The Nation Newspaper

Category: Special Report

  • For Lagos train, it’s 44 sitting, 99 climbing

    As the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) mulls the suspension of the Iddo-Ijoko Mass Transit Train Shuttle (MTTS) service today, DAMOLA KOLA-DARE, who rode on the train last Friday, urges the Federal Government to improve the narrow gauge.

    The bluish-black outstripping cumulus clouds stirred the fear of another heavy rainfall in the heart of those preparing for work. Time was 4.30 am when the reporter made for the railway station, despite the soft, seductive and alluring breeze almost drawing him back to the dream land.

    As a result of the heavy rain of the previous days, the road that leads to the ticketing office of the Agege station was marshy. The nondescript structure (a portakabin), which serves as the office for the railway brimmed with hordes of beggars even that early. Some could be seen in some corners folding their sleeping mats. Mosquitoes were seen waltzing in the air, but no one seem to pay their presence any attention.

    The only thing in the room that served as office for the ticket tellers were three old settees; one fully tattered; a wooden table darkened with soot and plastic chair. Not all passengers could sit inside when told to wait a little by ticketing officers. Those lucky to be inside had to give full attention to the mosquitoes who had a field day looking for where to perch to draw just a pinch of blood most mostly haggard looking people waiting for the next train.   In what was regarded as the normal practice, the ticketing officer, rang the bell to rally intending passengers to purchase tickets. Passengers trickled in to buy tickets. A ticket sold for N230 for a Mass Transit Train.

    According to one of the railway officials, the train coming from Ijoko station was headed for Iddo station. She stated that there would be two trips in the early morning rush hour and later in the evening. However, she noted that afternoon trips had been cancelled temporarily.

    Commuters who missed the morning trips will have to settle for public buses to their destinations and return the train station to see if they would be lucky to catch a ride home.In the meantime, everyone had bought tickets, and a blast of horn was heard from the train and several passengers started ‘the mad rush’, trooping towards the platform to board the train. Within minutes, all the 10 coaches were filled to the brim. Entry into the train, which was partially full even at this wee hour of the morning wasn’t easy.

    Commuters crowded the various doors to the coaches. As a first timer, the reporter wriggled his way through one of the coaches however and scanned for possible empty seat to drop his wearied weight. He found none. That meant standing all through the journey to Mushin. The clattering metals and the jerking raises pangs of fear – what happens if one of the coaches suddenly pulls off. The reporter quickly shut out the fear. Nothing, he said, must compound his fright. The train reminds him of a bubble waiting to burst. Men, women, boys and girls in their numberwere aboard the train.

    With everyone clustered up, there was no room to manoeuvre. Not even on the aisle. Before it got to Shogunle, there was no leg room again as people nestled on one another. The saving grace was iron bar at the roof which an army of hands clutched for support. It was observed that there were different groups of people on the train, those who prefer the free space atop the train (rooftop riders).The itinerant herbs peddlers, beggars going to their begging stations to eke out a living for the day, most of who are blind and are accompanied by their guides, traders and artisans living along the border towns who are rushing to their various stations for the day’s livelihood and those like the reporter having their first baptism of what the train ride feels like. The last set of people are easily spotted in the crowd, even from their dressing, which seemed out of place in the rickety contraption of the stuffy train.

    Moments thereafter, the train crawled out of the station, snaking its rusty way across the rutted old track. A boisterous cacophony of noise from inside the passengers inside the coaches mingled with the loud clatter of the iron wheels to create a noisome culture which many say was the culture of the train on the route. The rooftop riders, obviously in their own world, preened and chatted idly as the train gathered speed. Also, some passengers hung in between the coaches like bees in a hive. With the train extremely over-crowded right from the outside, it was an ugly sight which gave an inkling of what to expect in the disgusting interior. An official of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, who does not want to be named, said the organisation routinely arrests hitch hikers. For him, even if you have a fundamental right to commit suicide, the corporation would not permit you to execute it within its property.He described rooftop riders as “an accident waiting to happen”, adding that many fatalities recorded during derailments were always from roof riders.

    “These are people who are seconds away from disaster yet they remained undeterred.” Most rooftop riders, he according to him are hoodlums, adding that despite a N50,000 fine or prosecution slammed on anyone caught, the act persists.Bejide, a passenger who was displeased with those who nestled on the roof of the train, said: “Those guys have been warned several times, but they will not heed.

    They keep endangering their lives. They jump on the train because they don’t want to pay and would rather put themselves on devil’s way.

    ”When this reporter asked one of the train attendants who donned a jacket labeled NRC, if he could get a place to seat in any of the other coaches, having shown him his ticket, the tetchy official fired back with contempt: “Even those who had come much earlier didn’t get a place to seat…”The train which plies the Ijoko to Iddo route has seen better days. It is only fit for the scrapyard.

    As another passenger observed, the railway is a testament to the failings of a country that prides herself as “the giant of Africa.””It is a shame to think that such ramshackle contraption still exists in the country and citizens are still riding on in. The creaky coach painfully portrays the country’s glories carted off to the knacker’s yard,” the passenger said to no one in particular.

    Though the atmosphere was unsavoury with stench oozing from all corners perhaps owing to the overload, most people seemingly enjoyed it. They chattered and guffawed at will. Those who didn’t take part in any conversation slept while sitting. Others plugged  in their earphones as the journey wore on.

    At each station, commuters disembarked, and in the process barged into those standing, stepped on them and stained them with their dirty shoes. It continued like that as passengers alighted at Ikeja Along, Shogunle, Oshodi, Mushin. And thereafter, someone who looked well-groomed from home will now shockingly look disheveled like a spineless man who just had a wrestling bout with a madman.As the journey progressed, an elderly Muslim cleric preached to passengers. Speaking with the conviction of an orator, he not only held his ‘audience’ spellbound but dished out his message with magisterial swagger. His prayers were passionately responded to with loud “Amen.”It was like early morning tonic for adherents of the Muslim faith.

    Another elderly man with petite frame advertised a herbal concoction which he claimed could cure all ailments. Clutching a black polythene bag, he had to squirm his way through to make people buy his “magical” product.

    The interior of a cramped up train was not the best place to market such a product, but he had thought otherwise.

    A mild drama ensued between some passengers standing. A middle-aged man raised his voice to show his displeasure to another man who had seemingly insulted him. After sometime, frayed nerves were calmed.

    As the train galloped on the tracks, Yusuf, a passenger, who was delighted said: “I have always liked a train ride. For me, it is a great experience. It is cheaper when compared to commercial buses.

    Apart from that, it is an avenue to make new friends. Forget the inconvenience, we always have fun here either sitting or standing. In fact, a friend once celebrated his wedding with us in the train. It is nice,” he gushed.Another passenger disagreed with him, she said: “I don’t really fancy train ride in Nigeria, perhaps due to the old and unattractive trains we have here.

    For instance, we cannot compare trains in the UK and China to the ones we have here. Those ones abroad are much better and they offer pleasurable  and comfortable rides.”

    A regular train user noted that he uses the train service not because of comfort or pleasure but because there is no worry of incessant traffic congestion, then it is price-friendly.

    Railway, it has been observed comes across as one of the most explored form of transportation around the globe. Majority of people enjoy travelling by train for different reasons, for instance there is a chance to view different scenes that cannot be seen via cars, for some just for the fun of adventure and because it offers safety. But it is doubtful if one can enjoy a train ride especially with the regularly jampacked Lagos trains.

    Meanwhile, Lagosians wait with bated breath for the actualization of the Red Line from Agbado to Marina and the spur track from Oshodi to Murtala Muhammed Airport as promised by the state government. Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu had in July reiterated his desire to ensure effective, safe and reliable multi-modal transportation system that would aid unimpeded movement.Nonetheless, long after shuddering to a halt, the loud blast of the train’s horn still reverberates in the memory of this reporter.

  • Searchlight on Nigeria, Africa at Gates summit

    The 2019 Goalkeepers Summit by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in New York, which coincided with the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), was a forum for American business magnate Bill Gates, Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote and others to chart the way forward for humanity, reports OLUKOREDE YISHAU from New York.

    Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote and Microsoft founder Aliko Dangote became friends some years back. Dangote runs the Dangote Foundation; Gates and his wife Melinda run the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. With challenges such as poverty, open defecation, education and health as focus, Gates had to look beyond the developed world to effect change. In Dangote they found an ally.

    Through its Gatekeepers Report, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation monitor the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) progress. This report was a major talking point at the 2019 Goalkeepers events in New York, where awards were given to people who helped in moving towards the achievements of the SDGs.

    Gates urged governments across the world to focus more on primary healthcare development and education as a means of achieving the SDGs. Using Nigeria as an example, he condemned uneven development in societies and called for sufficient spread of developmental efforts. Sudanese billionaire Mo Ibrahim also aligned with Gates on the need for inequality to be ended.

    The 2019 report shows that Nigeria’s health indicators have improved.  In the late 1990s, it was estimated that two of three Nigerians lived in poverty. That represented 68 per cent. Twenty years later, the figure has dropped to 32 per cent of the population or one in three Nigerians.

    Sixty-four per cent of children used to suffer from malnutrition in 2005. This went down to 37 per cent last year, according to figures supplied by the foundation.

    Only about half of Nigerians used unsafe or unimproved sanitation in 2018 compared to 80 per cent in 1990.

    As good as these improvements are, Nigeria still ranks 43rd of 52 African countries on a recently compiled sustainable development goal index. The implication is that the country has gone 47 per cent towards achieving sustainable development goals. The Gatekeepers Report lists the country as one of those who will not meet the SDGs 2030 deadline.

    Gatekeepers’ report 2018 says poverty is concentrating on just a handful of very fast-growing countries. Nigeria still has the second-highest number of deaths of children aged five and under. It tags behind India.

    The 2019 report says life is better for the boy-child. “No matter where you are born, your life will be harder if you are born a girl,” the report says.

    It adds that across sub-Saharan Africa, girls have an average of two fewer years of education than boys. In Nigeria, according to the World Bank, girls get an average of 7.6 years, and boys get 8.7 years.

    The report recommends that “human capital investments should be designed to reach girls and prioritise those countries and districts that have to make up the most ground”.

    The report also observes that education is not enough to bridge the gender divide.

    “In some countries where girls tend to be well-educated they are still underrepresented in the workforce because they also face discriminatory norms and policies.

    “Africa’s youth population (people aged 0 to 24 years) is booming while the rest of the world is shrinking,” says the report.

    The median age across Africa is 18; it is 35 in North America and 47 in Japan.

    The report also shows that in Nigeria, child mortality rate reduced from 109 per 1,000 births in 2017 to 104 per 1,000 live births in 2018 while child stunting reduced from 38.14 per cent in 2017 to 36.74 per cent last year.

    Death from malaria, the report shows, reduced from about 166 per 1,000 in 2017 to 160.72 per 1,000. Cases of tuberculosis reduced from 351.8 per 100,000 to 344.2 in 2018.

    Instances of Neglected Tropical Diseases, according to the report, went down from 52,566 per 100,000  in 2017 to 50,584 last year. On a sad note, the number of people living in poverty increased from 66.83 million in 2017 to 67.48 million in 2018.

    The report shows that Measles-Containing-Vaccine second dose (MCV2) was low at 39.27 per cent; Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP3) immunisation coverage was 36.39 per cent.

    The report also reveals that the vaccine coverage for Pneumoccocal conjugate vaccines (PCV3) was at 35.67 per cent.

    The Gates in the 2019 Gatekeepers’ Report entitled: Examining inequality 2019 say: “Gaps between countries, districts, and boys and girls prove that the world’s investments in development aren’t reaching everyone.

    “Using new sub-national data, the report uncovers the vast inequalities within countries that are masked by averages.

    “Where you’re born is still the biggest predictor of your future and no matter where you’re born, life is harder if you’re a girl.

    “Despite gains in female educational attainment, opportunities for girls are limited by social norms, discriminatory laws and policies, and gender-based violence.

    “As we write, billions of people are projected to miss the targets that we all agreed represent a decent life.”

    The foundation called for a new approach to development, targeting the poorest people in the countries and districts that need to make up the most ground to address persistent inequality.

    “Governments should prioritise primary healthcare to deliver a health system that works for the poorest.

    “Government should also deliver digital governance to ensure that governments are responsive to their least-empowered citizens, and more support for farmers to help them adapt to climate change’s worst effects,” it said.

