The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria News

  • Buhari’s double shuffle

    It is settled in labour relations that he who hires has the authority to fire.  That is what applied to the amiable, industrious and proud daughter of Adiabo Okurikang in Odukpani Local Government, Cross River State, Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita, until last week the head of service of the federation.

    Her story is well known but the facts may not have been fully established. President Muhammadu Buhari has only exercised the powers vested in him by asking Oyo-Ita to step aside, temporarily, to allow a thorough investigation of the allegations of abuse of office against her.

    Her replacement is by no means a push over in the federal civil service and service to the country. Folashade Yemi-Esan, a first-class dental surgeon, and proud alumnae of the University of Ibadan, began her career in the Federal Civil Service at the Federal Ministry of Health after graduation in 1987 from the nation’s premier university.

    She rose to the position of permanent secretary in 2012 when she first served as permanent secretary, service policy and strategy in the Office of the Head of   Service of the Federation.

    Her tour of duty has seen her serve as permanent secretary in the Federal Ministry of Information and the Federal Ministry of Education, among others. She was, until her recent elevation as head of service last week, the permanent secretary at the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources. Her selection was probably endorsed by President Buhari on account of her vast experience and being the most senior permanent secretary in the federal civil service.

    But perhaps more significant is the decision of President Buhari to extend the tenure of seven permanent secretaries who were expected to retire, at various dates, between September and December. By presidential fiat, the lucky seven distinguished public officers have had their tenures extended by one calendar year beginning this October.

    So how did the president acquire this executive power, some well-meaning people may ask? Others, more discerning, have also observed that the president had in the recent past granted extension of tenure to military chiefs, to wit, the chief of defence staff and the service chiefs – heads of army, air-force and the navy.

    The Nigerian Constitution at Section 171 (2) d empowers the president to appoint persons to hold or act in appointive offices at his pleasure. It is also his prerogative to determine the duration of such appointments, although extant rules stipulate a maximum of 35 years in service or 60 years age, whichever comes first.

    Section 171 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), unambiguously vested in the president, the power to appoint persons to hold or act as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, ambassadors, high commissioners or other principal representatives of Nigeria abroad as well as permanent secretaries in the ministries, departments and agencies.

    In clear terms, Section 171 (2) is explicit on the power of the president on who may be appointed, act or be removed as permanent secretary in any ministry or head of any extra-ministerial department of the Government of the Federation  or ‘howsoever designated’.

    Beyond acting within the confines of the law, many analysts would also agree that President Buhari  has a moral responsibility to ensure that the fabric of the federal civil service is not unwittingly eroded by the sudden departure of seven permanent secretaries within three months. The consequential impact of such depletion of well-trained and tested civil servants cannot be in the interest of the nation and the effective delivery of the programmes and development agenda of the Buhari administration.

    Going down memory lane, it is instructive to remember that before the appointment of new ministers, specifically between May 29 and August 21, permanent secretaries ran the affairs of ministries, department and agencies.  Besides, prior to the inauguration of the cabinet, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation organised a presidential retreat for ministers and permanent secretaries where nine priority areas of government where identified to be jointly executed by ministers and permanent secretaries.

    It is also expected that these permanent secretaries have a crucial role to play in the avowed intention of the executive arm of government to kick-start the process for the 2020 budget, and working in collaboration with the National Assembly, to return to the January-December budget cycle. Furthermore, the creation of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development while demerging four others, and thus expanding the bureaucracy, underscores the need for experienced hands to nurture them to stability.

    One other solid consideration for the tenure elongation is the fact that the process for finding replacements for the seven permanent secretaries due for retirement is multi-layered and may take up to three months.  By tradition, to climb to the peak of the federal civil service, those on the directorate level go through thorough security screening after written and oral examinations.

    The sudden exit of Mrs. Oyo-Ita as head of service may not necessarily affect this process. However, it may not be expedient for government to allow the loss of personnel who have garnered experience, become fully matured but have not yet attained the retiring age of 60 years. Certainly the nation can benefit more from their wealth of experience!

     

    • Kareem writes from Abuja.

  • Women in creative industry explore opportunities

    Experts and women in the creative industry converged on Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos recently for a three-day business summit to widen their horizon as entrepreneurs on opportunities in their businesses.

    Organised by AMFEST EXPO Project, the summit, which had as theme: African Women in Arts & Culture, featured professionals in the creative arts industries – music, film, fashion and food.

    Managing Director, City 105.1FM, Lagos, Mrs. Doja Allen, urged participants to build a brand and a fan base for their music, adding that there is need for female artistes to see themselves as entrepreneurs. She noted that  women should not ignore the need to start small, but with an intention to grow their art-form and audience beyond their geographical locations.

    Mrs. Allen cited the examples of Yemi Alade and Tiwa Savage as artistes who have grown to become voices for their generation by putting together a creative team that is hard working, strategic and  staying resilient enough to weather the storms in their careers. She pointed out that the famous and successful artistes deliver their craft on local and international platforms.

    She said African women possess the power and voice, which they should use to their advantage. “Women professionals should think of long-term successes in their careers than brief and fickle popularity,” he said.

