AS the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP holds its National Executive Committee, NEC meeting today,  former Federal Commissioner for Information and South South Leader,  Chief Edwin Clark has called for the setting up of a Disciplinary Committee that will be saddled with the responsibility of probing the anti-party activities of former Governor of Rivers State and others whose roles led to the failure of the PDP in the 2023 elections.

Clark described Wike who is presently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA as the greatest enemy of the  PDP,  manipulating it, with an intent of destroying it.

He added that his anti party activities must be dealt with decisively, by setting up a strong disciplinary committee made up a strong people with resilience to resist pecuniary gains.

In a statement on Wednesday in Abuja,  the Elderstatesman has also called for the immediate dissolution of the present National Working Committee, NWC of the PDP for what he described as their anti-party activities.

Clark’s statement is titled, ” As the National Working Committee, (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) meets: A Poser- PDP: To be or not to be?”

The Leader of Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF said that after the dissolution of the NWC, an Acting National Chairman should be appointed in accordance with the Constitution of the party, adding that there was a precedence  during the tenure of Prince Uche Secondus, who was still in court, when the party appointed another Acting National Chairman.

According to the Leader of Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum,  SMBLF, the  party should immediately revisit the on-line registration of its members as it was initiated by the then National Chairman, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, to save the party from depending on individuals, just as he said that some overzealous members of the party have hijacked it for their selfish gains.

Clark has warned the party that if the former Vice President and the 2023 Presidential candidate,  Atiku Abubakar is made the candidate for 2027 elections, PDP will collapse as the second principal party in the country today.

Clark said, ” I know that many people who read this article will say to themselves that they thought Chief Edwin Clark said he has retired from active and partisan politics. Yes, I said I have resigned from partisan and active politics. But it was one of the famous philosophers Aristotle, who said “Man is by nature a political animal.”  He went on to narrate that because no human can flourish on their own, there is a natural tendency of man to partner with their fellow men.

“And one of these partnerships is that relating to polis, which is the Greek word for community; from where is derived political partnership. Therefore, for as long as Almighty God keeps me alive, both physically and mentally, I will continue to speak on governance and political matters, especially when it is tending to adversely affect our nation.

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was set up by leaders of like mind who assembled in the nation’s capital, Abuja, on 28th July, 1998, to work together “for the speedy restoration of democracy, achievement of national reconciliation”, amongst others. Some of us joined immediately the idea of such an egalitarian political party was enunciated, because we felt that was what our dear country needed and still needs.

“But what has happened today? Some overzealous members of the party have hijacked it for their selfish gains. Some of us have been shouting and warning against this. I recall that in order to avoid “money bags” taking over the party, instead of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, as provided by its Constitution, a one-time National Chairman of the party, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Governor of Enugu State, during his tenure, proposed in accordance with the party’s provisions, payment of membership dues by all members with which the party will be run. He denounced the issue of deep pockets taking over the party when in his acceptance speech in 2010 stated “Needless to say, we need money to prosecute our elections but I can assure you that Ghana-Must-Go bags will not be needed at the National Secretariat of PDP in order to win primary elections. There will be no room for cash-and-carry democracy in the PDP because it is the bane of true democracy.

” My sincere advice to the members of the party’s NWC which is composed of notable politicians, is that they should be courageous enough to: Set up a Disciplinary Committee to investigate the anti-party activities, particularly the roles played by some members which led to the failure of the PDP in the 2023 elections;

“To dissolve the existing NEC of the party for their anti-party activities;

“To appoint an Acting National Chairman in accordance with the Constitution of the party. This was what happened during the tenure of Uche Secondus, who was still in court, when the party appointed another Acting National Chairman;

“The party should immediately revisit the on-line registration of its members as it was initiated by the then National Chairman, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, to save the party from depending on individuals, because as they say, he who pays the piper, dictates the tune.”

Earlier,  the Elderstatesman said, “Rumours have it that Atiku is already preparing for the 2027 presidential election. If this is allowed, PDP will collapse as the second principal party in the country today. While no one is contesting his right of contesting or indicating interest for the presidency of the country as many times as he wishes, which as the last count is up to five times, he should also know that fair play is the bedrock of the game. 

“Another person that also seems to be holding or going for the jugular of the PDP, is Barr. Nyesom Wike. Honestly, I lack words to describe his actions. The nearest description I can give for his actions is political androgynous, he is neither in PDP or APC. He seems simply acquisitive, and the greatest enemy of PDP, manipulating it, with an intent of destroying it.

“Most of us supported Barr. Wike in his agitation against Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. But he has gone too far in causing tragedy in PDP. His anti party activities must be dealt with decisively, by setting up a strong disciplinary committee made up a strong people with resilience to resist pecuniary gains, who are courageous to investigate his activities, and that of any other person/persons suspected to engage in anti-party activities. The seeming contest for the soul of the PDP between himself and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is not only ridiculous but a negation of the ideals for founding the party.

“Even though Nyesom Wike, had a good case considering what transpired during the last presidential primary election of the PDP, he has crossed the red line. Today, he is dancing naked in the market. He regards himself as the leader of both the PDP and APC in Rivers State, and that is why I described him as someone who can be referred as a political androgynous; an acquisitive person. Wike used his influence on APC National Chairman, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, to set up a caretaker committee of the party in Rivers State under the leadership of Mr. Tony Okocha, a position he, Mr. Okocha, sees as an opportunity to deride, harass and attempt to humiliate an elected Executive Governor of the State, Siminalayi Fubara.

“The story is the same in PDP in the State; where Barr. Wike recently removed the State Chairman, and recommended him for a federal appointment. Now, with his control of PDP and APC in Rivers State, he has appointed some APC members as caretaker committee members of the party in Rivers State.

“Is Nyesom Wike only waiting for the appropriate time to destroy the PDP and become a full fledge member of the APC?  It is alleged that it is the same Barr. Wike who sponsored the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, to defect from the PDP to the APC, using the National Secretary of the Party, who was in court as the reason and that PDP has split.

“Even though these members in accordance with constitutional provisions have lost their seats in the House as a result of their defection to another party when there was no crisis in the party on which platform they were elected, Wike is retaining them with the support of Mr President, to the extent of threatening to impeach the Executive Governor, Siminalaye Fubara.

” I will, at this juncture, like to repeat the question I asked in the book I am writing on PDP, ‘Whither PDP: to be or not to be?’. The inordinate ambition of Their Excellencies Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Barr, Nyesom Wike, to be president of the country, will kill the party. These two seem to prefer to use their personal funds to establish their leadership, not because of their love for the party. PDP wake up! This is a clarion call.

“It is true that for some time the party had no funds, particularly the time between Ahmed Makarfi and Ali Modu Sheriff. Nyesom Wike was the only Governor who financially supported the party. Again, in his usual manner, he insulted and humiliated the party. He dared them not to hold the party convention in Port Harcourt. The party kowtowed to him. Even after that, he continued to harass and intimidate the party. For instance, he sponsored Uche Secondus to be the national chairman of the party against the wishes of most other members. The same Barr. Wike later on instigated and sponsored the removal of Uche Secondus, two months before the party’s National Convention.

“Barr. Wike’s engagement in brash politics seems to be affecting members of the party including the party’s Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum and the National Secretary, who take instructions from Barr. Wike. Hence, the sixty members on the platform of the party in the House of Representatives, are calling for the resignation and or removal of the Acting National Chairman.”

[Vanguard]

The Central Bank of Nigeria has specified the reasons behind the significant decrease in the country’s foreign exchange reserves. It clarified that the main objective was not solely to support the naira but rather to partially settle debts owed to creditors.

Emphasizing a hands-off approach, the bank expressed its intention to limit its interference in the market, advocating for prices to be determined organically through the interactions of buyers and sellers.

CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, provided this explanation during the ongoing International Monetary Fund/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington D.C, United States.

Concerns arose among Nigerians due to the notable decline in the nation’s foreign exchange reserves, dropping by about $2.16bn in 29 days despite efforts to stabilize the naira.

Data from the CBN website revealed that as of April 15, 2024, the FX reserves stood at $32.29bn, significantly lower than the $34.45bn recorded on March 18, 2024.

There was a previous 43-day accumulation, where the reserves increased by $1.28bn between February 5 and March 18, 2024.

Cardoso, speaking at the Governor Talks event titled “Catalyzing Change: Reforming Monetary Policy in Nigeria,” reiterated that the recent shift in reserves was unrelated to defending the naira and pledged minimal intervention in the exchange market unless under exceptional circumstances.

He mentioned an expected upward trend in reserves with an additional $600m inflow soon.

Addressing the decline in reserves, Cardoso explained that it was a standard occurrence in countries where debts are due for repayment, reflecting the necessity to uphold credibility.

Noting the increased liquidity in forex, he disclosed that daily transactions reached $1bn within six months of his tenure, surpassing the $200m to $300m monthly average from previous administrations.

Cardoso acknowledged the challenging situation he inherited and the government’s concern about rising inflation, emphasizing the collaborative effort between the central bank and the Ministry of Finance to discontinue the practice of using Ways and Means.

[newsnow]

Ben Akabueze, director-general of the budget office of the federation, says investors are active players in corruption in Nigeria.

Akabueze spoke to TheCable on Tuesday in an interview session held on the sidelines of the ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank meetings in Washington DC.

Addressing questions on how the perception of corruption could discourage foreign investors, the chartered accountant said the issue is not peculiar to the West African nation.

He said investors are also part of the corruption problem bedevilling the country, highlighting the steps taken by the federal government to curtail corrupt practices.

“First, the challenge of corruption is not peculiar to Nigeria — it’s everywhere,” Akabueze said.

“Number two, when you say address, some of the investors themselves are active players in the corruption, so it’s not that they’re addressing corruption away from the investors

“Corruption is being addressed systematically — and that’s whether you’re an investor or you’re a public official, or you are a local player in any area — one key way of dealing with corruption is greater transparency, opening up the processes of government.

“And then, the government itself, also pulling back as much as possible and eliminating those opportunities for corruption, tightening the legislation.”

Akabueze said the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is actively prosecuting culprits, adding that “there’s a whistleblowers’ programme in place” to also curb the menace.

‘CULPRITS SHOULD BE REPORTED’

“So, if anyone has information, credible information about any corrupt practices, they’re welcome to report them,” the director-general said.

In its 2023 ranking, Transparency International (TI) said Nigeria recorded an improved in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) by moving five places up to rank 145 out of 180 countries assessed.

Apart from moving five places up from its 150th position, the country also gained one point from its previous 24, ending up scoring 25 out of the 100 maximum points in the 2023 CPI results.

The CPI, arguably the most widely used global corruption ranking in the world, measures how corrupt each country’s public sector is perceived to be.

The ranking uses a scale of zero to 100 — where zero means “highly corrupt”, and 100 means “very clean”.

Going by the latest CPI, the perception of corruption is still high.

[Thecable]

Last Thursday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar doubled down on his allegation that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project is “a highway to fraud”. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election was countering claims by the Works Minister, Dave Umahi, whom he accused of dishonesty. “Umahi had announced that Hitech would fully fund the project, and based on this, there was no competitive bidding. He (Umahi) then said that Hitech could only raise just 6% of the money for the pilot phase. This smacks of deceit,” Atiku stated.

Shortly before Atiku’s response, Umahi had announced that the road project would cost N15.6 trillion ($13bn at an exchange rate of N1,200/$1), with an additional rail through the road to be costed separately. “The total budget of all 36 federation states for 2024 is about N14 trillion. If you add that of the FCT, the entire budget of all sub-nationals is N15.91 trillion,” Atiku argued, wondering why a single road project by the federal government would cost more than the budgets of all the subnational governments put together. He raised other posers. “Umahi had said in September 2023 that Gilbert Chagoury’s Hitech had the money to construct the highway and would be PPP (Public-Private Partnership). Hitech was to build, operate, and transfer it back to the Nigerian government after years of tolling. It was based on this proposal that Hitech was picked. Why did Umahi then turn around to claim that it was not to be a PPP but that the government would pay 15%-30%?”

Incidentally, until Atiku’s intervention, I was also under the impression that the road would be constructed without any financial commitment from the federal government, based on what is in the public domain. While flagging off the project last September, Umahi had told Nigerians that the deal with Hitech Construction was on a PPP model. “Let me announce that this project is under PPP. The Hitech group are going to look for the money. They have already found the money and that is the good news because we don’t waste our time talking and holding meetings and wasting resources,” Umahi announced on 23 September 2023. “We are engaging seriously because we have seen the financial capacity and capability of Hitech, and this project is going to be delivered in phases. Any section that we complete, we will toll it and then business and transportation will start.”

But Umahi is now changing his story. “This administration never envisaged the project under Private Public Partnership. It has always been under engineering, procurement, construction and finance,” Umahi said last week. “And so, under this kind of arrangement, as you have on the Abuja to Makurdi road project, the federal government is required to pay a certain amount for counterpart funding.” The Minister then went on to cite some technical jargon to rationalize why a multibillion-dollar highway is shrouded in so much opacity.

Whereas the National Assembly approved N500 million for the project in the 2024 budget, according to Atiku, the federal government has released N1.06 trillion to the company, even when the total cost remans a matter of speculations. “If N15.6 trillion is for the road component alone, then the total cost could be far higher when the railway is included. We want to know the cost of the railway,” Atiku countered as many Nigerians compare the cost with similar highways in other countries. “The essence of competitive bidding is so that Nigerians can get the best value for money. It is so that you can compare prices and pick the company that can afford the project. It is wrong for him (Umahi) to have concluded that only Hitech could handle this project when such a project has been done by other reputable firms in the United States, China and South Africa.” The former vice president claimed that the Hitech promoter, Gilbert Chagoury has a business relationship with President Bola Tinubu. “Until I exposed the dubious nature of this project, no member of the National Assembly thought it wise to investigate. The total cost was never made known until now. The fact that there was no bidding was never made known until I blew the whistle.”

While Atiku may be directing his attacks at Umahi, it is obvious that his main target is President Tinubu. In the process, the former vice president has raised several fundamental questions. But for me, one suffices: the credibility of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) under the current administration. It’s beyond scandalous that the BPP has no say on a project of this magnitude that ordinarily provides opportunities for international bidders to drive the cost down through superior technology, experience, and expertise.

The objectives of establishing the BPP are contained in Section 4 of the Public Procurement Act (PPA). These include establishing pricing standards and benchmarks, as well as ensuring the application of fair, competitive, transparent and value for money standards for the procurement of public assets. Section 16(1)b of the PPA clearly provides that all procurements shall be conducted by open competitive bidding. But the BPP has since become irrelevant, with tales of compromised officials all over the place in Abuja. Meanwhile, on 19th January 2022, then Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, issued a circular which provides that for works costing over N1.5 billion, the procurement method to be adopted shall be International/National Competitive Bidding.

There are just too many issues that do not add up on this Lagos-Calabar Highway project. As of today, Nigeria is not yet very experienced in the construction of concrete roads, so we need to know more about the capacity of Hitech in that regard. Then there is the issue of ‘Right of Way’. I am aware that some of the major power transmission projects awarded since the Obasanjo administration are still being stalled due to Right of Way acquisitions. One then wonders how the Right of Way for a road of 700 kilometres was acquired within a matter of weeks. I have no expertise in road construction, but should there not be an environmental impact assessment on this major project that was designed and awarded within seven months? More disturbing is that Umahi has been speaking more like the project engineer for Gilbert Chagoury than a Works Minister who should be promoting and defending the interest of Nigerians.