    It added: “The report is designed to track progress in achieving the Global Goals, highlight examples of success, and inspire leaders around the world to accelerate their efforts.

    “The goal is to identify both what’s working and where we’re falling short,” it said.

    Speaking at a panel discussion with Gates last Wednesday at the fourth Gatekeepers Summit at the Lincoln Centre, New York, Dangote said he hoped to give out a chunk of his wealth like Gates. He is estimated to be worth $9.2billion.

    Dangote praised Gates for his love for Nigeria: “When I started my foundation in 1994, I never realised we had this massive challenge in the health sector.

    “Really, it was mind-boggling when we had this agreement to collaborate with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and that really opened my eyes to realise that there are a lot of challenges in health.

    “At that time I didn’t have the opportunity of meeting Bill but meeting Bill changed me into a different person. This is somebody that has nothing to do with us in Africa or Nigeria but he is putting his money and his soul into everything.

    “He is very committed to helping humanity and that really surprises me a lot and I realised that he is a simple person and I never knew Bill would be this simple. He is a very soft-spoken guy and kind-hearted.

    “It is very difficult to find people like Bill in this world. Bill, we are very grateful and I can assure you that with my association with Bill, my only prayer is that in the next few years, I will try and give my chunk of wealth to charity.”

    Gates, who noted that a place where a person is born could determine how long the person could live, thanked Dangote for connecting him with the governors in the North.

    He added that Africa’s richest man proved to him that one could make better impact by reaching out to powerful politicians in charge of policy.

    Gates said: “Aliko knows people; he has relationships and he is willing to reach out to people. He says ‘let’s reach out to the governor, let’s talk to him about this’ and the next thing you know, we’ve got the governor on the phone, talking.

    “So, this ability to reach out and draw on the broad relationships that Aliko has developed…you know I am pretty shy about calling people. I just want to mail them my charts.

    “So what has come out now is that Aliko and I do conference calls with six of the governors from the northern states where we look at vaccine coverage.

    “It is a big challenge but I’ve drawn from Aliko’s communication skills and he is not afraid to call anyone. Everyone likes to talk to him.”

    Gates said his new task was to close the gaps between nations towards achieving the SGDs by ensuring that all had access to quality health and education.

    Dangote said his company wanted the government to make it mandatory for companies to fortify all rice products consumed in the country.

    He said Nigerians eat rice in the morning, afternoon and night, adding that fortifying rice with the right vitamins would help combat malnutrition.

    “At the Aliko Dangote Foundation, we have what we call the Nutrition Integrated Programme, of which we are trying to make sure we take out two million children from malnutrition,” Dangote said at the Goalkeepers Summit.

    “Right now, Dangote is also in the process of rice milling. We are setting up about one million tonnes of rice, and all our rice will apply these nutritious vitamins.

    “The main food we eat in Nigeria is rice; people eat rice in the morning, they eat rice in the afternoon, they eat rice at night.

    “With this, we are now trying to introduce this, and also we are going to the government to make it mandatory for all the rice we consume in Nigeria to be fortified. This will help quite a lot,” Dangote said.

    He added that his company was the first in Africa to begin fortification of sugar, which he said has become the norm.

    Dangote said about two million children are malnourished in Nigeria — a trend the foundation is working to bring to zero.

    He appreciated the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for bringing companies in Nigeria together to sign up to food products fortification of battle malnutrition.

    In an interview before the summit, Gates said: “Nigeria is a super-important country and one that the foundation has an office there.  We did a lot of work in Nigeria on polio and we learned a lot doing that.  Nigeria has gone almost three years now without having a polio case.

    “The biggest priority we have, although making absolutely sure we’re done with polio remains a big priority, now we’re able to focus even more on the primary healthcare system.

    “If I had one wish for Nigeria, it would be that the quality and funding of the primary health care system would achieve the level of some other countries that are lower-income but have done a better job with the primary healthcare system.  So, it definitely is doable.

    “In Nigeria for a lot of the work we do there we’re partnered with Aliko Dangote, who helps us understand who the good partners are and exactly how we can reach out to groups like the traditional leaders and get them involved in these efforts as well.

    “So, Nigeria is important. I’m hopeful about Nigeria. As you see in the report, the disparities within Nigeria are quite stark.

    “Also, one challenge that Nigeria has is that the amount of money that the government raises domestically is quite small compared to other countries. A lot of countries at that level will be raising closer to 15 per cent of GDP and Nigeria is one of the lowest in the world down at about six per cent.  And so, it is a huge challenge that when you want to fund infrastructure, health, education, all those things, that over time the tax collection, the domestic resources are going to have to go up quite a bit.

    “That’s a long-term effort and I think partly by making sure the current resources are spent well like on primary healthcare, you gain the credibility that the citizens will say, okay, we want more of these things.  If we don’t raise the quality, you can get into a trap where they don’t feel like paying the taxes actually has that much impact, and so they’re not supportive of that.

    “So, we’re working hard.  I mentioned we do videoconferences with state governors.  If we can make the six states into exemplars, then these practices can be extended to all 18 of the northern states.  There are best practices down in the south as well that we can learn from as well.

    “Building on what we were able to achieve with polio and the relationships we’ve built there and our commitment, starting with primary healthcare, we think that Nigeria can tackle its inequality.”

    The awards

    The summit witnessed the presentation of awards to India Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reducing open defecation.

    Modi, in less than five years, led a mission which ensured that 600 million people stopped open defecation in one of the world’s most populous country.

    Gates said: “Managing human waste is one of the world’s oldest and toughest challenges and I will say most leaders are not willing to talk about it, in part because the solutions aren’t that easy, but we do have to talk about it.

    “We hear a lot about malaria and we should, because it’s devastating and we are making progress. But sanitation-related illnesses kill more kids every year than malaria does.

    “In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Swachh Bharat Mission, a programme with the very ambitious goal of eliminating open defecation in India.

    “Before the project, more than half a billion people were defecating in the open, but today, just five years later, thanks to the leadership of hundreds of thousands of people in communities across India, the vast majority now have access to safe sanitation.

    “This progress is critical to achieving SDG 6 for water and sanitation, which is lagging far behind.”

    Gates added that India is already serving as a model for other countries.

    The foundation’s Campaign Award was presented to Aya Chebbi, the first African Union Youth Envoy, for her work promoting youth empowerment, peace building, and non-violent mobilisation in Africa.

    Chebbi said: “We live in a world where politicians fuel xenophobia and violence and violate national and international laws, and even censor the only space we have to breathe, the internet.

    “We live in a world where it has become acceptable to trade human rights for sanitary projects; the reality we live in is dangerous. But you know what, a wise man told me the power of the people will always be more powerful than people in power.

    “When young people promise, young people deliver; the world we want is borderless and the future we want is about dignity and freedom, and our generation will continue to be radical, disruptive and challenge the status quo.”

    The foundation’s Changemaker Award was presented to youth activist Payal Jangid for her fight against child labor and child marriage in India.

    The Progress Award went to Gregory Rockson, co-founder and CEO of mPharma, for his work to increase access to high-quality drugs across community pharmacies in five African countries.

  • Tension in riverine communities as flood threat grows

    Millions of Nigerians living in coastal and riverine communities across the country are bracing up for further flooding following the September 14 warning by the  Nigeria Hydrological Services  Agency (NHSA) that tougher days were around the corner.

    Many have already fled their homes ,not wanting to be caught napping, according to an investigation by our team of reporters.

    Some farmers have hurriedly harvested their crops to minimize their losses.

    The Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has set aside over N1.5 billion to take care of provisions for victims of the floods,its chairman Alhaji Sani DoDoDo said in Birnin Kebbi,the state capital.

    The Director General of the NHSA, Clement Nze,had warned that river water from six of the eight countries that make up the Niger Basin had arrived Nigeria, increasing the risk of flooding in 10 states,.

    He named the states as Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Nasarawa , Kogi, Edo, Anambra, Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa.

    Already,some families in flood prone areas of Anambra State have relocated to the Udama Primary School,in Anambra West Local Government area,  designated as an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp.

    More residents are expected to relocate following the advice of Governor Willie Obiano.

    The Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) said  places like  Ayamelum, Anambra West, Ogbaru, Awka North, Onitsha North, Onitsha South stand the risk of being flooded.

    Many houses in Inoma community in Anambra West are already  submerged.

    A resident, Edojor Ekwembili, said he has  lost all his farm produce for the year.

    He was similarly hit in 2012.

    The Anambra State Chairman of Red Cross Society of Nigeria, Professor  Peter Katchy, told The Nation that his organisation was ready for the floods.

    Katchy said Red Cross was not taking any  chances in making sure that the victims were taken care of, adding that the care unit would work with the Police and other para-military outfits to keep victims in good condition.

    However, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)  had expressed worry over  the adamant disposition of victims of flood disaster in the state to relocate to safe and higher grounds to avert impending disaster.

    The agency attributed most erosion flood cases in Nigeria to the refusal of people living in riverine communities to heed warnings from relevant agencies in disaster management.

    NEMA’s Acting Director General, Air Commodore Akugbe Iyamu,  spoke at Atani, Ogbaru Local Government Arearea, after assessing the level of flood at Odekpe and Atani communities.

    He wondered why flood victims would insist on safeguarding their homes rather than fleeing for their lives.

    He maintained that it was only the living that could claim possession of  his or her abode.

    He said: “How will someone say it’s my ancestral home and wants to die there? This is not a time to defend whether the area is your ancestral home or not.To be able to push the narrative, you need to come out first and get saved before defending whether it’s your ancestral home or not.”

    40 Edo communities under threat

    No fewer than 40  communities spread across  three Local Government Areas of Edo State may be affected by the floods.

    Sources said flooding has become almost an annual occurrence in Udaba, Ofukpo, Agbaburu, Osomegbe, Ukpeko, Ugochi, Ifeku island and Anegbette. Others are Uneme-Ekwuekpele, Uneme-Ogwoyo, Uneme-Ukpeku, Uneme-Ogbethaya, Uneme-Yeluwa and Uneme-Unubu, all of which are in   Estako East, Estako Central and Esan South East.

    Last year, some residents in 14 of the communities refused to move into the resettlement shelter and five other centers provided by government. During the flooding period, schools and health centres were shut down.

    In Udaba, the residents claimed they could not leave their ancestral land to go and live off government.

    But the  Commissioner for Youth, Hon. Damian Lawani, who hails from Udaba, said the people have been sensitised on the need to temporarily relocate as the flood water rises.

    “They are ready to move and they will move. This year will be  difficult. We have sensitised them and I have inspected the camp they will be taken to,” he said.

    Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Special Duties, Hon. Yakubu Gowon, said IDP camps in some areas have been fully furnished and fumigated in case they have to move the people to higher grounds.

    “Everything is in place. We have medial facilities, boat operators and divers to help bring people out,”he said.

    Another Special Adviser to the governor, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said shelters have been built where the affected flood victims are to stay pending when the flood water recedes.

    His words: “We are proactive. We have been taking measures to tell people living in flood-prone riverine communities to move upland and take refuge in safe havens that have been provided in selected local government areas across the state.

    “This is to alert people living around river banks and riverine areas across Edo State that water levels are rising as a result of downpour.

    “Government has prepared the Internally Displaced Persons’ (IGP) camps for possible evacuation of residents living in these areas. They should be ready to relocate to the camps when the order is given by the government.”

    Fear grips Yenagoa residents

    Residents of Yenagoa have appealed to the state government to clear the drainage channels to allow for easy flow of rain water and save them from flooding.

    Mercy Abali of  Captain Ayeni Street , Yenagoa said: “The problem about this street is that  if there is a rainfall for close to two hours, the place will be flooded because there is no good drainage system.

    “In fact, the drainage does not lead to anywhere, so when there’s heavy rain the street will be flooded.For three to four days there will be  no movement.That’s what we go through here.”

    A resident of Igbogene  does not want to experience what he went through during last year’s flooding.

    Desmond, as he simply identified himself, said: “We don’t have good drainage system in Yenagoa. You can imagine a capital city without planned drainage. Most of the streets don’t have drainage. So even before flooding, everywhere is waterlogged. No government has paid attention to the perennial floods.

    “I think the government knows better; they know what to do better because when it rains the whole place will get flooded and our houses will even get flooded and we don’t know what to do about it, which is why I think the government knows better.”

    Niger clears waterways, drainage

    Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State    has directed the relevant agencies to clear all waterways and drainage of refuse.

    He blamed flooding on indiscriminate  dumping refuse in  drainages.

