₦airaland Forum

The itel online launch Nigeria is an online event by itel where it introduces new devices to the Nigerian market. This year’s edition held today with the brand unveiling the next iteration of smartphones in the ‘P Series’, new sets of itel earbuds, a new Smart TV series, and to our surprise, an itel Laptop.

This post takes a broader look at all the devices iTel unveils at the event.

The itel P37 Series (P37 and P37 Pro) comes in as the successor to the iTel P36 Series released in 2020. itel says it has enhanced the P37 smartphone in major areas including battery, memory, and display.

The new itel P37 series features a 5000mAh battery and comes with an upgraded AI power master. It claims to have increased its battery life by 10%. It is backed by a 2GB RAM and 64GB of internal storage.

The P37 has a 6.5-inch waterdrop full HD display, while the P37 Pro is a 6.8-inch HD display (waterdrop, as well). The P37 Pro comes with a 13 mega-pixel AI dual camera.

iTel Earbud T1
The itel earbuds T1 comes with a Bluetooth version 5.0 with a faster and long-range connection, and it has got an IPX5 water-resistant rating. itel also claims the earbud comes with a ‘one charge for all-day use’ feature.



According to itel, the Earbud T1 should give you 8 hours of music playtime and 30 hours battery life from its charging case.

itel Earbud X
From the looks and specifications of the itel earbud x, it feels like a budget-friendly earbud. It comes with a style loop charging case and a liquid metal design. It also comes with an IPX5 water resistance rating.

This earbud will provide up to 5 hours of music playtime and a charging case of up to 25 hours of battery life.

itel G Series Android TV

During its last online launch event in Nigeria, itel unveiled its first set of Smart TVs and promised that its Android TVs will be available in Nigeria, and will sell at budget-friendly prices. itel has finally unveiled the Android TV set, dubbed ‘G Series Android TV’.

The itel G Series Android TV features Google assistant, 20W stereo sound, and Google ecosystem which will let gain access to content on one TV.

This TV also has Google Play built into it. This means you get access to your favorite streaming and gaming apps. It also comes with Chromecast Built-in.

itel Laptop

itel has unveiled its first laptop which it calls the ‘Able 1’. This device is a sleek-looking portable laptop – judging from the images itel showed us, at least.

According to itel, the Abel 1 laptop is coming with a 3000mAh battery and iPad, a quad-core CPU with 1-terabyte of internal storage to ensure you’ve got enough storage space.

This device also features a micro SD card reader, headphone jack, an HDMI port, USD 3.0 ports, and an RJ45 Ethernet Port.

Conclusion
itel didn’t tell when these devices will be released or available for sale in retail stores across the country, but we’re certain we’ll see them in the coming days.

The Former Governor of Bayelsa State Senator Seriake Dickson on Monday May 24 held a conversation ; 'Tweet Meet' with Young Journalists and prominent Influencers from different parts of the country.

Senator Seriake Dickson while speakking on his stand on topical issues bedeviling the country ranging from the state of the Economy, to the problem of insecurity, Constitution amendments vis-a-vis Restructuring which is been widely clamored for by Nigerians assessing the economic situation of the country, and recalling that last week, Governors proposed that fuel PMS be sold at N380 removing subsidy totally Nigerians have been plunged further down into poverty line ignoring the ripple effect such actions will have on the people and Economy, and also incessant borrowings by the Buhari led administration said;

ECONOMY
" In dealing with the Economy of a nation, objectivity remains a key factor and not partisanship. There's nothing wrong with borrowing if you're borrowing to grow the economy. The people ought to see tangible evidence of what your borrowing about for."

“ For me, considering the many sufferings plaguing Nigerians, I will advice that for whatever reason, compounding the woes of Nigerians in form of subsidy removal will be ill-timed. We can seek to cut the cost of running this very expensive system of govt”

INSECURITY
Senator Dickson Speaking on Insecurity , Division along tribal and religious lines as evidenced by the vast killings from Boko Haram, to Fulani herdsmen and Bandits while also answering questions arising from what can best described as anger and outcry from Nigerians on Media on failure of the president Muhammadu Buhari, his vice Professor Osinbajo and the entire presidency's failure to honor the officers including the late COAS who passed away in the recent plane crash said,

" The Senate of which I’m part of, has little to do in a Presidential system of government that invested so much power on the President. That is one of the shortcomings of our system, and so the President needs to rise to the responsibilities of his office"

" The APC played a destructive pattern of opposition, politicizing insecurity. The insecurity is has come back to haunt them.

Still speaking on security, he said, " the issue of herdsmen and the menace that open grazing and carrying of arms causes in the society."

According to Senator Dickson,

" You don't play politics with Issues of National Security and Economy. We must say it as it is. "
" A Nation where the Police is underfunded, undertrained and is commanded from the Centre in Abuja cannot be swift to protecting life and property in remote communities this is why the Army is overstretched.

" The police needs to be well funded and given proper welfare. No country can achieve good security, or enjoy law and order with a frontline agency like the @PoliceNG living in slums, and receiving stipends for salaries.

RESTRUCTURING
Addressing Restructuring as one of the major issues on the front burner of discussions and debates across the country he said,

" The concept of restructuring" has been misconstrued to a great extent.

" In talking about Restructuring, the role of the judiciary must come into lime light and deliberations must end in 'constitutional amendment not secession'.

“Anybody that is against restructuring is not a friend of Nigeria, Nigeria's unity is highly desirable and beneficial.”

“Nigerians never agreed on this bogus Presidential system. Presidential System of government is an Executive Monarch. "

“ Those calling for restructuring just like myself are believers of one big Nigeria, but a Nigeria that is fair to all, that no group would feel the country is theirs alone. Restructuring is a challenge of nation building and establishing justice."

“ Devolution of Power is not Restructuring, but a part of it. It means Constitutional Reform-a call for a return to the 1963 Constitution.

" Those who said restructuring means different things are speaking out of crass ignorance. "

ELECTORAL REFORMS

“ The issue of electoral reform is very pertinent in our discussions as regards the development of the country, because the place of getting our governance right occupies an eminent position in our nationhood”

“ It’s quite unfortunate that President refused to sign the electoral reform as painstakingly put together by the Legislature. He should take a cue from his predecessor who introduced the wonderful card reader system"

"Fairness and Justice is the only way to unity in this country.

Leaders calling for prayers of unity without working towards making sure citizens get Justice and are treated fairly are wasting everyone's time"

" I am of the view that the President has not risen to his responsibilities, he is too silent on crave issues threatening the fabrics of our society"

The session came to an end having exhausted questions from Journalists, Influencers present and also Nigerians who joined in the "Tweet Meet" from across the country.

Sen Dickson thanked all present and further encouraged the young people not to get tired of doing and demanding for the right things and also speaking truth to power.

“ Let’s not give up on Nigeria, let us channel our energies from destruction to construction of the country. We can build a new Nigeria. Let us vote in people who believe in a Nigeria for all whether big or small.

" A Nigeria that goes beyond the colonial era,” he added.

itel, one of Africa’s foremost smartphones, accessories, and televisions brands, has today announced an addition to its flagship power series- the itel P37 at a virtual launch held in Lagos, Nigeria.

The itel P37, a big battery smartphone designed to help users get more fun and playtime at a reasonable cost, comes with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, 6.5’ HD+ FullScreen Display coupled with a 2.5D screen design, a slim and fashionable look, as well as other unique features its users will definitely fall in love with.

Preceding the itel P37’s debut at the launch, itel recounted its growth story over the years and showed audiences that the brand is all out to satisfy the needs of its consumers, provide innovative offerings, and also give users value for their money. As a result, the International Data Corporation’s (IDC) report for 2020 recognized itel as the Number One Smartphone Brand under $75, and the Number One Feature Phone Brand in the global market. The IDC also rated the brand as the Number One Smartphone and Feature Phone Brand in Africa under $75, and the Number One Smartphone under $75 in India by regional market share.

