TUESDAY 19TH AUGUST 2025

NAMING

CEREMONY

OF THE 40,000 CUBIC METRES WAGL ENERGY LIMITED’S LPG VESSEL...

Representing President Tinubu is Minister of state for Petroleum Resources

Rt.

RMAFC Begins Review of Revenue Sharing Formula for FG, States, LGs

Shehu: outcome will produce transparent, data-driven, equitable template Says exercise to be concluded by year-end Uwaleke, others call for ring-fencing, greater accountability amid potential revenue boost to federating units

James Emejo in Abuja

Chairman of Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Shehu, yesterday, announced the commencement of a review of the current Revenue Allocation Formula (RAF) in the country.

The review came 33 years after the last review, and following three previous botched attempts to get a new revenue sharing formula.

Speaking while announcing the commencement of the revenue formula’s review in Abuja, Shehu said Paragraph 32 (b), Part I of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) mandated the commission to “review, from time to time the revenue allocation formulae and principles in operation to ensure conformity with changing realities”.

The federal government had urged RMAFC to carry out a comprehensive and diligent

review of the existing revenue allocation principle with a view to formulating a workable and acceptable formula for the country.Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, gave the charge yesterday in Abuja when he received in audience a RMAFC delegation led by Shehu.

Akume expressed confidence in the commission’s capacity to deliver on its mandate, and assured of the readiness of his office to support the project.

Akume also called on RMAFC to factor into any new revenue allocation formula an irreducible minimum allocation to some Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the federal government, like the Ministry of Defence, because of their critical role in the protection of the country’s sovereignty.

Shehu assured the SGF that the commission was working on a new revenue allocation formula, the draft of which

would soon be forwarded to his office for input before being forwarded to the National Assembly for final approval.

While announcing the start of the review process yesterday in Abuja, Shehu said the last review of the revenue sharing framework was carried out in 1992, after which there were several executive orders from

May 2002 to date, to try to modify the template, but to no avail.

He also said the exercise would be concluded by the end of the year.

Shehu added that the aim of the review was to produce a fair and equitable revenue-sharing formula that reflected the current responsibilities, needs, and

capacities of the three tiers of government – federal, state, and local government – in line with their constitutional roles.

He said, “Let me state clearly that this review will be inclusive, data- driven, and transparent. It will involve broad-based consultations with critical stakeholders, including the presidency, National Assembly,

state governors, ALGON, the judiciary, MDAs, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, the organised private sector, and development partners.

“As you may be aware, since that time, Nigeria has undergone profound transformations demographically, economically, constitutionally, and constitutionally.

Bago: Tinubu’s Reforms Transforming Nigeria

Niger State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Bago, has said the economic reforms being carried out by President Bola Tinubu are already transforming the country.

Bago made the decla- ration in Minna while exchanging views with members of the House

US Revokes over 6,000 Student Visas for Overstays, Others

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The administration of President Donald Trump has revoked more than 6,000 student visas for overstays and breaking the law, including a small minority for “support for terrorism,” a State Department official said yesterday.

The move, first reported by Fox Digital, came as the Trump administration has adopted a particularly hardline approach toward student visas as part of its immigration crackdown, tightening social

media vetting and expanding screening.Directives from the State Department this year have ordered US diplomats abroad to be vigilant against any applicants whom Washington may see as hostile to the United States and with a history of political activism, Reuters reported yesterday. Around 4,000 visas were cancelled because the visitors broke the law, with the vast majority being assault, the official said. Driving under the influence of alcohol and

drugs and burglary were other offenses, the official added.

About 200 to 300 visas were revoked for terrorism, the official noted, citing a rule about visa ineligibility under the State Department’s Foreign Affairs Manual. The rule identifies ineligibility grounds generally as “engaging in terrorist activities” and “having certain links to terrorist organizations.”

The official did not say which groups the students whose visas have been revoked were in support of.

of Representatives ad hoc committee on the rehabilitation and operationalisa- tion of Baro Inland Port in Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State.

“The reforms of the president have brought about a lot of positive changes to the entire country,” Bago declared, adding, “The Tinubu administration has made available resources to the states to facilitate the growth and development

of various spheres of the economy.”

Bago said further on the reform, “The initiatives are necessary for sustainable growth and improvement of public services.”

The governor applauded the decision of the House of Representatives to constitute the ad hoc committee to revitalise Baro Port, which he described as a “Nigerian project.”

He stated that the revitalisation of the Baro Inland

port had been a dream of his administration, resulting in the feasibility studies on how to revive it.

Bago said the Niger State would work closely with the Lagos State government on how to manage water resources, describing the rate of boat mishaps in Niger State as “alarming.” He also emphasised the need to have an office of the National Inland Waterways Authority in Minna.

Telecoms Sector on Strong Growth Trajectory, Says ALTON

Emma Okonji

The Chairman, Association of Licenced Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, has said the Nigerian telecoms sector is on a strong growth trajectory. This, he said, was as a result of ongoing invest- ments in network expansion and upgrade being carried out by telecoms operators across the country.

Adebayo said this on the sidelines of the unveiling of Nigeria’s first Digital Museum, an initiative that preserves and showcases the nation’s history and cultural heritage. He commended IHS Towers for spearheading the project, describing it as another clear demonstration of the industry’s commit- ment to the Nigerian project. He noted that by invest- ing in the preservation

of Nigeria’s past while building the infrastructure of the future, IHS has set a remarkable example of corporateSpeakingcitizenship. on the state of the telecoms sector, Adebayo said: “After addressing sustainability concerns earlier in the year, we are now witnessing significant new investments in the sector: the highest we have seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

TINUBU IN TOKYO...

President Bola Tinubu arrived in Tokyo, Japan for the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development and was received at the airport by Ambassador Hideo Mastubara, the Ambassador in charge of TICAD9 and Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar

Tinubu Joins World Leaders in Tokyo to Woo Investors, Shape Africa’s Future

To hold bilateral meetings with world leaders Engage Japanese businessmen on need to invest in Nigeria

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has arrived Tokyo, the capital of Japan, on the first leg of his two-nation official trip to attend the Ninth edition of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).

Tinubu’s official jet, Nigeria Air Force 1, landed at Haneda

International Airport in Tokyo around 12: 55am (local time) and was received by Hideo Matsubara, Ambassador in charge of TICAD.

The President’s participation at TICAD 9 in Yokohama marks a significant milestone being his first official visit to Japan since assuming office on May 29, 2023. In Yokohama, Tinubu

would canvass Nigeria as a prime investment destination to Japanese business leaders already active in the country’s economic activities and those considering entry in invest- ments in several sectors.

During the East Asian conference, themed, “Cocreate Innovative Solutions with Africa,” Tinubu would attend plenary sessions and

hold bilateral meetings with world leaders, as well as Japanese business executives.

The President’s attendance underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Japan, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and collaborative initiatives featured at TICAD 9.

TICAD is Japan’s premier diplomatic and economic

Retired BPE Director, Amaechi

Aloke Emerges New JFCN President

A retired director at the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Chief Amaechi Aloke, has been elected the new President of one of the nation’s foremost social clubs - Just Friends Club of Nigeria (JFCN)).

JFCN is a social organisation committed to promoting friendship, cultural exchange, and community service among its members across the country. Aloke, who emerged during the election of the new executive committee of the club in Abuja, weekend, will serve a three-year term, which is subject to renewal for an additional term of three years on expiration.

A statement by the club’s Public Relations Officer (PRO),

Mr. Efe Awhinahwi, said Aloke succeeds Mr. Fred Onoriode Ohwahwa, who served two distinguished terms as president of the club.

According to the statement, the new President brings in a wealth of experience in public service and leadership, and is poised to guide the Abuja-based JFCN toward new heights.

“His distinguished career at the BPE was marked by dedication, integrity, and a commitment to national development,” the statement said

Other members of the Executive Committee (EXco) are: Mrs. Maria Cardillo (Vice President); Mr. Nonso Okechukwu (General Secretary); Adaeze Oputah (Assistant General Secretary); Mr. Ehimare Uwaifoh (Legal

Adviser); Mr. Eric Nwafor (Financial Secretary); Paul Ikpokilli (Social Secretary); Ngozi John-Uyah (Public Relations Officer), and Mr. Benevolent Okpogor(Treasurer).

The new executive committee will be sworn in on November 28, 2025, during the club’s annual end-of-year party in Abuja.

In his acceptance speech, the new president said, “I am honoured to take on this leadership role. I look forward to working with our members to build an even stronger, more vibrant Just Friends Club that continues to make a positive impact in our communities.

“I wish to express our gratitude to the members of this most prestigious club in Abuja for finding us worthy

to serve as members of the executive. On behalf of the members of the newly elected executive, we wish to commit ourselves to serving the club with total dedication.

forum dedicated to fostering sustainable development and deepening partnerships between Japan and the African continent.

The forum’s emphasis on African ownership and international partnership aligns with Tinubu’s agenda to boost economic integration, human resource development, and industrialisation across Africa, while also opening new avenues for investment and cooperation with Japan.

Also, the event, which provides bilateral platform opportunities between Africa and Japan, aims to promote a resilient and sustainable African society supported in peace, stability, and human security.

TICAD 9 would focus on economic transformation, private investment, and

institutional development across the African and Asian continent.

The Tokyo International Conference on African Development, which is regularly hosted by the Japanese government alongside the United Nations, United Nations Development Programme, World Bank and African Union Commission, has been an event that sets the agenda in Japan-Africa relations since 1993.

The TICAD9 summit, with the objective of consolidating economic cooperation and opening new trade corridors with Asian partners, multinationals, and the governments of other African countries, is held every three years, alternating between Japan and African countries.

Aggrieved Local Contractors Protest

at FCTA over N5.2bn debt

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Local contractors yesterday protested at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to demand the payment of over N5.2 billion, which they claimed they were owed.

Their spokesman, Adebola Benson, appealed to the

FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, to urgently defray the outstanding liabilities, as the contractors would continue to stage the protest until their grouse was addressed.

Benson said, “So far, the liabilities calculated is in billions, over N5.2 billion is owed different contractors over time.

“Some of the debts accrued from the last minister’s time before Wike came and he, too, has incurred some debts.” He accused the incumbent minister of ignoring the debt since he assumed office, unlike the former minister, Mohammed Bello, who was making effort to redeem part of the debt.

PRESENTATION OF TICKET TO THE WINNERS OF ELROW FESTIVAL...

L-R: Senior Brand Manager, Flavoured Portfolio, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Onyebuchi Allanah; winners of the Desperados all-expense-paid trip to elrow Festival in Ibiza- Moyosoreoluwa Christopher, Rhema Afamuefunah, Victor Amaechi, Chidera Mbaogu, and Chukwuemeka Erivo; Portfolio Manager, Beyond Beer, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Sampson Oloche; and Director, Spektrum Entertainment, Delnoi Otsemobor, during the presentation of tickets to winners of the elrow Festival Ibiza trip sponsored by Desperados Beer at Element House, held at Livespot Entertarium, Lekki, Lagos… weekend

Stakeholders Seek to Address Nigeria’s

High Multidimensional Poverty

With 63 percent of Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty, stakeholders are calling for joint action by government, development partners, and the private sector to improve living standards through sustainable social protection measures.

The Executive Director, Africa Network for Environmental and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), David Ugolor, in his welcome remarks at the opening of a two-day dialogue on “Social Protection in Nigeria,” explained that the dialogue was CSOs’ build-up to the National Summit on Humanitarian and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria.

Ugolor, said the summit provides opportunity for civil society organisations and other stakeholders to discuss how to contribute to improving social protection interventions in Nigeria.

The objectives of the dialogue include to present Act Naija! project baseline study report

to the government and other stakeholders for discussion and possible action on the recommendations; to review the current state of social protection in Nigeria and identify an entry point for civil society engage- ment and monitoring of social protection delivery.

He said: “According to the National Bureau of Statistics (2022), 44.7 million men and 43.7 million women live on less than $1.90 a day, and 63 percent of the population is multi-dimensionally poor.

“The country has a low Human Development Index score of 0.548, ranking it 161st out of 193 countries UNDP (2024) underscores the urgent need for inclusive social policies that tackle these inequalities.

“To contribute to the consolidation policy efforts, strengthen civil society engagement and collaboration with government and track implementation progress, the Act Naija Consortium has convened this dialogue session as CSO’s build-up

to the National Summit on Humanitarian and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria scheduled to take place later in the year, to be organised by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, with funding from the EU.

“The three-year Act Naija project is being implemented

by three organisations, namely: Bread for the World, Germany, Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ and the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD).

“The project co-funded by the European Union under its Human Rights and Support to Civil Society in Nigeria programme. The overall objective of the project is to

improve the inclusivity of the social protection system in Nigeria.

“In Nigeria, a country with vast economic potential yet staggering levels of poverty, the importance of a robust and inclusive social protection system cannot be overstated. Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and the fourth largest economy on the continent, with a GDP

of $252.74 billion.”

Also, in a keynote address delivered at the dialogue by the Minister of State, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusufu Sununu, said it was imperative to have a reliable National Social Protection Policy, NSPP, which is currently being reviewed for efficiency and impactful interventions.

NGE Urges FG to Stimulate Economic Growth, Improve Governance, Tackle Insecurity

Warns against attempt to weaken media

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed deep concern over the multifaceted challenges confronting the nation, particularly in the areas of economy, insecurity, education, governance, and the media industry.

Exclusive Breastfeeding: Father of Four Urges Husbands to Support Wives for Babies’ Optimal Growth

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

As the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Bauchi Field Office, re-emphasised the need for parents in the state to embrace exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a child’s life, a farmer and resident of Bauchi State, Mallam Salisu Murtala, called on husbands to support their wives to practise exclusive breastfeeding for optimal growth and development of their babies.

Murtala, who spoke with our correspondent in an inter-

view at Miri Primary Health Care (PHC), Miri, Bauchi Local Government Area (LGA), at the weekend, said, “Every husband must ensure that his wife practises exclusive breastfeeding of their baby.” UNICEF, Bauchi Field Office, had consistently stressed the need for parents in the state to embrace exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a child’s life. It urged the state government to initiate a policy that will grant six months’ maternity leave for nursing working mothers, which,

according to it, will ensure exclusive breastfeeding for their babies without distractions.

UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, who addressed journalists in her office recently as part of activities to commemorate the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week, expressed concern over the high number of malnourished children in the state.

Rafique stated that fighting malnutrition started with ensuring that the child was exclusively breastfed for six months.

While noting the federal government’s efforts to respond to these challenges through reforms, the NGE stated that the impact of these reforms was becoming unbearable for the poor.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its Standing Committee Meeting in Owerri, Imo State and signed by NGE President, Eze Anaba and the General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the Guild urged the federal government to put in place more safety nets to address hardship, inflation, and poverty.

The Guild also called for a holistic approach to addressing insecurity, including enhanced intelligence gathering, community policing, and strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders.

“The NGE noted the recent major breakthrough in the ongoing war against terrorism, including the arrest of leaders of two militant groups on Nigeria’s most wanted list, the heads of Ansaru, an al-Qaida-linked group, and Mahmuda,” the

communique stated. It, however, emphasised the need for sustained efforts to address insecurity and restore confidence in farmers to return to producing food.

The professional media group also raised the alarm in the education sector, noting the sorry state of education in the country, and urged governments at all levels to prioritise education by improving funding, infrastructure renewal, and welfare for educators.

Zulum Donates N100m to Army University, Biu

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has an- nounced a donation of N100 million to the Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB), to enhance research and infrastructural development at the institution.

Zulum made the announcement while receiving the Vice Chancellor of the institution,

Professor Lawan Buratai, and principal officers of the university at the Government House in Maiduguri.

The governor commended the efforts to establish a legislative framework for the university, describing it as crucial for its long-term sustainability.

He noted that: “Previously, the Borno State Government supported the university, and

now we are providing an additional N100 million. We will work closely with you to strengthen this partnership for the institution’s growth and development.”

The governor also announced that the state government would offer scholarships to indigent students from across the 27 local government areas of the state to study at the university.

US Report: Naira Devaluation Eroded

Nigeria’s $47.90 New Minimum Wage

Says some states not upholding nation’s minimum marriage age of 18 Flags lengthy pretrial detention as serious problem in Nigeria

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

A US report on Nigeria has said that the recent new minimum wage of N70,000 ($47.9) approved by the federal government for federal workers has been eroded by the devaluation of the Naira, which has risen to over N1,500/$1.

In the latest Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2024 by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour,

the US noted that upon that, firms with less than 25 workers did not benefit from the new wage.

“The law provided for a national minimum wage for public and private sec- tor employers with 25 or more full-time employees, with exceptions for seasonal agricultural workers, part- time workers, those on commission, and some others.

“The National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024 doubled the minimum wage to 70,000 naira ($47.90) per

month. Despite the increase, currency devaluation meant the minimum wage was no longer higher than the poverty income level. Many employers had fewer than 25 employees, so most workers were not covered,” the report said.

Besides, it stated that some states have declined to imple- ment the minimum wage law, citing financial constraints, with the law mandating a 40-hour workweek, two to four weeks of annual leave, and overtime and holiday

pay, except for agricultural and domestic workers.

In the same vein, it stressed that the law did not define premium pay or overtime and prohibited excessive compulsory overtime for civilian government employees, stressing that the government rarely ef- fectively enforced minimum wage and overtime, while penalties were low and not commensurate with other crimes such as fraud.

“Between 70 and 80 per cent of the country’s working

population worked in the informal economy. Authori- ties did not enforce wage, hour, and Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) laws and inspections in the informal sector or with part-time workers,” it said.

On the rights of young people as they relate to marriage, the US report noted that while 18 years remain the age of consent, several states in the country routinely flout this law, with children getting married at as low as 11 years.

Veteran War Reporter, Ben Asante, Passes at 76

Renowned and respected Ghanaian journalist, Ben Asante has died.

The renowned war correspondent and publisher, passed on August 12 in Accra after a prolonged illness.

Asante reported and com- mented extensively on politics and social development across Africa for over fifty years.

He was one of the frontline journalists during the Liberian

and Sierra Leonean civil wars. He was one of the first reporters to break the news of the Liberian civil war in 1990. He and his close friend and colleague, renowned journalist Lindsay Barrett, were recognised for their gallantry, risking their lives to report from the frontlines of the war where their materials became highly sought after sources of information on the war for the global press.

Born in Keta in 1949, Asante’s early years were shaped by his membership of the Nkrumahist youth movement known as the Ghana Young Pioneer Movement (GYP), set up in the same spirit of the Boys Scout movement at a time when the socialist/nationalist and Pan-African views of Kwameh Nkrumah was sweeping through Ghana and the African continent.

According to Asante,

NLC Rejects FG’s Directive

Barring Civil Servants from Politics

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has disagreed with the statement by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, that civil servants were banned from participating in partisan politics.

Apart from contradicting the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, NLC said the position of the Head of Service also went counter to Supreme Court judgement as it related to participation of civil servants in partisan politics

In a statement by NLC president, Joe Ajaero, the labour movement said, “The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the judgment of the Supreme

Court on this issue.

“Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution is explicit in its unqualified provision and guarantee of the right of every Nigerian, including civil servants to assemble freely and associate with other persons.”

According to the statement, “The attention of the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has been drawn to a statement by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, that civil servants are banned from participating in partisan politics.

“We are alarmed that this matter is being resurrected again after Organised Labour thought that it had been thrashed before the 2023 general election.

Nkrumah’s fiery personality, accompanied by his great oratory skills attracted young men like him to the movement. His involvement in extracurricular activities, which included public enlightenment on social issues of the time, from his earlier years as a Young Pioneer, morphed into mem- bership of the Ghana United Nations Students Association

have been arrested.

Authorities in Chad confirmed the arrest.

The latest development followed a week of stellar antiterror breakthroughs as security forces in Nigeria and Chad struck heavy blows against extremist networks operating across the Lake Chad Basin, with ripple effects drawing in international partners.

This was as the Nigerian government has also announced the capture of two top leaders of the faction of Ansaru terrorist group – Mahmud Muhammad Usman, aka Abu Bara’a, and Mahmud al-Nigeri, known as Mallam Mamuda

However, impressed by the development, the United States and the United Kingdom have congratulated the country forwhat it described as a “significant forward step” in the fight against terrorism and extremism.

At the same time, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria unveiled stricter visa requirements, compelling Nigerian applicants to disclose all social media handles used within the last five years, citing global security priorities.

The arrest of Muslim Yusuf, known by the alias Abdrahman Mahamat Abdoulaye was first reported by a Nigerian intelligence source operating in the Lake Chad region.

The source said Yusuf, believed to be around 18 years old, was detained alongside

(GUNSA) while he was in secondary school. GUNSA was an affiliate organisation under the umbrella body known as the International Students Movement for the United Nations (ISMUN), a UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) recognised NGO. In 1971, Asante was elected ISMUN’s first Regional Secretary for Africa at the elections held

five other alleged militants in N’Djamena by Chadian authorities during a counterterrorPhotossweep.obtained after the arrests showed a slender young man in a blue tracksuit with a striking resemblance to his father, standing among older detainees.

Chadian police spokesman, Paul Manga, confirmed the ar- rest, saying the suspects were “bandits operating in the city” without legal documentation.

While police described them as Boko Haram members, Nigerian intelligence suggested that Yusuf’s cell was part of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a splinter group that broke away from Boko Haram in 2016 over ideological differences.

Yusuf, who was an infant when his father was killed in 2009 during a Nigerian military crackdown that left about 800 people dead, was also the younger brother of Habib Yusuf (alias Abu Mus’ab al-Barnawi), the current ISWAP leader.

A former Boko Haram lieutenant familiar with the group’s inner workings, but who has since renounced the movement, also confirmed the arrest, describing it as a “major symbolic victory” in the fight against insurgency in the region.

In a parallel development, the Nigerian government, had last week, announced

in Nigeria during the annual regional meeting of members at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in Ife. He left for Kenya to work at the ISMUN office that same year.He worked out of the Nairobi regional office disseminating information on the UN and African issues, including apart- heid in South Africa, liberation

the arrest of two notorious Ansaru commanders: Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a) and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda).

The duo, long wanted for their roles in high-profile kidnappings and attacks across the northwest, were captured in a security operation praised by both Abuja and Washington.

