The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

  • Situating Dangote’s tantrums in the quest for a perfect downstream market

    Situating Dangote’s tantrums in the quest for a perfect downstream market

    By Tanimola Adedeji

    Nigeria and its citizens are currently going through enormous pains as a result of the quest to emplace as close to a perfect market as can be in the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry. Over the years, a number of factors distorted the market, chief of which was the fuel subsidy regime. With the big elephant out of the room, the process of recalibrating the next big factors of supply and price is wreaking havoc on the system with players pitching their tents on various sides in a bitter game of recriminations. At the centre of this game is Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and his multi-billion-dollar petroleum refinery.

    Since earlier in the year when the Dangote Refinery began to source feedstock for the plant to commence operations, Dangote has managed to cut a somewhat curious image for himself, the image of Esau as painted at Genesis 16:12 in the Bible: “This son of yours will be a wild man, as untamed as a wild donkey! He will raise his fist against everyone, and everyone will be against him. Yes, he will live in open hostility against all his relatives.” (NLT).

    Dangote has almost literally raised his fist against everyone in the industry. When he is not attacking the upstream regulator, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for not helping to guarantee crude oil supply to his plant, he is up in arms against the downstream regulator, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for granting licenses to marketers to import petroleum products. He is on record to have attacked the NNPC Ltd and the International Oil Companies for not selling crude oil to him. Lately he has shifted the battle to the marketers for not buying refined petroleum products from his refinery. He has dragged the NMDPRA and some marketers to court to stop them from importing petroleum products when his refinery has enough products in-country. He has accused the NMDPRA of lacking the capacity to certify the standard of products, which is quite unfortunate. We pray that the day does not come when the quality of his products will be called to question. If that day comes, it will be difficult to verify the standard of his own products since it will be difficult for the public to trust the regulator he has denigrated and he cannot be a judge in his own case!  

    In all these battles, Dangote comes across as someone who is not ready for a deregulated market. And this is quite baffling because one of the reasons cited by some of those who were granted licenses to build refineries but could not do so was that the regulated market regime made their projects unbankable as lenders raised questions about sustainability. A deregulated market ensures that both refiners and marketers sell at market-driven prices that guarantee a decent profit for business sustainability.

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    But as the market is in the process of reset into being a deregulated or perfect market, Dangote appears not to be comfortable with it. His tantrums manifesting in the form of battles with all other players in the industry are all geared towards manipulating the market reset process to create a market situation that suits and favours him. If not, what is the rationale behind his insistence that all marketers must willy-nilly buy from him? Is he willing to accept the direct opposite of his position which is that he must willy-nilly sell products to local marketers whether they can afford his price or not, and that he cannot export products until he satisfies the local market?

    That Dangote has set his eyes on running a monopoly in the downstream sector for a long time is not in doubt. Way back in 2019/2020 when the Petroleum Industry Bill was being debated in the National Assembly and his refinery had not got to the point of commissioning, he wanted the lawmakers to insert a clause in the law banning importation of petroleum products. When that didn’t fly because of the implication on the overall national energy security, he insisted that the clause be rephrased to read that only refineries owners should be allowed to import petroleum products if there is a shortfall in local production. So, his fixation on having a downstream market that is skewed in his favour is really nothing new. The method of achieving that is what has changed from benign to malevolent.

    The latest of his tactics is the spurious argument that Nigeria is the only oil producing country that keeps on importing petroleum products. This argument is not true as there are many oil producing countries that import products for a number of reasons. The reasons could range from refining capacity limitation to economic considerations and supply-demand mismatch. While not advocating a wholesale importation regime for Nigeria, and while it is good for us to develop local refining capacity, it is not economically wise to be stampeded into a decision of outright ban on importation, as Dangote wants Nigeria to do. That was the wisdom in the rejection of his proposals by the lawmakers in 2020. The lawmakers understood that any of a number of things could come up that could require that products be imported.

    In fact, a country like Saudi Arabia with more that 10 times Nigeria’s production capacity sometimes resort to product importation. Others like Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Iran, Algeria, and Angola often import petroleum product despite their strong credentials in crude oil production. It is just like crude oil importation, many oil producing countries do import certain grades of crude oil to blend with theirs for refining in order to maximize the yield of certain products. The notion of self-sufficiency in matters of crude oil and refined products is actually very fluid and is better handled by regulatory agencies on the basis of as-the-need-arises and not on the basis of emotions.

    It is understandable that as a business man, Dangote wants to make as much money from his huge investment in the refinery as possible. But such aspiration is better realized on a sustainable basis in a fully deregulated market that is as close to a perfect market as possible. The competition that is enabled by such a market creates enormous efficiencies and benefits for both the producers and consumers.

    The market is on a reset mode. It is in the interest of everyone – refiners, marketers, retailers, and consumers – to allow the process to run to its logical conclusion where water would find its level. Throwing tantrums everyday like a spoilt child whose lollipop was taken away, accusing marketers of importing sub-standard products, and insisting that the regulator lacks capacity to certify the quality of products are wrong-headed strategies that could at best yield temporary results. Fortunately for the market and unfortunately for Dangote, majority of Nigerians see through the shenanigans and know exactly that he is fighting to establish a monopoly. However, the oil industry is a different kettle of fish altogether. Though the downstream may be local, it has international linkages that insulate it from such manipulations.

    It is a good thing that other countries are beginning to explore the possibility of patronizing his refinery. He should concentrate on beefing up production to service his growing customer base rather than short-circuit the ongoing market reset process.

    •Tanimola Adedeji, an energy market analyst, wrote in from Lagos.

  • Obaseki’s many records 

    Obaseki’s many records 

    Former Edo Governor, Godwin Obaseki — his god did not win in this one! — set yet another unflattering record in Edo history: he wasn’t present to hand over to new Governor, Monday Okpebholo. 