Play With Power
For smartphones in the budget range, most users complain that the battery capacity is not large enough, that the memory is not enough, and that the product’s features are similar to others in the same range. However, itel went all out to solve these consumers’ pain points with the itel P37- they have given users more power (5000mAh battery), more memory (32GB of storage), and more features to play with. The itel P37 comes with trendy technology, convenient and practical functions for consumers on the go, as well as a beautiful and stylish design that users want, thereby solving their pain points.

itel P37 is a big gratification for users who love big battery phones and longer play time. Users can enjoy videos, music, and connect with friends and family all day and all night without worries. itel P37 has 16 days of super-long standby, 1.5 days of calling, 3.5 days of music playing, and more than 6 hours of game time.

Safe Charging and Better Security for Everyone
itel also guarantees quality with the inbuilt lithium polymer battery design of itel P37. This offers better protection from liquids and dust while retaining the efficiency of the battery to more than 85% even after multiple charges and discharges. To sweeten the pot further, itel also built in a safe charging feature into the itel P37; this feature turns on automatically to guarantee your safety and your family’s while charging.


Visual freedom is often underrated but it is one of itel’s key offerings with the P37. A 6.5’ Waterdrop Fullscreen that is up to 90% with 2.5D edges makes having fun with itel P37 bigger, better, and more three-dimensional.


“The itel P37 is not just a device to us, it is for us, at itel, an affirmation that we will always offer products that will help our consumers enjoy a better life… at pocket-friendly prices.’ said Oke Umurhohwo, itel’s Marketing Manager for West Africa at the launch of the smartphone.

The itel P37 is available nationwide from May 22nd, 2021.

This announcement came as a rude shock to Mr Gbajabiamila, as he became uneasy and clearly uncomfortable, as he was standing beside Asiwaju as he denied endorsing anyone or stopping anyone from contesting at the Lagos House, Marina.

Asiwaju’s announcement was well received across several Local Governments in the State, as aspirants re-energized their campaigns on the streets and on media, especially Surulere LGA.

The Lagos House of Representatives Caucus headed by Hon. Dolapo Badru have been given the mandate of hijacking the local party structure of the state by getting the Mr Speaker’s loyalist into the Chairmanship Seats in some specific LGAs.

A plan that is already being carried out by Hon. James Faleke in Ikeja LGA and Ojodu LCDA, Mr Babajimi Benson in some parts of Ikorodu, Badru himself is working hard to install a core loyalist of the Gbajabiamila caucus, Mr Saheed Salawe as the Chairman of the Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area, Mr Salawe, a Surulere based politician and his supporters have publicly and privately boasted that Mr Speaker will “get the ticket” for them. Hon. Wale Raji in Epe is also working for Gbajabiamila’s future ambition.

Mr James Falake has been heard in some quarters, saying that the current Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu doesn’t call him like former Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and he has vowed to support Mr Gbajabiamila for Governorship in 2023, with his own intention of gunning for the Lagos West Seat in 2023, or a second choice of going to Aso Rock to become ‘Chief of Staff’, when Asiwaju becomes President.

Sources from Surulere LGA have praised Asiwaju for allowing everyone to go and contest and they believe that Mr Gbajabiamila, who has been in the House of Representatives since 2003 has done enough and should allow other political aspirants to grow in the Local Government.

First Bank in trouble over breach of contract, gets 48 hours to obey court order Published on May 24, 2021By Amos Tauna

The First Bank Plc is to be sued for disobedience and breach of contract if it failed to obey the Federal High Court’s 48 hours ultimatum served to to it.

In a letter to the bank by the Counsel to Eleme Petro Chemical Co-operative Investment and Credit society Limited, A.A. Ibrahim SAN obtained by DAILY POST, it stated the position of the law as it pertains to obligations of a Bank to its customers, citing the case of Union Bank PLC vs N.M Okpara Chimaeze (2014) 9 NWLR (PT.1411) page 166 wherein Justice Ariwoola JSC. held that

It stated, “It is the duty of banker to its customer to honor and pay cheques drawn on it by the customer as long as it has in its possession at the material time sufficient and available funds for the purpose….”

The barrister told the bank that a pending appeal does not operate as stay of execution, saying that anything done contrary to the lawful order of a court is an infrigement of the customers right.

Recall that First Bank despite the order of Justice N.E Maha of the Federal High Court Abuja delivered on the 15th day of February 2021, vacating the interim restriction placed on the co-operatives’ account by EFCC, has refused and or neglected to obey the order.

Recall also that in February 26, 2009, the Federal Government through the National Council on Privatization had approved the sale of 10% of its equity shares in Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals ltd, Port Harcourt, Rivers State to the host community and interested staff of Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals ltd.

The 10% equity shares was shared as 7.5% to the host community while the remaining 2.5% was allotted to the Staff of Indoroma Eleme Petrochemicals.

Interested Staff came together under Eleme petrochemical co-operatives in compliance to the federal government directive that a special purpose vehicle be formed where all members will belong to enable them buy the shares.

According to the letter, problem began in 2013 when 10 staffs who initially subscribed to the purchase of the 2.5 equity shares had their jobs terminated from the employment of Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals.

It explained that lndoroma Petrochemicals since then began a legal battle as to whether the laid off staff can continue to enjoy the dividends since they were not longer staff in the company and in so doing sought to replace the laid off staff with new recruited staff.

It noted that when the shareholding became an issue the laid of staff approached the River State Ministry of Commerce and Industry to arbitrate between it and the cooperative, the Ministry gave an Arbitral Award in favor of the laid off staff and consequently the laid off staffs of the co-operative, approached the federal high court to enforce the arbitral award as required by law. The award became a judgment of the Federal High Court.

The newly recruited staff been instigated by their employers Indoroma Eleme Petrochemicals Company limited approached The National Industrial court stating that the arbitral award was illegally procured ,when the right thing to do was to have appealed the Federal High Court judgement, the industrial court in striking the case out stated that it can not sit on an appeal over a matter that has been decided by a court of co-ordinate jurisdiction. The newly recruited staff thereafter filed an Appeal over the decision of the Industrial court.

It is to be noted that the EFCC started to investigate the ownership of the shares of the cooperative after the cases at the Federal high court and the Industrial Court had been decided.

The cases pending in various courts over the ownership of the shares of Indorama was triggered by the BPE which was a party sued in the case at the Industrial court, when it petitioned the EFCC over the matter at the instigation of the newly recruited staff of Indorama and Indorama itself. We shall bring you further developments as they unfold.

Youths Caution Gbajabiamila Against Interfering In Surulere APC Council Chairmanship Primaries

Lagos APC council chairmanship primaries: Youths urge Gbajabiamila to steer-clear 
Ahead Lagos State Local Government Council elections, a group, Surulere Youth Movement (SYM), has urged House of Representatives Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, to listen to yearnings of people and allow their will prevail through the choice of candidate they chose to represent them at the council level.

The group, an umbrella body for progressive youths in the area, said that since the lawmaker rather than toe an alleged divisive line, it was important the parliamentarian serve as a unifying factor before, during and after the council election, a task it claimed, was befitting of his status.

The youths maintained that the task before the lawmaker at the national level deserves more attention, particularly when the country was battling with insecurity and other challenges, rather than dabbling in local politics while national duty was at stake. 
Through a statement released on Saturday and signed by the group's Chairman, Abdullahi Olawale, the youths noted that his dabbling into the council election had unsettled the atmosphere, raised many eyebrows and was already creating enmity among erstwhile friends in the same All Progressives Congress (APC) family in Surulere. 
According to the group, the Speaker has continued his “Pretender Politics” unabated in a move against the people’s wish, particularly the ambition of Hon. Aregbe IDRIS, the current Youth Organising Secretary, All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos Chapter, who has been the choice of party chieftains, opinion leaders and youths within the council.

“Sure, over the years, the speaker has been seen as an acknowledged panacea for winning elections in Surulere and unchallenged, but his choice-candidate this time around is not the acceptable choice of the people.

“Already, the unfortunate acrimony, which is seen to portray the decadence of the polity, especially what some has rightfully termed “Manifestation of Greed of the Political Class”, has prompted thousands of Surulere Youths threatening “Thunder and Brimstone”, should their Choice-candidate, IDRIS, is side-lined.

