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  • Who deserves Rivers’ ministerial slot?

    Who deserves Rivers’ ministerial slot?

    As Nigerians await President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial nominees, there is a lot of speculation about those who will make the list from various states. In Rivers State, the situation is peculiar in the sense that the party was divided ahead of the recent general election and the campaign for the then-presidential candidate of the party mirrored that division. Correspondent MIKE ODIEGWU gives an overview of the lobby for appointments in the state

    The debate is currently raging in the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) over who deserves to be appointed minister in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet  Ordinarily, the party’s national leadership usually determines through its leader in the state who gets what. Such an individual either presents himself for a ministerial appointment or nominates another loyal party member to represent the state.

    But, Rivers is a peculiar state. The last general election that produced Tinubu altered the political curve in most states, including Rivers. For instance, the nominal leader of the APC in Rivers, former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, is known to have worked against the party’s presidential candidate in the key South-south state. Having lost the presidential primary, Amaechi did not hide his displeasure over the emergence of Tinubu. As a result,  he never campaigned for the APC candidate.

    Amaechi’s loyalists who dominated the APC structures in the state also toed the path of their principal. The Rivers APC Chairman, Emeka Bekee and his entire State Working Committee were only concerned about the party’s governorship candidate, Tonye Cole, who eventually lost the election to Sir Siminialayi Fubara of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Besides Amaechi’s antagonism to the Tinubu/Shettima ticket of the APC, the result of previous elections suggest that his popularity has waned in the state. For instance, in 2015, Amaechi could not deliver the state for his party, even though he was the Director-General (DG) of the Muhammadu Buhari Presidential Campaign Organisation. In that election, Buhari failed to secure the constitutionally required 25 per cent votes in Rivers. A similar scenario played out in 2019; even though he doubled as the campaign DG and Minister of Transport, Amaechi demonstrated his political weakness in his state by not being able to deliver the 25 per cent votes required for Buhari’s second term victory.

    Therefore, it would have been suicidal for the APC to depend on Amaechi for victory in Rivers. The former Transport Minister worsened his case and jeopardised his political career because of his discontent with the Tinubu and Shettima ticket. He did not only show his grievances in his body language, he also with vexation tried to cast aspersion on the victory of President Tinubu through his tirade when it became obvious that his friend Tonye Cole was on the verge of defeat in Rivers.

    Therefore, the party structure controlled by Amaechi does not have the justification to lay claim to the ministerial slot of the state. APC leaders in the state loyal to Amaechi, including the party’s executive committee worked against Tinubu. Most of them voted for the PDP candidate, Atiku Abubakar, while others supported Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP).

    Some observers believe Senator Magnus Abe would have been the favourite if he had remained in the APC. Abe dumped the APC for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in pursuit of his governorship ambition. Though he adopted Tinubu as his presidential candidate and vowed to work for him, his membership in the SDP introduced confusion in his bid to support the Tinubu presidential project. He spent more of his time convincing people to support his ambition and his new platform than campaigning for Tinubu. Therefore, building his new party and promoting his ambition overshadowed his earlier desire to campaign for Tinubu.

    Besides, Abe’s membership in the SDP confused his supporters, especially in Gokana, his local government. Though the APC won the local government with 10,122 votes, the SDP amassed 3,371 votes, while the PDP got 8,484 votes, which meant that more people voted against Tinubu in Abe’s local government. It was also only in his local government that the SDP had such number of votes at the presidential poll. Abe was said to have delivered his ward 16 Gokana to the SDP presidential candidate. The two units linked to his name in his area were also delivered for the SDP. So, Tinubu lost his unit and his ward.

    Read Also: Ministerial list: Tinubu will assemble competent hands — APC chieftain

    Undoubtedly, it was crystal clear that the immediate past Governor Nyesom Wike was the arrowhead of Tinubu’s victory in the state. Though not a member of the APC, Wike in all ramifications was loyal to the Tinubu presidential project. As a sitting governor then, Wike, who has over time proved to be the field marshal of Rivers politics, formulated the winning strategies for the APC presidential candidate. He singlehandedly galvanised his PDP structure to work out modalities that propelled Tinubu’s victory.

    His approach was discreet. He did not openly campaign for Tinubu. He, however, in many public fora convinced the people of the state to follow his lead. He disclosed to all structural leaders of the PDP that Tinubu was his candidate. The leaders in turn directed their followers on the voting pattern that favoured the APC candidate. Wike spared no resources to ensure the victory of Tinubu in all the local government areas of the state, apart from Port Harcourt Local Government Area where Obi won. The former governor crowned his love for Tinubu with massive votes in his local government area, Obio-Akpor, where Wike mobilised his people to give Tinubu 80,239 votes; against the LP’s 3,829 and the PDP’s 368 votes. Without Wike and his political family in the PDP, Tinubu would have lost woefully in Rivers during the poll.

    Also, Wike led the G-5 group of governors within the PDP, which opposed Atiku’s candidacy, to campaign for a southern presidency. The loquacious Wike tarnished the image of Atiku and the PDP on the altar of integrity, equity, justice and fairness. His outburst added momentum and credence to Tinubu’s presidential project.

    While in Rivers to inaugurate projects as President-elect, Tinubu acknowledged the roles played by Wike to deliver Rivers to him and promised the former governor that they would sit together to discuss Nigeria. Tinubu said at the time: “Nyesom, as you made me happy, create excitement and development across this state, you have something to look forward to, Nigeria. You and I must discuss that.”

