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Category: Discourse

Admission row: Maturity is not a function of age

By Tunde Olofintila

The last may not have been heard on the contentious issue of the age a prospective candidate can be admitted into any of Nigeria’s 264 private, state or federal universities.

Before now, an aspiring candidate to any of the 264 universities would be admitted if he/she had the requisite WAEC/NECO papers and after scaling post-UTME introduced in 2003 by the Committee of Pro Chancellors under the chairmanship of the frontline legal icon, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN).

However, on April 22, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the agency that qualifies eligible students for admission into tertiary institutions through its yearly Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME), pegged the minimum age of entry into Nigerian universities at 18. By this directive, a child is expected to commence Primary School at six, enter Secondary School at 12 and enter university at 18 years. This rule allows for no exception.

Since then, there has been a debate for and against this directive by stakeholders, including parents and heads of tertiary institutions.

That brings us to renown Juju maestro, Chief Anthony Adegeye, popularly known as King Sunny Ade, in one of his 1970s albums that Agba ki i wa l’oja k’ori omo tuntun k’o wo, which translates roughly: “An elder should not be unconcerned when things are going awry”.

It must have been this time-tested Yoruba aphorism that propelled the elder statesman and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), to have gone all-out in defence of the extant position that age should not be a barrier to exceptionally gifted students from gaining admission to a Nigerian university the moment he/she has scaled passed WAEC/NECO and post-UTME. In specific terms, every university is entitled to exercise its discretion in this regard.

Miffed by this development, Babalola wondered why the education of a child, who had passed all pre-qualification requirements for admission into tertiary institutions, should be truncated on the altar of age. He added: “This should not be so because age is not maturity”.

In a parley with reporters, Babalola emphasised the need for Nigerian universities to be allowed to exercise their discretion in admitting students for various programmes as is the practice in the West, rather than being subjected to government directives.

Asserting that age has nothing to do with a nation’s growth and development, the elder statesman cautioned the government against implementing policies that could hinder progress and aspirations of young citizens, who could provide solutions to our challenges.

His words: “It is the duty of each university to exercise its discretion in matters of admission. You can’t take that discretion away from them. In my view, the issue of age is a matter of discretion for the university and let me say that we have been practising this here”.

He recalled how ABUAD had admitted students, between 14 and 16 years and how many of such students passed out with First Class and Second-Class Upper Division. In fact, some of them have obtained their Doctorate from universities around the world.

To drive his point home, he recalled Elaine Aaron, the American psychologist and author of the international bestseller – Highly Sensitive Person, who said: “What could we need more right now than people who think carefully, feel deeply, notice subtle details, and end up having the big picture?” These qualities are essential to nation building. Age is not one of them, neither is it a requirement to obtaining any of them”.

He added: “Maturity is not a function of age. Rather, it is a function of the mindset, emotional intelligence and ability to understand oneself and the world. Maturity is earned from training the mind, not from aging. Consequently, we have adults who are all but matured in the way they think, act, or relate with others and the world they live in.

“Conversely, we have children who defied all odds and achieved even the impossible. I have compiled a short list of people I consider to be Young Achievers hereunder. This is because they knew the value of mind enrichment at a young age and pursued it”.

Naming many gifted children like Soborno Isaac Bari, Yasha Asley, Alias Sabur, Colin Maclaurin, Charles Hormer Haskins, among others in Europe, America and Asia who earned their PhDs and/or were appointed professors between ages 11 and 22, Babalola said he was not surprised that no Nigerian was named among these global young achievers.

A man known for his definite distinction of not leaving any stone unturned, the former UNILAG pro-chancellor attributed this to Nigeria’s strategic policies that suspend the laudable achievements of brilliant young minds till later ages in Nigeria as confirmed by the following examples:

•Ekele Franklin: While his mates in the West and Middle East were pursuing either Master’s or Doctoral degrees, Ekele Franklin, Overall Best candidate in 2020 UTME with 347, was denied admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria because he was 15 years!

•David Okorogheye, who had 332 in UTME in 2021 was denied admission because he was not 16!

•Tochukwu Nwafor, who completed his secondary education at 14, was also precluded from going into university because of his age!

•Oyende Faith: Faith was Best Graduating student in Department of Biochemistry of Lagos State University in 2021. She told the press she wanted to become a medical doctor but was denied admission twice because of her age!

•Orisheneye Okorogheye had A1 in all subjects in WAEC and dreamt of becoming a Neurosurgeon. He was denied admission into tertiary institution in Nigeria because he was 15 years old!

In Babalola’s opinion, “the only factor that separates the young achievers earlier mentioned and these brilliant teenagers is that the young achievers were birthed into societies which understood, appreciated and are willing to nurture their gifts. Their societies were willing to make exceptions to accommodate their giftings. That is where Nigeria falters as a nation”.

He added: “Having a minimum age of admission into tertiary institution rule without exception is a problematic position that will in the long run affect the dreams of the younger generations.

“In developed nations, there is a minimum age qualification requirement. In United Kingdom, it is 18 years. In Australia, it is 17 years. When there are age limits, government allows each university to exercise its discretion, otherwise outstanding students would not have been what they are today and at a tender age”.

A man known to balance things out, Babalola added: “However, this rule is not strict. In UK for example, the university reserves the right to waive the minimum admission age requirement on an individual basis upon fulfilment of certain conditions. In Australia, the Academic Board of the school may grant a candidate, who is not 17 years, an exemption depending on his or her performance in the qualifying examinations.

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“In some other countries as Norway, there is no specific age limit for admission into tertiary institutions once the candidate meets the academic entry requirements.

“Also, in South Korea, there is no age requirement in the admission criteria into tertiary institutions. All the candidate needs is to meet all academic entry requirements.

“Age is not maturity. Children are demonstrating exceptional academic intelligence, which is not common in their ages. No child deserves to have his or her dreams impugned upon by age alone.

“University autonomy includes among other things discretion to waive the minimum age requirements for students who pass the minimum admission requirements and possess exceptional academic potential. This is as obtainable in UK, Australia, Norway and South Korea. It should not be within the competence of the Federal Government to direct that students of certain ages are disqualified from entering tertiary institutions after they had met all other admission requirements”.

Coming nearer home, Babalola recalled that Victor Olunloyo took his Higher Secondary Examination (HSE) at the age of 13. Firstly, he registered for the examination at an age way younger than his peers. Secondly, he took the exams only after three months of registering, what ought to have taken him two years. He passed his paper at one sitting. He thereafter took his GCE Advanced Level and passed it also at a sitting. By implication, he was qualified to enter university at 13. Sadly, there was no university in Nigeria at the time. He had to travel abroad for his BSc, Master’s and PhD. He became commissioner for Economic Development in Western Region in 1962 at 27, and later became governor of Oyo State in 1983 at 48.

Imagine if there had been a rule that delayed his progress at that time, I doubt he would have achieved all he achieved. It is this limitation that we are sadly imposing on the younger generation.

Babalola noted ABUAD and other universities have admitted super brilliant young stars who have beaten Olunloyo’s record.

Babalola suggested we should not forge with our hands the chain that will hamper gifted children. The minimum age requirement should also give universities discretion to admit children below 16 endowed with exceptional ability.