    Was that the tradition when Adams Oshimhole handed him power in 2014?  Or was it because he could not “instal” Asue Ighodalo, as Adams Oshimhole “installed” him, that Obaseki “fled” power in his last 48 hours, with some reports (to embarrass him, for sure) claiming he had “escaped”, only for his camp to retort that he wasn’t “missing” but in Lagos?

    Ha!  Edo no be Lagos!  Yet, it was to this same Lagos that Obaseki “fled”, when his last ugly power days, of his arrogant power years, confronted him! It was also from this much-vilified Lagos that Obaseki shopped for his hoped-for successor, Ighodalo!  So, Edo be Lagos now?  Ha!

    Still, away from opportunistic sloganeering, in the heat of crass opportunism, Obaseki added no shine to Nigeria’s young democracy, by fleeing from a peaceful transfer of power. 

    O yes, the United States just rewarded Donald Trump with thumping re-election, though he too fled from a similar duty in January 2020.  That’s shame to Uncle Sam, and its macabre preening as some grand peacock of global democracy. 

    Shame, not because the US electorate elected whoever they wanted but shame because that guy fled from onerous duty, simply because he lost the poll.  Now that he has won, that eternal shame is on him.  Good that President Joe Biden, who defeated Trump four years hence but his pick, Vice President Kamala Harris, lost this time, has pledged to do his “presidential duty” to transfer power.  That’s democracy.  It also sounds very much like Immanuel Kant’s rigorous concept of categorical imperative.

    But back to Edo.  Obaseki has done himself no good by scurrying away from doing his last duty as governor.  May such shame never visit Edo politics again! 

    Yes, Nigeria’s democracy is young — the latest and the longest stretch, so far, is 25 years but still counting.  Yet, Obaseki’s ugly record is there. 

    It’s a mini-Trump, really.  Whoever is embittered so much to refuse to peacefully hand over power, would have truncated the democratic process if he had the muscle to do so!  Such a mindset, need Hardball repeat, is anti-democratic.

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    With Obaseki, however, it was self-ruin foretold. Here, was an individual contesting looted arts with the Oba of Benin, somewhat re-living the perfidy of his grandfather against Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi (reigned: 1888-1897), which drove the looting in the first instance.  It was the first grand folly new Governor Okpebholo just reversed.

    The same fellow threw his weight against the Constitution, by refusing to swear in legislators, elected just like him, because he wanted to play the imperial governor. This same fellow well-nigh refused to allow back his reinstated Deputy Governor, until the courts threatened dire consequences. 

    Yet, this same guy refused to swear in Edo judicial officers, even after the National Judicial Council had okayed their appointments.  It’s just a self-imposed tragedy that he would flee from the same brainless power he loved to wield so much, like the biblical thief in the night!

    Obaseki’s power gambits are so reminiscent of the tortoise in the Yoruba folktale.  Asked when he would return from his travel, he snapped that he won’t until when he was disgraced.  Obaseki’s reckless power choices cemented his end-power self-induced disgrace.  Let new Governor Okpebholo learn from Obaseki’s pitfalls.

    Nothing lasts forever — especially political power.

  • Lepers of Lukarawa

    Lepers of Lukarawa

    • By Ike Willie-Nwobu

    Sir: Nigeria has a new foe to contend with in the terrifying hemisphere of terrorism that the country has become. The authorities have confirmed that a new terrorist group, Lukarawas, has joined the insecurity frenzy going on in Northwest and Northeast. The terrorists are said to have been displaced from their former strongholds in. Mali and Niger Republic.

    What makes the Giant of Africa an attractive  destination for criminals shaken loose from other states?

    Nigeria’s coddling of terrorism, especially under the administration of former president, Muhammadu Buhari, is coming back to bite the country hard. A costly and cowardly lack of ruthlessness in dealing with enemies of Nigeria and Nigerians have elevated common criminals to the heady heights of being considered as adversaries to the largest black country on earth. This is unacceptable.

    These terrorists who have steadily but surely steeped Nigeria into a passive war have come in different forms over the years. Lukarawas appear to be the new vicious variant of terrorism in town.

    The Defence Headquarters has already confirmed the presence of the terrorist group in Sokoto and Kebbi states. Whether the revelation was an alarm or a warning to Nigerians is unclear. What is clear is that the  war against terrorism is not ending soon.

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    In the modern evolution of the state and its bid to control power and politics, the equally intriguing emergence of state actors to contend with the state always makes for fascinating cinema, when it is not so costly, which is rarely.

    Not like the Lukawaras needed any revelation to confirm their presence. Devastating attacks claimed by the group has left scores dead in Sokoto and Kebbi States.

    Nigeria has huffed and puffed in its war against terror with underwhelming results. Terrorists have continued to do as they please, especially in rural areas where people live at their mercy.

    The war against terror has been undermined by many avoidable challenges. Contending with these new foes will no doubt stretch to  breaking point Nigeria’s resources.

    But there is no escape and no excuse. Nigerians in rural areas cannot be abandoned to criminals who have no value for human life.

    The Nigerian state must demonstrate its mettle by showing them the way out.

    •Ike Willie-Nwobu,

    Ikewilly9@gmail.com

  • Lakurawa: Memo to NSA, security chiefs

    Lakurawa: Memo to NSA, security chiefs

    • By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi

    Sir: Last week, the Defence and Force Headquarters confirmed the existence of a new terror group, ‘Lakurawa’, operating in the Northwest, particularly in the Kebbi and Sokoto axes.

    This joint statement substantiates an earlier alert raised by Sokoto lawmaker representing Tangaza/Gudu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives about the presence of this highly-dangerous criminal syndicate in the state.

