Filled with evocative language and demonstrating a mastery of the subject, this collection is the first in living memory that uses poetry as a tool to dissect issues within financial crime compliance.

    “To be the first writer, poet and personality to achieve this phenomenal feat gives me immense satisfaction. I hope this body of work becomes a reference point for many generations to come. Writing this book was spontaneous and never planned, but the publication is a testament that dreams are truly valid,” Akinyemi enthused.

    In his remarks, Nisha Joseph said, “This compilation of poems by Tolu’ will be a great resource for professionals within financial crime compliance. They show a true reflection of the enormous talent Tolu’ possesses, and his wealth of knowledge in the field of financial crime compliance.”

    Fondly called ‘Tolutoludo’ and ‘Lion of Newcastle’ by friends and fans, Akinyemi is co-founder of Lion and Lilac, a UK-based arts organisation. He also sits on the board of many organisations.      

  • Ajaka: Naija animation film ignites hope

    Ajaka: Naija animation film ignites hope

    Ajaka: Lost in Rome, a groundbreaking 20-minute animation film held its highly- anticipated screening at the Alliance France in Ikoyi, Lagos.

    The film, which has as director, Ayodele Elegba, revolves around Yoruba historical characters of the Oyo Empire but also makes a journey to Europe (Rome).

    The film screening proved to be an enchanting experience that left audiences spellbound with its captivating storytelling, stunning visuals, and profound themes.

    The event saw the presence of representatives of cinemas, major distributors and the state government in attendance. Also present were the crew behind the film. They shared their insights into the creative journey.

    Attendees were enthralled by the unique narrative, delving into the untold story of ‘Ajaka’, the former king of the old Oyo Empire, whose rivalry with his younger brother, Shango, had its consequences.

    Ajaka, a king longing for constant peace, was considered weak by Shango, who cunningly usurped the throne.

     Shango betrays Ajaka and exiles him from the Oyo Empire, leaving him vulnerable and displaced. The film follows his extraordinary journey as Ajaka endures the horrors of slavery and eventually finds himself as a gladiator in the grandeur of Rome. Determined to return home, Ajaka fights valiantly, seeking a way back to Oyo.

    The film mesmerises the audiences through its breathtaking animation, meticulously crafted characters, and a narrative that resonates with themes of resilience, love, brotherhood, and the unyielding pursuit of home.

    The immersive visuals transport viewers through the Yoruba and Roman culture and lifestyle through the rough roads of the old Oyo Empire and the vibrant streets of ancient Rome.

    According to Ajaka’s producers, the film screening was held in order to bring the film project before investors, saying their ultimate goal is make it into a feature-length masterpiece.

    “With the successful screening of the short film, we are seeking investors to help transform this remarkable story into a feature-length animation. This expanded version of the film will delve deeper into the journey of Ajaka to Rome, further exploring the rich historical context and the universal themes it embodies,” the film director and CEO of Spoof, Elegba, said.

    Read Also: Osinbajo highlights opportunities in Nigeria’s animation industry

    Before now film companies from Europe and America have partnerships with animation and comic creators from Nigeria, making animation sector the new frontier for Nollywood’s continuous growth in the global film market. Given the trend, Elegba said that the sector has a global investment value not just for the private sector but for Nigeria’s economy as well. He stated: “We are confident that the movie has the potential to capture a global audience and leave a lasting impact that will start conversations on identity, history and the power of the human spirit. By investing in the feature-length adaptation, supporters will contribute to an extraordinary animation and play a crucial role in promoting African storytelling to the rest of the world”.

    Spoof was founded based on the principle that Africa can make quality animations, so since 2016, Spoof has built a place that houses the best animation artists who have worked with clients from around the world since inception.

    Besides from Ajaka: Lost in Rome, Elegba, publisher of Spoof Comics, is also the producer and director of several highly acclaimed short film animations, such as Lost Dreams, Strikeguard, Voyager, and many more. Fondly known as “the Dreammaker” among Nigeria’s comic/animation industry insiders, he has also been the brains (both producer and directing of production) of several television animated series such as When I Grow Up, Area Daddy, and Roli Tales Animation.