Government cannot shift the post after the game has started. The time has come for policy makers to remember a man’s life ticks away like hands of the clock, yet not many appreciate that every minute gone is irretrievable. We must appreciate that time is life and life is time. Time is the greatest enemy of man. Time does not wait for anyone. Lost time is irretrievable.

•Olofintila, ABUAD’s Corporate Affairs director, writes from Ado-Ekiti

September 2, 2024
Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Edo PHC agency, HealthPort to boost oxygen access

Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, non-profit organisation transforming public service delivery in Africa and advancing access to quality primary healthcare, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) and HealthPort Limited.

EDSPHCDA is responsible for primary healthcare services in Edo State, while HealthPort is a health-tech company committed to improving access to quality medical care through innovative digital solutions.

This strategic collaboration seeks to improve access to oxygen therapy in primary healthcare centres and other key facilities in Edo State. The initiative: ‘Oxygen as a Service,’ will complement the foundation’s efforts to revitalise primary healthcare centres (PHCs) in the state under Adopt-A-Healthcare-Facility-Programme (ADHFP).

“We are honoured to join forces with EDSPHCDA and HealthPort in this initiative,” said Bukky Akinsemoyin, foundation’s Director of Funding and Partnerships. “Our shared vision of enhancing access to quality primary healthcare forms the bedrock of this collaboration.

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‘‘Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is revitalising 18 PHCs under ADHFP to deliver affordable and reliable healthcare services to the vulnerable. The Oxygen initiative aligns with our goal of promoting innovative healthcare solutions by leveraging private sector resources. This collaboration marks a milestone in our efforts to elevate healthcare standards in the country.”

The collaboration aims to ensure patients access oxygen therapy, thereby eliminating need for long-distance travel to obtain such services. In addition, the foundation will collaborate with HealthPort to strengthen PHCs by providing specialised training for staff in administration, management, and maintenance of oxygen plants.

Each partner will contribute their strengths: EDSPHCDA will facilitate access to PHCs for delivery of essential medical and non-medical services; HealthPort will oversee implementation and life cycle of the project; and the foundation will provide evidence-based technical expertise, advisory support, and guidance to ensure the project’s success.

September 2, 2024
True story of the road to judicial salary review

By Ayo Joseph

When a priest engages in divination for a client, who is hard of hearing, the job ethic demands of him to repeat the instructions as often as possible until it settles in the subconscious of the client. Hence, the Yoruba proverb, kokoko làá ráfá adití.

Lawyers and non-lawyers have been inundated with claims and “reclaims” by outgoing President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Mr. Y.C. Maikyau (SAN), of championing the process that birthed review of salary of judicial officers. At no opportunity had he hesitated to sound his trumpet through addresses, speeches and interviews. For him, it is more about protecting what he considers his “proprietary right” over ideas that birthed the legislation and presidential assent than any other thing.

A few days ago, lawyers again woke up to emails, one from Maikyau and another from the association’s publicity secretary on the same subject. Though worded in the manner of an acknowledgment page in one of Agatha Christie’s bestsellers, the email was not pretentious about its aim of shoving it down everyone’s throat, in case it was yet to digest, that it was Maikyau and his team (and not anyone else), who initiated review of judicial officers’ salaries. In the email which was circulated to all lawyers, Maikyau said: “By the grace of God Almighty, and without any intention of sounding immodest, we undertook this task, which culminated into enactment of the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, Etc) Act, 2024, which was a product of constructive engagement with all arms of government.”

Just like the phrase “with due respect”, when you hear a man say: “without any intention of sounding immodest”, you are advised to brace yourself for a fabricated model of “immodesty.” But is Maikyau actually the “brain-father” of the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, Etc) Act, 2024? I need no preface to pointedly answer this in the negative, as the idea far precedes his ascension to the presidency of NBA. Being one who is far from the scene of leadership in the legal profession, I recall that reports of an ongoing process had been in the news long before Maikyau became president. By this lead, I was constrained to ask questions from credible sources to augment my commonplace knowledge, and my discoveries align with my answer above. To mimic Maikyau, let me also say “without any intention of sounding like a telltale”, I shall remind everyone of events from the not-too-distant past.

Body of Benchers’ intervention

The road to the review of remuneration of judicial officers has been a torturous one, with many harrowing bends and bumpy stretch. Only a few would understand the extent of investments, engagements and brainstorming that went into what emerged as the final result in the nature of a legislature. As far back as 2018, under the government of Muhammadu Buhari, there had been a report, proposing a review of judicial salaries and conditions of service. While the report continued to gather dust on the president’s shelf, a rare diatribe emerged from Justices of the Supreme Court, about June, 2022, with bitter complaints about the conditions of service of the court and the nation’s judiciary. The first regulatory body in the legal profession to react to this, was the Body of Benchers, then chaired by Mr. Wole Olanipekun, who wrote to all justices of the Supreme Court, urging them to exercise patience while the body engages with relevant stakeholders to address their complaints. Body of Benchers’ sources has it that Olanipekun set up a Judicial Advisory Committee, headed by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, with representatives from NBA and the Judiciary. The same sources also said the then chairman of Body of Benchers engaged the consulting firm of Ernst & Young to do a comparative analysis of salaries and emoluments of judicial officers across Commonwealth countries, with a view to achieving an internationally acceptable scale.

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It was in the news that in July, 2022, Olanipekun led other Benchers to Buhari to register their concerns and to “parley” with the then President, towards addressing the issue. It was in furtherance of this engagement that the President directed the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RAMFC) to begin the process of implementation of the 2018 report, pending conclusion of the Ernst & Young report commissioned by the then Body of Benchers leadership. Mr. Mohammed Shehu, chairman of RAMFC, was reported by the media as saying: “We have received the directive by Mr. President on salary of judges, and as you are aware, there has been a big uproar over the years on the salary of judges.”

While the engagements with Buhari and his commitment took place about July, 2022, Maikyau did not become president of NBA until August 26, 2022. At the inauguration of the Body of Benchers Complex on September, 29, 2022, Buhari acknowledged efforts of the Body of Benchers and its leadership, in his address: “I am not unaware of the passion and commitment of Olanipekun in championing the cause of welfare of judicial officers, as well as commitment of the body of this goal. May I restate my commitment towards this ideal and to reiterate our administration’s willingness to implement the 2018 Report of the Committee on Review of Judicial Salaries and Conditions of Service. In similar vein, I have been intimated on the engagement of consultants by the body, through its Advisory Judicial Committee to, among other things, come up with a peer review of the conditions of service of judicial officers with other countries and jurisdictions, in and outside Africa. I look forward to completion of this peer review and submission of recommendation, as this will assist us in our review of the welfare package.”

To think that the above statements by Buhari were made at a function where Maikyau was not just in attendance, but occupied a front row, leaves one more taken aback, by his display. Ernst & Young’s findings were documented in a report, which was submitted to the President, RAMFC, National Assembly and other stakeholders in the value chain. It would later be discovered that the N15 million professional fee of Ernst & Young were borne by the duo of Olanipekun and the current Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi at a ratio of 10:5. The report presented a basis and resources for the legislative processes that followed, before enactment of the Act.