The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria lauded the arrests in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “We commend the Nigerian Government and security forces on the success- ful arrest of wanted Ansaru leaders, Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a) and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda). This is a significant forward in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and extremism.”

In the same breath, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, also on X described the feat as “an extraordinary and very significant success. A major step forward in the fight against terrorism.

“Congratulations to the security agencies and officers involved under the leadership of NSA Ribadu,” added the UK Permanent Representative to ECOWAS.

The arrests marked one of the most high-profile successes against Ansaru in recent years, a group that has maintained ties with al-Qaeda and has been responsible for multiple

movements and human rights. Asante reflected the voice of African youth on such matters as the Environment and population by organising seminars and workshops within countries and on regional basis. He attended crucial Organisa- tion of African Unity (OAU) summits and served on the Bureau for Refugees based in Addis Ababa.

kidnappings of foreigners and attacks on Nigerian security forces.

Amid the global spotlight on counter-terror operations, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, however, rolled out a new visa directive requiring all applicants to disclose their social media usernames and handles from the past five years.

In a statement, the Mission said applicants must enter the details on the DS-160 visa application form and certify their accuracy before submission.

“Omitting social media information could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas,” the U.S. Mission warned. The measure, according to U.S. officials, was part of enhanced screening mechanisms designed to protect national security and prevent extremists from exploiting immigration loopholes.

A security expert, Dr Bashir Uji, held the view that the twin arrests of Boko Haram’s founder’s son in Chad and Ansaru leaders in Nigeria un- derscored growing international collaboration against terrorism in West Africa.

While many Nigerians thought the developments were rare moments of relief, Uji warned that though the arrests dealt symbolic and operational blows to insurgent networks, the groups retained the capacity to regroup and launch retaliatory strikes.

THE AFRIMA 2025 PATRON’S DINNER...

L-R: AFRIMA Jury members, Anthony Joseph (Eastern Africa); Victoria Nkong, Associate Producer AFRIMA; Motolani Alake (Nigeria, West Africa); Messie Mboukoud (Central Africa); Kobele Keita (Diaspora, North America); Neza Guy (Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa); AFRIMA President/Executive Producer, Mike Dada; Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka; AFRIMA Chief Experience Officer (CXO), Aderenle Niyi; Lucy Ilado (Eastern Africa); Delani Khalima (Zimbabwe, Southern Africa); and Marwane Fachane (Northern Africa), at the AFRIMA 2025 Patron’s Dinner with the Jury held on Thursday, August 14 at Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria

CPPE: July Inflation Figures Presented Mixed Outlook, Seeks Structural Interventions

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Founder of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, has stated that the July 2025 inflation figures presented a mixed outlook for the Nigerian economy, with notable improvements in some key indicators but

with lingering risks that demand policy attention. According to him, the July 2025 inflation report provides a basis for cautious optimism, arguing that while progress has been made in moderating headline and core inflation, the persistence of food and month-on-month price in-

creases highlight unresolved structural weaknesses.

“A coordinated mix of monetary, fiscal, and structural interventions will be required to consolidate recent gains and steer the economy toward sustained stability,” Yusuf maintained.

He said that the positive trend is that headline infla-

tion declined for the fourth consecutive month, easing from 22.22 per cent in June to 21.88 per cent in July, a deceleration of 0.34 per cent.

He also noted that monthon-month food inflation moderated, falling from 3.25 per cent in June to 3.12 per cent in July, while core inflation posted mar-

UNICEF, Generation Unlimited Commend YABATECH’s GESP Initiative, Pledge Support to Train 1m Girls

Funmi Ogundare

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Generation Unlimited, yesterday, commended Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) for pioneering Girls’ Education and Skills Partnership (GESP), describing it as a model of how education and innovation can unlock the potential of young women.

Both organisations also pledged to partner the college to scale the programme to reach an additional one million girls.

The commendation came during a high-level visit to the institution by senior

officials, led by Kevin Frey, Chief Executive Officer of Generation Unlimited, New York. Others in the delegation included Iliana Albino, Global Partnerships Lead at Genera- tion Unlimited; Vanessa Lee, Chief of Education, UNICEF Nigeria; and Celine Lafoucriere, UNICEF’s Chief Field Officer and Lead, GenU 9JA.

The team was received by Deputy Rector (Administration), YABATECH, Mr. Femi Lawal, who represented Rector, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul.

In her remarks, GESP Project Coordinator, Dr. Funmilayo Doherty, explained that the programme was now in its third phase, training its third

cohort of girls across four skill areas, including web application development, mobile application development, GSM and phone repair, and computer repair and maintenance.

Doherty added that start-up kits had been presented to outstanding graduates from earlier cohorts to support them in launching their businesses.

“We are not only training these young women but also equipping them with the tools to stand on their own. This would not have been possible without the steadfast support of our sponsors,” she said.

Speaking during the visit, Kevin Frey described the

initiative as transformative, commending the resilience and creativity of the participants.

Frey stated, “These young women are not just learners; they are innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the making. Their resilience shows that investing in girls is one of the smartest investments any society can make.”

Iliana Albino reinforced the message, stating that YABATECH’s efforts exemplify how local institutions can deliver global impact.

ginal declines year-on-year (-0.03 per cent) and a sharp slowdown month-on-month, from 3.46 per cent to 0.97 perYusufcent.said: “These developments reflect a gradually stabilising macroeconomic environment, supported by exchange rate stability, improved investor confidence, and the lingering impact of import duty waivers on key staples such as rice, maize, and sorghum.

“The base effect, given the high inflationary conditions in 2022, has also been a strong factor in the recent downward trend.”

He said that despite these gains, pressures still persist as month-on-month headline inflation rose from 1.68 per cent in June to 1.99 per cent in July, while year-on-year food inflation inched up from 21.97 per cent to 22.74 perThesecent.movements, according to him, underscore the continuing vulnerability of the economy to supply-side shocks.

Yusuf, therefore, said that the outlook called for caution and sustained reforms that would give priority attention to foreign exchange (FX) stability by maintaining calm in the FX market to anchor inflation expectations. He also called for structural reforms that would address constraints such as high logistics and import costs, insecurity, climate risks and port inefficiencies that elevate costs and sustain inflation.

Besides, he called for fiscal discipline that would ensure prudent government spending and manage liquidity injections effectively to prevent fueling inflationaryHepressures. also suggested that attention should be paid to monetary innovation by moving beyond conventional tightening tools toward more creative measures to manage liquidity in the economy, given that the lending rate in the economy had risen above 30 per cent for most businesses.

Senator Wamakko Empowers Constituents with Motorcycles, Rice, Others ANAMMCO Pledges to Support

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

In a bid to empower his constituents and promote economic development, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, representing Sokoto North Senatorial District, has launched a large-scale initiative to distribute empowerment materials.

The initiative which has

kicked off saw the distribution of 1000 motorcycles, 10,000 50kg bags of rice, sewing machines, and water pumping machines to beneficiaries from Silame, Binji, Gudu, and Tangaza Local Government Areas.

According to a press statement signed by Bashar Abubakar, SA Media & Publicity, the distribution exercise was part of Senator

Wamakko’s efforts to empower his constituents and promote economic development in the state.

Speaking on behalf of Senator Wamakko, Alhaji Nasiru Italy, an APC youth leader in the state, emphasized that the Senator’s leadership style is inclusive, extending beyond the Sokoto North Senatorial District.

Gideon Arinze in Enugu Indigenous Vehicle Manufacturing Company, ANAMMCO has pledged to support the Governor Peter Mbah-led administration’s drive to transform the transportation sector in the state.

Chief of Operations of ANAMMCO Motors, Benneth Ejindu, made the pledge yesterday, at the formal handover of two new Pick-up trucks remanufactured by the company to the Enugu State Ministry of Transport.

The Enugu State Government had engaged the company to remanufacture 50 decommissioned city buses from the defunct Coal City Shuttle Service to argument the fleet of CNG buses acquired and recently commissioned by governor Mbah.

In his address, Ejindu said the buses, which initially arrived at ANAMMCO in scrap condition, were restored to state-of-the-art operational standards, adding that the restoration was carried out in collaboration with China’s Guangxi Yuchai Machinery

Co., Ltd.

“The process further show- cases ANAMMCO’s technical capacity and commitment to supporting Enugu State’s transportation development,” he said. “The trucks will aid in terminal inspections and bus operations monitoring.”

In his reaction, the State Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Obi Ozor, assured the ANAMMCO Management of a long-term partnership and an enabling environment for transport business to thrive in the state.

Felicitations Sir!

We the nine(9) States Representatives on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board, heartily felicitate with the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku on the occasion of his today Tuesday August 19, 2025. May the good Lord grant you your heart desires in Jesus name!

BHappyirthdaySir! th ABirthdaynniversary 50

Signed:

Dr. Samuel Ogbuku

Managing Director/CEO Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)

1. Senator Dimaro Denyanbofa, Bayelsa State

2. Chief Dimgba Eruba, Abia State

3. Apostle Abasiandikan Nkono, Akwa Ibom State

4. Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke, JP, Cross River State

5. Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya, Delta State

6. Hon. Patrick Aisoweilerem, Edo State

7. Dr. Kyrian C. Uchegbu, Imo State

8. Hon. Otito Thompson Atikase, Ondo State

9. Chief Tony Okocha, Rivers State

We Celebrate Our Own @50

The Board, Management and Staff of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, celebrate with our Managing Director, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, Ph.D, as he marks his Golden Jubilee today. We rejoice with our Visionary and Transformative Chief Executive Officer for attaining this epochal milestone in his life’s journey. Congratulations!

Signed: Mr. Chiedu Ebie Chairman, NDDC

Governing Board

Celebrating a Rare Gem @ 50

Today, my family and I celebrate a rare gem, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, Ph.D., as he marks his Golden Jubilee. Ogbuku is not only a blessing to his friends and associates, but to all that cross his path in life. He radiates warmth and goodwill to all Niger Deltans, May Almighty God continue to put smiles on your face and bless you with a joyful and healthy long life accompanied with wisdom and vision. We wish you a memorable celebration of this remarkable day. Congratulations! Mr. Chiedu Ebie & Family.

Celebrating A G olden Fr iend

We hear tily felicitate with you on your 50th bir thday because you are a dependable friend and brother indeed. We wish you many eventful and memorable celebrations of the glorious day in good health and prosperit y in the years ahead. Congratulations!

Signed: Committee of Friends for Chief Samuel Ogbuku

Ogbuku is Golden

My family and I are delighted to celebrate the GOLDEN JUBILEE of a visionar y and transformative leader We cannot thank God enough for mak ing a special person like you an integral par t of our life. We love and appreciate you. May God bless you with a long life to enable you to continue to radiate love to all.

HAPPY 50TH BIR THDAY!

Alabo (Hon.) Boma Iyaye and Family

GOLDEN Celebration

Chief Dr. Sam OGBUKU! of

hat a milestone turning 50! As a

f r i e

significant impact you have made on the Niger Delta cannot be overemphasized, focusing on

This was why you were honored with the chieftaincy title of Ama Tondi 1 of Tugbeni (Oruma) Land by the Yiba-Ama Community in Bayelsa State.

On this special day, we celebrate your life, achievements, and dedication to the common man and uplifting the standard of living for the youths of our region, wishing you many more years of impactful service, good health, and happiness!

LAWYER

LAWYER

Quotable

columnist

‘We must ensure that this country, is run on the basis of the rule of law.

And, this is not what is going on now’ -Femi Falana, SAN, Human Rights Advocate

Lawyer Backs Canadian Court’s Label of APC and PDP as ‘Terrorist’ Organisations

PROF MIKE OZEKHOME, CON, SAN, FCIArb, PH.D. LLD

Constitutional Democracy, means a system of government, in which political and governmental power, is defined, limited and shared by a grundnorm called the Constitution, which provides inbuilt checks and balances.

This column seeks to fiercely discuss constitutional, legal and political issues, with a view to strengthening, deepening and widening the plenitude and amplitude of democracy and good governance, without fear or favour.

The writer of this column, Prof Mike Ozekhome, SAN, is a Constitutional Lawyer, Human Rights Activist, Pro-Democracy Campaigner, Notary Public and Motivational Speaker. He co-founded the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Nigeria’s pioneer human rights league, on October 15, 1987, the Universal defenders of Democracy (UDD), in 1992, and with Chief Gani Fawehinmi and others in 1998, the Joint Action Committee of Nigeria (JACON), to push out the military. In his early days, he lectured at the University of Ife. Prof Ozekhome is an author of many books. He is also a Special Counsel at the International Criminal Court (ICC), at The Hague.

Clears Ibom Air Passenger as Police Withdraw Charges Page

Page

onikepo braithwaite: editor, jude igbano

Kepco, Ogunba and Jankara Tactics

Giving the Legal Profession a Bad Name

Being the Editor of this esteemed publication and a Senior Lawyer, people approach me regularly, to tell me how disenchanted they are with the Nigerian legal profession and Judiciary, for one reason or the other. I do agree that, many times, non-Lawyers do not understand the rules and workings of our profession and therefore, misinterpret some of our actions as curious or wrong, but, still, I usually feel quite embarrassed at their comments, and as much as I try to defend our sector, half the time they don’t buy my explanations. And, can one really blame them? When the truth is that, some members of our profession give them enough content and ammunition, to come to some of these unpalatable conclusions about us.

And, sadly, when it comes to the Lawyers, the Seniors who should know better, given their years of experience in practice, are sometimes worse.

The LPDC (Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee) and LPPC (Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee) have to be more up and doing, in terms of dealing with erring legal practitioners. In the past, the LPPC has been accused of doing ‘esprit de corps’ with its erring members, and giving them nothing more than a slap on the wrist for serious infractions. No wonder they continue with their unethical ‘sharp’ practices when they are forgiven or reinstated. Having got off lightly on the past infractions, where is the deterrent?

The accusations against our profession are now extremely loud, and when the opportunity avails itself, such as when Lawyers announce themselves on the pages of the newspapers or other forms of media, thereby opening themselves up for public scrutiny, we must seize the opportunity to examine the issues that arise or we are able to, of course, without crossing any lines set in the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2023 (RPC).

Kepco vs Kunle Ogunba, SAN

Last Thursday, I watched an interview of a Lawyer, Yinka Ola-Daniels, who talked about a case concerning Kepco Energy Resources Nigeria Limited (Kepco), and a syndicated loan advanced by about 10 banks (the Banks) to Kepco. I will stay away from the substantive matter for now, and restrict myself to what we have seen in the media space.

In his submissions, Mr Ola-Daniels expressed some worry, based on the fact that Kunle Ogunba, SAN, purportedly appointed as Receiver/Manager of Kepco on behalf of the Banks, had taken out advertisements in the newspapers, including This Day and Punch, on 6/8/2025, the day after the court delivered its ‘Composite Ruling’, and Mr Ola-Daniels alleged that the said advertisement was a misrepresentation of the Composite Ruling delivered on 5/8/2025 by Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court Lagos Division in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1242/2025 Kepco v Ecobank & 9 Ors. This is a serious allegation against a Senior Advocate, that is, misrepresentation of facts in order to deceive the general public, and to possibly secure benefits for his clients and himself. While in contract law, misrepresentation can make a contract voidable, in criminal law, it is one of the elements used to establish fraudulent offences. See for example, Section 419 of the Criminal Code Act 1916 (CCA). Certainly, whether contractual or criminal, no Lawyer should be found misrepresenting anything.

While Kepco then issued a Rejoinder to Ogunba, SAN’s advertisement in This Day on 7/8/2025, Ogunba, SAN also followed with his own Rejoinder to Kepco’s, again in This Day on 8/8/2025.

Specific Allegations Levelled Against the Learned Senior Advocate

To be fair to both parties, I went out of my way to obtain and read the certified true copy of the Composite Ruling that Mr Ola-Daniels complained that Ogunba, SAN had misrepresented, and some other court processes, to ascertain the veracity of Mr Ola-Daniel’s allegations, and I was disappointed to discover that Ogunba, SAN, appears to have engaged in what we Lawyers call “Jankara Tactics” (in his advertisements), which simply means unethical or sharp practices.

1) My first question after reading the Composite Ruling was, if the court had ruled in favour of Ogunba, SAN, to carry on activities as the Receiver/ Manager for Kepco, what then, was the need for Ground 10 of Ogunba, SAN’s Notice of Appeal against the aforementioned Composite Ruling, where he stated thus: “The learned lower Court Judge erred when he held that the Receiver/ Manager should be restrained from taking any adverse steps even after recognising his appointment as a statutory one that cannot be restrained and consequently, occasioned a miscarriage of justice against the Appellants and their Receiver/Manager”? The said Ground

onIkepo BraIThwaITe

onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive. com onikepob@yahoo.com

"....I was disappointed to discover that Ogunba, SAN, appears to have engaged in….“Jankara Tactics”(in his advertisements)….Ogunba, SAN, was economical with the facts….he misrepresented the facts, stating that the court affirmed his appointment as Receiver/Manager, as if to say the court confirmed it and said “Ride On”….. when in actual fact, the court was constrained by established judicial precedent not to be able to set aside his appointment by an interlocutory application….. and did the next best thing that the law permits, by restraining him from exercising the functions of a Receiver/Manager, which was admitted by Ogunba, SAN in Ground 10 of his Notice of Appeal”

10 is a clear admission that Ogunba, SAN was: 1) restrained from taking any adverse steps against Kepco by the court; 2) was aware that he had been restrained; 3) he was dissatisfied with being restrained from acting as Receiver/Manager by the court’s ruling, and sought to appeal against it. Does it not therefore, constitute contempt of court, and a blatant disregard for the rule of law amongst other things, for Ogunba, SAN to then twist the ruling of the court on the pages of newspapers and go as far as doing the exact opposite of what the court ruled in his advertisements? As Lawyers, we are officers in the temple of justice, not injustice.

2) On page 36 of the Composite Ruling, the court held that “Since there is evidence before the court that the Receiver/Manager has been appointed, that act can no longer be restrained by the court”. But, that was only half of the story. The Judge did say on page 39 of the ruling, that Ogunba, SAN’s appointment as Receiver/Manager was still the subject of pending litigation.

Though is trite that a court cannot grant an injunction restraining a completed act - see the case of AR Security Solution Ltd v EFCC (2018) LPELR-43828(SC) per Kumai Bayang Aka’ahs, JSC) where the Supreme Court held inter alia that, an injunction isn’t a remedy for an act that has already been carried out; it is also trite that with ample grounds, the appointment of a Receiver/Manager can be set aside. See the case of Brewtech Nig. Ltd v Akinnawo & Anor (2016) LPELR-40094(CA) per

Yargata Byenchit Nimpar, JCA. Ogunba, SAN, was economical with the facts. In his first advertisement, he misrepresented the facts, stating that the court affirmed his appointment as Receiver/ Manager, as if to say the court confirmed it and said “Ride On”, thereby giving him a ‘Carte Blanche’ to act, and he then went ahead to exercise some functions of a Receiver/ Manager in the said advertisement, when in actual fact, the court was constrained by established judicial precedent not to be able to set aside his appointment by an interlocutory application in such circumstances, and did the next best thing that the law permits by restraining him from exercising the functions of a Receiver/Manager, which was admitted by Ogunba, SAN in Ground 10 of his Notice of Appeal. Any Learned Senior Advocate would know that Ogunba, SAN’s appointment couldn’t have been set aside by a motion for interlocutory injunction, due to the fact his appointment is part of the subject-matter of the substantive suit. This would be tantamount to the court deciding the case at an interlocutory stage, before hearing the case and taking evidence; something that the judicial process abhors.

In Agwu & Ors v Julius Berger (Nig) Plc (2019) LPELR-47625(SC) per John Inyang Okoro, JSC, the Supreme Court held inter alia that “….in determining an interlocutory application pending the trial of the substantive case, care should be taken not to make pronouncements which may prejudice the trial of claims filed and

still pending before the court. To do otherwise, is to prejudge the matter in respect of which evidence is yet to be led”. Also see the case of Shanu v Afribank (Nig) Plc (2002) LPELR-3036 per Samson Odemwingie Uwaifo, JSC. From the pronouncements in the Composite Ruling, one can see that Ogunba, SAN’s appointment is being disputed by Kepco in the substantive suit, on grounds such as 1) the debt which is the subject-matter of the dispute, isn’t due till 2034 (9 years time); 2) by the Banks’ own admission, the debt is being serviced by Kepco, even up to June 2025 when a payment was due; 3) due process wasn’t followed in making the said appointment. What Ogunba, SAN also failed to disclose in his advertisements, is that the court granted the other prayers of Kepco, which restrain him from carrying out the functions of a Receiver/Manager, so presently, his appointment remains academic or theoretical. See Page 41 Orders (1) & (3) of the Composite Ruling. He cannot exercise the functions of a Receiver/Manager as he has purported to do by, for example, asking debtors and creditors to contact him and give him a statement of account. See Page 38-40 of the ruling, particularly page 40 paragraph 2 which states thus: “….it is better for the Receiver/Manager whose appointment is still a subject of litigation, not to engage in any act that is capable of destroying the res in this case. More justice will result in asking him not to act pursuant to his appointment, than to allow him to act…..”.

3) Let me break the Receiver scenario down, in simple terms. If you are already in London, it has long been firmly established that the courts cannot grant an interlocutory injunction restraining you from going to London, because you are already there! But, if they find out that you got to London on a fake visa, you will be deported. In the Kepco case, the court said “Ogunba, SAN, you are already in London, so you cannot be restrained from going there”. That’s just common sense, and not a proclamation that the court has sanctioned your trip to London. The court cannot also look into how you got to London by means of a motion for interlocutory injunction, because that is part of the subject-matter of the substantive suit. But, meanwhile, the court can restrain you from engaging in tourist or other activities in London, such as visiting Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, London Zoo, other places of interest. and from going shopping! And, this is just what Aluko J. did.