  • ‘Why Alaafin’s throne is attractive’

    ‘Why Alaafin’s throne is attractive’

    Dr. Ajibade Adeladan, a United States-based psychiatrist and neurologist, is one of the candidates interviewed for the Alaafin of Oyo’s throne. Born to Prince and Mrs. Samuel Adeladan of the Agunloye Ruling House in Oyo, Adeladan studied Medicine & Surgery at the University of Ibadan, worked in some hospitals in Lagos before moving to the Caribbean Islands where he worked as a surgeon, and later to the U.S. In this interview with Southwest Bureau Chief BISI OLADELE, he speaks on his plan to transform the town through medical and agricultural revolution.

    When did you join the race to become Alaafin?

    I registered my intention shortly after Oba Adeyemi III passed on. I have participated in the process. We were about 89. Actually, we were initially about 119 candidates, then it dropped to 89. Then, 65 of us were interviewed. 

    Why are many Princes interested in becoming the Alaafin? and what is special about the throne? 

    The Alaafin throne is special in many ways. First, the Alaafin ruled the whole of Yoruba land and its environs during the old Oyo empire.

    Other kings were and are subject to him. His domain extended from River Niger in the North to the Atlantic Ocean in the South, then to parts of Ghana in the west, and down the Niger river to the east.

    The Alaafin and his government were the most sophisticated in Yorubaland, if not the entire continent of Africa. The Alaafin was recognised as the emperor in Yoruba land. The British recognised him so. They paid him almost double of what the next king to him was paid. An Alaafin was one of the six Nigerians that signed the Amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914. There were other kings, but they were not consulted because they considered them much lesser to the Alaafin.

    He is the first among the first class kings in Yoruba land.

    The Alaafin throne is so highly exalted that members of the Oyomesi only bow/prostrate to the Alaafin. They would not bow to other kings.

    Why do you want to return to Nigeria at this time that many young people are relocating abroad for greener pasture? Why do you want to abandon your beautiful career? 

    My co-workers in the U.S. asked me the same question every time since I made my intention known. Just before I came, they asked me why I wanted to leave California for Nigeria. But, I always tell them that Nigeria is the biggest economy in the whole of Africa and there are many opportunities in Nigeria. Also, there are many people, I think, I can be of help to, in Nigeria. With all my experience, with how I have seen how things are done, even though I have been on the medical field, I am very much interested in agriculture because I worked in Nebraska. Nebraska is an agriculture state. I have interacted with farmers, I interacted with ranchers and I come to Nigeria regularly. I know that those things are not here, those things are not readily available and farms are small. In Nebraska, you can drive for about 100 miles, and all you see are corns, wheat for more as very large farmlands by the road. 

    Read Also: US-based surgeon joins Alaafin’s race

    So, I said, we can do all these too in Nigeria. We may not be able to build planes, build rockets or submarines, but we can at least do all those things. We should be able to generate electricity, we should be able to grow enough food, especially in Nigeria. And now came the opportunity, biologically, I belong to the royal family and it is the turn of our ruling house and I see myself as eminently qualified to do it and my family is also in support of that. So, I said well, I think, I can do this and my interest has been growing since then. 

    Now, I am more confident that it’s something I ought do to be of help to people. If you are in the western world and you are comfortable, it’s okay. But if you come back home, with the experience that you have and the idea that you have, you can begin to do things differently, you can begin to do things that will be of benefit to your people when you are back here.

    I feel that with all those experiences I have had, I should be able to be of help. I should be able to contribute my own quota. And I think that being an Alaafin, it is going to be an Alaafin that is experienced and it is going to be of huge benefit, not only to the people of Oyo but to the people of Oyo State, Southwest and Nigeria as a whole.

    Have you started doing anything in agriculture in Oyo?

    We are on it. We have already identified the land to use. My father is an agriculturist, we talked about that. We are coming up with plans. Even things like palm oil and all that, we are already working on them. We are already planning on things like palm oil, maize and other things.

    How do you intend to bring your medical experience to bear on the people of Oyo? And what does Nigeria need to stop emigration of medical doctors? 