Efforts of SANs and judicial staff

As earlier hinted, the birth of the child, upon which Maikyau now imposes his fatherhood, was not without complications and protracted labour hours, with physicians and surgical blades at play. Long before intervention of Body of Benchers, Mr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), in two separate actions: Suit FHC/ABJ/CS/63/2013 and Suit NAD/56/2013, against governmental stakeholders, including Federal Government, National Judicial Council, National Assembly, Ekiti State, etc., obtained judgments granting financial autonomy to the judiciary. More recently in 2022, Mr. Sebastain Hon (SAN), supported by over 100 members of the Inner Bar and 30 members of the Outer Bar, appearing as counsel, made another attempt through an action against National Assembly, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), National Judicial Council (NJC) and Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), over poor salary of judges. The irony is that though this action predates Maikyau’s assumption of office as NBA president, he was no where to be found on the long roll call, even when gray hairs like Solomon Awomolo (SAN), J.B. Daudu (SAN), OCJ Okocha (SAN), Kanu Agabi (SAN) and E.C. Ukala (SAN) registered their support, both in court appearance and preparation of processes. Or what do you say of efforts by Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, which, in January, 2014, obtained judgment against National Judicial Council the 36 governors in court over the same issue?

Against Maikyau’s claim

Therefore, even before the coming of Maikyau, men had committed their voices, goodwill, efforts, intellect and resources to the cause which culminated in this result. So, it is extremely political for Maikyau to shut his eyes to these efforts and resources. No doubt, the story may not be complete without a mention of Maikyau’s name, as his voice was very loud in support of a review of salary review for judicial officers. However, he is not the champion as he only arrived at the racecourse at a time the horse had bolted.

While every kind-hearted individual should naturally sympathise with Maikyau concerning the anticlimax of goodwill experienced in his NBA stint, he, however, lacks exclusive title in this regard. In fact, he is at best, a joint tenant with other tenants, owning limited interest in the pool.

This attitude is reflective of a typical African politician, who would rather have it to himself than come clean. This bears a counterproductive effect on office holders, who are incentivised to adopt the sit-tight syndrome since leaders after them may probably not accord them any credit for their efforts while they held sway. Be that as it may, if my opinion is anything tradeable on the floor of opinion exchange, then all contributors to the hike in the salary of judicial officers still alive should jettison conventional modesty by blowing their trumpet. After all, as the late Sir Ahmadu Bello said: “If you do not learn to blow your trumpet, there may be no one who will do it for you.”

•Joseph is a legal enthusiast and public affairs commentator

August 29, 2024
Presidential plane seizure and non-state actors

By Jimoh Ibrahim

Ogun State and Guangdong (a Chinese interest) are non-state actors in international relations. They are legal entities within their respective jurisdictions, and they can legally enter into ja binding contract, which requires the sanctity and integrity of the contract , written or otherwise, to be respected. The contract law is becoming so flexible between parties that the court wants to see the intention to enter into a legal relationship. Recently, the law was expanded in England to make statements made during pre-contact discussions binding on parties. Once any of the parties to the contract can show that he relies on those reasonable representations, it matters not if such a statement is in writing! The law has advanced beyond the Nigerian mentality that ‘ I did not sign, and it is not a written statement! .’ Now, pre-contract statements are binding on the parties involved.

The Treaty of Westphalia,1648, significantly explained the state’s power as actors in international relations, with the inalienable power of sovereignty. It includes the principle of non-interference in the domestic affairs of another. This ordinarily connotes that, except by permission, nations’ domestic affairs are the exclusive jurisdiction of such a nation. The sovereignty argument ordinarily explains why a court should not grant an order of attachment on sovereign assets (e.g., a diplomatic plane) in a contract involving two non-state actors. But where a state is made a co-defendant in such a matter, it has all the opportunities to explain itself. For instance, is the state aware of such a contract, and was the state supporting the non-state actor at any time during the contract? Why should the court writ of attachment order be a problem If the actor (Nigeria) provides support for Ogun State during the contract ?

If Nigeria’s argument is based on the principle of sovereignty, it must look elsewhere because there is no absolute sovereignty. The increasing role of globalisation and financial institutions increases the viability of the sovereign state. Krasner has argued that sovereignty is organised hypocrisy! It could also be the case that the absence of absolute sovereignty makes the state’s authority and power to govern itself and make decisions hypocritical. Political power – play by hegemonic leaders influences decisions, not the rules of international practice. When Nigeria was made a party to the contract, it knows nothing about why Nigeria didn’t request from the same court that China be made a party such that we can now have complete diplomatic engagement!

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The argument about sovereignty may be nonsensical due to the shifting dynamics of international relations, marked by increasing financial obligations, globalisation, and the growing influence of non-state actors. Some of these actors, like Google and Coca-Cola, have more extensive financial balance sheets than the entire budget of Africa! The narratives are changing. It is still difficult for a state to have absolute internal control over its air, road, and water spaces. For instance, a disaster that travels by water has no regard for immigration queries, or air diseases like COVID-19 require no visa to travel across the borders; no country has absolute control over the stoppage of emails travelling from one country to another, so it is in all social media communications.

The Nigerian government may have one or two options: help Ogun State to pay a negotiated full and final discharge of the judgment sum and deduct the money from the federal account allocation monthly. Or provide an alternative bank guarantee for the judgment sum from an international bank to get the injunction discharged, have your planes back and move to the negotiation table. Or argue Nigeria’s non-involvement and allow the two actors – Ogun and.the Chinese firm – to continue the international legal battle. Doing so is essential for Nigeria’s image, as the potential implications of the case’s outcome will be significant.

How would the judgement become enforceable if Nigeria successfully pulled out and Ogun State lost the case? This is where power and influence of a country comes in. Brilliant Lateef Fagbemi, Nigeria’s Minister of Justice, narrowed the options to an outright legal engagement (except that international litigation always ends on the imperativeness of power, influence, and authority). Nigeria can pursue an international diplomatic option. This is a case of a realist (China) going into financial diplomacy with a liberalist (Nigeria). The realist (China) celebrates its power, political , economic and financial while the liberalist (Nigeria) wants collaboration and cooperation!

It is sad to see how a governor will terminate a contract to which he has a deficit of knowledge but arrogantly assumes that the governor’s power is more than the knowledge needed for efficient decision. A whopping $79 million (over N100 billion ) terminated just like that after what had been sunk into its execution ! Of course, there is no firing squad punishment for an elite that terminates a contract of N100billion in Nigeria. He would only claim that he made a mistake! The governor’s recklessness and inadequate knowledge of the complexity of the matter made him act as his spirit directed. He was connected to the praxis and taxonomy of the currency of power with his usual excess in-stock mantras: power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely! The state will still protect him while he rides on a convoy of choice cars. Except be becomes a permanent governor , ‘ governor for life ‘ , the day of reckoning will certainly come.

The power to revoke privatised companies and punish the owners or sell banks that belong to successful people out of envy or criminalising simple loan agreements between parties that usually happens in Nigeria, are unknown to international financial praxis, as we saw during the Buhari Government.

