The Nation Newspaper

Category: Special Report

  • Concern over low quality of local rice

    When people are given the opportunity to make a choice between foreign and local rice, what usually comes to mind is the local product because of its unique taste and nutritional value. The case seems to be different with the Nigerian local rice. JULIANA AGBO, in this report, examines consumers’ opinion on local rice production.

     

     

    IN Nigeria, rice has become so prominent that the average meal in a day will predominantly comprise one of rice or a meal whose main or base ingredient is rice.

    Rice is no longer a luxury food in Nigeria as it has become a major source of calories for both the rich and the urban poor.

    As such, the consumption of rice has since the mid-1970s risen tremendously to about 10 per cent per annum. This figure, according to research, is predominantly due to changing consumer preferences thereby accounting for a large chunk of the Nigerians’ food basket.

    Rice importation constituted a major source of the country’s depleting foreign reserve with over N1billion spent daily on imported rice.

    Currently, the government is strongly discouraging rice import by promoting local production for import substitution.

    Recall that the Federal Government, in April, 2018, said Nigeria will achieve self-sufficiency in rice production by 2020 with sustained implementation of the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme launched on November 17, 2015.

    Also in August, last year, President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the closure of land borders between Nigeria and Benin Republic in long-running effort to boost rice production.

    President Buhari also said the partial closure of Nigeria’s border with the Benin Republic, was due to the massive smuggling activities, especially of rice, taking place on that corridor.

     

    Annual production and consumption

     

    In 2019, the President of Rice Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Alhaji Aminu Goronyo, said Nigeria had hit annual eight million metric tons of rice production, with a target of 18 million metric tons by 2023.

    Goronyo said the feat was achieved with the disbursement of N40 billion by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (CBN/APB) to over 12.2 million rice farmers.

    However, Nigeria is the 6th highest consumer of rice in the world with over six million metric tons of milled rice consumed annually.

     

    Consumer satisfaction

     

    Despite government’s action on border closure to boost local rice production, there is influx of foreign rice in the market due to consumers’ preference.

    Although, Nigerians have come to accept local rice as a better alternative to the imported brands, they are of the view that most of the brands of local rice in the market are yet to meet international standard due to poor processing and packaging.

    However, they are also of the view that the price of local rice per bag should not go above N15, 000 so as to have competitive advantage over imported rice.

    Research by Journal of Agricultural Extension revealed that the major constraints to rice consumption preference for Nigerian rice were presence of husk, dirt and stones (90.0%), poor quality (85.8%), broken grain (75.0%), low swelling capacity (72.50%) breakages (71.60%), lack of competition advantages (68.33%).

    It also noted that the constraints to imported rice consumption were high cost (73.33%) and affordability of the products (62.50%), adding that factors that significantly influence the household consumption preference for imported and Nigerian rice were price, nutritional value, ease of preparation, cleanliness and taste.

     

    Acceptability

     

    It is observed that poor finishing and high cost of local rice per bag which goes for N20, 000 hinders its acceptability.

    Recall that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Governor Godwin Emefiele, in October, last year, told rice farmers not to increase the price of the product as a result of the border closure.

    Emefiele also reiterated the need to increase rice production, promising that the CBN would support the rice millers to stem off smuggling and grow the rice sector for food self–sufficiency.

    The CBN Governor maintained that the closure was done for the benefit and well-being of the people as most of the “imported rice had chemicals for preservation”.

    However, a foodstuff seller at Mararaba Market, Nasarawa State, Ifeanyi Onuigbo, said he is still struggling to sell off the bags of rice he bought due to poor processing.

    “If we can improve on our locally processed rice, it will be more beneficial to Nigerians than reopening the border because the money will now be within the country,” Onuigbo said.

    Another foodstuff seller, Mary Okoh, said rice processed in Nigeria could compete with any variety in the world if Nigerian farmers could process the product better.

    “There is no problem with our locally processed rice in terms of taste but the problem lies in the processing and packaging. There is no difference between our local rice and the imported ones, except in the processing of our rice. We still have a long way to go.

    An entrepreneur, Moses Omoikhoa, who noted that he preferred the consumption of imported rice to local ones, also blamed the poorly processed rice on inadequate processing technology.

    Omoikhoa said government has major role to play in forming strong policies that will favour production of local rice as it is being practised in the advanced world.

    “The Nigerian rice industry is currently not doing so badly. It is just that our local rice processors need to improve on their final product. I believe that it is the increase in the demand for locally processed rice, following the border closure that has resulted in the recent poor processing of local rice.

    “The price of local rice is also discouraging. If I can get foreign rice for N22, 000 per bag in the market, why won’t I abandon local rice which goes for 20,000 per bag for the imported rice that is not stressful to prepare.

    “I get scared of eating local rice because of the presence of stones and dirt in it; this means we still have a long way to go.

    “Most Nigerians will still go for the foreign rice if it is available because of the poor processing of our local variety,” said Omoikhoa.

     

    Barriers

     

    A survey carried out by The Nation across major markets and restaurants in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and some markets in Nasarawa and Niger states revealed that most Nigerian rice processors lack adequate technology of rice processing to meet international standard.

    Matthew Ayaka, a Keffi-based rice miller blamed the low quality production on poor quality and insufficient paddy rice.

    Ayaka said equipment constraint and use of outdated milling technology are also major challenges.

    “Money is another big issue. Rice farmers in Nigeria have limited access to credit facilities. Those who obtain loans often default on repayments, and are not able to use the money to build their enterprises. Furthermore, rice farming is an expensive business: machinery, seeds, fertilisers and other agro-chemicals cost a great deal of money.

    “Nigeria also hasn’t invested enough in training farmers. There’s a lack of knowledge about how to use pesticides and herbicides; how to handle rice once it’s been harvested; and how to market one’s produce. Traders are reluctant to go out and purchase produce from rice farms in the rural areas because the state of the roads is so bad,” Ayaka said.

    An off taker, Clement Omonu, told The Nation in Abuja that Nigerians are paying more for local rice, not necessarily because it is scarce but due to the high cost of production.

    Omonu, who also blamed government’s interference in agriculture, poor marketing infrastructure, financial constraints and lack of well-trained machine operators on the challenges associated with quality rice production, urged government to invest in Nigerian rice production by providing loans facilities for Nigerian rice farmers and encourage mechanisation.

    “The reasons people still go for imported rice is because government at all levels do not practice what they say.

    “Government said they don’t want to see foreign rice in the market, but the same people don’t want to give us incentives to produce rice locally. You don’t get equipment, you don’t get loans and you don’t get seeds.

     

    Support for farmers

     

    The government is trying to boost its agriculture sector, especially in rice production as it can be cultivated in all the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The support include government’s grants, loans offered at cheap interest rates to farmers, grants and technology given by non-profit organisations and funding from foreign agencies such as the World Bank.

    Despite these supports, some farmers are lamenting that Federal Government’s policy on assistance to enhance rice production is not getting to the grassroots.

    On poor processing and packaging, the Chairman, Rice Millers’ Association, Mr. Peter Dama said most Nigerians condemning the rice in the market have refused to change their appetite for local rice.

    Mr. Dama said despite some challenges faced by some local rice millers, especially in having access to complete rice equipment to clean up their rice, does not mean that the rice is bad.

    “Nigerians are used to foreign rice and they find it difficult to change their appetite for local rice. There are some challenges with some millers, because some of them are the smaller ones that bring in rice into the market without going through the appropriate processing procedure.

    “We as an association are trying our best to make sure that our members can have appropriate equipment for rice milling.

    “It may also take some time before we can get the appropriate milling we are talking about.

    “The government has assisted by asking our members to apply for special intervention funds to purchase equipment so as to mill rice properly. We are all in the process and we are engaging our members who are out of funds for them to be able to purchase their own equipment.

    “Also, our millers are still receiving trainings on how to use the modern equipment available for milling because it is computerised. All they need is to be familiar with the equipment and how they operate,” Dama said.

  • Holiday trip gone awry

    By Okorie Uguru

    • Nigerian couple allegedly duped of N1.3m at daggers drawn with travel club 
    • The couple lied against us – Travel club

    Nigerians are reputed all over the world for their adventurous spirit. They love to travel and see the world for business, religion or leisure. It is this passion to see and explore that has encouraged many African and Middle East airlines like Rwanda Air, South African Airways, Emirates Airline, Qatar Airline and Ethiopian Airline, among others, to target Nigeria for their operations. Nigerians spend billions of naira yearly on tickets for visits to foreign destinations.

    It is also the average Nigerian’s passion for travels that has seen some travel and tourism related businesses springing up in different parts of the country to offer sponsorship for visits to exotic destinations. However, most of the offers come with conditions the average traveller may not be able to easily digest. The unpalatable experience of a Nigerian aspiring tourist with an international holiday company operating in Nigeria has made it expedient for Nigerians to fully understand the offers fully before committing funds into such travels.

    A deal that started on a friendly note between a tourism facilitating company, Hemingway’s Safari Africa Ltd, and a Nigerian couple has since degenerated into a serious conflict. Already, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu, has ordered the Police in the Area F Command, Ikeja, to investigate Hemmingway’s alleged threats to the lives of the couple, Mr Ezeala Calistus Chukwudubem, and his wife, after the former had collected the sum of N1.2 million from the couple to procure visa and one-bedroom accommodation for them in China and America.

    According to the couple, field workers of the company in question met them at a shopping mall in Alausa area of Ikeja in 2018 and gave them fliers to fill, telling them what they stood to gain if they emerged as one of the lucky winners of free trip to America, China and other big countries abroad, with free visa, accommodation and other benefits.

