As the National Leader of Afenifere, and leader of the Yoruba, I address all and sundry today with a deep understanding of the challenges our dear country is going through at this critical time. The outcry over the hardship, hunger, and price hikes is not unexpected. However, we must come to terms with the realities of our national challenges, which the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is striving to resolve.  

While acknowledging the hardships faced by our people, it is important to recognise that these economic measures, although difficult, are part of a larger strategy aimed at restoring economic prosperity and stability to Nigeria. The government's commitment to implementing these measures is a testament to its dedication to addressing the root causes of our economic challenges, inherited from the ills of the previous years. 

As a responsible leader, I appeal to every Yoruba man and woman, young and old, and our fellow citizens across the nationalities, to exercise patience and refrain from engaging in protests or actions that may escalate tensions. Understandably, the immediate impact of Tinubu’s economic reforms is challenging to everyone, but it is crucial to give the government the necessary time to realise the intended benefits.

It is important to note that the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the Naira is not undertaken lightly, as we all know the great damage done to our national prosperity through the nefarious activities of the agents of darkness within the oil and financial sectors. These measures by the Federal Government, though painful in the short term, are designed to create a more sustainable economic environment that will benefit us all in the long run. It requires collective understanding and resilience from every citizen as we navigate through these challenging times. 

We cannot afford a preference for the euthanasic approach of painless death of our nation, where we are propped up with loans and subsidies until a total collapse into a failed nation, while we have the opportunity of painful healing through treatment with multiple surgeries that will guarantee not just our survival, but restored health, vigour and thriving life. We must endure today’s hardship for tomorrow’s prosperity.

I implore you to trust in the government's commitment to the welfare of our nation. Let us engage in constructive dialogue and contribute positively to the ongoing economic reforms. Join me in appealing for unity and understanding among our people. Together, we can weather this storm and emerge stronger as a nation.

I want to assure you as the Leader of Afenifere, that we are actively engaging with the government at different levels to address the concerns of our people. Let us remain steadfast, patient, and united in the face of these challenges, confident that our collective resilience will pave the way for a more prosperous future.

Chief Reuben Fasoranti, OFR 

Leader of Afenifere,

26th February 2024

Immediate past regent of the Warri kingdom, Prince Emmanuel Omotsho Okotie–Eboh, has said the current economic hardship is a result of past mismanagement.

Okotie–Eboh, in a statement made available to Vanguard, said institutionalised corruption has taken the country backward.

He wondered if Nigeria could move forward with the continuous looting, lamenting that the nation’s financial resources were drying up.

According to him, the citizenry must join hands together to put the nation back on the path of growth.

His words: “That there is a suffocating economic hardship in Nigeria today is self-evident. And this endemic suffering is without regard to religion, tribe, or political affiliation. It knows no bounds and therefore must not be placed squarely at the doorsteps of President Bola Tinubu though the bulk end on his table rightly as the President of the current Africa hungriest but richest nation.

“It is a quagmire of over 60 years ago when the military boated out of leadership the real patriots and founders of Nigeria in the personalities of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Mbadiwe, Ahmadu Bello, Okotie-Eboh, Mbakwe and others and imposed mediocre as leaders on the Nigeria nation.

“Indeed, the ascendance of the near ignorant self–styled Messiahs after the 1966 putsch marked a watershed and instituted lootocracy, plutocracy, and all manner of unfathomable corrupt practices that saw our hitherto buoyant, economy nose diving into abyss to date.

“What happened to all the manufacturing firms of yesteryears set up by the past visionary leaders? They are all gone with the winds? Where are the groundnut pyramids of old in the North? Shoe Factories? Textile Mills, Cement companies, Coal mines e.t.c.

“What we have today by the grace of our current plutocratic leaders and looters are multi-billionaires with pseudo–non–productive factories where our commonwealth is exported to aid the economic growth and infrastructural development of foreign nations.

“Prices of even the commonest food items have gone beyond the reach of the masses. Accommodation is no longer affordable because of the cement monopoly granted a few.

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“Graduates now fall back to their old parents who toiled day and night to train them to the universities for succour while a few Nigerians smile to the banks daily and gleefully go to Churches and Mosques to thank God for his mercies and goodness in their lives.

“Imagine garri going out of the reach of the poor. Beans is a no-go area. Bank owners and managers have milked the economy dry through all devious manner of financial manipulation of our forex such that most of them have become richer than Nigeria.

“Critically, to exhibit how wicked our leaders are in this biting hardship and painful challenges in Nigeria, the state Governors were given an additional N30 billion to tackle food scarcity and the hardship faced by the people by the FG and they all kept sealed lips, sat on the money, perhaps awaiting the poor masses to take to massive road protest first.

“What degree of callousness and mans’ inhumanity to man. It was the Senate President, Senator Akpabio who only recently made this revelation about N30 billion largesse quite outside State regular Federal Allocation. How can the economy survive this kind of lootocracy and we want President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to fix all these malfeasance in just Eight (8) Months?