    Both Sokoto and Kebbi states have long struggled with attacks from organized bandits who routinely disrupt socio-economic activities by killing, abducting for ransom, rustling livestock, imposing levies, and destroying farmlands. Given the current trajectory of Nigeria’s security landscape, it is imperative that no state should be forced to face additional security challenges in any form.

    The most concerning aspect of the emergence of this new terror group is the fear that, if not immediately confronted and neutralized, the situation may escalate to a level comparable to the persistent Boko Haram insurgency, which has plagued Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe in the Northeast.

    Boko Haram initially surfaced as a minority group in Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State, known for violent extremism and radical ideology under the pioneer leadership of the late Mohammed Yusuf.

    Although the group existed for years, it became widely known in 2009, when it began its violent campaign and declared war on the state, demonstrating its desire to establish a Caliphate—a development that Nigeria’s government, under the late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua, condemned as treasonous.

    It is unfortunate that Nigeria has been unable, for over a decade, to fully contain Boko Haram, a non-state actor that not only recruited and radicalized others within society, but also formed alliances with terrorist syndicates operating across Africa and the Middle East, such as Al Qaeda and ISIS. Numerous captured insurgents have been identified as non-Nigerians, highlighting the group’s international ties.

    In addition, a faction of Boko Haram evolved into the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), another powerful group wreaking havoc across communities in the Northeast. Boko Haram has now expanded operations into Niger, Cameroon, and Chad, turning a local problem into a regional crisis. This concerning trajectory raises questions about governmental and institutional response.

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    Similar to Boko Haram, reports indicate that Lakurawa has been active in Sokoto villages for the past six years. In October 2018, around 200 jihadis reportedly arrived in Sokoto’s Gudu and Tangaza areas from across the Niger border. Local accounts describe them as “light-skinned, Arabic- and Fulfulde-speaking herders” from Mali.

    Specifically, communities in Tangaza and Gudu LGAs raised an alarm over suspicious activities by herders in the Marake and Tsauni forests. Initial police investigations concluded that this armed group, locally known as Lakurawa, were merely herders. However, recent reports from HumAngle suggest that, although the police suspected the group was heavily armed, they deemed them seasonal visitors from Niger.

    Last week, however, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has since labelled the so-called herders a new terror group linked to Sahel-based jihadists.

    The military has now declared nine members of this group wanted, including Abu Khadijah, Abdurrahman, Dadi Gumba a.k.a. Abu Muhammed, Usman Shehu, Abu Yusuf, Musa Wa’a, Ibrahim Suyeka, Ba Sulhu, and Idris Taklakse.

    Reports suggest the group operates in Tangaza, Gudu, Ilela, Binji, and Silame, entering border communities from Niger, Chad, and Mali. Residents say the terrorists preach in Hausa and Fulfulde, impose levies, and even help locals combat other bandit groups so as to gain influence.

    The intelligence community—including the Department of State Services (DSS), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and National Intelligence Agency (NIA)—must work together to gather actionable intelligence on this group to swiftly address the threat.

    Furthermore, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), led by Malam Nuhu Ribadu, should play a central role in coordinating interagency efforts. Adequate support and logistics are essential to ensure our security forces can operate effectively.

    Subsequently, local residents must contribute by reporting any suspicious movements, enabling timely responses. With a whole-of-society approach, the issue of Lakurawa and similar security threats in Nigeria can be effectively managed and become a thing of the past.

    •Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi,

    Kano

  • On National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools

    On National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools

    • By Taiwo Mustapha

    Sir: Nigeria continues to face frequent attacks on schools, particularly in the North. These attacks often involve kidnappings, killings, and destruction of school infrastructure. A report by the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools indicated that in the period between 2012 and 2016, more than 600 teachers were killed in attacks, while more than 19,000 were displaced. According to UNICEF, since the mass abductions of Chibok girls in the Northeast on April 14, 2014, 90 girls remain in captivity, and the country is only now recovering from another abduction of school children in Kaduna State in March.

    These events have given rise to out-of-school children at about 18.5 million, accounting for 15% of the world’s out-of-school children. n.

    The National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, 2021, and Safe School Initiative, 2014 introduced to provide a framework for ensuring school safety and protection of students, teachers, and the school communities are commendable steps towards ensuring a safe learning environment for Nigerian students. However, its effective implementation remains inconsistent and questionable. Despite the policy’s comprehensive framework, several factors such as inadequate funding, shortage of trained personnel, ineffective implementation of the policies, delayed response to security threats, and community engagement challenges have hindered its successful outcomes.

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    Aside the safety issue in Nigerian schools, there are other critical challenges hurting education in Nigeria, thereby increasing the number of displaced people and out-of-school children. These include low-quality education, poverty particularly in rural areas, child marriage, gender discrimination, insurgency, and academic failure. These challenges have led to widespread school closures, displacement of students, and disruptions to the education system. This has significant long-term consequences for the affected children and the nation’s overall development.

    Another significant issue is the lack of coordination between security agencies. The fragmentation of security forces hinders effective response to emergencies. Some rich privately owned schools nationwide have internal and externally trained security personnel, with some having armed police officers to safeguard their children in and outside of the school premises. If private schools can do that, the government should be proactive in providing security personnel in our schools before another devastating incident occurs.

    There is a need for a unified, coordinated approach to school security, involving the police, military, and other relevant agencies. Additionally, the primary failure is the lack of adequate security infrastructure. Many schools, particularly in rural areas, lack basic security measures like perimeter fencing, and emergency response plans. This makes them easy targets for attacks.

    To achieve Social Development Goal 4 – quality education, the government must prioritize the safety of students and educators by investing in robust security measures, providing psychological support, integrating safety technology in schools, and establishing effective emergency response protocols. Furthermore, it is crucial to address the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and political instability. By taking decisive action and implementing comprehensive security measures, Nigeria can create a safer learning environment for its youth and ensure a brighter future for the nation.