    She also stressed the need for African women to support and encourage one another in the journey to becoming a voice in the global music industry.

    Like the Ghana edition of the conference, which held two months earlier, the summit brought together women experts and business leaders in different disciplines in the creative industry to discuss the value chain and growth of the creative sector.

    Experts and participants explored how creative industry practitioners can leverage the size of the African market for better economic returns. To make this happen, ways to always deliver quality products and services, networking beyond Nigeria for artistic and cultural exchanges were highlighted along with the importance of gaining access into the markets of other geographical locations.

    Each panel was sector-based and led by a leading expert in the field. An international chef, investor and hospitality expert, Mr  Shile Jadesinmi, led the session on  African cuisine culture while talks on the creative arts was led by the Chief Human Resource Officer of MTN Nig. PLC, Mrs Esther Akinnukawe.

    Other panel leaders were author Mrs Bibi Bunmi Apampa for writing, Tonia Ahanor for the modeling industry and  Busola Olugbemileke for film business.

    The AMFEST EXPO Project Director, Mr Olukayode Adebayo, announced Kigali, Rwanda and Dubai as locations for the remaining meetings for 2019. Adebayo explained that the creative industry holds massive opportunities for wealth creation for practitioners, adding that it is strong enough to unlock economic prosperity for Nigeria and other African nations, if well harnessed.

  • Fed Govt, Access Bank list N30.3b bonds

    The Federal Government has listed its latest issuances under the Federal Government of Nigeria Savings Bonds (FGNSB) on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). The Federal Government listed two new issues totalling N295.94 million.

    The listing of the sovereign bonds came a day after top-tier bank, Access Bank Plc, listed a corporate bond valued at N30 billion.

    The new listings by the government included a two-year N91.11 million 11.15 per cent series 60 bond, which is expected to mature in September 2021 and a three-year N204.83 million 12.15 per cent bond due to mature in September 2022.

    Access Bank listed a N30 billion seven-year 15.5 per cent fixed rate subordinated unsecured bond, which is due to mature in 2026.

    The Federal Government had, in March 2017, introduced the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) Savings Bond (FGNSB) to woo retail investors to the sovereign debt market and deepen capital formation. The minimum subscription was fixed at N5,000 while the maximum was pegged at N50 million. With a fixed quarterly interest payment of above 13 per cent, the FGNSB offers guaranteed return.

     

  • Pension complaints and solutions

    JOSHUA: Dear Omobola, my name is Joshua. I retired as a Seargent on grade level 05 step 4. My date of first appointment is January 20, 1986 and that of retirement is March 1, 1997. I have done verification in Abuja. Please I have no money. Kindly tell the pension boss that she should pay my pension. I am helpless.

    PTAD: The pensioner’s complaint has been reviewed by the operations department. He will be paid as funds are allocated and released by the Federal Government.

    ISA: This is from one of the Pre- 1996 Railway pensioner in Nasarawa State. My name is Isa. Our 18 months’ arrears (part of 52 months) since the time of former President Goodluck Jonathan is yet to be cleared.

    Also, Railway pensioners are the least paid nationwide.

    Kindly use your good offices to  solve our problems. Thank for being there for us.

    PTAD: It is an assumed liability by some group of pensioners in the Nigeria Railway Corporation. The group is yet to forward any supporting documents.

    SUNDAY: I retired in June 2003 from the service of the former government agency changed to National Clearing and Forwarding Agency. I received my pension from March 2008 to April 2018. But they stopped it after April and I don’t know why. Please help me.

    PTAD: If Mr Eshiet has been verified, we advise that he sends a  scanned copy of his verification slip to complaints@ptad.gov.ng. If he has not, he can visit our Abuja or Lagos office with his employment documents, BVN and original stamped bank statement from April, last year till date to be verified and monthly pension payment resumed if eligible.

     MRS ONIYE: God bless The Nation Pension column. My name is Mrs. Oniye. I retired from the Federal Government College, Idoani in April,1999, on Grade 2 Typist, G.L 5 Step 10. My gratuity was paid on June 7, 2007. I have not been paid any monthly pension. Please help me contact the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) on non-payment of my monthly pension since 1999.

    PTAD: The pensioner is advised to send her complaint, name and account details to complaints@ptad.gov.ng. Her telephone number as provided is not reachable.

    ALICE: Well-done and thanks for The Nation’s concern on pensioner’s matters.My name is Alice. I am a state pensioner with federal share. I retired on April 30, 2008 without payment till date. My pensioner number is annonymous. I did verification since August 2017 but PTAD has not paid me till date. Kindly assist. Thank you.

    PTAD: The pensioner’s complaint has been investigated. She will receive payment as funds are allocated and released by the Federal Government.

  • PTAD verifies Southeast pensioners

    The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has intensified in its verification of pensioners to enable them receive their pension entitlements in the Eastern part of the country. Omobola Tolu-Kusimo reports

    Over 10,000 pensioners of   federal parastatals, agencies and institutes from the Southeast under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) have been verified by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD).

    This was achieved during the fifth phase of the parastatals pensioners verification in the region. The exercise, which started on Monday, August 26, was carried out in Awka, Enugu  and Owerri.