    After some weeks, the company in question called and told them that they had won free trips, visas and accommodation to America and China. Of course, they were ecstatic and celebrated their victory for more than three days.

    The company in question had begun by allegedly  asking the couple to pay money for the visas, flight and accommodation they had been told were free. They paid N500,000 as first installment, which was allegedly collected by an official of Hemingway’s with a receipt dated 20th March, 2018.

    Three days later, the couple claimed that they were asked to pay the second installment of N845,500,  which brought the total amount paid to the company to N1,345,500 and was duly receipted. They were also allegedly  asked to pay for travel expenses.

    Many months have passed since then, but they are yet to receive any document from the company to at least show that the offer is genuine, prompting the couple to petition the Lagos State Commissioner of Police.

    The petition, dated December 4, 2019, states, among things: “We wish to bring to your knowledge the threat to our lives by the staff of Hemingway’s Safari Africa Ltd situated at the 3rd Floor, LCCI Conference and Exhibition Centre, Plot 10A, Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo Drive, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, for telling them to refund the N1.2 million collected from us by false pretence that they would send us to America and China with free visa and free accommodation since February 2018.

    “Their obtaining by false pretence started in February 2018 when members of their staff met us in a Shoprite mall in Ikeja and gave us fliers.

    “They later invited us to their office at the above named address and told us that we were among the lucky winners that won free trip and free accommodation to China and America.

    ”When we got to their office, they started demanding money for visa, hotel reservation, among others.

    “When they claimed that they could not get visa to China and America for many months, they started suggesting trying to get Dubai visa whereas we never asked for Dubai visa, which they did not even provide till date.

    “When we continued to ask for the refund of our money, they warned us to stop coming to their office if we loved our lives. They even claimed that they did not know us or anything about the money we were asking them to refund.

    “On Monday, we went together with the investigating police officer(IPO) to their office at Alausa area to invite the suspects, but they resisted invitation to Area F Police Command Ikeja, claiming that there was no official letter to that effect as they are staff of a company.

    “The IPO went back to Area F and came back with a letter of invitation only to be told that the man they wanted to invite had gone out.

    “After several pleas that one of the members of staff should sign the invitation letter on his behalf, one Mr. Ogba Colestin accepted to sign and gave his phone number and we left.”

    Contacted with the said phone number, a man who identified himself as Tunji Thomas asked the correspondent to identify himself and he did.

    Asked whether it was true that a couple, Mr Ezeala Calistus Chukwudubem, and his wife, paid his company, Hemingway’s Safari Afria Ltd, the sum of N1.2 million to procure visa and accommodation for them in America and China since 2018, he said they are not the ones that issue visa, and that whatever problem they had might be due to visa denial.

    He said the company had closed for the year and would resume on January 6, 2020. He said the correspondent could come to their office on January 6, 2020.

    He said: “We are a travel club and we organise affordable accommodation internationally for our members. In the process of getting the accommodation, members come to us for help, sometimes to book flight tickets.

    “Sometimes they do it by themselves, sometimes they need help for visa processing. We would advise them on the way to go, what forms to get, how to fill a form, and that is the type of services that we are offering. That is also what we have offered to this client of ours.

    “He had applied for a United States of America (US) visa sometime ago. He was denied by the US embassy. That has nothing to do with us. That is him applying and the embassy looking at it and deciding that ‘we are not going to give him a visa.’

    “We don’t promise visa or anything like that because we don’t process visas. That was originally this client’s major concern, and then there were one or two other issues. I am coming from outside and waiting to hear one or two other claims that he made with the police. I am hearing them now in the newspaper.

    “This claim that he is now making that we have been threatening his life…You could see in this office, lots of women mostly. It is a modern office. We have been here for 10 years.  We have got thousands of members. There has never been any story about us threatening the life of any client. There is no reason why we would threaten the life of any client.

    “He (husband) paid us for membership. And that is what we do. You pay a membership fee and when you pay your membership fee, you could have all the services. When you are going on holiday, you do your visas, you pay the embassies. It is not what we promised to people. It is in our documentation.

    “You could see that this is a professional modern office. It is not an office where we fight people.  For 10 years, if we were 419 people, I think we would have been smoked out long ago. There are many that have travelled through us.

    “What we do is similar to a local country club. You join the club, you pay a membership fee every year. If you want to use the facilities, you pay the required fee. We are the same.

    “There is a membership fee that gets paid when you want to utilise the membership, and then there is a yearly fee, just like a country club. Our members are going on zillions of holidays like this.

    “The police came here, put my staff and boys and cart them away…the case has not yet been resolved. This is one individual. There is always a couple of people that don’t get visa. In one way or the other, if they feel that they’ve lost out, we are the easy target. It is not the member that is the victim;we are the victims”.

    When our correspondent visited the Nigerian office of Hemingway’s Safari Africa Limited at LCCI Building, Alausa, Ikeja, the glitzy office was active with a number of potential clients who had come for presentations. On the walls of the office are flossy pictures of top international destinations with catchy captions like: Beautiful Kenya, Ancient China, Captivating Cape Coast, Mesmerizing Mumbai, and so on.

    The company has two presentation halls on both sides of the office.  With a mild tempo music playing at the background, some members of the staff were attending to potential clients. At the end of the presentations, gaily dressed couples were seen leaving the hall clutching on to a letter.

    After close to an hour wait, the reporter was finally ushered into the office of the managing director of the company, Mr. Christian Pretorius, a South African with a deep Indian accent. He said he had been away but had been made aware of the case in question.

    Pretorius denied the allegation of using false promises to obtain money from the Ezealas. He said they only offered the couple accommodation.

    Reminded by the reporter that the couple said they were offered the whole package, he said: “Where is the documentation?  Where is the promise? Because we are at a loss as you are? What precisely is he referring to? I can only guess about what he is referring to.

    “When he joined, we gave him specifically a gift with a certain accommodation. That will be Florida, or South Africa or Kenya, or places like that where we have accommodation. That is a gift.

    “The document says that when you have paid a certain amount of your membership fee, you could go to this place, and if you pay it fully, you could go to that place, and your visa fee is payable to the embassy when you apply.

    “If they want help in filling those forms and directing them in the right manner, we are a travel club, we facilitate that. But our focus, our undertaking contractually, and the paper is in place, is for the accommodation.”

    Asked whether the company refunds money in a situation where a member is unable to get visa for the destination of his choice, he responded: “No. Our contract makes it clear. You get revision period in which you make up your mind whether you are in or out.

    “After that period, there are lots of things that could happen. Maybe he had difficulty to get to the US, for example. He could go to South Africa or other countries to build his travel history, then we send him to the US. We give that service, that common sense approach to the whole thing.

    “In the end, we’ve got a lot of first time travellers that get some of these visas through our advice which when they try on their own, without our advice, they don’t succeed.

    “The children of our members have to go to school, you could have an accident and people die, all sorts of unfortunate things could happen. Each and every time that happens, a member’s circumstance could change and he will come to us for a refund. We cannot entertain that.

    “Up front we tell you, listen, you’ve got a revision period to make sure you’re in. when you are in, we are here to give you holidays, and every year, whatever the misfortune and things don’t work out, we would advise you in a different direction because we could find accommodation in those places that will give you a travel history. It is a process.

    “When you attend our seminar, we offer you accommodation somewhere. When you join, you also get a gift like that. It differs depending on what time of the year.

    “When he wants to utilise it, the member comes in and he buys plane ticket or we get his plane ticket for him, if he wants.  He organises his visa and we could facilitate it in any manner that he wants. It is his obligation to get those things.

    “In our documentation, there is nothing there about us paying for those things.”

    Asked when a potential member of travel club was supposed to pay money and at what point the person would be able to get a refund, he said: “Even on the day he joins and he qualifies for those gifts, then there is a certain amount of money for the membership that he needs to pay, like the country club.

    “So, the moment he has paid that or enough of that, he qualifies to have our services or to go to the contractual accommodation. The contractual accommodation that we are supplying is completely different from the gift that we are giving. That gift is something extra because we know that a person comes here, spent his time and we put him through a sales process. If they like it, they join. And they have the gift which they can use free of charge.

    “But the bad news you will find on the internet is that there are always people who would look for a reason to want to pull out. They will come saying: ‘I want my money back because I have injuries, the kids are going back to school and so on. You could imagine that in a ten year period, each and every one would come to my office and ask for their money back because of some problems that came up.

    “So, when these people come to us and we say listen this is our problem: we make you go on holiday, we facilitate your travel, we will educate your kids and you have options, but don’t ask for your money back, you had opportunity to do that.

    “If we open that door, everybody in the club would lose their money because it becomes non-viable completely. So in my fiduciary capacity to look after my members cannot open that door.”

    A client has only three to five days to respond, and after these numbers of days, the client cannot get a refund.”

    The case between the Ezealas and Hemingway’s has gone to the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2.

    While travelling is alluring and enriching, it is important for Nigerians to study the travel packages and agreements they enter into with tour companies and travel clubs to avoid such disagreements.