“We know the other contestants, they are all our people, but we likewise know their plus and minuses – and haven access them all, we are more than convinced that Hon. Aregbe Idris is the best man for the job, he has paid his dues.”

The group, which has floated the hashtag #begSpeakerGbajabiamila!,  further said, “It is worrisome that the Speaker, who is seen as a father-figure can allegedly stoop this low in an attempt to wish away the people’s choice. Over the years we have watched him have his dishonourable ways, but the current injustice will not stand.”

Maintaining their stand, the #begSpeakerGbajabiamila!, youth-wing further noted that “there is absolutely nothing wrong if people compete with each other, but everything is certainly wrong, in fact, bizarre, when such competition eludes merit: Especially via “Imposition” of unpopular candidates over the well-known.

“The encroachment on the rights of the people – especially party youths – to constitute their “choice” is unjustified. BegSpeakerGbajabiamila! therefore call into action the office of the revered Chairman, Lagos Governing Administration Council (GAC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to prevail on Mr. Speaker to Jèbure on this issue, so to speak. A stitch in time saves nine,” the statement added.

On May 29, 2015, Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, took his oath of office, and right there he laid bare his plan to enthrone a legacy of wealth and prosperity for the people of the state. The plan, outlined as S.M.A.R.T, was a masterclass and a product of deep thinking– and has so far shown to be a catalyst for the monumental achievements recorded by the Dr. Okowa-led administration.

When Dr. Okowa took charge of Delta, the outlook of things was uninspiring, and debt binge put the revenue prospect of the state in a distress. People of the state were in a dilemma of what is to come and the fear of things going even worse filled the atmosphere. But those fears didn't stay too long to fizzle out as Dr. Okowa smartly put in play mechanisms to confront the challenges he inherited.

Knowing so well the bearing of debt overhang on the state's finances, Dr. Okowa renegotiated them and reduced the pressures that creditors exert on the state's resources. This smart move freed up needed resources and was able to bail out local government councils who had for so long find it hard to meet up with some of their obligations.

Few months into office, Dr. Okowa's burning desire to make a difference and change people's perception about governance became so glaring. Every aspect of governance in the state came to life and in a characteristic manner of a performer, Dr. Okowa rekindled hopes of Deltans that a new dawn was here. Dejection left for optimism, and in no time, he was not only able to turn things around but has now positioned Delta in an enviable state.

Take it from his strides in education, and you will marvel at Dr. Okowa's bold investments to give young Deltans the right training that would sustain them tomorrow. In the last six years, Dr. Okowa's administration has invested N10.4 billion in public schools infrastructure– raising new buildings and renovating at least, 5,667 classrooms across Delta state in the process. A similar commitment is demonstrated towards the welfare of teachers, and to further improve their capacity to impact qualitative teaching on students in the state, Dr. Okowa administration established the Teacher's Professional Development Centre (TPDC), which has so far trained 6,504 personnel.

For those in tertiary institutions, the story is not different as Dr. Okowa ensures that they are supported to do well in their studies. For instance, the state government paid a total of N381 million as a bursary to indigent students in the 2018/2019 academic session, and no fewer than 17,000 students across the state benefited. All these commitments of Dr. Okowa to education are already bringing encouraging outcomes as can be noticed in the state's steady progression in external examination ratings and the gradual confidence people are picking in public schools in the state. And even more important, Delta state has seen a sharp drop in its illiteracy tally– a pointer to the fact that the investment of Dr. Okowa in education is paying off.

Upon his assumption of office, Dr. Okowa met a state struggling to put abled and skilled population into productive engagements and promised to change that ugly picture. This commitment, I guessed, was to check the tide of brain drain and guide against young people being enticed to crime as a way of survival. Job openings in government setups soon become a common occurrence in Delta and investments in the agricultural sector also opened up opportunities for numerous young people in the state to get something doing.

Talk of road infrastructure, and I doubt anyone will come near Dr. Okowa in that aspect. In fact, he's famously addressed as 'Road Master' by many Deltans– an acknowledgement of the impressive record set in road construction. In six years, Dr. Okowa's administration has built thousands of kilometers of roads and bridges to facilitate both inter and intrastate transit. Rural roads received facelift and problems usually associated with connecting communities are fast becoming a thing of the past. The horrible experience of people over the frequent occurrence of flooding is fast fading as Dr. Okowa's administration explored technology to tackle the challenge.

Indicative of his deep resolve to make Delta the top destination for investors, Dr. Okowa entered into a reconstruction agreement with a consortium that will bring the Asaba airport to international standard and in turn, ease access to the state. For so long, the Asaba airport was left to rot but this agreement will position it as one of the best airports in the country and bring desired benefits to this state. However, here is the real deal– under the agreement secured by the Dr. Okowa-led government, at least 20 percent of the airport force will be made up of Deltans.

Demonstrating his avowed commitment to keep people safe, Dr. Okowa gave deserved attention to strengthening security in the state. From providing necessary types of equipment to all security agencies in the state to encouraging communal cohesion, Dr. Okowa facilitates a safe and secure Delta– a condition that is encouraging businesses in the state to thrive.

Economic activities in the oil-rich state are rapidly growing considering the various interventions of the Dr. Okowa-led government. Among the various interventions targeted at providing sustainable economic activities, especially for young people in the state, was the creation of the Girl Child Entrepreneurship Development and Empowerment Office. That has increased engagement and participation of women and girls in government-sponsored policies and initiatives, hence, contributing in no small measure to the economic activities of the state. Training and skills acquisition is a regular feature of Dr. Okowa's government, equipping Deltans with the right skills to contribute meaningfully to the economy of the state. At the heat of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Delta state government engaged 300 designers and tailors trained by it to produce 1 million face masks for distribution to residents and citizens.

In the health sector, Dr. Okowa's imprints are incredible. From the dejected state that he met most health facilities in the state, Dr. Okowa has turned things around, and now, Deltans enjoys one of the best health infrastructures in the country. Even impressive is the fact that Dr. Okowa's administration enrolled over 630,000 Deltans in the Contributory Health Scheme, which has deepened access to healthcare and promote healthy living among the people. Dr. Okowa prioritizes the welfare of personnel in the health sector, and their safety is something he doesn't joke with, which explains the provision of life insurance policies to them. All these investments in the health sector came to bear in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic, which leaves the state with lower casualties compared to other states.

And to cap it all, Dr. Okowa is turning the state into a top sporting centre in the country with the investment in necessary infrastructure and establishment of several competitive centres across Delta. Apart from the opportunities that the facilities will bring for athletes in the state, the revenue prospects that hosting sporting events offer to the state and local businesses cannot be overemphasized.

Without mincing words, Dr. Okowa is transforming Delta state and his giant strides since taking charge of the state is heartwarming. With a strong desire for a new thing and hard work, Dr. Okowa is redefining governance in the oil-producing Niger Delta state, promising to leave an enduring legacy when he concludes his term in office. Even for his adversaries, it will be hard to dismiss the broad changes he is effecting in the state, and in the minds of Deltans, his impressive achievements will stay forever.


By Oke Umurhohwo. He tweets via @OkeStalyf and can be reached on oke.umu@gmail.com

Charles Soludo that raised N2bn to build a hospital for his later mother in 2008 but never did, now wants to be Anambra Governor. Same guy told us Buhari is the best thing after Jesus Christ in 2015. He never criticized Buhari for once for all the crimes against humanity committed against his fellow Igbo brothers but has suddenly joined APGA-the Biafran party. From PDP to APC, now APGA. Always jumping up & down like a monkey. As CBN Gov, this guy didn’t employ one person from his state but he’s suddenly Pro-Igbo. I don’t blame Soludo, it’s those that rate him I blame. He lacks character.