    The Nation learnt that owing to the large turnout of pensioners in Enugu and Owerri, the directorate approved a six-day extension for the center in Owerri and a four-day extension for the Enugu centre.

    PTAD Executive Secretary, Dr Chioma Ejikeme, who gave the approval, said the extension was to ensure that eligible pensioners and Next-of-Kin, who presented themselves, were verified, stating that the exercise recorded an average daily turnout of 344 pensioners.

    According to her, the exercise did not include Customs, Immigration and Prisons pensioners, Civil Service pensioners, Police pensioners, and  parastatals pensioners who had already been verified by PTAD.

    She said the next phase of the parastatals pensioner verification in the Northwest region started last Monday and is expected to end next Wednesday.

    Mrs. Ejikeme advised that pensioners do not have to travel to the state or location they retired from to be verified. “They can be verified at any of our centers that is within the geo-political zones where they reside.

    “All pensioners living outside the country will be verified whenever they visit the country provided they show proof of residency outside Nigeria. Such proof should be provided in advance via PTAD email which is info@ptad.gov.ng.

    “All Letters of Introduction for new enrollees (those not on payroll) must be personally signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Agency to be acceptable for verification.”

    Mrs. Ejikemee said continuous mobile verification would be conducted for sick and infirm pensioners. The original documents of the pensioners must be brought to the verification venue, together with proof of infirmity for authentication, before mobile verification can be scheduled.

    Pensioners have, however, lauded the Director’s commitment to verifying and enrolling them on the payroll.

    A pensioner, Adedeji Adebanjo, said he retired from federal service since 2005 but was recently enrolled into the payroll by PTAD.

    He said since his verification last year, he has started receiving monthly pension and also received his arrears.

    Mrs Florence Orji added that the directorate has become very sensitive to the plight of pensioners.

    She said the staff of the Directorate showed care and love to them on the day of her verification.

  • Push for Nigerian flag carriers

    Since the liquidation of Nigeria Airways in 2004, attempts by the government to set up another national carrier, Nigeria Air, have been largely unsuccessful. Experts say aviation business, including airline ownership and management, is better left to the private sector, KELVIN OSA-OKUNBOR writes

    The Minister of Aviation’s pronouncement that  Nigeria  Air remains a priority has triggered a huge debate in the sector on the necessity, or otherwise, of a national carrier.

    There is an ageement, however, by experts that Nigeria needs a functional carrier. The argument is whether it should be government- driven, or left in private hands.

    Nigeria Airways Limited, which operated for many years as a national carrier failed, and was shut down by the government.

    Its experience in the 56 years of its existence showed that public ownership of airlines was no more fashionable. Nigeria Airways Limited was established in 1958 as a national carrier but liquidated  in 2004.

    In the last few decades, efforts by the government to achieve a national carrier after the collapse of Nigeria Airways Limited have not gathered any steam.

    Rather than dissipate energy on a national carrier, experts say the government should flow with the global trend of empowering private sector operators as flag carriers.

    The Federal Government approved N47.43 billion for the Nigeria Air project in the 2019 budget.

    Efforts by the government to partner with many organisations to deliver a national carrier since the dying days of the Nigeria Airways Limited have not yielded any positive result.

    From the failed Air Nigeria, which was to come out of Nigeria Airways to Nigerian Global Airlines promoted during the Olusegun Obasanjo-led administration to Nigerian Eagle Airlines and the latest Nigeria Air promoted by Minister of Aviation, Captain Hadi Sirika, none have been delivered.

    Given the huge capital flight by foreign carriers, can setting up a national carrier block such gap? Should the government go ahead with the project? This debate has engaged the attention of industry experts and stakeholders.

     

    Clamour for a national carrier

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari, on assumption of office on May 29, 2015, expressed concern over Nigeria’s lack of a national carrier .

    He said the establishment of such a carrier was not only justifiable by economic considerations, but for strategic national interest, national pride and job creation potential.

    The presidential interest was fueled by the unending challenges faced by domestic carriers after the N300 billion intervention fund did not yield positive results.

    Buhari said his administration would act quickly to redress the situation. He directed that the committee saddled with the task of setting up the national carrier to look into the causes of the failure of the Nigeria Airways and other private airlines before arriving at the model that will meet the aspirations of Nigerians.

    Last week, Minister of Aviation Captain Sirika said there was no going back on the project. He stated this when Transaction Advisers submitted the outcome of their research to the government. He said the national carrier was in the pipeline as the Transaction Advisers had concluded their baseline studies and were moving to the next level.

    Sirika said: “Every Nigerian is asking for the national carrier. That is why the project is on course.“

    It is against this background that some experts have called on the government to jettison the idea of a national carrier and embrace the model of private sector-led flag carriers obtainable in some countries across the globe.

    Some of them argued that the government as a regulator in the aviation sector had no business in setting up an airline, but should encourage private sector investors by creating a conducive environment for them to thrive.

    In an interview, Chairman of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) Captain Nogie Meggison said the government should have no business in setting up a national carrier, but empower existing private sector airlines as flag carriers.