  • Benue IDPs to Fed Govt: save us from looming danger

    • ‘We miss our homes but we can’t return until…’
    • Troops’ Commander to IDPs: no cause for alarm

    Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State have expressed their eagerness to return home but they fear that, that move will be suicidal if the government makes good its alleged plan to withdraw troops that have been securing the volatile areas of the state against brutal attacks from killer-herdsmen who had held them hostage. They are, therefore, renewing their pleas to the government not to withdraw the troops and also fulfil its promise to rebuild their settlements destroyed in the wake of the bloody attacks by herdsmen, so they could have homes to return to. UJA EMMANUEL, who visited the camps, reports:

    On January 1, 2018, the people of Benue State were woken up by the shocking news of the massacre   of over 73 defenceless villagers in parts of the state, who were eagerly  looking forward to the celebration of the  New Year.

    Armed herdsmen had struck overnight, killing and maiming. Dozens of houses were razed. Thousands were rendered homeless.

    In no time, the joy of the people had   changed into sadness and an atmosphere of gloom swept across the state. There was mourning everywhere. Preparations for the new year were discontinued in many homes.

    Attention soon switched to the hospitals where the dead and the wounded had been rushed. Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike were outraged.

    For the state government, the immediate biggest challenge arising from the mayhem was to resettle those displaced by the attack.

    Two years after, over 100,000 of the displaced persons remain in various camps, agonising over the circumstances that forced them out of their homes.

    The Nation visited the camps to see how the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) were faring.

    A family from Nzorov ward in Guma Local Government Area of the state admitted spending the Christmas and New Year in a peaceful atmosphere, but complained about the alleged destruction of their melon and rice farms in the border areas by herdsmen.

    A member of the family, who spoke to the journalists, Atsagba Kua, pleaded with the Federal Government to reconsider its plan to withdraw troops of Operation Whirle Stroke from the area.

    At the Divisional Police office, Gbajimba, it was gathered that men of the force have continued to patrol the area.

    A police officer, who pleaded anonymity, said: “The area is very calm but we have to still keep watch in case of any eventuality.”

    Displaced people at Gbajimba were also unhappy at the news of the planned withdrawal of troops  from the area.

    Peverga Ukumbur, James Neyol and Isaac Tyokwu,all  IDPs in the Gbajimba camp, were vehement in rejecting the Federal Government’s plan.

    They said while they were willing to return to their villages, it would be suicidal to go back now without  security guarantee.

    They alleged that some of IDPs, who returned to their ancestral homes for farming, lost their crops to herdsmen who allegedly harvested such crops.

    They feared that the herdsmen might come back in the absence of security operatives.

    The Commandant of the IDPs camp in Gbajimba, Enger Terry, said the inmates would suffer more hardships if their homes are not rebuilt and security provided.

    He said at this point in time, contemplating the withdrawal of the troops would create further insecurity for the returning IDPs.

    James Neyol, an IDP, claimed that   the herdsmen are still pained by the anti-open grazing law in the state and are not willing to forgive the people of the state for the action of  Governor Samuel Ortom.

    At IDPs Daudu Three camp housing 7600 inmates, the Camp Manager, Oliver Ijir, and the Camp Chairman, Geoffrey Togenga, said the IDPs were ready to go home if peace was guaranteed in their areas.

    They said those who went to their ancestral homes to farm hurriedly returned to the camp after cattle allegedly ate up the crops they cultivated.

    It was the same story at Abagana camp where the IDPs asked  the Federal Government not to withdraw Operation Whirl Stroke from the troubled areas if they must return home.

    James Iorkyaa, camp commandant, wondered why up till now the government had not made good its promise to rebuild the homes of the IDPs destroyed during the herdsmen invasion.

    He said the herdsmen still move about with their cattle in some of the villages, adding that if there is peace, they would return home because they are predominantly farmers.

    One of the physically challenged persons from Gbajimba, Nicholas Nder, appealed to the authorities to exercise restraint and avoid jeopardising the gains already recorded in securing the lives of the people.

    Nder said the government must provide alternative security in the area before contemplating the withdrawal of the soldiers if it really has the intention of protecting the people.

    In his reaction, the Chairman of Guma Local Government Area, Mr Anthony Shawon, said he had been in the forefront of those encouraging the IDPs to go back home.

    Shawon said he was shocked to learn of the government’s plan to withdraw the troops from the affected areas, pointing out that the IDPs have not been properly mobilised to go back to their homes.

    “What has happened to the N10billion promised by the Federal Government to rebuild the damaged houses of the people? “he asked.

    Continuing, he said: “The vice president visited Benue during which he also brought a prototype of the settlement programme, including the cluster houses being proposed.

    The chairman maintained that this was not the right time for thegovernment to contemplate the withdrawal of the security operatives, adding that with the free movement of persons among West African countries, it was likely that more of the herdsmen would come to the Benue Valley.

    The Ward Head of Nzorov (Tyoor Nzorov), Chief Gwatse Akaahena, in an interview, lamented the FG’s plan to withdraw troops from the troubled areas in the country.

    He said more soldiers should be deployed in the area to guarantee security.

    To the traditional ruler, attempts to reduce the presence of soldiers in the affected areas would be tantamount to abandoning the people in need of security.

    Chief Akaahena expressed worry about the IDPs returning to their homes when they have nowhere to stay following the destruction of their abodes during the herdsmen attacks and stated that it would be risky to allow the IDPs to go back at a time the government is contemplating withdrawing the troops.

    On the issue of cluster settlement patterns in the affected communities to reduce threats of attacks by herdsmen, the Tyoo appealed to the relevant authorities to support the idea and help his subjects to key into it.

    Also speaking with journalists, Executive Chairman of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), the Rev. Emmanuel Aper, said FG should not to be hasty about the planned withdrawal of troops.

    He said most of the IDPs were scared of returning home, adding that they might see the government’s move as a ploy to further expose them to senseless killings.

    In his comments, the Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency, (SEMA), Dr. Emmanuel Shior, maintained that  the  government should be in the forefront of demobilising the IDPs and providing them with adequate security in their areas.

    He said the government should fulfil its pledge of N10 billion for the resettlement of the IDPs earmarked for three states of Nasarawa, Benue and Taraba instead of withdrawing security from the areas.

    According to him, withdrawing the security operatives at this time would make the state vulnerable to more attacks.

    The Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Adeyemi Yekini, told The Nation that peace had returned to the farming communities, urging the IDPs not to entertain any fear. Gen. Yekni stated further that a peace-confidence mechanism was being built by all stakeholders so that people can live together with one another, especially herders and farmers.

  • Letter to Justice Minister Malami

    By Gani Adams

     

    I FIND it disturbing your statement of Tuesday January 14, 2020 declaring the security initiative of South-West governors ‘Amotekun’ as illegal.

    You also threatened that the full course of the law will be applied to anybody promoting the Amotekun security initiative.

    Maybe you have forgotten. I need to remind you that you are the Attorney-General of the country, not a section of the country.

    So, your outburst against the governors who were elected, not selected or appointed, is against the spirit of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    The right to life is universal and no government can legislate against that. I don’t need to bother you about killings, kidnappings, banditry and other criminal vices in the Southwest recently.

    Even Mrs. Funke Olakunrin, the daughter of Yoruba leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, was killed and nobody has been arrested in respect of all these killings.

    One thing is clear: Nigerians have the right to protect themselves. Not only that: Southwest people have a right to protect and defend themselves against attacks.

    Amotekun is an initiative by the Southwest governors to defend our people.

    Where you are getting it wrong is this: The Amotekun initiative has nothing to do with the territorial integrity of Nigeria. If there is a breach of the territorial integrity of the country, the military will come in immediately.

    So, nobody is rising against Nigeria, as your letter to the governors, directly or indirectly, implied.

    What is happening is that our people no longer feel safe because the land has been invaded by some elements from within and outside the country.

    It is unfortunate that rather than praise the governors, you are condemning their action, thereby strengthening the hands of those who believe the Federal Government is against some sections of the country.

    As a lawyer and a Senior Advocate, you should know that you are not the law. You are only the Attorney-General, not a court.

    It is only a court of competent jurisdiction that will decide if what an individual, group of individuals, an entity or a state does is legal or otherwise.

    So, it is only a court that can invalidate the Southwest joint security initiative, not you.

    I want to establish this fact that the Yoruba have a right to protect themselves from attack or violence of any sort.”

    Issue of security is highly sensitive, and we can now understand where the threat is coming from. It is unfortunate that the FG is doing everything to frustrate the southwest governors’ efforts.

    For instance, last Wednesday, that was less than 24-hours before the launching of Amotekun in Ibadan, the Presidency summoned the southwest governors to Aso rock.

    We knew about the intrigues that played out at the meeting. We knew about the frustrations at Aso rock, but the governors, having realised the implications of playing politics with the lives of their people, stood their ground and went ahead to launch the security outfit as planned”

    So, it is your position on this volatile situation that is illegal, unlawful, immoral and of no effect because your declaration has proved some critics right that some states in the country are deliberately left vulnerable to attacks by criminals.

    I want to state that the right to life cannot be in the exclusive list of any serious government.

    I call on Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Gboyega Oyetola (Osun), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo) and Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) to ignore your position on this matter.

    Why do people employ guards in their houses? For security.

    Why do Community Development Associations (CDAs) employ guards to secure streets and areas? To ensure protection of lives and property.

    Is that initiative in the exclusive list of the constitution? No.

    I repeat that the right to preserve and protect your life can never be in the exclusive list of any government.

    I am aware of similar security outfits in other sections of the country. Why you are against the protection of the lives and properties of Yoruba people defies logic.

    This week is the 50th anniversary of the end of the civil war. We should do everything to avoid plunging the country into another war.

    Mr. Malami, please don’t set a bad precedence.