    The governor,speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Minna, said a massive sensitisation was  on to discourage residents  from dumping waste  in drainages.

    He said: “Flood in most parts of Niger State is being caused by dumping of refuse and building on waterways. We have set out to mobilise and ensure that the people stop dumping refuse in the drainage channels.

    “These drainage channels were built and cost a lot of money. If we invest a lot of money in drainage  and we turn them into dumping bins, then we should expect the flood that we get. We have to discourage the people from dumping wastes in drainages.”

    Kwara too

    A similar clearing of drainage channels is in progress in Kwara State, particularly  Ilorin,the state capital, to avert disaster.

    The Permanent Secretary for  Environment, Amosa Al-Amin said: “Kwara State falls within this axis and this administration felt compelled to officially alert the people to this development and to appeal to Kwarans to cooperate with the state government on the various measures to mitigate the effects of what is often a combination of natural phenomenon, human activities and failure to heed warnings.

    “Government hereby appeals to communities located in and near flood plains and other vulnerable areas are to relocate to safer locations.

    “Identified communities in Edu local government areas such as Iyeluwa,Belle Gbako, Liptata, Edogi, Chewuru are specifically advised to relocate to safer places for a while.

    “Communities in Jebba and Bacita are also urged to take this very seriously for safety reasons. Farming along riverine areas should be discouraged for now.

    “Resettlement centres located at Godiwaji in Patigi constructed by the Federal Government could be a safer place during this period.

    “Residents of communities in Kwara Central like Isale Koko, Dumon, and

    Abata Sunkere, among others, are advised to heed this warning.

    “Government urges residents of the state to avoid dumping of wastes into river channels or drainage to allow for easy flow of water,while illegal structures along water ways should be demolished.”

    Kogi residents on red alert

    Many parts of Kogi State, including  Lokoja/Kogi, Ibaji, Igalamela-Odolu, Idah, Ijumu and Dekina, are flooded already and further flooding is expected.

    The Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (KOSEMA), Julius Mejiyan, told The Nation that the authorities have already alerted  all those living around flood prone areas to evacuate.

    His words: “The prediction was that there might be flood.The Nigerian Metrological Agency (NIMET) brought their seasonal rain prediction that we were going to have light rain at the beginning, then, maybe heavy rain towards the end, and it’s not likely to flood, but they’re not ruling out flood.

    “ Flooding may come due to excessive rain from the Sahel zone, but within us, at least Kogi axis, the rain might not be much, but unfortunately, we started having even flash flood before the end of the raining season, and now, we are expecting flood. The water level is above 10metres now and is already Red Alert.

    “KOSEMA (Kogi State Emergency Management Agency) is already preparing all the camps. We have gone round to see some of those areas, especially the river plains, where they normally have flooding.

    “There are about nine LGs. The KOSEMA people are there liaising with the local organising committee and seeing what they have in place. At that moment, we now mobilise our people; profile them and relocate them to camps, and then, we now invite NEMA, if it is getting out of hands. But, as it is now, it is still within the range of what the state government can take care of, and we are doing the best.

    “We cannot permanently put affected persons in any secured area. IDP camps are supposed to be temporary. So, as soon as the flood is over, everybody will want to go back to their former abodes, especially where flooding has receded and there is no much damage.

    “If we discover that there is much damage, that stage we call recovery stage. At that stage, we take care of whoever is homeless, and before we get to that stage, immediate response, quick action; profile them, relocate them, put them in a camp and give them the necessary initial support.”

    Ahead of the impending flooding, stakeholders in emergency management have called on the  state government to begin preparation towards mitigating victims’ suffering, should the disaster hit the state.

    The stakeholders, in a communique issued in Lokoja, urged the state government to immediately begin the renovation and cleaning of all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in the state, in readiness for the impending flood, most particularly in all the affected local governments.

    In their communiqué, they said that schools should be provided as camps, where necessary, with health facilities and welfare packages provided for all the camps.

    It’s wait and watch in Delta

    Many residents of Otu-Ogu community, Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta  State,  say they are seeking God’s intervention to stop the rapidly rising River Niger from causing  havoc.

    And they have no immediate plan to relocate.  Many said they heard the warning from government to relocate to higher grounds  on radio, but are prepared to wait until the last minute before moving.

    Octogenarian farmer, Pa Edward Ogu, said: “I have heard about the impending rise of water on the River Niger, but what can I do without money? My family will not relocate yet. But if the water rises too high, we will move in  with our relations.”

    Another resident, Nnamdi Nwachukwu, said: “I have heard on the radio that the river will overflow its banks, but we are continually praying that God  should intervene and stop the water from entering our homes. We are praying that it does not exceed this level.”

    But Dennis Ogu, chairman, Asaba Community Policing (ACP), said the option open to residents when the river threatens is to relocate to higher grounds.

    He said any community on the side of a large body of water must be prepared for any eventuality, stressing that although many homes are being threatened by rising water, residents will wait until the last minute.

    According to him, the River Niger, from experience, will continue to rise until middle of October, but should it not recede, families near the banks will have to relocate.

    The state government plans to  establish 10 camps for those likely to be displaced by the floods,according to Information Commissioner Charles Aniagwu.

    Aniagwu said five camps will be immediately established in Asaba, Patani, Kwale, Ozoro and Ashaka, and  as the flood intensifies, government will find suitable sites for the five other camps.

     Kebbi earmarks N1.5billion for  possible flood victims

    The Kebbi State Government  has earmarked N1.5billion to cater for the needs of those likely to be affected by the floods.

    The Chairman of the state Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Sani DoDoDo, said in Birnin Kebbi that apart from the money, the agency was also stockpiling  food items,and other essentials for victims.

    “We are  fully prepared for   emergency  at any time and all necessary  items are fully in place in case of any eventuality,” he said.

    He said the agency has met with stakeholders and traditional rulers on the need to get residents of flood prone areas  fully prepared for any possible emergency.

    Rivers farmers begin harvest of crop

    Following signs of possible  flooding,farmers in Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Abua/Odual and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni,have started harvesting their crops before they are washed away.

    Mr. King Abbey, a farmer in Abua/Odual, said: “As you can see, the floods are beginning to come, but what we cannot say now is whether or not it will increase to the level that we will begin to look for safety on higher grounds and camps.

    “There are signs that it will increase  because rivers have begun to wash out big fish  and crabs, which is one of the obvious signs that there will be flood.

    “Already, the  communities’ residents are harvesting their cassava and other crops to save them from the flood.”

    The executive chairman of Ahoada West, the LGA, Mr. Hope Ikiriko, and his counterpart in Ahaoda East have already constituted a Flood Disaster Management Committee to manage and oversee the preparation, prompt evacuation of victims to safe places and the   coordination and provision and distribution of relief materials to those that will  be  displaced  by the flood.

    Canals and drainage in the communities have also been cleared to  minimize the impact of flooding.

    The South-South Zonal coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA), Mr. Walson Ibarakumo Brandon,  told The Nation in Port Harcourt that a massive public education has been launched to avoid unnecessary losses in the event of any emergency.

    “We have been on sensitisation outreaches to high risk communities and LGAs in the zone, comprising Rivers and Bayelsa since the forecast of the year’s flood was released early this year, to prepare them for evacuation when the need arise,”  he said.

    “We have visited each of the council areas and the main communities that are flood prone to inform them and instruct them on what they need to do at the community, LGA and state levels by engaging in constant  desilting of the canals, gutters and waterways to at least shift the doom’s a bit forward.

    “We have equally urged them to go round their communities and villages and identify higher grounds where they can possibly run to safety when the water comes to the unbearable level, while NEMA and the Governments come to prepare them  to a habitable state.

    “The sensitisation lectures also include health and general environmental sanitation lectures in order not to contract or disseminate communicable diseases in the camps.”

    “Basically, NEMA is ready to receive the flood if it finally comes and equally ready to evacuate affected persons.

    “But for now, we are monitoring water levels in all the rivers around the zone in readiness for response.  We are visiting communities in Ahoada East,  Ahoada West, ONELGA and Abua/Odual for possible   evacuation of displaced persons,  where the need arises.”

    Lagos residents cry out

    Residents of Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Somolu and Bariga council areas of Lagos State have urged government to save them from the looming danger of floods.

    A resident of Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Wasiu Malami, said: ’’Our environment is very bad. Whenever it rains, many houses are submerged and we would have to swim in and out of our houses. We don’t have a good drainage in my area and our roads are in terrible conditions too.

    ‘’Many houses have been abandoned or deserted as a result of the effect of flooding, we want the state government to come to our aid by providing good collector drainages and passable roads.’’

    A resident of Amukoko, Bukola Ayoka, said: “Life is usually hellish here when there is a downpour.

    “The gutters are usually overflown with flood water to the extent that we would not be able to go out.

    “We are calling on the state authorities to provide better drainage system that can contain the flood water.

    A trader, Paul Uzor, who lives in Somolu,  said he does not have sufficient  money to move his family out of his one room apartment despite the perennial flooding in his neighbourhood.

    “Life has been so horrible and challenging for me whenever it rains here, water flows into my room and destroys all my properties. I am usually scared whenever rainy season approaches.

    ‘’Last year was a very bad experience for me. I was sleeping when flood water swept through my room destroying my properties.

    An aged woman in Bariga, Madam Florence Adekunle, recalled how she was almost sacked from her residence by flood last year, saying: “I run helter skelter with my five children whenever it rains because my room is usually flooded. The flood was a very horrible one last  year. I never pray for such this year.”

     

  • It’s ‘CRAZY BILLING’ or LIGHTS OUT

    SALIU Adekunle’s day starts and ends in a sputter of smoke. His generator’s loud hiss and steel clang mix with fume to signal the commencement of work and his departure from his steel forge, everyday. The factory, carved from his backyard, doubles as an apprenticeship workshop behind his two-bedroom bungalow.

    The welder has learnt to put his trust in alternative power supply; due to persistent power failure and an outrageous estimated billing system by the Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IKEDC), Adekunle acquired two big generators to power his implements.

    “I spend approximately N6, 000 on generator fuel everyday. One runs on diesel and the other runs on petrol. Yet at the end of the month, IKEDC brings me a bill of N42, 000. I wonder how they arrive at such figure. Initially, the billing ranged at N5, 000 every month and I protested it even at that figure. IKEDC officials urged me to pay at least N2, 000 every month, claiming that they would be okay with me and they won’t cut off my power supply. And I complied.

    “But few months ago, my bill went up from N5, 000 to N12, 000 and then N31, 000. It is currently estimated at N42, 000. I complained bitterly to them but they argued that since electricity supply had improved, so had the billing. When I refused to pay, they came to cut and cart away my cable.

    “They give us electricity for approximately four hours everyday, and it’s never at a stretch. Even so, IKEDC staff claim we have light for seven hours…I have given up on ever enjoying electricity supply. They can eat my cable,” said Adekunle.

    Among other things, Adekunle is unaware that running a mini-factory from his home amounts to electricity theft by regulatory standards, given the residential classification of his home.

    Also, IKEDC has no right to cut and cart off his electricity cable. This is because the cables were part of the infrastructure the Distribution Company (DISCO) inherited following the privatisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

    “I built my house on the outskirts of Lagos; there, most of the electricity cables and polls were acquired via communal pooling of financial and human resources. They were paid for by residents of communities. All the defunct PHCN staff come to do was to install the polls and connect the cables. As a community, we have bought cables, polls and transformers. The sad thing is that we do not enjoy the electricity for which we acquired the infrastructure. Nobody reimburses us.

    “Yet, the new DISCO staff come around to cut and cart off cables we both with our own money, for electricity they have failed to provide at satisfactory level. Yet the billing gets crazier,” argued Idris Abooaba.

    IKEDC vs Ijaiye-Ojokoro

    The Nation findings in Ijaiye- Ojokoro, Lagos, revealed that IKEDC initially issued a uniform rate of between N4, 000 and N5, 000 to residents of the area. Subsequently, the company increased it to N10, 000 and then N17, 000. The residents, however, lost their cool when IKEDC increased the billing from N17, 000 to N75, 000 for a 10-room single apartment.

    Narrating her ordeal with the distribution company, Augustina Okangbe stated that, “Earlier, residents paid N20, 000 as estimated monthly electricity charge for a three-bedroom flat, but that was when the light was stable.