Since the news of the suspension of the Managing Director, Ms Hadiza Bala-Usman broke, both her supporters and critics have been speculating about what could have led to the action by Government. Many campaigners, activists, politicians, feminist organizations have taken sides against each other. Some accused the officials of the Ministry of Transportation for not yielding to due process in their actions while others insisted that her travails were merely because she was a woman. For many observers such sentiments were not expected. The suspended Managing Director is a woman, member of the ruling party, former Chief of Staff to Kaduna State and a cofounder of Bring Back Our Girls Movement among other things. She is also a daughter of late Fulani historian and popular academic Dr. Yusufu Bala-Usman of the ruling family of Sullubawa clan. In a country in which where you come from contributes substantially to how far you can go, she appears to have some of the most interesting recipe for upward mobility suited for the time. And she probably knew it. So as the head of an important agency like the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), from the same state as President Buhari, she conducted herself with a certain feeling of entitlement close to invincibility. An attitude that some people consider as hubristic.

Was Creating Sensation meant to distract the Panel from their assignment?
Articles have been flying in the air as if the suspended Managing Director is being persecuted and punished for refusing to compromise. A big media mogul fired the first salvo in her favor. The whole matter appears to be a difficult argument simply because she is pitched against politicians and we all know how we perceive them. However, the simple truth is that what is going on is a little beyond politics. Those who are politicizing it are doing so out of sheer mischief. From available documents flying around the internet, it is obvious that Ms Usman’s accusers do not need to do much work to prove their cases against her. That may be why her supporters are up in arms firing from all nozzles in the social media. The hashtag is trending already but whether that is sufficient to cover up the issues that have been raised is another conversation altogether. As an activist, engaging in a media campaign is a familiar terrain for Hadiza. She co-founded an organization that ran one of the most successful protests in the history of modern Nigeria. However, a more useful way to spend the next few weeks could have been to prepare to face the administrative panel to state her own side of the story.

Skills for mobilizing for street protests differ from those used for constructive policy making
There are many people who are passionate yet when they get an opportunity, they end up performing poorly. This is because passion cannot be equated with competence and activism is not the same thing as expertise. Mobilizing people on the streets for protests and carrying placards are worthy assignments but they require a different skill set from constructive policy making. Granted, activism provides critical and alternative voices necessary for democracy to thrive but in some cases it can become a liability to governance. It must be admitted that some activists are quite naïve about issues of process and procedures that when they get into government, they believe the only way to prove themselves is to disrupt governance in a way that could become counterproductive. Such was apparently the case of the reign of Hadiza Bala Usman in NPA. This awareness amplifies the perception of doubts about her capacity to handle the position that greeted her appointment in 2015. A closer review of her decisions clearly indicate that many of them were arbitrary knee jerk reactions that protects the privileged few, ignoring the greater good of many. Clear examples are those involving Global Marine Systems Limited and INTELS Group whose leases were suddenly cancelled after they were approved by NPA. As a result an atmosphere of instability was created which sent wrong signals to potential investors in Nigeria and beyond as a country that does not respect the sanctity of agreements. Some of those who became casualties had to go to court. So far there are about fifty two of such litigations pending with different courts which has stalled the activities of the agency and increased operational costs.

NPA’s impulsive and arbitrary actions created reputational risks
Expectedly, it did not take long for Hadiza Bala-Usman to export her self-conceited attitude to her job. Her admirers insist that her attitude is that of a reform minded individual who is in a hurry to deliver results. While some see it as pretense she uses to fast-track approvals to service pre-determined interests. There is a possibility that the suspended MD may have the best of motives but is obvious she did not use the right methods. For instance it was reported that she continuously flouted extant civil service regulations and obtained her approval directly from the President. This was a problem to the Ministry officials as it made coordinated policy making and oversight of the maritime sector quite difficult. However when she learnt that the approval for her suspension and probe was obtained from the same Presidency, she reportedly turned around and accused the President of breaching government procedures. Her record of going above the head of her Ministers to obtain approvals from the President places her in a shaky moral ground in insisting that due process should be followed in her suspension. Apart from cancelling the concessions given to GMSL and INTELS, she also cancelled the concession given to a company called Lilypond Container Terminal without the knowledge of the Ministry and converted it to a truck park. She once shut down a terminal in Port Harcourt belonging to BUA Group for alleged safety infractions, resulting to an annual revenue loss of about 2.0 billion naira to both federal government and terminal operators. A few weeks ago against subsisting court orders, she directed that all BUA ships should not be allowed to berth. She had transferred the procurement office away from the Executive Director in charge of Finance to be directly under her office. With that decision she took firm control of the procurement process and easily manipulated to suite her interests. Dangote Group of Companies owned by Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote was reportedly one of the major beneficiaries.

Suspended MD’s unending battle against INTELS despite initially offering to integrate Berths 9,10 and 11 in their agreement.
The withdrawal of the licenses of Integrated Logistics Limited (INTELS) is another decision which drew a lot of public attention. This was because the former Vice President and Presidential aspirant of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, Atiku Abubukar was at that time a major shareholder in the company. The suspended Managing Director used a cloak of partisanship to create unfounded disputes between NPA and INTELS to further what has now been seen as a different agenda. Curiously it was the same MD who authorized that Berths 9, 10 and 11 be integrated in a preexisting concession agreement with INTELS and informed them about same in a letter on the 7th of November 2018 REF ONN/LG/AD/T.3/599 signed by one Alhassan Ismaila Abubakar, Port Manager, Onne. A reminder was written on the same issue on the 23rd of November. An acceptance from INTELS was conveyed to NPA in a letter Ref INTELS/2018/11/27/OUT/001752 dated 27th November 2018 signed by the Managing Director where he pointed out that the computation of the fees for the berths for 2013 was erroneous. A reconciliation meeting was proposed for the integration process to commence.

Agreement was reached between INTELS and NPA. Payment commenced and midway NPA reneged .
On the 4th of December a debit note of 1,035,000,000 was issued to INTELS by NPA which was accepted on the 20th of December and reiterated its acceptance for Berths 9,10 and 11 into their concession agreement and agreed that payment will be in three installments commencing from January 2019. Payments commenced on schedule. Things were going on smoothly and INL was waiting for the final execution of the agreement when it was revoked by NPA in a letter signed on behalf of the Managing Director by one Engr. A. R Mohammed, General Manager, Engineering, asking INTELS to vacate the premises on Berths 9, 10 and 11. INTELS had no option than to head to court to protect their rights. While the controversy raged, the Minister of Transportation tried to direct her to halt the hostilities against the company and she rebuffed the idea. Although a court order granted by a Rivers State High Court ring fenced INTELS from being ejected from berths 9/10/11, Hadiza went ahead and kicked them out. At one point she manufactured an alibi to make it look like the Ministry was blocking her from commencing procurement because someone up there apparently had pecuniary interest. Meanwhile, officials of the Ministry had clarified the position of the Minister of Transportation is for the Ministry to purchase the relevant equipment in order to build domestic capacity for dredging.

INTELS GROUP removed Atiku as their shareholder to placate Hadiza, yet she stood her ground.
The optics of the action of NPA appeared political as they were speculations that the fate that befell the company was a direct way of targeting for Vice President Abubakar Atiku. Some people even assumed that the orders expressly came from Buhari himself. The management of the company panicked. Few weeks later, the company announced the removal of Atiku from their board. In a letter addressed to the suspended MD on the 29th December 2020, the Managing Director of Orlean Invest Holding Limited (holding company of INTELS) formally communicated the exit of Mr. Atiku Abubakar from the shareholding structure of INTELS group. According to him, this was to break free from any form of political interference and pave a way to resolve the lingering multiple disputes between the company and NPA especially the aftermath of the cancellation of some of their contracts.

Prevailing Climate of Uncertainty came with negative economic consequences
An interesting part of it is that when some of these decisions were taken and parties go to court, NPA under Hadiza never respected court orders thereby posing serious reputational risk suggesting that Nigeria is lawless and does not respect the sanctity of agreements. Potential revenue sources were lost which negatively impacted on the economic status of the country at a time when the covid 19 pandemic and fluctuating commodity prices had distorted budgetary projections. Yet figures of her overhead cost appear bloated. So far the extent of damage done to the sector is yet to be fully determined and quantified. Whether and to what extent this will be revealed depends on thoroughness of the work of the administrative probe panel. Although maritime stakeholders are already celebrating her exit may observers suggest that it will be best to adopt a wait –and – see attitude.