    During the recent special thanksgiving organised by the Wike family, all the APC leaders in attendance gave Wike kudos for delivering Rivers to Tinubu and sensitising the country through his G-5 on power rotation. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio particularly thanked Wike and the G-5 for their efforts that promoted justice, fairness and equity during the last elections. He said: “I want to thank you for all your efforts to bring justice to Nigeria. I want to thank the G-5 governors. We are delighted to have you. Ensure that in 2027, another G-5 emerges so that the APC will continue to do well. It shows that you are a nationalist. You are a freedom fighter.”

    Our investigations suggest that Wike was under pressure to join the APC as part of a reorganisation of the party’s structure in the state ahead of the 2027 poll. As most APC leaders across the country are asking Wike to join the party, a faction of the party in Rivers has equally called on the former governor to take over the leadership of the APC. The faction led by a former Chief of Staff, Government House, Tony Okocha, said the APC was ready to receive Wike if he decides to join the party. Okocha, who was the Coordinator of the BAT-Vanguard said Wike had the right to join any party of his choice and warned some persons, whom he said were struggling to reap where they did not show.

    He said: “We are noticing that some persons who abandoned Tinubu when Tinubu needed them most and voyage outside the shores are now relying on their relationships one way or the other to begin to make some sense of entitlement. That they are entitled to whatever. In the leadership of the Tinubu family in Rivers State, we are at peace 100 per cent with Nyesom Wike, the immediate past governor of Rivers State as our leader. He who pays the piper dictates the tune.

    “When it was difficult, even when the national leadership could not oblige us funds for the presidential rally here, the magic was done by somebody. Our demand is that nobody should rob Peter to pay Paul. Our share of the booty given to us should be handed over to Nyesom Wike. We are confident that as soon as it gets to him, he knows those who worked for Tinubu. And it will get to us.”

    Okocha dismissed the claim by Abe that he worked for Tinubu, saying it was not possible for Abe, who was the candidate of the SDP to justify such a claim since his party had a presidential candidate. He confirmed that Abe delivered his two polling units and his Ward 16 in Gokana to the SDP presidential candidate. He said: “Everything Abe did for Tinubu was when he was in APC. Immediately he joined the SDP, he stopped working for Tinubu.”

    But, the Rivers State Executive Committee of the APC said it was not calling on Wike to join a party he earlier described as suffering from cancer.  The party’s spokesperson, Darlington Nwauju, described those calling on the former governor to join the APC as his minions working hard to justify their pay cheque. He said: “We wish to unequivocally dismiss any such rumour or sponsored story planted in any medium that Rivers State APC had at any forum invited Wike to join our party or to take over the leadership of the party he never campaigned for.

    “We dare anyone to provide video evidence of any campaigns where Wike openly campaigned for the APC. The terror unleashed on our party members in the cause of his eight years of maximum rulership alone is enough evidence to confirm that Wike has no business with Rivers State APC. Asking him to come and take over is asking an enemy to come and finish off his victims. For those who may be suffering from amnesia, a none APC member cannot be a cheerleader for the entry of Wike into the APC. Nobody can decree his membership in a political party through radio or newspaper publications. All vexatious attempts at distracting our party in Rivers State will keep failing.

    “For the avoidance of doubts, the APC in Rivers State has a legally recognized office where all official businesses are conducted. We do also have a standard procedure for convening our meetings according to our party’s constitution. Therefore, it is expedient for the public to be aware that village meetings or gatherings cannot equate with a stakeholder’s meeting of the APC in Rivers State, especially a gathering that took place at a hotel belonging to such a non-APC member.”

    Despite the opinions of a few, most observers and stakeholders believe that in the interest of equity, justice and fairness, as well as capacity and performance, Wike deserves to be a minister in Tinubu’s cabinet.

  • Enyimba, Remo Stars Kick-off Naija Super 8 Finals

    Enyimba, Remo Stars Kick-off Naija Super 8 Finals

    The 2024 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Enyimba International, will take on South-West zonal champions, Remo Stars of Ikenne, in the opening fixture of the Naija Super 8 finals, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on July 7.

    The crunch Group A tie, scheduled to kick-off at 4:30 pm, will be broadcast live on SuperSport Football (DStv channel 205 & GOtv channel 61).

    On matchday two of the tournament, wildcard team, Akwa United, will take on North-East zonal champions, Yobe Desert Stars in Group B at 2pm, followed by another Group B clash between South-South representatives Rivers United and North-Central zonal champions, Lobi Stars at 4:30pm.

    Hostilities will continue on July 9 in Group A when Remo Stars take on Katsina United at 2pm, while Enyimba International will trade tackles with the second wildcard team, Sporting Lagos at 4:30pm. Yobe Desert Stars vs Lobi Stars will take to the field on July 10 at 2pm, followed by a South-South derby between Akwa United and Rivers United at 4:30pm.

    Read Also: Naija Super 8: Enyimba pip Heartland 1-0 in thrilling match, Yobe Stars beat Gombe United

    The South-West derby between Sporting Lagos and Remo Stars will kick-start actions on July 11, at 2pm, while Katsina United will square up against Enyimba International at 4:30pm.

    On July 12, Lobi Stars and Akwa United will slug it out at 2pm, followed by Yobe Desert Stars vs Rivers United at 4:30pm. Katsina United vs Sporting Lagos will round up the group games on July 13 with their clash scheduled to kick-off at 4:30pm.

    Group A winner will battle Group B runner-up in a semi-final clash on July 14, starting at 2pm, while the Group B winner will slug it out with Group A runner-up in the second semi-final match at 4:30pm. The tournament final will hold on July 16, starting at 5pm.

    Each club will earn N3 million per match at the group stage, with semi-finalists also earning an additional N3 million. The runners-up will earn N9 million, while the winners will go home with N25 million.

    All Naija Super 8 matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport Football (DStv channel 205 & GOtv channel 61). Naija Super 8 is organised by Flykite Productions in partnership with MultiChoice Nigeria and sponsors, MTN, Hero Lager, DStv, GOtv, SuperSport, Moniepoint, Pepsi and Custodian Assurance.