    Oyo is a university town. There are three universities there. One of them, Ajayi Crowther University,  is well-established. All of them are well established, but I see that university as an institution that can have a medical school. When you have a medical school, you always have doctors. There may be staff like 20 doctors every year and that will be very helpful to the community. That’s a long-term plan for me. 

    There is no country in the world that has enough doctors. But in Nigeria, there are doctors that will complete NYSC and they say they cannot find a job. That tells you that there is something wrong with the system.

  • Hotel managers converge on Owerri

    Hotel managers converge on Owerri

    • By Kehinde Abayomi

    The Hotel Managers Conference (HMC) will hold on July 13 and 14, at Swiss International Beland Hotel, Owerri, Imo State.

    The event, themed Performance Management: Managers and Owners Dilemma, will feature eight speakers and 10 panelists.

    They are Prof Wasiu Babalola, chairman, Institute of Hospitality UK-Nigeria chapter; Dr. Michael Pinder, General Manager, Ogeyi Place Hotel, Port Harcourt; Dr. Belinda Nwosu, Faculty Member, Lagos Business School; Alhaji Sunmonu Dauud Gbenga, Managing Consultant, Complete Hospitality Services Limited and President, Nigeria Hotel and Catering Institute (NHCI); Benedicta Ogar, Lead Consultant and Chief Executive Officer, CityBee Services; Dr. Eric Mekwuye, Chief Executive Officer, HoReCaBB Mentors (HM Group)/Chief Faculty, Hospitality Business School, Lagos and Dr. Omopeju Afanu, a serial entrepreneur; she sits on the boards of various organisations and is the founder of Cooperhouse Hospitality Limited. 

    Read Also: Police hold Osun hotel manager for allegedly raping NYSC member

    The two days’ conference would climax with Hotel Managers Awards Night on July 14. 

    The panelists include Justina Ovat, Principal Consultant, Calabar Hospitality House, and Vice President, South-South, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN); Uloma P. Danjumbo Udeh, Regional General Manager, BON Hotels International West Africa; Allen Effeh, Lead Consultant, Footprint Hospitality; and Funke Olusoga-Ogunlade, Hospitality and Customer Experience Consultant.

    Convener of HMC, Mr. Olugbenga Omotayo Sunday, who is also the Managing Director of Tojum Hospitality, noted that this year’s event would challenge investors, hotel  

  • ‘Art-based loan introduced’

    ‘Art-based loan introduced’

    Nigeria’s leading digital bank managed by VFD Microfinance BankVBank and Artsplit, an art trading technology company, have unveiled a new Art Based Loan (ABL) offering in Lagos.

    The innovative financing solution is intended to empower art collectors, galleries, and dealers by allowing them to access capital for various by leveraging the value of their artwork. It provides collectors, corporate bodies and individuals an opportunity to gain access with the right level of flexibility to a financial solution that works for their various needs. 

    VBank Chief Executive Officer Mr. Gbenga Omolokun described the offering as a product that bridges the gap between art and finance. 

    “We are thrilled to introduce our Art-Based Loan (ABL) offering, which bridges the gap between art and finance.

    “Our ground-breaking solution enables art collectors and businesses to maximise the value of their art assets while maintaining ownership and control. We are confident that with Artsplit and AAM’s expertise and customised financing options, we can help our clients thrive in the dynamic art market,” he added.

    VBank’s Art-Based Loans provide a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts and businesses to maximise the value of their art collections without having to sell valuable assets.This financial product allows borrowers to keep ownership of their artwork while obtaining a loan backed by the appraised value of the artwork.

    Read Also: Winning start for Djokovic , Michael Mmoh at Wimbledon

    VBank will offer the loan facility at 30 per cent yearly with loan limits of N12 million and N60 million for individuals and corporates. Artsplit will validate provenance, value the artwork and guarantee the loan at three per cent fees, custodian fee of 0.5 per cent and additional one per cent insurance charge.

    This first-of-its-kind offering has several advantages, including flexible financing: Borrowers can obtain loans based on a percentage of the appraised value of their artwork, giving them the flexibility to access capital; (ii) Tailored Loan Terms: Each loan is individually structured to meet the borrower’s unique needs; and (iii) Preserved Ownership: Borrowers retain ownership of their artwork throughout the loan. (iv) Diverse Use of Funds: Loan proceeds can be used for a various, including the acquisition of new artwork, the expansion of art businesses, the support of exhibitions, and the meeting of short-term liquidity needs.