    •Taiwo Mustapha,

    Florida, United States.

  • Unpacking the 2024 Joint Annual Health Review meeting

    Unpacking the 2024 Joint Annual Health Review meeting

    “For the first time, we have fulfilled two major commitments: conducting this Joint Annual Review and presenting the State of Health Report for Nigeria. These reports symbolise our dedication to transparency, accountability, and progress. Governments have all contributed to this effort. Their dedication and resilience are at the heart of our healthcare system, and we continue to rely on their commitment to carry forward these foundational legacies. As we build on this legacy, we are reminded that our mission to deliver an efficient, equitable, and quality health system for all Nigerians would not be possible without the efforts of those who came before us. We stand on the shoulders of these giants in the health sector, learning from their experiences and carrying forward their vision for a healthier Nigeria,’’ – Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.

    This extract from the keynote speech of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate at the Sector-Wide Joint Annual Health Review meeting foregrounds the historic spectrum of the event.

    The Sector-Wide Joint Annual Health Review (JAR) meeting was held in Abuja from 6 to 8 November 2024. It was the first of its kind and provided a robust platform for the rigorous interrogation of challenges, evaluation of achievements, and the mapping of strategies and priorities for the health sector.

    In the course of the three-day event, groundbreaking initiatives, such as the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), which offers free cesarean sections to all eligible Nigerian women meeting the established criteria, and the Nigeria Climate Change and Health Vulnerability and Adaptation (V&A) Assessment Report, were launched.

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    According to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the V&A Report provides essential insight into the impact of climate change on health across Nigeria. By identifying climate-related health risks, the Report supports the creation of a resilient health system capable of addressing the challenges posed by a changing environment, underscoring the government’s commitment to sustainable health security and the well-being of Nigerians.

    ‘’Another key outcome was the establishment of a dedicated Expert Working Group (EWG) focused on strengthening our national health data systems. The EWG will implement regular health mini-surveys, bridging the current five-year gap in data collection from the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). Through timely and reliable data, the group will empower us to track progress, address emerging health threats, and make informed, data-driven decisions essential to the sector’s success,’’ the Ministry said.

    The Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) has spurred interest and commendation since its launch. The reason is obvious. It is a transformative programme — innovative by design and novel in scale.

    Here are a few highlights of the initiative, which was launched on the second day of the meeting.

    The Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) is a strategic action plan to reduce maternal mortality through intensified intervention suites along the supply and demand components in priority 172 local government areas across the country.

    Here, demand implies the desire and need for healthcare services related to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. It encompasses several dimensions, which include quality care, awareness and education, etc, while supply entails the availability and accessibility of healthcare services, resources, and products necessary for the care of pregnant women, new mothers, and their infants.

    Objectives of the MAMII strategy:

    Increase facility utilisation by 60%

    Increase delivery by skilled birth attendants by 60%

    Reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by 30%

    Key supply-side thrusts of interventions have been identified

    Training of 120,000 frontline healthcare worker

    Improving PHC functionality and expanding BHCPF PHCs to 17,600

    Deployment of MNH innovations (PPH bundle, calibrated drapes, MMS, etc.)

    Availability of responsive emergency management and referral systems, including sustainable health financing.

    One of the high points of the JAR meeting was the presentation by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) on the performance of key reforms and the strategic blueprint for 2024 – 2026. Of interest is the functionality level of the primary healthcare centres. The strategic objective remains: Every Nigerian has equitable access to quality PHC services they need through a system that they trust.

    There are levels to PHC functionality. By definition, partially functional implies, “the PHC has the potential to provide antenatal and immunisation services”. Functional level 1 — “capable of providing antenatal and immunisation services”, and functional level 2 — “Everything in place for a pregnant woman to deliver a baby safely 24/7”.

    BREAKDOWN OF FACILITIES BY FUNCTIONALITY AND ZONE

    N = 8,421 facilities across 37 states

    Total analysed facilities: North-Central (1,381), North-East (1,010), North-West (2,029), South-East (1,287), South-South (1,218), South-West (1,496)

    Partially functional: North-Central (138-10%), North-East (60-6%), North-West (470-23%), South-East (203-16%), South-South (212 -17%), South-West (106 – 7%)

    Functional L1: North-Central (953 – 69%), North-East (594 – 59%), North-West (1,071 – 53%), South-East (993 – 77%), South-South (775 – 64%), South-West (1,061 – 71%)

    Functional L2: North-Central (290 – 21%), North-East (356 – 35%), North-West (488-24%), South-East (91 – 7%), South-South (231 – 9%), South-West (329 – 22%)

    PHC REVITALISATION: PROGRESS AS OF OCTOBER 28, 2024

    1. Total facilities projected for revitalisation: 4,022; 377 are being funded from national sources; 200 are globally funded with 72 being solarized and a record of 3,37352 Impact / BHCPF for States2.

    2. Workplan & BOQ submitted: 3,384 and 360 are being funded from national sources with a record of 3,024 Impact / BHCPF for States2.          

    3. BOQ issued (no objection): 2,587 and 156 are being funded from national sources with a record of 2,587 Impact / BHCPF for States2.

    4. PHC revitalisation objection contracts awarded to vendors: 213 with a record of 57 Impact / BHCPF for States2    

    5. PHC revitalisation work commenced: 272; 227 from State Funds4 and 253 from the private sector.

    6. PHC revitalisation work commenced: 280; 45 from State Funds4 and 27 from the private sector.

    Citizens can now view PHCs in their communities to access quality primary health care and to provide feedback for continuous improvement.

    The launch of the Nigeria Climate Change and Health Vulnerability Assessment Report, which is in furtherance of building a resilient system that will address the impact of climate change on health, was another milestone of the JAR meeting. Professor Pate launched the report on the last day of the event.