  • Afenifere’s expectations from Tinubu, by Omololu

    Afenifere’s expectations from Tinubu, by Omololu

    The National Organising Secretary of the pan Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, the Afenifere, Chief Kole Omololu spoke with reporters in Lagos on the challenges of reconciliation in the group and expectations from President Bola Tinubu. EMMANUEL OLADESU reports

    In the next 12 months, what are Afenifere’s expectations from President Bola Tinubu?

    The Tinubu administration must comb all the evils within the next twelve months. The imported killers of our people must be thoroughly investigated. Their collaborators must be identified and brought to book. Let them face the full weight of the laws and be given a dose of their own medicine. Also, priority must be placed on how to get youths engaged as soon as possible. It is within the president’s constitutional power to devolve powers to the federating units, especially in the areas of federal roads, policing, VAT and other functions which the states can comfortably handle. The decision of Lagos State to take over and construct the Murtala Muhammed International Airport road is a good example. If Lagos State did not intervene, perhaps that road would still have remained an ugly image of our fatherland. 

    The President has removed fuel subsidy, unified multiple exchange rates and made key appointments. How comfortable is the Afenifere with these decisions and why?

    At the Afenifere, we are truly watching the steps of Mr President with keen interest. He is our son. Indeed, we approved and supported his presidential aspiration. But, when next we see him eye-to-eye, we will tell him that Mr President, the Afenifere believes you will lead Nigeria out of the doldrums and that we are counting on him to carry out fundamental reforms that will sustainably set Nigeria on the path of growth and development. We trust he will perform excellently. The bold decision he has taken so far is worthy and further attests to his capacity to perform eminently. As soon as the government is fully constituted and the legislative arm resumes, reforms should start which will give Nigeria a solid foundation as it was envisaged by our founding fathers at independence. So, we will wait to see more evidence of restructuring before we start commenting on his administration. But, we are confident that he will not disappoint Nigeria. We also believe he will surely disappoint all the regressive elements that are purely after their selfish political interests. We have begun to see that already.

    Insecurity is still an issue of great concern for all Nigerians. How best can this challenge be addressed?

    I fear that the terrorists, killers, kidnappers and haters will launch back and ambush this government after three months. They will not relent because his emergence caught them by surprise. Our intelligence report shows those who want to battle the President will do so under the guise of democracy. Already, they have started from the Senate. There is ferocious opposition to weaken him so it will be difficult for him to seek another term in 2027. These are my findings and may not necessarily reflect the details of their plan. Perhaps, I am like a wife, who always catches their randy husband through their feelings. With the socio-political realities we have witnessed as a federation in the two decades, we should decentralise the Nigeria Police to further protect lives and property. For instance, the governments of South-west states attempted at solving their internal challenges with the establishment of the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Operation Amotekun. The security outfit has given our people a sense of relief compared to when we were left to the Nigeria Police. This must be strengthened. We can no longer trust the Nigeria Police for the safety and security of our people. The President must strengthen this system. Adequate help and recognition must be accorded to Operation Amotekun. The police must cooperate with Operation Amotekun. Inter-agency collaboration must be encouraged. Soft power policing with the introduction of security cameras all around our environment should be put in place within the next twelve months. It is doable. This will help police effectiveness because they cannot be everywhere at the same time. For example, we read about the efficiency of the London Metropolitan Police in terms of crime investigation, detection and prosecution of suspects. This is simply because there are cameras everywhere and security personnel are not in service for selfish interests.

    With the leadership crisis that struck the Afenifere before the 2023 elections, it appears the contemporary Afenifere has lost its founding core values…

    I disagree with you to a large extent. There is a need to understand what Afenifere stands for and how it has pursued the vision of its founding fathers. First, the Afenifere is a legacy organisation of the Yoruba Nation. The word was coined to represent the values and ideals of the Action Group in 1951. It was designed to emphasise and illustrate our core values founded on the principles of egalitarianism, democratic social welfare and a life more abundant for all. These are the virtues that the Yoruba family holds very dearly and which the Afenifere has consistently applied with integrity for decades. Second, the Afenifere has enjoyed the trust and support of our people not only in South-west states but also in other Yoruba-speaking states namely Kogi and Kwara. This was demonstrated during the last presidential election. President Bola Tinubu is one of our illustrious sons, and we did our best to rally support for him at different levels. Third, we owe the Afenifere’s preeminence over and above all the Yoruba socio-cultural organisations to the astuteness, commitment and self-sacrifice of our founding fathers led by the late sage and first Premier of the Western Region, Pa Obafemi Awolowo. Pa Awolowo exhibited focused, farsighted and diligent leadership qualities with awesome and matchless integrity. He made so much personal sacrifice for the good of the people of the Yoruba Nation, a rare feat that we are now praying God will help Asiwaju Bola Tinubu attain now that he has taken charge as the president of Nigeria. These ideals still govern our interventions and operations to date, and we exhibited our flinching support for Asiwaju’s presidential aspiration.

    Read Also: Why national census cannot hold, Afenifere tells Buhari

    Now that the general election has been concluded, what steps are being taken to resolve divisions in the ranks of Afenifere leaders?

    As a socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere treasures the culture of consultation and consensus. The division you are talking about was a result of a lack of consultation, especially among a few members led by our acting leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo. Since the military proscribed the Action Group in 1966, the focus of the Afenifere, especially from 1987, remains Yoruba-focused. However, this focus is coated with macro-Nigeria thought. Whatever we do as a socio-cultural organisation, our people must be carried along. As a matter of principle, we cannot and must not impose an idea on them.