    Art-Based Loan is accessible to anyone who possesses an investment grade/high value artwork that can be put up as collateral.This could be HNIs, art collectors, corporate bodies, gallery owners of high investment grade prestigious artworks, among others. 

    On the authenticity and preservation of the collection, he said: “We will reach out to the sources of the artworks for authentication, be it auction house, collector, artist or late artist’s estate through legal route. We have a partner, Anchoria Asset Management (AAM), that will cater for the preservation and storage of the collection till repayment is fully done.” 

  • Girei: Nigeria will be great again under Tinubu

    Girei: Nigeria will be great again under Tinubu

    Senator Abubakar Girei is a prominent politician who represented Adamawa Central in the Senate between 1999 and 2003. In this interview with reporters in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, the stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) speaks on the steps that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken so far, saying Nigeria will get it right this time. Correspondent ONIMISI ALAO reports

    Nigeria’s economy is currently comatose. How do you see Tinubu successfully tackling it?

    Tinubu is a man who came to the job well-prepared. The president is a man who will never hide under excuses to evade his responsibility. As a world-class financial expert, he knows the economic challenges bedevilling the country. He has already started attacking some of the challenges and very soon Nigeria’s economic landscape will change for the better.

    Some of the measures he is adopting naturally come with pains in the interim but as the policies mature, the pains will begin to subside until total healing is achieved. Our economic situation is so bad that the biggest challenge next to insecurity is the economy and like the president repeatedly said during his campaign, he is ready to tackle the challenges head-on and as Nigerians have been rightly saying, the president has hit the ground running. I believe Nigeria’s economic challenges will soon be sorted out, with the president’s new approach.

    I hope that the president will assemble a team of experts and people with unquestionable character. These experts should invest adequate time to intensively understudy the challenges and come up with far-reaching solutions. We can’t afford to fiddle at this very crucial time. We must rally around the president in his resolve to proffer lasting solutions. The critical decisions he has taken so far and the appointments of men of integrity and capacity since coming to power are reassuring. I will urge the appointees to see their choice as a call to national duty which they should discharge with all sense of commitment to become part of the history of a transformed Nigeria.

    The major challenges stunting our development as a nation are corruption and the lack of political will to enforce the rule of law. I urge the president to accord seriousness in monitoring and evaluating his appointees. Goals should be set with timelines and anyone who fails to measure up should be shown the way out. The president should also ensure measures to stamp out corruption because no serious achievement could be made if political appointees are not held accountable.

    The petrol subsidy regime had been described as a hydra-headed snake that had refused to die. What is your perception of the decision taken so far by President Tinubu to tackle it?

    This is a bold decision taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Since he came, unlike any other administration, he has succeeded in removing the petrol subsidy which had lingered for time immemorial. He has also suspended the Central Bank Governor Emefiele, suspended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa and harmonised the multiple exchange rates, among other significant actions he has taken in a very short time.

    Read Also: Forum urges Obasanjo, others to support Tinubu

    With this kind of courage, I believe the president’s courageous policies will begin to yield positive results soon. But, I will not fail to say that some of these policies also have their flipsides, especially on the lives and livelihood of Nigeria’s toiling masses. Even before the introduction of these policies, the ordinary Nigerian has been facing difficulties trying to survive. Nigerians have been confronted with crippling inflation, a high unemployment rate, massive insecurity and a dearth of infrastructure, which have all contributed to the staggering poverty level today.

    This calls for sober reflection on the part of the president and the need for putting robust palliative measures to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal on petroleum products. And going by reports, very soon the subsidy on electricity will also be removed. I want to make a clarion call on Mr President to tarry awhile on the subsidy removal on electricity due to the harsh and inclement economic conditions being faced by the greater majority of Nigerians till the effect of the petroleum subsidy removal is significantly reduced.