4) Another thing which I noted about Ogunba, SAN’s advertisement, is that his aforementioned Rejoinder, more particularly paragraph 6 thereof, mischievously sought to pass off his own words as the ruling of the court, thereby, misleading the public to further his own agenda. He stated thus: “The court in its ruling of 5th day of August, 2025 specifically held that “Relief 1(b) is refused” on the unassailable ground that the act: to wit:- “The appointment of a receiver/manager has been concluded thus necessitating the PUBLIC caveats subject matter of their ill-conceived REJOINDER” Of course, it’s impossible for the court that ruled on 5/8/2025 to have commented in its ruling of 5/8/2025 on a rejoinder made on 8/8/2025, three days after its ruling. Ogunba, SAN, also forgot to mention the 2 other orders, (1) & (3), made in the Composite Ruling in favour of Kepco, obviously because they were against him and his clients. See Sections 15, 32 & 33 of the RPC.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, it is rather unfortunate that a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, should be engaging in Jankara Tactics, and for the whole world to see too. What example is he laying for Juniors? Unfortunately, a bad example!

The RPC is full of provisions, that prohibit Jankara Tactics. It’s time to enforce them effectively, to deter bad behaviour. It is also time to name and shame those who indulge in sharp practices, as this is the only way to sanitise our profession.

A Lawyer is expected to represent his client within the boundaries of the law - see Section 15 of the RPC. A Lawyer, being an officer of the court, shall not do anything to adversely affect the administration of justice, and must treat the court with respect, dignity and honour - see Sections 30 & 31 of the RPC. Section 32(3)(f) & (k) of the RPC prohibits a Lawyer from misquoting a decision of court, and behaving in an unworthy manner; surely this not only applies inside a court, but outside too. Section 33 of the RPC specifically prohibits a Lawyer engaged in the conduct of a matter, from inter alia, making extra-judicial statements that may interfere or be prejudicial to the fair trial of the matter. Some of these prohibitions, are reflected in Ogunba, SAN’s actions. Section 74(1) of the RPC provides that any Lawyer who contravenes Chapter 1 of the RPC, which comprises of Section 1-54, is liable to punishment under the Legal Practitioners Act 2004 (LPA). onikepo

Sufficiency of Common Intention in Determining Joint Criminal Liability

Facts

The Appellant was arrested by the Nigeria Police during an investigation into the death of one Preye Agbagidi, on the suspicion that it was the Appellant, who as part of a gang of boys, had identified the deceased as their target, which led to the killing of the deceased by another member of their gang sometime in February 2003. The Appellant and two others were subsequently arraigned before the High Court of Bayelsa State, on a one-count charge of murder contrary to Section 319 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Eastern Nigeria, as applicable to Bayelsa State. After the conclusion of trial, the trial court convicted the Appellant as charged, and sentenced him to death by hanging. Dissatisfied, the Appellant appealed to the Court of Appeal. In a judgement delivered on 5th June, 2015, the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal and affirmed the decision of the trial court. Thereafter, the Appellant filed a further appeal to the Supreme Court.

Issue for Determination

The Supreme Court considered the sole issue distilled by the Appellant as follows: Whether the lower Court was correct, when it held that the Appellant is guilty of the offence of murder by virtue of the provisions of the Criminal Code, Cap 30 Vol 11, Laws of Eastern Nigeria, 1963.

Arguments

The Appellant’s Counsel argued that the prosecution failed to prove that the Appellant was the one who inflicted the fatal stab wounds that caused the death of the deceased, thus, the Respondent failed to establish the key element of murder against the Appellant beyond the required standard of proof. Counsel cited Section 316 of the Criminal Code, Cap 30 Vol 11, Laws of Eastern Nigeria, 1963; Section 135 of the Evidence Act, 2011; OSUAGWU v STATE (2013) NWLR PART 1347 at PAGE 360; OKEREKE v STATE (2016) LPELR-26059(SC), among other judicial authorities, to support his argument.

The Appellant’s Counsel argued further that, the Court of Appeal erred when it relied on the extrajudicial statement of one Junior Eradiri to affirm the trial court’s decision, especially since the trial court had found that the extrajudicial statements of the accused persons, including that of the 3rd accused, were wrongly admitted as they did not pass the voluntariness test, in line with the settled position of the law that once a document is rejected in evidence and so marked rejected, it cannot be used by the court in making a decision, or drawing any inference therefrom. Counsel relied on the cases of IFARAMOYE v STATE (2017) LPELR-42031(SC); WASSAH v KARA 4 NWLR (PT. 1449) 374 AT 395, PARA. G.

Counsel argued that both the trial Court and the Court of Appeal erred in relying on the testimony of PW3 to indict the Appellant under Sections 7(b) and 8 of the Criminal Code, Cap 30 Vol 11, Laws of Eastern Nigeria, 1963, and submitted that the testimony did not demonstrate that the Appellant pointed out the deceased in order to assist or enable the 3rd accused to commit the offence. Counsel submitted that the doubt created, should have been resolved in favour of the Appellant. Counsel contended that for an accused to be criminally liable under Sections 7 and 8 of the Criminal Code, the accused must have aided, abetted, or formed a criminal intention with another prior to or at the time of the offence.

The Appellant’s Counsel submitted that merely pursuing PW3 from the crime scene after the offence was committed, does not satisfy these

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at abuja On Friday, the 21st day of February, 2025

Before their lordships adamu Jauro

Moore aseimo abraham adumein Habeeb adewale Olumuyiwa abiru Jamilu yammama Tukur abubakar Sadiq umar. Justices, Supreme Court SC.969/2017

Between

MuRPHy eGBa aPPeLLaNT And THe STaTe ReSPONdeNT

(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Jamilu Yammama Tukur, JSC)

requirements or make the Appellant guilty.

On the other hand, the Respondent’s Counsel contended that once criminal liability is established based on the doctrine of common intention, as affirmed by the concurrent findings of both the trial and appellate courts, the issue of whether the Appellant personally inflicted the fatal stab wounds is no longer material. Counsel argued that what matters is that the group shared a common intention to perpetrate an unlawful purpose, and all parties involved are liable for the consequences of actions taken in furtherance of that common intention.

The Respondent’s Counsel submitted that it was established beyond reasonable doubt that the Appellant and others were more than two persons acting together,

“where common intention, among several participants in a crime is established against those who are jointly charged of committing such crime, it is enough to prove that they all participated in the crime; what each did in furtherance of the commission of the crime, is immaterial”

Section 251(1) of the Evidence Act 2011 and the decisions in OLUDE v STATE (2018) LPELR-44070(SC), ITU v STATE (2016) LPELR-26063(SC), OLAOYE v STATE (2018) LPELR-43601(SC), and KRAUS THOMPSON ORGANISATION LTD v UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR (2004) LPELR-1715(SC).

Court’s Judgement and Rationale In resolving the sole issue, the Supreme Court expatiated the essential elements required to establish a charge of murder under Sections 316, Criminal Code, Laws of Eastern Nigeria 1963 as applicable in Bayelsa State. Relying on its earlier decision in EGBERTAMU v STATE (2022) LPELR-58933 (SC) (PP 19-19 PARAS A-E), the Apex Court held that for a prosecution to succeed in a murder charge under Section 319(1) of the Criminal Code, it must prove beyond reasonable doubt that: (a) There was a killing; (b) the killing was unlawful as defined under Section 316; (c) it was the accused’s act or omission that caused the death of the deceased; and (d) the accused intended to cause the death of the deceased.

they had a common intention, as could be inferred from their actions, the common intention was for an unlawful purpose, as could be inferred from the fact that they were armed and an offence – the murder of the deceased, was committed; and the offence was a probable result of the stabbing of the deceased with a dagger. Thus, the courts below were right in their concurrent findings, that the Appellant was involved in committing the murder of the deceased. Counsel submitted further that once common intention is proven, individual participation in the physical act causing death is immaterial, and supported his submissions with AKINLOLU v STATE (2017) LPELR-42670(SC), ALAO v STATE (2015) LPELR-24686 (SC), and ALI v STATE (2019) LPELR-47405(SC).

On the Appellant’s argument regarding the Court of Appeal’s reliance on the Appellant’s extrajudicial statement, which had been rejected by the trial court, Counsel submitted that the Court of Appeal’s reliance on the said extrajudicial statement did not occasion any miscarriage of justice, because the trial court did not rely on the extrajudicial statement to convict the Appellant, but, instead, grounded the conviction principally on the principle of common intention. Counsel relied on

Applying the foregoing principles to the facts of the appeal, the Supreme Court held that that the offence of murder was clearly established against the Appellant, because there was uncontroverted evidence before the trial court that he shared a common intention with Junior Eradiri who stabbed the deceased, to attack the deceased. The Apex Court held that there was cogent evidence showing that the Appellant was with a gang of boys, including the said Junior Eradiri, who were all armed with knives, and the Appellant was the one who pointed out the deceased as the target, which led to the deceased being stabbed to death by the said Junior Eradiri. The Court held that the conviction of the Appellant by the trial court for the offence of murder, and the affirmation of the conviction by the Court of Appeal were valid, sound and a product of a proper application of the law to the facts and evidence before the trial court, because of the principle of common intention and joint prosecution of offence as ensconced in Section 7 and Section 8 of the Criminal Code. The Apex Court relied on its decision in ALAO v STATE (Supra) (PP 35 – 35 PARAS B - F) in which it held that where common intention among several participants in a crime is established against those who are jointly charged of committing such crime, it is enough to prove that they all participated in the crime; what each did in furtherance of the commission of the crime, is immaterial. The Court held further that the mere fact of the existence of the common intention manifesting in the execution of the common object, is enough to render each of the members of the group of the accused person guilty of the offence. The Supreme Court also relied on STATE v EGWU (2021) LPELR56609(SC); STATE v CHUKWU (2021) LPELR-56610(SC); ISONGUYO v STATE (2022) LPELR-60912(SC); AND NWIKO v STATE (2022) LPELR-57747(SC). The Apex Court found that common intention was clearly established against the Appellant through the evidence adduced before the trial court, and concluded that even if the basis of the Court of Appeal's decision was wrong, it would not be enough to overturn the decision, because the decision is correct, ensures justice and can be upheld on another basis.

Appeal Dismissed.

Representation

Collins C. Chikere for the Appellant. Preye Agedeh with the fiat of the Hon. Attorney-General of Bayelsa State for the Respondent. Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR)(An affiliate of Babalakin & Co.)

Senior Lawyer Backs Canadian Court’s Label of APC and PDP as ‘Terrorist’ Organisations

Stories by Steve Aya

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, J.S. Okutepa, has weighed in firmly in support of a landmark Canadian court decision that classified Nigeria’s two major political parties, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as terrorist organisations, in the context of an asylum case. Drawing on over 30 years of experience in electoral jurisprudence, Okutepa, SAN asserted that the court’s characterisation was “absolutely correct”, arguing that the actions of many Nigerian politicians

go beyond democratic competition into the realm of political terrorism.

The Canadian Federal Court, in a judgement delivered on June 17, 2025, upheld a decision

by Canada’s Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) which denied asylum to Douglas Egharevba, a former member of both the PDP and APC, on the grounds that

mere affiliation with parties linked to political violence and subversion, meets the threshold of inadmissibility under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). The court cited evidence of ballotstuffing, voter intimidation, and politically motivated killings tied to the PDP’s conduct in the 2003 State elections and 2004 local polls

Okutepa, SAN, drawing from his own experience in electoral law, argued that the ruling resonates with the harsh realities of Nigerian politics.

Court Clears Ibom Air Passenger as Police Withdraw Charges

In a surprising turn of events, an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court discharged Miss Comfort Emmanson of all charges, relating to unruly behaviour and assault aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos. The court struck out the five-count charge after the Police, acting on a directive from the Commissioner of Police, Lagos Airport

Command, withdrew the case to allow for further investigation Miss Emmanson had previously been remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Centre after failing to meet bail conditions, which were set at N500,000 with two sureties one of whom had to be a blood relative with proof of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

Egbin Power Plc, First Independent Power, Dispel Falsehoods of ‘Court-Approved’ Receivership Claims

In response to advertorials published in some national newspapers and online media platforms, the of Egbin Power Plc, Ikeja Electric Plc (IE), and First Independent Power Limited (FIPL) have categorically denied the purported appointment of Kunle Ogunba, SAN as Receiver/Manager over their assets or operations. In a formal statement release, the power companies dismissed the reports as “false media reports sourced from misleading advertorials” that falsely claimed Ogunba’s appointment had the blessing of the courts. They emphasised that, their assets are not under the control of any external Receiver/ Manager.

The basis for the rebuttal

includes multiple Federal High Court rulings delivered on August 5, 2025, by Justice Akintayo Aluko specifically Suit Nos. FHC/L/CS/1242, 1244, and 1245. These rulings explicitly restrained Ogunba and the lenders from taking any adverse actions against the power entities, such as accelerating loans, interfering with their assets, or enforcing share security.

Parallel coverage by ThisDay captured the emerging discord, noting that while Ogunba’s advertorials presented his receivership as definitive, court documents revealed that he had, in fact, filed a Notice of Appeal on August 7, a day after the adverts went public, challenging the same rulings he allegedly celebrated. The notice of appeal, seen by legal

observers, challenges the lower court's decision on some motions for injunction. In response, the power companies urged the public, regulators, and financial stakeholders to disregard Ogunba’s advertorials as media litigation.

At the resumed hearing last week, Police Prosecutor, Inspector Oluwabunmi Adeitan informed the court that there were new developments necessitating the withdrawal of the charges. She tendered a formal application citing Section 72(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) 2015, requesting unconditional withdrawal for further investigation. The defence Counsel raised no objection.

Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami formally struck out the charges, and discharged Emmanson. He cautioned her to exercise wisdom in the future, noting that she “might not be this fortunate in another matter”.

The original charges

against Emmanson included unruly behaviour in violation of Section 4(1) (a) and (2) of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) by-law 2005, as well as physical assault on crew members and damage to cabin property ranging from slapping and shoe-striking to tearing a wig valued at N110,000 and damaging a cabin divider worth $2,500.

This legal development unfolds, against a backdrop of public debate over airline passenger rights and aviation enforcement protocols. In related high-profile cases, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has engaged stakeholders to lift no-fly bans and emphasised de-escalation and careful treatment in

handling such incidents. Human rights considerations, are also mounting. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has strongly criticised harsh enforcement tactics, calling for reforms and strict adherence to human dignity in all aviation-related interactions. They cautioned against abusive treatment or degrading exposure of passengers, terms which could amount to violations under Nigeria’s Anti-Torture Act, 2017.

Miss Emmanson was released from custody last week, following the court’s decision. Meanwhile, the Police have confirmed that investigations into the incident remain open, and additional findings may determine subsequent actions.

Man Sentenced to Six Months Community Service, for Dealing in 1.029kg of Drugs

Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Lagos, last Wednesday, convicted and sentenced one Dauda Yakubu to six months community service and payment of N300,000 fine, for dealing in three types of hard drugs. As part of the sentence, the trial Judge further ordered that, while serving the community service, the Convict should be made to carry banners with inscriptions

as “stop dealing in hard drugs”, “stop taking hard drugs” and “say no to hard drugs”, among others.

Justice Dipeolu handed down the sentence following the plea of guilt by Dauda Yakubu to a three-count charge of unlawful dealing in 91 grams of Cannabis Sativa, 900 grams of codeine based cough syrup, and 38 grams of Tramadol tablets. The offence according to the

prosecution is said to be punishable under Section 11C of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

When the matter came up for trial, the Prosecutor, Mrs A.A. Owoyemi, told the court that the prosecution had a threecount charge pending before the court, and urged the court to order that the charge be read so that the Defendant could

take his plea. The charge Number, FHC/L/388C/25 was then read, and the Defendant pleaded guilty to same. Following the guilty plea, the facts of the case was then reviewed, with the tendering of relevant documents and exhibits.

After reviewing the facts of the case, the Prosecutor asked the Judge to convict the Defendant, based on his guilty plea and the exhibits tendered in support of the case.

KWAM 1, Comfort Emmanson, and Lessons for Domestic Airlines

Recently, the Nigerian aviation industry has come under a barrage of scrutiny from the public, over two incidents. First, the one involving music maestro alhaji Wasiu ayinde anifowoshe aka KWaM 1 and Valuejet airline, and the second, a few days after, involving a female airline passenger, Miss Comfort emmanson, on a flight operated by Ibom air. Both incidents attracted wide criticisms for different reasons, particularly Miss emmason who was video recorded being aggressive, and was eventually dragged off the aircraft with her private parts exposed. The offensive video recording, immediately found its way to the general public. Miss emmanson ended up at the Kirikiri Correctional Facility, where she spent at least one night. The approach of the aviation Minister, a Senior advocate of Nigeria, Festus Keyamo, elicited some recriminations, having issued clemency for KWaM 1 and Miss emmanson. Legal pundits are now asking whether Keyamo, SaN didn’t act beyond his powers; whether the alleged offenders really deserve the pardon they were granted, under the circumstances and what this portends for the punishment for passengers who may be unruly in the future, having let off these two. Femi Falana, SAN; Stephen Kola-Balogun; Dr Tonye clinton Jaja; P.D. Pius and Felix Eghie Sugaba express their opinions about these unfortunate incidents

FG Has Lost Moral Right to Prosecute Unruly Passengers

Femi Falana, SAN

The office of the InspectorGeneral of Police has commenced investigation into the serious criminal allegations levelled against Fuji star, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1 over his recent conduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. One of the allegations being investigated is that the suspect opened his flask and poured its contents on a Pilot, a security officer, and some passengers.

Without allowing the Police to conclude the investigation and possibly file charges against the suspect, the Federal Government has hastily accepted his apology and granted him a pardon. As if that is not enough, the Federal Government has announced plans to engage the

"It is doubtful, that the Federal Government has considered the full implications of the handling of the case of KWAM 1. By this hypothetical action, the Federal Government has lost its moral right to arrest and prosecute any passenger who commits an offence at any of the nation’s airports"

suspect as an Ambassador for proper airport security protocol, after the recent controversy.

It is doubtful, that the Federal Government has considered the full implications of the handling of the case of KWAM 1. By this hypothetical action, the Federal Government has lost its moral right to arrest and prosecute any passenger who commits an offence at any of the nation’s airports. For instance, the Federal Government decided to withdraw the charges filed against Ms Comfort Emmanson in the Magistrate Court, the passenger accused of unruly behaviour aboard an Ibom Air flight, because of the refusal to charge KWAM 1 with appropriate criminal offences.

Since citizens have equal rights, obligations, and opportunities before the law, the Federal Government will henceforth, be accused of subjecting any unruly passenger to discriminatory treatment, on the ground that KWAM 1 was

‘pardoned’ without any criminal trial whatsoever.

Femi Falana, SAN, Human Rights Advocate, Lagos

Why an Investigation, Inquiry and Review Shouldn’t have been Compromised

Stephen Kola-Balogun

Minister of Aviation: Duty bound to Conduct Investigation/Inquiry

The recent Press Statement and decision by the Federal Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo SAN , CON , FCIArb released on Wednesday 13th of August, 2025 withdrawing the criminal

KWAM 1, comfort emmanson, and Lessons for Domestic Airlines

complaint against Ms Comfort Emmanson, is tantamount to putting the cart before the horse. No doubt he meant well, but his responsibility as a Federal Minister is to the country he serves. He was not acting in his professional capacity as a Senior Advocate, Arbitrator or Mediator, as can be seen from his credentials above. We know he sometimes does, of course, but, in this instance, he was acting as the Federal Minister responsible for aviation and aerospace matters. He is therefore, duty bound to set up and conduct an investigation/inquiry into all the recent airline incidents, as matter of urgency. The investigation/inquiry should also have been given a time frame of no more than 4- 6 weeks, to report back to him. Thereafter, he would be at liberty to either accept all the recommendations or reject some, as the case may be and/or as Federal Minister, have the latitude to add some of the Government’s own recommendations. It’s only after taking the above approach, that he can be perceived to have done his job.

Ironically, Comfort Emmanson, in issuing a public apology for her aggressive conduct on a recent domestic Ibom Airline flight, called for a balanced independent review of everything that happened from the cabin exchange to her ground handling, so lessons can be learned on all sides. She further requested that clear guidelines should then be issued, that protect not only the safety, but also the dignity of passengers, including strict prohibitions on filming and exposing restrained passengers and individuals. As earlier highlighted, this approach if it had been adopted (as it should have ), would have been broad enough to cover all the recent airline incidents including that of the musician, Wasiu Ayinde Anifowoshe, who inexplicably without any prior or proper investigation or inquiry into his recent and much publicised incident, was made the nation’s aviation ambassador. I would rather instead, we call him the new “Poster Boy for Promoting Aviation Conduct and Manners”. Same thing, of course, but not as glamorous. The latter being seen, as more contrite and penitent.

Use of Judicial Review

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) also issued a statement of its own, signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN and its National Secretary, Dr Mobolaji Ojibara, condemning the treatment of Ms Comfort Emmanson by Ibom Airlines, claiming it was reckless and violated her right to dignity and person. They further stated that the actions taken were heavy handed, unlawful and an affront to

the rule of law. The NBA, however, seemed to forget that they must always be seen to act for both sides. They are the professional body for Lawyers, and who may have ended up representing both Ms Emmanson and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON).

Since the AON had already taken a decision and given a lifetime ban to Ms Emmanson, perhaps, even without a fair hearing, what the NBA ought to have done, was to call for a judicial review of that administrative decision. It’s becoming increasingly obvious that the Nigerian Lawyer and Judge just don’t know how and when to call for the judicial review of an administrative action, yet alone understand the purpose and essence of this concept and procedure.

There is a massive gaping hole, in how we practice law in this regard. The AON had taken a decision. If it’s thought that they had acted ultra vires, or that perhaps, that decision ought to have been taken by the Civil Aviation Authority, and/or that Ms Emmanson was not given a fair hearing, and/or that other rights may have been infringed upon, then all the NBA needed to have done, was to advice the aggrieved party to seek a judicial review of that administrative action. If this was done, all wrongs being complained about could easily have been redressed. This is why we are supposed to be Lawyers. Instead we continuously fall into

“The AON had taken a decision. If it’s thought that they had acted ultra vires, or that perhaps, that decision ought to have been taken by the Civil Aviation Authority, and/or that Ms Emmanson was not given a fair hearing, and/or that other rights may have been infringed upon, then all the NBA needed to have done, was to advice the aggrieved party to seek a judicial review of that administrative action”

the trap of arguing and debating issues, like the ordinary man on the street. In short, it’s not only the aviation staff and operators that need to embark on training, but also Lawyers and Judges on how to handle mis- steps taken in administrative actions. This is long overdue.