    That explains why we generously supported Asiwaju’s presidential aspiration because he is the choice of the Yoruba people.

    This is where the Afenifere stands. Coincidentally, this is where the APC stands. Any other dissenting opinion is a voice in cuckoo land. The Afenifere will not allow itself to be used to rebel against the choice of the people and still be pretending to be speaking for the same people. Our mission is to strengthen the unity of the Yoruba Nation; fight for the rights of the Yoruba people and protect the civilisation of the Yoruba Nation. The Afenifere is no doubt under the leadership of Chief Reuben Fasoranti. After his daughter, Mrs Olufunke Olakunrin was gruesomely murdered, Pa Fasoranti appointed Pa Adebanjo, as the acting leader and Oba Dipo Olaitan as the deputy leader. But any statement or action against the authority of Pa Fasoranti shall henceforth be deemed abominable, rebellious and sacrilegious. Put differently, it will be seen as a sin against the spirit of the Yoruba people. The media should please take note. In his celebrated article titled “In Yorubaland, a King Is not Buried Alive,” published in The Guardian on November 3, 2022, Chief Dare Babarinsa provided a valid illustration of the Afenifere’s culture and its modus operandi. The Afenifere does not operate like the Western organogram. We operate the way our forefathers laid down. It is called the “olori ebi system” (the head of the family). The leader of the Afenifere remains in that position until he dies, even if he is invalid or stepped aside. All meetings must hold in his house, he must be briefed about all the outcomes of the meetings and decisions. By implication, an acting leader only chairs meetings on behalf of the leader. The moment he sees himself as a de facto leader, confusion set in. As a people, Yoruba protect their values and culture jealously. Hence, we remain principled on issues that are fundamental to our values as Yoruba’s foremost socio-cultural organisation. No acting leader can assume the position of leadership until the leader is called home. Doing so is an act of treachery, and it is regarded as a coup, which cannot stand the test of time.

  • Decentralised electricity: Southwest states seize the opportunity

    Decentralised electricity: Southwest states seize the opportunity

    Encouraged by the newly signed Electricity Act 2023, which allows states to generate, transmit and distribute their own electricity, the Southwest states of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti have risen to the challenge of generating and distributing electricity to residents. Southwest Bureau Chief BISI OLADELE examines how the states are seizing the opportunity opened by the Act, which was sequel to the constitutional amendment signed during the last days of the Buhari-led administration, to provide stable electricity for consumers.

    It took the re-classification of electricity and railway laws from the hitherto Exclusive List to the Concurrent List to kick-start what promises to be a game-changer, particularly in the country’s crisis-ridden power sector.

    The stage for this heart-warming development was set following the June 9 signing of the Electricity Act 2023, and this was sequel to the constitutional amendment signed during the last days of the Buhari-led administration that allows states to generate, transmit and distribute their own electricity.

    On the strength of the amendment, precisely the new Electricity Act 2023, the Southwest states of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti held a conference in Akure, the Ondo State capital, where they identified pathways to maximise the opportunities presented by the development as well as the hurdles to overcome.

    The two-day conference, which was facilitated by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, allowed experts to analyse the electricity sub-sector in Nigeria and the Southwest. It also strategised on how to leverage the constitution amendment to provide sufficient electricity for consumers with the ultimate aim of boosting the economy of each state.

    After rigorous conversations, which were deepened by rich presentations by experts in both areas, including policy and finance experts, the investment agencies of the six states agreed that each state should establish or strengthen its ministry of power or energy, establish rail department in the transport ministry, develop a blueprint for rail transportation, electricity supply and collaborate with other states to set up regional agencies in the two service areas.

    A Professor of Energy and Electricity Law at the University of Lagos, Yemi Oke, set the tone for the conference when he gave a deep insight into how power policies evolved in the last few decades with an analysis of the current state of things in the sector. He also gave an insight into the new Electricity Bill recently signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari, and its implications to states.

    Prof. Oke, who demonstrated a deep understanding and his involvement of policy development in the sector, identified the immense opportunities which the new Act opened up to states and the additional benefits of regional projects in power generation, transmission and distribution. Emphasising the decentralisation of services in the sector, he pointed out that states are to start afresh in many areas of service provision simply because the Lagos/ENRON partnership of 2001 was not allowed to work.

     According to him, if the project, which was conceived and implemented by the then Asiwaju Bola Tinubu administration in Lagos State had been allowed to succeed, Southwest states would only be talking about expansion now. He explained that with the constitutional amendment, states can now set up electricity regulatory commissions to take charge of electricity supply.

    Read Also: Abubakar Aliyu and the never-ending power grid collapse

    Oke said states can now renegotiate with the electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) as part of regu lation, adding that they are free to licence new distribution companies to shore up the service of existing ones.

    He also exposed the faults in the power privatisation particularly electricity distribution, saying some of the DISCOs were remotely owned by politicians. He said the companies did not have the required funds to invest in electricity infrastructures as required by the privatisation agreements.

    Oke, a lawyer added that the companies obtained loans denominated in United States Dollar whose repayment had been worsened by the astronomical rise in foreign exchange rate. He said it was the reason many of the DISCOs are almost insolvent at the moment.

    The same factor, he noted, was responsible for DISCOs’ inability to invest in electricity infrastructures which would have developed the sector further. The policy expert also said poor payment of bills by electricity consumers compounded the woes in the sector as metering was a huge challenge.

    Prof. Oke, however, stated that providing sufficient electricity requires humongous investments which states are unable to provide on their own. He emphasised that only investors can bring the money while states can also come together as a region to access foreign loans to build the infrastructures needed to achieve the lofty goals.

    To succeed in the new regime, Oke recommended that states must provide enabling environment for investors, offer incentives, allow small investors who can build small power stations to take care of specific communities or factories, enact laws that will regulate electricity service chain, introduce proper metering system and obey the laws to boost investors’ confidence.