    And I must also call on Mr President to remain very vigilant on the harmonisation of the exchange rate regime. In the past, various presidents like Ibrahim Babangida, Sani Abacha and even Olusegun Obasanjo tried the exchange harmonisation policy without success. So, for this policy to thrive, President Tinubu must do what the other presidents failed to do.

    What do you make of the arrest of the suspended CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele?

    The suspended CBN governor has long outlived his usefulness. Emifiele has only succeeded in bastardising the economy as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rightly said during his visit to France. The inglorious reign of Emefiele has nearly brought Nigeria to its knees because of a regime of unprecedented mismanagement, abuse of office, looting of our treasuries and high-handedness that took place.

    He almost ruined our naira through massive printing; and the introduction of a regime of multifaceted exchange rates. At a point, he even contemplated contesting for the presidency. At the twilight of the Buhari administration, Emefiele came up with the naira swap policy which caused massive havoc to Nigerians.

    The suspended CBN governor has also bastardised the agricultural sector and completely abandoned his role as the CBN governor and turned himself into a farm manager. He corruptly introduced all sorts of contraptions through which massive larceny took place…The suspension and arrest of Emefiele is right. The government should go further to dissolve the new outfits Emefiele created and merge them with long-standing institutions.

    As a son of Adamawa State, how did you receive the appointment of Malam Nuhu Ribadu as the National Security Adviser?

    I felt elated when the announcement was made because I know behind that singular decision lies a strong resolve and political will of ending the scourge of social and other forms of insecurity in the land. In Nigeria, no one needs to be told the antecedents of Malam Nuhu Ribadu as far as work ethics, discipline moral standing and courage are concerned. If there is anyone in Nigeria that has the courage and will to address the security imbroglio facing the country, that man is Nuhu Ribadu.

    Such deportment of appointing the right people into the right positions gives us the hope that Tinubu came with the clear intention of resolving our numerous socio-economic challenges. With such a mindset, it is my humble belief that Tinubu is the messiah Nigeria is earnestly waiting for at this critical point in our nation’s history. I will say with all sense of modesty that Ribadu will not disappoint Tinubu and Nigeria.

    I must also give the president big kudos for selecting new service chiefs and other appointments he has made so far. I know some of them and I can assure you they are men of valour who will do this nation proud.

  • 1999 Constitution, restructuring and true federalism

    1999 Constitution, restructuring and true federalism

    •  By Mazi Afam Osigwe

    I commend the organisers for choosing the theme of this year’s lecture: 2023 And Beyond: The Imperatives of True Federalism In Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy.

    Since Nigeria gained full independence on October 1, 1960, there has been an unending discussion about how to achieve true federalism.

    The idea of restructuring Nigeria has been so much discussed that there is no generally accepted definition of what it means or what it entails. If there is one thing Nigerians agree on, it is the fact that the federation as presently constituted needs to be reconfigured.

    Sadly, Nigerians do not agree what on what actually needs to be changed or how best to achieve whatever needs to be fixed…

    There is no doubt the current structure has not worked very well for Nigeria. Different sections of Nigeria continue to agitate for the restructuring of Nigeria so that the states would not only develop at their pace but also effectively harness the resources within their territories for the good of the states. 

    No matter the level of opposition to restructuring Nigeria or the misconception of the agitation, the reality remains that it is an idea whose time has come. 

    While nobody expects that the whole point sought to be amended will be carried out in one fell swoop, the inevitability of some of these amendments stares us in the face. 

    The Federal Government seems to have taken note of the imperativeness of addressing these agitations, even if piecemeal. After all, a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step…

    The first recommendation I will make is a common-sense approach of agreeing on what needs to be taken out of the Constitution and replacing them with what we agree will enhance the workability of our federation.

    Concurrent List of 30 items, on which the federal and state governments can both act. The thirty (30) in the Concurrent list should be reviewed to transfer some items to the residual list. Items like industrial, commercial and agricultural development, health and education should exclusively be reserved for the federating units (states).

    Removing many items in the Exclusive Legislative List (68 items), in respect which only the Federal Government has legislative competence and transfer the items to the states. Some of the items have already been moved to the concurrent list.