• Ibrahim is the senator representing Ondo South Senatorial district in the National Assembly

August 21, 2024
Olu of Warri: Three years of purposeful leadership

By Adeniyi Ifetayo

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, stands as a testament to purposeful leadership, grace, and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of his people, as a traditional authority in Nigeria. Three years have passed since his ascension to the throne, and these years have been marked by transformation, resilience, and a deep connection to both history and modernity. His is a reign of vision, deft leadership, and a reflection of his dedication to the betterment of Iwereland and Nigeria as a whole.

From the moment he ascended the throne in August 2021, Ogiame Atuwatse III made it clear that his reign would be divinely inspired. He acknowledged this in his one-year anniversary speech when he reflected on the role of God in his ascension: “There is no part of this that has been of my own doing, it was and remains God’s divine project.” This sense of divine purpose has been the foundation upon which he has built his leadership philosophy, positioning the Warri Kingdom for growth and prosperity.

Reconnecting with the Past for a Better Future:

Ogiame Atuwatse III’s reign has been steeped in the wisdom of his ancestors, and he has continuously emphasized the importance of connecting with the past to chart a better future for his people. In his speech commemorating his one-year anniversary, he paid homage to his predecessor, Ogiame Ikenwoli, and acknowledged the ancestral guidance that would propel Iwereland forward. This connection to the past is not mere nostalgia; it serves as a reminder that the challenges and triumphs of history inform the decisions of the present.

His Majesty also made it clear that the Itsekiri people must reposition themselves within the evolving dynamics of modern Nigeria. He asserted that “our ancestors are at this moment, smiling down on us filled with pride and joy as they see us ready and braced for the journey towards repositioning our dear Iwere Kingdom within the prevailing reality of today’s Nigeria and the world at large.” This statement highlights Ogiame’s foresight in recognizing the necessity for the Warri Kingdom to adapt to contemporary realities without losing its cultural identity.

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The Symbolism of the Crowns:

One of the most significant moments in Ogiame Atuwatse III’s early reign was the introduction of a new pair of gold and silver crowns. The progression from coral to silver and now gold represents the physical and symbolic evolution of the Warri Kingdom. It is more than just a change in royal attire; it is a manifestation of the spiritual, social, and economic advancement that Ogiame envisions for his people. This vision is deeply tied to his belief that the Warri Kingdom has a divine purpose in the formation of a successful Nigeria, a purpose that transcends political divisions and historical grievances.

Empowering the People: A Commitment to Education and Development:

Central to Ogiame Atuwatse III’s leadership is his unwavering commitment to education and the empowerment of the people of Warri. Through the Royal Iwere Foundation (RIF), the humanitarian arm of the Warri Kingdom Monarchy, Ogiame has spearheaded initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education in the South-South region. One such initiative is the Teachers’ Training Program, which equips early childhood educators with modern techniques for effective classroom delivery. The masterclass, which took place in August 2024, was designed to align with Sustainable Development Goal 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

The Queen Consort, HRH Olori Atuwatse III, who has been instrumental in the success of the Royal Iwere Foundation, lauded the importance of empowering teachers, stating, “Educating and empowering the teachers of the South-South region and beyond is crucial for combating the alarming out-of-school population in the Niger Delta and is salient for strengthening quality foundational education which is required for nation-building.” This focus on education underscores the belief that the future of the Warri Kingdom—and indeed Nigeria—depends on the intellectual and emotional development of its young people.

The Teachers’ Training Program is just one example of how Ogiame Atuwatse III has leveraged partnerships to bring development to his kingdom. In 2023, the Warri Kingdom entered into a partnership with Tampere City in Finland, aimed at fostering cooperation in education, digital transformation, and regional development. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Warri Kingdom and Tampere City is a groundbreaking step in promoting knowledge transfer and capacity building, essential components for the kingdom’s growth.

Uniting Iwereland and Nigeria:

Ogiame Atuwatse III’s reign has been marked by a focus on unity, not only within the Warri Kingdom but also throughout Nigeria. He has continuously called on all Itsekiri sons and daughters, both at home and abroad, to join in the efforts to build a stronger, more prosperous Iwereland. His invitation to his subjects during his second coronation anniversary was clear: “Let us make Iwereland better. Together, we can attain the height of greatness.” This call to action reflects his belief in collective responsibility and the need for all Itsekiri people to contribute to the development of their homeland.

Beyond Iwereland, Ogiame Atuwatse III has positioned himself as a leader with a vision for national development. His efforts to harness the benefits of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) demonstrate his commitment to leveraging Nigeria’s resources for the development of the Warri Kingdom. The Iwere master plan, which aims to develop oil-producing areas in Iwereland while ensuring that non-oil-producing regions are not left behind, is a testament to his inclusive approach to governance.

A Vision for the Youth and Women of Warri Kingdom:

One of the hallmarks of Ogiame Atuwatse III’s reign has been his focus on the empowerment of youth and women. Recognizing that the future of the Warri Kingdom lies in the hands of its younger generation, he has consistently urged the youth of the Niger Delta to look beyond oil and gas and to channel their energy into endeavors that will create long-lasting value. “We must look beyond oil and gas, and channel our energy in the right directions towards endeavours that will result in added value across board,” he said during his first year on the throne. This forward-thinking approach encourages the youth to explore opportunities in technology, entrepreneurship, and other sectors that have the potential to drive sustainable development.

In addition to youth empowerment, Ogiame has placed significant emphasis on the role of women in the development of Iwereland. His commitment to honoring and supporting women is evident in his words: “We will ensure that our women, both old and young, are honored and respected, not only by word, but in actual cultural practice.” This is not mere rhetoric; it is a promise that has been backed by action. The Royal Iwere Foundation has actively sought to empower women through various initiatives, recognizing that their contributions are vital to the kingdom’s progress.

International Recognition and Diplomatic Outreach

Ogiame Atuwatse III’s leadership has not gone unnoticed on the global stage. Within two years of his ascension, the Federal Government of Nigeria conferred on him the prestigious award of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), recognizing his contributions to national development. Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori described Ogiame as a “great image maker” and a “marketer of Warri Kingdom and Delta State to the world,” lauding his diplomatic outreach and bilateral partnerships.

Ogiame Atuwatse III has successfully used his platform to strengthen diplomatic ties with various countries, furthering the kingdom’s development agenda. His collaboration with Finland, for instance, is a testament to his commitment to forging international partnerships that bring tangible benefits to his people. These diplomatic efforts align with the Delta State government’s MORE Agenda, which seeks to position the state as an investment destination.

A Legacy of Purposeful Leadership:

As Ogiame Atuwatse III marks his third coronation anniversary, it is evident that his reign has been defined by purposeful leadership, a deep connection to the past, and a forward-looking vision for the future. His commitment to education, youth empowerment, and the development of Iwereland has already begun to yield results, and his diplomatic outreach promises even greater progress in the years to come. Under his reign, the Warri Kingdom is not only reclaiming its rightful place in the history of Nigeria but is also setting a new standard for traditional leadership in the modern world.

Ogiame Atuwatse III’s reign is a reminder that leadership, when rooted in purpose, can transcend challenges and create lasting change. As the Warri Kingdom continues its journey under his guidance, there is no doubt that the next chapters in its history will be marked by continued growth, unity, and prosperity.