    He also said states should cooperate with the Federal Government and leverage regional advantage. Others are reacquisition and refinancing of the sector, restructuring of DISCOs and GENCOs, national grid concessioning, progressive licensing regime and captive power generation.

    Summing his presentation, Oke said: “The amendment to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which was signed into Law by former President Buhari, has altered the equation of the power sector in Nigeria, and this has serious implications for Southwest states. With the constitutional alteration, States can now generate, transmit and distribute electricity in respect of the areas covered by the national grid.

    “A major constraint is that the new regime of decentralised power sector has now tasked Southwest States with institutional responsibilities: to generate, transmit and distribute electricity in respect of areas covered by national grid as well as in areas not covered by a national grid.

    “Nigerians eagerly await effective implementation of the amended constitution on decentralized electricity governance model that will eventually lead to the establishment of State electricity regulatory institutions.

    “This is because, as speculated, if the ultimate objective is to ensure regular supply of power for economic development of Nigeria, it naturally follows that the federal and state governments must act as collaborators, not as competitors, in terms of electricity governance in the country.

    “Given its antecedent and levels of sophistication, all eyes are on the Southwest states to get it right, as usual, for other states in the country to follow, and get properly guided.”

    A consultant in the industry, Mr Eyo Ekpo, underscored the need for the policy developers in the region to get the buy-in of the governors and other major political players in the Southwest, stressing that the success of the project requires political will.

    “Politicians matter in achieving this project. The DAWN must engage political leaders in the region for this reform in the power sector to work. They need political will. Nigerians already know the cost of power. Politicians only need to be courageous to make it happen.”

    Ekpo explained that foreign investors did not participate in the 2011/2012 privatisation because Nigeria didn’t demonstrate enough seriousness previously.

    Reeling off figures to back his claims, he revealed that electric generators in Southwest generate about 20,000MW of power, adding that the region paid N34 billion daily to power generators in 2022.

    He said the figures do not include the cost of purchase of the generating sets. “Whereas if we pay at the highest tariff and power is served for 18 hours daily, we will be paying maximum of N20 billion daily,.” Ekpo said.

    The expert opposed electricity subsidy, saying that Nigerians already understand the cost of power. “But when we generate enough and distribute to more consumers, cost will be distributed and go down.

    The new development affords Southwest states the opportunity to come together and make laws that will make the power sector work for consumers,” he said.

    Ekpo urged Nigerians to take their destinies in their hands and focus on meeting universal electricity provi sion goal.

    Agencies highlighted the uniqueness of electricity supply in their states and the areas of cooperation that can make the regional electricity project a success.

    The agencies agreed that the success of a regional electricity project will provide large number of jobs, create wealth for investors and other service providers in the industry with a great positive impact on the economy of the region.

    States also agreed to incorporate solar energy and other renewable energy sources in the overall plan.

    A senior government functionary, who is very familiar with the progress of power project in Oyo State, told The Nation that the State Assembly has promised to give the bill expedited passage in coming weeks. The bill was submitted last year, meaning that the state was a ready working on it before the law was moved to the Concurrent List in March.

    The state has also embarked on a gas station that will produce 50 million standard cubit feet of gas daily. The project is being undertaken by Shell Nigeria Gas Company for Oyo State. It will supply gas for independent power plants, a development that will eliminate transmission hurdles.

    “We also have energy mix, meaning each geographical location will use the source of electricity that is  best for it,” the source said.

    The Ekiti State Government has also built a five megawatt independent power project which is due for commissioning in July. The electricity bill is in the works. The House of Assembly is expected to pass it soon.

    Ogun State already has its law on electricity in place. It was enacted in 2019. The State is only sourcing investors to generate and distribute electricity.

    Lagos State has its law in place, but it is not clear if it needs to amend the law in view of the movement of the Act to the Concurrent List.

    Giving an update on the progress made so far, the Director General of the DAWN Commission, Mr Seye Oyeleye, explained that the states have taken practical steps to make laws that will empower them to facilitate generation and distribution of electricity as well as provide the framework for operating in the sub-sector.

     He said: “They need laws. Some of the states already have while others are at an advanced stage, making the law. Some private investors in power are already talking to the states. Preliminary meetings are being held with private investors some of who are proposing an entirely new technology for generation and distribution.

    “These are mostly facilitated by DAWN.

    “The states, which did not have the law before, are following the Lagos State template with slight modifications. They are all moving very fast. DAWN has sent a roadmap to member states based on the outcome of the Akure conference. It will be implemented with specific attention to their peculiarities.

    “They will have a new agreement with the DISCOs, with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) as the regulator. They may be going for modular power plants. DAWN is impressed with the response of the states because they are all taking practical steps. Exciting times are ahead on electricity in Southwest Nigeria.”

  • Safeguarding national security with financial sector backing

    Safeguarding national security with financial sector backing

    Identifying how funds flow in and out of an economy is at the centre of national security. Stakeholders have, therefore, called on the new National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to mandate his team to work with banks and other financial institutions to ensure that funds move to the right individuals and companies that will not jeopardise national security. They insist his previous role as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman adequately prepared him for the tasks ahead, writes Assistant Business Editor COLLINS NWEZE.

    The financial system is the getaway to the economy and central to national security. The banks and other financial institutions are also seen as the gatekeepers in ensuring that funds do not get into wrong hands that would threaten national security.

    With over $30.4 billion ferried out of Africa yearly, stakeholders are intensifying commitment to fighting money laundering and terrorist financing by ensuring that people comply with regulations in doing their businesses.

    That explains stakeholders’position that the appointment of Nuhu Ribadu as National Security Adviser by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was strategic.