    The Minister said the launch was a significant and proactive plan by the federal government to deal with the evolving perils of climate change on health.

    ‘’Climate change is a wicked problem. It is a wicked problem in the sense that it is complex, it is multi-perceptive. It interconnects with several other elements and, when we solve one, on another problem actually features. Whether it is in the injuries that we saw in Maiduguri and a few of other states this year or the flooding or in parts of Lagos state where we saw cholera outbreaks. Because of the rising water table, whether it is in the protracted cycle of transmission of malaria or the dengue fever that we saw in Sokoto a few months ago. Or flooding that destroys farmlands. So, this is a very complex issue,’’ he said.

    • Nwabufo is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement

  • Okowa and EFCC: The facts, the fiction, and the fairy tale

    Okowa and EFCC: The facts, the fiction, and the fairy tale

    By Olisa Ifeajika

    We have observed the desperate attempt by some dubious elements and a section of the media to malign His Excellency, Senator, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past Governor of Delta State, over his recent invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). With few exceptions, the media reports and commentaries have been mostly sensational, mischievous, and gross misrepresentations and distortions of the facts of the matter. They fall far short of the journalistic standards of factual reporting, fairness, balance, and simple logic. Most of these reports are riddled with outright lies, wild conjectures, and unverifiable claims, with the unmistakable diabolical intent to beguile and incite the unsuspecting public against Dr Okowa. But you cannot pull down him whom God has lifted. Like previous failed attempts to drag Dr Okowa’s name in the mud, this renewed offensive against him by his traducers is an exercise in futility.

    The Facts of the Matter

    The first point that needs to be made is that the EFCC has not established any case against Dr Okowa. As is customary with the anti-graft agency, the former Governor was invited to answer questions relating to some petitions that were filed against him by some disgruntled elements. Upon his return from vacation, and as a man with a clear conscience, Dr Okowa proceeded to the EFCC office in Portharcourt as requested. The substance of the petitions was that Dr Okowa allegedly corruptly enriched himself and used state resources to acquire 80% stake in Premium Trust Bank. He was also alleged to have diverted state resources to build housing estates in Asaba and Abuja and two hotels in Asaba, for himself.

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    Governor Okowa cleared himself of those allegations as the estate in Abuja is owned by a public figure. The ex-Governor lives in his own private house in an estate in Asaba that is occupied by other residents who are home owners. Similarly, the owners of the hotels in Asaba are persons known to the public and the EFCC, while Okowa has zero financial interest in Premium Trust Bank. These are facts that are easily verifiable from the Corporate Affairs Commission and by virtue of the Freedom of Information Act.

    The allegation that the former Governor allegedly diverted N1.3 trillion oil derivation funds is as ludicrous as it is outlandish. This is just a rehash of the same spurious allegations that some malicious, myopic, vindictive, and prejudiced persons concocted while Governor Okowa was still in office. These haters simply latched on to the EFCC invitation to launch a well-orchestrated propaganda, using their hirelings and hack writers in a section of the media. It is obvious that these people, including their puppets in the media, are bereft of commonsense. Otherwise, how can anybody in his right mind allege that N1.3 trillion was diverted for personal use? Are we to believe that Okowa’s administration did not pay salaries or execute a single project in eight years? It will take an individual to appropriate an average of N16b every month for eight years to amass a whooping sum of N1.3 trillion as alleged.  The implication of such a scenario happening is that there will be no money to run the government or pay the salaries of the state’s almost 50,000 workforce. Prejudice is a terrible thing, and those caught in its web, often develop a warped sense of reasoning.

    For the avoidance of doubt and for the benefit of the public, we wish to bring to the fore some salient information from the audited accounts of the Delta State Government for the eight years that Okowa presided over the affairs of the state.

    Total Revenue (FAAC, IGR, Other receipts) = N2.65 trillion

    Salaries = N628.5bn

    Pensions/Contributory Pensions/Social Benefits = N141.22bn

    Overhead/Consolidated Revenue Charges = N489.83bn

    Grants/Contributions = 107.88bn

    DESOPADEC = N221.2bn

    Internal Loans Repayment/Public Debt Charges = N200.38bn

    FAAC Deductions for Loan Repayment = N150.63bn

    Total Capital Expenditure = N729.2bn

    Among the flagship projects executed by the Okowa administration include the Professor Chike Edozien Secretariat, which recently won the Nigerian Institute of Architects award for Most Iconic Corporate Building in Nigeria, the Ogheye Floating Market in Warri North LGA, the 19.7km Obotobo 1 –Obotobo 11 – Sokebolou – Yokri coastal road in Burutu LGA, Maryam Babangida Film Village and Leisure Park Asaba, Koka Flyover in Asaba, and Asaba Storm Water Drainage. The Warri Storm Water Drainage project, designed to tackle the perennial flooding in Warri and environs, was at advanced stage by the time Okowa left office on May 29, 2023.

    In road infrastructure, the Okowa administration constructed over 2,000 kilometres of roads (including bridges) and 1,400 kilometres of drains. The administration established three new universities and six model technical colleges that have remained functional. Of course, there was the novel youth entrepreneurship development programmes of the Okowa administration that saw thousands of youths become small business owners and employers of labour. As a result, Delta was ranked the Best State in Human Capital Development in the 2017 states peer review by the National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria. Furthermore, Delta State under his watch enjoyed peace and security.