“How can we ever move forward with this kind of mind-boggling looting of our financial resources? We all are to be blamed and be ready to bear the hardship awaiting when we are prepared to take the bull by the horns and take the right action to put our dear nation on the path of growth to take its rightful place in the comity of nations. Just a Steady power supply for three months all over the country will pick up and the financial managers should also be up and doing. We will see the change, let us put our country first then we will sing a new song so leave Mr president alone all hands must be on deck.”

International R&B superstar Usher expressed his desire to be a part of the Afrobeats music scene, citing his admiration for the genre and its artists.

He claimed that he collaborated with Nigerian artists, Burna Boy and Pheelz, on his latest album because he wants to be part of the Afrobeats surge.

Usher was the latest Western musician to catch the Afrobeats trend when he featured Pheelz in ‘Ruin,’ the lead single from his current album, and Burna Boy in the album’s title tune, ‘Homecoming’.

Usher claimed in a recent interview with Apple Music that Pheelz had influenced his working with Burna Boy.

He said:

“I am all about collaboration and bringing African, you know, Nigerian culture to my own world. Their music is really popular now. I wanted to be part of it [Afrobeats], that’s why I went to Africa to make this album.

“I picked up things when I was in Ghana. I picked up things when I was in Nigeria. And working with Pheelz, he created the record [‘Homecoming’]. I just felt that Burna Boy would take it to a different level of credibility. I really do enjoy him as an artist. I just felt that this song would only be lifted better if he was part of it.”

Afrobeats Superstar Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe, better known as Kizz Daniel, caused a stir among fans when he opened up about his romantic history during an interactive session on X.

Without hesitation, the ‘Buga’ crooner admitted to having slept with a grand total of 67 women.

A fan asked, “What is your body count?” to which Kizz Daniel simply replied in now-deleted post, “67.”

In another intriguing revelation, the singer disclosed that ‘Kerewa’ by Zule Zoo held the top spot as his favorite song growing up.

He said the best advice he has received is “Shora fun obirin”, which translates to “Fear women”.

The ‘Twe Twe’ hitmaker also revealed his preference for a Woman’s ass over her boobs, during the interactive session.

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Omowunmi Aloba, the wife of the late singer Mohbad, has recently taken to social media to express her fears of facing the same fate as her husband.

Taking to her Instagram page, she bravely spoke of her deep understanding of his tragic end, recalling how those who tormented him silenced him through vicious rumors.

According to her, her husband faced continuous public assaults and lived in constant fear because of his tormentors

She mentioned knowing a lot but feeling unable to speak her truth due to her oppressors and expressed genuine fear that they might kill her as they did her husband.

Her words;

“They silenced my husband by spreading rumors that he was on drugs, and now they’ve been targeting me by releasing a voice note I recorded a few years ago for medical purposes. They’re attacking our only child by libeling him as illegitimate.

My husband was messed up mentally, psychologically, and physically, if he had continued speaking publicly about his challenges, perhaps he would still be alive today. I wish he had summoned the courage to come public as many times as he could, but he didn’t want anyone to see his vulnerability; he was a gentle and calm soul.

Making a man feel inferior, making him live in fear, assaulting him publicly, amongst other is what they subjected my husband to. The last time they attacked him, I begged him to speak out, but he felt powerless against the influence of the industry gods.

Mohbad would have sought medical treatment after his injury if he didn’t live in constant fear. He avoids hospitals because he believed the medical system could be compromised, and doctors bribed to harm him. I know a lot, but they won’t allow me to speak my truth. 

So many things have happened since I lost my husband, yet I can’t speak. I am helpless, but I know God will see me through this. I want the whole world to know that I tried to speak up, just as my husband always wanted to, but they bullied him to silence as they are currently doing to me.”

Speaking on the DNA test saga involving her father-in-law, Mr. Aloba, she mentioned that her husband, while alive, never denied the paternity of their little boy.

Wunmi reiterated her inability to fulfill the condition of leaving her only son with her father-in-law for the DNA test, expressing her distrust in him. She added that she’s prepared to protect her son with the drop of her last blood.

She continued:

“The DNA issue is one that has brought tears to my eyes and pain to my heart, and my legal team has advised me not to dignify anyone with a response. However, I feel compelled to address the misconceptions arising from my silence. Let me clarify; there has never been any doubt or discussion about Liam’s paternity until my husband’s demise. It is disheartening to hear false narratives circulating on social media. My husband never for once questioned the paternity of our SONSHINE during his lifetime, neither did my father-in-law or his families.

The first time I heard about his doubt was on social media. He never spoke to me personally about the DNA till this very day. My father-in-law’s legal team reached out to my legal team, who then gave him the terms and conditions in which the DNA will be conducted.

Since November, I have been waiting for a court order to proceed with the DNA testing. However, I am now being asked to take Liam to my father in-law so the test can be done. Which of you will take your son to such a man in this circumstance? If you were in my shoes, will you feel safe to take your son to a man who has come online to defame your character and lie of you. You’ve all seen the curses and threats made on my son’s enemy yet some of you are telling me to expose my son to further potential harm? The relentless social media bullying and threats have made it impossible for me to even take Liam out in public safely. All i ever did was love Ilerioluwa selflessly and expected nothing in return. Yet, this is the cruel reality I now face. Liam is our SONSHINE and the only precious gift Ilerioluwa left me with. I will protect him with every ounce of my blood and until my last breath.”