The Coastal Road Project is a necessity no doubt. And it is one that I would love to see constructed because the economic benefits are immense. I also have nothing against any company getting the contract. But the process of engaging Hitech as contractor for the road is against all international best practices. Perhaps it is time to scrap the BPP and we just go back to the era where government officials just award contracts without following any process.

The Challenge of Disabilities

Two weeks ago, I used the unpleasant experience of Debola Daniel (at the Lagos airport KFC) to write on the challenge of living with disabilities in Nigeria. Not surprisingly, the column elicited responses from several Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora. With his permission, I have decided to run the one by Mr Banji Fatoba because of his family’s experience and the efforts he and his wife are making to help others with similar challenges.

 
Dear Olusegun,

I read your article ‘Debola Daniel and the Inconvenient Truth’ with great interest. As a parent of two neurodivergent children navigating life in Nigeria, let me share my own experiences, which echo the struggles outlined in your piece. In recent years, my wife and I have faced numerous obstacles in ensuring our children receive the education and support they deserve. Despite our best efforts, both of our children have been kicked out of two private schools in Lekki, Lagos, solely due to their neurodivergent conditions. The discrimination and lack of understanding they encountered were disheartening and frustrating, to say the least.

One particularly distressing incident involved our daughter being barred from participating in ballet classes for an entire school term, despite us paying for the classes. Moreover, a teacher at one of the schools had the audacity to declare that our daughter was unable to learn, further exacerbating our anguish. In response, we were left with no choice but to withdraw her from the school and resort to homeschooling for two years. Despite the challenges inherent in homeschooling, we persevered, and I am proud to say that our daughter has made remarkable progress. She has not only learned to play the piano but has also developed a love for reading. These achievements serve as a testament to her resilience and the unwavering support of our family.

While Nigeria still has a long way to go in terms of providing adequate support and inclusivity for neurodivergent individuals, similar challenges exist even in more advanced countries like the United States based on my personal experiences. Although such occurrences may be uncommon, they serve as a stark reminder that the fight for equality and acceptance knows no geographical boundaries.

Meanwhile, my wife and I started a company called Bloom Buddy (www.thebloombuddy.com) to ensure that many other families do not have to go through this harrowing journey alone. We partnered with ‘Autism Speaks’, the largest Autism NGO in the world and launched the first Autism screening app designed for Nigeria and low-resourced communities. We also collaborate with the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment Disorders (CAND-Do) of the University of Lagos to create access to parents and caregivers.

In conclusion, I appreciate your efforts in shedding light on these issues, and I hope that by sharing my own experiences, we can collectively work towards creating a more inclusive society for all, regardless of neurodiversity or physical disability. Awareness is key to supporting people with disabilities and ensuring inclusion. I admire your outspoken conviction to promote this inclusion of those who are typically excluded. Lastly, here is a link to a blog post authored by my wife on the challenges neurodiverse and disabled children face in gaining access to education in Nigeria: https://shoutout.wix.com/so/07OwUz19E?languageTag=en&cid=b42e426e-4503-46b0-89cb-4b21c4fd268f.

A Note of Appreciation

I must express my appreciation to all the people who honoured us with their presence at our residence last Friday to mark my wife’s 50th birthday. Former Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, who arrived the country the previous night from Kigali, showed up. Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State (with whom I was in the Christian Corpers Fellowship during the 1989/90 NYSC year) sent Senator Napoleon Bali to represent him. My gratitude also goes to Pastors Chinedu and Oby Ezekwesili, Pastors Evaristus and Ngozi Azodoh as well as Pastor Joke Joseph who were in the house as early as 8am for prayers and the 50-minute of praise/dance coordinated by music ministers, Kenneth Ozioma and Uche Okoro. Having refused to reveal who was funding the music (including the afternoon session by Leke Gospel Band), it was only after the ceremony that Uche told us Pastors Julius and Funke Abegunde paid for everything. May God continue to bless them and family. Later in the afternoon, the NEITI Executive Secretary, Orji Ogbonaya Orji was among several professional colleagues that were in the house. Of course, his predecessor, Waziri Adio was around with his wife, Sandra (‘Madam Metro’), as the chief hostess.

Special thanks to Father George Ehusani, Pastors Laolu and Olawunmi Akande, Pastors Lanre and Bimbo Oduola, Pastors Paul and Joy Amade, Pastors Dele and Lydia Jegede, Pastors Amaechi and Chinwe Azubuike, Pastors Williams and Ify Onidarafunmi, Pastors Dayo and Elizabeth Kayode, Pastors Seun and Tosin Afolayan. My appreciation also to Sonny and Aniema Offiong, Deji and Kemi Adesida, Ola and Eniola Awoniyi, Sonny and Florence Aragba-Akpore and others who were with us from the morning session. In the afternoon, Senator Bello Mandiya, Mrs Maryam Uwais, and Dr Kole Shettima spent considerable time with us. And so did Messrs Biodun Adeniyi, Paul Nwabuikwu, Muyiwa Adekeye, Jideoffor Adibe, Azu Ishiekwene, Dan Akpovwa, Lanre Lasisi, Yusuf Ali, Paul Ibe (and wife, Dorothy).

Other guests included Mr J.J. Omojuwa, Mr Tunde Ahmadu, Ms Lewa Ejila, Kazeem and Temitope Iwalesin, Mr Olawale Banmore, Mrs Onyinye Waniko, Mrs Angela Agboyinu, Dr Emmanuel Nwokorie, Mr Mike Leramo, Mrs Ronke Okezie, Ms Shade Enajekpo, Princess Hassana Onoyiveta, Mrs Sylvia Garuba, Dr Mrs Abiola, Mr and Mrs Attah Nwachukwu, Mrs Olayinka Fagbemiro, Mrs Angela Agboyinu, Mrs Florence Igwe, Mrs Eki Iyoke, Mrs Bosede Okuneye (my children’s ‘Daddy’s sister’), Mrs Beatrice Ayorinde, Mrs Modupe Ogundimu, Mr Yemi Adeniji, Mr John Oko, Mr Tola Ogunnbi, Mrs Julie Jackson and husband. There were also Patrick and Amaka Uzoma, Chinedu and Uche Eneh, Akintayo and Vivien Ayodele-Bamisaye, Patrick and Stella Uzu.

Having drawn the foregoing list from images captured by the photographer, I am aware that many names have been omitted. I plead their forgiveness. But let me also appreciate Messrs Chudi Offodile, Bisi Kazeem and Chiedu Ebie as well as Hon Florence Akinwale.

It was delightful that the Not Forgotten Initiative (NFI) teachers were the first to arrive our house at 7am last Friday to celebrate her. We appreciate them. Meanwhile, with support from their uncles, aunties and cousins, our children (unavoidably absent) raised a huge fund to give my wife a holiday in a Lagos resort from where I am writing my column this week. On Tuesday night, we were hosted to dinner by the chairman of Caverton Offshore Support Group, Mr Remi Makanjuola and wife, at their Ikoyi residence. We cannot thank them enough for their support over the years. Yesterday, it was the turn of Mrs Biodun Martins and Mrs Ronke Kosoko to take us out for lunch.