The Eleme Petrochemicals Co-operatives Investment and Credit Society Limited has accused the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of alleged harassment, intimidation and infringement on the rights of the members of the society by denying them access to their funds trapped in First Bank Nigeria Ltd.

According to them, the action of the commission goes against a subsisting court order of a Federal High Court, Abuja.

Justice Evelyn Maha had on January 15, 2021 ordered that the restriction placed on the account of the co-operatives society be lifted but First Bank has refused to obey the court order, citing counter-directive from the EFCC.

It was learnt that the bank is demanding that the society signs an indemnity against claims by the EFCC before obliging to honour its own obligations to the cooperatives society, a demand that is contrary to the contract between a bank and its customer and against all extant rules of banking.

The co-operatives society said it has written to First Bank to explain if there is any superior court order served on them by the EFCC restricting it from honouring its obligations to the cooperatives society but the bank has not produced any such order but was only referring to a counter-directive and alleged harassment from EFCC.

The group alleged that EFCC had sort to pervert the course of justice from the beginning having joined issues with the co-operatives society in a suit to enforce the fundamental rights of the shareholders of the group but surreptitiously went behind to another court of co-ordinate jurisdiction to obtain an order freezing the account of the society.

It added the attempt, however, failed as the court after discovering the orchestrated sharp practice by EFCC, granted an order lifting the interim restriction on the said account.

It noted that First Bank continues to act in flagrant disregard to the court order while EFCC had filed an appeal against the order lifting the restriction placed on the cooperatives’ bank account even as no stay of execution order has not been granted.

From reports and court judgments it is confirmed that the original members of staff of Indoroma Eleme Petrochemicals Ltd, Port Harcourt, Rivers State before its privatisation are the initial members of the cooperatives society.

Recall that in 2009, the federal government through the National Council on Privatisation had approved the sale of 10% of its equity shares in Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Ltd to the host community and interested staff of the company.

The 10% equity shares was shared as 7.5% allotted to the host community while the remaining 2.5% was allotted to the staff of Indoroma Eleme Petrochemicals, who came together under Eleme Petrochemical Co-operatives Society in compliance with the federal government’s directive that a special purpose vehicle be formed where all members will belong to enable them buy the shares at the time.

Problem started in 2013 when 10 members of staff who initially subscribed to the purchase of the 2.5% equity shares had their jobs terminated from the employment of the company.

Indoroma Petrochemicals since then began a legal battle as to whether the laid-off staff can continue to enjoy dividends since they are not longer staff in the company and in so doing sought to replace the laid-off staff with new recruited staff.

When the shareholding claims became an issue, the laid-of staff approached the River State Ministry of Commerce and Industry to arbitrate between them and the company, and the Ministry gave an arbitral award in favour of the former members of staff and consequently the exited staff of the co-operatives society approached the Federal High Court to enforce the arbitral award and as required by law it was granted and the award became a judgment of the court.

But the newly recruited staff being allegedly instigated by the company, approached the National Industrial Court, stating that the arbitral award was illegally procured but the industrial court in striking out the case stated that it can not sit on an appeal over a matter that has been decided by a court of co-ordinate jurisdiction.

But according to court documents, the EFCC despite the subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court Abuja, which affirmed the shareholding of the exited staff, has continued to freeze the account in contravention of an earlier order of Justice Taiwo .O. Taiwo of the Federal High Court Abuja in suit FHC/ABJ/SC/1222/2020, granting an order stopping the EFCC from arresting, inviting, detaining and prosecuting or inquiring into the acquisition of shares of Indoroma Petrochemicals Ltd.

The last may have not been heard about the mega fraud concerning four Oil Mining Leases formerly operated by the Addax Petroleum Nigeria Limited, which are being plotted to be diverted to proxy firms linked to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, and President Muhammadu Buhari’s nephew, Mamman Daura.

SaharaReporters learnt that Sylva has set up a kangaroo committee of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation headed by Senator Magnus Abe to look into the four leases – OMLs 123, 124, 126 and 137 – which were all operated by Addax Petroleum Development Nigeria Limited but which were being plotted to be given to Kaztec Engineering Limited/Salvic Petroleum Resources Limited.


Kaztec is owned by Emeka Offor – a strong ally and crony of Sylva and Daura also.

SaharaReporters gathered on Monday that the minister of state would receive the Magnus Abe report and thereafter recommend to the Nigerian government to implement the recommendations which would favour Emeka Offor and his firm, and sidestep Addax, the original handlers of the OMLs.

“On May 30, the Federal Government reconstituted the NNPC Board. Emeka Offor nominated Senator Magnus Abe to represent South-South and also he nominated his cousin, Dr Stephen Dike, to represent South-East. He facilitated the appointment through Mamman Daura and also through the Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva. He has sufficiently gagged and caged the NNPC and Ministry of Petroleum.

“He has adequately taken care of Mamman Daura. lt is an anathema and highest fraud and corruption of the century that they want to defraud the Nigerian people of $650 million via Kaztec for a contract awarded to Addax, which was never awarded to Kaztec.

“Now that Sylva has set up and received the kangaroo report of Sen Magnus Abe’s committee, the next plan is that the Ministry of Petroleum via Sylva and his accomplices will now recommend to the Federal Government to implement. Then, Emeka Offor, via his company, Kaztec, will now go to court to force the Federal Government to implement,” a top source explained.

On April 6, SaharaReporters exclusively reported that the leases – OMLs 123, 124, 126 and 137 – all operated by Addax Petroleum Development Nigeria Limited – had been taken away and awarded to Kaztec Engineering Limited/Salvic Petroleum Resources Limited.

The decision to hurriedly sell the OMLs had been conveyed in a letter signed by the Director of the Department of Petroleum Resources, the industry’s regulatory agency.

However, on April 23, President Muhammadu Buhari approved the restoration of the leases on four OMLs to the NNPC and its partner – Addax.

In a statement on Friday, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said the President had directed the DPR to retract the letter of revocation of the leases to Kaztec Engineering Limited/Salvic Petroleum Resources Limited.

A source in the presidency, however, told SaharaReporters that three top people in the oil sector met Buhari and explained how Sylvia and Sarki deceived him.

“In line with the current administration’s commitment to the rule of law, fairness and enabling a stable business climate for investment, President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the restoration of the leases on OMLs 123, 124, 126 and 137 to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, which is in production sharing contract with Addax Petroleum, a company wholly owned by Government of the People’s Republic of China on the blocks. The leases belonging to the Federation were revoked on March 30, 2021,” a statement signed on behalf of the President by Shehu read.

Most times, the best preachers don't own a church. Likewise, the best politicians don't blow their trumpets, their achievements do.

Here in Nigeria, our image of a politician is that of a stately, pot-bellied man in Agbada, suit or Babariga who is promising us heaven on earth, while cornering the rewards of governance for himself and cronies.

Though this perception might have been proven correct over the course of our national history, it would be utterly unfair to write off any politician on the basis of his being one, without a critical look at their track record and their history in the affairs of state. If you do, you will discover that on one side are men who are deliberate, focused, and aware of the problems facing a society before promising to lead, and on the other, men who happen upon public office by sheer luck of being in the right place at the right time and who consider politics as a means to reward cronies and avenge real and perceived wrongs.

Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji, a member representing Aguata Federal Constituency in the hallowed chambers is in the league of the former, men who knows the issues and ready to confront it head-on.

A man known for his convictions, an astute politician, humanitarian, philanthropist, goal-oriented, and dedicated to providing quality representation to his people.

Hon. Umeoji has grown through the political ranks both within and outside his state and has established himself as the most deserving to replace the outgoing governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Willie Obiano.

Since his sojourn into the ever-volatile political space in Nigeria, Hon. Umeoji has consistently maintained focus, driven by a conviction and generated by a passion.

He has recreated a new way of doing things, demonstrated with Churchillian indomitability, and created an atmosphere that reassures his people by providing quality representation with responsive leadership.