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Regional body says political, targeted sanctions still in force

Highlights possible losses to three exiting countries, citizens

Citing humanitarian considerations, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) yesterday resolved to lift some of the sanctions it had imposed on Niger, Mali and Guinea, following the unconstitutional change of government in the countries.

An Extraordinary Summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS took the decision yesterday in Abuja.

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, who read the communiqué of the summit, said the review of the sanctions was predicated on the biting effects of the financial and economic sanctions on the masses, especially during the ongoing Lent and the forthcoming Ramadan.

President Bola Tinubu, speaking at the summit, asked Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger to reconsider their recent decision to pull out of ECOWAS.

The organisation reiterated its call for the immediate release of Niger Republic’s ousted President Mohammad Bazoum from detention.

However, the political and targeted sanctions are still in force against the countries.

The ECOWAS had imposed a long list of sanctions on the military junta in Niger last July, following the ouster of Bazoum and his subsequent incarceration.

Mali and Burkina Faso had earlier been hit by other ranges of sanctions before the episode in Niger Republic.

The three countries announced the withdrawal of their membership of ECOWAS on January 28, 2024, alleging that the regional body had come under foreign influence, which had turned it into a threat to member-states.

They had earlier on 16th of September, 2023 announced the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States, a counter-regional organisation, said to be a mutual defense pact among the countries.

Guinea, another member-state of the ECOWAS organisation, which has been under military rule since September 2021, also experienced a panic incidence on Monday when its military ruler, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, dissolved his cabinet and ordered the borders shut.

Touray said while the political and targeted sanctions on Niger Republic remain, the regional bloc lifted some financial and economic sanctions on Guinea and some targeted sanctions on Mali.

Reading the communiqué, Touray said: “The Authority calls for the immediate release of His Excellency Mohammed Bazoom, former President of the Republic of Niger.

“The Authority also calls on the transition authorities in Niger to provide an acceptable transition timetable to the constitutional order.”

On sanctions, Touray said the Authority resolved to lift with immediate effect the following measures imposed on the Republic of Niger: “Closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger to be lifted, no Fly Zone of all commercial flights to and from Niger is to be lifted and suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS member states and Niger is to be lifted.”

The Authority, he said, also resolved that the “freezing of all service transactions including utility services would be lifted.

“Freezing of assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS Central banks is to be lifted.

“Freezing of assets of Niger State and the state enterprises and parastatals in commercial banks is to be lifted.

“Suspension of Niger from all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions particularly ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) and BIRD is to be lifted.

“Travel ban on the government officials and their family members is also to be lifted.

“The Authority has also resolved to lift the sanctions regarding the recruitment of Malian citizens in statutory and professional positions within ECOWAS.

“The Authority has also resolved to lift financial and economic sanctions on the Republic of Guinea.

“The Authority has also instructed the President of the Commission to invite Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali and Guinea to attend the technical and consultative meetings of ECOWAS as well as all security related meetings.

“The authority calls on ECOWAS institutions, member states, the United Nations Mine Action Office (UNMAO) and other regional institutions to implement this decision.”

On the withdrawal of the three countries, Touray said: “The Authority noted the notifications by the three member states within the context of Article 91 of the 1993 ECOWAS revised treaty and urged the countries to reconsider the decision in view of the benefits that the ECOWAS member states and their citizens enjoy in the community.

“The Authority expresses its concern over the socio-economic, political, security and humanitarian impact of the decision, particularly on the citizens of the three countries and on the regional integration process.

“The Authority further urges the three member states to resort to dialogue, negotiations and mediation to address their concerns.

“The Authority urges the three member states to adhere to the provisions of the 1993 revised treaty relating to withdrawal particularly article 91.

“The Authority encourages ECOWAS to sustain its rapprochement and overtures towards the three member states and continue to remain seized of the situation.

“The Authority or just ECOWAS to engage African Union, UNMAO, UN and other international organisations in its dialogue with the three countries.

“The Authority encourages a broader outreach, which should include traditional, religious leaders, eminent personalities, civil society and women leaders for the unity and security of the region.

“The Authority reiterates the urgent need for ECOWAS to expedite the operationalization of the standby force in its kinetic mode to fight against terrorism in the region including the elements of the Multinational Joint Task Force, and the Accra initiative.

“In this regard, the Authority instructs its commission as soon as possible to convene the meeting of ministers of finance and defense to propose modalities for financing and equipping counterterrorism force.

“The Authority further instructs the commission to develop an effective communication strategy in engaging member states and the community citizens in view of the ongoing disinformation and misinformation that put ECOWAS in a bad light.”

The Authority expressed gratitude to Nigeria’s former military leader, General Yakubu Gowon, for “his interest in the welfare of the community and his valuable suggestions.”