     

    • Adams is the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland

  • Nnamdi Kanu, Youth council, others back Amotekun

    Razaq Ibrahim, Emma Elekwa, Onitsha; Sanni Onogu, Abuja; Toba Adedeji, Osogbo and  Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

     

     

    Nnamdi Kanu backs Operation Amotekun

     

    Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu yesterday pledged maximum support to the Operation Amotekun regional security outfit of the South-West geopolitical zone.

    He said the outfit had come to stay regardless of the Federal Government’s stance on it.

    The IPOB leader in a broadcast hailed the initiators of the outfit, describing the arrangement as laudable.

    He assured the readiness of his movement to provide the necessary manpower to the outfit.

    He said: “The final and definitive stance of the Biafran people is that IPOB will support Operation Amotekun with all our might.

    “Regardless of the history of politics of that may have existed between the East and the West in the past, our we have sworn to work with this generation of Yoruba leadership with the likes of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Yinka Odumakin, Femi Fani-Kayode and Omoleye Sowore at the helm.

    “I will support this generation of Yorubas that setup Amotekun. IPOB will work with them. If they want one million men, I will give them to ensure this expansionism is stopped. We will support the Yorubas in all forms and by every means necessary.”

    Kanu further vowed to ensure nothing untoward happened to the outfit.

    He added: “IPOB will back Amotekun Security Outfit. Amotekun is not going anywhere. They are here to stay and IPOB will support them.”

     

    National Youth Council appeals to Fed Govt to rescind decision

    The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has appealed to the Federal Government to rescind its declaration that Amotekun is illegal in the overall benefit of the country.

    Operation Amotekun is a new security outfit inaugurated by six states in the Southwest on January 9.

    Mr Bestman Okereafor, the National Public Relations Officer of NYCN, appealed in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu yesterday.

    He said the security outfit’s structure, which is from the village hunters to other known vigilance group working together in line with the Nigerian Police, presented the best form of community policing.

    According to him, this grassroots-oriented and bottom-up structured as well as an all-involving security framework, which Amotekun presents, is the ideal policing framework for modern policing to checkmate emerging criminality in rural and remote communities.

    “The attention of the NYCN has once again been drawn to the position of the Federal Government as regards Amotekun which is a regional security outfit jointly established by the six South-west governors.

    “Information at our disposal reveals that Federal Government’s position was disclosed by the Minister for Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami, through his special adviser on media, Dr Umar Gwandu, via a statement issued January 14 declaring “AMOTEKUN” as illegal.

    “Nigerian youths consider this position as unfair and not in line with the principle of egalitarianism being preached by the present APC-led administration.

    “As progressive-minded Nigerian youth leadership, we expect the Federal Government to complement the effort of the South-west governors rather than an outright rejection and condemnation of the security outfit,’’ he said.

    Okereafor, however, called on all South-west residents and Nigerian youths at large to remain calm and be peaceful as ever “even as we await the position of the South-west governors and their consultations with the Federal Government on the matter”.

     

     Adeola renews calls for state police

    Senator Solomon Adeola (APC, Lagos West) yesterday called on the Federal Government to immediately set the machinery in motion for the establishment of state police as a way of allaying fears and concerns in some quarters about a “regional security force”.

    Adeola, in a statement by his media aide, Kayode Odunaro in Abuja, said this has become imperative because of the furore generated following the declaration of the “Operation Amotekun” launched by the governors of the Southwest geopolitical zone illegal.

    The senator, who is the Chairman of Senate Committee on Finance, said: “While I will commend the Nigeria Police Force in particular and other security agencies for the efforts in curbing crime, terrorist acts and insurgency in the society, we are faced with the reality of increasing crimes that are even sophisticated and widespread arising from our population explosion and technological innovations.

    “The police ratio to the population is very inadequate and this is where state police come in handy as not only a best practice all over the world but the logic that local inhabitants are better placed to prevent, detect and combat crimes in their locality. As in other advanced nation, this does not preclude the existence of federal police.”

     

    Malami’s declaration is an abuse of office’

    A member of the House of Representatives, Mrs Taiwo Oluga, has slammed the Attorney-General of the Federation & Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami for declaring Amotekun illegal.

    Mrs. Oluga, who is representing Ayedaade/Irewole/ Isokan Federal Constituency, Osun State, made her position known after a news conference organised by Oba Adetoyese Oyeniyi to plead for the proposed federal institution in Gbongan on Wednesday.

    “It is a rude shock for the Attorney-General, Malami, to declare the outfit illegal. Without apology, Malami declaration is an abuse of office to suppress Amotekun outfit from performing.”

    She added: “If you have been terrorised or a victim of an attack, you won’t say that Amotekun is illegal. Every citizen has the right to protect himself or herself. I find it unbelievable for him not to have declared the civilian JTF in the northeast and Hisbah illegal, so why will he declare Amotekun in the southwest illegal?”

     

    Coalition condemns Malami’s comments

    The Coalition of Oodua Self-determination Group (COSEG) has condemned Attorney General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami for describing Amotekun as illegal.

    The group added that the statement of the minister is a direct call for anarchy.

    Its leaders, Taiwo Otitolaye and Razaq Olokoba said: “We are unreservedly in support of our governors for the proactive steps to put together AMOTEKUN, a community policing outfit to ensure the safety of our people. We make use of this opportunity to make a plea to our governors not to give in to conspiracy and deliberate attempt to scuttle their noble actions. You have acted in line with UN Resolution Article 51. Under customary law, anticipatory self-defence is permissible when the threat of an armed attack is ‘imminent’. The Charter codifies the pre-existing customary rule of self-defence. The intention of Article 51 makes anticipatory self-defence a statutory right, not to limit it.

    “The Nigeria security system has demonstrated that it has no answer to the recurring kidnapping, rape of our women, killings of farmers, and other societal ills that ravage our land, hence AMOTEKUN was even long overdue.

    “More worrisome but laughable is Malami’s boldface of drumming colourful ethnic gongs and marimba bigotry. Malami can close his eyes to Isbah of the twelve northern states, the Civilian JTF in the Northeast but is now issuing an unconstitutional, malicious, divisive, but meaningless and unenforceable ban on Amotekun.”

     

    AGF’s declaration a ‘coup’ against Yoruba nation, says YCE

    The Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) has condemned the position of the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, on ‘Operation Amotekun’, describing it as coup against the Yoruba nation.

    Its national secretary, Dr. Kunle Olajide, told The Nation yesterday on the telephone that the declaration was a clear indication that those controlling the Federal Government do not have the security and welfare of the people of the region at heart.

    Olajide said there was nothing illegal about Amotekun just like the Hisbah and Civilian Joint Task Force in the North are not illegal, saying the Southwest governors acted within the framework of the 1999 constitution.

    He said the security architecture was conceived as a child of necessity to checkmate the prevailing insecurity in Southwest, pointing out that despite the existence of security agencies the people of the Southwest had groaned continually under the activities of kidnappers, bandits, herdsmen and armed robbers.

    “If it is the Federal Government’s position, I am heavily disappointed. Then, the impression is created that we have mediocre running our government.

    “This is a coup on the southwestern region of Nigeria. As far as I am concerned we are not yet out the military dictatorship cycle. In 20yrs of democracy, I am surprised we still have dictatorship mindset. For me, the security architecture is law compelling.

    “According to section 14 (2) of the 1999 constitution (as amended), the purpose of government is the security of the life and property of the people. So the governors are the chief security officers of their states. In the last couple of years, it has become obvious that this centralised police system cannot provide security in all parts of this country.

    “You have security failures in the north, everywhere. It has been a bitter experience for us in the Southwest. Our people have been kidnapped, raped, and murdered. The daughter of the leader of Afenifere was murdered and not a word has been hard.

    “This goes to show that the police is inadequate. It may not be their fault because they are understaffed and underfunded. But they cannot provide the needed security. Do you expect the governors to fold their arms and watch the people who voted them into office, slaughtered? They took the right initiatives by establishing this Amotekun thing. It was by no means illegal.

    “I think we are on the right part. I thank the governors for this collaboration. They must extend it to other sectors such as health Agric, health, and infrastructure. This is good for Nigeria and it should be encouraged by a well-meaning patriot.”

     

    Act expeditiously before Nigeria disintegrate, Fasuan Tells Buhari

    The Chairman of the Committee for the Creation of Ekiti State, Chief Deji Fasuan, has urged President Muhammad Buhari to prevail on the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami to rescind his statement outlawing ‘Operation Amotekun’

    Fasuan who spoke on Wednesday in a telephone chat with our correspondent, condemned Malami’s statement, describing it as “a big mistake that ought to be rescinded”.

    The former federal Commissioner, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission said the governors did not act outside the provisions of the existing laws, adding that they only responded to promote a regional response to the upsurge of insecurity in different their domains.

    “I thought it was a daydream. I never knew an official of the Federal Government could say that, particularly the chief law enforcement officer of the country. It must be a big mistake and the mistake ought to be rescinded.

    “I think if there is anything illegal, the Attorney General of the federation ought to have voiced out before the security outfits were inaugurated. Why now? When everybody was very happy that there would be a minimum-security arrangement in the region.

    “It is quite unfortunate that the Federal Government could technically back those terrorising the southwest with their heinous activities. Those behind this reckless statement don’t love this country.

    “President Buhari must act expeditiously to avert ethnic confrontation. I believe he loves Nigeria but those he is being advised and influenced by those who are enemies of one Nigeria.

    “Most of his political supporters are from Southwest. They can be found from Lagos to Kwara. And anywhere, there is Yoruba. We don’t deserve this kind of treatment.”