Stephen Kola-Balogun, Legal Practitioner, Lagos

Nolle Prosequi and the Comfort Emmanson Case: Lawful Discretion or Abuse of Power?

Dr Tonye Clinton Jaja

The Nigerian aviation industry made headlines recently, after public outrage and confusion followed the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation’s decision to enter a nolle prosequi to end the controversial case against Comfort Emmanson. Many Nigerians asked: Can the AGF simply call off a prosecution at will?

What is Nolle Prosequi?

Nolle prosequi, a Latin phrase meaning “I do not want to prosecute” or “I do not want to continue to prosecute”, is expressly incorporated into the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

According to Section 174 of the Constitution, the Attorney-General of the Federation may stop a case at any time before judgement, provided the decision is based on public interest and the interest of justice. Similarly, Section 72(1) of the Administration of Criminal

Justice Law of Lagos State, 2015 empowers the AG of Lagos State to exercise this power, a position also supported by Section 211(1)(c) of the Constitution.

In Audu v AGF (2013), Chukwuma-Eneh, JSC of the Supreme Court stated that the AG’s discretion unequivocally ends the prosecution of the accused person, but it is not a bar or an acquittal on the merits. Legal critics, however, argue that exercising this power without justice in mind, creates room for abuse.

The Emmanson Case In Emmanson’s case, critics argue that the withdrawal of prosecution ridicules justice for the cabin crew member. A video widely shared on social media on Sunday, 10 August, shows the female cabin crew member of Ibom Air repeatedly saying, “She is hitting me”. The footage shows her blocking the passenger’s path, with Emmanson struggling to get past her. In the next clip, Emmanson is seen violently attacking Ibom Air staff.

Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami, who presided over the case, appeared convinced that regardless of any provocation, Emmanson bore some responsibility to remain calm and act civilly. This position aligns with Section 252(1) of the Criminal Code, which clearly criminalises violent acts, such as those allegedly displayed towards the cabin crew.

Relevant Aviation Law

Under Section 85(3) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, a passenger who fails to comply with instructions from the pilot-in-command or a flight crew member, including instructions about mobile phone use, commits an offence known as “interference with crew members”. Ms Emmanson’s alleged conduct, fits squarely within this provision.

Furthermore, Section 35(1)(c) of the Constitution allows any person

KWAM 1, comfort emmanson, and Lessons for Domestic Airlines

to effect an arrest when necessary, particularly to prevent someone from committing a crime. In the video, Emmanson appears to go physical with the cabin crew member, and may have been restrained to prevent escalation.

Any gesture, attempt, or threat with clear intent to fight or cause fear is considered assault under Section 252(1) of the Criminal Code Act. This makes Emmanson potentially liable for assault. Critics therefore, argue that the AGF’s decision to discontinue prosecution served no justice, but, rather, obstructed it.

Security Conduct and Legal Limits

However, the conduct of the airline’s security staff, also raises legal concerns.

They appear to have overstepped legal boundaries under Section 35(1) (c) when restraining Emmanson with what could be tagged, unreasonable force. The act of stripping Emmanson naked further exposes the security staff to this liability, as arrests must be conducted with reasonable force.

Section 2(2) of the Anti-Torture Act 2017 recognises stripping and dragging offenders naked, as a form of torture.

Contributory Criminality

Given the multiple elements of potential offences highlighted above, this case illustrates contributory criminality, where both parties’ actions contain elements of criminal liability. Strict application of the law to both sides, could cause more injustice than resolution. This is the possible logic relied on, by defenders of the AGF’s discretionary power to justify discontinuing the prosecution.

What if the Law had been Strictly Applied?

•Against Emmanson: She could have been charged with assault and interference with crew members under the Civil Aviation Act, risking at least two months in prison and/ or a N200,000 fine.

•Against Airline Security: She could have claimed damages for unprofessional conduct, deprivation of constitutional rights, and torture under the Anti-Torture Act 2017. Section 8 of the Act makes all who participated in the torture principal offenders, and Section 9 prescribes penalties of up to 25 years’ imprisonment.

•On the other hand, Ibom Air could have petitioned the authorities to prosecute Emmanson for breaching Section 85(3) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, and for assaulting and intimidating the cabin crew.

Conclusion

Nolle prosequi is a special power of the Attorney-General, that courts and the Police cannot contest. However,

the true purpose behind this power, is to de- escalate matters in the public interest and in the interest of justice.

In the Ibom Air case, the strings of criminal liability on both sides point to a deeper problem, Nigeria’s aviation law needs a comprehensive review. Crew and security staff must also undergo retraining in the implementation of the relevant laws, while ensuring compliance to guarantee orderliness and lawful conduct in similar incidents in the future.

Dr Tonye Clinton Jaja, Senior Research Fellow, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS)

Airline Passengers of Domestic Flights in Nigeria and Crew Members’ Legal Compliance

P. D. Pius

Introduction

in the past weeks. Anyone could have been in the position of Wasiu Ayinde Anifowoshe aka KWAM 1 or Comfort Emmanson, both of whom have made headlines for their behaviour attempting to board and on board a flight, raising legal questions that warrant consideration here. What rules have they violated, and what should be the appropriate sanctions or punishment? The reaction of the airline crew members, has also raised eyebrows. While at it, the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN, stepped in with the icing on the cake, by pardoning all alleged culprits and directing them to go and sin no more. How legitimate is all of this?

Airline Passengers and Crew’s Obligations

portable recorders, portable radios, CD players, electronic cigarettes, electronic games or transmitting devices, including radio-controlled toys and walkie-talkies. Operation of hearing aids and heart pacemakers is permitted”.

You can see that by these contractual conditions of carriage by air, incorporated into your ticket or carriage contract, means that you agree to all these conditions. Hence, you cannot carry into the aircraft any alcohol, or item not approved by the airline carrier. They can limit your usage of your phone by demanding you switch it off. These are contractual obligations; it does not matter whether the electronic device will interfere with the navigation system of the aircraft or not.

We have witnessed a rising incident of domestic air passengers’ unruly behaviour, and crew members’ unprofessional responses to such behaviour in Nigeria

“Failure to comply with crew instructions like switching off the phone is categorised as minor disruption, unless it will affect the navigation system of the aircraft, or somehow presents a safety concern. Verbal abuse or aggressive language toward crew or passengers, is considered a moderate disruption. Whereas physical confrontations or assault as in the case of both KWAM 1 and Comfort Emmanson, is considered as a serious disruption”

An airline passenger has, both contractual and statutory duties and obligations, in respect of a flight. Most passengers are not aware of the conditions of carriage, of the particular airline they patronise. The just book, without reading the conditions.Most of these contractual conditions of carriage by air, are similar.

I will cite a few portions of the Ibom Air Conditions of Carriage (IACC), to drive home the point. IACC states in Article 8.1.3 that they can refuse to carry you, if “Your mental or physical state, including your impairment from alcohol or drugs, presents a hazard or risk to yourself, passengers, crew, or to property”. It further provides in Article 8.1.4 that they can refuse to carry you if “You have used threatening, abusive or insulting words towards our ground staff or a member of the crew of the aircraft, or otherwise behaved in a threatening manner”. On use of electronic devices on board a flight, IACC provides in Article 12. 2 that “For safety reasons, we may forbid or limit operation aboard the aircraft of electronic equipment, including, but not limited to, cellular telephones, laptop computers,

Be that as it may, the Airline and its crew members, have a corresponding duty of care towards their passengers or customers. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council Act provides the passenger with certain rights such as, proper information on conditions of service in easily comprehensible manner, full disclosure, fair treatment, standard service, and safety.

There are also laws or statutes, that regulate conduct onboard a flight. The Civil Aviation Act 2022 makes room for the operation of Civil Aviation Regulations 2023, Montreal Convention and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, particularly Annex 17 concerning aviation security. This has adequate provisions on misconduct on board a flight in various categories including minor disruptions, moderate disruptions, serious disruptions and criminal conduct. Failure to comply with crew instructions like switching off the phone is categorised as minor disruption, unless it will affect the navigation system of the aircraft, or somehow presents a safety concern. Verbal abuse or aggressive language toward crew or passengers, is considered a moderate disruption. Whereas

KWAM 1, comfort emmanson, and Lessons for Domestic Airlines

physical confrontations or assault as in the case of both KWAM 1 and Comfort Emmanson, is considered as a serious disruption. What then is the punishment for such behaviour?

Section 85(2) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022 provides that any person who assaults, intimidates, or threatens any flight crew member or flight attendant, or engages in an unruly behaviour onboard an aircraft commits an offence and is liable to fine of N200,000 or imprisonment for at least 2 months or both. Thus, both individuals may be prosecuted, if the authorities decide to do so at any time. It goes without saying that prosecution can be done anytime, as there is no time limit to when prosecution of criminal cases can be done. If the current Minister of Aviation is able to persuade prosecutorial authorities like the Nigeria Police and/or Attorney-General of the Federation to drop the charges, any subsequent Government that does not agree with such decision may revisit the case files and prosecute them. This should be borne in mind, as the Minster’s intervention is advisory and not conclusive, where prosecutorial authorities decide otherwise.

It is therefore, imperative for both passengers and airlines, to respect the rights and obligations of each other. Exhibiting unruly behaviour onboard a flight, is criminal. Maltreating passengers, violates passengers’ rights as consumers. Exposing a passenger’s privates to the full glare of the world via the internet, is actionable in court and condemnable. The scenario is a case of two wrongs.

P. D. Pius, Legal Practitioner, Abuja

Ibom Air: Haystack of Voices and Vitriolic Criticisms

Felix Eghie Sugaba

Introduction

In the wake of the Ibom Air security incident, Nigerians are doing what they do best. The entire space is inundated with tongues of analysis. Some are informed, some uninformed, while others border on mischief and sheer stupidity. More disturbing are voices from Lawyers, who anchor every perspective on legalities. My focus here is what has been aptly termed ‘KWAM 2’, the Comfort Emmanson saga. KWAM 1,

of course, is not worth commenting on. It is one of those things, that are better left to take their place in the dustbin of idiocracy.

Eyewitness Account

My take on KWAM 2 is based solely on the videos therein and the information provided by Lawyer, David Ogebe, a co-passenger who claimed to have witnessed the unfortunate incident. The information he volunteered on Channels TV was detailed and compelling enough to draw conclusions on the incident. However, compelling as his capture of the incident might be, his opinions betrayed his lack of knowledge of Aviation Security.

Let me say clearly that, the Comfort Emmanson saga had nothing to do with legalities as most Lawyers would have us believe. It was purely an Aviation Security and procedure issue. According to the eyewitness, there were two airline hostesses involved. He noted that the first air hostess who instructed Ms Comfort to put off her phone, was “polite and professional” in her approach. He went further to say that, the second air hostess who intervened afterwards following the passenger’s seeming disobedience to instructions, was “unprofessional” in her altercation with the passenger.

Permit me to comment on this, before I proceed. None of the Hostesses were unprofessional. They were both following the procedure, in aviation security. The first hostess informed and instructed. In response to the non-compliance

“It is unfortunate that, the passenger had to be dragged out of the plane. In the process, her dignity was exposed to ridicule. Once out of the plane, we saw on video how her violence rekindled, assaulting everyone on ground, including security officials. In normal societies, such passengers are handcuffed and taken out of the plane. It is unbelievable that, there was no security official with handcuffs”

of the passenger, the second hostess had to intervene. Please, note that, the second hostess’s duty was to enforce the rule, not to embark on customer relation semantics. In enforcing the rule, the attitude would be different, but surely not unprofessional.This is the standard procedure. Let me emphasise that, in aviation security, Security takes precedence over customer relations, sentiments and rights. The lives of passengers and properties, are at risk.

It is noteworthy, according to the eyewitness, that the passenger claimed that “the buttons on her phone were not working”. When prompted by the second hostess to go to her phone settings and press general, she scornfully asked the hostess to “spell the word general”. In Aviation security, this passenger’s attitude is regarded as suspicious. It is not glossed over. It is a trigger to deepen the enforcement of the rule. Clearly, the passenger’s behaviour was getting beyond acceptable, and crossing the line into crime.

Further, according to the eyewitness, the passenger became “simmering and upset throughout the flight”. In other words, she became a nuisance and a distraction to other passengers and crew. This was what prompted the second hostess, to alert the ground security. Again, this is the standard procedure. This explains why she was prevented from disembarking from the aircraft, after landing. The very moment security is alerted, the offending passenger is not allowed to disembark.

Those who see the incident as a failure of customer service, miss the point completely. This is purely an issue of non-compliance to the rules. The passenger's initial claim to have put her phone on flight mode, is nonsensical. It is true that in some flights, phones are allowed to be put

on flight mode, and in some cases, access the internet. However, most older planes are yet to be fixed with modern gadgets that enhance such luxury. Even at that, rules are rules. Nigerians should be schooled to obey simple rules.

It is unfortunate that, the passenger had to be dragged out of the plane. In the process, her dignity was exposed to ridicule. Once out of the plane, we saw on video how her violence rekindled, assaulting everyone on ground, including security officials. In normal societies, such passengers are handcuffed and taken out of the plane. It is unbelievable that, there was no security official with handcuffs. In the absence of this simple tool of security, Nigeria security officialdom shamelessly danced naked before the entire world.

The incident, simply underscores Nigerians’ penchant for disobedience. This is not an isolated case. It happens daily, on national and international flights. It is a mirror of who we are, and the way we behave. Nigerians would get up from their sits, even as the plane is taxing to the apron. I have personally witnessed such occurring, at MMA in Lagos. The airline crew were completely ignored in their plea to passengers to sit down, until the plane came to a stop.

We have had planes making emergency landing or turning back to their points of departure, due to unruly passengers. Such incidences result in increased operational costs, or image issues for the airline.

Conclusion

What is expected of Aviation authorities in Nigeria, is total enforcement of the rules. Perpetrators need to be arrested, and prosecuted. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, those who arrogantly and criminally violate our security are presented with bouquet of flowers, and kissed on both sides of their cheeks by those whose duty it is to protect us.

Felix Eghie Sugaba

Talking ConsTiTuTional demoCraCy

Ethical Problems in AI and Digital Legislation in Nigeria (Part 4)

Introduction

This concluding part of our treatise examines the human rights challenges posed by AI, such as the right to privacy; equity/ non-discrimination; freedom of expression/assembly; right to due process. It also explores the legal responses to AI in Europe, the US, China, etc. It concludes with the situation in Nigeria, by wondering whether ours is a case of exclusion by design, and when identity becomes a barrier. Enjoy.

Key Human Rights Challenges Posed by AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) intersects with human rights in complex ways, often creating tensions between innovation and the protection of fundamental freedoms. While AI systems can promote accessibility, improve healthcare, and enhance efficiency in governance, they can also entrench existing inequalities, violate privacy, suppress dissent, and deprive individuals of due process. This section outlines four critical human rights areas most impacted by AI: privacy, non-discrimination, freedom of expression, and the right to an effective remedy.

The Right to Privacy and Data Protection Privacy, enshrined in Article 12 of the UDHR and Article 17 of the ICCPR, is among the most directly challenged rights in the age of AI. AI systems rely heavily on the collection, analysis, and inference of massive amounts of personal data. Through processes such as data mining, profiling, predictive analytics, individuals’ behaviour, preferences, and even emotions can be monitored, predicted, and manipulated.

A key area of concern is the deployment of facial recognition technologies (FRT), particularly in public surveillance. In countries like China, facial recognition is widely used for social control purposes; in liberal democracies, it is increasingly adopted by law enforcement, often without sufficient oversight. The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that surveillance practices without safeguards against abuse, constitute a violation of Article 8 of the ECHR.

Furthermore, AI’s ability to generate “derived data”- inferences about individuals’ health, beliefs, or sexual orientation - raises concerns that go beyond conventional notions of privacy. These inferences, often made without consent or transparency, can result in stigmatisation and discrimination.

The Right to Equality and Non-Discrimination AI systems are often marketed as neutral and objective. However, they are trained on datasets that reflect historical and societal biases, and thus risk perpetuating and amplifying discrimination. This threatens the right to equality and nondiscrimination, protected by Articles 2 and 7 of the UDHR and Article 26 of the ICCPR.

Freedom of Expression and Assembly

AI is increasingly used to moderate online content, either through automated filters or human-machine hybrid systems. While these systems aim to reduce hate speech and misinformation, they also risk over-censorship, threatening the right to freedom of expression and assembly (Article 19 and 20 of the UDHR).

AI-driven moderation can suppress legitimate dissent, satire, or political speech - especially when content is flagged, based on opaque and proprietary standards. For example, during protest movements, authorities have used AI surveillance and social media monitoring to track, intimidate, and detain activists.

Moreover, recommendation algorithms on platforms like YouTube or Facebook, have been shown to amplify polarising and extremist content to maximise engagement - contributing to disinformation and social fragmentation. These

developments, challenge not only freedom of expression, but the very integrity of democratic discourse.

The Right to Due Process and Effective Remedy

A foundational principle of the rule of law is that, individuals must have the right to challenge decisions that affect their rights. This is codified in Article 8 of the UDHR and Article 2(3) of the ICCPR. However, the deployment of AI in decision-making - whether in criminal sentencing, immigration, or welfare benefits - often undermines this principle. Automated decision-making systems can be inscrutable (“black boxes”), making it difficult for affected individuals to understand the basis of decisions, challenge errors, or seek redress. When algorithms are protected as trade secrets, transparency is further compromised.

Legal Responses to AI: National and International Approaches

European Union (EU)

The EU is at the forefront of AI regulation through its proposed Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA), introduced in 2021. The AIA adopts a risk-based approach, classifying AI systems into unacceptable, high-risk, limited-risk, and minimal-risk categories.

United States

The U.S. has taken a more market-driven and decentralised approach to AI governance. Federal efforts include:

* The Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights (2022), which outlines principles such as safe and effective systems, algorithmic discrimination protections, and data privacy,

* Sector-specific guidance from agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

China

China integrates AI regulation, within a broader framework of State surveillance and political control. Key regulations include the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) and Algorithmic Recommendation Management Rules (2022), which require transparency in recommendation engines and allow users to opt out.

International and Regional Instruments

UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI (2021)

“While AI systems can promote accessibility, improve healthcare, and enhance efficiency in governance, they can also entrench existing inequalities, violate privacy, suppress dissent, and deprive individuals of due process….If Nigeria seizes this moment with foresight, courage, and moral clarity, it can build a digital society where innovation serves inclusion, and where technology becomes a force for equity, not exclusion”

UNESCO’s landmark non-binding recommendation sets out global ethical norms for AI, including principles of accountability, transparency, fairness, non-discrimination, and environmental sustainability. It urges member States to establish legal frameworks, ethical impact assessments, and inclusive governance mechanisms.

Council of Europe

The Council is drafting a binding international convention on AI, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. This would be the first legally binding treaty on AI governance, with a human rights focus. The treaty aims to complement the European Convention on Human Rights, and provide judicial redress mechanisms for violations.

African Union

The African Union has initiated discussions on an AI continental strategy, focusing on data sovereignty, inclusivity, and capacity building. While regulatory developments are nascent, countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa are exploring AI frameworks that align with local contexts and human-centred development goals.

United Nations

The UN’s High-Level Advisory Body on AI, established in 2023, is tasked with developing a Global AI Governance Framework. Its priorities include mitigating harms, enabling inclusive access, and fostering global cooperation. However, enforcement remains a challenge, due to State sovereignty and divergent political interests.

Challenges in Global AI Regulation

Despite growing momentum for AI regulation, several challenges persist: Jurisdictional Fragmentation: Differing legal cultures and priorities, make international harmonisation difficult. For example, the EU emphasises human rights, the U.S. prioritises innovation, and China focuses on State control. Regulatory Lag: The law struggles to keep pace with rapid advances in AI capabilities, especially in generative AI and autonomous systems.

Exclusion by Design: When Identity Becomes a Barrier

The central irony of Nigeria’s digital identity architecture is that it often excludes those it was intended to include. Many Nigerians particularly those in remote or underserved regions lack access to the infrastructure necessary for NIN registration. Others face language barriers, physical inaccessibility, or the sheer economic burden of traveling to registration centres. These exclusionary practices turn identity from a right into a privilege, doled out only to those who can navigate a complex and centralised system. This problem is exacerbated by the uncritical integration of digital identity into essential services. When NIN becomes the gateway to healthcare, banking, education, and welfare, it also becomes a weapon of exclusion. Individuals without it are effectively rendered

invisible to the state, unable to assert their rights or access services. In many ways, this constitutes a form of structural violence perpetuated not by malice, but by institutional neglect.

The NDPA 2023 attempts to confront this problem by empowering the NDPC to issue binding guidelines and orders to both public and private data controllers. The Commission is authorised to mandate equitable access and fairness in digital platforms, including those tied to identity systems. However, the law is yet to address the design of accessibility, including provisions for persons with disabilities, rural dwellers, and indigenous communities. Until digital inclusion is made a legislative priority, not just a technical aspiration, the architecture of exclusion will persist.

Conclusion: Charting an Ethical and Inclusive Digital Future

for Nigeria

As Nigeria stands at the crossroads of digital transformation, the imperative to embed ethics, human dignity, and inclusive governance into every layer of its technological ecosystem has never been more urgent. This work has illuminated the profound ethical, legal, and societal implications of deploying artificial intelligence, digital identity systems, and data-driven governance in a complex socio-political environment. From the conceptual underpinnings of human rights to the operational challenges of data sovereignty and AI oversight, the picture that emerges is one of a nation both full of promise and fraught with systemic risk. The passage of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023, marks a crucial milestone, but it is only a foundational step. Laws, no matter how well-written, are only as effective as the institutions that enforce them, the infrastructure that supports them, and the citizenry that holds them accountable.

At the centre of this article, is the recognition that technology is not neutral. Algorithms, databases, and biometric systems are not mere technical tools, they are deeply political instruments that reflect, reinforce, or resist existing power dynamics. In Nigeria, where inequalities based on geography, gender, disability, and socio-economic status already shape access to services, uncritical digitisation risks amplifying these disparities. We have seen real-world illustrations: the disenfranchisement caused by the hasty implementation of the National Identity Number (NIN) system; the exclusion of rural and disabled citizens from registration processes; the misuse of surveillance and AI systems, without proper legal safeguards. Each instance is not just a policy failure, it is a breach of the constitutional promise of dignity, autonomy, and justice.