    According to the leader of the umbrella body of indigenous carriers, the government should empower domestic carriers by reducing multiple aeronautical and airport charges to actualise the bilateral air services agreement it signed with many countries.

    What really is the difference between a national carrier and a flag carrier?

    Difference between national and flag carriers

     

    According to the experts, a national carrier is floated by the government as sole shareholder, to operate in the name of the government and represent the government in all aviation-related bilateral services agreements.

    But, a flag carrier is a privately- owned airline that, by agreement, is designated to represent a government and fly on behalf of the government, representing it on all bilateral-designated routes.

     

    Flag carriers

     

    Since the demise of the Nigeria Airways, many carriers, including Arik Air, Aero Contractors, Medview Airlines, Air Peace, Overland Airways and Dana Air have been playing the role of flag carriers, flying the country’s flag in many countries, where they are designated.

     

    Experts’ views

     

    A former Director of Human Resources at the defunct Virgin Nigeria, Victor Banjo, recently spared a thought for the proposed national carrier. He said the project lacked the requisite structure for success.

    He said the proposed national carrier would lack accountability, fairness, transparency and independence.

    He said: “From the outset, Nigeria Air was doomed to fail because the four pillars of corporate governance were missing. In terms of transparency, too much was shrouded in secrecy for a project a huge chunk of taxpayers’ money was to be committed, and time will tell if it will move from being premature to a stillborn.”

    But, Sabre Travel Solutions President, Gbenga Olowo, said the government should empower existing flag carriers, rather than dissipating energy and resources in setting a national carrier.

    To him, existing flag carriers should be supported through policies that enable them forge alliances as global players .

    His words: “This is easily achievable through economic policy of cooperation, collaborations, mergers and acquisitions; review of all existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) through periodic schedules for equity and immediate reversal of all multiple entry points in Nigeria to single entry points.”

    On his part, African Aviation Services Limited Chief Executive Officer Nick Fadugba said though the idea of a national carrier was welcome, but for it to succeed, it would need a sound business plan, strategic industry partners, adequate funding, an experienced management team, well-trained staff, a fleet of modern aircraft, a comprehensive route network, on-time performance, good customer service and no government involvement.

    The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, Nnolim Nnaji, has said Nigeria needs strong flag carriers to enable it play on the continental sphere.

    Nnaji said the country had remained passive in the continental aviation market in recent years, despite its huge daily passenger traffic. However, to him, floating a fully government-owned airline might not be an alternative.

    According to him, the committee will work closely with the Federal Government to ensure that competent local airlines are supported to assume the status of flag carriers and operate internationally.

    An aviation analyst and member, Aviation Round Table, Olumide Ohunayo, said setting up a national carrier was not the best option, but empowerment of existing flag carriers to enable Nigeria actualise its over 75 bilateral air services agreements.

    He said: “We are on the verge of starting a new national carrier after many false starts, from Air Nigeria in 1993 to Nigeria Air in 2018. Twenty-six years, and we are still going round in circles. During this period, the best we got for our efforts was Virgin Nigeria, which within six years had all certifications and numerous offers for partnership.

    “We are toeing that line with the new national carrier project of acquiring five aircraft and flying to international destinations almost immediately without any base or foundation, just the government’s support without requisite funding.

    “If having a national carrier is felt to be a must, then the cost, risk and lessons from other airlines should be seriously considered.”

     

    More reactions

     

    Flag carriers said they could do more if they get the necessary support from the government . The support, they said, could come in the form of reducing multiple charges, improved air navigation infrastructure, establishment of aircraft maintenance facility and more involvement in international aero politics.

    On his part, Chairman of Air Peace Allen Onyema said: “We need more support from th government. We need to be protected from multiple taxation and the debilitating effects of poor airport infrastructure. We need the government to review the multiple designations given to foreign airlines operating into the country.

    “We need the government to appreciate the contributions of indigenous airlines. We have been exposed to unrelenting hostility. We need the government to help us play the international aero politics that have been working against Nigerian airlines for a long time. Countries protect their airlines against marauding foreign airlines. The local airlines provide jobs for the citizens of their countries hence, the immense protection they get. Recently, Airlines in America complained against the several frequencies given to the heavily-subsidised Gulf states’ airlines. The US Government responded with measures that deterred those Gulf airlines. The US Government needed to protect US jobs by protecting their indigenous airlines.

    “You do not need a national carrier to do the needful. You do not need a national carrier to protect your indigenous businesses. Why did the government want to establish a national airline in the first place?”

    Onyema continued: “Government was rightly worried that no Nigerian indigenous airline was doing well on the international scene. The government noticed a very serious imbalance in our BASA protocols and wanted to bridge it. So government went into it for a reason. Though there were genuine reasons for that plan to set up an airline, it was the belief of not only indigenous airlines but also the discerning aviation world that Nigeria should rather find out why its indigenous airlines have not been able to plug the hole. All we need is total support of our government and we will all get there. National carrier is no longer an idea the world over

    “America with its economic might and aviation prowess (manufacturers of world’s most popular planes) does not have a national carrier. They have flag carriers in Delta Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines and a host of others flying the flag of America. Britain does not have a national carrier any longer. British Airways is no longer a national carrier since the 80s.