     

    ‘Malami should go to court’

    Lagos socio-political activist Chief Adesunbo Onitiri has condemned the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, for declaring the security outfit, Amotekun, illegal.

    In a statement in Lagos yesterday, Onitiri said the only option for Malami is to go to court.

    “Malami was in the country when the idea was muted, made necessary consultations with all the notable stakeholders before the outfit was officially launched.

    “Beside, the public declaration of Amotekun as illegal by  Malami apart from being a mere expression of his personal view, is not the position of the law and also Not a declaration of law. Amotekun security outfit, I am sure was set up without alterior motive.

    “If the security of the South-west or any of the six geopolitical zones is being threatened by kidnappers, armed herdsmen, cultists, armed robbers, etcetera, the people have the rights under the law to protect themselves,” he said.

     

  • Day policeman killed Kolade, by friends

    A trigger-happy Police Inspector, Ogunyemi Olalekan is standing trial for shooting a 35-year-old Kolade Johnson, whose friends have testified how the gruesome murder was carried out.

     

    THREE friends of Kolade Johnson on Wednesday narrated to an Ikeja High Court how the 35-year-old man was allegedly killed by a Police Inspector, Ogunyemi Olalekan, at a viewing centre in Lagos State.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three friends – Messrs Ismail Folorunsho, Samuel Nana and Omotayo Dairo – were led in evidence by the state Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr Yhaqub Oshoala.

    They testified at the beginning of Olalekan’s trial for murder.

    The trial lasted for more than three hours.

    Giving evidence as the first prosecution witness,  Folorunsho, 29,  an employee of a media company, said that on March 31, 2019, he was accosted by some policemen at a bus stop at Mangoro, Lagos, while he was heading to Ikeja to use an Automated Teller Machine (ATM).

    “It was around 4.30p.m. before I got to the bus stop. I stopped at a bar called Kingston Jo to say hello to some friends.

    “I was with a female friend; when we got to the bus stop, I saw a yellow ‘Danfo’ bus which had no registration number.

    “My friend wanted to enter the bus but I told her not to go in because there were a lot of men in the bus. Two men in mufti came out from the  bus and I thought they were passengers.

    “The men held my clothes and I thought they wanted to kidnap me, I told my friend to run and I asked them to identify themselves.

    “Immediately I said that, two officers in black polo shirts, with SARS written on the back, came out. The man, holding me, said that I had guts to talk, and they started beating me,” he said.

    Folorunsho said the commotion drew the attention of people in the bar.

    He said that during the fracas, Olalekan cocked his gun, forcing him to go into the bus while another officer hit him with the butt of his gun.

    “The other officers entered the bus and drove for a very short distance and the defendant came down and asked the gathered crowd in Yoruba whether they want to die for me.

    “I heard three gunshots, the defendant was the one who fired the shots, and immediately after firing the gun, he entered the bus and told the driver to move,” he said.

    Folorunsho said that when he and the policemen got to Sheraton Hotel in Ikeja, the bus stopped and the two officers in uniform alighted and walked away to have a hushed conversation.

    “They came back and asked me what I do for a living, I said I worked in a media company, and they asked me to go.

    “When I got home, I heard that the gunshots killed Kolade Johnson and we made a report at the Shasha Police Station and Area F Police Station.

    While being cross-examined by defence counsel, Mr Abayomi Omotubora, the witness was asked about his appearance on the day of the incident.

    “On that day, you were wearing terrible dreadlocks, you were found alone at the bus stop, your friends accosted the policemen who wanted to arrest you.

    “They were being attacked by your friends that is why the defendant made that statement.

    “Apart from wearing dreadful heavy dreadlocks, you were also dressed rascally like those hip-hop boys,” Omotubora said.

    However, Folorunsho said that he was not alone at the bus stop but had a female companion with him.

    He added that he did not know whether the bus stop was a black spot for criminal activities.

    He said he was familiar with the bar, Kingston Jo, and knew about 90 per cent of the men in the bar who were watching a football match at the time.

    “None of the guys were armed, they were all having a dialogue with the policemen. I was placed immediately behind the driver in the bus. From where I was kept, I could see clearly what was happening.

    “I was on dreads which were cute and nice and was wearing a pair of slippers which were not bathroom slippers. I was not wearing chains or carrying a bag,” Folorunsho said.

    Also testifying, Nana,  the second prosecution witness, described himself as an entrepreneur and a community volunteer at the Ikeja Local Government Area.

    He said that he was at Kingston Jo with Kolade Johnson and some other friends watching the Liverpool versus Tottenham football match when a lady ran into the bar shouting: “Help, help, kidnappers.”

    “I saw Ismail being beaten and dragged into a bus by two men in mufti. We told them that Ismail worked with a media outfit called Unlimited LA.

    “They were three or four in number and we asked where they were taking them to.

    “The defendant came down from the bus and shot into the air and we ran helter skelter.

    “I stood with Kolade in front of a taxi park and the bus moved for a short distance and the defendant came down from the bus and pointed the gun at us.

    “He fired twice, the first bullet hit Kolade in his abdomen while the second one hit him close to his private part. Kolade said to me,’he has shot me.’

    “I turned and looked at him and I saw blood flowing from his stomach to his feet, soaking his jeans. I cried for help and some boys came to ask the taxi drivers for help but they were scared because it was a bullet wound,” he said.

    Nana said the deceased was eventually taken to a hospital by a good-spirited Nigerian who lived in a nearby estate but he was declared dead on arrival by doctors.

    While being cross-examined by Omotubora, Nana said that Folorunsho was wearing dreadlocks due to the nature of his job.

    He alleged that when Olalekan  fired the first gunshot, Folorunsho had yet to be put inside the bus by the policemen and that Olalekan fired the fatal shots at the deceased after the bus stopped at a short distance.

    “The defendant alone came down from the bus and fired two quick shots straight at Kolade Johnson,” he said.

    Dairo, the third prosecution witness and a 36-year-old fitness instructor, shed tears in the witness box while testifying.

    “At the taxi park, the defendant alighted from the bus and said he was going to kill somebody and before we knew it, he shot into the air so we moved back.

    “Kolade was behind before but was in front after we ran back. The first bullet entered his stomach and the second on his private part.

    “He was taken to hospital, I and another friend used public transport to get to the General Hospital, Ikeja. When I got to the hospital, I got to the emergency ward and I saw a certificate which stated BID meaning Brought in Dead.

    “We took him to the mortuary but his corpse was not accepted because we were not his family members.

    “When I got back, I was narrating what transpired to someone at the estate gate.

    “The man asked what the name of the deceased was and said he was his son. Unknown to me, I was telling a father how his son was killed,” Dairo said.

    He said after news of the killing spread within the Mangoro community, residents staged a protest blocking major roads.

    During cross-examination, Dairo denied accosting the policemen who were attempting to arrest Folorunsho. He said none of the patrons of the bar threw stones at the police vehicle.

    He said that the defendant had no prior relationship or shared animosity with the deceased.

    Justice A. Coker adjourned the case until February 13 for continuation of trial and ordered that Olalekan would remain at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre.

    According to the prosecution, Olalekan, who worked with the Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SACS) of the Nigeria Police Force, committed the offence at 5:10 p.m. on March 31, 2019, at Onipetesi Estate, Mangoro area of Lagos.

    “The now-dismissed police inspector unlawfully killed Johnson by shooting him with an AK47 rifle on the lower abdomen.

    “The offence contravenes Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015,” Oshoala alleged.

    Section 223 prescribes death sentence for anyone convicted of murder.

     

  • Malami under fire over Amotekun

    Emmanuel Oladesu, Raymond Mordi, Tajudeen Adebanjo, Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja and Adebisi Onanuga

     

    Afenifere, Adebanjo, others flay AGF

    Emotions ran high on Tuesday across four regions of Southwest, Southeast, Southsouth and Northcentral following the declaration of the South Western Security Network code-named Amotekun as illegal by Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami.

    Political leaders and leaders of socio-cultural organisations decried the statement credited to the minister as an after-thought, warning that, his threat has compounded the challenges of lopsided federalism in Nigeria.

    Afenifere leaders Pa Rueben Fasoranti and Senator Ayo Fasanmi said Malami wanted to rubbish a robust regional idea that gave birth to the security network.

    To 94-year-old Fasanmi, the minister deserved condemnation for making a reckless statement, which amounted to gross injustice.

    He said: “I have just heard about it now. I am worried about the statement. That statement should not emanate from a minister of justice when he is not a minister of injustice. What does he mean? What the six governors of the Southwest have done was in order.”

    Fasanmi advised Southwest leaders, particularly the governors, to take Malami to court.

    He flayed the minister for lack of sympathy for the region, pointing out that Southwest had groaned continually under the yoke of kidnapping, armed robbery and herdsmen/farmers’ clashes.

    Fasanmi stressed: “The people of the Southwest cannot sleep with two eyes closed. I don’t think Mr. President will support the minister’s statement. It is anti-people. There is even the need for the decentralisation of policing. We should be praying for Nigeria. I don’t know what I will tell Awo when I meet him.”

    Fasoranti, who clarified that Afenifere was not contacted by the governors, observed that Malami decided to oppose a good idea.

    He said: “Afenifere was not involved and do, we cannot pass any comment. It is a good idea, but, we were not invited. It was deliberate that they should exclude us. Afenifere is an important organisation that has played noble roles in Yorubaland.”

    A combative Chief Ayo Adebanjo said the statement by Malami conveyed the impression that the Federal Government was planning to move against the region despite its support for President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He said the reckless statement was discriminatory and condemnable, adding that it underscored the minister’s insensitivity to the plight of Yoruba.