By centring human dignity, participatory design, and intersectional fairness, Nigeria can develop AI systems and data policies that do not simply function, but uplift. This means operationalising consent as something more than legal formality; mandating explainability and accountability in all algorithmic decision-making; ensuring the right to opt out is real and accessible; and making digital systems interoperable with the lived realities of every Nigerian, not just the digitally literate or economically privileged.

Citizens must have avenues to influence how data is collected, how AI is used, and how rights are protected. Building public trust in digital systems is impossible without transparency, inclusiveness, and redress mechanisms. Institutions like the Nigeria Data Protection Commission must be empowered, not only with legal mandates, but with the political independence and technical capacity to oversee complex digital ecosystems. Likewise, the role of civil society, academia, and the private sector cannot be relegated to the sidelines; they must be co-creators of Nigeria’s digital future.

Ultimately, Nigeria's digital transformation must be judged, not merely by the sophistication of its technologies, but by the justice of their impacts. A truly sovereign digital State is not defined by control over infrastructure alone, but by its commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and agency of its people. The challenge is immense, but, so too, is the opportunity. If Nigeria seizes this moment with foresight, courage, and moral clarity, it can build a digital society where innovation serves inclusion, and where technology becomes a force for equity, not exclusion. The path forward is clear: ethical by design, inclusive by intention, and human-centred by law. (The End)

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

08033025611 sms only

Despite Katsina’s Security Challenges, Gov Radda Proceeds on Medical Leave

a mid prevailing leadership instability and insecurity in Katsina State, Francis sardauna writes that Governor Dikko Radda has proceeded on a three-week medical leave.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State who has been away from Nigeria after a road accident along Daura-Katsina highway, has transmitted power to the State Deputy Governor, Hon. Faruk Lawal to pilot the affairs of the state in an acting capacity for three weeks.

Recall that the governor alongside his Chief of Staff, Abdulkadir Nasir; District Head of Kuraye, Alhaji Usman Darda’u, and the state Public Relations Officer of All Progressives Congress, Shamsu Sule, were involved in an accident along the Daura-Katsina road in July.

Described by Radda’s media handlers as minor with no serious injuries, the head-on collision accident left Nasir and Darda’u with fractures while passengers of the affected commercial vehicle sustained varying degrees of injuries.

A few days after the incident, the governor who was reported to have been receiving treatment at a hospital in Abuja with his Chief of Staff and Sarkin Kuraye, was flown to Germany, leaving the duo behind in the unnamed private hospital.

Since he left the country, Governor Radda has been chairing State Executive Council Meetings and other key functions virtually until August 13 where he announced a three-week medical leave of absence that is sparking controversy in the state.

Radda, in a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu-Zango, said he will be proceeding on the 21-day medical leave beginning from August 18, 2025 to an undisclosed foreign country to enable him to focus on his health.

The statement quoted the governor as saying “I want to thank everyone for their kind words and ongoing support. Taking the necessary steps to prioritize my health is essential.

“So I can continue to serve effectively and make the best decisions for our state. I look forward to returning to my duties as soon as I finish my medical check up.

“To ensure seamless governance and continued leadership, the state Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal, (Sarkin Fulanin Jobe) has been designated to assume the responsibilities of the governor during my absence in an acting capacity.”

In the statement, Governor Radda remained mute on his health condition that warrant the three-week medical leave, but it appears to be in connection with the Daura-Katsina road accident.

But his leave comes amid growing public concern over the rising trend of Nigerian political leaders seeking medical care overseas, a development pundits say underscores the tenacious neglect of the nation’s health sector.

Despite billions of naira being allocated for the country’s health sector yearly, invariably, to avert medical tourism, Katsina people and other Nigerians are stuck with decrepit, ill-equipped, underfunded and ill-staffed government health facilities.

This, perhaps, could be the reason why Governor Radda had abandoned the nation’s hospitals built with taxpayers’ resources to seek medical care abroad, leaving his Chief of Staff and the Sarkin Kuraye in the hands of Nigerian doctors.

Although Radda is not the first Nigerian Governor or political leader to seek health care overseas, this phenomenon is not only draining public funds but also signals a lack of confidence in the Nigeria-own healthcare system.

For citizens of Katsina state who are grappling with prevailing security challenges, the governor’s medical leave is a wretched

reminder of the widening gap between political elites and rural dwellers who rely on deteriorating public health facilities for survival after hoodlums attacks.

One of the citizens and Public Relations Officer of the state People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Lawali Yar’Adua, accused Governor Radda of prioritizing his health more than the worsening security challenges bedevilling communities in some parts of the state.

While wondering how the governor would embark on medical leave when residents of Funtua, Faskari, Dandume, Sabuwa, Malumfashi and Danja are faced with persistent insecurity, the PDP spokesman urged him to focus on addressing the state’s challenges rather than personal interests.

According to him: “It’s right to seek medical care when you are sick, but if your people are being killed in their own homes, what kind of right is it to travel for health when you claim you already have that health?

“We prayed for him during the accident and we were happy when he told the public he was in good health. What we think is that since he has recovered, he should turn his attention back to the state before doing anything else.

“In my view, instead of going to the hospital since he is already better — as he once said during his campaign that he could even enter the forests — what would stop him from, instead of travelling abroad for medical care.”

However, the state Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mohammed Ali, has refuted Yar’adua’s claims of wobbling security challenges, adding

As the Chief security officer of Katsina state who hardly spent two weeks in the state since his inauguration on may 29, 2023, analysts argued that Radda’s medical leave will further truncate his administration’s quest of rescuing the state from the grips of bandits. The situation has also led to public outcry and complaints, particularly by the opposition politicians who say they can not imagine that the governor whose state is ravaged by insecurity will be travelling out, leaving residents to their fate.

that Radda’s medical leave was within the purview of the nation’s constitution. He dismissed what he termed false and politically motivated claims by the opposition that the governor has squandered millions of naira on travel expenses in the last two years. He stated that the governor has constitutional rights to proceed on medical leave.

“And I see no reason why someone should complain. He has significantly improved security and restored peace in most parts of the state”, he added.

Aside security, he said, Governor Radda has transformed the state’s health, education, agriculture, economic sectors, and wooed foreign investors into the state through his ‘Building Your Future’ blueprint.

The APC chairman said the governor has built, renovated and equipped hospitals in 361 wards across the 34 local government areas of state.

“Even the opposition parties can testify to what the governor has done and is still doing in the state”, he said.

Ali punctured criticism that Governor Radda has been junketing around the world unnecessarily without recourse to administering the state, saying the trips were necessary and beneficial to the state. Meanwhile, Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal, may have the administrative experience and track records to spearhead the affairs of the state, but political analysts are of the opinion that Radda’s continued absence negates the principles of good governance.

Describing the deputy governor as weak and indecisive in the absence of the governor, the analysts said Radda’s absence would create an atmosphere for underground power struggle and machination that could at any moment be aggravated.

As the Chief Security Officer of Katsina state who hardly spent two weeks in the state since his inauguration on May 29, 2023, analysts argued that Radda’s medical leave will further truncate his administration’s quest of rescuing the state from the grips of bandits.

The situation has also led to public outcry and complaints, particularly by the opposition politicians who say they can not imagine that the governor whose state is ravaged by insecurity will be travelling out, leaving residents to their fate.

They said Radda is not supposed to leave the state in Lawal’s hands for more than two weeks because he is the chief security officer, adding that the deputy governor will not implement programmes and policies without the governor’s approval.

A chieftain of an opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, Dr. Mustapha Inuwa, has also accused the governor of being insensitive to the plight of Katsina citizens with his constant foreign travels amid the myriad of security and economic challenges facing the state.

Inuwa urged eligible voters to join forces with the ADC to wrest power from Radda in 2027.

The former Secretary to the State Government said: “The governor and his deputy are supposed to be serving the people of Katsina, but they seem to be prioritising their personal needs over governance.”

However, Radda and other Nigerian public officials’ penchant for foreign medical care is both a symptom and cause of the country’s health woes. It signals to the public that those in power do not trust the system. It also drains resources and political will that could otherwise be used to upgrade domestic health facilities to global standards.

FEaturEs

How NAFRC is Training Officers in Innovation, Resilience and Adaptability for Life After Service

As today’s security landscape evolves, so too must the officers who will one day leave the uniform behind. This is why the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) is arming mid and senior-level officers not with weapons, but with the tools of innovation, resilience and adaptability needed to navigate life and leadership after service. At the inauguration of the 15th edition of its Middle and Senior-Level Officers’ Entrepreneurship and Management Course, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that it underscored the growing importance attached to capacity building for officers

The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, Lagos, has once again demonstrated its commitment to preparing military personnel for life beyond uniform with the inauguration of the 15th edition of its Middle and Senior-Level Officers’ Entrepreneurship and Management Course.

The course, run in partnership with Empretec Nigeria Foundation (ENF), recently brought together 33 participants drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and Defence Headquarters (DHQ). It is the third edition to hold in 2025, underscoring the growing importance attached to capacity building for officers.

Preparing Officers for Post-service Realities

Delivering his inaugural address, the Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal B.R. Mamman, said it was another significant milestone in their collective commitment “to equipping you distinguished participants with the requisite skills and knowledge to assist you in your post-service life. As we gather here today, we reaffirm the Centre’s unwavering dedication to capacity building, empowerment, and national development through structured and impactful training programmes.”

Although not categorised as a preretirement course, AVM Mamman emphasised that it was designed to help officers prepare early for transition. “I am indeed confident that the Course will expose you to the realities of the civilian business environment, sharpen your decision-making skills, cultivate a mindset of innovation, resilience and adaptability needed to navigate the dynamic world of business and leadership,” he noted.

Building on NAFRC’s Mandate

Reaffirming NAFRC’s mission, the Commandant said: “The Centre has trained over 48,000 Senior NonCommission Officers and presently,

Esther Oluku

577 participants of NAFRC Course 02/2025 are undergoing the predischarge training. It is also on record that many of the past participants are now successful owners of both small and medium scale enterprises across the length and breadth of the Country.”

He explained that expanding training to serving officers was a deliberate decision. “So far, over 235 senior officers from the Services and sister security agencies have benefited from the programme. Interestingly, following the positive feedbacks from past participants, the Chief of Defence Staff approved the proposal to organise the Course quarterly. Thus, making this Course, third to be conducted this year 2025,” he said.

Lessons Beyond the Classroom AVM Mamman urged participants to embrace the practical modules.

“Success in entrepreneurship is not solely about having a great idea, it requires strategic management, adaptability, financial literacy and unwavering commitment to hard work. This is where the principle of management is applied to turn ideas into successful enterprise. Thus, according to Peter Drucker, ‘The best way to predict the future is to create

it’,” he told them.

He further disclosed plans for hands-on support. “The Centre has made necessary arrangements to invite the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to facilitate business registration process for participants. Additionally, as part of our commitment towards fostering a conducive and learning environment, the Centre undertook significant upgrade of the conference and lecture halls,” he said.

Also speaking, the Director of Training, Brigadier General I.O. Olatunji, said the new course structure was part of NAFRC’s evolving programme. “This inauguration ceremony is important as it marks the official commencement and conduct of the Third Senior Officers’ Entrepreneurship and Management Training this year and in line with the NAFRC Year 2025 Forecast of Events,” he explained.

He revealed that 32 participants had been confirmed after initial adjustments. “Both courses are designed to equip participants with relevant entrepreneur technical training and management skills through lectures, feedbacks, workshops and study tours in conjunction with Empretec Nigeria Foundation (ENF), Lagos and Songhai Farms, Port Novo

Republic of Benin,” he added.

ENF

Underscores Critical Intervention

Also speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Onari Duke of ENF, described the training as a vital intervention. “This course is designed to empower both senior and mid-level officers with the necessary skills to thrive in today’s entrepreneurial landscape,” she said.

She pointed to early gains. “The ETW exercise was an opportunity for participants to showcase their skills in taking calculated risks, and one of the participants, Wg Car DT Ogunleye, excelled in the Ring Toss activity, winning a monetary award,” she revealed.

According to Dr. Duke, the programme’s value lies in its blend of teaching and realworld practice. “The practical components, including visits to Spectra Industries, the Nigerian Conservation Centre, Commint Buka, and Songhai Farms, would give participants real-life exposure to successful enterprise models,” she added.

As officers embark on the course, the clear message is that entrepreneurship and leadership after service require foresight, adaptability and resilience. For these participants, the opportunity to begin charting their post-service path while still in uniform may well prove one of the most valuable investments in their future.

22 Nigerian Children Bag International AI Certification

A total of 22 Nigerian children have bagged the Artificial Intelligence Master certification from Cihan Digital Academy. The certification which is accredited by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the University of Missouri, United States of America,

sets the children up to productively engage technology in solving real life problems.

According to the Chief AI Officer, Cihan Digital Academy, Dr. Celestine Achi, the certification came after weeks of immersive training which has shaped the children into AI prompt engineers, creators and innovators. The training which

was conducted in two categories with children aged eight to 12 and 13 to 18 respectively, ended in a graduation ceremony which doubled as a pitch session, producing three winners from each category.

Winner of the senior category and Founder, StudyGeex, Angel Achi, explained that her product was built from

the need to simplify study for students by summarising voluminous study materials into short notes and flashcards to make study easier to comprehend.

"The name of my app is StudyGeex. I remember that I have subject I struggle with and I know I can do better with the right support. So, I

thought that if I can create an app that can summarize my notes, I will understand everything and i will not miss any point and that is what why I built with StudyGeex."

On her part, third place winner for the junior category and Founder, Localestay, Chizitaram Nlemadim, explained that through application of AI tools,

Localestay hopes to bridge information gaps with regards to housing and accommodation.

"Localestay helps people find houses available for sale, rental homes and hotels for vacation anywhere around the world. All one has to do is put in the location and it generates home options."

Davies; Head of Digital Marketing, Oluwatomisin Araoye; SVP, Distribution Network Sales, Ezekiel Sanni; SVP, Business Loans and Credit, Tobi Anira; and Chief Compliance Officer, TeamApt Limited, Ibukun Atoyebi, during the screening of the Inside Nigeria’s Food Chain case study in Lagos… recently

L-R: Project Officer, Akwaaba African Travel Market, Deborah OlukayodeChimezie;  Founder, Nike Art Gallery, Chief Nike Okundaye-Davis; and Convener, Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko, during the presentation of the Africa Travel 100 Global Leaders Award to Chief Nike Okundaye-Davis at the World Famous Nike Art Gallery, held in Lagos… recently

L-R: Managing Director, ARCO Maintenance and Engineering Limited, Mr. Michael Okoigun; Relationship Manager, Wema Bank Plc, Waruku Kimamra; Group Chief Finance Officer, Arco Group, Mr. Bakare Mutiu; and Business Development Manager, Wema Bank, Mr. Christopher Labiran, during the launch of the newly built DFCB 22 Surfer Vessel into the fleet of Arco Marine and Oilfield Services Limited in Lagos... recently

L-R: Head of Partnership and Special Projects, Enactus Nigeria, Emmanuel Udo; Chief Marketing Officer, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Adebola Surakat; Head of Admin and Finance, Enactus Nigeria, Victor Akinfala; General Counsel and Human Resource Director, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Omowunmi Mabel Adewusi; and Senior Programmes Officer, Enactus Nigeria, Raphael Anagbe, at the presentation of the Catalyst Partner Award to AXA Mansard by Enactus Nigeria, held in Lagos… recently

L-R: The Principal, Ansarudeen Grammar School, Mr. Habeeb Badru; Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Dhikirulah Adedoyin Har-Yusuf; father of the ‘Best Science Student’, Olatunbosun Anifowose; Best Graduating Science Student, Fareed Anifowose; and mother, Rasheedat Anifowose, at the valedictory/award ceremony of Ansarudeen Grammar School, Randle Avenue in Surulere, Lagos… recently

Senior Production Geologist,

www.thisdaylive.com

OKONJO-IWEALA: BETWEEN STABILITY AND SURVIVAL

Stability without security and well-being is like carrying water in a basket, contends PAT ONUKWULI

WHY THE 1999 CONSTITUTION IS NOT A GRUNDNORM NICHOLAS EBEHIKHALU argues that Decree 24 of 1999 cannot take the place of a referendum by the people

opinion@thisdaylive.com

Nobody should play God, argues TOLA ADENIYI

GOD-COMPLEX AND SYCOPHANCY

I had wanted to title this piece ‘Primitive Politics and Sycophancy’ given the way and manner Nigerian politicians, nay, African politicians in particular, and the entire universal politicians have stood politics and its practice on its head. Politics is supposed to be a means to seeking and receiving power from constituents and, in return, giving service for the collective good. But that is no longer the case. Politics is like collecting power from the people by hook or crook and use that power to turn the constituents to a game for dinner and nauseating self-aggrandizement. And worse, turn constituents into serfs, servants and slaves.

Politicians go further to frighten, humiliate, suppress, oppress and victimize whosoever of their constituents that have the courage and guts to challenge their authoritarianism. And they do all these in the most primitive, crude and uncivil manner while they employ a coterie of fawners as praise-singers! Sadly and lamentably, these constituents are actually their employers who pay their salaries, wages and emoluments!

Now I have chosen ‘God-complex and Sycophancy’ because at the root of the crudity and inconceivable selfishness, greed and insensitivity of politicians and leading political office holders is a conviction of inviolability and invincibility. These political office holders at the top of the ladder see themselves as mini-god! And they are made so by the pitiable fawners and praise-singers who worship at their feet.

I recall that I have written several articles and made several pronouncements on television and radio channels lamenting and condemning the role Nigerians as a people had played and continue to play in the build-up to making their ‘employed’ politicians tin-gods. I have not been able to find any sensible rationale for the psychological, sociological or traditional cause which makes otherwise educated people, highly professional individuals who have made a great success in their callings, respectable traditional rulers with large following and community elders who suddenly turn themselves to politicians’ foot mats.

Why should an erudite scholar or university professor end up carrying brief cases for some secondary school dropouts, known criminals or well-known thugs simply because such riffraff’s have succeeded in hijacking power and have found themselves in undeserved positions of authority? It is unfathomable and unpardonable.

It is the people who have lost self-worth or personal dignity and an otherwise honourable family identity who constitute the bulk of the unfortunate beings that have now created gods in political office holders and sadly, insist that others, those who still have their heads screwed on their necks should follow them in their blind servitude.

Nigeria is entering another stage of their comical and usually tragic political electioneering cycle which invariably awards purchased victory to losers and blinds the actual winners with curious electoral loss. Ugly as that had always been, it has become imperative that the few saner voices around should speak up now and warn of the dire consequences of the mounting campaign of hate and xenophobia which is already soiling the atmosphere with its attendant putrid poison.

Nigerians are now being daily fed with propaganda hinged on absolute falsehood; falsification of facts, falsification of history, falsification of identity and humongous lies and deceit.

At the root of all these shenanigans is the desire to create Machiavellian cultheroes of top political office holders from the very bottom of the ladder, local government chairpersons to speakers of state assemblies, to governors, leaders of the national assembly and the president. Self-serving sycophants and praisesingers are currently in competition amongst themselves to outdo one another to get a bite of the slush funds dripping with blood!

In the self-depreciating effort to make their paymasters look like god, they indulge in running down others who obviously are better or greater than their own gods of clay. Unfortunately, and this is where the danger lies, political office

holders have been fed with and dressed in multi-layered costume of invincibility and incomparability.

We must all combat the heresy that had gained currency in the last decade or so. Heresy never known in the annals of Nigeria’s political history. That heresy is the nauseating claim and propaganda that one politician made another politician. This is the crust of the God-complex heresy which Nigerians must arrest and deal with once and for all.

It is not in our culture or tradition, to compete with the creator of this Universe or allow or encourage anyone to so do on our behalf. We know the consequences of playing God. All history books and religious literatures are awash with the ignominious and ruinous ends of all those who played or acted God. And because God, Olodumare to the Yoruba, and bearer of as many names as there are tongues, is the only entity whose position is permanent and unchangeable, anyone who seeks to compete with him crashes when faced with unavoidable change or mortality.

The Creator of the Universe is the ONLY Creator of creatures of which human species is one. No one should ever say someone creates someone. Because it is in that self-conceited mindset that people can talk of some one betraying a god! It is heresy, pure and simple. The beautiful religion of Islam seriously forbids godcomplex. Every person is regarded as a servant of Allah. It is a religion of absolute humility and submission. And Prophet Mohammed [Peace be unto Him] remains eternally, Allah’s messenger. The religion forbids creating images, or worshipping fellow human being, the reason why there is no image of Prophet Mohammed [PBOH] anywhere in the world. Actors who play the role of the Prophet are never shown!

In political spheres people who believe they want to serve their people present themselves and their manifesto to the people for assessment and approval or disapproval. Acceptance or rejection. In a democracy which, among many definitions, is a guarantee for freedom of association, freedom of choice, and enhancement of fundamental human rights, children of the same parents, husbands and wives can compete against one another in their bid to render service to the community.

High Chief Adeniyi, a syndicated columnist is an Elder statesman.

Stability without security and wellbeing is like carrying water in a basket, contends

PAT ONUKWULI

OKONJO-IWEALA: BETWEEN STABILITY AND SURVIVAL

When Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), paid a courtesy call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, her words were received with both admiration and curiosity.

She praised the government’s efforts in removing fuel subsidies, unifying exchange rates, and tightening fiscal discipline. These reforms, she argued, had brought a measure of macroeconomic stability, and “you cannot improve an economy unless it is stable.”

At the same time, she added a caveat: stability must be followed by growth, job creation, and safety nets for those who bear the heaviest burden of reform.

The observation was balanced, yet it opened a broader debate. What is an economy in the first place? Is it merely the figures of GDP, inflation, or debt ratios displayed in glossy reports, or is it something more profound, something that touches the daily lives of ordinary people?

An economy is not simply a number on a balance sheet. It is a living system, the bloodstream of a nation. It comprises production, exchange, and consumption.

It stretches from the yam farmer in Benue to the oil rig in Bayelsa, from the small trader in Kano to the fintech hub in Lagos. It includes the markets, the transport routes, and the banks that allow value to circulate.