    As the pioneer Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ribadu has a major advantage in securing banks and other financial institutions support in ensuring that illicit financial flows do not jeopardise national security.

    As former EFCC chief, he turned the agency into the most-feared law enforcement organisation in the country.

    Section 4 of the National Security Agencies Act, 1986 empowers the President, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to appoint a Coordinator on National Security, while Section 4(3) of the Act defines the roles of the Coordinator on National Security to include advising the President on the intelligence activities of the (created) agencies.

    The NSA is also expected to make recommendations in relation to the activities of the agencies to the President as contingencies may warrant … and doing such other things in connection with the foregoing provisions of this section, as the President may determine.

    Views from stakeholders

    President, Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, said the financial institutions are the gatekeepers to the economy.

    He said the NSA should engage stakeholders in the financial industry to get intelligence information needed for him to deliver on his assigned responsibilities.

    He said: “It is expected and given that the financial institutions and other financial institutions should have measures to identify and mitigate risk.’’

    He said the Bureau De Change’s (BDCs) play a moderating role in the forex market and have a significant intelligence market information.

    “The NSA needs to ensure the inclusion of all players in his intelligence structure. In terms of his capacity and capability, being a former chairman of EFCC, he is well prepared to handle the opportunity he got and perform. ABCON as a self-regulatory association is willing to collaborate with him in ensuring his objectives on anti-money laundering, counter terrorism financing are met to highest level,” Gwadabe said.

    President, Bank Customers Association of Nigeria (BCAN), Dr. Uju Ogubunka, said the NSA should, aside collaborating with banks and other financial institutions, ensure that the neighbouring countries’ borders, are manned by efficient and competent officers that will prevent illicit financial flows.

    He said the NSA and his team should also secure the co-operation of financial sector regulators like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), among others,  in ensuring that funds get into wrong hands.

    He said the anti-money launderings laws are adequate, but there could be need to design a system that makes illicit financial flow tracking easier, based on new realities.

    In a report in the national dailies, one of the analysts said Ribadu’s appointment has, understandably, moved not a few eyebrows. Nigeria is accustomed to having retired military officers appointed as the NSA, although a few retired police officers have manned the position in the past.

    Ironically, police officers who had served as NSA, such as Gambo Jimeta and Ismaila Gwarzo, served during military regimes. But civilian administrations since 1999 have appointed only retired military officers.

    As noted by many commentators, the schedule of the NSA straddles various but relevant professional capabilities, such as the military, law enforcement, intelligence services, international relations, the financial controls and developmental spheres.

    In the United Kingdom, all the six persons who have been appointed the NSA since 2010, have been career diplomats or civil servants. The NSA, Sir Timothy Earle Barrow,  is a civil servant who became a diplomat and served as the British Ambassador to the European Union, before his appointment.

    In the United States, which our democracy is modelled after, many of the people appointed have had no military background. Condoleezza Rice was a university scholar when President George Bush appointed her NSA from 2001 to 2005. The man who took over from her, Stephen John Hadley, was a lawyer and civil servant. The curent NSA, Jacob Jeremiah Sullivan, was also a civil servant.

    The analyst explained that in the modern world, the role of the NSA is changing. Governments are looking for intelligent men and women whose resumés show capabilities in peace building, intelligence gathering and analysis, alongside developmental issues and, in the case of Nigeria, an advocate of inclusiveness.

    Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in 2015, while addressing the Security Council, “Post-conflict societies must prioritise social, economic and political inclusion if they are to have any hope of rebuilding trust between communities”, to underline the need for inclusivity in the governance of conflict states.

    Ribadu is seen by many stakeholders as an advocate of inclusion, making sure that the marginalised members of the society are not only told that they are included, but also feel like they are.

    CBN roles

    The  CBN recently reviewed the  provisions of the Anti-Money Laundering, Combating Financing of Terrorism and Countering Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (AML/CFT/CPF) Regulations, 2022 to mitigate the potential risks posed by Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs).

    The apex bank has reviewed  guidelines mandating banks to monitor and restrict transactions by Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs). The policy is expected to affect many Senators and House of Representatives’ members, especially those on their first outing, and grassroots politicians.

    The reviewed guidelines asked the banks to undertake a risk assessment on new political office holders to determine the level of risk posed by that customer and the proportionate levels of due diligence and monitoring required.

    With this new policy, many of the 109 members of the Senate and a 360-member House of Representatives will have their accounts reclassified.

    The circular, signed by CBN Director, Financial Policy and Regulations, Chibuzo Efobi, provided guidance to the banks on what to look out for.

    Read Also: Ribadu: Return of anti-corruption fighter

    He said: “When considering whether to establish or continue a business relationship with a PEP, the focus should be on the level of money laundering, financing of terrorism and proliferation financing (ML/FT/PF) risk posed by the PEP, and whether the FI has adequate controls in place to mitigate such risks. This is in order to prevent the FI from being used for illicit purposes should the PEP be involved in criminal activities.”

    The apex bank explained that in view of the corruption levels in Nigeria, domestic PEPs are rated highly vulnerable to financial risks, therefore, by default, most domestic PEPs are considered high risk.

    It said foreign PEPs and PEPs with prominent functions in international organisations should be categorised based on the level of risk as assessed by financial institutions.

    The banks are required to conduct customer due diligence (CDD) for establishing that a customer is a PEP, as provided by the CBN regulations.

    The banks are also expected to identify and verify the identities of PEPs before providing them with financial services, or as soon as possible afterwards. Identification should also cover legal persons and arrangements that have at least one beneficial owner who is a PEP.

    Continuing, it said that once it has been established that a customer is a PEP, the bank should undertake a risk assessment.