    Adebanjo said Southwest All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders should reflect on the critical statement, adding that it reflected the disposition of the Federal Government to their region.

    He stressed: “That is to show to APC leaders from the Southwest what the Federal Government thinks about them. To Malami, there is nothing wrong with the local organisations in the North. But, we cannot protect ourselves in the Southwest clearly and cleanly.

    “I am not surprised. All the Yoruba people in APC should learn this lesson that these people do not wish us in the Southwest. God will save Nigeria. ”

    Former Oyo State Deputy Governor Iyiola Oladokun said the governors of the Southwest did not violate the constitution, adding that they only responded to the region’s yearning for improved security.

    He recalled that kidnapping, armed robbery and other security challenges motivated the setting up of Amotekun by the region to protect lives and property against this menace.

    Oladokun said: “I am convinced that the six governors have said that Amotekun will not be parallel police. They acted under the aspect of the constitution that places on them the responsibility for maintenance of law and order as chief security officers of their states. I will like to see the statement to be able to say whether the AG is right or wrong.”

    Elder statesman Senator Biyi Durojaye retorted: “Which aspect of the law does it violate? Did Agbekoya not exist in Yorubaland before?”

    Malami’s reaction too late, says Okorie

    United Progressives Party (UPP) National Chairman Chief Chekwas Okorie believes the Attorney General’s declaration is coming too late since the security outfit has already been launched. He said the best course of action open to the government now is to go to court to challenge the move.

    His words: “I don’t have the details or the reason why he declared it illegal, but since he is not a court of law — he is only the Attorney General – so he would have to go to court because Amotekun has taken off. It is not Amotekun or the Southwest regional governors that would go to court; it is the Federal Government that would do so.

    “If I were in a position to advise him, I would not have asked him to go in that direction, because it appears to be a hasty move. Everyone would agree that the security situation in the country requires an extraordinary measure, especially at the community level. Since state and community policing has not been given the impetus that was expected from the government, the states decided to do something for themselves, and it is obvious that there are similar outfits elsewhere in the country, including the North and especially Kano State where Hisbah or sharia police exist; though not as organised as Amotekun. There are vigilante groups everywhere. When Benue State enacted the Anti-Grazing Law and the Miyetti Allah challenged it in court, they lost. The state recruited some people to enforce that law, which could also be likened to local police.

    “I would advise the government to accept this Western Nigeria Security Network. Challenging it would worsen an already restive situation and that is what Nigeria does not need at this time. The government should either come up with its community or state police or allow this one to operate. If it is a good model and it can control crime in the Southwest region, then others will copy it.

    “This is because if there is security across the country, the Federal Government would benefit from it. The country would be secure and people can do business without threat to their lives and properties. So, my advice to the Attorney General, therefore, is to go to court, if he feels strongly about it.

    “Many observers have already described what the Southwest governors did as constitutional, so to the best of my knowledge, the Attorney General is just raising tension by declaring it illegal. There is a general feeling already that our judiciary has been cornered by a certain section of the country, so I don’t see how the Attorney General’s move would promote stability.”

    Yoruba leader: AGF’s statement is arrant nonsense

    Afenifere Renewal Group Chairman Chief Olawale Oshun described Malami’s statement as rubbish.

    Oshun said Malami should also declare Hisbah Corps, (a religious police force responsible for the enforcement of Sharia) and Civilian Joint Task Force in the Northeast illegal.

    “He is talking arrant nonsense. Let him declare Hisbah police in the 10 Northern states illegal and also let him declare the Civilian Joint Task Force in the Northeast. He is talking rubbish, arrant nonsense. Those are not Nigerian police institutions and they are not Nigerian security institutions but they were created because there is a need; Amotekun was created because there is a need for it. He is talking nonsense,” Chief Oshun said.

    The former Chief Whip of the House of Representatives urged the governors of the Southwest to go ahead with the implementation of the Amotekun.

    “That is what the people of the region want. The governors must go ahead. This country belongs to all of us. They must go ahead,” he said.

    Akintoye: he does not like Southwest

    Yoruba World Congress leader Prof. Banji Akintoye said Malami’s statement shows one thing very conclusively that the people controlling Federal Government do not have the welfare of the people Southwest at heart and “we will look at that and decide what we want to do.”

    Akintoye, a renowned historian, said the Northerners have created many society-controlled organisations in the north.

    “They went to create Sharia policemen that can arrest anybody. We, in the South, never questioned that; nobody in Nigeria questioned that. What we have set up is not another police force. We have not set up anything that conflicts with what the constitution provides for and so, we are in a good condition to defend our interests now, that is all. The Yoruba people must be ready to defend their interest under the law.

    “This does not mean a confrontation with the Federal government. Lead us now, and we will follow you. Can a man elected by a people from x states refuse to defend his people when they are under pressure? The answer is No. the governors have a job to do and we look forward to them to do it and as they do it, they are assured of our supports,” he said.

    Southern, Middle Belt leaders urge governors to ignore Malami

    The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) yesterday urged the Southwest governors to ignore Malami.

    The leaders, in a statement, described the statement of the minister as an abuse of power.

    The statement was signed by Yinka Odumakin, South West; Gen CRU Iherike, Southeast; Senator Bassey Henshaw, Southsouth and Dr Isuwa Dogo, Middle Belt.

    SMBLF leaders stated: “The attention of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum(SMBLF) has been drawn to the illegal diktat by the Attorney – General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami (SAN) declaring Amotekun, the South West security (not military or Police) outfit illegal.

    “We consider his action as an abuse of office to suppress the rights of federating units to secure themselves and in furtherance of the widely – held suspicion that sections of the country are deliberately being rendered vulnerable for herdsmen and other criminals by the Federal Government.

    “We ask the governors of the South West to ignore Malami and allow him to go to court to challenge their decision as he cannot constitute himself a court over elected governors. We are not under military rule.

    “We insist that what the governors have done is what individuals and neighbourhoods can legally do to secure their lives and property.

    “The right to preserve your life cannot be under any exclusive list other than the list of those who have no value for human lives.

    “The ultra vire action of the AGF has further exposed Nigeria as a country under command and control and governed by a conquest mentality.

    “We ask Malami to tell us what makes Amotekun illegal and Hisbah legal.

    “He should further explain to us what makes Civilian JTF legal in the North East where there is war and in Zamfara and Katina and Kano where there is no war, while Amotekun is his only illegal take.

    “This is a defining moment to decide if we are under segregation and different laws in the country.”

    ‘AGF’s statement shocking’

    Constitutional lawyer Ike Ofuokwu said the AGF’s statement was shocking and contradictory.

    He said there was nothing illegal about Operation Amotekun, just as the Civilian Joint Task Force in the Northeast is not illegal.

    Ofuokwu said: “The AGF’s position is strange to everybody. The purported declaration of Amotekun as illegal is stranger than fiction.

    “If they declare Operation Amotekun illegal, it means the Civilian Joint Task Force in the Northeast, the O’dua Peoples Congress (OPC) and other vigilante groups are all illegal.

    “I believe that Amotekun should be highly commended and other states should adopt the same approach.

    “The AGF’s statement is like the hand of Esau and the voice of Jacob. Unless they want to expose the people of Southwest to herdsmen attacks and the menace of bandits and terrorists, the Southwest governors should be commended for what they have done.

    “It is even the states that fund the police, so let them fund their security apparatus and supervise them genuinely.”

    Shittu: Amotekun justified, compelling in law,

    The University of Lagos lecturer Wahab Shittu has said the formation of Amotekun is justified and its nature compelling in law.

    Shittu argued that the Governors as chief security officers of their various states are entitled to take measures to safeguard their spheres of jurisdictions in line with the autonomy of federating units which is the hallmark of true Federalism.

    ”The threat to the survival of the state by terrorism, kidnapping and insurgency makes the deployment of extraordinary measures compelling”, he contended.

    According to Shittu, “The creation of Amotekun as pro-security measures is in furtherance of the spirit and letters of our constitutional framework, which is anchored on defence, health, safety and order of society.

    “The justification for this premise is that all crimes are local, hence the appropriation of security votes to states in defence of security.

    “The further compelling argument are questions of law and order, the question of peace and war and the question of life and death.

    “These coupled with the justification for self-defence makes the creation of Amotekun compelling”.

    Shittu stressed that the formation of the corps must be backed up with appropriate legislation to spell out the modalities and other operational arrangements.

    He argued: “Security is both local, national and international. A threat to security anywhere is a threat to security everywhere.

    “Rather than frustrate the emergence of the security outfit, measures of collaboration with regular forces ought to be explored on operational modalities, arms control and other logistics,” he advised.

    AGF right, says Yakassai

    An elder statesman Alhaji Tanko Yakasai agrees with the Attorney General that Amotekun is a bad move. He likens it to a secessionist bid. He said: “I have already declared that I am not in support of the initiative. I see it as a secessionist bid. I agree that it is a security programme, but a move in the direction of local or community policy should be a national initiative.

    “I am of the view that the problem of an inadequate number of policemen to man the country is linked to poor budgeting. I can understand the position of the Federal Government is not being able to employ more men because the expenses are huge. What I think will solve the problem is to have a synergy between the federal, state and governments in funding the police.

    “They can share the responsibility in this way: the Federal Government should take responsibility for recruitment, paying salaries and allowances, as well as training. Then the state government will take responsibility for accommodation, while the local government will take responsibility for their movement.