Ordinarily, birthday celebration is a bit alien to me. I grew up with Christmas as the only period in the year worth looking forward to. New clothes and shoes. Rice and chicken. Bread and tea (what they now call beverage). My wife, of course, was used to celebrating birthdays. When our children were still young, she would take them to orphanages on their birthdays. And the moment they entered boarding school, birthday was no longer an issue in the house, especially with all of them born when schools would be in session. The first real discussion about birthday happened ten years ago when my wife was about turning 40. At the end, she asked that we donate the money to dig borehole for a Tunga community in Abuja. With that, I thought I could delete birthday from the family calendar. I was wrong. Since January, someone had become almost aggressive in saying, “I must celebrate my 50th birthday”. I had no choice but to make a concession. I believe my wife deserves to be celebrated for her role in the family and the underprivileged children she helps to provide free and quality education to.

For all the people who joined us last Friday and the numerous other well-wishers who sent messages, may things of joy never cease from our families.

The contest is not really a case of Chartered Accountants versus Economists because many Chartered Accountants actually trained as economists before becoming Chartered Accountants.  Vice-Versa (similarly), many of our leading economists qualified as Chartered Accountants before venturing into economics as their area of specialization.

Be that at it may, it is an oversimplification to postulate that while Chartered Accountants insist on balancing the books first, it is the economists who are somewhat wary of the scepticism of Chartered Accountants.  If they have their way, they would prefer to dazzle us all with econometrics and veer off into the exotic areas of fiscal policy and monetary policy as well as the areas of convergence – or the lack thereof.

What is even more fascinating are the never ending vigorous disputations amongst economists themselves and (versus) accountants  and the rest of us.

Permit me to quote:   Jimi Morgan

“As Africa’s most populous country, largest economy and most notable democracy, Nigeria is a bellweather for the continent. A weakening economy, rising insecurity and violent conflicts threaten progress made in its democratic development. Amid deepening distrust in government and institutions, Nigeria has significant work to do in improving national, state and local security and governance ahead of national and state elections in 2023.

Nigeria’s federal system gives governors great responsibilities in addressing the issues driving the country’s multiple conflicts, including farmer-herder violence, deepening regional divides, armed banditry and the Boko Haram insurgency. United States Institute of Peace [U.S.I.P] brings together state governors, national policymakers and civic leaders to design and implement inclusive policies that mitigate violence and strengthen community-oriented security. The Institute engages a variety of influential figures, empowers citizens and uses its expertise and convening power to inform Nigeria policy in the United States, the region and around the world. Recent work includes:

Since 2016, this working group has fostered relationships between citizens, policymakers and national and international figures to ensure that a diverse array of voices impact decision-making processes. These relationships allow the working group to turn expert analysis into tangible, actionable policy advice. For instance, recommendations for addressing the country’s current security and political challenges — informed by a 2021 convening with religious and civic leaders from the National Peace Committee and the Inter-Faith Initiative for Peace — were published in leading Nigerian newspapers. In 2021, amid deepening public mistrust, the working group harnessed its collective experience and relationships to advance high-level dialogue between major civic groups working for peace across the country and the Nigerian government. The working group is regularly invited by state and national policymakers to provide recommendations on a range of issues, from inclusive governance and electoral violence to communal conflicts between pastoralists and farming communities. 

Network of Nigerian Facilitators (NNF)

The NNF is a group of professional peace mediators trained by USIP to resolve local conflicts through nonviolent means across several states throughout the country. NNF dialogues focus on strengthening community-security sector relationships and mitigating intercommunal, pastoralist-farmer and election-related violence. Since 2019, the NNF has collaborated with state peacebuilding institutions to address conflicts and support local peace processes. In 2021, the NNF helped conduct USIP research to better understand the drivers and dynamics of communal conflicts across Nigeria.

Working with State Governments and Peacebuilding Institutions

USIP helps governors and state peacebuilding institutions to establish inclusive, cooperative strategies that prevent and resolve violent conflicts; ensure that policies focus on citizens’ needs; stem the potential for all forms of violence; and allow communities to play meaningful roles in the transition process.

Strengthening Local Security

Through USIP’s ongoing Justice and Security Dialogue project, citizens at the local level collectively identify security challenges and organize dialogues that bring together internally displaced communities and police in Northeast Nigeria to develop practical and concrete solutions to address security concerns, build trust and foster accountability.

Informing Policy through Research

USIP conducts research on governance and security to better advise Nigerian policymakers in their response to these challenges. A 2020 public opinion survey found new linkages between COVID-19, instability and conflict. These survey findings informed policy discussions with senior U.S. and Nigerian policymakers, including Nigerian President Buhari and state governors. USIP also published research mapping state peacebuilding institutions; assessing election-related violence risks; and outlining pathways to civilian-led governance amid the Boko Haram insurgency in Northeast Nigeria. 

Convening Stakeholders

USIP convenes government officials, partners and civic leaders at its U.S. headquarters and Nigeria country office for candid conversations that foster collaboration and inform policy and program priorities. USIP hosted discussions in 2020 with the Nigerian ministers of foreign affairs and humanitarian affairs and senior U.S. policymakers. Throughout the pandemic, USIP convened a series of virtual roundtables with Nigerian federal and state policymakers and key stakeholders to examine COVID-19’s impact on security and governance. In 2019, USIP hosted eminent U.S. and Nigerian civic leaders and government officials for a roundtable to explore the state of Nigerian governance 20 years into its democratic transition.

Expanding the Institute’s Field Work

In 2020, USIP officially established a country office in Abuja. This accomplishment allows the Institute to continue its impactful operations, broaden its regional scope and sustain its direct action for peace in Nigeria.

*Current situation in Nigeria and possible path to sure and sustainable recovery.*

The Nigerian Federal Government has received a plethora of advice, and some threats. Sadly, the majority of counsel, with the greatest of respect, are ideological.

1. i) Economic systems and their proponents are based upon preferred political systems. Adam Smith, through adherents such as David Ricardo represent one school - capitalism and the free market. Karl Marx represents another system  - communism which is the antidote to the ills of capitalism, and which has only a few countries following his original philosophy although that's been refined. Then there is John Maynard Keynes of the Cambridge School of thought advocating for government role in the capitalist system. Importantly, Milton Friedman of the Chicago School did advocate for a private sector dominance over as many areas of economic activities as possible. 
2. ii) In more recent times, these neoclassicals have pushed for free market economics - the private sector running loose with little government intervention. That philosophy almost caused the global economic collapse in 2008. The central bankers and China had to rescue the system. 

iii) Thus, any system is ideological.

With its adherents and practitioners. 

1. iv) The political liberal order is closely aligned to the Milton Friedman school of economics. The Western democracies push their model as the only democracy. And try to compel others to adopt it, name calling or bad mouthing them as autocracies.

Question 1: Which model has brought greatest benefit to the largest number since WW2? 

Response - The Peoples Republic of China with emphasis on "common prosperity", India and I include the USA.

Question 2: Which system has pushed for prosperity and good quality of life  for as many of its people as possible?

Response - The PRC, the Scandinavian countries. The USA is one of the worst performers of a major economy in wealth disparity. 

Question 3: Which one country or set of countries have performed worst economically compared to their resources, human and otherwise?

Response -The various African countries befuddled between one political system or the other, and the ideology of one economic system or the other. If one takes it from 1960 although one can go back to 1957,  African countries have experienced growth or retrogression; political peace and internal harmony or political upheavals,  conflicts and killings.

1969. v) Let's home in on Nigeria. The government with greatest comparative achievement in economics, education, health, transportation, communication and quality of living was the Western Region between 1952 and  1969. It encouraged growth of private capital and government participation. It owned embassies in Britain and the USA (which were taken over by the FGN after the Unification Decree of May 1966). It also lent money to the FGN. It paid its civil servants twice that of another region and one and a half times that of the federal government. 
1970. vi) The military administration between 1970 to 1979, with a change of guards twice in that period, experienced great economic and other growth.

However,  education, almost always an area of focus by a dear professional colleague, didn't reach many. The economy also became unequal with the steady increase in the private sector and decline in the public sector. Thus, education for the rich rather than the majority increased in number and scope. (Not sure if even the Western Region achieved a 100% enrolment).