Gowon, who was instrumental to the formation of ECOWAS in May 1975, recently visited President Tinubu during which the state of the organisation was discussed.

The ECOWAS Authority also yesterday took note of the end of President Mackey Sell’s term of office on April 2, 2024, and commended him for the “tremendous development he has realised as President of Senegal, and for his invaluable leadership in Africa and the world.”

It asked Senegalese stakeholders to “give priority to dialogue with a view to preserving the democratic gains of Senagal, through free, inclusive and transparent elections.

Touray said the Authority commended President Bola Tinubu and chair of the ECOWAS Authority for convening the extraordinary summit and for the manner in which he has been conducting the affairs of the community as chair of authority.”

Asked if the lifting of the sanctions might portray ECOWAS as weak and thus encourage others with similar tendencies, he said “now, let me make it very clear. What I have listed is not exhaustive. Political sanctions have not been lifted. Border closures have been lifted. And commercial sanctions have been lifted. But there are targeted sanctions as well as political sanctions. That remains in force.

“I think our sanctions regime should be assessed correctly. The list I have given relates mainly to Niger because all the other countries still have political sanctions on them.

“So the border closures, the commercial sanctions and all that are on leisure and that is what the leaders have decided to lift. But individual sanctions as well as political sanctions remain in place in Niger.

“Now for other countries, political sanctions remain. That is the limited ability to attend ECOWAS Summit as well as ministerial sessions,” he explained

The Authority also lifted sanctions on Guinea, inviting all four countries to attend technical consultative meetings of ECOWAS going forward.

Highlighting the various implications of the planned withdrawal by the three countries from the community, he noted that besides losing economic, security and development benefits that accrue to member states, there will also be personal losses to nationals of the countries across the region.

According to him, pulling out of the community might result in the halt or the suspension of all ECOWAS projects and programmes worth more than $500 million, various regional projects being executed by the region’s financial institutions, worth about $321.6 million may be halted, while they may be exited from the regional electricity market, known as the West African Power Pool project.

He also said besides the countries losing national benefits within the region, citizens of the countries, about 130 of whom are employees of the ECOWAS, would lose their job to the exit of their countries from the community, just as seven regional entities with offices in the countries would also need to be shut down.

Tinubu calls for suspension of sanctions on Guinea, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso

At the opening of yesterday’s summit, President Tinubu had made a case for the suspension of economic sanctions imposed on Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea by ECOWAS.

Tinubu is the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS.

Recalling the circumstances that led to the imposition of the sanctions, Tinubu said: “Everything we did was in hopes of persuading our brothers that there existed a better path, a path that would lead to genuine improvement of their people’s welfare through democratic good governance.

And this was a path each of our nations had solemnly agreed with one another pursuant to formal regional treaty and protocol.

“However, the sanctions that we contemplated might help lead our brothers to the negotiating table have become a harsh stumbling block. In my mind and heart, that which is hurtful yet ineffective serves no good purpose and should be abandoned.

“ECOWAS was established for the unassailable objective of improving the lives of the people of this region through fraternal cooperation among all member states. This edifice was cemented on the strong foundation and apt conviction that united as one we can be the true masters of our destiny.”

The President explained that ECOWAS took the steps it based on the regional ideals of security, social stability, democratic governance, political freedom, broad-based prosperity and sustainable economic development through fair opportunity for each and every one in West Africa.

He said neither hatred nor hidden motive influenced the steps taken and that there was never any intention to douse or undermine the legitimate political aspirations of any member state or to advance the interests of any outside party.

In calling for the suspension of sanctions, President Tinubu stressed: “We must take note of the approach of the holy month of Ramadan and of Lent. Whether you pray in the mosque or in the church, this represents a time for compassion, hope, and harmony. It is a time that we must not only seek God but also a closer relationship with brother and neighbour.

“In the Spirit of the holy month and of the Lenten period, and with hearts bestirred by goodwill towards all our people, let us extend a hand as brothers and friends to those in Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.

“What I suggest in real and practical terms is that we, my colleagues and fellow heads of state in ECOWAS, indefinitely suspend economic sanctions against Niger, Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso and against the leadership of the military authorities in those nations.”

The President asked that ECOWAS facilitate the unfettered flow of foodstuffs, medicines and other humanitarian items to the people of these nations, especially to the most vulnerable, adding that for Nigeria, this will also mean the prompt resumption of export of electric power to Niger.

“In this vein, suspension of sanctions is an important but initial step. What we seek is more than the breaking of the diplomatic logjam. We must use this very moment when things seem tense and progress unavailing, to forge greater cooperation within our community.

“We not only reach out to our brothers. Today, we say unto them — let us begin to work more earnestly together for the economic development of our people and towards confronting those modern challenges that respect no borders or boundaries. Challenges ranging from climate change to violent extremism to illegal pilfering of our precious natural resources require that we join together in progress or we fail separately.

“As leaders of ECOWAS, we have accepted the honour and duty to draft the history of the region and its people during our tenure in office. We have also accepted the honour and duty to reach out to our brothers, letting them know this regional home belongs to us all. I shall do my utmost in this regard. I humbly beseech that you do the same.