    “But around January/February 2019, IKEDC staff visited the area to say that they were calculating our electricity bill with a new meter. Consequently, they started bringing crazy bills to our area. With the crazy billing, my electricity charge went up to N4, 000-plus from the initial N1, 500. That was more than my N3, 500 shop rent. We complained about it and IKEDC suggested that to reduce the charges, they will reduce the hours in which they gave us light.

    “We agreed that they should reduce the hours to between eight and 12 hours per day, to make the bills more affordable to us. After a month, the hours in which we had light reduced drastically and the bills got crazier. We paid more than we were using before.”

    Corroborating her, Idayat Oguntuase stated that she uses just one chest freezer, a 14-inches TV and one bulb in her two-bedroom apartment but her bill went up from N18, 000 per month to N28, 000 within the period. “Electricity is calculated by the company at N27 per unit. It beats us how they arrive at the outrageous bills foisted on us,” she said.

    Lolade Soleye, a hairdresser and resident of the area, stated that her shop rent is more than her house rent. According to her, she pays N2, 500 as house rent and N5, 000 as monthly electricity charge for her small shop.” Due to the constraints imposed upon them, residents protested the anomally, refusing to pay what they termed as “crazy bill.” In response, IKEDC cut off their power supply for three weeks to punish them. The residents subsequently took to the streets in protest; they took their complaint to a broadcast medium in Alagbado.

    They also visited IKEDC management in Ikeja. The latter sued for peace and directed that the area office in Ijaiye-Ojokoro to restore electricity in the area. But even after serving our three-week electricity blackout as punishment, IKEDC still issued the same crazy bill to us. For instance, I was recently given a bill of N10, 000 for the three weeks of power outage,” said Soleye. “We want prepaid meters to be installed in our communities. We do not want the estimated billing anymore,” she said. In Ilupeju area of Lagos, Opeyemi O, an occupant of a two-bedroom flat with meter number 05-5126163701 (now 0100700178) on Association Avenue, complained bitterly of a raw deal with IKEDC.

    Having made several complaints about the DISCO’s exorbitant electricity charges on his flat for the past four years, he recently made a public complaint to draw the attention of IKEDC management to his plight. Opeyemi said: “Having laid several complaints over the years at the IKEDC office in Ilupeju for intervention, it is disheartening that none of the officials was able to provide any solution claiming they are just implementing the management’s decision. Previous letters (duly acknowledged by IKEDC) for intervention included January 18, 2017 entitled, “Exorbitant billing of supply of electricity and a plea for help”; email correspondence, dated October 21, 2017; letter dated January 29,2018 with Ikeja PHCN Inventory Assessment form; letter dated January 29, 2018, Notification of Non-usage of electricity, were not acted upon. Over the period of four years, 2015 to 2019, I paid estimated charges ranging from N20,000 to N25, 000 upwards. I received the sum of N45, 665.55 as power bill for the month of April, 2019, despite the nationwide power outage in the month of April. All these huge charges for a residential two-bedroom flat without any industrial appliance.

    As a result of these exorbitant bills, I now have accumulated huge sums on my meter account. “In order to put an end to this, on December 20, 2018, I paid the sum of N100, 000 for a prepaid meter to be issued after 60 working days. Up till date, I have yet to receive any feedback from IKEDC; rather, I keep receiving estimated bills.” DISCOs defraud electricity users –Insider While consumers like Adekunle and Opeyemi groan under the severe weight of estimated billing, otherwise known as “crazy billing,” the management and staff of IKEDC are having a field day at their expense, claimed a field staff of the IKEDC, who pleaded anonymity. Oladele recounted the various means by which some of his colleagues engage in shady dealing to the detriment of consumer publics, especially those using electricity without prepaid meter.

    Explaining the shortcomings of the current billing regime, he said: “The billing starts from the generation companies (GENCOs) to the transmission company, to the distribution companies (DISCOs) and then the final consumer. “If the generation company generates 10 megawatts (MW), for instance, for transmission in a month, the transmission company’s billing may not reflect the 10MW generated for that month. It may record, instead, billing for six megawatts. This is often attributable to theft by consumers; of these, the major culprits are the rich.

    The reality is that most of IKEDC’s rich customers, many of them owing as much as N2million or more, are never eager to pay their electricity bills. Many of them persistently avoid paying for electricity consumed by them. The electricity company thus “tries to make up for the loss by shifting the burden on poor hapless consumers by way of estimated billing,” he said. Sometimes, he stated, the fraud is perpetrated by a corporate client or manufacturing company, in connivance with the personnel of a distribution company.

    A company which consumes 20MW of electricity, for instance, would pay for just eight megawatts of the electricity consumed. Then the company personnel connive with DISCO staff whom they bribe to turn a blind eye. “When such a situation occurs, and it is often the case, we (DISCO personnel) find a way to shift the burden on electricity consumers in poor neighbourhoods. (Like the case of Ijaiye-Ojokoro, among others). “Some big end users, that is, the big companies, may owe N700 million as electricity bill, but they are given a bill of N300million by the DISCO feeding them with electricity, after DISCO management and staff have been bribed to look the other way.

    “Of the doctored figure, the company pays N100million and the conniving DISCO shifts the burden on poor, unsuspecting consumers via estimated billing.

    The victims are often residents of communities without prepaid meters,” he revealed, adding that the scarcity of prepaid meters was mostly caused by DISCO personnel, who hoard the gadgets to incite a feverish scramble for them among electricity consumers and thus drive up their sales. The politics of metering The scarcity of prepaid meters also led to a situation whereby the former Minister of Power, Works and Housing, now the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, was forced to do a recant in curious circumstances over his earlier claim that prepaid meters were meant to be free.

    Fashola, in April 2017, had directed the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to immediately wind down its alternative metering scheme, the Credited Advance Payment for Metering Initiative (CAPMI), which allowed customers to pay for electricity meters from their respective DISCOs. However, in his speech at the 18th monthly power sector meeting, Fashola stated that he had been receiving several requests from the DISCOs that their customers still wanted to pay for meters.

    He said: “Some DISCOs have come back to say that their customers still want to pay for meters and they can reach agreements with them on how to pay for it. Government will not stand in the way of such an agreement. It is consistent with the intent of privatisation envisioned by the Electric Power Sector Reform Act or at least it does not violate the Act.” Fashola added: “What I will reiterate is that the DISCOs have the obligation to meter customers because they are the ones who charge for electricity which must be measured.

    If the customers and the DISCOs reach an agreement between themselves, where the customer assumes the responsibility of the DISCO of his own free will and NERC sanctions this agreement, then so be it.” Fashola, was certainly misled by the DISCOs, argued the IKC field staff. He argued that the most important fact about metering must be drawn from the minister’s last quoted statement above. How we charge illegal fees – DISCO staff Sources within the IKEDC maintained that NERC and the DISCOs eventually perfected a grand strategy to legitimise the sale of prepaid meters to electricity consumers via the Meter Asset Providers (MAP) scheme.

  • Happy moments for Ondo Judges

    For a decade, Judges in Ondo State never had their official vehicles changed. And for 10 years, the Judges have been riding what could be described as rickety vehicles in spite of the stipulation that Judges’ vehicles should be changed every four years. Any wonder they were ecstatic during the presentation of the new Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) given to them by the Ondo State government. DAMISI OJO reports that the gesture will be of immense benefit to the Judges in the discharge of their duties

    Wednesday, September 25, will linger for long in the memories of Judges in the Ondo State Judiciary. It was the day they were remembered by the state government. Twenty of them, including the Chief Judge (CJ), were presented 20 new Prado SUVs (2019 model Toyota Land Cruiser), to facilitate the discharge of their duties and enhance their efficiency.

    This was in fulfillment of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu-led administration’s promise to create a conducive environment for the state’s workforce.

    It was a surprise package to the Judges as such gesture was  last witnessed 10 years ago.

    Sixteen of the vehicles were received by the Chief Judge of the state Justice Olutoyin Akeredolu, on behalf of the judges, at the Government House, Alagbaka, Akure.

    Receiving the SUVs, an excited Justice Akeredolu, who said it had been 10 years since their cars were changed, narrated how she escaped from hoodlums when her old official vehicle broke down on the Abuja-Lokoja-Kabba Road during one of her many trips to Abuja.

    According to her, she abandoned the car and travelled in her pilot vehicle.

    The Chief Judge said: “My colleagues and I have been riding I0-year-old vehicles. We have had various experiences of disappointments in the course of using our old vehicles.

    “I recall one incident when I was on my way to Abuja. My vehicle broke down around Obajana. You know the security situation around that axis.

    “Before long, the boys were gathering. Fortunately for me, I had a pilot vehicle. I had to enter the pilot vehicle to get away from that environment.

    “If you bring my colleagues here, they will tell you the various experiences they have had with their rickety vehicles.”

    She went on: “I want to appreciate this good gesture. We don’t have feelings of entitlements. Though the regulation stipulates that Judges’ vehicles should be changed every four years, by this regulation, it is an entitlement. But, at the same time, we appreciate Mr. Governor for not taking us for granted.”

    Justice Akeredolu described the harmonious relationship between the state executive and the judiciary as uncommon, adding that it would be beneficial to residents.

    •Another set of the vehicles

    The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, said the vehicles further demonstrated the respect Governor Akeredolu has for the sacred institution.

    Noting that the gorvernor holds the judiciary in very high esteem, Ojogo, who stood in for Akeredolu, said no effort would be spared, as far as the welfare of the judicial institution was concerned.

    He said: “My Lords, I don’t need to tell you further that Mr. Governor holds the judiciary in very high esteem. He believes that no effort will be too much to be invested as far as the welfare of our sacred institution is concerned.”

    The Permanent Secretary, General Administration, Governor’s Office, Mr. Johnson Olayeye, presented the SUVs to the Judges.

    It was praises galore for Akeredolu, who is a member of the legal profession. He is a Senior Advocate (SAN).

    Earlier in the year, Akeredolu presented similar brands to four newly sworn-in  high court judges.

    •Justice Akeredolu having a feel of the vehicle

  • Hits, misses: footballers who angered fans

    They are paid handsomely and are expected to always deliver. Some have the weight of a nation’s expectations hanging on their shoulders. But, footballers are not robots. Yet, some have paid the price for their errors. ADEYINKA ADEDIPE recalls some talented footballers who lost their fans’ favour.

    Sportsmen, especially footballers, are some of the best paid athletes in the world. Their astronomical transfer fees and weekly wages are some of the highest. The best among them take home as much as a million pound/dollars weekly.

    Also, the huge pay from their endorsement deals is mouth-watering. They live a luxurious life due to the humongous wealth they command and they become the envy of everyone.

    However, the burden of expectation weighs them down as they need to perform at optimum level all the time.

    Some view them as superhuman. They are not expected to make mistakes especially at the sports ground as it could have dire consequences.

    It could lead to being ostracised from the team; some could be demoted to the junior team as well as placed on transfer as the club becomes desperate to ship them out.

    The most harrowing outcome for failing, however, is fans apathy. Supporters who once idolised them would turn their back on them and even demand their removal from the team.

    If the management or coaches are reluctant to remove them, the fans would vent their spleen on the footballers by booing them while in action, while the consequence for the reluctant coaches and management could be fatal.

    Neymar…a football genius who divides opinion

    History is replete with players who suffered from poor judgement while doing their jobs. On the international scene, Brazilian superstar, Neymar, a genius can single–handedly wreck any team on a good day. He has been the poster boy of Brazilian soccer since his emergence at Santos. He is renowned for mesmerizing runs and artistry on the pitch. He ghosts past opposition players with the speed of light.

    However, his penchant for showboating and selfish play has pitted him against his teammates, especially in his current club, Paris Saint Germain FC in France.

    The first altercation he had at the club was trying to take over penalty duties, albeit rudely, from Edinson Cavani, who was the regular penalty taker before the Brazillian joined the French club.

    He also incurred the wrath of Barcelona fans when he forced a move away from the Spanish club. The club fans who once supported him were happy to see him leave rather than have a divided team due to the overbearing attitude of the Brazilian megastar.

    Neymar tried to force his way back to the Catalan club in the last transfer window but the move failed as Barcelona came up short of PSG’s valuation of the player.

    At PSG, the fans are asking Neymar to leave. Though the club’s sporting director Leonardo said on the eve of the season opener that talks about the Brazilian’s exit were “more advanced than before”, fans held up a banner telling Neymar to “go away” during the opening game.

    However, he stays for now and might be leaving Paris in January if the deal goes through.