Oh yes, private sector education benefits those with the money. I attended a church school myself, fee paying but not exclusive. And indeed there are many papers on the introduction and impact of  church schools and education in different parts of Africa.

vii) And disparity in wealth became greater. The 'social warriors' became the Oyewusi and Anani armed robbers. I hope some readers can recall those characters and the period. 

viii) Let me add. The 5 Year Development Plan of 1970 - 1974 under Chief Awolowo as Federal Finance Commissioner mentioned government being responsible for the commanding heights of the economy. It was that plan that propelled the economic growth and other achievements from 1970 to 1975 when Chief Awolowo resigned. The approach was no longer followed and the intellectual capacity and discipline could not be replicated by Alhaji Shehu Shagari. Thus, I acknowledge it's not just about the economic system, it's also about the persons implementing the systems. Of course, based upon an agreed political or military system.

1. ix) It should be noted that the plan marked the very first attempt to express a social philosophy that should guide the plan.
2. x) In conclusion, the free market economic system favours the few at the expense of the many. It also develops the economy itself at a slower pace than where the government plays a role.
3. xi) There is therefore an umbilical link between economic system and socio-political  philosophy. And since World War 1 when there was a dispute over which economic system should prevail, the German or the British, global powers have advocated for the variant that maximises their benefit.

xii) As a consequence, the philosophies keep evolving. There are several variants I have not mentioned, but let me flag two divergent thinking and practice; (a) the new classical economics with monetarism, and (b) socialism with Chinese characteristics, arguably the most transformative of the lot.

xiii) My observation is that Nigeria under PBAT (President Bola Ahmed Tinubu) has adopted the neo classical approach with monetarism. I could be mistaken. 

xiv) We seem to ignore the fact and reality that there is a new player in town – BRICS consists of :  Brazil

Russia

India

China

South Africa

Egypt

Ethiopia

Iran

And the United Arab Emirates

and new rules are being established. 

I apologise for the length of this piece, but we are sharing thoughts and increasing awareness and thus understanding. There are currently three power economies in Africa: Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa. Two are in BRICS+, the other is nowhere, not in G7, not in G20.

1. xv) Having stated all that, there are many foreign interests who need to keep exploiting Africa in order to enjoy their economic prosperity and maintain their political superiority.

xvi) In addition, recent events have eroded their moral   authority because of the differentiated and hypocritical response to global events: 

17) * Condemn Russia for killing Ukrainians but support killing by Israel of many more people - tens of thousands of Palestinians especially women and children;

18) * Condemn Russia for invading its neighbour which justifies this on security needs that it doesnt want an enemy military organisation there  but justify USA & British invasion of Iraq, separated from them by long distances and the sea;

19)* Encroach into African economic activities eg the Uganda Tanzanian  oil pipeline was condemned in the EU Parliament although it will generate revenue to the African owners of the oil and the transit country.

20) If security can be achieved in Nigeria, it's safe to predict the economy will recover, irrespective of the economic system used.

21) Conclusion: Let's adapt the Lee Kwan Yew mantra - it's what works, not economic theories.”

On its front page, “The Guardian” newspaper published the damning verdict delivered with feisty brutality by Francis E Ogbimi:

“Economists, accountants and bankers do not understand how the economy works.  They lack a sense of history and do not understand the science of sustainable economic growth, industrialization and development.  They are only good at sustaining abstract and irrelevant arguments about the economy.  Africa will stagnate as long as economists and related institutions like the World Bank and IMF continue to influence (the) planning in the continent.”

In crafting economic policy, the least we can do is to recognise that there are actually four distinct pillars:

• Economic theory
• Applied economics
• Economic history
• And, most importantly: COMMON SENSE !!

For Chartered Accountants who insist on accountability, transparency and discipline, there is a huge mountain to climb especially when they insist on balancing the budget and following the money (the audit trail).

The economists are ever ready to throw in micro-economic framework and macro-economic postulations as proof positive that all will be well.  Lord Maynard Keynes (1883 to 1946) argued that governments should solve problems in the short run rather than wait for market forces to fix things over the long run because: “In the long run, we are all dead”

For very good reasons, the press has opted to keep above the fray and the fierce tussle for supremacy.  Instead we have the following vignettes: 

• “ThisDay” newspaper front page report.

Headline: “THE GARDEN OF THE PROPHET:

The late Lebanese-American poet and philosopher, Kahlil Gibran captured the Nigerian tragedy so succinctly in his poem:

“Pity the nation that is full of beliefs and empty of religion.
Pity the nation that wears a cloth it does not weave
and eats a bread it does not harvest.

Pity the nation that acclaims the bully as hero, and that deems the glittering conqueror bountiful.

Pity a nation that despises a passion in its dream, yet submits in its awakening.
Pity the nation that raises not its voice save when it walks in a funeral, boasts not except among its ruins, and will rebel not save when its neck is laid between the sword and the block.
Pity the nation whose statesman is a fox, whose philosopher is a juggler, and whose art is the art of patching and mimicking
Pity the nation that welcomes its new ruler with trumpeting,
and farewells him with hooting, only to welcome another with trumpeting again.

Pity the nation whose sages are dumb with years and whose strongmen are yet in the cradle.

Pity the nation divided into fragments each fragment deeming itself a nation.”

Indeed, this country deserves to be pitied.”

From the archives:

When Egba women led by Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (mother of Afro-beat legend, Fela) formed Abeokuta Women Union (AWU)  and revolted against the King – Sir Ladapo Samuel Ademola, Alake of Egbaland for conspiring with the Colonial  Government to impose an oppressive tax regime on women, their war song according to BBC translation was:

“Idowu (Alake) you have used your penis as symbol of authority against us for ages under the pretext that you are our husband.  The game is up.  Now we have reversed the roles by weaponising our vagina.  We are set to overwhelm and subdue you.  We are your dominant husband (master) and you have no choice but to succumb to our demands.”

The rage persisted from October 5^th, 1946 with furious petitions to the Resident and the Colonial Office.  On January 3, 1949 the British government caved in and forced the King to abdicate.  He was succeeded by Oba Adesina Gbadebo (1963 – 1971).  Sir Ladapo was sent into exile in Osogbo (Osun State) where he died on 27^th December 1962.

Front page report of “Saturday Vanguard” newspaper.

Headline: “IN THE COURSE OF SHOOTING, I FELL DOWN; CORPSES FELL ON ME”

• Archbishop Chukwuma on how he escaped being killed at Asaba genocide
• Says Nigeria owes Asaba people easterners apology
• Talks about life in retirement

Emeritus Archbishop of Enugu Anglican Diocese, Most Rev Prof Emmanuel Chukwuma who, penultimate week, retired from priesthood speaks about his 44 years priesthood, how he escaped the Asaba genocide and what should be done for Nigeria to return to its lost glory.

Did you retire because of age or years of service?

There is a statutory age in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that once you are 70 years old you retire. If you are a primate after 10 years whether you are 70 or not you retire. I am retiring as Archbishop with 10 years completed as Archbishop. I was a second term Archbishop and at the same time retiring at the age of 70, after serving as a Bishop for 34 years, excluding my time of priesthood. So, I’ve served as a priest for 44 years. I glorify and thank God for what I am today.

On his experience as a priest

It has been a great and tremendous experience in the sense that I started as a Bishop in the Diocese of Bauchi, northern part of Nigeria. I spent about eight years there and came to Enugu to spend 26 years. I started as a missionary Bishop in Bauchi, which was not an easy task. I started from nothing in a Muslim area; 1990 to 1991, I experienced Christian and Muslim uproar with our churches burnt, houses burnt and many of our members killed.  I was Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, chairman and my life was at risk. At that time God protected me.  My Cathedral in Bauchi was burnt before I rebuilt it to a bigger one and also through God, founded churches in the whole of Bauchi and Gombe, Katagum, that’s Azere area and built a Cathedral in Gombe; founded churches in Ashaka up to Bilirri, Bollie, Dukuntim, Bambam, Maraba, and Ningi. I was busy planting churches that have now given birth to the Gombe Diocese.