    UTM INVESTMENT

    The insinuation that the state government’s investment in the first Floating Liquified Natural Gas project promoted by UTM, a private indigenous company in the oil and gas sector, is a phantom project is at best laughable and at worst disingenuous. As a state rich in oil and gas, the administration of Okowa saw a viable opportunity in the project and, upon approval by the Delta State Executive Council and the House of Assembly, purchased equity in the company with N42.05b in two tranches of five percent and three percent. The authenticity of this project is evidenced by the signing of the Shareholders’ Agreement between UTM, NNPC limited, and the Delta State Government on December 19, 2023. Today, the state government’s investment has appreciated to at least N190.85 billion underscoring the wisdom and foresight of the Okowa administration.

    CONCLUSION

    It bears restating that Dr Okowa has nothing to hide. His governance of Delta State was marked by fiscal discipline, prudent management of resources, and excellent service delivery.  As a matter of fact, the state won World Bank awards in Overall State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability Programme (All DLIs), Fiscal Transparency and Accountability, Efficiency of Public Expenditure, and Debt Sustainability. Dr Okowa is a man of unassailable integrity and we welcome any honest attempt to investigate his eight-year tenure as we believe it will vindicate his exemplary stewardship of the state.

    We know that the current campaign of calumny against Okowa is at the behest of unscrupulous politicians who see him as the biggest threat to their 2027 political aspirations. Instead of engaging in lies and propaganda, we urge these persons to work at winning the hearts and confidence of the people. Power resides in the electorate and they are the ones who determine who is to govern or represent them.

    Finally, we urge our media practitioners to always abide by the ethics of the profession. They should not allow themselves to continue to be used by desperate power mongers whose stock-in-trade is to engage in political subterfuge, stoke the fires of hatred, and foment crisis in the polity.

    • Ifeajika was Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okowa (2019-2023)

  • ‘Why Ondo should elect Aiyedatiwa’

    ‘Why Ondo should elect Aiyedatiwa’

    By Olatunbosun Oladimeji

    The people of Ondo will have another opportunity to decide who will preside over the state in the next four years from the Alagbaka Government House on Saturday, 16 November.

    As recently indicated by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, interests are very high in the election with over 50, 000 new Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs collected. With the election just a few days away, the candidates have upped their campaigns.

     As usual, some of the hitherto obscure candidates on the ballot are stepping up to make outlandish claims, promising to ‘build bridges where there is no water’ with the intention of bamboozling the electorate.

    One of their strategies  was a blackmail scheme  orchestrated through a video clip that was recently released to the public domain. The evil the video clip could have done to the robe of the newly discovered stylish dancing governor was averted when nothing to show his look and voice to the personality in the clip.   

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     In the past and now, it’s obvious that the governor has been receiving accolades from the public due to his outstanding performance in office. Notably, on Sunday, November 2, the governor delivered a spectacular performance at the Channel TV debate, moderated by renowned journalist Seun Okinbaloye, of which the two major candidates in the Ondo governorship election participated.

    Looking into the micro and macro of the governorship of the November 16 election,

    some of the political analysts have said only two candidates out of the lot who will be on the ballot have the chance to emerge as the winner when the outcome of the November 16 poll is declared. But I think such analysts are generous and probably, wanted to portray the election as still very open or not attune with the situation on ground. 

    A standing glaring scene came open with the direct open firing punches from the arch rival, Agboola Ajayi, through the opportunity he had with Channel TV debate when Ayedatiwa laughed him off with all the arsenals in his kits when he said to Alfred Agboola Ajayi to stop breeding fake datas and rot news sourcing of the Ondo State government which he knows nothing about. That might be the last punch expected to stop the strongest of the opposition in the gubernatorial election.

    But for me, the choice for the people of Ondo State is clear and unambiguous – for the continued progress  and well -being of our dear state, every thumbprint on the ballot should go to Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the flag bearer of All Progressives Congress (APC) and the incumbent occupier of Alagbaka Government House.

    And I know that so many people in Ondo State have realised this fact and this was the reason for the massive defection of leaders in the opposition parties to the APC ahead of the election.

    Such defections were in realisation of the fact that the other option not only portends danger, it will be a reward for a man whose only claim to fame was disloyalty.

    But the less said about him and his dead on arrival ambition, the better. Indeed, to me, he is a distraction not worth dwelling on at this critical time when the people of the state are faced with the task of determining the future of Ondo State.

    Rather, my aim in this article is to impress our people why Aiyedatiwa should be kept in office to continue his many ‘Lucky Strides’ on Saturday, November 16.

     Since he took over leadership of our state earlier this year following the unfortunate demise of his boss, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu,  Aiyedatiwa had initiated projects and embarked on initiatives designed to boost the social economic fortunes of Ondo State across various sectors. Continuing on the footsteps of his late boss, Aiyedatiwa has embarked on projects designed to make a difference in the lives of the people.

    The good news is that the generality of the people of the state appreciate these lucky strides, hence the commendations and the huge turnout at the APC campaign rallies as Aiyedatiwa goes around the state soliciting for the support of the people for a fresh mandate.  

    The massive defection of chieftains of opposition parties to the APC while pledging to ensure that Aiyedatiwa emerges winner of the November 16 election is further proof that the generality of the people realised the significance of letting the lucky strides continue for more years.       

    While there have been lucky strides in many areas, in this write up, we will focus on the massive rehabilitation of roads across the state with many of the projects completed and others nearing completion by the Governor. 

    Some of these projects include the  Oda road dualisation project nearing completion, the Onyearugbulem-Irese flyover in Akure,  the 15 km Oda Cocoa Board road in Oda town, the 3.5km Ebute Ipare road in Ilaje,  11.9km, the 6km   road , in Housing Estate, Otapete-Owo, the 6 km Iselu to Isuada-Owo road, the Omolege-Agunbiade road in Owo,  and the 10.9km Idanre-Obajare Road in Idanre area of the state.