    Ozil…mercurial but inconsistent

    German International Mesut Ozil has increasingly come under fire at Arsenal due to what the fans perceived as a ‘laid-back’ attitude when playing for the Gunners.

    He is a genius who can destroy any team on a good day just like he did when he dribbled the entire backline of Ludogerets of Bulgaria including the goalkeeper to score a memorable goal in a UEFA Champions League game. The former Real Madrid man also has a knack for spraying defence-splitting passes to teammates.

    It was the same allegation that led to his exit from the national team when he was fingered for the German’s first round exit at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

    The Germans were the defending champions and many had thought that the well-oiled German machine would retain the title. But it was not to be as the team unceremoniously and surprisingly exited the competition in the first round to the dismay of their teeming fans who vent their spleen on the winger.

    Ozil, who is still on Arsenal’s books, may not be there for long as the London club hopes to ship him out as soon as possible to balance its book. The German is currently on a £350,000 weekly wage.

    Bale…in and out of Madrid team

    At the time of his transfer to Real Madrid on September 1, 2013 for a reported fee of between €91 million and €100 million, former Tottenham Hotspur forward Gareth Bale was tipped to be one of the greatest Galaticos. Moreso, he had the mercurial Cristiano Ronaldo as his teammate who he also played against in the Premier League.

    His sojourn in Spain started well as he warmed himself into the hearts of Bernabeu die-hard fans with eye-catching displays. He scored beautiful goals along the way, some of them screamers after mazy runs. But after a successful first three seasons, the former Southampton man has been blamed for most of the problems of the team especially after Ronaldo’s departure to Juventus.

    He was accused of not being friendly with teammates, as well as not speaking Spanish despite his long stay in Spain. He also fell out with the fans, with his gesture during games not going down well them.

    And with the return Coach Zinedine Zidane, who continuously said that he was not part of his plan for the new season, it was almost inevitable that the Welsh strong man would leave.

    However, after the Galaticos were pummeled 7-3 by city rivals Atletico Madrid in a pre-season friendly, Real President Florentino Perez halted Bales transfer to the Chinese league, saying that he could not leave on a free transfer.

    Luiz…good with long passes but erratic

    Brazil international David Luiz, who joined Arsenal in the last transfer window, was actually told by Chelsea fans to leave. His offence: His horrendous performance against Salzburg in one of the pre-season games, which Chelsea won 5-3. It was too much for the Stamford Bridge faithful to take and they duly told the curly-haired Brazilian to leave.

    Luiz was not in his best form for the Blues in that game that was played on July 31 and fans took to social media to express their anger. They were of the opinion that Luiz is not the type of player that should be on Chelsea’s book following his horrendous performance against Salzburg. Some fans also believe that the former Paris-Saint-Germain star is the worst ever defender to play for the London club.

    Apart from falling out with the fans due to his erratic style of play, reports emerged few days before his sensational transfer to Arsenal that he did not get along well with his former team mate, Frank Lampard, who is the current coach. It was also gathered that he was not guaranteed playing time hence the need for Luis to move.

    Balotelli…talented player full of antics

    Mario Balotelli’s antics and indiscipline are well documented. The talented Italian’s penchant for getting into trouble has seen him fight with his former coach Roberto Mancini at Manchester City, where he won the Premier League crown.  He is currently with Brescia, a club too small for his prodigious talent.

    Balogun, Aiyegbeni…good players who made costly mistakes

    On the home front, Leon Balogun’s schoolboy defending in the final group game against Madagascar at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has earned him the name ‘robot’, with some fans wondering whether the 31-year-old has a future in the team, while others are calling for his exit from the team.

    To be fair to the former Mainz defender, he did not get much game-time in his debut season with Brighton and Hove Albion in England, which could have made him rusty for the AFCON, but Coach Gernot Rohr kept faith him.

    However, his terrible mistake which gifted Madagascar their opening goal in the 2-0 defeat of the Eagles will hunt the defender for a long time. Balogun misjudged a pass and what should have been a routine clearance by the defender was wrongly executed, giving the Madagascar striker the chance to bury the Eagles. The mistake may have cost him his place as Rohr is already shopping for his replacement.

    Yakubu Aiyegbeni might have score 172 career goal in 428 games but missing from three metres out against South Korea was unpardonable for fans. Nigerian lost the first two games at the tournament but still had a chance to progress if the Eagles defeated the Koreans but the former Julius Berge FC attacker sensationally lost the chance from three metres to the relief of the stunned Koreans, while the entire stadium watched in disbelief.

    The former Everton man scored a penalty, which earned Nigeria a 2–2 draw, but was not enough for Eagles to progress out of the group stages. However, the Nigerian fans had had enough and they were equivocal on the need to find a better striker for the team. After playing sparingly for the Eagles, Aiyegbeni took a bow from the team in 2012, giving room for the emergence of new point men for the Eagles.

    With few clubs already solely owned by fans, it is clear that the decision making power is gradually shifting to the terraces where faithful football fans will begin to take decisions in the best interests of their darling teams.

  • Contraception: Elixir for economic, social development

    This year’s World Contraception Day, observed today, is designed to encourage young people to make informed choices on their sexual and reproductive health and to enhance family planning, write MICHAEL AJAYI and VIVIAN IHECHU.

     

    “IT’s your life, it’s your responsibility’’ is the theme for this year’s World Contraception Day, aimed at promoting global health and welfare.

    World Contraception Day is an annual event commemorated to improve awareness of all contraceptive methods available.

    It is designed to encourage young people to make informed choices on their sexual and reproductive health.

    This year’s celebration focuses on young people.

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) maintains that family planning (FP) allows individuals and couples to anticipate and attain their desired number of children and the spacing and timing of their births.

    It is achieved through use of contraceptives and the treatment of involuntary infertility.

    Experts have also harped on the need for increased awareness and funding for FP.

    They said it is key to improving economic indices, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and harnessing the demographic dividends.

    According to former Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFA), the late Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, access to family planning is so important and a universal marker that affects all spheres of living.

    “The availability of family planning affects education prospects and human capital among adolescent girls by preventing teenage pregnancies and enabling girls to stay in school.

    “Access to modern contraception reduces the risks of maternal and newborn deaths as well as reducing lifetime parity, and thus, it affects health, life expectancy and the dependency ratio.

    “It could also improve access to food and reduce hunger by reducing the dependency ratio.

    “Urbanisation and population dynamics are intrinsically linked, particularly internal and external migration, which have poverty as a root cause.

    “Access to modern contraception can spur the economy, protect the environment and contribute to overall poverty reduction,’’ he had said.

    According to Mr. Ayo Adebusoye, Chairman, Public Health Sustainable Advocacy Initiative (PHSAI), family planning is now looked at as an investment.

    Adebusoye said this is because there was the issue of the demographic dividend, which is basically the economic growth that comes when there is a particular transition in the demography.

    “Demography has to do with the age component of the population, where you have enough percentage of the population who are actually working, and that can maintain the dependence for the youthful population of below 15.

    “But when you have too much of the youth budge, then you see that there’s lot of dependence; and once that dependency ratio is there, we actually see that a country is susceptible to political instability.

    “The country is susceptible to poverty, and of course, a lot of the health indices are on the negative, just as we are experiencing in Nigeria.

    “This is because of the uncontrolled and unplanned population we are witnessing.

    “We are seeing increasing trends, increasing poverty level, increased child and maternal mortality; these are increasing at a very phenomenal rate.’’

    Adebusoye said 100 years ago, according to British Trade Statistics 1919 that Lord Lugard made available, we were about 17.5 million in Nigeria.

    “Now, we’re looking at 100 years later, about 200 million; that’s like 10 times of the population; imagine if we continue at that pace, by the end of another 100 years we would be over a billion or two billion.

    “When we consider that the whole world now is only seven billion, what does that say? Already we are seeing the implications,’’ he said.

    An increase in human population without the necessary cares, employment, basic amenities and stretched finances result in many negative indices, Adebusoye pointed out.

    “We are seeing the rise in human trafficking.

    “In Nigeria, you see our young ones, which was never the case, trying to cross the Sahara Desert and dying there.

    “Every day we hear of youths dying in the Mediterranean Sea, trying to cross over to Europe escaping, so to speak, because there is no plan for them.

    “We need to identify this emergency situation and tackle it through FP by reducing the number of children that we and the society can cater for.’’

    On its impact on health, especially maternal mortality, he said contraception and FP avert thousands of unwanted pregnancies, premature mothers’ death and infants who die prematurely resulting from lack of care.

    “A lot of studies done all over the world show that a mother who does not plan for her pregnancy is more susceptible to casualty of serious diseases and ultimately, dying because of no care.

    “Similarly, those infants who don’t have any care, they are more liable to be susceptible to early childhood morbidity and mortality.

    “So, when you calculate all the costs of trying to take care of the health care needs of those unwanted situations, you see that contraception and FP are one very direct way.’’

    Adebusoye further said that some countries have almost zero per cent maternal mortality.

    “That means that nobody is dying because she is trying to give birth, having children is not a disease but here we are very prayerful, and we are always very thankful when the mother survives childbirth.

    “So, we actually need to reduce the costs of mothers and children dying just because of no planning.

    “Hence, we need policymakers to listen to these cries for the implementation of family planning policies which are already in place.

    “There is also the need for increased investment in FP as just one dollar investment in family planning can give over 12 times the cost savings through taking care of the child and the mother during delivery and post-delivery care,’’ Adebusoye said.

     

    The benefits

     

    Mrs. Adekoya Abiola, a retired nurse, said family planning allows women to make informed choices about reproductive health, thereby promoting quality of life for the family, children, community and the country.

    Abiola, a member of PHSAI, spoke on the sidelines of a Media Dialogue on Family Planning in Lagos. She said there were different methods of family planning.

    The media dialogue was organised by Pathfinder International Nigeria.

    On the methods of contraception and FP, Abiola said there were the temporary and permanent methods.

    “In the temporary, we have long active and short active; the long active ones include implants which can last between three and five years and the IntraUterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD) which can last for five to 12 years.

    “For the short active method, we have the injectable which range between one and three months, oral contraceptives and close barrier method which include the male and female condoms.

    “For the permanent method, there are the tubal ligation in women and vasectomy.’’

    The family planning expert reiterated that family planning was very effective, affordable and safe for men and women, even for the youth and adolescent.

    However, she advised that before administering any family planning method, a provider must be knowledgeable to provide different options for either the adolescent or married couples, to give correct and accurate information.

    This is so that those who want to make choices would be able to make informed ones.

    “They must be competence to deliver all the methods for people to make choices.

    “When this is taken seriously, the issue of unplanned or unwanted pregnancy will cease to exist and unsafe abortion, which may lead to sepsis, septicemia and death.

    She advocated for people to be sensitised and mobilised for the issue of ignorance, lack of information and misconception to be eradicated.

    Lending voice for increased efforts on FP and barriers to access to be broken, the State Team Leader of the Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (NURHI) in Lagos, Dr. Omasanjuwa Edun, called for barriers to young people being able to access quality family planning services to be addressed.

    He condemned the attitude of providers and their bias against young people.

    “The providers need to be aware that for young people, access to quality contraceptives or life planning information and services is not just about being sexually active or abstaining or promiscuity but about reaching their maximum life potential and adding value to the society.

    “To achieve this, Adolescents and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health services need to be integrated into all primary health care services and provider bias addressed by constantly reminding providers to be youth-friendly through different mediums.

    “Family planning promotes the health and welfare of the entire family and in turn the whole community and nation.

    “It allows the woman to rest between pregnancies in order to regain her health and strength and enable her to have a healthy child and thereby reducing the incidence of maternal mortality in Nigeria.

    “Family Planning will allow us to take bold leaps, better life and secured future for all,’’ Edun said.

    In conclusion, the family planning experts stressed the need for strategies to implement policies on FP, increased funding and access as well as create more awareness on FP usage and benefits.

    This is because it is an important key to unlocking sustainable development goals.

    Also, it has a long term benefit of breaking the cycle of poverty among families which transcends generations with ripple effects across the new global development agenda.

     

    • Ajayi and Ihechu write for News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

  • ‘We’ve put our house in order’

    Text of the speech delivered by President Muhammadu Buhari at the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York (UNGA), United States…yesterday.

     

    Protocol

     

    Firstly I wish to thank the General Assembly for the honour bestowed on the Government and people of Nigeria by electing our national, His Excellency, Tijjani Muha mmad-Bande to the Presidency of the 74th Session of this august body.

    This is indeed a great honour!