Knowing the importance of Communication, Hon. Umeoji has never shied away from speaking truth to power and speaking up on various burning national issues. He is one of the most vociferous members in the house of Representatives and has capped it with a litany of Bills to his name.

He has sponsored a plethora of people centric bills which includes; *An act to protect senior citizens and related matters, An Act to amend the factories act and other related matters, an act to establish welfare trust fund and management commission, an act to establish and anti-bully standards in schools, colleges, and Tertiary institutions and other related matters 2019* amongst others.

One thing crystally clear for all is that Umeoji has painstakingly established himself and built a very close bond between him and the grassroots across his constituency and beyond. One must not look away that since he got elected into the house of representatives for the first time has shown the candor spirit of the typical Igbo man, quietly but continuously reaching out to various political divides across the state and has successfully managed various political interests.

As it’s said, no action stems from a vacuum. This also validates the age long Newtons first law of motion that every object will remain at rest or in uniform motion in a straight line unless compelled to change its state by the action of an external force.

Hon Umeoji’s candidature is in the interest of equity, justice, peace, and fairness as the party has publicly zoned its November 2021 Anambra governorship election to his senatorial district for balance, hence putting him in prime position to clinch the party’s ticket haven worked tirelessly to keep the party afloat especially during the APC whirlwind of 2015
Let those who have lost legitimacy and credibility continue their quest to succeed Gov Willie Obiano bow out in peace or be disgraced at the polls as Umeoji will deploy his massive goodwill at the grassroots to see that he wins in order to extend his quality representation to the entire Anambra state.


*Okey Ugwu writes from Abuja*

As the race for who flies the All Progressive Grand Alliance party ticket in the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Anambra takes a centre stage – with loads of political bigwigs, stakeholders and contestants making loud statements, it is pertinent that the progressive type of leadership as witnessed under His Excellency, Governor Willie Obiano ought to be continued and sustained.

There has been lots of recommendation and aspirants, from the jokers, to some that consider themselves consensus and anointed candidates, to different power play going on.

In all of these, there has been a silent consistent rise of the political prowess of Hon Umeoji, who has been a hard worker without much noise and has proven beyond reasonable doubts that leadership is not “cheap talk but hardwork.” From a humble rise to the top as not just an accidental politician, but one that started from Grassroot, garnered massive followership and grew through the ranks.

His emergence as a distinguished Honorable member of Nigerian House of Representatives was not a fluke, coming from one that has participated in different political leanings, held offices with a distinction to his name and persona, contested and won without blemish in what people termed a free, fair and credible process. A popular saying “One good turn deserves another ” was brought to the fore as his people not only voted him in 2015 but also doubled their effort when he re-contested in 2019.

A silent achiever and a man of his words, there is no better candidate vying for Anambra November 6 elections that has the political acumen and maturity across all political divide than Hon. Chukuwma Umeoji. His plethora of sponsored bills and the very many projects he has attracted to his constituency are true testament to how much of a great people representative cum leader that he is.

Hon Chukwuma Umeoji hails from Ezinifite Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State. He attended Ojiako Memorial Primary School, Adazi Nnukwu Nwora Umunna Primary School Onitsha and government primary school Ajali

He had his Secondary school education at Uga Boys Secondary school, St Peter’s secondary school, Achina and boys secondary school Ezinifite.

READ ALSO: Police apprehend 4 suspected kidnappers, recover cash, guns in Adamawa
Hon Umeoji proceeded to the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu state, where he graduated with BA (Hons) Degree in Philosophy. He obtained a Masters Degree in philosophy from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

While at Nsukka as undergraduate student, he was the deputy speaker of students Union parliament, a senator of NANS and Coordinator of the Civil Liberties Organization. He was also a member of the youth solidarity for South Africa and Namibia.

He is a member of the prestigious Nze Na Ozo Society. He is known as UMEUGOCHUKWU. The Aguata Traditional Rulers Council Conferred on him the title of OBA AGUATA. He also holds the title of ODENIGBO of Akpo town in Aguata Local Government Area and DIKE ANAGBARA IZU of Urum in Awka North local government area.

The Uga community conferred on him the title of EBUBE DIKE. Hon Umeoji is a member of the Nigerian Institute of management and a fellow of Nigeria Institute of Administrators.

In 2007, he was elected into the House of Representatives under the Umbrella of Labour Party.

The Ezinifite in Aguata-born Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji (Oba Aguata) is a staunch believer of the progress that His Excellency, Gov. Willie Obiano has carried out since his inception as the people’s Governor of Anambra, the light of the nation. In the same way, he hopes to continue from the very many legacies he will leave when his tenure comes to an end in the coming months.

He also falls in the senatorial zone that the party has publicly zoned the Governorship position. In this vein, the candidacy of Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji, the people’s representative, flying the party flag high in the green chambers is best fit to pilot the state to a greater height come 2022.

Like many Nigerians demoralized by President Muhammadu Buhari's poor handling of the country's affairs, Tunde Bakare is done counting on him to bring about the needed progress for Nigeria. But unlike the avalanche of disappointments that Buhari's lackluster performance had evoked, that of Mr. Bakare suggested a total loss of confidence in the capacity of the president.

How? It was too glaring to be missed in a State of the Nation address by Mr. Bakare made recently, which he titled 'The conspicuous handwriting on the wall'. The serving overseer of The Citidel Global Community Church, formerly known as Latter Rain Assembly, didn't only agree that Nigeria is in a critical state and that Buhari has done little or nothing to change the tide but ended up stirring a question that agitates the minds of many Nigerians.

"I am compelled to speak out because the state of the nation does not represent the Buhari I knew when we took the solemn journey towards rebuilding Nigeria."

In all truth, Nigeria is in a terrible situation, but what is more unfortunate is that the president appears to be missing in action or clueless on what to do. Perhaps this is why Bakare was aghast and wonder if Buhari is still the same man he joined on the ticket for presidency in 2011 with the hope of building a better Nigeria.

Though it sounds unfathomable given the prevailing state of the nation, you can hardly blame Bakare for looking somewhat confused. When Buhari was rejected by Nigerians in the 2011 presidential poll, he wept bitterly on national television and created the impression that Nigerians lost an opportunity to have the best man in the saddle.

That impression was leveraged on in 2015 and eventually convinced Nigerians to vote for Buhari, thinking that he is the answer to series of challenges facing the country. But six years in the saddle and Buhari has not only failed to meet expectations but watched things go worse than they were before he came to office.

So, what could have gone wrong? That is a brilliant question but the key to an answer is knowing who exactly Buhari is. I mean the Buhari outside the image that the media donned on him in the build-up to the 2015 election that made him the darling of the electorates who had rejected him on three different elections.

That was why Bakare's statement got my attention and out of curiosity, have a question for him– which Buhari did he(Bakare) know. Because having an answer will provide a clear perspective on why the state of the nation has been pretty sobering, and each passing day continues to present an uninspiring outlook for the country.

As a retired military general, the general perception was that he will be able to resolve the country's insecurity problem and bring about stability. But that has not only turned out to be a wrong bet, but the menace of insecurity has also spread to hitherto peaceful regions and our schools are no longer safe due to incessant kidnappings. Also, the anti-corruption toga has proven to be in name only and not really put to use given the comfort those facing corruption trial now find in Buhari's party.

Ethnic fault lines have seen a disturbing surge in the last few years and more than anytime since the civil war, the sound of secessionists is much louder. On the economic front, the president has done a terrible job as shown by the consistent rise in inflation rate and increasingly loss of Naira's value. Talk about rule of law and human rights adherence and Buhari's record is not encouraging at all.

Wherever you look, the statistics are just not what Nigerians had hoped for and you can not but just be disappointed. If Bakare is now saying this wasn't the Buhari he knew, it will help a lot if he can tell us what we don't know. Perhaps that may help us understand the basis of his failures and guide Nigerians in future consideration for president.

Of course, we're stuck with Buhari for at least another 25 months or so, and whatever Bakare says may have little or no effect. However, telling Nigerians the Buhari he knew will unravel a mystery on whether the president is practically not in charge or he was just incapable of making things work.