    “Higher risk PEPs require enhanced ongoing monitoring of the business relationship.The financial institution should implement electronic and/or manual monitoring systems to monitor the business relationship and detect unusual and potential suspicious transactions and activities,” it said.

    The CBN said financial institutions, in the course of their businesses, establish business relationships with PEPs whom may be vulnerable to corruption, thus may portend risks to the banks.

    According to the apex bank, PEPs pose a high risk of ML/FT/PF due to the possibility that individuals holding such positions may misuse their power and influence for personal gain or advantage to themselves, close family members and/or associates.

    “Such individuals may also use their families or close associates to conceal illicit funds and assets. In addition, they may also seek to use their power and influence to gain representation and/or access to, or control of, legal entities for similar purposes,” it said.

    The CBN has, therefore, mandated banks to comply with the CBN Anti-Money Laundering, Combating Financing of Terrorism and Countering Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (AML/CFT/CPF) Regulations, 2022 to mitigate the risks posed by PEPs.

    Among these obligations is the requirement to apply a risk-based approach to identifying PEPs and apply appropriate Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) measures when dealing with those that pose higher AML/CFT/CPF risks.

    The objective of this guidance is to assist FIs in the identification and management of risks with PEPs in their business relationships.

    FATF roles

    Also, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) team conducts yearly Mutual Evaluation on Nigeria. The exercise allows it to assess Nigeria’s compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) rules.

    The evaluation provides information on the progress made by the country in meeting its obligations towards the FATF Recommendations.

    The FATF, the global standard-setter in the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, conducts peer reviews of each member on an ongoing basis, providing an in-depth description and analysis of each country’s system for preventing criminal abuse of the financial system.

    Nigeria, which has been in the forefront of mentoring other member states in the development of their AML/CFT systems, has  addressed FATF action plan by enacting legislation to criminalise money laundering and terrorist financing.

    The country is also implementing procedures for identifying and freezing terrorist assets and ensure that customer due diligence requirements apply to all financial instructions.

    Gwadabe said BDCs have met a number of compliance requirements specified by FATF and local regulators, saying they have conducted enhanced due diligence, a major compliance requirement on some high-risk customers.

    He said the collation and reporting of foreign currency transactions and suspicious transactions by BDCs were now fully automated.

  • NUC’s Core Curriculum for Nigerian universities

    NUC’s Core Curriculum for Nigerian universities

    The argument is not whether or not the National Universities Commission has the power to do what it has been doing to the universities. The truth is that the NUC has legal cover for what it has been doing. Section 10(1) of the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions ) Act, Cap E3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, empowers the NUC to set the minimum standards for all universities and conduct the accreditation of degree courses. With this kind of power, the NUC is only one step away from designing the curriculum for such courses.

    The question, however, is whether or not the NUC has truly designed curricular offerings for university courses, sidelining the University Senate, whose primary function it is to oversee the university’s academic functions, including course offerings, examinations, and the approval of degrees to be awarded to deserving students. There was a lot of noise last week that the NUC has done precisely that.

    On reading about the objections raised by the Academic Staff Union of Universities to the NUC’s Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards for the Nigerian University System, I sought the advice of some Professors, who currently teach in one premier Federal University or the other. I wanted to know the reactions of their Senate and the faculty in general to the CCMAS documents. I also read the official response of the NUC to the objections. Not done, I read through many of the CCMAS documents online at nuc-ccmas.ng.

    There are several striking findings, using the CCMAS document for the Social Sciences as reference point. First, what the NUC has developed is not anything near the 70 percent curriculum content being touted by ASUU. Rather, what the NUC has produced is a template for each course, featuring basic topics; core concepts; competencies to be acquired; expected learning outcomes; modes of student assessment; grading of courses; and student evaluation of courses. In order to underscore the ownership of the course by the course lecturer, the NUC adds: “It is pertinent to note that this CCMAS Document is expected to guide institutions in the design of curricula for their Social Sciences programmes by stipulating the minimum requirements. Institutions are therefore encouraged to take due cognizance of the CCMAS while bringing necessary innovation into the content and delivery of their programmes towards achieving the overall goals of Social Science education and training in the country”.

    Second, the template was constructed by a consortium of university professors, drawn from various disciplines; professionals of various stripes; top civil servants; and other stakeholders. Then reviewers were drawn from various universities. At least two Professors from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, participated in reviewing particular programmes in the Social Sciences. During the construction of the CCMAS documents, the NUC Board Chairman was no other than Emeritus Professor, Ayo Banjo, an illustrious scholar and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan.

    Read Also: Future universities must accommodate technology, says VC

    Third, the Senates of some universities, including the University of Lagos, have reportedly considered and approved the CCMAS document, while others are still mauling over the infraction of their authority. ASUU on their part is right about calling for a bottom-up approach, rather than what they describe as the NUC’s “top-bottom (read top-down) or take-it-or-leave it model”.

    What ASUU has failed to acknowledge is that the real problem with Nigerian universities is the materialistic orientation of faculty and staff. Too much is going on in the search for money, including money for grades, money for the supervision of long essays, and money for virtually any favour that students seek. It is all too easy to draw from the rank of professors and administrators for a few thousand Naira to do anything, including undermining university autonomy. Inadequate and irregular salary payments are often blamed for their actions. NUC and the Joint Admissions Matriculation Board are two centralising federal institutions that have the Naira to throw around to achieve their objectives. Yet, these are institutions that exert controlling power over the universities.

    There is no doubt that the centralising tendencies of federal institutions are becoming overbearing for the universities. For example, there is an ongoing pressure on the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital to dance to the tune of civil servants from the Federal Ministry of Health in Abuja, who scuttled the processes set in motion by the Hospital Management Board. As the story developed, it also appeared that the leadership of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria has been exerting its influence on the Ministry officials on behalf of the candidate they are said to be interested in. It is yet another sad story about my alma mater and the foundation of my professional career.