    Nigerians are truly grateful and shall endeavour to live up to the expectations and responsibilities thrust upon us.

    Ambassador Muhammad-Bande is an experienced and seasoned diplomat and I am confident that he will prove to the International Community his suitability for this most demanding assignment.

    Let me also offer my sincere thanks to the outgoing President, Her Excellency Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces for her skill, resourcefulness and endless reservoir of patience in piloting the 73rd General Assembly.

    In the same vein, may I commend the Secretary General, His Excellency Antonio Guterres for his tremendous energy, his genuine international outlook exhibited by his leadership of the United Nations.

     

    Your Excellencies, delegates,

    The theme of the current General Assembly is: “Galvanising multilateral efforts for poverty eradication, quality education, climate action and inclusion”

    These are the prime areas calling for collective action which will benefit national and global interests.

    Today the world is at a critical juncture. This year marks the first anniversary of the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace. This year also marks the 100 years of the founding of the League of Nations, leading eventually to the establishment of the United Nations as part of the post-World War II international order.

    Article 1 (4) of the UN Charter called for “harmonising the actions of nations in the attainment of common ends”. These common ends include:

    1. International peace and security;
    2. Prosperity and social justice;
    3. Respect for human dignity; and
    4. Protection of the environment.

    Multilateralism symbolised by the UN system has brought immense benefits to the people of the world. It has saved lives, prevented wars, restored peace and stability as well as generated economic and social progress in many countries.

     

    Mr President, Your Excellencies,

     

    We must admit that as the world grows richer, there are regrettable signals in the World Economic and Political Order. Millions in Africa and around the world remain in abject poverty. Furthermore, we are witnessing a backlash against multilateralism in the shape of rising tide of racism, xenophobia, resurgent nationalism, populism and tendencies towards protectionism and unilateralism. The pristine principles of the United Nations appear threatened.

    On cessation of hostilities after World War II, the United States in one of the greatest selfless undertakings in history decided to revive Europe through the Marshall Plan and uplift and restore Japan economically. This generous policy catalysed a great economic revival globally.

    This action of the United States not only benefited Europe and Japan but the United States as well through vastly improved trade and cross investments.

    The United States and Europe have become friends and allies since the end of the war. The United States and Japan have also become friends and allies since the end of the war. This example can be replicated with respect to Africa.

    A developed Africa will not be antagonistic to industrialised countries but will become friends and partners in prosperity, security and development. A prosperous Africa will mean greater prosperity for the rest of the world. A poor Africa will be a drag on the rest of the world. Is this what the international community wants?

    A coordinated multilateral effort should be set in motion to utilise and maximise use of the enormous resources on the African continent for the benefit of all nations. Investing partners will be able to recoup their investments manifold over time.

    Current attempts to help develop Africa by industrial countries are un-coordinated and plainly incremental. We have the skills, the manpower and the natural resources, but in many instances, we lack the capital – hence my plea for industrial countries to take a long-term view of Africa, come and partner with us to develop the continent for the benefit of all.

    Africa charges you with the singular task of initiating the effort we are calling for. The United Nations has in place processes for promoting collective action to combat global threats. No threat is more potent than poverty and exclusion.

    They are the foul source from which common criminality, insurgency, cross-border crimes, human trafficking and its terrible consequences draw their inspiration.

    Poverty in all its manifestations remains one of the greatest challenges facing our world. Its eradication is an indispensable requirement for achieving sustainable development. In this regard, Nigeria has developed a National Social Investment Programme – a pro-poor scheme that targets the poorest and most vulnerable households in the country.

    Under this initiative easy access to financial services are facilitated to our traders, artisans, market women and co-operative societies. This type of initiative can help lessen and eventually eliminate mass poverty in Africa.

    At the core of our efforts to build an inclusive society, our programmes are focused on youth and women empowerment. These programmes aim at ensuring women and youth participation in governance, industry, climate action and agriculture.

    On the international scene, Mr President, the United Nations has new opportunities to take the lead on issues that continue to cloud the prospects for international peace and prosperity, namely:

    1. The rights of the Palestinian people to have their own country free of occupation. Mr President, the international community has spoken from Resolution 242 of 1967 to the present day on the rights of the Palestinian people to have and live in peace in their own land;
    2. The risks associated with nuclear proliferation;
    3. Unfair and unjust trading practices notwithstanding the World Trade Organisation Rules and Precepts;
    4. The looming danger of climate change

     

    On climate change Nigeria stands resolutely with the international community in observing agreed carbon emission targets which I signed in 2015. We have since issued two sovereign Green Bonds and have added an additional 1 million hectares of forested land taking our total forest coverage to 6.7% through collective national effort.

    As we advocate and strive for inclusion within our societies, we must also ensure inclusion prevails in our collective action as members of International Community. That is why we support the expansion of the Security Council to reflect the diversity and dynamics of the 21st Century.

     

    Mr President, Your Excellencies,

    From Asia to the Middle East, Africa to South America, violence and the threat of conflict continue to blight the lives of too many people.

    Our own country is no exception. Nigeria is a nation of nearly 200 million people of diverse groups. Our diversity is our source of strength which is why in elections this year, our people backed the politics of tolerance, inclusion and community over the politics of protest and division.

    Our election promises emphasised political stability, freedom and prosperity, tackling poverty, schooling our young and providing them with the tools to build better lives. We are placing special emphasis on the role of women in our female gender advancement programmes.

    Our progress and delivery are deliberate, purposeful and measured. We clearly appreciate there are no quick fixes to complex challenges.

    In particular, the challenge of education in Africa is enormous. On December 3rd 2018, the General Assembly adopted Resolution 73/25 that proclaimed 24 January of every year as International Day of Education. The Resolution which was spearheaded by Nigeria and co-sponsored by 58 other member states marked a watershed in the recognition of the fundamental role of education in building modern societies.

    To ensure access to education for all, our Government has introduced the Home Grown School Feeding Programme to address the challenge of out-of-school and forced-out-of-school children.

    This social intervention programme, Mr President, is aimed at encouraging increased school enrolment through provision of free school meals. The benefits extend beyond the school environment. In addition, we have introduced mainstreaming and implementation of Safe Schools Declaration laws and policies across all educational institutions in Nigeria.

     

    Mr President, Your Excellencies,

    The world was shocked and startled by the massacre in New Zealand by a lone gunman taking the lives of 50 worshippers. This and similar crimes which have been fuelled by social media networks risk seeping into the fabric of an emerging digital culture.

    Major tech companies must be alive to their responsibilities. They cannot be allowed to continue to facilitate the spread of religious, racist, xenophobic and false messages capable of inciting whole communities against each other, leading to loss of many lives. This could tear some countries apart.

    Organised criminal networks, often acting with impunity across international borders present new challenges where only collective action can deliver genuine results.

    This is true in the battle against violent extremism, against trafficking in people and drugs and against corruption and money laundering. The present Nigerian government is facing the challenges of corruption head-on. We are giving notice to international criminal groups by the vigorous prosecution of the P&ID scam attempting to cheat Nigeria of billions of dollars.

     

    Mr President, Your Excellencies,

    As a young man, as a soldier, I witnessed at first hand the terrible legacy of destruction and broken lives that conflict leaves in its wake.

    As the 75th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War approaches, I wish to pay tribute to the sacrifice made by so many millions across the globe in defence of freedom, tolerance and the rule of law.

    In Nigeria, we have made significant strides to put our own house in order. We will work tirelessly to uphold due process. The rule of law remains the permanent, unchanging foundation of the world order.

    Freedom, tolerance and the rule of law are universal values and underline the best that this General Assembly represents. And that binds us all.

     

    Mr. President,

    I will conclude my remarks by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to promoting international peace and security and sustainable development. We are also committed to strengthening partnerships and cooperation with international and regional organisations for the benefit of humanity.

     

  • Are judges, lawyers undermining ACJA provisions?

    The Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 provides strict time-lines for criminal trial proceedings and a limited number of adjournments. However, these provisions are rarely complied with. Deputy News Editor JOSEPH JIBUEZE highlights instances of such violations and speaks to experts on the way out.

     

    Some recommendations

     

    • Expand magistrates’ courts’ jurisdiction
    • Appoint more judges
    • Provide conducive environment/adequate infrastructure
    • Recruit more prosecutors to minimise workload
    • Provide adequate resources for ACJA implementation
    • Carry out holistic reform of the justice sector
    • Designate more courts to handle only criminal cases
    • Create special corruption courts
    • Amend the constitution give bite to ACJA provisions
    • Deploy technology to speed up court processes
    • Increase funding

     

     

    A STRONG tap behind the door connecting the judge’s chambers to the courtroom alerted lawyers and litigants that he was ready to sit.

    ‘Court!’ bellowed the registrar as everyone rose.

    Justice Rilwanu Aikawa walked in, took a bow and sat.

    A high profile case involving two former ministers was called for trial to begin. But it could not go on. Why?

    The second defendant, former Aviation Minister Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, was absent. His lawyer informed the court that his client was “indisposed.”

    Rather than adjourn to the following day as required by law, the judge shifted the case for 16 working days.

    Fani-Kayode has been on trial with former minister of state (finance) Mrs Nenadi Usman since 2016. They were key members of the Goodluck Jonathan Presidential Campaign Organisation in 2015.  Fani-Kayose was in charge of publicity; Usman was in charge of finance.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned both on June 28, 2016 before Justice Muslim Hassan of the Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged money laundering.

    However, the case, like several others, is yet to be decided.

    This is partly due to non-compliance with Section 396 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

    Section 396 (3) (4) (5) and (6) of the ACJA provides: “Upon arraignment, the trial of the defendant shall proceed from day-to-day until the conclusion of the trial.

    “Where day-to-day trial is impracticable after arraignment, no party shall be entitled to more than five adjournments from arraignment to final judgment provided always that the interval between each adjournment shall not exceed 14 working days.

    “Where it is impracticable to conclude a criminal proceeding after the parties have exhausted their five adjournments each, the interval between one adjournment to another shall not exceed seven days inclusive of weekends.

    “In all circumstances, the court may award reasonable costs in order to discourage frivolous adjournments.”

    A review of the Fani-Kayode/Usman case shows non-compliace with the provisions of Section 396.

    They pleaded not guilty to a 17-count charge of laundering about N4.6billion.

    They were charged along with former Chairman, Kagarko Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Yusuf Danjuma and a company, Jointrust Dimentions Nigeria Limited.

    Midway into the trial before Justice Hassan, Fani-Kayode accused the judge of bias.

    He claimed that the judge, being a former Head of EFCC’s Legal Department, would not be fair to him.

    Consequently, Justice Hassan, on March 16, 2017, recused himself. Between arraignment and Justice Hassan’s recusal, nearly nine months passed.

    On May 15, 2017, Fani-Kayode and his co-accused were re-arraigned before Justice Aikawa.

    Rather than ordering day-to-day trial in line with Section 396, Justice Aikawa adjourned until June 7, a period of 16 days working days.

    Afterwards, Fani-Kayode challenged the court’s territorial jurisdiction. The development stalled the trial on June 7, 2017 and the application was heard on June 21, 2017.

    For over 79 days, no trial was held as the case was adjourned for ruling.

    On September 26, 2017, Justice Aikawa refused Fani-Kayode’s prayer to transfer the case to Abuja.

    The case has since suffered several other ACJA violations. For instance, on December 5, 2017, Mrs Usman got an adjournment to enable her travel abroad to treat “breast cancer”. The case was adjourned until January 31, 2018, for 42 working days.

    On January 31, 2018, Fani-Kayode was absent. His lawyer, Mr Norrison Quakers (SAN), told the court that the defendant complained about “heart-related pain”.

    The case was adjourned until February 28, 2018, a period of 23 working days.

    Trial held on February 28, February 29, March 1 and March 2, 2018, after which the case was adjourned until June 11, 2018 for 70 working days.

    On June 11, the court heard that Mrs Usman filed an application seeking to cite minister of information Lai Mohammed for contempt for publishing her name as a looter.

    Meanwhile, the trial could not proceed that day because a pregnant prosecution witness was said to be on bed rest.

    Justice Aikawa adjourned until October 2, 2018, a period of 82 days, although the intervening period included the court’s annual long vacation.

    Mrs Usman’s lawyer, Chief Ferdinand Orbih (SAN), argued that the application ought to be heard before trial could proceed. On October 2, 2018, the contempt application was heard.

    The case was adjourned until November 16, 2018 for ruling. No trial held during the 33 working days in-between.