“For these reasons, we must suspend sanctions and return to brotherly dialogue. I call on the leadership in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Niger to embrace the hand extended.”

It is time to pay homage to the place of my beginnings. I was born and grew up mostly in Aba. Something in me still looks nostalgically back to and draws inspiration from those beginnings. It is the beauty of every yard as a shop in front and a small factory at the rear. Literally, every yard had a cottage industry at the rear and a ‘mum and pop’ shop in front to sell some of the things made at the backyard. Making and selling things, industry and commerce have remained the defining essence of Aba Ngwa, the proud indomitable Enyimba City. It was a place of perennial hope and promise in the power of human creativity, industry and  restless enterprise.

We grew up infused with the belief that wealth was only possible if you make things people need or sell stuff to people who want them. Hard work in industry and commerce livened by education were the keys we were handed by adult society. It was an early mastery of the power of supply and demand. The original spirit of Aba still lives though battered, bruised  and buffeted by decades of neglect, governmental indifference and reckless abuse.

Many things have of course changed on the face of Aba. Land speculators and authorized scavengers have spoilt the landscape that once was beautiful and planned.  But there are constants that remain and defy the corrosive decades that have since passed. Two things principally are constant and make the Aba spirit indestructible. The famous Enyimba City has survived the decades as a centre of industry and commerce. I grew up in a city where almost everyone sells something or makes something. In Aba, what you make or sell defines you. In fact, I recall that as children, we were identified by the trades of our parents. You were “son of tailor” or “daughter of weaver”.

Over the years, Aba has struggled with how to transform its defining essence into a modern potential. It has lived on its original reputation of manufacturing and commerce by perfecting its craft and refining its standards in spite of difficulties. But over these difficult years, Aba has been haunted by a few simple questions: How do you transform from a small town of artisanal cottage manufacturing to a modern medium to large scale industrial hub? How do you migrate from petty trading and periodic importation of finished products to the distribution of home made goods to places far and near to compete with products in the wider world? How do you deploy modern logistics tools to sell your wares to places far and wide? Most importantly, how do you enable the huge potentials of this home of enterprise and skill with the infrastructure that will guarantee uninterrupted productivity and growth? How do you power and modernize the ancient potentials of a place where business is second nature? These questions have  troubled both the Aba business community and indeed successive governments of Abia State for decades.

Tomorrow, the 26th of February, 2024, the promise of Aba will literally spring to life through the commissioning of the first of two key private sector driven projects. Tomorrow, the power of private initiative and the support of enlightened government policy will say to the people of Aba and its environs: “Let there be light!”. And Aba and its environs will be lit up  never again to return to the darkness of the past. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu. will commission the Geometrics Aba Integrated Independent Power Project which has been in the works for a number of years.

The plant is designed to supply uninterrupted power to metropolitan Aba and a total of seven adjoining local governments in Abia state. Through a maze of political, legislative and technical obstacles, the project has finally come to fruition.

Brainchild of leading robotics engineer, entrepreneur and former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, the Geometrics Aba Integrated Power Project (AIPP) is a 188 MW gas powered project that ring-fences Aba commercial city with seven adjoining local governments. It is integrated to cover the entire gamut of the power value chain; it encompasses generation, distribution and marketing of power in its area of coverage. What it brings to the table is the provision of 24/7 power in the affected areas.

The second and perhaps even more consequential project is the new Enyimba Economic City project whose construction is due to be launched by the second quarter of 2024. By design and conception, it would seem that the Geometric Aba Integrated Power Project was intended to serve the power needs of the new Enyimba Economic City. The new City is conceived as a new adjunct modern city to the old Aba. Its purpose is to actualize all the modernization needs of Aba as a centre of economic development, industry and commerce,  serving the entire South East and South South zones of the country.

The new Enyimba Economic City is the brainchild of yet anther private sector giant, Mr. Darlington Uzu, frontline real estate mega entrepreneur whose footprints in the industry are unmistakable. He is the owner and driver of Crown Realties with vast billion dollar estates in Lagos and Abuja. The new Enyimba Economic City is financed, like the Geometric Power project, by the AfreximBank . To demonstrate the strategic linkage between these two signature projects, the Enyimba Economic City has signed a 90 MW Power Purchase Agreement(PPA) with Geometrics Aba Independent Power Project to service the first phase of Enyimba Economic City due to be flagged off in the second quarter of 2024.

The new city is located on 1,499 hectares of land. The initial cost of the first phase of the real estate is put at $288.7 million. The new city is located in three local governments of Abia state adjoining Aba commercial city, namely, Ukwa East, Ukwa West and Ugwunagbo. The city is designed to cover the main strategic areas of modern economic city life in an integrated whole. Its main sectors include manufacturing, entertainment, tourism/hospitality, aviation, education, technology, innovation, lifestyle and a logistics park plus a residential park with all the major modern amenities for modern convenient living. Ahead of its take off,  some major global brands in the various areas of its coverage have already signed up to have a presence in the new city. Therefore, for those who will make a living in the new Enyimba Economic City, the best of leisure, entertainment, relaxation and healthcare will complement  the challenges of manufacturing, logistics and daily office work.