It is shaped by laws, policies, and institutions that provide order, and is influenced by external forces such as global commodity prices, remittances, and foreign investment. If any artery in this economic bloodstream, like production, distribution, or consumption, is blocked, the entire system weakens.

Nigeria’s recent statistics tell a complicated story. The economy grew by 3.13 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, with services accounting for more than half of total output.

A rebasing exercise now values GDP at about N372.8 trillion, or $244 billion. Oil output has edged up to 1.6 million barrels per day.

Inflation, though still high, has slowed to 21.88 per cent in July 2025, with food inflation at 22.74 per cent. The Naira, battered in earlier months, now trades around N1,540 to the dollar, a relative calm compared to past volatility. On the surface, these are signs of the stability Dr. Okonjo-Iweala acknowledged.

Yet beneath this veneer, the foundations remain shaky. Public debt has climbed to N149.39 trillion, raising serious sustainability concerns. Foreign capital inflows rose to $5.64 billion in Q1 2025, but more than 90 per cent of that was speculative portfolio investment, funds that can disappear at the first hint of trouble.

Foreign direct investment, which creates jobs and builds industries, remains

negligible. And despite revisions that present unemployment at around five per cent, over 60 per cent of Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, with many struggling to afford food, shelter, and healthcare. This contradiction points to a more urgent truth: security and well-being are not afterthoughts in economics, but its very heart.

Without safety, farms are abandoned, factories close, and trade routes fall silent. Investors withdraw, and communities slide into despair.

Insecurity is already halting agriculture in the North and driving up food prices nationwide. Well-being is equally indispensable.

Development cannot be judged solely by exchange rate stability or declining inflation. As Amartya Sen has argued, actual progress lies in expanding people’s freedoms, the ability to live long, healthy, and dignified lives.

The question then arises: can stability coexist with insecurity and poverty? It can, but only for a while, and only on paper. Oil-rich Venezuela once recorded steady foreign inflows while its people starved.

Nigeria, too, can parade stable macroeconomic indicators while millions go hungry. But such stability is fragile. Insecurity erodes production. Poverty suppresses demand. Investors flee, and unrest brews. A house with fresh paint but rotting beams may impress the eye, but the first storm will reveal its weakness.

This tension was implicit in Okonjo-Iweala’s words. Was she speaking as the head of the WTO, or as a patriotic Nigerian?

In her role as WTO chief, her commendation echoed the familiar language of global orthodoxy, reforms, stability, credibility, and investor confidence.

These are terms that resonate in Geneva, Washington, and with international markets. Yet the WTO itself has long faced criticism for trade rules that constrain poorer countries while favouring more prosperous nations. From that angle, her words were not free of controversy.

Dr. Onukwuli, a legal scholar and public affairs analyst, writes from Bolton, UK. patonukwuli2003@yahoo.co.uk

NICHOLAS EBEHIKHALU argues that Decree 24 of 1999 cannot take the place of a referendum by the people

WHY THE 1999 CONSTITUTION IS NOT A GRUNDNORM

Grundnorm is a German concept used in the pure theory of law. It was used in the theory to denote the basic norm, order or rule that forms the foundation of any legal system. The theory was created by Hans Kelsen, an Australian Jurist and a Legal Philosopher (1881 - 1973). The theory was based on the need to find a point of origin for all laws, or to find a point of origin on which constitution as a body of basic laws gain its legitimacy. The theory also known as Normativity theory, centers on the normative nature of law which means that laws necessarily consist of norms. It talks about pure law which excludes all factors affecting the definition of law such as morality, ethics, economics, and sociology, etc., so that the law can stand on its own.

According to Kelsen, a norm is a law or rule prescribing human conduct and behavior in a society. He distinguished between legal norms and moral norms. He stated that moral norm is “what a person should do or not do” but the legal norm states that if a person does any act against the norm then he would be punished by the state. Every norm exists in a hierarchical system (and being hierarchical in nature), derives its existence and validity from its supreme norm called the basic norm or grundnorm, which does not derive any existence or validity from any other source.

In every legal system, grundnorm is self existed. It is sui generis, meaning that, it stands on its own and does not come from any other source or derives its validity from any other source or be tested by any other source. For instance Sub Delegated Legislation derives its validity from the Delegated Legislation. Delegated Legislation derives its validity from the Act of Parliament and the Act of Parliament derives its validity from the Constitution, and the Constitution is to be in accordance with the basic norm or grundnorm which of course derives no validity from any source. This means that the legality or validity of each norm is to be decided by the higher norm until it gets to the position of the grundnorm. The process of one norm deriving its power from the norm immediately superior to it, until it reaches the grundnorm was termed by Hans Kelsen as “concretization” of the legal system. Thus, every legal system is based on series of norms which derive its validity from a Grundnorm.

The Grundnorm can therefore be described as the ultimate, supreme or highest norm in the society from which other norms emanate. It is the justification for the rest of the legal system or justification for the rest of the laws prevalent in the society. Kelsen stated that in a legal system, there is a chain of authorization, to the extent that a legal norm can gain validity or can be created in accordance with another “higher” legal norm that authorizes its creation, and the “higher” legal norm in turn is legally valid if and only if, it has been created in accordance with yet another “higher” norm that authorizes its enactment. In other words, in a country having its own constitution and the states

having their own laws or legislation, it is from within the boundary and content of the constitution of the country that each state’s legislature can enact their types of laws of legislations. But what makes this the law? The state’s legislation confers this power on the state legislature to enact laws within certain authorized limits of jurisdiction and content. But then what makes the state’s legislation legally valid? The answer is that the legal validity of the law of a state derives from the authorization granted by the nation’s constitution. It is at this stage that the chain of authorization comes to an end on the ground that there is no higher legal norm that authorizes the enactment of the constitution. However, what makes the constitution or a nation’s constitution legally valid? At this point, Kelsen argued that one must presupposed the legal validity of the constitution based on the fact that there is a rule behind every constitution,

and he described the normative content of the presupposition as Grundnorm. It is for this reason that he said that grundnorm is not the constitution, it is simply the presupposition made in the theory for the interests of legal science that this “constitution ought to be obeyed”. Hence, grundnorm only imparts validity to the constitution, and all other norms derived from it. The presupposition is based on the fact that the constitution does not exist for itself but framed or built or mounted on an ultimate norm. This ultimate norm defines, denotes or elucidates the principles and ideologies of the people. Thus, even though a constitution of nation is the supreme law of the land, but for the fact that there is rule behind the constitution, it cannot be regarded as a grundnorm. All constitutions are constituted on the principles and ideologies which emanates from the worldview, culture, belief, or mores and social consciousness of the people. That is why Americans will tell you that America is a country founded on principles and ideologies of freedom, liberty and pragmatism.

Prof. Ebehikhalu is Head, Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Abuja

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

THE HUMANITARIAN DISASTER IN GAZA

Israel should listen to the international community, and stop the carnage

As we join the rest of the world to mark the 2025 Humanitarian Day, the catastrophe in Gaza and West Bank should prick the conscience of our collective humanity. With the theme, "Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities", this year’s humanitarian day offers a unique opportunity for the global community to exert sufficient pressure on Israel to stop the carnage in Gaza. Whatever the country may be trying to achieve in Gaza, as we stated last year, the aftermath will be deeper hate, greater violence, and a further deferment of the much-needed peace in the region. Israel must pay attention to what the international community is saying.

From Asia to Africa, and South America, the list of countries that now recognises Palestinian statehood has swelled to more than 140. With the recent announcements by France, United Kingdom, Australia, Portugal, Malta and Canada, the task at hand must be to end what is perhaps one of the greatest humanitarian disasters in history. As long as Palestinians are denied basic humanity, the crisis will persist, and it is not likely to be resolved by the force of arms.

call for an immediate ceasefire followed by an honest quest for enduring peace.

In January last year, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) urged Israel to “take all measures within its power” to prevent all acts within the scope of the Genocide Convention. The ruling was based on the nine provisional measures requested by South Africa in its genocide claim against Israel. “The imminent risk of death, harm and destruction that Palestinians in Gaza face today, and that they risk every day during the pendency of these proceedings, on any view justifies — indeed compels — the indication of provisional measures," South Africa's lawyer, Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh, had told the court. "Some might say that the very reputation of international law — its ability and willingness to bind and to protect all peoples equally — hangs in the balance.”

We are witnessing the arrogance of might without due regard for the rights of others, notably ordinary Palestinians

T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

It is noteworthy that the current Israeli military operation in Gaza started with the 7th October 2023 killing of about 1300 Israelis and abduction of more than 250 others in an attack that stands condemned. But the current Israeli military operation has exceeded proportionality of response. The justifiable right to self-defence has tipped over into the territory of reckless invasion and wanton abuse of human rights. We are now witnessing the arrogance of might without due regard for the rights of others, notably ordinary Palestinians. Incidentally, the only path to Israel’s peace and security is through facilitating an independent Palestinian state next door. The extremities of the current operation make that end even more distant, hence an urgent global

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

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Letters to the Editor

While today is an international day dedicated to honouring humanitarian workers and celebrating their incredible impact around the world, no territory exemplifies their sacrifices than Gaza that has been under Israeli bombardment for almost two years. “Humanitarian workers are the last lifeline for over 300 million people caught in conflict or disaster. Yet, funding for that lifeline is drying up. And those who provide humanitarian aid are increasingly under attack,” the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stated in his message to mark today’s World Humanitarian Day. “Too often the world looks away, even when these attacks violate international law. The laws meant to protect aid workers are ignored. Those responsible walk free. This silence and lack of accountability cannot continue.”

The UN Mandate to partition Palestine into two independent States, one Palestinian Arab and the other Jewish, with Jerusalem internationalised, has failed because Israel believes that might is right. But the current military siege imposed on Gaza has already caused untold hardships for the people and a humanitarian disaster of monumental proportion that should not continue.

Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.

THE STRUGGLE OVER PROLONGED DETENTION IN MAIDUGURI

In Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, the sound of freedom is often drowned out by the clanging of prison gates. Behind those gates are men and women who, in many cases, have never had their day in court. Prolonged pretrial detention — the practice of holding individuals for months or even years without formal charges or trial — has become a quiet but pressing legal and human rights concern in the city. While the law presumes every person innocent until proven guilty, the lived reality for many detainees tells a different story.

The roots of this problem are entangled in the city’s unique security and legal environment. For over a decade, Maiduguri has been at the epicenter of Nigeria’s fight against insurgency. In the wake of terrorist attacks and mass arrests, thousands of suspects have been detained under security laws designed to protect the public. But these laws, coupled

with an overburdened justice system, have led to widespread delays in legal proceedings. Many detainees find themselves in a legal limbo — neither convicted nor acquitted, yet deprived of their liberty.

Borno State’s legal framework, like the rest of Nigeria’s, is anchored in the Constitution, which guarantees the right to personal liberty, fair hearing, and trial within a reasonable time. However, in practice, these protections are often undermined by systemic weaknesses. Shortages of judges, prosecutors, and defence lawyers contribute to severe case backlogs. In Maiduguri’s High Court and Magistrates’ Courts, it is not uncommon for cases to be adjourned repeatedly due to missing witnesses, incomplete investigation reports, or sheer overload of the court schedule.

The consequences for detainees are profound. Many spend years in the overcrowded Maiduguri Maximum Se-

curity Prison awaiting trial. Inmates speak of cramped cells, inadequate food, and limited access to medical care. Beyond the physical hardship, there is the psychological toll of uncertainty — the crushing knowledge that their fate is at the mercy of a slow-moving legal machine. Families, too, suffer: breadwinners are absent, children grow up without parental guidance, and livelihoods collapse under the strain. Legal aid is scarce in Borno State, and for detainees who cannot afford private counsel, the odds of securing timely justice are even slimmer. The Legal Aid Council of Nigeria operates with limited staff and resources, making it difficult to reach every detainee in need. Some rely on volunteer lawyers or civil society groups, but these services are inconsistent.

Hauwa Yahi Migla, Dept of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri

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Nigeria Utilises Only 41% of Installed Generation Capacity Amid Stranded Power Crisis

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The power sector in Nigeria has again highlighted the paradox that has defined its electricity supply chain, marked by significant installed generation capacity but little actual output, which was as low as 41 per cent in July.

The latest factsheet from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) covering operational performance of power plants showed that of the country’s 13,625MW of installed power capacity, only 5,577MW was available on average last month.

The data underscored

the growing problem of stranded power, with several plants lying idle or underutilised, while households and industries continue to suffer chronic power shortages nationwide.

Despite having a capacity large enough to substantially power its economy, the report showed that Nigeria

only managed to deliver just 4,340 MWh/h in July, with an average load factor of 78 per cent, a slight dip of 3 per cent from the previous month.

In simpler terms, this means that more than half of the electricity generation infrastructure capacity remained stranded

during the period.

The country’s power sector continues to grapple with the persistent problem of stranded electricity, a situation in which generation capacity exists but cannot be fully delivered to homes and businesses.

On paper, the country boasts an installed

generation capacity that far exceeds what actually reaches consumers. Yet, because of transmission bottlenecks, weak infrastructure, and distribution limitations, a significant portion of generated electricity remains idle and effectively stranded.

Renaissance: With Recent Changes, Nigeria Better Positioned to Attract Oil, Gas Funding

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Mr. Tony Attah, has stated that firms in the Nigerian oil and gas industry are now better positioned, than

in the last five years, to optimise the country’s vast hydrocarbon natural resources, due to recent changes made by the federal government.

A statement by the oil and gas company noted that Attah made these comments during a panel discussion at the recently concluded

50th anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) in Lagos.

Lauding key policies of the federal government, Attah, represented by Renaissance’s Executive Vice President, Finance, Mr. Olusegun Banwo,

stressed that positive changes that have occurred in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) were unheard of previously.

“Today, several things have lined up well for our industry. Over the last 50 years, we have built a critical mass of extremely talented

Nigerians across all levels of the oil and gas industry. That is a great thing to have happened to us. How we now leverage that talent to move this country forward is in our hands.

“Also, we have the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGIG)

Act; the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and, probably, most importantly, the NNPC Limited, because the changes that have occurred in NNPC are things that many of us could never have dreamt of.

Gas Minister Assures New WAPCo Leadership of FG’s Support

Stories by Emmanuel Addeh in abuja

Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing energy security in the West African sub-region.

Ekpo stated this during a meeting with the outgoing and incoming managing directors of the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) in his office in Abuja, according to a statement in Abuja by his spokesman, Louis Ibah.

According to Ekpo, the Tinubu-led federal government is very committed to ensuring steady gas supply to

neighbouring countries, including Benin Republic, Togo, and Ghana, to combat energy poverty and foster economic prosperity.

Ekpo noted that Tinubu’s administration has made significant strides in advancing the gas sector over the past two years, marked by notable progress in developing gas infrastructure, reducing gas flaring, and increasing gas availability for both export and domestic consumption.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to extinguishing issues of energy poverty in Nigeria, the West African subregion, and indeed the whole of Africa, with key policies and projects.

“Gas supply within the West African subregion is a top priority for the federal government, especially supplies to Benin Republic,

Togo, and Ghana, to fuel energy and stem energy poverty as a key imperative for economic prosperity in the sub-region,” the

minister said.

In his remarks, Bodunrin, sought the minister’s support in realising his vision to elevate the company’s

MyAgroPadi, a fastgrowing digital-first agricultural platform, has further strengthened its mission to empower grassroots farmers by hosting a free, highimpact agricultural workshop in partnership with the Sarah Avwomakpa Foundation.

The founder of

MyAgroPadi, O’Tega Teminor, speaking at the empowerment programme, said the move is aimed at revolutionizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector to achieve food security in the country.

According to him, the empowerment is reshaping the agricultural landscape by giving farmers access to the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to thrive.

The workshop brought together over 250 rural farmers from Warri and surrounding communities, providing them with hands-on training in modern farming techniques, agribusiness management, and postharvest handling.

Correspondents

KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets)

James emejo (Finance)

ebere Nwoji (Insurance)

Reporter Peter uzoho (Energy)

performance, particularly in ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted gas supply from Nigeria for onward distribution to regional consumers.

Rehabilitation of Loko-Oweto-Agatu Road

The Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, has directed the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to immediately commence the rehabilitation of the Loko–Oweto–Agatu Road in Nasarawa State, as an alternative route for commuters in case of the envisaged Abuja–Lokoja flooding.

The directive was issued during a stakeholders’

engagement with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), according to a statement from the ministry.

He disclosed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved several critical infrastructure initiatives, including the urgent rehabilitation of other strategic bridges

such as the Carter Bridge, third Mainland Bridge, and Donga Bridge in Taraba State to strengthen Nigeria’s economic corridors and improve nationwide access for motorists.

Goronyo underscored the enormous workload of the ministry, citing major routes such as Abuja–Lokoja, Abuja–Kaduna–Kano, Sokoto–Zaria, and many others across the North,

South, East, and West. He highlighted ongoing interventions, particularly the Legacy Projects, including Lagos–Sokoto, Lagos–Badagry, Lagos–Calabar, Ebonyi–Nasarawa–Abuja, and the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Trans-Sahara Route, stressing that no state has been left without road maintenance or construction under the current administration.

Heirs Energies to Double Oil Output, Expand Growth across Africa

Nigerian oil producer

Heirs Energies plans to double output by 2030 and is looking to expand across Africa, Chief Executive Officer, Osa Igiehon, has said.

The company has boosted production from its crown asset, a permit known as Oil Mining

Lease (OML) 17 that it purchased from Shell Plc in 2021, to as much as 55,000 barrels a day from around 27,000 a day earlier, Igiehon said in an interview with Bloomberg in Windhoek, Namibia.

It plans to almost double output again through additional

drilling and upgrades in the next five years, he added on the sidelines of the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference (NOGC) 2025.

The targets are another example of the growth of smaller independent oil companies in Nigeria, which is relying ever more on local producers

as big international firms exit some fields, the Bloomberg report noted. While focusing on the assets that they’ve taken over in the country, the smaller producers are also using their experience to look for expansion across the continent and overseas.

Participants also received essential agricultural inputs, including improved seedlings, to help boost yields for the current planting season.

The Nigerian Gallery of Art said it plans to educate local artists towards fulfilling the

criteria that will enable them to unlock fund from the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and develop the Nigerian art

which is one of the most sought arts in the world.

The Director General Nigeria Art Gallery, Ahmed Sodangi, disclosed this recently in Abuja. He said that the

Youth Nigeria Reaches

The Alliance for Youth Nigeria is celebrating four years of impact, marking the transformation of over 25,000 young Nigerians who are now gainfully employed through skills development, entrepreneurship support, and other employment opportunities.

Founded by Nestlé

Nigeria, Jobberman Nigeria, Big Bottling Company, the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria, and U-Connect HR Limited, the Alliance is supported by key stakeholders including the Federal Ministry of Youth, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, and Activate

Success International.

Highlighting the private sector’s commitment to youth empowerment, Country Human Resource Manager, Nestlé Nigeria, Shakiru Lawal, said, “As a proud member of the Alliance for Youth Nigeria, Nestlé Nigeria is committed to the shared vision of empowering

gallery was also looking at how the art associations could serve as guarantors for artists as there were criteria that must be met before funding could be granted.

young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive. Together with other like-minded partners, we are creating pathways to employment, building careers, and nurturing the next generation of leaders who will shape a better future for our nation.”

Dangiwa: With 10,112 Ongoing Housing Units, Tinubu Has Generated over 250,000 Jobs

Two years after assuming office as Nigeria’s Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa has positioned himself at the forefront of efforts to close the country’s housing gap and modernise its urban landscape. In this interview to mark his two years in office, Dangiwa reflects on the progress made so far, the hurdles that remain, and the bold initiatives being rolled out to deliver homes, upgrade infrastructure, and promote sustainable urban growth. Emmanuel Addeh presents the excerpts.

It’s already been two years since your appointment to head this ministry. How has the journey been?

As we mark my second year in office as Minister of Housing and Urban Development, I feel deeply honoured to be part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, working under his visionary leadership to deliver on one of the most fundamental needs of our people—decent, affordable, and dignified housing.

The progress we have made in just two years, the commencement of over 10,000 housing units, 150+ slum upgrade projects, the launch of the digital housing portal, the rollout of landmark land reforms, and the mobilisation of billions of naira in private sector investments is proof that when vision meets political will, strategy, and action, real change is possible.

But this is just the beginning. The true promise of the Renewed Hope Housing Programme lies in phase two, where we will scale up delivery to every state and every Local Government Area, unlock over 2 million jobs, make homeownership accessible to more Nigerians, and build vibrant, modern, and inclusive communities across the nation.

Our approach is deliberate and holistic. We are not just building houses, we are building economies, building wealth, building dignity, and building hope. I want Nigerians to know that this administration will not relent until we have reset the trajectory of housing in Nigeria, making it a true engine of national development and social equity.

I also want to express my profound gratitude to Mr. President for his unwavering support, to the Honourable Minister of State, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, to our Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaibu Belgore, and to the entire dedicated team of professionals at the ministry, as well as our private sector and development partners who share this vision.

Together, we are laying the foundations for a future where every Nigerian, regardless of income, status, or location, can aspire to own a home. A future where housing is not just a dream, but a right and a reality.

You talk so much about the Renewed Hope Housing Programme. What’s this about?

The Renewed Hope Housing Programme is the flagship initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to transform Nigeria’s housing and urban development landscape. Over the last two years since my appointment as minister, I have had the privilege of leading its implementation under Mr. President’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to making decent, affordable housing a reality for all Nigerians.

This programme was inspired by a challenge we could no longer ignore—a housing deficit conservatively estimated at over 17 million units, coupled with decades of limited access to affordable financing and homeownership opportunities for the majority of our citizens. The President’s Renewed Hope Agenda gave us the clear

directive to reset the trajectory of housing in Nigeria, close the gap, and ensure that every Nigerian—whether low, middle or high-income, has a fair chance to own a home.

The programme is built on a three-pronged approach designed to meet the needs of every income segment. We have the Renewed Hope Cities involving large-scale, master-planned communities of at least 1,000 housing units each in major urban centres.

These are not just residential clusters but smart, sustainable communities with schools, hospitals, green spaces, and commercial hubs. They target high-income Nigerians and diaspora investors while also creating thousands of jobs and stimulating economic growth in surrounding areas.