    On November 16, Justice Aikawa dismissed the contempt application against Lai Mohammed.

    Twenty-five working days later when the case resumed on January 24, Chief Orbih and Mr Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN) were absent.

    The development forced an adjourned until February 4 and 5. The case came up on both days, and was adjourned until February 20 and 21.

    On February 21, Mrs Usman was granted permission to travel overseas for medical treatment. The case was adjourned until March 15.

    On May 2, the trial was stalled because Danjuma was absent. His lawyer told the court that the defendant collapsed in the bathroom and was hospitalised.

    On May 14, EFCC sought to tender some statements made by Fani-Kayode and Usman through a witness, but defence counsel opposed it, contending that they wrote the statements under duress.

    The case was adjourned until May 31, but Fani-Kayode was absent that day. He was said to be “indisposed”.

    Justice Aikawa adjourned until June 24, 2019 for 16 working days. That day, he dismissed the objections and adjourned until July 4 for continuation of trial.

    On July 4, after an EFCC investigator Shehu Shuaibu testified, Justice Aikawa adjourned until October 29, 2019 for continuation of trial.

    The court began its annual long vacation on July 8, and resumed on September 16.

    Fani-Kayode and Usman’s trial will resume 32 working days after the court’s vacation ended.

    Yet, without a final judgment, the case has dragged on for 829 working days.

     

    Is section impracticable?

     

    Legal experts have attributed the non-compliance with the ACJA provision to a number of factors, such as docket congestion, and insufficient number of judges and prosecutors.

    Former Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen had directed heads of courts to designate some courts to handle solely criminal cases.

    But it was observed that while a few judges handle most of the corruption cases, such courts are still burdened with commercial and civil cases.

    A former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), believes that day-to-day hearing of cases is not practicable.

    He has been involved in several high profile criminal cases, and led the team that represented former Chief Justice Onnoghen at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

    He said ACJA does not take into consideration Nigeria’s infrastructure and human resource challenges.

    He said: “While promulgating the ACJA, the National Assembly, in my humble view, did not consider the realities of our legal and court environment.”

    He said the National Assembly adopted the Lagos State version of the law without soberly reflecting on whether it could work in Nigeria.

    “How do we expect a judge who has a minimum of 30 cases on his cause-list in one day – both civil and criminal – to comply with the unrealistic provisions of Section 396(3)(4)(5) of the ACJA?

    “Can the judge turn himself to the Biblical Joshua who commanded both the sun and moon from moving until he completed his assignment? Are the other criminal and civil cases before the judge not equally important?

    “Do we have enough judges on ground to implement these grandiose provisions? Are the courtrooms available?

    “Note that most of the courtrooms where Nigerian judges sit to administer justice are not good for human habitation.

    “Even if the courtrooms are available, what of other wherewithal, including regular electricity supply, audio recording of court proceedings, security personnel, etc?” Olanipekun asked.

     

    The numbers

     

    No fewer than 116, 623 cases are pending in the 36 divisions of the Federal High Court as at June 2019. They include 37,228 civil cases, 30,529 criminal cases, 33,564 motions and 15,302 fundamental rights cases.

    There are 10,108 cases pending in the Lagos Division alone as at June 2019. Twelve judges sit in the Division.

    They are Justices John Tsoho (Acting Chief Judge, Court One), Mojisola Olatoregun (Court Two), Abdullah Liman (Court Three), Saliu Saidu (Court Four), Ayokunle Faji (Court Five) and Rilwanu Aikawa (Court Six).

    The rest are Maureen Onyetenu (Court Seven), Chukwujekwu Aneke (Court Eight), Oluremi Oguntoyibo (Court Nine), Chuka Obiozor (Court 10), Nicholas Oweibo (Court 11) and Muslim Hassan (Court 12).

    Annual returns of cases at the Lagos Division as at June 2019 shows that there are 191 pending cases in Court One, including 56 civil cases, 37 criminal cases, 84 motions and 14 fundamental human rights matters.

    In Court Two, 249 cases are pending, including 120 civil suits, 36 criminal matters and 13 fundamental human rights actions.

    In Court Three, 702 cases are pending: 409 civil, 146 criminal, 18 motions and 129 fundamental rights cases.

    Court Four has 866 pending cases, of which 357 are civil, 144 criminal, 252 motions and 113 human rights matters.

    Court Five has 1,452 cases, comprising civil, 199; criminal, 243; motion, 833 and fundamental human rights, 186.

    Court Six has 1,260 pending cases. Civil cases are 424; criminal, 296; fundamental human rights, 307 and motion, 233.

    Court Seven has 1,602 pending cases, including civil, 551; criminal, 147; motion, 561 and fundamental rights, 343.

    In Court Eight, a total of 714 cases are pending, comprising 84 civil actions; 77 criminal cases, 534 motions and 19 fundamental rights cases.

    In Court Nine, 839 cases are pending, including 618 civil actions, 122 criminal matters, one motion and 98 fundamental human rights suits.

    Court 10 has 508 pending cases. They include 189 civil cases, 114 criminal matters, 204 motions and one fundamental rights case.

    In Court 11, there are 1,215 pending cases, of which 94 are civil, 102 are criminal, 958 are motions and 61 are on fundamental human rights.

    Court 12 has 510 pending cases. They include civil (167), criminal (56), motion (192) and fundamental human rights (95).

    The Chief Judge performs mainly administrative functions from the court’s headquarters in Abuja and does not sit daily in Lagos.

    Justice Onyetenu was deployed to the Election Petition Tribunal, meaning all the cases before her must wait until she returns.

    Court sources say day-to-day hearing of criminal cases is not realistic considering the number of cases each judge deals with.

    For instance, in Justice Aikawa’s court where there are 1,260 cases (the third highest), it will take him nearly three months to hear all the cases, and he must hear at least 18 cases per day.

    Approximately 85 cases are said to be filed in the Lagos Division’s registry weekly. In effect, about 2,380 cases are added to the already congested docket monthly.

    Assuming the cases are assigned to the judges equally, it means each judge will have over 200 cases added to their docket monthly.

    Deputy Registrar in charge of Administration and Litigation, Christine Ende, confirmed the figures, but referred our correspondent to the information unit.

    The information unit explained why it is difficult for judges to comply with Section 396.

    It said: “The constitution allows for a maximum of 100 judges for the Federal High Court. Presently, the court has 83 judges.

    “Many factors are considered in the appointment of judges, such as housing, offices, vehicles, etc. The court’s budgetary allocation has been going down due to yearly cuts.

    “The Lagos Division has greater work. The ongoing construction of 20 courtrooms in Lagos has not been completed due to poor funding.

    “However, to achieve speedy trial, there is need for a constitutional amendment. Don’t forget that the ACJA 2015 spells out how criminal cases should be conducted.

    “Some lawyers rely on the constitutional provision for fair hearing to delay cases. Sometimes, when judges stand firm, they are accused of bias.”

     

    Other instances of violations

     

    In several high profile criminal cases, recourse is never made to Section 396 during adjournments.

    Such breaches were also observed in the trial of former Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Adesola Amosu.

    He is on trial with former Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Director of Finance and Budget Air Commodore Olugbenga Gbadebo and former NAF Chief of Accounts and Budgeting Air Vice Marshal Jacob Adigun.

    EFCC arraigned them on June 26, 2016 for allegedly converting N21billion from NAF to their personal use. They pleaded not guilty.

    Plea bargain talks failed and trial started before Justice Mohammed Idris, but it did not hold day-to-day as required by the ACJA.

    Prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, on October 24, 2016, accused the defence of delaying the trial.

    Defence counsel Norrison Quakers (SAN) once sought an adjournment because he needed to cross-examine a witness based on documents in EFCC’s possession.

    When Oyedepo offered to produce the documents in court to save time, the defence counsel refused to accept them, insisting they preferred to apply formally to EFCC after paying the prescribed fees.

    Justice Idris adjourned until November 23, 2016, a period of 22 working days.

    After a witness testified on December 15, 2016, the court adjourned until January 25 and 26, 2017, a period 24 working days excluding the week-long Christmas break.

    Justice Idris, after the January 26 proceedings, adjourned until February 22, which was 19 working days.

    Justice Idris made effort to ensure that trial held for at least three consecutive days before another long adjournment.

    Following Justice Idris’ elevation to the Court of Appeal in June 2018, the case was re-assigned to Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke.

    On October 15, 2018, the defendants were re-arraigned, but there was no day-to-day trial afterwards.

    After a witness testified on March 7, Justice Aneke adjourned until April 15 and 16 – a period of 27 working days.

    After the April 16 proceedings, Justice Aneke adjourned until May 22 and 23, which came to another 27 working days.

    On May 22, defence counsel informed the court that plea bargain talks had resumed.

    Justice Aneke adjourned until July 4 “for report of effort at plea bargaining”. The adjournment interval was 31 working days.

    On July 4, Oyedepo and defence counsel traded blames over their inability to hold the plea bargaining talks.

    Justice Aneke further adjourned until October 9, which comes to 18 working days after the court’s September 16 resumption date.

    In all, about 103 working days have been wasted since the case was re-assigned to Justice Aneke due to failure to comply with the day-to-day trial requirement.

     

    Consequences of violations:

     

    Due to the failure to comply with Section 396, some cases which began after the law was enacted in 2015 have been transferred to new judges to begin de novo (afresh) due to elevation or transfer of judges.

    Observers believe such loss of time could have been avoided had the trials been held day-to-day.

    Cases involving former Federal Capital Territory Minister Jumoke Akinjide,

    Senator Peter Nwaoboshi and former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose suffered such fate. Witnesses will be recalled before the new judges.

    It has also been observed that judges rarely award costs as required by the law to deter frivolous adjournments.

    Joseph Otteh, Convener of Access to Justice, a leading NGO in justice sector, said the provisions of Section 396 have effectively become “nearly dead letter laws.”

    He noted that some defendants are adept at stretching the trial process to breaking point by exploiting the procedure loopholes.

    Otteh said: “As a practitioner, I’ve observed that these limitations are hardly referenced by courts and counsel in determining the next adjournments.”

    According to him, it is difficult to take multiple witnesses daily when the docket is filled with other cases.

    Otteh added: “We must make it more difficult to bring frivolous charges against people. This can help reduce dockets.

    “We’ve got to eliminate man-made factors – courts not sitting because judges are attending a valedictory session, or are mourning a colleague or representing the Chief Judge at some ceremonial function, etc,”

     

    A prosecutor’s perspective

     

    Oyedepo said excess caseload and lack of cooperation of the defence with the prosecution are stumbling blocks.

    He believes that attitudinal change is needed.

    To illustrate, the Supreme Court, in a June 9, 2017 judgment on an appeal by former PDP National Publicity Secretary Olisa Metuh, validated Section 306 of the ACJA, which prohibits the stay of proceedings in criminal trials when there are interlocutory appeals on rulings.

    Oyedepo asked: “Can you imagine that a legal practitioner who has the interest of his nation at heart will file an application for stay of proceedings, notwithstanding the Supreme Court decision in Metuh vs FRN, just to stultify trial?”

    The EFCC lawyer does not absolve prosecutors of blame; some, he said, fail to put their houses in order.

    “This often manifest when the prosecution serves the defence team with additional proof of evidence or amended charge on the date a matter is fixed for trial. If we agree to change our attitude, then we can overcome these challenges.”

    Oyedepo believes more courts should be designated to handle only criminal cases as done by the Lagos State High Court.

    He underscored the needed for an amendment of Section 396 to give it teeth.

    “I will plead that our judges should do more in ensuring compliance with the provisions of Section 396. I will also recommend a slight amendment to Section 396.

    “There should be a legislative intervention allotting number of days within which to conclude a criminal proceeding.

    “This was introduced in the Electoral Act and it has being working. If it can work in electoral proceedings, then it can work in criminal proceedings too,” Oyedepo said.

     

    EFCC: No complaints

     

    Oyedepo prosecutes most ongoing high profile cases in Lagos. Aside Fani-Kayode/Usman and Amosu/others, he also prosecutes Rickey Tarfa (SAN), Paul Usoro (SAN), Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, musician Naira Marley, former ministers Jumoke Akinjide and Prof Abubakar Suleiman and their co-accused.

    He is also the prosecutor in the cases involving Atiku Abubakar’s son-in-law Abdullahi Babalele and his co-accused, former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof Maurice Iwu, former President Goodluck Jonathan’s aide Waripamo Owei-Dudafa, former Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Managing Director Patrick Akpobolokemi and his co-accused, former Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Managing Director Ibrahim Abdulsalam, among others.