    “Nigeria Airways was a failed airline, it died just as other national carriers worldwide,” he said.

     

    How the government could

    assist flag carriers

     

    Legal luminary Olisa Agbakoba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), a few years ago mooted the idea of a “Fly Nigeria Act” which prescribes that all government officials flying on its bill must patronise Nigerian flag carriers.

    He said that was one of the ways the government could retain huge funds taken out by foreign carriers in tickets sales.

    Agbakoba said other countries, including United States initiated the Fly America Act to support US carriers.

    Besides Agbakoba, other industry players, including former spokesman of  Nigeria Airways Limited, Mr Chris Aligbe, said such legislative instrument would empower indigenous flag carriers.

     

  • Xenophobic attacks: ‘I love the being you of Nigerians’

    South African poet, writer and cultural worker, Natalia Molebatsi, is the author of We Are, Sardo Dance and Elephant Woman Song. Her research interests are Pan Africanism, African and Black Feminist thought. However, she is unhappy with the xenophobic attacks and other forms of violence, especially against women and children in South Africa. At the recently-concluded Kaduna Books and Arts Festival (KABAFEST 2019) held in Kaduna, she spoke with Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME on the possible causes of xenophobic (Afrophobic) attacks in her country, how arts can be used to foster peaceful co-existence and her love for Nigeria, among other issues.

    How can arts be effectively used to fight ignorance, prejudice and hate in the society?

    Literature and arts in general can be used to address differences in every society. But literature as a space can be used to see another world that may have existed in the past, or another world that might exist in the future. In this way, people are drawing a picture of themselves and imagining what they want. I think it’s also a responsibility and duty of the artist to paint this world, the necessary world that we all need. Sometimes when artists write or paint, they don’t even know that the society needs them or uses their works in a way that mends scars from any kind of violence. But, it also brings joy that sometimes we don’t even know it exists. So, I find literature and the arts have ability to stretch when we don’t even know it is possible. With the way the arts is, the artistes are able to move things, navigate and stretch people’s mindsets, imaginations, people’s hearts and has always been their role. It is such a magical role because sometimes we don’t even know how it happens. It is such a delicate way of communicating and also giving communion.

     Can it break perceptions and people’s mindset?

    Arts can do that. In as much as it seems some Africans hate one another, they surely love music icons like the late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, and Hugh Masakela, no matter where you are from. So, imagine setting up a musical concert with all of these icons and the likes of Angelic Kidjo and telling the people that you are all Africans or Pan Africanists, and that even if you don’t live on this continent, it all started on this continent. I have seen them do it. But, sometimes, the inertia becomes our leaders’, our politicians have got their own mindset and their own structural inertia that they don’t act as swiftly and as smoothly as they should. For example, it is somebody who brings a message of love, of hope, of unity to everybody in this world, somebody like that is someone who can quickly mediate but I don’t think that the people who are in power want that to happen or understand the power of that happening.

     There is a second narrative on this ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa. It is alleged that it is a deliberate arrangement by South African authority to distract public attention each time the people are pushing to hold government accountable on some critical issues. What is your take?

    What you are saying is so important because that’s exactly what I was thinking. I was thinking what could be the true matter that is happening? I don’t think xenophobic attack is at the core of the issue. I think the method of divide and rule is so alive. I think this violence is just a scape goat, something like a decoy. But, I tell you it works because  poor people will attack one another.

    I mean people working in low income areas. You don’t find that in media houses where people are working as journalists or the academia all over the continent.

    People who turn against one another are always the poor, people who are disposable in so many ways. This is because when such person dies, nobody is going to write about it. And the person won’t even matter, especially if the deceased is black.  That brings us to the global issue of racism where white people have always used us against each other.

     Why are you a writer?

    I’m a writer because, first of all, it’s a gift from my ancestors. I didn’t ask for it, they gave it to me. They also gave me the responsibility to marshal it. You know when you are born with a talent, you have the responsibility to stretch it and nurture it into something else. As they say, talent is overrated. Everyone has got one talent or the other, so, in a way, I started to read writers on the continent and elsewhere; and I began to understand the power of words as they were able to travel. I could travel before I was travelling physically and I could also travel with my words.

    I find myself being able to express myself and I come from a country where expression could lead you to jail or death as a black person and a woman. When I found the urgency or the currency of words, I saw I could use this to navigate emotions to share my pains and my joy. It was to me an incredible thing to find. And everyday, I keep learning what words can do and I still don’t know half of it.

     What is the strength and core of your performing poetry?

    I don’t know, but I get on stage sometimes and I don’t know what to say. I look around me and I feel and see energy that is so powerful because when you perform, as they say, life is a performance. If you live alone in this world, why would you wear clothes? And because you are alone, nobody sees you, but if you are around people, it means you are exchanging energy and so it’s important for me to stand there and say: what is the energy in this room? What is the energy looking for? Then, I’m able to engage. So, that’s what I do as a performer.

    Is it your first time in Nigeria?