    The demand by some states to establish their own state police forces should be considered. This may entail removing the Nigeria Police Force and policing from the exclusive list and putting same in the concurrent. The exclusive powers granted to the federal government has impacted negatively impacted on security as a result of poor funding, corruption, nepotism, incessant human rights violations, and unquestioning allegiance to the federal government. The failure of policing has worked to the detriment of the people and the state.

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    A Security Council should be established for the states since the state governors, who are supposed to be the chief security officers for their respective states, are not included by office in the membership of the National Security Council.

    Resource control should be decentralized to make Nigeria more productive, economically buoyant and less dependent on oil. States should be allowed to control the exploitation of resources found within their territory and pay tax to the central/ Federal Government.

    The tax powers of each tier of government should be reversed, in favour of states and local governments. The States and local governments depend worryingly on statutory allocations from the federal account, which in turn depends heavily on revenues from petroleum resources. 

    This pattern skews the development priorities of governments and cripples the ability of many states to generate revenue internally.

    The centralised method of appointing and disciplining judicial officers for both states and federal courts must be reviewed. The Judiciary should also be strengthened for the timely dispensation of Justice. 

    The Federal and State governments should ensure that the constitutional financial autonomy given to the judiciary is given effect so as to avoid such adverse effects as ‘poor and inadequate judicial infrastructure, low morale among judicial personnel, alleged corruption in the judiciary, delays in the administration of justice and judicial services delivery and generally low quality and poor out-put by the judiciary’.

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) shall no longer appoint some other members of the NJC.

    The provisions of Paragraph (i) 20 (i) of the Third Schedule, Part 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) which precludes all NBA nominees on the NJC from dealing with judicial matters other than appointments into the superior courts of record (i.e. only one item out of thirteen) is certainly discriminatory and unwarranted and should be out-rightly amended. (After all, Judges play a prominent role in the disciplining of lawyers).

    The over-concentration of powers in the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria by the 1999 Constitution should be amended. The CJN should cease to be the Chairman of the NJC and all other similar constitutional and statutory bodies. 

    Any suitable Nigerian with requisite experience, impeccable records of service and competence (like a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, former President of the NBA, Professor of Law, or any legal practitioner etc) could be appointed as Chairman for only one term of five years;

    Local government should be granted and the Joint Account for Local Governments should also be abolished so that the local governments can control revenues accruing to them from the Federation Account.  

    The democratic local government provided for in Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution should be reinforced by specific provisions that would prevent the dissolution of local government areas (LGAs) by state Governors or state legislature, remove the power of state governors to replace elected representatives at the LGA level and remedy the failure by successive governors to conduct local government election.

    The Constitution should be amended to remove its unitary features and unitary preoccupation with the centralisation of power at the centre so that power will be equitably distributed to the states.

    The country should be united as it is clearly not united at the moment. Nigerians should be able to live in any part of the country, work and legitimately earn a living and not be discriminated against, attacked, killed or unlawfully incarcerated, based on religion, race or culture, or place of birth.

    While I strongly suggest that some of these recommendations be considered for implementation, I will still agree with Kingsley Moghalu that “We cannot restructure in isolation without tackling the challenges that polarise our nation. These include nepotism, ethnic and religious differences as well as lack of patriotism. 

    The issues of tribe and religion have continued to limit our unity and progress as a nation. States should be allowed to have more authority over their affairs and the Federal Government should recognise the imperativeness of devolving more powers to the States. 

    The states should also allow local governments to operate democratically and also manage their revenues without any undue interference.

    We must, therefore, advocate a restructuring of our values, attitudes and mindset. Those agitating for restructuring must also eschew rhetoric that makes other segments of the country view the agitation as an attempt to break up the country. 

    All parts of Nigeria must be made to understand that to prevent strife, civil disturbances, and secession and preserve the union, restructuring is the most peaceful and least destabilising way to keep the peace and build an enduring nation.

    The hope of the common man will continue to wane if we do not fix the country so that the people will enjoy the dividends of democracy. If we get our federal system properly fixed, everything will fall into place. Thanks for listening.

    ●Excerpts of a guest lecture by Osigwe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Secretary, at the B.O.B Benson SAN Annual Memorial Lecture organised by the NBA Ikorodu Branch as part of its Annual Law Week.