The new Enyimba Economic City is Nigeria’s first industrial township with full Origin and Destination (O&D) status. For access to major national centres of social and economic activity, the city includes an Inland Port connected by rail to both the Port Harcourt and Onne seaports. For highway access, Enyimba Economic City is linked to two major highway links. These are the Enugu-Port Harcourt highway(200 Km) and the Onitsha-Owerri- Aba (161km) highway. Access of the new city to these highways have received federal government concessionary approvals.

Most importantly, the new city project enjoys a robust international financing support. In addition to robust Federal and Abia state government buy-ins, on November 14, 2023, the Board of AfreximBank approved  a $201.7 million syndicated credit facility for the project, with AfreximBank underwriting $150 million of the total loan portfolio.

Taken together, both the Geometrics Aba Integrated Power Project and the new Enyimba Economic City signal a new hope for the realization of the vast economic potentials of the commercial city of Aba which have remained locked away for several decades.  What is significant about both projects is that they indicate a new direction in development thinking and planning in Nigeria.

First, this new direction is led by the private sector with the support of private international capital. This new approach has many positive implications for the new face of Nigerian development. The overwhelming advantage of projects like the new Enyimba Economic City as private sector driven initiatives is that they have inbuilt sustainability components and shock absorbers. This is unlike past projects that were driven by government and tended to die off once the administration that envisioned them left office. On the contrary, the actualization of either a major power plant or indeed the building of a new city are undertakings that must transcend the limitations and constraints of specific government tenures. New governments come and go. The priorities of successive incumbents change and alter.

On the other hand, what major development projects such as these need from successive government is the creation of the enabling environment to thrive and succeed. This is in the form of statutory approvals, endorsements and facilitations of the enabling environment for project implementation. Governments have the role of regulating practices and standards of construction, right of way and general city bye-laws. Governments can even invest in aspects of new cities of buy equity in power plants or rail lines and other infrastructure. But they should not own or initiate these development projects beyond the provision of enabling infrastructure.

Government present and roles in vital areas of governance control are inevitable. Contractors need to proceed  with their work without hindrance, work sites and personnel require security. Contractors require protection from unnecessary harassment and distracting litigations and the nuisance of community trouble makers as well as the distractions of land speculators.

More importantly, the involvement of international financial support and sponsorship in these major projects insulates them from the vagaries of fluctuating government revenues and financial fortunes. In many instances, fluctuating government revenue have delayed or frustrated many good development projects and consigned them into the vast heap of “abandoned projects” that litter our national landscape.

These new breed of private sector driven projects indicate a more serious and strategic approach to development of infrastructure in the country. For the South East region in particular, both Geometrics Power and Enyimba Economic City represent a departure in the direction of a concerted and multiplier development template of development and modernization of the South East Zone.

Majorly, it is an approach that places premium on the strategic preconditions for meaningful economic development. The enabling infrastructure  must be part of the preconditions for the initiation of these projects. Power supply, road network, access to ports, airports  and major highway networks  as well as rail links are being prioritized over and above embarking on isolated white elephant projects located in relation to nothing in particular which end up as mere landscape decoration.  The Enyimba Economic City in particular has had to secure government approval for access to the relevant infrastructure before sourcing the finance to power the project.

An additional refreshing aspect of these new developments is their emphasis on regional integration instead of isolated state focus. This indicates an increasing awareness that the future development of the country will have to be based on regional markets and demographics. The political and cultural map of the country indicates a clear regional concentration in the demand and supply of goods and services. This is in preference to emphasizing individual isolated state markets. These two new projects have set a new example of setting their focus on the regional galvanization of the factors of production in the South East and South South  zones. Except for states like Lagos and Kano, it remains doubtful if single state based major projects have much prospects of success in Nigeria. A regional approach therefore has become imperative.

As political and industry leaders gather in Aba tomorrow to witness the commissioning of the Geometric Power plant in Aba, it is the dawn of a new era of development and fulfillment of long held dreams not only for Aba and Abia State but for the entire South East zone of the country, an area that has for too long been dogged by stories of marginalization and violent eruptions of primordial hurt.

A new horizon is about to open in the South East zone courtesy of the courage and vision of private sector titans like Prof. Barth Nnaji and Mr. Darl Uzu with the active support and encouragement of leaders like Dr. Alex Otti, the futuristic governor of the new Abia state that is happening before our very eyes. Soon, the pride of Nigeria will not just be in “Made in Aba” products but in a whole new generation of young Nigerian technocrats and entrepreneurs who will step forward to proudly say: “I live in Aba and I am proud to be Nigerian!”

Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice, has cautioned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against its planned nationwide protest.

On Friday, the NLC declared a two-day nationwide mass protest for February 27 and 28, over the economic hardship in the country.

In a letter dated February 24 and addressed to Femi Falana, NLC lawyer, the AGF said the federal government has substantially and reasonably complied with the items in the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed with the union.

Fagbemi said proceeding on the planned mass protest would amount to contempt given a restraining order of a national industrial court which has not been set aside.