Having built Bishop’s Court in Bauchi, Cathedral in Bauchi and Gombe, I came to Enugu and there was no Bishop’s court. Thanks be to God for Bishop Otubelu, my predecessor, who also suffered because he started from the civil war, since 1970, and with all these indigenes and non-indigenes syndrome, he couldn’t do much.

However, coming to Enugu, through God’s grace and with the support of my friends and the people, I was able to build the Bishop’s Court which is one of the best in Nigeria. The foundation was laid in 1999 by the then Prelate, Most Rev Timothy Adetiloye. After that I started with the Cathedral and built the Cathedral and through God’s grace it has been working. We mobilised funds and built a hospital, Diagnostic Center, schools, printing press, established Micro-finance bank and churches all over the place. We are also building a convent school. We began to expand the frontiers of Anglican Communion in Enugu State to the point that Enugu State now knows that Anglican communion is really the place. So, we have a lot to thank God for, the priest, laity, and friends that supported us in the ministry. Sometimes some people can be so conspiring and treacherous but many of them have repented and apologized. So I’ve forgiven all those who offended me and those whom I offended through my work, I say forgive me. Now, I’m happy retiring with Enugu Diocese not as bad as I met it, not as poor as I met it and I feel fulfilled and thank God that I now have time to go and rest and establish a foundation for the poor, the less privileged and widows that I can help some people and do my lecturing.

Is it true you were once a Catholic?

No! People make mistakes. I attended a Roman Catholic school, St Aquinas College Akure, just like College of Immaculate Conception, CIC, here in Enugu. If somebody attends CIC, must he be a Roman Catholic? But you find that it was made compulsory for everybody to behave like a Roman Catholic and because of my attitude and way of life, I speak Latin, the Irish Fathers loved me and so they put me in charge of the Sacristy.

At that time, I was serving Mass, we were all made to attend the chapel, whether you are a Roman Catholic or not, it was compulsory. So, I was influenced a bit by the Roman Catholic doctrine, which was an eye-opener and my father therefore said why don’t I become a reverend father because of the way I served Mass and followed the reverend fathers for evangelism.

My father wanted me to be a lawyer and some people wanted me to be a Reverend Father. I started teaching, from teaching I was to read law in the University of Ife but I went into Theology because during the civil war I was one of those that would have been killed in the Asaba genocide but God saved my life.

In 1967 I was to be killed among those that were killed but God saved my life. When they were shooting, I fell down and in the night I escaped. So, I experienced the genocide of the Nigeria civil war. I saw war with my eyes, I saw blood with my eyes, and it was a serious genocide. Innocent people in my Asaba area were killed for nothing except that we were ‘Ajukwu’ brothers (Ojukwu brothers), that was what they were saying. My father’s first house in Asaba was burnt down, many of our houses were burnt, many of our relatives were burnt, many of our kindred were killed unnecessarily and many of our women were forcefully married by the soldiers. It was such a terrible thing that when I remember it I shed tears especially when they are doing Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

I feel that Nigeria still has to apologize to the Asaba people and to the Eastern part of Nigeria for the genocide and war. That was the reason I said that January 15, which is my birthday, Nigeria should be celebrating it as a day of mourning and forgiveness, asking God for forgiveness and thanksgiving for the end of the war. Remember that in the Bible when God destroyed the world with water Noah prayed to God and he stopped the war of water and Noah praised and thanked God for it. So if war has ended we should be able to say father thank you for the war that ended but rather than doing it what you see now is selectiveness against the Igbo. We are being neglected, sidelined and nobody is thinking about what we suffered during the civil war. This is unfortunate and I feel that President Bola Tinubu, if they could do something to MKO Abiola and honour him, the people of Asaba should be honoured with a day of forgiveness, thanksgiving and then a lot of things should be done in memory and compensation for the Eastern part of Nigeria for the civil war.

How did the Asaba genocide actually happen?

The Nigerian soldiers were to cross the River Niger and when they came they couldn’t cross. They said there was a goddess in the River called Onishee who would come out and their boat would sink because at that time the bridge had collapsed. So, the soldiers got angry and said that there were some Biafran soldiers among us. In fact, they separated us, I was about 14 years. They separated the women and said that all of us, the male, should be lined up and killed. In the course of the shooting I fell down and corpses fell on me. That was how I escaped.

When I spoke Yoruba, one of the soldiers said ‘are you a Yoruba man?’ And I said yes and that was how they rescued me. The soldiers were tall, we called them Gongola, gwodogwodo! Some of them said it was because of Chukwuma Nzeogwu, who was not from Asaba really, he was from Ika Ibo, but they still dealt with us and that’s unfortunate. To God be the glory we survived.

What do you think is the reason General Yakubu Gowon is yet to say anything about the civil war?

Gowon is very apologetic and that was why he started Nigeria Prays and we have to commend him for that. That Nigeria Prays was to revive the spirit of the people back from the civil war and to reconcile people back to God and to go on with one Nigeria.

On easterners asking General Gowon to tender an open apology

He has done it many times when he was doing Nigeria Prays, and moving around. He apologized but that’s not enough. The Nigerian government should do that because the Nigeria civil war dealt with us.  In Asaba, it was a real genocide and we’re asking for apology and compensation as they do in other places.

What is your message to Nigeria as you take a bow in priesthood?

Nigeria should be a country for all of us, not a country for just one person. There should be no segregation, nobody should be neglected, and there should be equal rights and justice. Equity and justice must prevail. The Igbo must be given the same opportunity to serve Nigeria and corruption must cease. We must stop all these deceit in government. Parliament has been turned into self-centered composition; there should be no sycophancy in government. Something must be done to save Nigeria from calamity.”

“Saturday Tribune@ newspaper front page report.

Headline: “IT’S TIME NIGERIANS COOKED FOR THESE TERRORISTS!!

• Abiodun Awolaja

THE terrorists who kidnapped a bride and 62 wedding guests at Damari in Sabuwa LG of Katsina State are currently having a swell time. Not only do they have a rich supply of captive women with which to slake their depraved lusts, they also want millions to prop up their fiefdom. They are demanding N100 million, threatening to marry off the bride and sell the other abductees if their families did not pay the ransom. They dressed the bride in army uniform, slung AK-47s around the necks of the captives, and uploaded the video evidence on social media, confident that the state will not cow them. Hear their leader: “I am the one who abducted them, and I will not release them until the ransom we demanded is paid. Anyone who thinks they can rescue them should try to do so.” There’s a Daura Deceiver in the same state who did nothing to protect the people from the blood-thirsty killers but has an impenetrable wall around him while brides and grooms cannot even consummate their marriage!

Folks, there’s a reason these dogs (who once fed the twins born by a woman in their captivity to dogs) are so bold. They have backers in high places. Only recently, Danjuma Ali-Keffi, former GOC, 1 Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army, asked President Bola Tinubu to investigate the death of former army chief, Lt-General Ibrahim Attahiru, in a plane crash in Kaduna, Kaduna State, on May 21, 2021, linking the incident to terror financiers in the country and urging the president to probe his compulsory retirement from service for exposing those top officials during the previous administration. Think about it: the terrorists who collect millions and billions often look ragged and disheveled, according to those who managed to escape from their clutches, and they are working for barons. They carry expensive weapons. They use phones. Ransoms have been paid through banks but the masterminds are still walking as free (wo)men. Something isn’t adding up.