    “So, in this way, the police expansion programme would be jointly funded by the three tiers of government. They would be given proper training and deployed to the areas where they come from.”

  • How Nigerian cinemas grossed over N6billion

    Cinema goers’ interest in Nigerian films is growing. ANITA EBOIGBE examines how well Nollywood films did at the cinemas last year.

     

    NIGERIANS spent over 6, 976, 882, 087 billion naira to watch films in the cinemas in 2019.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the figures are according to data provided by cinemas and gathered by the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN).

    The year opened with ‘Aquaman’, ‘Chief Daddy’ and ‘Up North’ sitting on the top three of the chart, with estimated combined earnings of N168, 263, 512 million.

    Earnings remained low for February, making it the lowest grossing month with a total of N291.8 million.

    By March, viewership picked up steadily and the earnings were almost doubled from that of February leading to a total of 434, 432, 431 million Naira.

    NAN reports that earnings from April climbed from 186, 929, 188 million Naira in its third week to 342, 382, 389 million Naira in its final week.’

    The month closed with estimated total earnings of 734, 151, 060 million Naira due to a major boost from Disney’s ‘Endgame’.

    In May, there was a massive dip in earnings similar to that experienced in February. With ‘Endgame’, ‘The Intruder’ and ‘Longshot’, it earned a total of 367, 498, 554 million Naira.

    June opened with 161, 132, 714 million Naira but closed with 100, 663, 647 million Naira leading to a total earning of 576, 322, 779 million Naira.

    In July, the highest-grossing film for the period was ‘Bling Lagosians’. The film grossed the highest income in cinemas in June. In the first week of July, the movie earned N37.4 million.

    For the last weekend in August, ‘Bling Lagosians’ settled at number 20 with ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ struggling at number 19. ‘The Set Up’ had dropped to number five.

    NAN reports that cumulatively, the cinemas earned over three billion naira in the first half of 2019 and over 1.2 billion naira in July and August of the same year.

    In September, ‘Angel Has Fallen’ topped the box office with a gross of 40, 434, 564 million naira. It was followed by ‘Fast and Furious: Hobbs and Shaw’ and Nollywood film, ‘The Millions’ which debuted at number three, raking in N10, 046, 476.

    ‘Angel Has Fallen’ remained on top for the second week with ‘Hustlers debuting at number one at the third week.

    By the end of the month, cinema earnings had dropped by 13 percent with ‘Rambo: Last Blood’ at number one.

    In October, ‘Love is War’ started strong with 14, 228, 280 million naira in its first week. ‘Fast and Furious: Hobbs and Shaw’ sank to bottom in its 10th week. The same was the case for ‘The Lion King’ which was in its 12th week.

    However, ‘Joker’ snagged the number one spot by the second week of October with the cinema gross totalling to 83, 703, 650 million naira that week.

    By the third week, ‘Gemini Man’ pushed ‘Joker’ to second place and Nollywood’s ‘Elevator Baby’ debuted at number three.

    NAN reports that at the final week, the top four films were ‘Maleficent’, ‘Black and Blue’, ‘Gemini Man’ and ‘Joker’ in that order with ‘Elevator Baby’ at number six. The total gross was 88, 063, 047 million naira.

    November opened with ‘Terminator: The Dark Fate’ on top raking in 37, 267, 747 million naira. ‘Maleficent’, now in its third week, earned 18, 459, 252 million naira in second place.

    Nollywood was at sixth place with ‘Elevator Baby’ which made 4, 298, 150 million naira and ‘Living in Bondage: Breaking Free’ debuted in its first weekend at number seven.

    In the second week, ‘Living in Bondage’ sat on top in its first full week and made 48, 692, 825 million naira pushing ‘Terminator’ to second place. ‘Elevator Baby’ dropped to number eight and the week closed at 114, 331, 989 million naira.

    ‘Living in Bondage’ continued its winning streak and suffered only seven percent decrease but was pushed to second place by the end of the month by ’21 Bridges’. ‘The Ghost and the House of Truth’ debuted at seventh place.

    December opened with ‘Living in Bondage’ redeeming its number one spot, followed by ’21 Bridges’ and ‘Frozen 2’. The total gross for the week was 85, 863, 384 million naira which was a 100 percent increase.

    By the third week, there was another 44 percent increase with ‘Jumanji’ debuting and making 58, 131, 872 million naira and ‘Your Excellency’ grossed 36, 652, 637 million naira.

    The last week saw a 110 percent increase with ‘Merry Men 2’ pulling in 94, 241, 491 million naira in its first week. ‘Sugar Rush’ debuted and made 92, 585, 385 million naira.

    The last quarter of 2019, cinemas made 326, 503, 084 million , in September, 342, 795, 751 million naira in October, 960, 234, 641 million naira in November and 1, 023, 321, 652 billion naira in December.

     

    • Eboigbe is of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

  • Changing phase of APO Legislative Quarters

    Onyedi OJIABOR and Sanni ONOGU Reports

     

    LIFE at Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja, is no longer what it used to be. With its general conception as an exclusive legislative zone for legislators, the legislative quarters have far degenerated.

    The unsavory disposition of things at the quarters has made life outside the chambers more uncertain.

    Legislators, who used to unwind and kill boredom at the quarters, have withdrawn to their cocoon.

    The worsening security situation in and around Abuja has also created the worse level of fear, palpable anxiety and apprehension ever experienced in the capital city.

    APO quaters
    Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja

    Senators, members of the House of Representatives and other highly placed socialites are always at their wits end for their safety.

    For most of them, the question of unwinding at weekends or after legislative business in the hallowed chambers is completely out of the way. Safety first, appears to be the unwritten rule of guidance for Apo Legislative Quarters’ occupants.

    A visit to the once bustling Apo Legislative Quarters tells the story of a city at sleep.

    No activity of note was noticed in the quarters except, of course, the menacing and threatening looks of security guards stationed at the entry points of the quarters.

    It was also learnt that social life at the legislative quarters was dealt a devastating blow by the sale of the quarters to people who have no business with the National Assembly.

    The sale of the legislative quarters to outsiders further polluted the environment to the extent that immediate neighbours may not know one another.

    Although, over 80 per cent of the buildings at the legislative quarters are said to have changed hands, the fear of hoodlums may have become the beginning of wisdom for a few lawmakers still retaining their apartments at the legislative quarters.

    In June 2003, President Olusegun Obasanjo directed that the fringe benefits of all public and political office holders be monetised.

    The monetisation exercise recommended by a committee, headed by a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation(SGF), Ufot Ekaette, created the window for the lawmakers to acquire their apartments with ease.

    Shortly after the acquisition of the quarters, some the lawmakers turned round to sell off the property to willing buyers.

    The development prompted a member of the House to propose a change of name for Apo Legislative Quarters.

    The House rejected the proposal that the Federal Capital Territory Administration should be asked to change the name, Apo Legislative Quarters, to reflect current realities.

    This followed a motion in April 2019 by a lawmaker, Segun Adekola (Ekiti).

    Adekola explained that the motion was borne out of compassion for new legislators who he claimed passed through difficult experiences before they could get befitting accommodation in the capital city.

    Adekola reminded his colleagues that in 2004, the Federal Executive Council mandated the Federal Capital Territory Administration to sell all Federal Government’s non-essential housing units in Abuja.

    “This includes the Apo Legislative Quarters sold to legislators occupying houses at the time under specific rules and guidelines,” he said.

    He did not stop there. The Ekiti State-born lawmaker expressed concern over the challenging experiences new members of the legislature were subjected to in their quest to get decent accommodation in Abuja.

    He attributed the stress to the sale of the quarters originally built to accommodate lawmakers.

    Adekola was particularly concerned about the continuous use of the name, Apo Legislative Quarters, in describing the place, when in actual fact, most of the houses were no longer being occupied by legislators.

    He stressed that the proposal for the change of name became necessary “as over 80 per cent of the inhabitants of the legislative quarters are not legislators.”

    Read Also: Lawmakers building: Don’t spend N37b

     

    Although the motion was roundly defeated when it was put to a voice vote by the then Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, the exodus from Apo Legislative Quarters by Senators and House members has continued.

    Most of the lawmakers now prefer, for security reasons, to shift base to highbrow areas of the capital city.

    Most of them live in highly secluded areas of Asokoro District, Asokoro Extension, Maitama District, Guzape District, Gwarimpa District and Wuse II.

    •David Mark
    •David Mark

    Talking about where the lawmakers hibernate, findings show that the highbrow Transcorp Hilton, located in the Maitama area of the capital city, may have become the new haven.

    Not only that the lawmakers carry out their social activities at the fortified hospitality centre, high profile political meetings are often held there.

    Some travel to Dubai on weekends to have a feel of the bubbling fun-filled city. Those who can afford it go as far as United Kingdom, Canada and United States for shopping and relaxation.

    Even though the past time of most of the lawmakers is not clearly known, some of them stand out.

    Former  Senate President, David Mark was known to have busied himself playing golf and hosting local and international tournaments. Abuja Golf Course also called IBB International Golf and Country Club is made popular through David Mark’s golf playing prowess.

    Former Deputy Senate leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah enjoys flying, while controversial Kogi West Senator,

    Sen. Bala Ibn Na’Allah
    Sen. Bala Ibn Na’Allah

    Dino Melaye, was known for his penchant for sarcastic music videos and comments on social media.

    Melaye also took pride in the display of exotic automobiles and fashionable apparels.