    There is yet another development that may have nothing to do with the NUC. It is reported that some applicants are being dumped on certain departments in a number of universities for interview as lecturers, contravening the processes by which lecturers are recruited. How many of such “dumped” applicants have been hired remains unknown. It is suspected that there is a clique behind the practice, which charges the applicants some unspecified amount. It is yet another sad encroachment on our beleaguered universities, including, again, my beloved alma mater.

    Finally, there is an important lesson about transparency and inclusivity that the NUC may have to learn from JAMB. These are among the chief strategies used by JAMB to draw the support of the universities, the media, and the general public. Nothing prevents the NUC from inviting various departments to streamline the template for their courses, which the NUC could then use as the starting point for constructing the CCMAS documents in about the same way by which JAMB constructs the cut-off marks for admission, by drawing upon input from university vice-chancellors, polytechnic rectors, and registrars.

  • Beckham opens up on Messi’s Inter Miami deal

    Beckham opens up on Messi’s Inter Miami deal

    David Beckham has opened up on the “massive moment” when Lionel Messi confirmed he would be moving stateside to the Englishman’s Inter Miami.

    Messi has left French giant PSG after his contract expired – and he had been linked with a move back to Barcelona, or even to Saudi Arabia. However, it was the MLS side that won the race for his signature, with Messi announcing the move.

    The Argentine is set to complete the move today , and Beckham has now broken his silence on the move.

    Speaking to The Athletic, he said: “A couple of weeks ago, I woke up to about a million messages on my phone.

    Read Also: Martino reunites with Messi at Inter Miami

    “I was thinking, ‘What’s gone off? I don’t usually get this many messages’. All of a sudden, I hear Leo has come out and announced he’s coming to Miami. Obviously, it wasn’t a surprise to me.

    “I have always said, from the word go, that if I had the opportunity to bring the best players in the game to Miami, at whatever time of their careers, I would do that. I have always made that commitment to our fans.

    “So when I hear that one of the best players – if not the best player – who has won everything in the game, who is still a great player, still young and still doing what he’s doing, wants to play for my team, it’s a massive moment for us.”

  • Osimhen inches closer to new Napoli contract

    Osimhen inches closer to new Napoli contract

    Victor Osimhen is edging closer to a new contract with Napoli after another encounter between the player’s agent and the club.

    A second meeting was held recently with agent Roberto Calenda and they are getting close to agreeing both an improved salary and a release clause.

    The encounters have been constructive and neither side is in a rush to get the issue resolved quickly, as they seem increasingly confident there will not be a sale this summer.

    Read Also: Osimhen visits Elumelu’s residence

    It is also because the interested parties look nowhere near to reaching the €120m minimum figure that might possibly make Napoli think about an exit.

    L’Equipe reported yesterday that Paris Saint-Germain have turned away from Osimhen, while Bayern Munich have set their sights firmly on Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane.

    Manchester United cannot even match the €60m asking price for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, so are unlikely to get anywhere near the Osimhen tag.

    The current contract runs to June 2025, so there is no rush to get it resolved.

  • When Jemiriye wowed Tinubu in France

    When Jemiriye wowed Tinubu in France

    All eyes were on Nigerian-American singer Jemiriye when she dazzled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in France during his last visit.

    Jemiriye wowed the president and many when she eulogised him using the age-long Yoruba style, ewi.

    The vocal powerhouse, who is well known for activism through heartwarming music, delved into the rich cultural history and Ewi of the Yorubas, at the meeting with Nigerians in Diaspora in Paris, France.

    Read Also: Lawmakers will support Tinubu’s economic policies with robust laws, says Abbas

    Acknowledging her gift, and as a Nigerian ambassador, the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties and Communications, Dele Alake, told the president and attendees that Jemiriye had given a rendition in similar manner at the United Nations Headquarters, United State ten years ago and noted that she is proudly Nigerian.

    On his part, Nigerian ambassador to France, Kayode Laro and his staff, who were present at the occasion commended the award winning Jemiriye for her soulful and entertaining performance and being a cultural ambassador of Nigeria.

  • FIFA Women’s World Cup: Aussies star dares to Falcons, others

    FIFA Women’s World Cup: Aussies star dares to Falcons, others

    Ahead of the July 28 FIFA Women’s World Cup clash against Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Australia’s striker Sam Kerr has warned the former African champion as well as Canada and Ireland to be wary of her scoring potency.

    Super Falcon are drawn in Group B alongside Canada, Australia and Ireland while their first game will be against Canada on July 21 and an epic showdown against the Aussies ladies on July 28.

    Kerr said Falcons’ Onome Ebi-led defense line-up will have to be on their toes to stop her from scoring at the World Cup.

    The Chelsea striker with 63 goals in 120 international appearances, is well established as one of the leading strikers and she will expectedly spearhead Australia’s attack in what would be her fourth FIFA Women’s World Cup.

    Read Also: 2023 Women’s World Cup : Oluremi Tinubu urges Falcons to dazzle the world

    “If two people are marking me then that means someone else is free so it might be someone else’s tournament to shine and that’s all part of being in a team,” she cautioned defenders who might be putting eyes on her alone.“Whatever it takes to win, if I take away two players then good for them, we’ve got electric speed everywhere else so good luck to them.

    “That’s the great thing about being a striker, they can isolate me for 90 minutes but really I need only one opportunity,” she said.

    “Over the past year playing with Chelsea I’ve really focused on that. I’ve been really, really isolated but have been able to work on being alive for that one moment and I feel like at Chelsea I’ve really succeeded with that.”

    With this, the Australian captain has sent out a chilling warning to the other 31 nations at the tournament.