Why don’t terrorists launch attacks in North Korea? They know that the state itself is terror; that they would be buried with bullets. They know that soldiers would use their bodies for shooting practice. Before whose dining table will a dog wag its tail? Terrorists dread Israel: Netanyahu takes a thousand lives for each life they take among his people. In the United States, these criminals would be dead in less than two hours. Japanese Admiral Yamamoto may or may not have spoken the words attributed to him, but they are true nonetheless: “You cannot invade the mainland United States. There would be a rifle behind every blade of grass.” In Nigeria, terrorists reign as kings, pampered by the powers that be. They know the weaknesses of a country where hospitals lack drugs, where ATMs are empty, where schools foster illiteracy, and where fuel is not guaranteed at a filling station. Hunger stalks the land as people cut up a single Titus sardine into ten pieces, buses conveying foodstuff are being attacked by hungry citizens, but the terror masterminds know no poverty. They know that the nation is not asking serious questions.

Who is supplying these terrorists with weapons and food?  Where are their families based? How do they transport huge stashes of cash across our borders?  If they convert naira to foreign currency, where do they do so? Who are their backers and where are their family houses located? Is there something customs operatives are not telling us? Can we not deploy drones and smoke them out? As part of its National Strategy for Countering Domestic Terrorism, the U.S. Government says it  will “enhance domestic terrorism analysis and improve information sharing throughout law enforcement at the federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial levels, and, where appropriate, private sector partners, guarantee “revamped support to community partners who can help to prevent individuals from ever reaching the point of committing terrorist violence, disrupt and deter domestic terrorism activity via increased support to federal, state, and local law enforcement in addressing domestic terrorism nationwide, and “confront long-term contributors to domestic terrorism”, protecting Americans from “racial, ethnic, and religious hatred, and stemming the flow of firearms to individuals intending to commit acts of domestic terrorism, and working to ensure that law enforcement operates without bias in countering domestic terrorism.” Why can’t we take a cue from the US?

Terrorism would not thrive with the society slaughtering terrorists: daggering them till the knife is blunt, mauling them without mercy. The terrorists would not strike if they knew that the society would deploy tactical superior wickedness, castrating, daggering and incinerating them in the bush;  beheading their food suppliers and burning their houses. You have to make it clear to terrorists that once they abduct people, they will be slaughtered. To tackle these blood merchants, you impose community terrorism levy to support hunters in the bush and set up roadside squads/community information brigades. There must be a town strategy: you fight terrorists as a town, hold vigils and monitor strange faces at beer parlours, etc.

The government must set up state police, ensure drone monitoring of forests and farmsteads, locate terrorist communication with GPS, set up farm squads comprising all the armed services, deploy Man O’ War to support Amotekun, and empower forest guards. The case of the terrorists who murdered the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, the Onimojo of Omojola-Ekiti and the Olukoro of Koro Kingdom in Ekiti LG of Kwara State proves that state policing is the way to go. A combined team of police, military and secret service operatives and vigilantes and hunters rescued the abducted wife of the late Olukoro and her little girl and arrested 13 terrorists in the forest/boundary between Kwara and Ekiti states. Another team involving police operatives, hunters, members of Agbekoya group, vigilantes and Amotekun Corps stormed Emure-Ekiti Forest, Ise/Ogbese Forest and Emure-Ile Forest in Ondo State and arrested the murderers of the Elesun and the Onimojo. The arrested terrorists, Yaya Sumaila, Idrisu Abubakar, Hassan Abudullahi, Abudullahi Abudullahi, Haruna Abubakar, Usman Abudullahi, Haruna Sule, and Babusa Alhaji Lede, will soon have their day in court.

If a man cooks for the community, say the Igbo, the community will finish the food. But if the community cooks for a man, he will never finish the food. The terrorists have been cooking for Nigerians for too long; it’s time Nigerians cooked for them. It’s time to send them to hell!”

Quotation:

• “If you can’t explain it simply then you don’t understand it well enough.”
• Albert Einstein

(1879 to 1955)

• “The secret to living is giving”
• Tony Robbins

(1960 – 64 years)

• “The level of poverty is alarming. An estimated population of 88.4 million people in Nigeria are living in extreme poverty.  Overall, 12.9 per cent of the global population in extreme poverty was found in Nigeria as of 2022.”

Tinuade Sanda’s recent dismissal as CEO of a major electricity distribution company (Disco) in the southwest region has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian business community, triggering a storm of questions regarding the legitimacy of her academic qualifications and casting doubts on corporate integrity.

Sanda’s swift ascent to the helm of the Disco was marked by claims of academic achievements, prominently featuring an MBA in Strategic Planning purportedly obtained from the University of Edinburgh, a prestigious institution in Scotland. However, a thorough examination by the university revealed no such program exists, plunging her educational background into uncertainty. Further discrepancies emerged regarding her alleged undergraduate degree from Harvard Business School, a renowned institution known exclusively for graduate-level programs. Most alarmingly, Sanda’s claim of holding a Doctor of Philosophy in Financial Management and Entrepreneurship from ICON University in the Republic of Benin was debunked as the institution’s credibility came under scrutiny. ICON University’s website, fraught with grammatical errors and dubious accreditations, provided no substantial evidence of Sanda’s academic pursuits.

The revelation of Sanda’s questionable credentials has raised profound concerns not only about her suitability for leadership but also about the efficacy of due diligence processes in corporate appointments. Investigations unearthed a disturbing trend in Benin, where institutions allegedly fabricate academic qualifications. Sanda’s association with such dubious credentials calls into question her judgment and underscores potential flaws in corporate vetting procedures.

Adding to the controversy, a November 2022 letter from Nigeria’s Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) expressed reservations about Sanda’s competence and emotional maturity to lead the Disco. If proven false, Sanda’s embellished academic record not only stains her reputation but also undermines her credibility as a mentor, particularly to young women aspiring to leadership roles.

Sanda’s trajectory, marred by questionable qualifications, highlights the imperative for robust executive verification mechanisms to ensure appointments are based on merit and integrity. Her saga serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ethical conduct and transparency in corporate governance. As stakeholders grapple with the fallout, it prompts a broader discourse on the standards of integrity expected from leaders entrusted with pivotal roles in Nigeria’s business landscape.

[ThisNigeria]

A governorship aspirant of the Labour Party, Kenneth Imasuangbon, popularly called ‘The Rice Man,’ has dragged Olumide Akpata to court, seeking his disqualification as the governorship candidate of the party in the Edo State election scheduled for September 21.

Naija News reports that Imasuangbon filed two separate suits against Akpata at the Federal High Court Benin and Federal High Court Abuja.

In a suit No. FHC B/CS/26/2024 and filed at the Benin division by his counsel A.A. Malik & Co, Imasuangbon said that LP, which is the second defendant in the suit, was wrong by declaring Olumide Akpata the winner of the party’s primary election conducted on February 23, 2024.

In the Abuja division, Imasuangbon alleged that Akpata lied under oath and supplied false information to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In the Abuja suit, he joined Akpata, the first defendant, with his running mate, Alufohai Faith, LP, and INEC as the second, third, and fourth defendants, respectively.

In the Benin suit, Imasuangbon said Akpata, a former president of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), was not qualified to contest the primary, having violated the provisions of section 222(c) of the Nigeria constitution as well as Article 28 of the party’s guidelines for the conduct of the primary.

Imasuangbon further averred that votes garnered by the first defendant in the primary be declared invalid.

The plaintiff, who listed nine issues for determination and 18 others for declaration by the court, asked the court to set aside the LP February 23 governorship primary in the Edo state.

He further asked the court “to determine if Akpata is qualified to have contested the primary having failed to sign or endorse the indemnity form issued him by the second defendant.