• Ifetayo is a journalist, wrote from Abuja

August 21, 2024
Appraising passage of national Minimum Wage Bill

By Ola Awoniyi

The passage of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Bill 2024 by the National Assembly is now history. The Bill, which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has already signed into law, amended the National Minimum Wage Act 2019 by increasing the Minimum Wage from 30,000 Naira to 70,000 Naira and reducing the time for periodic review of the National Minimum Wage from five years to three years.

In passing the Bill, the National Assembly did what the time demanded. But no one is commenting on the parliament’s responsiveness in the prompt or speedy passage of the Bill. Isn’t it noteworthy that the lawmakers did what was expected and did it timeously?

Given the flak that the National Assembly got over the passage of the Bill that brought back the old National Anthem, it is necessary to point this out. Of course, opinions are divided on the issue. Some people have asked: Why revert to the old National Anthem? Some also queried the speed with which the National Assembly passed the Bill, accusing the parliament of failing to subject it to a public hearing, one of the critical stages in lawmaking. But that accusation is unfair; it is like calling a dog a bad name to hang it because the Senate subjected the Bill to a Public Hearing. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, and Senior Lawyer Mike Ozekhome participated in the Public Hearing. But those crucifying the National Assembly for what happened or did not happen missed or deliberately ignored that fact. Some critics didn’t even notice that it was an Executive Bill.

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The Nigeria Labour Congress also accused the Executive and the Legislature of prioritising the National Anthem over the welfare of workers for passing the Bill before the National Minimum Wage Bill. Senior Lawyer Femi Falana and some civil society organisations demanded that the National Minimum Wage Bill be passed at the same speed as the Bill to Provide for the National Anthem of Nigeria and Related Matters. Interestingly, the National Assembly was being pressured to speedily process a Minimum Wage Bill that was yet to be transmitted by the Executive.

The lawmaking process has stages. A legislative proposal or a Bill passes through the First Reading, Second Reading, Public Hearing, Clause-by-clause consideration of the Bill at the Committee of the Whole, or Committee of Supplies if it is a money Bill, and finally, the Third Reading. Before the Bill is transmitted to the Executive for Presidential assent, the two Chambers – the Senate and the House of Representatives, must have reached concurrence.

But the pressure was unnecessary. Even when negotiations and consultations were yet ongoing on the Minimum Wage, the President of the Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio, had assured the nation of “speedy consideration and passage” of the new National Minimum Wage Bill whenever the proposal was presented to the National Assembly:

“Let me assure you that we stand by this commitment. We cannot afford to fail the nation at this critical time,” Akpabio was quoted as saying in a message at a retreat held for some federal lawmakers in Abuja. The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies organised the retreat.

At the commencement of the Plenary on Tuesday, 23rd July 2024, the Senate President acknowledged the receipt of the new National Minimum Wage Bill transmitted by the President. On the same day, without delay, the Bill passed the necessary stages of the lawmaking process simultaneously in both Chambers. Falana, in his earlier statement on the National Anthem Bill, had urged that the Minimum Wage Bill be passed within 48 hours. But the Senate did even better. It passed the Bill within one hour. That was faster than the passage of the National Anthem Bill.

However, the speedy passage of the Bill by the National Assembly was not because of the pressure mounted on it from outside. The National Assembly was determined to have the issue of National Minimum Wage concluded as early as possible. They decided not to proceed on their 2024 annual recess until the issue was concluded logically. Negotiations involving the government, labour, and the organised private sector were concluded at the tripartite committee level. Also, the President consulted other critical stakeholders, particularly the State Governors, to enhance consensus building. This made the job of lawmaking on the issue easier for the parliament. After all those negotiations and meeting of minds, all that was needed was a parliamentary seal. And this the lawmakers offered in the national interest.

By passing the bill with dispatch, the federal lawmakers loudly stated that they care about the Nigerian workers. Bills may take several months or years to pass. Some are even passed across dispensations.

Fair observers will acknowledge that since the inception of the Akpabio 10th Assembly, legislative proposals that directly impact people’s lives have received accelerated and expeditious consideration. This demonstrates that the 10th Assembly is people-centric.

However, despite this people-oriented disposition, the National Assembly still faces a trust deficit arising from an unfair perception of the institution as a mere money guzzler. This perception didn’t start with the 10th Assembly; it is a baggage that its predecessors also carried.

This age-long perception is that lawmakers are concerned only about what they can take for themselves. This explains why critics are constantly on alert for a whiff of scandal and an error of commission or omission by the institution. And when that appears, they swiftly cash in and feast on it. With this mindset, discussing any well-delivered aspect of its mandate, like the passage of the new National Minimum Wage Bill, becomes an aberration.

At the inception of the 10th Assembly, Godswill Obot Akpabio, President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, promised that the Assembly would be a Peoples’ Parliament. Evidence abounds in the number and quality of the Bills since passed, as well as in its various legislative interventions, that this has been the case. The 10th Assembly will live by that promise always.

• Awoniyi, Media Aide to Senate President, writes from Abuja

August 16, 2024
CNG: NNPCL leads Nigeria’s quest for a new world

By Uche T Uchenna

With the pronouncement on May 29, 2023, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, effectively bringing to an end the regime of subsidy payment in Nigeria, it became imperative that a new way of doing things has to be found, particularly, how to ameliorate the expected side effects of the removal of subsidy.

While the Presidency busied itself with the most plausible ways to address the after effects of the subsidy withdrawal, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) quickly articulated what to do in the circumstance.

It saw the possibility of exploring further Nigeria’s vast natural gas deposit with particular attention to transportation. Meanwhile, the Federal Government has decided that it would have to focus on developing Compress Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles in a bid to cut the consumption of premium motor spirit (PMS) popularly called petrol.

It was, therefore, a thing of joy to see that both the Federal Government and the NNPCL were thinking alike and in the same direction in their bid to find a lasting solution in this regard.

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While the Federal Government went into an agreement with Innoson Motors for the production of CNG vehicles, the NNPCL on its part voted to construct CNG stations across the country.

This seemingly joint but actually separate efforts can best be described as a welcomed synergy for the good of Nigeria and Nigerians.

On Thursday, July 4, 2024, the NNPCL simultaneously commissioned 12 CNG stations in Lagos and Abuja.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Mallam Mele Kyari, during the event declared that the drive to bring CNG closer to Nigerians has commenced and was irreversible.

What this simply means is that with the commissioning of the 12 CNG stations in Abuja and Lagos, the NNPCL would soon ensure a nationwide spread of the CNG stations.

In his words: “There is simply no way to turn back on delivering CNG for all Nigerians. It is the right thing to do. Is it late? Yes, but we will make progress, we will cover the gap in order to ensure that the volatility we see with Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) does not apply to gas,” Kyari stated.

Kyari had words of commendation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the needed support to drive domestic gas utilisation aimed at delivering cleaner and cheaper source of energy to Nigerians.

While assuring that the NNPC Ltd will continue to deliver more strategic gas projects for the benefit of Nigerians in line with the Presidential CNG Initiative of bringing prosperity to all Nigerians, Kyari reaffirmed the determination of the NNPC to guarantee the nation’s energy security.