    No! Nigeria is my favourite country on this continent and one of my favourite countries in the world. So, I come whenever I get a chance. But, it’s my first time in northern Nigeria though. I have been to Lagos and Abuja many times. I have been to Abeokuta and Ibadan. There is something very special about Nigeria.

     What is that special thing?

    The attraction is the brains and the intellectuals in this country that have been able to take all of us from Africa to the world- the amount of work that has been done. Obviously, there is more coming but the intensity of the work that comes out of Nigeria is incredible and it’s always a gift to immerse myself in this realm. And sometimes they say it borders on arrogance, but we need that to fight the racism that happens. Nigerians go into a space in Europe or America for instance, they take charge. Most times people get jealous, right? You could be a janitor or a professor but there is a level of confidence that is so attractive and for me to be able to breathe that energy, I love that!

    Is that Nigerians’ undoing in South Africa?

    I think Nigerians know how to make a living and sometimes people can be jealous. You know, southern and eastern Africa tend to be really quiet and reserved, not only as a cultural thing but also a thing imposed by colonialism. But, Nigerians go there and create space as it should be. Unfortunately, we have been so contained like you belong there and not here. But, somebody says I’m going to go out there and be me. It’s perceived like you are taking over, but actually you are just being you. I love the ‘being you’ of Nigerians because they challenge oppression and challenge the spaces that say “you are black, you can’t be in here, you are a woman, you can’t be in here.” Look at my sister, Bakare Yusuf and Lola Shoneyin. These women are taking over and you see they are doing what should be done in order to also outdo things around colonisation, patriarchy which by the way came with colonisation. It’s just those kind of things that I see and love.

     Do you think that Nigerians are contributing to South Africa’s economy?

    I think all Africans are contributing because they don’t go there and look for work, rather they create work and they create skills. So, if you’re smart, you ask “can I work with you or for you so I can learn these skills”? Sometimes people’s ego make them turn their noses at it because instead of them to say “Hey, how did you manage to do that? I thought that’s the thing only white people do.

    You said the recent attack is  not  xenophobia but Afrophobia. How do you mean?

    Xenophobia is when you hate the French person or the English person. We have a number of white Americans who are in South Africa but nobody is gonna trouble them because they are white and they have got an American accent. It is Afrophobia. It is an internalised hatred and when you express that hatred, it can create a fire.

    There has been this allegation that foreigners in South Africa always end up taking girlfriends  and wives of South African men. You want to react to that?

    I don’t know where this interview is going but to be honest with you, when you look at the kind of violence that happens to the bodies of women in South Africa, and you look at who is making that violence, it is not Nigerians, not Somalians or Ugandans. But, the men in South Africa. So, we are scared and that is just the truth.  The two places that I fear the most for my life and body, is South Africa and US. I don’t fear Nigeria, even people in Nigeria know that you can’t just go off like that. I wouldn’t go into a park with someone who is a driver in South Africa because the things that are happening to us are very bad.

    Apart from writing, what else do you do?

    Well, I write not just poetry, I write anything. I do non-fiction, fiction and I’m still learning. Fiction is more difficult than content writing. I perform, sing with Jazz band and sometimes I dabble into photography wherever the spirit leads. But, mainly I do poetry and I organise as well. I produce poetry and jazz event because that’s an important part of not just being a writer or a performer but being able to create spaces where younger people would also grow and share their experiences.

    What is your advice to African leaders on issue of unity on the continent?

    They need to take us serious. When Notre Dame Church in Paris, France was razed down, African leaders ran there in solidarity. But they are not running to us when in crisis. They need to take us serious because we are paying for all of these- we pay taxes and everything that we consume. They need to love us because we matter.

    Have you won any award?

    A number of universities have offered me awards including the University of California, Los Angeles and the rest of others.

     

  • Much ado about MTN Board

    I came across a news item in one of Nigeria’s leading online medium-The Cable, in which a pressure group-Human and Environmental Development Agency (HEDA) requested that the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) must sack from the newly constituted MTN board, the chairman,. Ernest Ndukwe and the others, namely Mrs Mobolaji Johnson, Mrs Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru, Mr Andrew Alli and Mr Muhammad Ahmad. HEDA insisted that the request must be complied with within 14 days, failure which it would resort to legal action to enforce the demand.

    The grouse of HEDA in issuing the demand to SEC and their threat of pursuing legal enforcement if SEC failed to act, or turns down the request is that the enlistment of Ndukwe, Omobola Johnson and. Ifueko-Okauru in the telecom company’s board, was, in their opinion, a reward for the roles they allegedly played in shielding MTN from being severely punished during the period of its travails with the federal government which of course is now public knowledge.

    According to The Cable, HEDA in a petition signed by its chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, said the appointments were an attempt, among other reasons, to “insulate MTN from adverse local political action given its recent history with the regulatory agency, the Nigerian Communications Commission and the office of the Attorney General of the Federation.”

    Let us take the issues one after another.

    First, HEDA has a right to hold an opinion on any matter. What I consider outrageous in this case for which HEDA is seeking redress,  is the notion that the appointment of these eminent Nigerians has anything to do with the board members (the accused), acquiescing to a wrong done by MTN for which it has been duly sanctioned.