By Oke Umurhohwo, a Political Analyst and Strategist. He tweets via @OkeStalyf and can be reached on oke.umu@gmail.com

It’s now a worldwide knowledge that Apga is in disarray over who becomes the gubernatorial flag bearer.

Whilst Obiano is being pressured by Aguleri cabal led by Chinedu Obidigwe, to hand the flag to Soludo whom he (Chinedu Obidigwe) believes will make him his deputy, however, first Lady is not so comfortable with Soludo.

The first lady is believed to be for Chukwuma Umeoji. It is also believed that the first lady is not alone in her support for Chukwuma Umeoji as information has it it that majority of the people in government are with her on this.

Another faction, which has most of the state house of assembly menbers, is believed to be strongly rooting for one of their colleagues - Hon. Nonso Smart Okafor. One of their reasons for opposition of the Soludo project founded on the party loyalty. They have the fear that Soludo's romance with APC is such a thing that can not be overlooked as he is capable of defecting. This third faction has a strong support base in the APGA working committee and loyal party men.

Furthermore, the members of Obiano's state executive council are another group rearing their stubborn heads. They feel Soludo must be the scape goat in their grievance against Obiano. The commissioners feel undermined by the governor and they're out to prove their mettle by all means.

As the whole drama unfolds, feelers have it that another silent war is raging between Victor Umeh and his successor - Victor Oye. They both have interest in getting the APGA ticket for Anambra Central Senatorial election. And they're aware that any decision they make in this critical period will determine a lot for them when the next elections arrive. Chief Victor Umeh has decided to keep mum about his support for any candidate to play safe. On the other hand, Chief Victor Oye has gone ahead to broker an agreement with Soludo and the Aguleri cabal led by Chinedu Obidigwe for his Senatorial ambition in 2023.

With all the ever rising rivalry in APGA, it will take a major miracle to see anything less than an implosion in the party in the coming weeks.

Onyedikachukwu Anambra .

On Thursday, Nigerians were left in distress after the Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki, revealed that the federal government printed N60 billion to augment allocation shared for March. "We are in trouble, huge financial trouble," Obaseki who appeared not comfortable with the unproductive nature of the country noted and then went on to note that "When we got FAAC for March, the federal government printed additional N50-N60 billion to top-up for us to share."

And to stress the extent of the problem, Obaseki said "This April, we will go to Abuja and share. By the end of this year, our total borrowings are going to be within N15-N16 trillion. Imagine a family that is just borrowing without any means to pay back and nobody is looking at that, everybody is looking at 2023, everybody is blaming Mr. President as if he is a magician."

This isn't good but as Obaseki rightly observed, no one is paying interest in the economic disaster that looms. It seems like many Nigerians are failing to realize the possible effect of printing money on an economy, especially one like ours that is largely dependant on oil revenue, which is highly unpredictable due to external factors.

No doubt, the COVID-19 pandemic has created a big economic problem, not only for Nigeria but the world over, however, printing money to shore up revenue will simply make the problem bigger. And here is why. Going by Obaseki's disclosure, the money printed by the federal government was simply shared by the various units of government.

In essence, they printed money to pay salaries and other recurrent expenditures, which Obaseki himself admitted has become a feature of governance in Nigeria. That is a wrong one especially considering the country's rising inflation, which could go worse with the dumbing of money into the economy without commensurate activities to absorb it.

Printing money is not a good approach to solving economic dilemmas because it doesn't increase economic output but only increases the amount of cash circulating in the economy. If printing more money is the federal government's answer to revenue shortfall, then Nigerians should begin to worry about the idea of those handling the economy of the country.

To get my drift, let us look at Zimbabwe, and how it is almost impossible for a developing country to get away with printing local currency to shore up revenue losses. While printing money may seem good on a short-term basis because it provided the government an easy route to funding certain expenditures, the long-term implication is always unpalatable and turnout to be a source of unimaginable hardship on citizens.

Around 2007-2008, the Mugabe administration was faced with a revenue shortage just as Nigeria could be presently facing, and as a way out, it chose to print money to meet up with obligations. But it only took few months for the implication to bear, provoking the country's second-worst hyperinflation in world history.

It was so bad that local currency became almost useless and was ditched by citizens for foreign currencies to do the basic transactions. That is how bad printing money to an economy could be, and for a country like Nigeria with a huge population, it will be a disaster. In February, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBC) put Nigeria's inflation at 17.33 %, representing the highest rate recorded in four years, and experts believe that this trend will likely continue for some months.

So, those behind the idea of printing money to augment revenue shortfall did a terrible job. In their desperation for a quick fix to the economic quagmire that the pandemic necessitated, they will end up pushing the country into a bigger problem in the long run. If truly the interest is to solve the revenue problem that seems to face the country even before the pandemic, then printing money would never be an option.

For decades, Nigeria bet every hope on oil as the main source of revenue. Even when its population continues to grow and the prospect of an oil economy is fading, government upon government failed to explore other avenues to generate revenue to meet up with expenses. With pandemic slowing down oil demands and foreign credit scarce to come by, the Nigerian government resorted to printing money in the expectation that it would have money to spend.

That is a bad strategy and makes the conclusion made by Obaseki that Nigeria is in deep financial trouble so apt. With inflation going out of control, the local currency, no matter how much government prints, will experience a sharp fall in value. Prices of commodities will change frequently and uncertainty will pervade the land. Instead of printing money as a means of shoring up revenue, what the government should simply focus on is improving local output and bringing in sensible policies that would attract foreign investors. That is the way out of the economic quagmire we're in and not printing money.


By Oke Umurhohwo, a Political Analyst and Strategist. He tweets via @OkeStalyf and can be reached on oke.umu@gmail.com

In 2020 BUA got a 360,000mt presidential quota allocation, out of which it utilized 313,700mt and has now applied for 600,000mt import quota for 2021, without a complementary investment in backward integration, which is a pre-condition for enjoying an increased import quota under the concessionary tariff.

At the end of the First Phase of the NSMP (2013-2016), BUA reportedly raked in N66.5billion profit from accrued tariff concessions and ploughed back only N9.3billion out of that into the BIP, a far cry from other investors who channelled a minimum of 50% back into the BIP.

A 2015 dated letter below from the Nigerian Sugar Council shows that BUA was slammed a suspension from enjoying the privileges of tariff concessions for failing to follow the examples of productive backward integration programs under the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan. Where other stakeholders were in re-investing profits from the tariff concessions into local sugar factories, BUA sugar rather was investing in the building of a new import-driven refinery in Port-Harcourt in flagrant disregard of the suspension of further sugar refinery development in the country.

What the country clearly needed at that time according to the Sugar Council was an investment in sugarcane to sugar production to move the country out of its dependence on sugar imports, save foreign exchange and create jobs for Nigerians.

Cumulative Satellite monitoring data obtained from an anonymous source in the Sugar Council shows gross discrepancies between the self-reported performance figures (amount of land cultivated for sugar cane) by BUA’s Lafiagi Sugar Mill with what is actually on the ground verified by the satellite imagery.

BUA claims to have developed 6,500ha of land by May 2020 with 2,220 ha cultivated with sugar cane, however satellite images show that since 2016 only 473ha were developed and cultivated, despite enjoying billions in concessionary rights. A sugar factory without sugar cane represents a national scam for the Federal Government to investigate. This is probably what BUA is trying to coverup in the media


In another letter BUA was also denied an additional quota for raw sugar imports to service the new Port-Harcourt refinery by the NSDC, citing the need to protect the policy that was put in place to halt import dependency while stimulating investments. With the Port Harcourt Refinery, BUA Group is trying to scam the Federal Government out of the 80% duty it is required to pay when importing refined sugar into Nigeria.

The council also chided BUA for failing to demonstrate the level of commitment expected of him to justify the incentive being enjoyed from the federal government.

How the suspension after 2015 was lifted is still shrouded in mystery, as there has been no demonstrable commitment from BUA to drive the BIP, aside from projections and future dates of production, while it currently continues to enjoy tariff concessions on imports and has requested a quota increase from 313,700mt in 2020 to 600,000mt in 2021.