At the same occasion, the Managing Director, NNPC Retail Limited, NNPCL Mr. Huub Stokman painted a very encouraging and heart warming picture when he revealed that in the next one year, NNPC Retail would have launched over 100 CNG sites, including 16 NNPC Gas Marketing and NIPCO Gas JV sites. “CNG provides Nigeria with affordable alternatives to existing available fuel products. It will be about 40% cheaper than petrol in Nigeria and with continued investments, it will become a significant part of our energy mix,” Stokman added. Of course, the event attracted the who is who in the oil and gas industry, with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, representing the President who is the Minister of Petroleum Resources. The Minister, while commissioning the stations, highlighted their advantages to the country, saying that they will not only provide economic benefits by creating jobs and stimulating local economies, they will also contribute significantly to Nigeria’s national goals of reducing emissions and combating climate change.

It is on the light of the above that Monday, August 12, has been a remarkable leap forward for both manufacturers of CNG and the officials that are buying them for the people’s use. On that day and in its continued efforts to support the FG’s drive to deepen nationwide utilisation of CNG the NNPC Ltd, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, NNPC Foundation, donated 10 CNG buses to cushion the effect of transportation on Nigerians. Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, made the donation on behalf of the company.

She declared that the gesture, under the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) initiative on CNG, was aimed at providing cheaper transportation for Nigerians, promoting a cleaner alternative source of energy and boosting the nation’s economy. Coincidentally, the announcement of the gesture was on the same day President Bola Tinubu inaugurated 30 CNG buses in a bid to ease the plight of commuters across the country.

The major aim was to ease the burden of transportation on the citizens which was brought about by the removal of fuel subsidy.

Winifred Akpani, described the formal unveiling of the buses as a game changer for the transport sector. Tinubu had assured that the CNG buses to be provided will help to ease transportation challenges faced by Nigerians, especially in the Federal Capital Territory.

In the first phase of procurement, 30 buses were acquired from Innoson Motors, an indigenous vehicle manufacturing firm.

At the symbolic ceremony performed at the forecourt of the State House, Abuja, President Tinubu declared that commercial vehicles in Nigeria make up about 80 percent of nation’s petrol consumption, costing the country trillions of naira monthly. Speaking during the brief ceremony, Tinubu said, “I am very honoured to be here, it is a great expression for me to receive these buses on behalf of the government and making a significant innovation to the transportation system. “Utilizing natural gas to power our transportation industry is the next way to go.

For many countries especially Nigeria, with our own gas, if we work harder, be productive and innovative, it is an economic necessity that we should embrace.

“I noted the recent yearnings of many ordinary Nigerians on transportation. I thank INNOSON Motors and others we have been committed to change this narrative in this country.

“If we can enhance our energy competitiveness and bring about transformative changes like this, we would definitely be able to achieve the prosperity that we are working hard to accomplish for our people.

“The solution is here. We have it, we will work on it. We promise you, things will definitely get better, prosperity will be achieved,” Tinubu said. From whichever way one looks at it, the NNPCL has taken the lead in the quest by Nigeria for a new world, and like Kyari said, yes, there’s no going back.

Uchenna writes from Lagos

August 16, 2024
Tackling challenges facing Northern Nigeria: The Uba Sani Prescription

By Abu Mohamed

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, no doubt, is not starry-eyed about the situation of things in Northern Nigeria. He is very realistic when it comes to the challenges facing the region. For him, the sprawling Saharan region in Africa’s most populous country is facing and grappling with “existential threats.” And the only sure way to tackle these myriad of problems was to come to terms with the reality on ground and consciously formulate policies that will result in solutions that are both practicable and realisable. For him, it will amount to time wasting to indulge in blame games and trying to find a scape goat for all the things that are going wrong in the region. He would rather that the region’s elite look themselves in the eye and tell themselves some home truth. For him, playing politics of blame game for the woes the region is facing is not the answer. The answer is in speaking the truth and bracing up and fashioning out solutions to the myriad of problems confronting the region.

His thought and conviction were made known on Monday while welcoming a delegation from the Arewa Consultative Forum, (ACF), led by its new Chairman, Mamman Mike Osuman, SAN, to the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna.

In a candid and down to earth manner, Governor Uba Sani declared: “It is clear that Northern Nigeria faces existential threats as we are speaking. This is, therefore, a time for all hands to be on deck to pull the engine back from the brink. We must take a hard look at ourselves, tell ourselves some home truth and move together to fashion a common strategy to address our developmental challenges and confront the criminals making life unbearable for our people,” he stated.

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As a governor, Uba Sani acknowledged that the region is facing daunting and debilitating challenges. He also acknowledged the fact that only in unity of purpose can the region pull together as one indivisible unit to articulate and proffer solutions to whatever challenges it’s facing today. And to defeat the menace of insecurity in its various forms and shapes, the people must necessarily rally together as one, otherwise it would be an academic exercise.

He then identified the ACF as a fit for purpose built vehicle for the major role in building the consensus for “the best approach to tackle the multifaceted challenges facing Northern Nigeria.”

He revealed that the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, “has been giving an uncommon support to Governors in the North to address their myriad of challenges.” This is contrary to what is being peddled in the social media space trying to castigate President Tinubu for the problems ravaging the North.

Governor Uba Sani rose stoutly to the defence of President Tinubu, whom some elite in the region had singled out for attacks and blames as the cause of the region’s woes.

Hear him: “The narrative that President Tinubu is against the North is false and unbecoming. It’s the handiwork of elements who are experts at political manipulation. We have to tell ourselves the truth, politics is enough, let us talk about development. Northern Nigeria is in crisis. And we should not blame anyone else, we should blame ourselves. That is the fact,” he declared.

Governor Uba Sani then assured the ACF that Kaduna State Government is ready to partner with it on “initiatives that will advance the interest of the people of the North. We want to help reposition ACF to effectively play its roles.”

With that promise, Governor Uba Sani announced the readiness of his government to hand over all the relevant documents of the National Headquarters of the ACF to the new leadership of the organisation. He also pledged the readiness of this administration to help renovate and furnish the building at 11A, Sokoto Road, Kaduna.

“Leadership is critical to holding the North together and mobilizing the people to face the future with hope. Our people are resilient, resourceful and hardworking. We must not despair. Let us take our destiny into our own hands. Let us come together and develop and implement our own Marshal Plan for the development of the North. Arewa will rise again,” Governor Uba Sani declared to a rapturous applause.

In his response which was full of praises and acknowledgement of the realistic, novel and empathy driven leadership of the governor, ACF new chairman, Mamman Osuman, said the body had done everything humanly possible in over 20 years to get the property regularised but with no success, saying Governor Uba Sani made it possible in record time.

The truth is the current blame game by a section of a small but vocal and influential northern elites will never bring solutions to the problems facing the North. Seeking the person to be made a scapegoat is actually a form of escapism because at the end of the day no amount of blame can exculpate the very elites of the region who have for many decades presided over the affairs of the people in the region in various capacities.