Then there’s the Renewed Hope Estates with mid-sized estates of 250 housing units in every state capital, specifically designed for middle-income Nigerians such as civil servants, teachers, health workers, artisans, and traders. These estates bring affordable homes closer to workplaces, reducing commuting stress and improving family life.

Third is the Renewed Hope Social Housing Estates. This is the most socially transformative component that will deliver 100 affordable homes in each of Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas, targeted at the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians, including homeless families and persons with disabilities. For the first time in Nigeria’s history, housing development will touch every LGA in a structured, equitable manner. What makes this programme different is that it goes beyond building houses. It is about restoring dignity, creating wealth, reducing poverty, stimulating local building material production, and unlocking homeownership for millions of Nigerians who have long been excluded.

How much have you achieved with these programmes in the last two years?

Yes, I am very pleased to report that in the last two years, under the clear policy direction and support of the President, we have recorded historic progress in delivering affordable housing for Nigerians. In less than two years, we have broken new ground, with over 10,000 housing units currently under construction across 14 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This level of activity is unprecedented in recent history. To put it in context, under similar initiatives in the past, only about 3,500 units were completed over eight years, many of which were eventually sold off when we came on board.

Some of the flagship projects already underway include: A 3,112-unit Renewed Hope City in Karsana, Abuja; 2,000-unit Renewed Hope City in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos: 1,500-unit Renewed Hope City in Kano, along with an additional 500-unit estate to meet growing urban demand. and 250-unit Renewed Hope Estates spread across 12 other states, including Osun, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Sokoto, Gombe, Yobe, Oyo, Benue, Ebonyi, Katsina, and Nasarawa. These achievements stand out not only because of the scale of delivery but also because of how we are doing it differently. We are moving away from slow, bureaucratic, government-driven construction. Instead, we are deploying innovative financing models, leveraging budgetary provisions for Renewed Hope Estates, attracting private sector participation, and securing fast-tracked land access with the cooperation of progressive state governors.

We have seen past governments abandon housing projects. How are these different?

From the outset, the President was very clear in his directive that housing must have a broad national reach and must deliver real impact for ordinary Nigerians. Guided by this vision, we deliberately designed the Renewed Hope Housing Programme to ensure that no region, no state, and ultimately

no Local Government Area is left behind.

Today, under the first phase of the programme, we already have major housing projects underway across 14 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This geographical spread, with at least two states in each geo-political zone, is intentional. It demonstrates that the Renewed Hope Agenda is not a promise for a few urban centres, but a national programme that will, in time, reach all 36 states and every one of the 774 LGAs through our Renewed Hope Cities, Estates, and Social Housing components.

What truly sets this initiative apart from previous housing efforts are five key differentiators. One is the scale and ambition. Past government projects were often small, isolated schemes, producing only a few hundred units over many years. What we are doing is transformational— large-scale, integrated communities with supporting infrastructure, serving high- income, middle-class, and low-income Nigerians alike. It is a comprehensive, structured response to decades of underinvestment and fragmented housing delivery.

Two, is innovative financing. Previous programmes struggled due to over-reliance on limited government budgets. Under the current administration, we have adopted Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and blended financing models, mobilising over N70 billion in private capital already.

Another difference is that of accessibility and transparency. For the first time, Nigerians can apply online via our Digital Housing portal from anywhere in the country or abroad. There are no middlemen, no gatekeepers, no favouritism. Allocation is fair, transparent, and technology-driven.

Then there’s the issue of affordability, where we are unlocking homeownership for everyday Nigerians through single-digit interest rate mortgages, rent-to-own schemes with zero down payments, and up to 30-year repayment periods through the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). This is a first in Nigeria’s history, opening doors that were previously closed to millions.

And the last is speed and execution. In just under two years, we have broken ground on over 10,000 housing units, surpassing the performance of previous initiatives that delivered only about 3,500 units over eight years. This demonstrates strong political will, better planning, and real results on the ground. Under this programme, we are not repeating the mistakes of the past. How significant is the economic impact of these housing programmes in terms of employment etc?

One of the most powerful aspects of the programme is that it is not just a social intervention—it is also a strategic economic growth tool. Around the world, housing and construction are known to have some of the highest multiplier effects on GDP, and under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are deliberately unlocking this potential for Nigeria.

LASG Harps on Crucial Role of Civil Servants in Anti-money Laundering War

Oluchi Chibuzor

The Lagos State Government, has called for cooperation and vigilance among stakeholders across all economic spheres of the country in the war against money laundering and terrorism financing, describing it as a threat to global peace.

Declaring open a three-day strategic level anti-money laundering and countering terrorism workshop for senior officials of the Lagos State Government in conjunction with the International Institute for

African Defence, Security & Governance, in Lagos, the state Commissioner for Finance, Abayomi Oluyomi, said the training is to enable the civil servants as critical stakeholders gain insights, skills, and strategies needed to enhance their professional capabilities and, “contribute to the collective efforts to create a safer and more secure world.”

The commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Treasury Office, and Accountant-General of the state, Dr. Abiodun Muritala, reminded the participants that the fight against money laundering and

terrorism financing requires continuous vigilance, adaptability, and a spirit of cooperation across borders and sectors.

“Your role in this mission is crucial, and your dedication is vital to our collective success,” he added, expressing confidence that the training will empower them to make a positive impact in their various Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and Lagos State at Large.

He also challenged the participants to make the results of all they learn felt in the days and years ahead in the journey to building a brighter and more resilient future for all.

Ellah Lakes Outlines Growth Path, Profitability to Stockbrokers

Ellah Lakes Plc has announced key expansion plans, aimed at enhancing operational capacity and driving long-term value creation, during a recent tour of stockbrokers to the Company’s flagship plant in Edo State.

As part of a fact-finding mission aimed at assessing developments within the factories of listed companies in the real sector, for enhanced investment advisory, some senior stockbrokers recently visited Ellah Lakes’ plant in Edo State.

The Company’s Chief

Executive Officer, Chuka Mordi, explained that the company had mapped out a number of projects to boost its earnings on sustainable basis:

“In 2026, the company plans to plant an additional 1,500 hectares of oil palm, install a Palm Kernel Oil (PKO) mill, and allocate 100 hectares for livestock activities. This will bring all our land holdings in Iguelaba into active production and enable full capacity utilisation of our Crude Palm Oil (CPO) mill.

“We are currently building up our stock

of seedlings to ensure uninterrupted operations.

We are also exploring similar forward-planning strategies across other areas of our operations while working to optimise efficiency and productivity,” he stated.

Echoing him, Executive Director, WCM Capital, Habeeb Amole, who spoke on behalf of the stockbrokers, commended the Board and Management of Ellah Lakes for the significant progress in land acquisition, palm plantation development, and nursery establishment.

IMG Opens N6.39bn Rights Issue to Drive Growth

Industrial & Medical

Gases Nigeria Plc (IMG) has officially launched a Rights Issue valued at N6.39 billion, aimed at reinforcing its market presence and funding strategic expansion initiatives.

Following the signing of all necessary agreements over the weekend, the Rights Issue is now open to IMG shareholders. The offer comprises 199,797,458 Ordinary Shares of 50 Kobo each at N32 per share, providing existing

shareholders with the opportunity to acquire two (2) new Ordinary Shares for every five (5) shares held as of the qualification date.

According to IMG Chairman, Aminu Ado, the Rights Issue represents a major step in the company’s long-term growth strategy.

“Today marks a crucial milestone as we officially commence our Rights Issue to raise capital, enhance liquidity, and strengthen our balance sheet by

reducing existing debt. This initiative provides our valued shareholders with an opportunity to increase their equity stake and contribute to IMG’s next phase of growth. The offer will be open for a period of 28 working days, during which shareholders may either accept or renounce their rights.”, explained Ado.

Echoing this sentiment, Managing Director and CEO, Ayodeji Oseni, emphasised the strategic use of the funds.

The Alternative Bank Targets Traders, Others With Financial Inclusion

Kayode Tokede

The Alternative Bank has ramped up its efforts to promote economic empowerment and financial inclusion for market traders and smallholder farmers across the country.

With a focus on improving access to banking services, the Bank is providing critical financial support to some of Nigeria’s most underserved communities.

The initiative, undertaken through an agreement between Sterling Financial Holdings Company and the Association of Market Women/Men and Farmers of Nigeria (AMWMF), aims to address the challenges faced by millions of market women, men, and farmers who have long been excluded from formal banking systems.

According to the Central Bank of Nigeria, approximately 26 per

cent of Nigerian adults, or about 28.8 million people, remain financially excluded, with rural communities and informal sector workers being particularly affected. is working to change this by making essential financial services accessible to these groups, particularly women.

Through this new initiative, The Alternative Bank is opening access to formal financial services for over 16 million members of the AMWMF.

Stock Market Commence New Week on Positive Note

Kayode Tokede

The Nigerian stock market kicked off the week on a positive note, with a gain of 0.07 per cent on renewed positive sentiment by investors.

The Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index (NGX

ASI) gained by 94.27 basis points or 0.07 per cent to close at 144,722.47 basis points to with the Monthto-Date and Year-toDate returns settled higher at +3.5per cent and +40.6per cent, respectively. Also, market capitalisation appreciated by N59

billion to close at N91.561 trillion. The upturn was impacted by gains recorded in medium and large capitalised stocks, amongst which are; Dangote Sugar Refinery, Unilever Nigeria, Custodian Investment, Cadbury Nigeria and Eunisell

Interlinked. Market sentiments closed positive, as evidenced by 43 stocks appreciating compared to 27 that depreciated. AIICO Insurance and UPDC recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent each to close at N4.18 and N7.15 respectively, while

Cornerstone Insurance followed with a gain of 9.99 per cent to close at N7.60, per share.

DEAP Capital Management & Trust increased by 9.94 per cent to close at N1.77, while Custodian Investment up by 9.93 per cent to close at N40.95, per share.

On the other hand, Stanbic IBTC Holdings led the losers’ chart by 9.99 per cent to close at N100.00, per share. PZ Cussons Nigeria followed with a decline of 7.89 per cent to close at N35.00, while NEM Insurance declined by 7.85 per cent to close at N29.95, per share.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF AUGUST/19/25

OYEBANJI

FOR 2ND TERM...

and Chairman,

APC national headquarters in Abuja, yesterday

Human Trafficking: NAPTIP Rescues 25 Victims

En-route Saudi-Arabia for Labour Exploitation

Michael Olugbode in Abuja National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in its ongoing crackdown on human trafficking syndicates, intercepted 25 women suspected to be victims of labour exploitation en route to Saudi Arabia.

The agency, in a press statement on Monday by its press officer, Vincent Adekoye, said the clampdown was part of efforts to disrupt organised trafficking activities by some criminally inclined agencies that specialised in the recruitment and trafficking of Nigerians to destination in the Middle East.

Adekoye stated that the development came just as the agency commenced a manhunt for the owner and workers of a popular travel agency suspected of playing a prominent role in the recruitment of the victims.

He said the unsuspecting victims were picked up in

front of a popular hotel in the highbrow area of Wuse II, Abuja, where they had gathered, awaiting their trafficker.

Adekoye added that the operation was a continuation of renewed surveillance activities and monitoring embarked upon by the agency, targeting some black spots within several major state capitals across the country.

Adekoye recalled that Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Bello, had a few weeks ago, ordered operatives of the agency to intensify monitoring in some state capitals across Nigeria in response to the reported surge in the activities of human traffickers who now recruited from remote villages and communities for exploitation.

He stated that the directive was in addition to the enhanced working relationship and collaboration with sister law enforcement agencies and partners along some of the red flag routes.

Adekoye revealed that during interrogation, the victims, whose ages ranged from 17 to 43 years, claimed they were recruited from Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina states by some persons with a promise to travel to Saudi Arabia to take up jobs as domestic workers, specifically house help.

He quoted one of the victims to have said, “Some people came to our village and told my parents that

Nigerians’

they would assist me to travel abroad to work as a house help in Saudi Arabia. They assured us that the job there will pay us very well, and we will be able to come and take care of our parents and families.

“They asked us to come and wait for them here so that they will give us the travel document and the necessary instructions on how to go. They have not given

us any documents, like an international passport and a visa, and we are worried that none of them is here to attend to us as they promised.”

He said a good number of the victims confessed that they were in Abuja for the first time, and they were stranded.

Speaking on the develop- ment, Director General of NAPTIP, Bello, frowned on the activities of the traffickers

who fed on the vulnerability of victims in remote parts of the country. He warned that some trafficking gangs now used Abuja as a centralised coordination point for trafficking. Bello said, “I wish to alert our partners and stakeholders to the new modus operandi of a human trafficking syndicate that uses the Federal Capital Territory as a muster point for their nefarious activities.

Hope Since 1999 Largely Unfulfilled, Says Foremost Ijaw Leader, Ambakederimo

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Foremost Ijaw leader and elder statesman, Joseph Am- bakederimo, has lamented that the hopes Nigerians had at the dawn of the Fourth Republic in 1999 have largely been unfulfilled.

He said Nigeria’s democracy is presently a crossroads, warning that political igno-

65 Niger Delta Youth-owned Businesses in Niger Get PIND Grants

The Foundation For Partnership Initiatives in The Niger Delta (PIND) has empowered 65 youth-owned businesses drawn from the nine states in the Niger Delta region while restating its commitment to sharpening the skills of the youths towards fostering positive collaboration, peace innovation and enterprising initiatives on a sustainable basis.

PIND unveiled the

beneficiaries at a ceremony to commemorate the 2025 International Youth Day and Business Challenge Fund Awards initiated under its enterprise-based Youth Employment Pathways (YEP) held in Asaba, Delta State. PIND awarded a total of ₦44.3 million of what it termed “catalytic grants’ to 65 youth-led businesses as reaffirmation of the foundation’s demonstrable “commitment to unlocking youth potential as a driver of peace and sustainable economic

development in the Niger Delta.”

However, the transformative regional event held at the Delta State capital, focused on what PIND’s Executive Director, Mr. Sam Ogbemi Daibo, said that it was aimed at “amplifying youth voices and showcasing scalable models that harness the power of young people to drive peacebuilding, innovation, and inclusive economic growth across the Niger Delta” in a sustainable manner.

rance, weak institutions, and poor governance continue to undermine the nation’s progress and the welfare of its citizens.

Ambakederimo, while addressing his guests and newsmen during his 64th birthday anniversary over the weekend lamented that, “The hopes Nigerians had at the dawn of the Fourth Republic in 1999 have largely been unfulfilled.

“The tomorrow has always come because today is the tomorrow we have been

waiting for yesterday,” he said, stressing that democratic promises have been met with “excuses upon excuses” instead of tangible improvements in people’s lives.

Ambakederimo identified political ignorance as a major obstacle to good governance, noting that only about 30% of Nigerians can name the three arms of government.

He argued that the issue is not a lack of intelligence or access to information but a lack of incentive for citizens to become well-informed voters.

The Ijaw leader also criticised political parties for failing to articulate clear ideologies or policy programmes, saying many Nigerians are left in a “melee” with no coherent vision to rally behind. While stressing that democracy and welfare are mutually reinforcing, Ambakederimo emphasised that true democracy must prioritise the welfare of citizens through accountability, citizen participation, and the protection of rights.

Exam Infraction: 6,458 Candidates Remain Under Investigation, as JAMB Inaugurates Special C’ttee

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

With the results of 6,458 candidates under investigation for alleged involvement in high-tech cheating, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has inaugurated a special committee to investigate the cases that occurred during the 2025 Unified Tertiary

Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Inaugurating the 23-member Special Committee on Examination Infraction on Monday in Abuja, JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, decried the rising sophistica- tion of exam fraud and said the committee had three weeks to present its report, stating that justice delayed

is said to be justice denied. According to him, malpractice has evolved beyond traditional schemes into “technologically sophisticated forms,” including multiple cases of biometric and identity fraud by some accredited CBT centres and candidates. Oloyede stressed the need for urgent action to protect the credibility of examinations.

LAUNCH OF THE TETFUND BLACKBOARD LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM...

L–R: Assistant Director, ICT, Kaduna State College of Education, Mr. Nyalla Gajere; Dean, Students’ Affairs, Dr. Grace Ayuba Mamman; Director, Academic Planning and Monitoring, Dr. Darius Yusuf; Deputy Provost, Administration, Dr. Jummai Grace Tabat; and Sub-Dean, School of Secondary Education – Vocational and Technical Education, Mr. Hassan Jatau, during the official launch of the TETFund Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS) at Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan Waya, Kafanchan Campus, yesterday

FG Inaugurates WAGL’s 40,000

CBM LPG Vessel in South Korea

solutions not just in-country but across Africa and beyond.

The federal government yesterday inaugurated a 40,000 Cubic Meters (CBM) Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) vessel, christened ‘MT Iyaloja (Lagos)’ in Ulsan, South Korea, reiterating the government’s plan to deliver clean and sustainable energy

A statement released by the NNPC yesterday noted that the vessel owned by WAGL Energy Limited, an NNPC/ Sahara Group Joint Venture (JV) is a dual-fuel, fully refrigerated LPG carrier.

The latest addition, according

to the statement, brings WAGL’s total LPG vessel capacity to 162,000 CBM. Other vessels in the fleet include MT Africa Gas, MT Sahara Gas, MT BaruMK, and MT Sapet.

Speaking at the event, President Bola Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources

(Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, commended WAGL Energy Limited, NNPC and Sahara Group for their ‘strategic foresight’, technical excellence and unwavering dedication to expanding Africa’s role in the global clean energy value-chain.

Also in his remarks, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO)

Falana Challenges APC, PDP to Prove They’re Not Terrorist Groups

the judge’s pronouncements as ignorant or mischievous.

Prominent lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has challenged the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to prove that they were not terrorist organisations, as proclaimed by a Canadian Federal Court,which described both parties as entities that have engaged in conduct amounting to terrorism under Canadian law.

Falana made the call in a statement on Monday, urging Nigeria’s major political parties to address the serious concerns raised, instead of dismissing

The Canadian judge, Justice Phuong Ngo, made the declaration while dismissing the asylum appeal of a Nigerian, Douglas Egharevba, ruling that Nigeria’s two main political parties — APC and PDP — were “terrorist organisations” because they allegedly use violence, coercion and subversion of democratic institutions in their bid to acquire politicalFalanapower.noted that the ruling carried far-reaching consequences beyond judicial recognition, stressing that under the Terrorism (Prevention and

Prohibition) Act 2022 of Nigeria, terrorism included the use of violence, intimidation, or coercive tactics with political or ideological motives — actions which he argued have become common features of elections in the country.

“It is common knowledge that APC and PDP rig elections and announce fake results with the assistance of armed thugs, police and military personnel,” Falana said, adding that violence, killings and attacks on voters have repeatedly marred electoral processes without perpetrators being brought to justice.

The activist criticised both par- ties for their immediate reactions to the ruling — with the APC calling the judge “ignorant” and the PDP describing the decision as “mischievous” — saying these responses failed to address the substantive issues raised.

“Instead of abusing the Canadian judge, the APC and PDP should urgently adopt legal measures to prove that they are not terrorist organisations,” he stated.

of NNPC, Bayo Ojulari, described WAGL’s LPG Vessel as a great addition to gas development efforts in Nigeria.

The GCEO, who was represented by the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power & New Energy, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, added that the vessel will be crucial in realising the impact of gas in Nigeria’s economic development.

According to him, NNPC is deepening its commitment to ensure LPG affordability, availability and access nationwide.

“NNPC Ltd. is proud to be a major shareholder in this indigenous company which in addition to the newly commissioned MT Iyaloja (Lagos), owns four other LPG vessels in its growing fleet, delivering over 6 million MT of LPG across West Africa over the last five years,” he added.

Also speaking, Chairman/ExecutiveWAGL’s Director at Sahara Group, Mr. Temitope Shonubi, noted that the company’s expansion demonstrates its vision of responsibly driving efforts aimed at bridging the

continent’s critical energy infrastructure gap.

“The addition of MT Iyaloja (Lagos) embodies the spirit of progress and empowerment championed by the iconic Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, whose legacy we honour. Sahara Group is proud of its partnership with NNPC Ltd. and reaffirms its commitment to partnerships that drive energy access in Africa,” he added.

Also speaking, WAGL’s Managing Director, Mr. Sani Bello, stressed that the company is dedicated to expanding its integrated supply network across the entire energy value chain.

“WAGL already has plans to further expand the fleet within the next two years with the ad- dition of a Small Gas Carrier and a Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC),” he added.

The symbolic ribbon cutting of MT Iyaloja (Lagos) named in honour of Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, the late mother of President Tinubu, was performed by her grand-daughter, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Folasade Tinubu-Ojo.

Army Highlights Role of Rigorous Military Preparation During Peacetime 6 Division Commences Combat Proficiency Competition

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Nigerian Army yesterday highlighted the importance of rigorous military preparation in times of peace, noting that training in the face of evolving security challenges is not just an activity but an imperative.

The former General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Nigerian Army,

Major General Muhammed Takuti Usman, stated this during the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade 2025 Combat Proficiency Competition, held at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess, WU Bassey Barracks, Abuja. Declaring the competition open, General Usman, of the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation (DATI), stated the annual

competition reinforces the Nigerian Army’s commit- ment to combat readiness, leadership development, and national security.

Stressing the critical role of training in an army’s peacetime posture, the former Commander of the Guards Brigade averred that training is the foundation of military effectiveness.

The 6 Division Nigerian Army has officially com- menced its 2025 combat proficiency competition, which process will test the physical fitness of the military officers in the face of evolving security threats in the country.

This as the General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, Major General

Emmanuel Emekah, has urged the participating officers to be committed in the competition, so as to be fit to secure the nation’s most vital asset within the South-South region of the country.

Major General Emekah who gave the advice at the opening ceremony for the competition, held at the 29 Battalion parade ground, Port Harcourt, noted the journey to combat proficiency is a

challenging one, marked by rigorous training, which end encompasses both physical mentorship, and teamwork. Represented by Brigadier General Maikarfi Ibrahim, 6 Division Training Officer, the GOC told officers that the skills they will showcase during the period of competitions are not merely recreational; but the cornerstones of your survival and the success of the missions.

VOLUNTARY BLOOD DONATION DRIVE...