This is a smoking gun for the Federal Government to show that it is carrying out its regulatory oversight function without fear or favour.

Have you seen the video? I'm talking about the viral five-minute video showing the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) Chairman, Danladi Umar, physically assaulting an unknown security guard at a Banex Plaza in Abuja, the nation's capital. It was an unbelievable sight and a big turn-off for any conscious citizen.

The disturbing thing from Danladi's show of shame isn't just that he showcased the oppressive nature of the ruling class but the complicity of the system that actively encourages that nasty attitude. Because as the viral video showed, Danladi unleashed violence on the helpless security guard in the full glare of policemen, who, unfortunately, did nothing to protect the weak.

This is despicable but unfortunately, it is becoming a norm. Don't believe it, just pay attention to events around you to realize the bitter truth. In the viral video, Danladi could be seen slapping and kicking the security guard.

In his thinking, he's a powerful man, and shouldn't matter if he descends on someone he believed is on the lower ladder in society. Even though the security guard was on his knee, and apparently, not in the mood for a physical exchange, Danladi wouldn't be dissuaded in his violence pandering.

No matter how you look at it, what Danladi did was wrong and he should be ashamed of himself. Public figures, which Danladi is privileged to be among due to his headship of CCT, have an acceptable standard for conduct in public, and turning to a street fighter is not one.

And to make matter worse, Danladi chose to introduce ethnic sentiment into the picture to excuse his shameful conduct. In a statement signed by Ibrahim Al-Hassan, the spokesman of CCT, Danladi attempted to claim victim and worse, accused those he called 'Biafran boys' of targeting him for assault.

"At a point, he attempted to leave the scene, the same miscreants, BIAFRAN boy ordered for the closure of the gate thereby assaulting him before the arrival of Police the from Maitama police station," CCT spokesman mischievously promoted. While the ethnicity of the assaulted security guard is unclear, what is however certain is that Nigerians, and not BIAFRAN as the CCT tried to paint, came to the rescue of the helpless guy from Danladi's abuse.

In fact, a Yoruba man could be heard clearly in the background of the video, defeating the wicked ethnic narrative Danladi's people try to import into the incident to take off attention from his bad conduct. But they are mistaken because Nigerians, more than ever, realizes that divisive rhetorics is just a convenient trick to beat justice.

Danladi should stop twisting what is clear to everyone to be a crude abuse of power, and it is bad. Just like every other Nigerian, Danladi isn't above board and he should be made to answer for his wrong. This would go to show that irresponsible use of power will no longer be condoned.

This will guard against future abuse from those who think being powerful is to oppress others when in fact, Margaret Thatcher said "Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren't." And importantly, the helpless security guard can get justice, which is what every citizen deserves.

By Oke Umurhohwo, a Political Analyst and Strategist. He tweets via @OkeStalyf and can be reached on oke.umu@gmail.com

The average Nigerian is tired and disorientated by the shabby outlook of things under President Muhammadu Buhari. From the increasing rise in inflation to surging numbers of unemployed and from worsening insecurity to failing standards of living among other troubles, things don’t look good for Nigerians.

Last week, it became more pronounced after presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, disclosed that Buhari will be flying over 7000 kilometers to the British capital, London, for a ‘medical check-up’. That was a pointer to the degrading state of the country’s health system and the absence of genuine interest to fix it, if not for other classes of Nigerians but the ruling class that has the president at the top.

But Garba Shehu, a media aide to Buhari argued nothing is wrong in a president running abroad for his medical need, fiercely pushing back at narratives that put Buhari’s medical trip in the context of medical tourism. “President Buhari is not a medical tourist– if somebody has kept retainership with medical experts; we are talking about 30 years plus,” Garba Shehu played down criticisms of the president’s London trip.

What Garba Shehu simply did was to affirm the problem in the country’s health sector and how Buhari did almost nothing to fix it even if it will only serve his health needs. That’s depressing as it mirrors the hopeless situation that millions of Nigerians are forced to bear when it comes to fending for their health needs.

Anyone who loves this country will not be comfortable with this sad reality and possibly prompted the suggestions made by Atedo Petetside on large-scale investment in the country’s health infrastructure. Peterside, who is the founder of Stanbic IBTC and Anap Foundation, took to his Twitter account to lay out what should turn things around in the country’s health sector.

“The $1.5bn earmarked for PH Refinery Rehabilitation by the NNPC could build 12 world-class hospitals costing $125m each– two in each geopolitical zone,” his tweet read. Sounds good, but the question that is begging for an answer is, will Buhari give his suggestion some thoughts?

If Buhari considers the suggestions, it could be a good turning point for the country’s health infrastructure, and give millions of Nigerians who don’t have the resources to retain doctors abroad to get better healthcare access. As far as we can tell, Nigeria has good healthcare practitioners but is limited by degrading health facilities and worse, poor attitudes to their welfare.

Barely 24 hours after Buhari flew to London for medicare, resident doctors in the country embarked on an indefinite strike to protest the failure of the government to meet their demands including non-payment of salaries and allowances, hence, living many Nigerians with no access to healthcare. Nigeria is experiencing a broken health system that fixing it should take precedent over fixing a refinery.

Peterside’s suggestion that “We (Nigeria) could then allow private sector core investors to purchase the refinery and rehabilitate it with their funds” was thorough and provide a greater benefit for the country if given consideration. The refinery, in fact, all the four refineries that Nigeria has, after all, have turned to liabilities that bring no real benefit to the country.

By building 12 world-class hospitals, the $1.5 billion will serve a more beneficial purpose because it will improve access to qualitative and comprehensive healthcare services and even more important, save the country the over N500 billion that goes into medical tourism every year. This is the same smart investment that countries like the United Kingdom made in their healthcare system that continues to entice Buhari and other elites, who will even jet abroad to treat ear infections.

The truth is, Buhari didn’t cause all the problems in the country’s health sector but instead of working towards a solution, he’s actively contributing to making it worse. As against expectations and his assurance at a Chatham House speech before his election to the country’s top political office, Buhari has become a terrible influence on medical tourism in the country.

But he can still make things right by putting Peterside’s suggestion into play, and for once, show to those who trusted him with their mandates that he can at least, do something right. With at least two world-class hospitals in each of the country’s geopolitical zone, and a change of attitudes to the welfare of healthcare personnel, medical tourism will fall sharply and Nigeria will save a lot from it.

By Oke Umurhohwo, a Political Analyst and Strategist. He tweets via @OkeStalyf and can be reached on oke.umu@gmail.com

He stated this on Thursday at the presentation of “The Making of The Nigerian Flagship: A Story of The Guardian,” a book by The Guardian newspaper.

Osinbajo, who expressed concern about the proliferation of fake news, urged journalists to rise as professionals to challenge this.

“It is said that journalism is the first rough draft of history. It is true that reportage shapes the perception and understanding of events,” he said.

“It shapes memories and can influence behaviour for good or for ill. There are arguably no bigger influencers than those who report and interpret the world to us. This is considerable power and it comes with responsibility.

“About four decades ago, The Guardian set new standards that forever transformed the practice of journalism. Today, a more complex media and information landscape require a corps of professionals to set new standards and raise the quality of the fare on offer.

“The pioneers of The Guardian understood that journalism operates in a social context and cannot be value-neutral. This same cognitive commitment is incumbent upon all media practitioners today. We are at a time in our national odyssey in which retailers of discord and merchants of strife are working assiduously against our collective potential as a people.

“Creating commonality of purpose in ethnically and culturally diverse societies is challenging the world over. However, nation-building is not the sole preserve of politicians and governments; in fact, it is just as much a task for civil society of which the press is an important member.

“It is true that freedom of expression is enshrined in our constitution, but we all agree that society, progress, and order depend upon the responsible exercise of freedom, otherwise, the end result will be anarchy.

“As we struggle to build our nation with the bricks of mutuality, plurality, and tolerance, I would suggest that those of us that stand as gatekeepers in the fourth estate must demonstrate a greater awareness of the sensibilities and sensitivities of our society.”

The vice-president also hailed The Guardian as a newspaper that has, over the years, maintained its standard of principle and objectivity.