It’s in this regard that one must look critically at the “way forward” proposed by Governor Uba Sani. Until one acknowledges all the facts of a problem, finding the right solution to it may just be a mirage.

•Mohamed write from Kaduna

July 26, 2024
Benjamin Kalu: The power of focus, triumph over distractions

If not for the good and protection of the unsuspecting members of the public who may be hoodwinked into believing the series of invidious hogwash deliberately written against my principal, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu in the media recently, I wouldn’t have batted an eyelid for a rebuttal because the purveyors would certainly feel dignified with a response.

For starters, I had taken a position earlier to ignore those claptraps as they didn’t speak to any significant issue of social or economic importance or development which has been the drive in our political trajectory. But consequent upon the delugeness of the onslaughts and the need to correct the wrong narratives, I am persuaded to change my position.

Besides, I have been inundated with calls from various quarters of the society for my reactions and, naturally, when calls reach a crescendo, showing sufficient predilection for a response, anyone would be compelled to budge. And this is it.

First. It was an opinionated piece title “Kalu’s Quest To Promote Regional Agenda As House Deputy Speaker” authored by one Dayo Akinwale published in Thisday Newspaper on July 1, 2024 wherein he spewed unprovoked hate and animosity, painting the Deputy Speaker with an ethnic brush.

The second piece ensued from one Mbaukwu Ihedigbo. Apparently coming from a known background, the minion, understandably an e-rat, propelled by his affinity with the powers-that-be in Abia State, danced naked on Facebook through a piece titled “The Urgent Need to Halt Hon. Ben Kalu’s Political Maneuvering and Why Governor Alex Otti Should Be Vigilant”.

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Yet, on a dramatic turn and in quick succession, one Adebiyi Omotosho Dan collated the publications in his article titled “Local Boy Gone Bananas: Kalu’s Descent into Controversies” published on Opera news on July 12, 2024.

What a tittle-tattle from a bunch of delusional ignoramuses who obviously deserve our collective pity.

To my chargrin, Dayo struck the cord of infantilism when he fathomed and justified his diatribe with Kalu’s consistent efforts to advance the cause of Ndi Igbo and catalyze the development of the eastern region.

Worst of it all is that a reputable national newspaper like ThisDay tolerated Dayo’s unabashed indiscretion when he submitted that Kalu’s advocacy on the release of the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was a sin.

One would have thought that Dayo who is understood to be a parliamentary reporter, covering the proceedings of the House of Representatives would have picked up a better faultline like incompetence and tell the world that Kalu was not fit for the job but no, he took the unsavory route, plunging himself into pettiness and rabble rousing in abject ignorance and crass idiosy, displaying his tremendous hatred for Kalu.

He did not punctuate on the self embrassing, delusional punchline afterwards but elatedly ethnicized the piece, thereby casting a slur on the sanctity of journalism profession. For anyone who knows his onions in the noble profession of journalism, truth, substance, accuracy and objectivity are the cannons as well as the golden rules. Put succinctly, they are the hallmarks of journalism, anywhere. But Dayo chose to dance naked on the pages of the newspaper with some celebratory air, unabashedly.

But it is gratifying to read him eulogize the legislative acumen, the oratory prowess and adept intellectual sagacity that define the political persona of Kalu. Even Kalu’s political opponents will agree that those are the distinct features that have made him a deputy speaker extraordinaire.

Read Dayo: “No one ever doubts the competence and capacity of the Deputy Speaker, even his political adversaries doff hat for him. Despite being a second term legislator in the House, he is well grounded in the legislative processes. The Bende-born lawmaker is also a delight to watch whenever he presides over the plenary. He’s a beauty to watch”.

Yes, Kalu may not be your regular politician but he’s surely your passionate leader that is promoting patriotism and and typifying nationalism, not ethnicism or parochialism. Kalu’s passion for the oneness of Nigeria is overt and unassailable. In his legislative duties and responsibilities, he has equally shown remarkable zeal and zest. No ethnic jingoist or tribal enthusiast would embark on a sprawled advocacy to relaunch his region into the mainstream politics for national cohesion and integration. No ethnic bigot would wear Nigeria and the embroidery of diversity. No tribal activist would spread appointments to accommodate the heterogeneity of Nigeria. But that is Kalu in his pure Nigerianness. He did it. Kalu would rather be championing secession and similar preachments with his position if he was pursuing a regional agenda. Far from it. The deputy speaker is a nationalist. A pan-Nigerian and this is exemplified by the preponderance of his engagements across the federation.

And then, you ask, what is wrong in appealing to the authorities for the release of his kinsman who has been in the gulags for years? You also ask, what is wrong in Kalu preaching peace and amplifying the message of love amongst Nigerians? You also ask, what is wrong in Kalu calling and galvanizing his people to support the party in power? You ask again, what is wrong in Kalu inviting Nigeria to his native town of Bende in Abia State during the unveiling of his pet project, Peace In South East (PISE-P) to declare the restoration of peace and treat his august visitors to the hospitality of Ndigbo? And what is wrong in the appeals for non kinetics as a measure to quelling youth restiveness and addressing insecurity and the concomitant sociological effects and disparities?

This must be Kalu’s array of misdemeanours that elicited anger in Dayo and his co-travellers and catapulted them to the path of infamy and perfidy. Dayo’s journey to the wide plains can only find summary in one word: Ignorance of the ethos of his journalistic calling. And this suffices.

Equally, the lackey from Abia, my home State went suicidal in his wailing and wilful attempt to create a deceitful social media narrative that Kalu was plotting to take over the government house by 2027.

Referring him as an agent provocateur may be appropriate just to describe his clomping around, struggling to be noticed, at least for his nuisance value. This is why I was reluctant, ab initio, to rebut.

Ihedigbo’s headache is that Abians and indeed, Nigerians have fallen in love with Kalu’s legislative prowess and technical competences. His worry is that individuals across the State have decided to group themselves in solidarity to his growing political profile and influences. So, for him, this is all about 2027 elections and for that, Kalu should be checked and stopped before he outwits and outflanks Governor Otti from the government house.

Of course, this alarm may be a sundry display of youthful exuberance but, for me, it is of cataclysmic impudence. Anyone who is very familiar with Kalu’s style of politics will attest to the fact that he has never been inebriated by the strength of the federal politics. He might be an opposition in Abia from Abuja but it is not in his totems to distance himself from issues that will contribute to the growth and development of his home State. Recall that he always attended important meetings of State during the administration of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu who was PDP. In the present regime, Kalu I’d also giving his unflinching support to Governor Otti. So, to have one street urchin line up some combustibles, ostensibly to injure the wall of relationship and destroy the affinity that exists between Otti and Kalu is to play the Devil’s advocate. And people like him should be kept far from the corridors of powers with serious alacrity as a way of containing their toxins.

For purposes of recapitulation, Kalu has a job in Abuja that he is passionately and diligently discharging. He is not talking politics. He’s talking governance and that is his lot for now.

It is needless to tell these mischief makers and alarmists that while they were basking in the euphoria of their unbridled, ignoble and ludicrous fantasy of gossips, Kalu was busy with state matters, engaging with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja, presiding over the plenary sessions, chairing the meetings of the Constitutional Review Committee in Lagos and attending the south east stakeholders meeting of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State for the good of the country.