    Embattled Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, became known for his scintillating tweets and deep sense of metaphoric description of issues. The Osun West dancing Senator, Ademola Adeleke, should not be left.

    Perhaps the exposition of Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Senator Gershom Henry Bassey, on the leisure time of lawmakers, gives more insight into how they unwind.

    Bassey, who is one of the home boys of Calabar, the Cross River State capital, says he does not drink but prefers to spend his spare time with his family.

    A sports enthusiast of note, Bassey also runs a musical band through which he plays active part in the scintillating Calabar Carnival.

    •Sen. Gershom Bassey
    •Sen. Gershom Bassey

    The Cross River South lawmaker tells the captivating story of his free time.

    “I am a family man. I have a wife and five children. So, I like to spend as much time with them as possible because the Senate work takes me away from the family. They are in different locations. So, what I try to do is to spend as much time as possible with them.

    “Of course, you talk about leisure activities; I have other things that I do. I am a very big sports fan. Like in football, I am an ardent fan of Calabar Rovers (laughs). I like Arsenal in the English Premier League. I have been an Arsenal fan for a long time. Unfortunately I haven’t been to the Emirates to watch them play, even though I have been in and out of London.

    I have never tried to go to the Emirates but maybe one of these days, I will go there. My other big passion, sports wise, is basketball. I have been chairman of the Cross River State Basket Ball Association for many years now. I am also very interested in the NBA in the United States where I have supported many teams over the years. There (US), I have visited some stadia and I have watched live matches there. I like athletics as well. So those are my passions in sports.

    “Back in the days, I used to play basketball. These days, I don’t find time to play much. Many years ago, I used to play a lot of basketball, almost daily.

    “I don’t really indulge in outside relaxation because I rarely have time. I like to work late and by the time I come back from the office or from my activities in the day, I am usually tired. In fact, a lot of times, I collapse on the couch and just sleep off. But once in a while, I go to the cinema. I like to watch movies once in a while when I have time. I don’t drink alcohol.

    “I like different genres of movies. Movies like the Matrix: Science Fiction, movies like The Godfather and movies like the Dog Day Afternoon, a very old movie. These are the types of movies I like because I like movies that tell a strong story. I also watch Nigerian movies from time to time. I like some of the works that our Nollywood people are doing. I quite enjoy them.

    Transcorp Hilton
    •Transcorp Hilton… where most lawmakers now unwind

    I cannot leave without talking about the carnival – The Calabar Carnival. I have a band that plays in the carnival, called Master Blaster. We are three-time champions of the Calabar Carnival. I haven’t participated much in carnivals since I came to the Senate. But the planning of carnivals is what I enjoy. That is one way I spend my time in the month of December.

    It is quite a big production to put together those carnival groups or bands. I enjoy it. Once in a while, I attend the shows and try to support the governor and the government of the state to make sure that they are well attended.

    “My best food as a Calabar man is pounded yam and white soup or ekpankukwo. You thought I would say rice and stew? The cuisine in Calabar is the richest in Nigeria and the variety is phenomenal. I doubt if you would come across any Calabar man or any Cross Riverian that will tell you that he likes rice and stew as his favourite dish. He has to be more sophisticated than that.”

    Some other Ninth Senate lawmakers are still battling to acquire an image of their own. Cash squeeze is said to be their major undoing.

  • I’m a victim of envy —34-year-old arrested for producing alcoholic drinks with fake NAFDAC number

    Ebele BONIFACE Reports

     

    For five months, 34-year-old David Egbenagu Ozoemenam operated a backstreet factory where he was producing alcoholic drinks with a fake registration number of the National Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

    But his unlawful operation came to an end when a police team, led by the IRT commander, Philip Rieninwa, a Chief Superintendent of Police, trailed the suspect to his factory where he was arrested.

    The police also took pictures of the substandard tools, machines and Izal disinfectant found in his factory.

    The suspect said he started the production of unwholesome alcoholic drinks when he suffered a reversal of business fortune several months ago.

    ” I am from Azigbo village in Nnewi South Local Government Area, Anambra State. I am married with three children and I reside at No.2 Tuara Street, Progress Estate, Iva, Lagos.

    I am a trader. I trade in wine and beverages before I ventured into manufacturing of hot drinks, wine and  beverages. I am the owner of the house I am using as residence and factory where I manufacture the drinks.

    ”My brand name is ‘Stock’. I manufacture stock gins and brandy. The ingredients I use are food grade ethanol, brand flavour, caramel, glucose syrup and treated water. I don’t have NAFDAC number because at the time I started this manufacturing, I had financial problems and I could not pay for NAFDAC number.

    Moreover, customers don’t know the difference between a genuine NAFDAC number and fake NAFDAC number; they feel it is a waste of time to check the number at NAFDAC office. Even NAFDAC officials don’t give much time to checking the numbers they issue to people.

    The worse are customers who take any number they see as NAFDAC number, whereas majority of the customers don’t have time to examine the number displayed on the bottle of the products.

    ”The company is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). I use four rooms in my house as factory to manufacture stock products. I started manufacturing in September 2019 when my business was no more booming.

    ‘’When I was selling wine and beverages, I was making cool money. I used to get N150, 000 monthly. At a point, the business was not moving as I expected due to differentials in dollar exchange. Naira lost its value to a point that N1,000,000 (one million naira) may not be up to N300,000 and it affected buying and selling badly, though I built a house in my village and another one in Lagos from buying and selling hot drinks and beverages.”

    Read Also: NAFDAC destroys N1.32b worth of unwholesome goods

    He explained that he embarked on the illicit business when he saw that two of his colleagues who were into production substandard drinks were doing well.

    ”When I saw that two of my colleagues, especially one Innocent Iloabuchi who went into manufacturing of drinks was doing well, I decided to try manufacturing to see if I would become rich like them. I told my wife and she advised me to go ahead with it in as much as it would bring much money.

    ”When I started, I went to Ojota(a Lagos suburb) to get materials or ingredients I had earlier mentioned. I started mixing them based on what I copied from companies that manufacture hot drinks, wine and beverages.

    ”Whenever I wanted to manufacture gin, I would get a bottle of a popular brand, Chelsea, and copy the percentage of the ingredients as written in its label and it will be fine and correct when I used the same percentage  to manufacture my own hot drinks.

    fake drug producing machine
    fake drug producing machine

    ”At times, I got advice from the companies that sell the ingredients to me, including the measurement and the correct percentage. For instance, in gin, I give 40 per cent alcohol; brandy (36 per cent alcohol).I sell a carton of brandy containing six bottles N3,000; 48 small bottles of Alomo Bitters N2,700 ,and 12 bottles of Rose Berg 12 bottles in a carton N2,400.

    On how he got empty bottles which he used in bottling the drinks, he said, “I used to buy empty bottles from market where they sell empty bottles”.

    On why he could not manufacture his own bottle by himself or buy direct from bottle manufacturing companies, he said: “It is too expensive and can take about N40 million which I don’t have. I don’t even have a laboratory where I can test the ingredients to know the one that has expired because all these things require big money.

    “I got a label by printing it in Ojo Barrack. There is one man they call Ojo who has his office right inside the Army Barracks, that prints labels for me. One sheet cost N40 and nobody disturbs him because people are afraid to go inside the Army Barracks to question him.

    ”I have a Siena car which I used to supply goods to my customers around Iyana Iba area  of Lagos only, to avoid having confrontation with NAFDAC officials because I don’t have genuine NAFDAC number, but I have a trade mark which is Stock. I had planned to register my products before I started manufacturing but I had financial restraint.

    ”Manufacturing alcoholic drinks and wine gives money more than buying and selling because you can manufacture millions of bottles of hot drinks and wine if you wish and it is not as strenuous as buying and selling.

    “There is no health hazard in what I manufacture because I used to test it myself before supplying to sellers. The ingredients I use is to specification and standard and very original. Nobody has died or gone to psychiatric hospital after taking my products.

    ”When you get something like Chelsea hot drink, you see the ingredients they used to manufacture it and when you do it the same way they did it, you will surely get the same result.

    People who get problem in drinking hot drinks and wine are people who abuse drinks and people who take the drinks which their bodies don’t want or those who drink too much of awoof (free)drink. Even water disturbs when you take an overdose or too much.

    ”I attended Community Primary School in Azigbo, Nnewi, Anambra State and I finished primary six. I stopped at primary six level because there was no money for me to further my education. I am a very brilliant person.

    ”I came to Lagos in 1999 and stayed with one Daniel Okafor as a trading apprentice. He was my master who taught me buying and selling of wine, hot and beverages for six years but nobody taught me how to manufacture wine, hot and beverages.

    ”Nobody has ever complained about my products. People like my products and some people who do the same business are not happy for my rapid progress, hence, they started giving out bad and unfounded information against me.

    What I produce is not fake. Fake drink is the imitation of another person’s drink when you are not the original producer of the drink like Chelsea, if I start to produce Chelsea now, you can say it is fake because I am not the original owner of Chelsea but what I produce is ‘Stock gin.

    Stock brandy and Stock rose Berg. They (his products) are not harmful. They are my own products, though they are not yet registered. My enemies are just envying me and trying to put me out of work .

    They, the companies that sell ingredients to us, usually ask us what we want to produce. They give us the measurement of every item required for the production.

    “I did not know that the police were monitoring me. I bought empty bottles from Iyana Iba area of Ojo and put them inside my Siena car. When I wanted to go, they stopped me and arrested me on Saturday. Government is supposed to assist me because I can become an employer of labour and my product is not harmful. If it was harmful, it would have killed me because I used to test it in every production.”