L-R: Representative of the Special Adviser on Health, Lagos State, Sarah Balogun; Elegushi of Ikate Kingdom, Oba Saheed Elegushi; Executive Secretary of Lagos Blood Transfusion Service, Dr. Biodun Osikomaya; and a member of KB Klub, Lagos College of Medicine, Sheriff Oloyede, at a voluntary blood donation drive held at Ikate-Elegushi, Lagos… recently

Yilwatda: APC Will Replicate Bye-elections Victory in 2027

EKSU alumni purchases nomination form for Oyebanji

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has said the ruling party would replicate the recent bye-election victories in the 2027 general election.

Yilwatda gave the assurances yesterday in Abuja when he received APC Press Corps on a condolence visit over the demise of his mother.

He stressed that the ruling party was learning from the criticism of the opposition.

The APC national chairman stated, “Every criticism they give helps us to a better victory. So we are very sure that our party will succeed in no small measure.

“If you look at it, where the opposition leaders are, we all defeated them in all those locations. From Kaduna to Kano to Adamawa to Taraba. So, we just made it clear that

our party is a leading party.

“We are also not just a ruling party, but we are the leading party and the preferred party in Nigeria. And preferred by Nigerians. Because if you have 75 per cent acceptance by the people across the country, our success is not just in the north but also in the south.”

Yilwatda added, “Both north and south, we had clear victories. In the South-south, we had clear victories. In the South-west, we had clear victories. In the North-west, we had clear victories. In the North-east, we had clear victories. In the North-central, we had clear victories.

“It tells you that in Nigeria, APC is the most accepted party across the country. And that’s the same thing we’ve made in Nigeria. So, expect that 2027 is going to be the same thing.

“So forget the rhetoric on TV and television. We are

not addressing television. We are addressing the people at the grassroots.”

The chairman pointed out that the policies of the APC federal government were progressive in nature. He stated, “So,we don’t address the bourgeois. We don’t address the rich. We address the poorest of the

poor. And that’s what our policies are.

“And our target is Nige- rians, not people on TV, but Nigerians who believe in us, who have confidence in the party, who like progressive policies of the government, who like the bold step taken by the government to ensure that we make changes and

bring policies that are creating the real changes that has never been seen before in this country.

“That belief is what people are making. People are voting for the party, and believe me, 2027 is a near-sure victory for us as a Meanwhile,party.”Ekiti State University Alumni purchased

nomination form for Governor Biodun Oyebanji ahead of the governorship election in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the alumni group, Dipo Bamisheyi said their expectations of the governor were high because of what he had done. They said they believed he was going to do more.

INEC: 69,376 Nigerians Pre-registered

Online in Seven Hours as CVR Hits It Off

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that 69,376 Nigerians pre-registered in seven hours as Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) commenced on Monday.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education

More Than 3m People Remain Internally Displaced, Minister Tanko Sununu Declares

Minister of State, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Tanko Sununu, lamented that more than three million people were internally displaced as a result of flooding, insecurity, and other natural disasters in parts of the country.

Sununu raised the concern over Nigeria’s worsening humanitarian crisis yesterday in Abuja

during the inauguration of the House of Representa- tives Ad-hoc Committee on Flood Management and Response. He also expressed concern about the dwindling global aid funding, warning that millions of citizens risk sliding deeper into hunger and malnutrition.

Sununu explained that the combined effects of natural disasters, insecurity, and shrinking donor support had created a critical humanitarian challenge for

the country.

He stressed that poverty remained unevenly spread across the country, with the north accounting for about 65 per cent of Nigeria’s poor population.

He added that the United Nations estimated that over 24.8 million Nigerians had suffered some form of hunger, while more than three million people remained internally displaced as a result of flooding, insecurity, and other natural disasters.

Committee, Sam Olumekun, disclosed this in a statement yesterday.

“As Nigerians are aware, the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) commenced today, Monday 18th August 2025, with the online pre-registration of voters.

“The registration portal went live at 8.30am, but by 3.30pm, just seven hours later, as many as 69,376 Nigerians pre-registered online. Of this figure, 33,803 (48.7%) are male while 35,573 (51.3%)

are female. In terms of age, 48,033 (69.2%) are young persons aged 18-34.

“The portal is available 24 hours everyday of the week at org.”https://cvr.inecnigeria. he Olumekunstated.added that the Commission was set to commence the in-person registra- tion option on Monday 25th August 2025 at its 811 State and Local Government offices nationwide from 9.00am3.00pm during weekdays (Monday to Friday) only. He said this would enable those who prefer the in- person option to register and for the online pre-registrants to complete their registration. Olumekun stressed that the two options would proceed simultaneously throughout the duration of the CVR as indicated in the schedule earlier released by the “FromCommission. next week, the commission will be giving weekly updates on the CVR, including detailed breakdown by State, gender, age, occupa- tion and disability,” he said

Kano Police Charges 333 for Disrupting By-Elections

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The Kano State Police Command said it has charged to court about 333 armed thugs, who have been allegedly involved in disrupting last Saturday’s by-election in Shanono/ Bagwai and Tsanyawa/Ghari constituencies.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, disclosed to

newsmen in Kano at a special news briefing, yesterday, that the charges included Criminal conspiracy, Disorderly conduct, Possession of offensive weapons, Intimidation.

The CP said other offences included “Loitering without lawful excuse after voting or being refused to vote, snatching or destruction of election materials, improper use of vehicles,

solicitation for votes of another voter on election day, etc.” Bakori stated that other dangerous weapons recovered from the suspects were bow: 1, arrows: 23, catapults: 7, stones: 45, motor vehicles: 14, ballot boxes: 2, thumb-printed ballot papers: 163, and a total cash totalling four million and forty-eight thousand naira (n4,048,000.00).

AKPABIO RETURNS FROM VACATION...

L-R: Chairman, Senate Committee on North Central Development Commission, Titus Zam; Chairman, Senate Committee on Labour and Productivity, Diket Plang; President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Chairman, Senate Committee on Reparation, Ned Nwoko; Chairman, Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Ekong Sampson; and House Committee Chairman on Health Institutions, Patrick Umoh, when the senate president arrived from vacation at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, yesterday

In Supremacy Battle, Alaafin Gives Ooni

48hrs Ultimatum to Revoke Okanlomo Title

Olaitan in Ibadan

A crisis might be brewing between the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade

and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi as the Alaafin, yesterday, issued a warning to the Ooni demanding immediate revocation of the newly

conferred chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland bestowed on an Ibadan-based business mogul, Chief Dotun Sanusi.

The Alaafin, in a statement by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, described the Ooni’s action as a “direct affront” to his

Ladoja: My Journey to Olubadan Stool Filled With Trials, Returns to State Capital

The Olubadan-in-Wait and former governor of Oyo State, Senator Rasheed Ladoja, yesterday, described his journey to the throne as “bumpy and filled with trials.”

Attributing his emergence to the grace of God, Ladoja, while speaking publicly for the first time since his official nomination, reflected on the emotional and spiritual weight of his ascension following the death of his predecessor.

“When I heard about the transition of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, it hit me with a rude shock. I never imagined that destiny would call me at this moment,” he said,addressing a crowd at his residence on Ondo Street,

Bodija, Ibadan. He paid tribute to the late Olubadan, describing him as a traditional ruler who upheld Ibadan’s customs with dignity and honor. He extended condolences to the royal family, the Olubadanin-Council, and the people of Ibadanland.

Recounting his path to the throne, Ladoja noted that his journey began over three decades ago when he was installed as Jagun Balogun of Ibadanland on October 1, 1993.

Since then, he has steadily risen through the 36 hierarchical steps of the Ibadan traditional chieftaincy system—one of the most structured in Yorubaland.

“It has been a journey of patience, perseverance, and divine favour. Many who started this journey with me are no longer alive,” he said emotionally.

He recalled memorable moments from the day of his Jagun installation, mentioning notable attendees including the late MKO Abiola, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, former governor Kolapo Ishola, and other influential figures in politics and the arts.

“I was born in 1944, and I’m now the 44th Olubadan. I believe it’s more than a coincidence—it’s destiny,” he said, expressing appreciation to the Olubadan-in-Council for their unanimous approval of his nomination.

“If they hadn’t approved me, what could I have done? All 10 council members gave their support, and I’m thankful,” he said, pledging to foster stronger ties with the council moving forward.

Ladoja returned to Ibadan, yesterday, six weeks after the transition of Olakulehin. The former governor was out of town prior to the transition of Oba Olakulehin.

authority as the paramount ruler and superior head of Yorubaland.

Oba Owoade insisted that the title must be withdrawn within 48 hours or the Ooni should be prepared to face the consequences.

“The conferment of any chieftaincy title covering the entirety of Yorubaland remains the exclusive right of the Alaafin, as affirmed by the Supreme Court.

“By bestowing such a title, the Ooni has acted beyond his jurisdiction, disregarding the apex court ruling and undermining the revered institution of the Alaafin,” the statement read.

Oba Owoade further argued that the instrument of office presented to Oba Ogunwusi at his installation limits his traditional authority to Ife

Central, Ife North, and Ife South Local Government areas, accusing him of consistently acting “above the law” and taking steps that undermined unity in Yorubaland.

The Alaafin, while recalling his unity tour to Yoruba monarchs, reiterated that peace and unity were essential to meaningful development.

“Our forefathers desired unity and worked hard to preserve it. We must do the same. No development can be achieved without peace and unity,” he stressed.

Oba Owoade added that his peace initiatives should not be misconstrued as weakness, warning that the Ooni’s actions were “ultra vires and derogatory” to the institution of the Alaafin as the titan of Yorubaland.

Obi Urges Nigerians to Get Their PVCs to Make Rigging Difficult in 2027

and“Thecompassion.

Bago Seeks FG-Private Sector Partnership to

Former Anambra State gov- ernor, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to register and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general election.

Revamp Baro Port, Tackle Flood, Others

Funmi Ogundare

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, yesterday,called for urgent federal support and private sector investment to revive the Baro Inland Port, describing it as a game-changer for the North’s blue economy and the country’s overall trade infrastructure.

Speaking in an interview, Bago revealed that a recent

fact-finding visit by members of the House of Represen- tatives confirmed that the port, though commissioned years ago, has remained non-functional due to the absence of dredging and bank protection works along the River Niger.

“The port was commissioned on paper, but the waterways were never done. What is required now is emergency dredging and

proper bank protection so that barges can come in from the sea,” the governor explained.

Bago said Niger State has already redesigned Baro as a future port city and annex to the FCT, with 40,000 plots of land earmarked for development.

He urged the federal government to provide sovereign guarantees to attract concessionaires and private investors.

Obi, who said with the PVC, Nigerians could make rigging difficult in the 2027 election, described the PVC as the most powerful tool to tackle bad leadership, saying the power to build a better Nigeria was in citizens’ hands.

The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election said this in a statement shared on X yesterday.

Obi, who also described PVC as “the voice of the voiceless”, enjoined Nigerians to cast their votes for leaders of competence, character, capacity,

future of our dear nation is in your hands. The greatest strength of democracy is in the voter’s card. Your PVC is the voice of the voiceless, the shield of the weak, and the weapon of the poor for a better life, against injustice and bad leadership.

“I appeal to every Nigerian: Get organised and make election rigging difficult. Go out, register, collect your PVC, and hold it firmly as your bridge to a new Nigeria.

“Let us know this: those who buy votes are not offering you charity; they only invest in their own corruption. They buy votes so that they can buy their way into our treasury to steal public money.

“When they get into that of- fice, they will loot the funds that should have been used to build

schools, hospitals or provide good jobs. Such people are not leaders, they are criminals in disguise. They are no better than killers, armed robbers, and kidnappers, because they commit the same crime of destruction.”

Obi further warned Nigerians against vote selling, saying:

“You are not just selling an election, you are selling the very opportunities that would have lifted you and your family out of poverty.

“You are selling the schools that your children should have attended, the hospitals that should save your loved ones and the jobs that would have given you dignity and a better life. Those who buy your vote are only buying it to make a profit from the seat of power, not to serve you.

Inter Milan Pull out of Bid for Ademola Lookman

The Atalanta forward is believed to have returned to Bergamo last night

Unless there is a change of mind, Inter Milan’s quest to have African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, join the club’s playing personnel, appears to have hit a dead end!

According to Top Transfer Expert, Matteo Moretto, Inter Milan will inform Ademola Lookman’s representatives that they have pulled out of the race to sign him from Atalanta, his summer transfer window.

Moretto announced this on his X account yesterday.

“Inter is ready to inform Ademola Lookman’s entourage that the deal has definitely fallen through,” he reported.

“The two clubs have never been close to reaching an agreement,” making reference to Atalanta’s rejection of the bid submitted by the San Siro side.

Lookman is currently in Portugal waiting for a resolu- tion of this transfer standoff after Atalanta rejected a €45 million bid by Inter for him last month.

He had got the backing of CAF for former Chelsea star, Didier Drogba, to convey a 50-page petition to Atalanta on this matter.

The reigning African Player of the Year still has two years

left on his contract with Atalanta.

A late report from Italy claimed on Monday night that Lookman has reported back to Italy but it is not yet clear whatever punishment or fine to be handed to him for absconding from training without permit to do so.

Meanwhile, a former Juventus coach, Luciano Moggi, has demanded for

Eagles in Final Macabre Dance with Congo Before Exit

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Irrespective of the result of today’s final Group D match between Nigeria and Congo, the Home-based Eagles have ended their adventure in this 8th African Nations Championship. It is Nigeria’s worst outing to date in the 26 years history of the tournament meant for players plying their trades in the respective domestic leagues in the continent.

The 4-0 defeat of the Home-based Eagles by Sudan followed their onegoal defeat by Cup-holders Senegal a week earlier. Those two defeats that leaves Eagles at the bottom of the four-nation log on no point, means that no matter the

result of their final Group D encounter against Congo in Dar es Salaam today, Coach Eric Chelle and his wards are Abuja bound after 90 minutes today.

Already, debates have erupted in most football platforms in Nigeria on the quality of players that the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is throwing up that the country cannot measure up to countries previously considered minnows in the Beautiful Game.

The 4-0 humiliation of the Home-based Eagles which is a joint-record defeat for Nigeria in the 26-year-old competition – a similar scoreline to their defeat by

hosts Morocco in the Final of the 2018 championship, may take some time to erase from the memories of football aficionados in the land.

Sadly, instead of Nigeria in the spotlight, when the lights turn on at Zanzibar’s Amani Stadium for the other last Group D clash, it will pit two very different philosophies against each other. Sudan, revived and resolute under Kwesi Appiah, come armed with a fearless attacking blueprint. The former Ghana coach insists that his side will not retreat against defending champions Senegal.

“I don’t go into games to defend. The best way to defend is to attack. We’re playing for goals. There are

11 players in each team; why should we stay back?” Ap- piah declared, reaffirming his aggressive approach to this evening’s game. “Whether it’s at the CHAN, AFCON, or the World Cup qualifiers, my intention is to win.”

Sudan sit top of the group on same four points as Senegal but on better goals difference after dismantling Nigeria 4-0, and only need to avoid defeat to secure a quarter-final berth. The fourth team in the group, Congo, are on two points from two draw results.

Across the pitch, Senegal’s quiet but dangerous force waits. Forward Libasse Gueye, the man-of-the-match against Nigeria, is not basking in individual glory.

heavy suspensions and not just fines to players and coaches who fail to respect their contracts in Serie A.

Moggi made examples of Ademola Lookman and Coach Simone Inzaghi as players and coaches who have not respected their contracts.

The coach said there is an urgent need to restore sanity in the Italian league that is now going through “managerial confusion”.

“Our football is going through a managerial confu- sion. There are no more rules, ideas are starting to run out, as well as money,” Moggi said in his regular column in Libero

“For example, it’s no longer clear whether the clubs or their employees are in charge, the players who, when it suits them, don’t respect their contracts.

“Some players, in order to be sold early to a team they like, perhaps don’t respond to club calls, even presenting medical certificates, if necessary.

Peter Rufai to Begin Final Journey Home Thursday

The funeral arrangements of former Nigerian goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, who died on 3rd July, will begin on Thursday, August 21, 2025.

According to details of the funeral released by the family, the programme will open with a service of songs and the presentation of Rufai’s biography at the Raji Rasaki Estate field, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos, from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm.

The funeral mass will be held the next day, Friday at the Catholic Church of

Visitation, First Avenue in Festac Town, Lagos. Interment will follow at Ikoyi Cemetery in Lagos. The rites will conclude on Sunday, August 24, with a thanksgiving service at the Catholic Church of Visitation in Festac Town. Rufai, fondly known as “Dodo Mayana,” was one of Nigeria’s most celebrated goalkeepers, representing the country at two FIFA World Cups (1994 and 1998) and winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 1994.

Zenith Bank, NBBF Gear up for 2nd Phase of National Women’s Basketball League

The Nigeria Basketball Fed- eration (NBBF), organisers of the annual domestic league and the sponsors, Zenith Bank PLC are getting set for the second phase of the 2025 Women’s Basketball League scheduled to take place in both the Atlantic and Savannah conferences.

The second phase is expected to take place between August 24 and September 1. A board member and NBBF’s Head of Media, Felix Awogu, confirmed the federation’s readiness to adhere to commencement date of the second phase as originally scheduled.

According to him, all is in place for a successful completion of the league as the Atlantic Conference will take place at the Ilorin Township Stadium, while

the Savannah Conference is billed for Jos, Plateau State.

In the 1st phase which took place in Benin, defending Champions, Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries Basketball team and First Bank had a good run against others like Dolphins, Bayelsa Blue Whales, and First Deep Waters.

In the Savannah Conference, Air Warriors and Plateau Rocks were the high fliers in a group which also has Customs, Kada Angels, HAM Warriors, Titans, Royal Aces and Nasarawa Amazons.

The sponsor of the league, Zenith Bank, has assured stakeholders that the organisation is ready to continue its commitment to the development of the game in Nigeria.

BRiTiSh hiGh CommiSSionER’S CoURTESY ViSiT To ThE FiRST LADY...

TUESDAY WITH REUBEN ABATI

INEC’s Bye-elections and Lessons Not Learnt

The by-elections held across the country last Saturday in 16 constituencies across 12 states, in terms of the organization, the process and outcomes would seem to confirm one painful truth, namely that Nigeria’s democracy is still inchoate, tentative, fledgling, and that we are not yet anywhere near the target of democratic consolidation in Africa’s largest democracy. Students of Nigeria’s political history would readily recall that these were phrases used to describe and define Nigerian democracy after the return to democratic rule in 1999. Nigeria had been under the clutches of military dictatorship for the better part of its life as an independent nation (January to July 1966; August 1966 to July 29, 1975; July 29, 1975 – February 13,1976; February 13, 1976 - October 1,1979; December 31,1983 – August 27, 1985, August 27,1985 -August 26, 1993; 1993 – 1998 and 1998 – 1999. Over a period of 39 years, there were brief, eventually truncated moments of democratic rule which occurred between 1960 -1966, 1979 – 1983, August 26, 1993 – November 17, 1993. With the annulment of the Presidential election of June 12, 1993, considered the freest and fairest in Nigerian history, and the isolation of Nigeria within the international community, the populace turned against the Nigerian military, which under General Sani Abacha bared its fangs and imposed a reign of terror on the people. The people revolted against the military establishment blaming soldiers for their authoritarianism, and everything that may have ever gone wrong with Nigeria.

Between General Ibrahim Babangida and General Sani Abacha, the Nigerian

military was cast in the mould of an anti-people establishment which needed to be removed from governance. The death of Chief M K O Abiola in detention, that is Abacha’s gulag, further inflamed passions, and the people were more urgent in demanding the exit of the military.

General Abdusalami Abubakar who succeeded General Abacha had his work cut out for him: to hearken to the people’s demands and process the transition to democracy programmes which the military had been toying with, adopting all kinds of subterfuge. On May 29, 1999, the people’s aspiration was achieved with the swearing in of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), a former General as President. The people were elated. They hailed the return to democratic rule as the second liberation. They dismissed soldiers as villains. They

swore that the worst form of civilian rule is better than the best form of military rule. Civilian rule was seen as Nigeria’s “second liberation”, the first being freedom from British imperialism. It is to the credit of Nigerians that for the past 36 years, the people have kept faith with democracy. But what is the quality of achievement? How have we fared? Democratic rule would seem to have brought a lot of development and growth, especially in the once troubled South South region, the civic society is relatively more open, with the people empowered to ask questions about governance and accountability, but after the various elections since 1999, the shadow of the military persists, and it may not be too cynical to argue that Nigeria’s democracy is still a work in progress, yet to mature and continues to raise fresh concerns about the Nigerian character. Elections are central to the democratic process, and elite bargain. Military rulers impose themselves on the people through the path of violence, namely coup d’etats. Civilian rulers acquire their legitimacy through the ballot box, a representative process that plays up the people’s right to choose from competing parties and candidates and determine their own future guided by the rule of law. Elections in Nigeria since 1999, have remained problematic prompting repeated calls for electoral reform and the emplacement of a framework to guarantee integrity and accountability to achieve the goal of free and fair elections. The search for this ideal has been elusive. Since 1999, every election season has been followed by debates about the need for reform to correct issues arising including operational

inefficiencies, electoral fraud, rigging, violence, violation of electoral laws. The tragedy is that the more reforms are introduced, the political elite and the state institutions, and the people themselves always find a way to circumvent well-intentioned attempts to improve the democratic space. The Electoral Act of 2022, used for the 2023 general election, considered for example to be the most progressive framework since 2001 only resulted in greater uncertainty especially with the electronic transmission and collation of results, BVAS, IREV, and the INEC portal. Since that general election, and the litigations that followed both local and international election monitors and observers have been resilient in urging that more reform is needed ahead of the next general elections in 2027. They argue, at various fora including interactive sessions with the National Assembly that electoral reform must be treated as a national emergency by the Tinubu administration. Some of the recommendations include single day voting, the proper definition of electronic transmission, affirmative action for women, statutory enactments on technological innovations such as the INEC Election Results Viewing (IREV), BVAS and Smart Card Reader, as well as the establishment of a National Electoral Offenders Commission. It goes without saying that an electoral system that works would build trust in the electoral system and strengthen the electorate, the prompt punishment of electoral crimes will check the reign of impunity during elections.