Now enter the Omotosho Dan guy from Opera news. For a better understanding of his role, call him a middlesome interloper. His swift chronological compilation of the publications and their torrential timelines gave him up as a mercenary. He wears the toga of a man recording many slips of his enemy but I got news for him: Kalu’s colleagues are pleased with him and he clearly understands that his position is a privileged one. The deputy speaker does not see himself as anybody’s boss but a servant-leader unanimously called by his contemporaries to serve them.

Dan also needs to understand the age-long rules of the House and the constitutional provision that in the absence of the speaker, the deputy speaker presides. And it also suffices to inform that speaker Abbas has explicit confidence in Kalu to run the affairs of the House in his absence with the support of the members.

Incidentally, these haters and wailing wailers (apologies to Mr. Femi Adesina) completely forgot the place of divine grace in Kalu’s geometric rise in politics.

Maybe, it will be right at this juncture to tell Dan that Hon. Cyril Hart did not stage a walk-out. You call it a walk-out when one leaves one’s seat in the course of an argument. But in this case, Hon. Hart resumed his seat after baring his mind to the deputy speaker at the plenary. He remained there until the gavel went down on the issue at stake. It was after the motion had been referred to the appropriate committee of the House that he left his seat. This was the case and nothing more. Maybe, I should also tell Dan that, procedurally, a matter of personal explanation has its time and does not happen midway into the proceedings or be allowed to take the place of matter of privilege. But Kalu as the presiding officer was fair on his colleague to have allowed him to speak under personal explanation instead of privilege at the time. Maybe, I should also go a step further to tell Dan that the lawmaker has since apologized and reconciled with Kalu as revealed by the deputy speaker at the plenary on Thursday last week. Maybe, I should also tell the writer that when a member at the plenary that same day demanded an unreserved apology from Hart for his conduct that painted all the first timers with the same brush, Kalu pleaded with him to allow the sleeping dog lie. That is the application of emotional intelligence. That is leadership. That is Kalu.

Of course, he doesn’t see himself as a demi god or a man on infallibilities. No. Kalu is human and therefore not immune from flaws and frailties. He also needs the support of his immediate colleagues, all and sundry to succeed. Success is what should matter to us all and not this orchestrated plan to pull him down.

As the days go by, watch him deliver on his mandate in another appreciable dimension.

•Nwabughiogu is the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.

July 25, 2024
Dangote Refinery: A plea for caution, by Olowu Kuta

I am very proud, as I always do at home and abroad, to call myself a citizen of Nigeria, the blessed land of my forebears. From the bottom of my heart, I pledge to continue to be proud of Nigeria, come rain, and come shine because there is no other place on this planet earth to be called my natural home other than here.

I am also happy to say that my antecedent before and after I ascended to the throne of my ancestors as the 13th Olowu of Kuta in September 2012, has not contrasted with my love for and belief in Nigeria, both of which were recognised by the Federal Government of Nigeria in May 2023 when the then President Muhammadu Buhari conferred on me the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

In view of this national honour and my status as a royal father, I find it much more obligatory to share my view on the ongoing travail of the Dangote Refinery, a major private investment that sits on 2,635 hectares to produce and export petrol and ultimately saving Nigeria foreign exchange.

This unprecedented stride, to my senses, would reverse Nigeria’s reliance on other countries for petroleum supply. I read that we import about 90 percent of the petroleum products we consume locally. I also read that Nigeria imported 11.3 billion dollars in refined petroleum products in 2021 alone, making us the 18th largest importer of the products globally.

One can then imagine how excited I was when the news came out that the Dangote Refinery, construction of which started a decade ago and completed with $19 billion, would commence production at the end of the third quarter of 2022 and would reach full capacity in the first quarter of 2023.

I was more excited realising that hundreds of jobless Nigerians, especially our agitating youths would be employed by the 65000 barrel-per-day plant.

I was engrossed in that state of ecstasy and indeed expectant of the implementation of that promise, when suddenly I began to see an alarming sign of a danger to that prospect.

It first sounded like a joke and also appeared like a bad, protracted dream to me until I read that the date of the take-off had been shifted forward due to some logistics, particularly some grey areas that needed to be cleared with the sector regulatory authorities.

I was practically down when I read a report alleging that the head of the Nigerian Mainstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr Farouk Ahmed made a complaint over the quality of products from the refinery.

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The CEO was reported to have complained that the diesel produced by the refinery contains a very large amount of sulphur content which, according to him, is harmful to vehicle engines, hence the continuous reliance on imported products with its predictable consequence on the young refinery.

At this juncture, I am stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea. However, as a royal father, who must not be fair only but must also be seen to be fair, I have the responsibility to call on the government to aid the nationalist objective for which the refinery was built.

Nigeria, our great nation, emerging as the highest private petroleum exporter in Africa, is not a status and prestige we should throw out of the window. I, therefore, crave the understanding of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on this, for the feat will certainly add to the profile of his administration as that through which Nigeria attained that enviable height among the comity of nations.

This administration cannot afford to be seen as putting before prospective investors, unfriendly policies to discourage them from looking to the direction of the country for enterprises that could create jobs for the yawning youths.

President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, in his part, should be more open to further dialogue with the government through the NMDPRA to save his dream project from this seeming impasse.

There is no doubting the fact that several Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, have attached Aliko Dangote’s name to the monopoly of our nation’s economy, allegedly using his proximity with successive administrations to sustain his dominance of the economy evidently with his multi-sectoral investments, for instance, in cement, sugar and salt.

I think with his current experience over this multibillion-dollar refinery, it is high time he reviewed that identity by complying with the demands of the government if only for the sake of national interest.

To my understanding of elementary finance, it makes no economic sense for an investor of that magnitude to be operating below his investment capacity level as the refinery is unfortunately experiencing the disappointment and indeed pains of those of us who had seen a bigger picture of the project that, we had hoped and still believe, would end the perennial fuel crisis the nation has endured for about 50 years.

Owing to the current fuel challenges being faced in major cities of the country, we are impatiently looking forward to the August date on which the refinery is expected to supply the Nigerian market. We don’t want anything that would push the date forward again.

Finally, the federal government should look into the recent findings, through testing, made by members of the House of Representatives led by the Speaker, Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, disclaiming the allegation that Dangote diesel contains high sulphur levels.

To be double sure, the government can take a step further by conducting an independent investigation to ascertain the right quality of Dangote products and compare them with those imported by marketers.

We should be mindful of the fact that the success or otherwise of this refinery will spill over to Dangote’s interest in revamping our moribund steel industry. We shouldn’t throw away the baby with bath water.

Mr president as the father of the Nation and an undisputed patriot that we all know please save this Refinery now as many onlookers are already insinuating the current imbroglio to wrong political calculation on the part of Aliko,

Clarification of the Refinery as a Major critical National Asset that must be jealously protected despite the fact that it’s privately owned is my humble opinion.

God bless the Federal Government of Nigeria. God bless our patriotic President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

– Written by Oba Adekunle Makama Oyelude CON, the Olowu of Kuta, Osun State, Nigeria.

July 22, 2024