    Yet, EFCC spokesman Wilson Uwujaren does not think Oyedepo is overworked.

    On whether the commission plans to increase the number of prosecutors in Lagos, he said the anti-graft agency has no problem prosecuting cases efficiently with the available manpower.

    He said: “Has Oyedepo complained to you that he is overworked? The choice of counsel to handle specific case is the prerogative of the Commission.

    “All EFCC cases in court are being prosecuted diligently within the limits of our resources.”

     

    Making Section 396 work

     

    Rule of Law Advisor to the President, Office of the Vice President, Dr Fatima Waziri-Azi, said it is not only full court dockets of judges that make the section impracticable, but congested dairies of prosecutors.

    To effectively implement Section 396, she said there is the need to establish special courts to hear only corruption cases.

    “The creation of special courts is a common phenomenon all over the world and the advantages include increased efficiency and greater expertise.

    “Rather than have one judge hear different cases, the establishment of special courts will help streamline the judicial process,” she said.

    Waziri-Azi said for day-to-day trial to be achieved, more judges and prosecutors are needed; court facilities must also be improved.

    “Clearly, judges as well as prosecutors are over-burdened with cases. As such, the appointment of more judges will ease their burden, which in turn will free up the dockets.

    “The recruitment of more prosecutors would help minimise the caseload on individual prosecutors.

    “In addition, it also means improved welfare packages for judges, court personnel and prosecutors as well as improved court facilities,” she said.

    Waziri-Azi suggested that Magistrates’ Courts should be empowered to handle some other classes of cases to reduce the burden on the high courts.

    Human rights lawyer Jiti Ogunye said the ACJA stayed for nine years in the National Assembly before it was enacted in 2015. Stakeholders had ample time to ponder on its provisions but did not, he noted.

    He was, however, of the view that inadequate resources made the section’s implementation difficult.

    “For instance, the law was made on the assumption that judges will be sufficient in terms of number, and in terms of judges-cases ratio,” Ogunye said.

    The lawmakers, he added, also anticipated that there will be adequate number of prosecutors to deal with cases efficiently and speedily.

    Ogunye said: “How many prosecutors does EFCC have and how many cases does each of them handle?

    “If you’re to check the statistics, you will be shocked that it is not five cases to a prosecutor.

    “They’re charging people daily, but they’re not hiring, training and retraining prosecutors.”

    The solution? The conditions must be right for Section 396 to work.

    Ogunye said: “The ideal of speedy criminal justice administration is not restricted to our jurisdiction. It’s a global ideal.

    “But the difference is that they (developed countries) have the resources to investigate efficiently, to prosecute effectively and to adjudicate seamlessly.

    “Until we put our act together, we’ll have fine provisions in our laws, but non-compliance.”

    He does not think that establishing special courts will be the magic wand. He wondered whether there will be special courts for banditry, kidnapping and other crimes.

    “In jurisdictions where corruption cases are handled with dispatch, which special courts do they have?

    “I am calling for a holistic rethinking of our criminal justice system, enhancing our investigation resources, our prosecutorial tools, and our adjudicatory processes, because it’s a chain.”

    Like Ogunye, Chief Olanipekun believes Nigeria’s justice system needs an overhaul.

    “All we need to do is to revamp or restructure the entire administration of justice architecture in this country, both civil and criminal, so as to pave way for a smooth and speedy justice delivery system,” he said.

    The SAN faulted Section 396, saying it was not only well thought-out; some of its provisions are, to him, unconstitutional.

    Olanipekun said: “Nobody should be blamed for the non-compliance with the unrealistic and unattainable provisions of Section 396.

    “I beg to disagree that the illusory provisions are being breached. Rather, my position is that they cannot be implemented. No good law enacts what is impossible.

    “The National Assembly should go back to the drawing board to make a realistic law for the administration of criminal justice within its own sphere of influence or constitutional competence.”

    Justice Tsoho, speaking at an event to mark the beginning of the 2019/2020 legal year, underscored the need to appoint more judges.

    The Chief Judge said: “About 116,623 cases are pending in the Federal High Court; 16,144 cases were filed in this quarter alone in which 12,692 have been disposed of.

    “It is obvious that the judges were over-burdened with work in the last legal year. We, therefore, need to engage more judicial officers to help out.

    “However, it does appear that there was no provision for appointment of judges in the current budget.

    “I will make effort to discuss with the relevant stakeholders to see to the possibility of facilitating the recruitment of more judicial officers in the course of the year.”

     

     

    *This report is with support from the Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ).

     

  • Survival options for indigenous carriers

    Prohibitive offshore cost for aircraft maintenance is pushing indigenous carriers to evolve cost cutting measures such as leasing aircraft to ferry passengers who are increasingly getting curious over the arrangement, KELVIN OSA OKUNBOR reports.

     

    INDIGENOUS carriers are evolving survival strategies to keep afloat and remain in business despite the inclement operating environment.

    High rate of attrition, where airlines are forced to close shop less than a decade after they hit the skies, is increasingly becoming a recurring phenomenon in the Nigerian air transport sector.

    In the last two decades, 18 airlines which were once very promising brands have been forced to close shop.

    Investigations revealed that the managers of these carriers are evolving a raft of survival measures and strategies to keep their business running.

    Part of the cure for the lingering headache, investigation revealed is wet leasing.

    To block this huge gap, some domestic carriers have signed technical partnerships with aircraft lessors and other carriers within and outside the continent to keep their business running.

    Investigations reveal that many carriers, including Arik Air, has entered into partnership with Value Jets on a wet lease arrangement to provide aircraft and crew for its operations.

    In 2017, the 150 lessors are managing 8,400 aircraft worth $256 billion with 2,321 aircraft on backlog from 28 of them, their penetration having stabilised at 42.6 per cent.

    Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said there is nothing unusual if indigenous carriers consider aircraft wet lease as options for survival.

    All that is required from the operator is to furnish the regulatory body with the terms of such deal in line with statutory requirements.

    Speaking on the development, General Manager, Public Affairs , Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Sam Adurogboye, said the regulator does not frown at domestic airlines securing operating leases which is a temporary arrangement to take care of some situations.

    He said the NCAA was aware of the wet-lease agreement between Value Jets and Arik Air affirming that it was an operational agreement to assist the airline.

    Adurogboye said: “The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has been notified by Arik Air of its wet lease agreement with Value Jets. It is nothing unusual in global aviation wet leasing of aircraft is an interim measure to take care of aircraft scarcity, such that the airline does not have operational issues.

    “While the short term agreement lasts, the aircraft provider takes care of crew, aircraft maintenance, insurance and other issues. The airline, in this case, Arik Air pays for fueling, catering and airport and other aeronautical charges.

    “The airline has not breached any regulation. We are excited that passengers are getting more curious about developments in the sector.”

    An official of Arik Air said the use of Value Jets aircraft for their operations was simply a wet lease agreement.  The official said wet leasing aircraft was a global practice, saying the carrier did not breach any law by using an aircraft of another airline. The official said: “It is strange that passengers are getting excited or worried over such development. What we have done is global practice.”

    In aviation there are several types of aircraft leasing.

    According to experts, aircraft leases are used by airlines and other aircraft operators.

    A former pilot with Virgin Nigeria Airways and President Nigerian Aviation Safety Initiative (NASI), Captain Dung Pam, said airlines lease aircraft from other airlines or leasing companies for two main reasons: to operate aircraft without the financial burden of buying them, and to provide temporary increase in capacity.

    He said the industry has two main leasing types: wet-leasing, which is normally used for short-term leasing, and dry-leasing, which is for a longer-term.

    Globally, Captain Dung said the industry uses a combination of wet and dry leasing.

    He said in some circumstances, an aircraft is wet-leased to establish new services; but as the airline’s flight or cabin crews become trained, they can be switched to a dry lease.

    He said : “A wet lease is a leasing arrangement whereby one airline, the lessor, provides an aircraft, complete crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) to another airline or other type of business, acting as a broker of air travel (the lessee), which pays by hours operated.

    “The lessee provides fuel and covers airport fees, and any other duties, taxes.

    The flight uses the flight number of the lessee. A wet lease generally lasts between one to 24 months.

    “As a global trend, wet lease is typically utilised during peak traffic seasons or annual heavy maintenance checks, or to initiate new routes.

    “Besides, a wet-leased aircraft may be used to fly services into countries where the lessee is banned from operating.

    “They can also be considered a form of charter whereby the lessor provides minimum operating services, including ACMI, and the lessee provides the balance of services along with flight numbers.

    “A dry lease is a leasing arrangement whereby an aircraft financing entity; lessor provides an aircraft without crew, ground staff.”

    Experts say a dry lease is typically used by leasing companies and banks, requiring the lessee to put the aircraft on its own air operator’s certificate (AOC) and provide aircraft registration.

    A typical dry lease lasts upwards of two years and bears certain conditions with respect to depreciation, maintenance, insurances, depending also on the geographical location and political circumstances.

    A dry-lease arrangement can also be made between a major airline and a regional airline, in which the major airline provides the aircraft and the regional operator provides flight crews, maintenance and other operational aspects of the aircraft, which then may be operated under the major airline’s name or some similar name.

    Experts say a dry lease saves the major airline the expense of training personnel to fly and maintain the aircraft, along with other considerations such as staggered union contracts, regional airport staffing,

    At the end of July 2015, the top 50 aircraft lessors managed 8,184 aircraft: 511 turbo prop regional airliners, 792 regional jets, 5,612 narrow body and 1,253 wide body airliners.

    DG NCAA, Captain Mukhtar Usman
    DG NCAA, Captain Mukhtar Usman

    An industry expert and pilot, Captain Willy Funsho said there was nothing unusual about passengers buying ticket on one airline and entering an aircraft provided by another party.

    Investigations revealed that many domestic airlines are toeing similar path to starve off waiting for aircraft endlessly from offshore maintenance facilities, either in Europe, Asia, Far East, Middle East or United States.”

    Many indigenous carriers have their aircraft trapped in maintenance facilities aboard, either due to paucity of funds or inability to secure slot.

    Besides Arik Air, other carriers have been undertaking aircraft leases from different lessors across the globe.

    But, some passengers expressed confusion over the matter.

    They said they were surprised to purchase an Arik Air ticket at the counter, only to get to the tarmac to board an aircraft without any logo of Arik Air.

    Mr Cosmas Ibe, traveling on the Lagos – Abuja route said: “I was surprised after procuring the Arik Air, got to the Tarmac only to be checked into an aircraft bearing Value Jets. The inscription on the leaflet on board reads: “Value Jets operated by Arik Air.

    “Besides, the crew was made up of foreigners. I think they are from North Africa. Communication was a little bit of some challenge, because their English language, for me, appears not very fluent. But, the important thing is that we got to our destination.”

    Another passenger, who identified himself as Bayo Bolurin on the Arik Air Lagos – Abuja flight said he was also taken aback by the development.

    He said: “Which one is Value Jets operated by Arik Air. My ticket read Arik Air, where did the Value Jet matter come into this.”

     

     

    They kissed the dust

     

    FROM Nigeria Airways, Okada Air that ruled the air space in the 1980s to Albarka Airlines, Flash Airlines, Fresh Air, Intercontinental Airlines, Concord Airlines, Oriental Airlines, ADC Airlines, Hold Trade Air, Gas Air, Hamsal Air, Harco Air Services, Freedom Air Services, Hamair, Mangal Air , Slok Air and Sosoliso Airlines.

    Many passengers are also not in a hurry to remember NiCON Airways, Nigeria One, Nigerian Eagle Airlines, Nigerian Global, Premium Air Shuttle, Spaceworld International Airlines, Triax Air, Virgin Nigeria Airways, Wings Aviation and Falcon Airlines.

    As these carriers rolled down the cliff, their disused aircraft continue to litter airports across the country, a sordid reminder to many passengers who continue to shudder why indigenous carriers rapidly experience short life span, which aviation experts describe as the ‘bust and boom’ circle.

    Experts say the existing  nine carriers: Arik Air, Air Peace, Overland Airways, Dana Air, AZMAN Air, Max Air, Ibom Air, Aero Contractors and Medview Airlines, are grappling with a myriad of challenges not limited to – insufficient operating aircraft; high cost of aircraft maintenance and limited slot at available aircraft maintenance centres.