    Take a look at the allegations from HEDA’s point of view: “It is a complete show of irony that Mr Ernest Ndukwe who was the Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission during the MTN infractions, the regulatory body solely responsible for the business activities of telecommunications and Mrs Mobolaji Johnson as the communication minister at the time of this infractions will be selected as the designate chairman and board member respectively by the telecommunication company, adding, “Mrs Okauru was chairman of FIRS when the allegations of MTN Nigeria’s tax evasion of over $2 billion relating to import duties, VAT, withholding tax on foreign import/payments were revealed and despite this, it was reported that tranches of transfers were discovered to have been made to companies in Dubai and Mauritius as reported by Satellite Times on the 8th October, 2018 and these allegations under the nose of the former chairman was consequent upon the failure of the FIRS to undertake diligent and effective supervision and no record of investigations to confirm the authenticity or otherwise while in office.”

    This is an admixture of truth and lie, or fiction at play. It’s an attempt to pull a wool over the face of the discerning public by HEDA. That Dr. Ndukwe and Mrs. Omobola held those positions is factual, but that they did at the period MTN was enmeshed in its fine crisis, is fiction. Add to that the other lie that   Mrs Okauru was chairman of FIRS when the allegations of MTN Nigeria’s tax evasion of over $2 billion and others were resonating. All of these contraptions fit into the web of calling a dog a bad name just to hang it.

    As HEDA alleged in its petition. “It is our firm belief that these persons who were once public office holders who ought to have acted against some activities and alleged infractions of this company but failed in their responsibilities and capacities are now being compensated with appointments into the board.”

    To put the records straight and not obfuscate the discerning public, Ndukwe (OFR) an Electronic/Electrical Engineer was Executive Vice Chairman, NCC from February 2000-March, 2010. To insinuate that Ndukwe is being rewarded (in the place of Professor Dambatta, if at all) who is calling the shots at NCC since the onset of the saga, is uncharitable. Ndukwe, who successfully raised the stakes at NCC and meritoriously saw to the vibrant growth of the telecommunications industry and now a faculty member at the Pan Atlantic University, would not have taken such a steep climb-down n reputation as to indulge in assisting MTN, or other firm in compromising the laws of the land.

    Mrs. Omobola ansd Mrs. Ifueko-Okauru hold no less a reputation. The former was a commissioner in Lagos State before ascending to being a minister of the Federal Republic and the latter, a foremosdt player in the success story that the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), is today. It’s important that when one makes allegations, especially against individuals with track records, that enough proof, or evidence be provided so that such accusations can be verified so they can stand the test of time.

    For the records, the allegations stated in the story, to say the least are false in their entirety based on the fact that Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta was and still is the Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission when the fine was issued and not Ernest Ndukwe. Also, Adebayo Shittu was the Communications Minister and not Omobola Johnson; Ifueko Okauru who was mentioned to be chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) at the period, was actually in office from May 2004 to April 2012!

    I am not in a position to advocate for MTN, but if the telecoms firm’s selection of these eminent Nigerians as its board members is anything to go by, I would surmise that it is so that the mistakes of the past are not repeated, or allowed to remain, or to fester. The combination of Ndukwe, Mrs Johnson, Mrs Omoigui-Okauru, Andrew Alli and Ahmad in any firm’s board will no doubt elicit envy either in the competition and among stakeholders, so this issue, which to me is contrived, should not be an exception.

    It is heartwarming to note that the Non Governmental Organisation has sought SEC’s intervention on the matter, a body created by law to adjudicate on such matters, and finally the courts, the final arbiter on all matters. It is expected that while the waiting game is on, all parties will defer to the respective authorities and allow the due process run its course.

     

    • Samuel, a public affairs commentator, writes from Lagos.

  • ARG cautions on zoning

    Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) has urged politicians to desist from comments capable of undermining peace and stability in the country.

    Its National Publicity Secretary, Kunle Famoriyo, said in a statement that comments by some Northern All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders on zoning were an invitation to anarchy.

    The group said it was unthinkable to change the goal-post in the middle of a match. ARG warned such comments amounted to an attempt to deny the South the legitimate right to produce the next president in 2023.

    The group said: “What is good for the goose is also good for the gander, what we are interested in is fairness, equity and justice for the south and the north that co-jointly formed the country, with no undue favour for one against the other.”

    ARG wondered why politicians  always failed to learn from political history.

    The group recalled how political leaders took insensitive decision on the June 12, 1993 p[residential election won by the late Chief Moshood Abiola that plunged the country into deep crises.

    ARG said that, in the face of the fragile unity in which the country has found itself and the threat of break-up, zoning of political offices is the only force that can preserve the unity.

    It added that undermining zoning was an indirect attempt to undermine the fragile unity, warning that the outcome would not benefit any region.

     

  • ‘Revamping culture in Ekiti is a priority’

    When Ekiti State Government appointed Wale Ojo-Lanre as new Director General, Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture, many agreed that the governor had chosen a round peg for a round hole. Ojo-Lanre has what it takes to re-engineer arts and culture in the state. In this interview with PAUL UKPABIO, he speaks on the challenges and the journey so far.