    Also, projects like the Oda road dualisation, Ijoka road dualization and the Irese/Shagari Flyover in Akure, Owo dualization, Igoba road construction, etc are getting attention while approval has been given for the rehabilitation of 60km of selected roads across the state with asphalt-overlay. And as part of the bid to stop incessant accidents in Akungba-Akoko in Akoko South West local government area of the state, Aiyedatiwa has finalised plans for the dualisation of the road that runs from the town through the frontage of the main gate of the Adekunle Ajasin University.

    Also, the contract has been awarded for the construction of 28 km Iyansan-Akotogbo-Iju-Osun road in the Irele local government area to connect Ondo Free Trade Zone with Edo State and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway route in the state. 

    In the same vein, the construction of many rural roads have been initiated by Aiyedatiwa across the three senatorial districts in the state for development of grassroots working through the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAMP).

    Outlets roads leading to farmsteads and urban areas in Owo are graded for easier access to farming and transportation of foods and goods to the general public domain and the people.

     In all, about 700 Kilometres of rural roads will be constructed across all the 18 Local Government Areas of the State. Of course, to make the roads work more pronounced, this will be complimented by  constructions of nine of Agro-Logistics Centers (ALCs) designed to boost the rural economy.

    Significantly, Aiyedatiwa’s consistent payment of counterpart funds for RAAMP, in line with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the World Bank and the French Development Agency made the construction of the roads possible. 

    Speaking while flagging off the 3.5km Ebute Ipare-oke rural road project in Ilaje local government area, Ondo southern senatorial district, Aiyedatiwa said his administration’s focus on the infrastructure projects, especially road constructions and rehabilitation, was to transform the rural areas.

     According to him, the new roads would help address the economic gap between the rural and urban areas by facilitating smoother transportation and creating opportunities for the local farmers. 

    No doubt, Ondo State is set to witness the significant turnaround in the areas of roads and other infrastructure developments in the next four years. 

    There are revolutionary developments going on in the education, health, agriculture, development of human capital and others that will form the subject of our subsequent article ahead of the election. The intention was to stop the obvious attempt by buccaneers to deceive our people.

    Like they say, morning shows the day, the signs are very positive and this is why no other person other than Aiyedatiwa and the broom symbol of his party deserve your thumbprints on Saturday, November 16. 

    • Oladimeji, a writer, political analyst and activist was a former Senior Special Assistant on Publications to the late Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.

  • Tunde Bakare: Activist cleric, politician at 70

    Tunde Bakare: Activist cleric, politician at 70

    By Dr. Segun Oshinaga

    PTB, as those of us who firmly believe in his national assignment call Pastor Tunde Bakare, is a paragon of public morality. His involvement in politics since General Muhammadu Buhari nominated him as his Vice- Presidential candidate is a study in how a believer can and should practice ‘contact without contamination, which he preaches and practices. His legendary feat as a strict and biblically accurate pastor and teacher is well known. His no-nonsense intolerance for any form or shape of extra biblical practice in the Church has caused very serious public fight within the Body of Christ, for which he is unapologetic.

    Most Christians who got involved in politics get lost to the filth of corruption. PTB was the ONLY believer who participated in the 2023 presidential election who didn’t give any delegate a dime. There were other believers who paid bribes of several billions to delegates and still lost. His contribution to Christian values in Nigerian politics is unparalleled.

    Let me lay out a few specific examples:

    In 1991 or 1992, somebody sent a green Mercedes Benz 300 or 500 (popularly called Shagari Model in those days) as a gift to him at the then Latter Rain Assembly, Akilo Street, Ikeja. I visited him one day and saw the car covered where it was parked. When I asked why he was not using it, his response was this: ‘I need to meet the person who sent it and ask him where he got the money from.’ The sender got angry and said it wasn’t his business where he got his money. PTB had the car returned. Later, the man was caught carrying drugs.

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    2. When his wife, the one we fondly called Mrs. B, turned 50, 14 years ago, the Governor of Ogun State who has been his friend since secondary school days donated some money at the birthday party at Sheraton Hotel, Lagos. PTB asked him publicly if the money was from his personal account or public purse. It was only accepted when the Governor announced that it was his personal money.

    When Citadel’s construction stated, PTB’s friend, President Muhammadu Buhari, donated N5M. PTB asked him if the money was from his pocket or taken from the public purse. Buhari was not amused. He promptly replied: ‘Pastor, I can personally afford this.’ PTB made the contribution public in Church along with their banters.

    When PTB turned 60 years in 2014, somebody in the Villa sent him a brand new 2015 Rolls Royce. He asked those who brought it: ‘Is this a gift any Nigerian who clocks 60 gets? They said no. ‘How do I justify such gift from the government?’ They took back their gift

    Just before the 2015 elections, a bag with $850,000 dollars cash was hauled into his presidential Suite at Transcorp Hotel, Abuja. This was when all kinds of people, including religious leaders, Christians and Muslims; traditional rulers across the nation were receiving such dollar gifts. He turned it down.

    During the 2023 primaries of the APC, there was dollar rain before, during and after the exercise at the Eagle Square. Men were bought like fowls and goats in the market. Only PTB didn’t bribe any delegate or trade his candidature. Others, including those that were notable believers paid out hundreds of millions of dollars to buy delegates. Some who traded their candidature and publicly announced they were stepping down were alleged to have received as much as $2M dollars each.

    PTB stood up on that platform and announced he was not stepping down but stepping up.

    It’s normal in our clime to use proximity to power for personal profit. Nothing particularly wrong if done properly. Till the day President Muhammadu Buhari left office, he lamented that PTB has not personally benefited from any government deal or largesse. About two years before the expiration of his presidency, the President attempted to give his friend a gift. PTB had just arrived Abuja. He came from Lagos with his lawyer, Tope Adebayo. Only the three of us were there that day. Not long afterwards, his phone rang. It was from Tunde Sabiu, the President’s nephew and Personal Assistant. He said the President had something for PTB. PTB sent his lawyer. Tope came back with an envelope. It was an offer of an oil block. Many would have jumped at it calling it divine supply. PTB went back to see his friend, the President to thank him for the offer. And then, he told him: ‘Thank you Mr. President but I cannot accept this gift. It will spoil my brand. Oil block is a national treasure and if I get it just because I’m the President’s friend, then it becomes morally indefensible. Thanks but no thanks.’