“Upon the submission of grievances to the court, parties in the suit cannot resort to public protests over the same issues, as such conduct amounts to gross contempt and affront to the institution of our courts of law,” the letter reads.

“Therefore, the proposed nationwide protest action in all ramifications is in clear violation of the pending interim injunctive order granted in SUIT NO: NICN/ABJ/158/2023- FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA & ANOR V. NIGERIAN LABOUR CONGRESS & ANOR on 5th June 2023 restraining both NLC and TUC from embarking on any industrial action or strike of any nature.

“It is not in doubt that the planned protest is designed to compel government to accede to the demands of organized labour, therefore, such action qualifies as an industrial action which comes within the ambit of the restraining order.

“I wish to note that government has substantially and reasonably complied with the items in the MOU and it is only appropriate and equitable for organized labour to engage more with government to ensure the full implementation of same, especially in areas that have been inhibited by unforeseen challenges.

“May I, therefore, request that you kindly implore and enjoin your clients to refrain from self-help by shelving the proposed protests which is antithetical to the mediatory engagements leading to the execution of the MOU, tantamount to undermining subsisting restraining court order, and occasioning disruption of public service, order and safety.”

Babachir Lawal, former secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), says the removal of the petrol subsidy by President Bola Tinubu was done out of “sheer arrogance”.

Speaking in a chat with TheCable, Lawal said the president’s hasty decision to announce the removal of the petrol subsidy on the day of his inauguration led to the hardship being experienced by Nigerians.

“I have a different view of what is happening today and I did say it on quite a few occasions that Bola Ahmed Tinubu exhibited an unimaginable degree of insensitivity and arrogance first, in the face of the Muslim- Muslim ticket and in some of the earlier decisions he has taken,” Lawal

“My view is that fuel subsidy removal was driven by a sense of arrogance. You are now sworn in and you believe that since you are now in charge, you can boss everybody around and you just announced the removal of fuel subsidy without due consultation.”

Lawal said Tinubu ought to have consulted widely and held a series of meetings with his cabinet members and other relevant stakeholders before announcing the removal of the subsidy.

He argued that the removal of subsidy is a monumental decision which may affect the lives of over 200 million Nigerians, either positively or negatively.

“My experience in life is that when you are going to take a monumental decision especially one that affects the lives of over 200 million people, you have to do wide consultations,” the former SGF said.

“Taking such a spur-of-the-moment decision on that very important issue is very insensitive and probably, he (Tinubu) was ignorant of the challenges he was going to face.

“That was why everything came crashing down immediately after he was sworn in because of the removal of fuel subsidy.

“He ought to have waited, formed a cabinet, got every relevant person in place and held discussions among his advisers and the cabinet. By so doing, they will get alternative solutions to the removal of subsidy, whether or not it should be done.

“If they agree that subsidy must go, what are the actions that will be put in place to mitigate the negative outcomes? If the outcomes are positive, they will also consider how to maximise it. They will also list their options. If this happens, then we fall back on this.

“He has enough examples in the past to rely on. When (Sani) Abacha removed subsidy, he created the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) to channel the additional income into social development and everybody today knows the various projects undertaken by the PTF such as hospitals, schools, social services and so on.

“When (Olusegun) Obasanjo removed the subsidy and created SURE-P to renovate roads and carry out social services.

“I don’t understand how my friend Tinubu got this arrogance that he can do things radically different from others who were before him and get results.

“So, Tinubu is only reaping the benefits of his hasty decision and we are also reaping the benefits of putting in power somebody that works in a cavalier manner.”

I believe that every man and woman is entitled to subscribe to whatever religion they fancy. I believe that religion is designed primarily to draw God’s creatures to Him. As someone privileged to have a rich admixture of Muslims, Christians and Ifa devotees within the extended family, I have come to realise that religious bigotry is borne out of ignorance and mischief. That is the background of my aversion to the weaponisation of religion to create cleavages and disharmony among otherwise peaceful people.

WANTED FUGITIVE
The name, Idris Abdulazeez Dutsen Tanshi didn’t actually ring a loud bell nationally until he was declared wanted by the police recently in Bauchi for alleged contempt of court. A cursory search revealed that he is an influential Islamic cleric of the extremist hue who enjoys considerable attention in some traditional circles.
He has been playing hide-and-seek with the police since 2022 when he was arraigned in Bauchi, for alleged blasphemous remarks. He was also charged with “inciting public disturbance, insulting or inciting contempt of religious creed.” In one of his fiery audio missiles, he threatened to go on exile in the face of alleged persecution by the state governor, Bala Mohammed.
But the police issued a special bulletin last week declaring the cleric wanted and seeking the assistance of the public in apprehending him. “If seen, arrest and hand over to the nearest police station or to the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department, Bauchi State Command, or call 08151849417, 09048226246”.