    What did you meet on ground as new DG?

    I can say that without any hesitation, I met nothing on ground. For the past four years during the tenure of Dr Kayode Fayemi’s successor, it was the Bureau For Tourism, Arts and Culture. I called its media officer to let me see all his works, what he has  been able to do, and if there are documentations. He told me that for four years he only wrote one story. Within three weeks that I have resumed office I asked him how many stories he has written.  He said he has been able to write over 68 stories with most published. So, until now the place was dead. The place was stagnated.

    I met a horde of civil servants who are professionals, fantastic, pro-active, educated and ready to work and learn. Well, all my directors are professionals, my permanent secretary graduated from Theatre Arts Department, University of Ibadan. The directors are professionals in tourism, journalism and law. The director of Art and Monument is a graduate of Education Anthropology. So, I have a coterie of brilliant civil servants that when they saw my enthusiasm they said they were ready to identify with me. And since I resumed we have turned most of our challenges to opportunities because we never allowed them to deter us.

     How are the people responding?

    When a righteous person reigns, people are happy. A man who thinks is different from a man who dreams. A man who sees a vision is different from a man who thinks. A man who dreams would have been able to philosophies on what his people want and what their cravings are. The first thing I did was to talk to the staff, charge them up and we always discuss on every item. We always have a conference. We subject it to analysis like information gathering. There is no supremacy of ideas and we give in to superior argument. Once we have decided on something, we go for it.

    I told them it is no longer business as usual but it is going to be business unusual. I do not wait for funds. If we have an idea, we do it and then wait to collect the refund when the money is ready. I have talked to the staff about this and they have agreed and are committed.

    Another thing we have also done was to trace the culture and tradition to the paramount rulers. We visited the Ewi of Ado, the paramount ruler of Ado-Ekiti and we explained our vision. I also addressed the council of traditional rulers, that is, the Oba’s council. Apart from that we identified the stakeholders in the society such as the professionals. We paid visit to the State College of Education, where they have established one of the best departments of arts, culture, dance and music. We discussed with them and we have established a relationship. Very soon, we are going to hold EKITIFEST a replica of NAFEST where we will show the fundamentals of Ekiti culture and hospitality.

      Tell us about your background.

    My background is in journalism, education and law. I’ve spent the better part of my life in journalism, particularly in travel and tourism, hospitality, culture and art. This has given me a robust perception and fecund understanding of the job terrain. When I was appointed, I didn’t assume I knew all. I consulted wide, visited states in the Southwest to compare notes and see how things are being done. I believe in apprenticeship and understudy, no matter how short it is, it always produce results.

    These days I noticed you are not wearing suit as much again

    Yes, I used to wear suit a lot but now in the council we wear native dresses and clothes on two out of five days of the week. And that is Wednesday and Fridays. We have four meetings during the week and two of those meetings are conductd in native language.

    Is it all of you that can speak Ekiti language?

    Yes, except of course the youth corps member. We also encourage them to learn the language. Yes, it’s for identification, I am from Ekiti and I am a Yoruba man. It shows I’m a cultural person and I have pride in my culture.

     How do you feel coming back to government?

    It is about service. I was doing my medical report for the Law School when I was called and told about my new appointment. I had to abandon the Law School for the call to service.

      Where did the passion for journalism set in?

    The passion started with my dad. We were staying at No 3 Station Road in Osogbo. Opposite our house, the newspaper agents used to drop Daily Times for sale and my father used to pick a copy. I started developing interest in journalism because journalists were usually well respected. I started praying that I should be a journalist, a policeman or someone in espionage because then I used to watche lots of films. But when I finished school I stayed with my uncle in Festac who was working in the bank. He was the foreign exchange manager at UBA then. Most people in our family were co-opted into banking. He secured a job for me in First Interstate Merchant Bank. I was given appointment with a fat salary, I refused. He later took me to oil and gas where I was given a fat salary too but I refused. But in 1981, I went to Tribune newspaper, where I was given an appointment and told to start on a salary of N6000. And I accepted. When I got home, nobody prayed for me at home. Later my uncle’s wife had to call and ask why? My mum even called me useless and asked me to come home and work for her so she’ll pay me even more. In my house, when you get a job, you were assisted with starter pack such as mattress, stove sand basically everything you’ll need to furnish the house, none of them gave me that. They didn’t even blink at me!

    I was living comfortably in my brother’s boys’ quarters in Festac town but when the newspaper asked where I wanted to be posted to, I opted for Ibadan and that even annoyed my family again. But, I found a place in Ibadan where I stayed.

     You are known to have traveled far and wide. How many countries have you been to?

    I have been to 86 countries of the world. I cannot quantify the wealth of knowledge that I have been able to gain from these travels. Sometimes I develop new brain waves and the people working with me will just be looking amazed. Meanwhile some of those ideas are sometimes things that I saw somewhere else. For instance, I have been to Halloween, what people will refer to as a festival of the witches and wizards. I was once in a ship during my travels and the ship got stalked and stopped on the sea! We were just there not moving. Libations had to be poured in a ceremony before the ship continued on the journey.

     Where was that?

    That was in Barcelona.