“To determine if the votes garnered in the purported primary should not be voided and wasted in the face of outright disregard to the constitutional provisions of the country and that of the party.

“To determine if he that scored the second highest votes in the said primary should not be declared the winner and validly nominated to be the governorship candidate of the LP.

“To determine if the party conducted the February 23 governorship primary in a manner outlined, prescribed, or otherwise circumscribed by section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022.

“The court also determine if the primary did not run foul of the provisions of section 84(2), (3), (4) and (5) of the Electoral Act, 2022.”

Imasuangbon asked the court to stop INEC or any other agent from recognizing Akpata as the governorship candidate of the LP for the upcoming Edo gubernatorial election.

He also called for the withdrawal of the certificate of return issued by the second defendant to the first defendant as the purported winner of the said primary.

While asking for the sum of N20 million as the cost of the suit, Imasuangbon asked that a fresh primary should be conducted not later than 30 days after the judgment of the court.

However, for the Abuja division of the suit, Imasuangbon alleged that Akpata supplied false information to the INEC according to information provided in their form EC9.

He said that Akpata claimed to have been Akpata Olumide Anthony but filled his name to be Akpata Olumide Osaigbovo.

According to Imasuangbon, the actions contravene the provisions of section 29(5) of the 2022 electoral Act and also section 182(i), (a), and (j) of the 1999 constitution of the federal government of Nigeria as amended.

He thus sought his disqualification and for Akpata to be restrained from participating in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State.

[NaijaNews]

A study conducted by invoicing software company, Bookipi, has revealed that Nigerians are among the least expensive freelancers on one of the leading freelancing platforms, Upwork.

Nigeria ranked 18th out of 40 countries studied, charging an average of $163 per job, while freelancers from Colombia, which ranked as the number one least expensive country, charge an average of $73.13 per job.

On the other hand, freelancers from Australia are ranked as the most expensive. According to the report, Australian freelancers charge an average of $594.56 per job.

Other countries

The second least expensive country is Brazil, where the average price of hiring a freelancer was found to be $79.81. In third is Argentina with an average freelancer rate of $80.84 per job. They are also the second cheapest country for a virtual assistant freelancer, according to the report.

Ranking as the fourth least expensive country is Jamaica, with an average rate of $88.63 per job. Venezuela came 5th with a cost of $93.41 per freelancing job.

At the other end of the scale, India follows Australia as the second most expensive, with an average rate of $501.00 per freelancing job, while Morocco ranked third most expensive with an average cost of $402.03.

Economic factor

Speaking on the findings, Tim Lee, CEO and founder of Bookipi, said:

• “Our team members come from various corners of the world – Asia, Africa, Europe, and America and their life stories and experiences contribute to our team’s richness. Working closely together has taught me an immense amount about appreciating different cultures.
• “As a result, we were interested in how these different experiences are reflected through the costs of freelance workers worldwide.
• “Typically, countries with robust economies and high living standards tend to host the most expensive freelancers, which the data reflects by finding Australia as the most expensive freelance country.
• “Although this is true for India, the second country to appear in the ranking, freelancers can command a higher rate thanks to their specialized skills and expertise in industries such as software development, IT services, and digital marketing.
• “We hope this ranking will help empower freelance workers around the world to know their worth and be more confident in fairly pricing their services.”

How the data was collected

Bookipi said it carried out a data scrape of the freelance site Upwork to find which countries are charging the most money for freelancing services. According to the company, 119 countries were initially included in the analysis, but data limitations left 40 countries that could be compared and ranked fairly.

• “This scrape gathered pricing data on freelancer projects that fell into one of the following ten categories: Logo Design, Video Editing, Data Entry, Virtual Assistant, SEO, Social Media Management, Resume Writing, Creative Writing, Web Programming, and Mobile Apps.
• “The starting price and ending price for each project were gathered, and a median price for each project was calculated based on these two figures. The country location of the freelancer who hosting the project was also gathered,” the company explained.

For the overall country ranking, the median price of freelance services was based on a minimum of 10 projects for each country. This was meant to avoid any anomalies. For the category-specific rankings, a minimum of three project listings were used.

[Nairametrics]

Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain will meet in the Champions League semi-finals, almost eight months after facing off in the opening match of their European campaigns.

The two sides emerged from this season’s ‘group of death’, which also featured Italian giants AC Milan, who made last season’s final four and ambitious Newcastle.

While PSG were tipped to go far in what has become Kylian Mbappe’s farewell tour, Dortmund surprisingly topped the group.

The 1997 winners are now on the cusp of returning to Wembley – the venue of their 2013 Champions League final loss to arch-rivals Bayern Munich.

Although another London meeting with Bayern is possible with the Bavarians on the other side of the draw, Dortmund will need to first get past PSG, who needed to come from behind in their quarter-final tie with Barcelona.

Dortmund delivered their worst performance in Europe this season at the Parc des Princes earlier this season but Edin Terzic’s underdog side will back themselves to spring an upset in the competition which matters the most to PSG and their Qatari backers.

‘Nonsense to say otherwise’
“If you’re already there, it makes sense to fight to play in the final,” a beaming Terzic said after the victory.

“We will try everything.”

Compared to their stuttering domestic form, Dortmund’s impressive Champions League record this season has not only perplexed observers, it has kept Terzic in a job.

Sitting 23 points in the table behind Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten champions Bayer Leverkusen Dortmund sit fifth and face an uphill battle to qualify for next year’s Champions League.

Tuesday’s win not only means Terzic is likely to stay in the dugout beyond this season, but it will also silence some of the dissenting voices criticising his squad selection.

One such talking point is his preference for journeyman forward Niclas Fuellkrug over teenager Youssoufa Moukoko to lead the line.

Against Atletico, Fuellkrug scored Dortmund’s third with a brilliant header to level the tie on 71 minutes, breaking a nine-game scoring drought, having been benched for Saturday’s win over Borussia Moenchengladbach.

The 31-year-old striker, who had spent most of his career in the second division until helping Werder Bremen get promoted two seasons ago, is now headed for the Champions League semis in his first year in European football.

Describing the night as “magical”, Fuellkrug said, “Our only goal now is Wembley – it would be nonsense to say otherwise.”

‘We had some problems’
Dortmund were thoroughly outclassed in a 2-0 loss in Paris in September, but secured the top spot and arguably deserved victory in a 1-1 draw at home in December.

“There are of course some advantages and some disadvantages when you play against a team you have already faced in the competition,” Fuellkrug said afterwards.

“We were very good at home against the Parisians. I believe the knockout games are not comparable to the group games – they’re something else.

“You’ve seen what we’re capable of – that will give us lots of self-confidence through the next few weeks.”

Terzic admitted his side struggled in the French capital but said PSG would be facing a different Dortmund in the semis.

“We had some problems away from home but played a good game at home,” he said.

“You can see how we’ve developed, how solid we are now – we want to take advantage of that.”

[DailyTrust]

Singer Davido has reacted to the N10 million bail granted socialite Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest after he pleaded not guilty to alleged naira abuse.

DAILY POST reports that Cubana Chief Priest, who was arraigned before Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on Wednesday, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a three-count charge bordering on abuse of the Naira, was granted bail for N10m with two sureties in like sum after pleading not guilty.

The socialite had taken to his Instagram handle to thank his friends and fans for their concerns shortly after he was granted bail.

He noted that he was humbled by the trial while adding that it has confirmed that he isn’t “small.”

Reacting to his post via the comment section, Davido said it was not possible for Cubana Chief Priest to be jailed, stressing that he could not bear not seeing him for six months.

He wrote, “I no go see u for 6 months ke… Never.”

Recall that Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos, last Friday, sentenced popular crossdresser, Bobrisky to six months in jail without the option of a fine after he was convicted of Naira mutilation.

[DailyPost]