An undisclosed reward awaits whoever is able to apprehend Idris or provide information leading to his arrest. The police declaration came after Dr. Idris Dutsen Tanshi failed to appear before the Upper Shari’a Court 1 in Bauchi to continue his trial on charges of alleged incitement to public disturbance.
The release of the police bulletin came at a time when an incendiary video clip of a little-known cleric trended massively on social media because it pole-vaulted from religious idiocy to an unmistakable campaign for murder. The attention-seeking bigot is so unknown that newsmen were unable to match the face with a name throughout the week. Apparently, he is not one of the big fishes in the pond, but he surely aspires to be a religious piranha.

HOMICIDAL CLERIC
In the video, the attention-seeking man claims that the Holy Quran specifically ordered the killing of spouses of Muslims who refuse to be converted to their husband’s Islamic religion. He did not provide the specific verses of the Quran where he lifted his horrendous injunctions, but said enough to instigate any maniac sufficiently depraved to consider the murder of President Tinubu’s wife, Oluremi, as a religious duty.
“Now, Tinubu, his wife is an infidel. As a pastor, she is a leader among the infidels. God’s judgement says she must be killed. She’s a pastor… a leader of infidels (Christians); Allah says they must be killed… The Koran says all those kinds of people should be killed. Tinubu as a Muslim is not supposed to marry a woman who is an infidel. When such a person as Tinubu can’t convert his wife to become a Muslim, what is the value of the Muslim/Muslim ticket?”
The message that this loonie is passing to his listeners is that killing Nigeria’s First Lady on account of her religious beliefs is a sacred duty. Measure for measure, this man is an infinitely more dangerous man than the fugitive Idris because, though allegedly extremist and incendiary, Idris hasn’t yet declared a fatwa on any Nigerian on account of his faith. Or, perhaps I missed something there?
As to be expected, the internet has been set ablaze by the mindless verbal terrorism of this wannabe sheik. However, the preponderance of opinion on the call for the assassination of Mrs Tinubu is that the so-called cleric could do with psychiatric help. Some of the more pointed reactions came from fellow Muslims who felt embarrassed that a man who claimed to be a cleric was misrepresenting their faith in the service of a political agenda.

Former Senator Shehu Sani observed that the cleric had crossed the red line: “Criticising the Government and its policies is within the ambit of democratic rights; but calling for the killing of Senator Remi Tinubu by the religious cleric is unacceptable and utterly condemnable.”
Political activist Aisha Yesufu also weighed in: “What the heck is wrong with these clerics? Killed for her religion? What brand of Islam are these clerics practicing? This is a direct threat. She should be killed because she does not practice his religion? Has he been killed for not practicing other people’s religion? When it is time to do bambiala he will not care that she is not a Muslim. These fanatics make me want to puke!”
One commentator, “mustiboy”, thought it was time the cleric was canned. “That man should be arrested . Na dem they brainwash our people . I’m a Muslim but this is not what Islam teaches. They need to make that man an example. Arrest him asap”, said “mustiboy”.
However, if the intention of the hate vending cleric was to cause religious disharmony and disaffection, he had partial success in the intemperate exchanges between some younger elements in the society who saw his instigation to murder as proof that project Nigeria is not workable. Some seized the opportunity to chip in their own biases and validate age-long stereotypes, arguing that the true face of Islam can only be found in those sections of the country where Muslims live in harmony with adherents of other religions.

CONDEMNATION
The most positive outcome for me is that all the commentators, no matter the amount of bile spewed, condemned the nameless cleric for openly advertising a murderous intent covered with religious icing. And such commentaries came from people from all walks of life and across the various political divides. The baying for blood was not considered a partisan issue; killing of innocent Nigerians because of their faith is wrong, ungodly and evil. On those scores, Nigerians are in unanimity.
The politicians are unanimous in condemning the hate vendor because they know from history that, “If you don’t speak out in condemnation when they are openly advertising the proposed murder of your opponent’s spouse, no one will come to your aid when it gets to the turn of your wife to face the cudgels of the mindless mob.
By the way, where does the Ignoramus want to start in a multi-religious world where there are 2.4 billion Christians, 1.2 billion non-religious, 1.1 billion Hindus, 506 million Buddhists and100 million adherents of African Traditional Religion, among other faiths?

Many have wondered what is delaying the police in reining in the murder instigator. Perhaps the police are thinking that ignoring the man would deny him the publicity he is obviously seeking. But that is faulty logic. Evil does not disappear just because you refuse to acknowledge it. Evil festers. Then it spreads. And before you know it, some street urchins will be gunning for the jugular of some notable non-Muslim in obedience to the preachment of some misguided mallam.
It is true that times are hard today more than ever before. Many Nigerians operate on very short fuses. It takes very little irritation to ignite the flame of discord. Thank God, Nigerian Muslims know that their Christian brothers are not their problem. People like the homicidal cleric are half-baked religious artisans who try to make up for their lack of depth and theological expertise with outrageous claims about God instructing them to spill innocent blood.

OVER TO IGP
This is one time that the Inspector General of Police should show the lion in him. Drag this fellow before the court of law to teach him that instigation to murder is a crime. Otherwise, you may not have long to wait before the followers of such misguided preachers begin to execute the pseudo-divine directives of their barbarous clerics.