    PTB has demonstrated beyond measure that he is a man of conviction of steel. There are more than two dozen incidents like this but each time, he overcame; seeing them as test of his character and his readiness to be a leader without greed and covetousness.

    Not a few people have wondered why he combines his pastoral calling with political activism. To some, these roles are mutually exclusive. In holding this view, the assumption is that pastoral work is a holy calling while politics is a vocation for sinners.

    Truth be told, PTB is not a politician in the conventional traditional sense. PTB is a nation builder who is deploying the tool of politics as a means to achieve an end; an end which includes the liberation from hunger, provision of infrastructure, and security of life and property.

    The bane of politics in Nigeria is selfishness and greed. Politics is often a racket, not different from gangsterism with money making as sole objective. What we have presently in Nigeria are merchants pretending to be leaders. We have raiders holding political offices throughout the length and breadth of the Nigeria landscape. To the contrary, PTB is not driven by the mundane or compulsive material acquisition at public expense. Rather, PTB is driven by the vision of how better Nigeria can become. And this is what informs his common mantra ‘Nigeria will work in my life time.’

    PTB’s patriotism didn’t start with the Save Nigeria Group; although SNG became a veritable and potent vehicle for concrete visible action. Since the early 90s, PTB has been a watchman for the Nigerian nation, preaching, prophesying, praying and rallying many towards the Nigerian cause. He is a man uniquely burdened for Nigeria. Hardly can he finish a message without a mention of the rot in the land and proffering solutions. The truth is that PTB is not your ordinary do-gooder, political activist or politician. The uniqueness of his intervention is that he is acutely aware of his sense of destiny in being an active participant in making Nigeria a nation that will be blessed to become the envy of other nations.

    Perhaps, I need to share how I came about this conviction. The year was 1991 and the venue was the church office at The Latter Rain Assembly. PTB has always been a gracious host. He offered me lunch that was delivered from ‘Pintos’ on Allen Avenue after which he saw me off to my car. Just as he turned back to return to the office, the Lord opened my eyes and mind to have a glimpse into the future. By the way, this is a gift that the Lord gives me occasionally. In this state, I saw PTB helping to fix a broken down nation. I called him back and told him what I saw. Of course, he was amazed. He turned and walked into his office. I am persuaded that we are entering that season.

    One distinguishing feature of leadership is selflessness. Unfortunately, this is oftentimes lacking within the political class. This virtue marks PTB out. When he was nominated to the 2014 national conference, he served the nation at his own expense. He was one of the few who refused the fat cheques that the government offered. Virtually all politicians are driven by ambition of ‘I want to be this or that.’ What drives GBB (Gbolahan Babatunde Bakare) as his precious wife, Mrs. B. (Layide Bakare) fondly calls him, is not ambition; not at all. Individuals driven by ambition are often slaves to their vanities and egos.

    I completely, unequivocally and intentionally trust that God will perfect all He has put in His servant’s heart for our dear and great nation. Hear PTB shout this daily – Nigeria shall be SAVED. Nigeria shall be CHANGED. Nigeria shall be GREAT.

    May his prophecy for our nation come true in our lifetime and may we all be partakers of Nigeria’s great and illustrious future.

     • Oshinaga is the President of Inspirational Global Network and long term close confidant of Pastor Tunde Bakare

  • Curbing the menace of out-of-school children

    Curbing the menace of out-of-school children

    sir: The issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria, particularly in the Northeast, has reached alarming proportions. The numbers are gargantuan, and the consequences of inaction will be dire. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, with over 10 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 not attending school.

    The Northeast accounts for a significant portion of this number, with states like Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa having some of the highest rates of out-of-school children. This trend is deeply troubling, as it not only affects the future of these children but also threatens the stability and development of the region. Poverty, conflict, and cultural barriers are some of the factors driving this phenomenon, making it fundamental to adopt a comprehensive approach to address the root causes.

    To curb the menace of out-of-school children, increased investment in education infrastructure and resources is crucial. This includes building and renovating schools, providing adequate materials and equipment, and training qualified teachers. Implementation of conditional cash transfer programs can also encourage enrolment, particularly among disadvantaged families.

    Community-based initiatives are vital in promoting education and awareness. Collaboration with local leaders, religious institutions, and civil society organizations can help challenge harmful cultural norms and promote the value of education. Furthermore, policy reforms are necessary to address cultural and social barriers, ensuring that every child has access to quality education.

    The government has launched several initiatives aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children. The National Education Plan, Safe Schools Initiative, Conditional Cash Transfer Program, and Education for All initiative are steps in the right direction. However, more needs to be done to address the scale and complexity of the problem.

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    Effective implementation and coordination among stakeholders are critical to the success of these initiatives. State and local governments must work closely with federal agencies, international organizations, and civil society groups to ensure a unified approach. Additionally, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms should be put in place to track progress and identify areas for improvement.

    Ultimately, addressing the issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria’s Northeast requires a collective effort. We must prioritize education as a fundamental right and a cornerstone of national development. The National Almajiri Commission and out-of-school children must also work round the clock in ensuring that the number has drastically reduced or eliminated. This will require sustained commitment, coordination, and collaboration among all stakeholders. Only then can we hope to reverse the alarming trend of out-of-school children in Nigeria’s northeast and unlock a brighter future for generations to come.

    Kasim Isa Muhammad,Potiskum, Yobe State