₦airaland Forum

The Police is meant to protect citizens and not molest them.

The Kogi State Police Command has commenced investigations into a trending video where Police personnel attached to Adogo Division, while on patrol duty along Adogo-Okene road, reportedly extorted the sum of Twenty-Five Thousand Naira (N25,000) from a traveller while another was physically assaulted by one of the men in uniform.

The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Police Command, CP Idrisu Dauda Dabban, psc (+), fdc, while condemning the incident, noted that the Police officers have been identified and detained at the State Criminal Investigations Department. The officers are: ASP Isah Barnabas, Inspector Ifediegwu Godwin, Sgt Emmanuel Ochima and CPL Umameh Mathias who physically assaulted one of the travellers.

The Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) has been issued an official query while the three (3) other junior officers are currently undergoing orderly room trial (Police internal disciplinary actions).

The CP further noted that the Command is doing its best to establish contact with the victims. He enjoined the victims to reach out to the Command thorough 08107899269.

He assured that any of the officers found wanting in the investigations would be dealt with accordingly.

https://news.band/police-arrest-officers-who-extorted-assaulted-traveller-in-viral-video/

By Ochereome Nnanna

A few weeks ago, I wrote an article
entitled: Sit-at-home: drawing the line.

The general purpose of it was to advise organisers and managers of the current Igbo struggle for freedom and human dignity to avoid overstepping their bounds and losing grassroot support.

I wrote it in full affirmation that the Igbo struggle is a just and noble one. It is right to ask for justice, failing which you fight for your freedom from a system that hates you and holds you and others in chains.

The Igbo nation’s political “Last Man Standing”, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, recently disclosed that there are over 30 “Biafra” separatist groups in the South East.

He should know, because he is in touch with the people he represents. However, out of the many, there is always the one.

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, stands head and shoulders above the rest. It has, over the past six years of Muhammadu Buhari regime, demonstrated that it is a genuine grassroots mass movement through its (a) street rallies and (b) sit-at-home strategies.

Most of the Igbo nation’s humongous worldwide Diaspora networks are loyal to IPOB and comply with directives of its Directorate of State, DOS, in the physical absence of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

IPOB has also established the Eastern Security Network, ESN, a bush-based vigilante network whose job is to defend Igboland against armed, murderous and terroristic “herdsmen” seeking to take over the ancestral patrimonies of Igbo people.

This step was adjudged necessary because the Nigerian state chose to be on the side of the invaders and killers rather than defend innocent, law-abiding citizens.

When the Nigerian constitution and flag fail to protect the citizens, it is only natural that a person under attack should find ways to defend himself.

Allowing someone to be attacked and preventing that person from defending himself, or sending the armed forces against people defending themselves, is hate governance.

That is what the Igbo nation is facing today. That is the most challenging aspect of the Igbo struggle under the Buhari regime.

Unfortunately, we have a coterie of jokers who call themselves governors and chief security officers in the South East. After failing to defend their people, they still prefer to fight those defending the people. That is why they have lost the loyalty, command and control of the people. That is the magic behind the success of the sit-at-home phenom.

To whom much is given, much is expected. Having gained the minds of the grassroots, IPOB must now put on the thinking cap of wisdom.

In order to retain the people’s loyalty and support, it must put the people first – what the Nigerian state and the South East leaders have failed to do. The road to freedom is usually long and littered with many obstacles. It takes years. It is a marathon, not a sprint.
Freedom can come either in the shape of a reformed Nigerian commonwealth where the aliquot parts are allowed to run their affairs with minimal interference by other members of the Commonwealth, or outright independence.

The peaceful and nonviolent method is tested and trusted. That is my preferred approach. Nonviolent struggle against injustice and oppression, subject to self defence when attacked by terrorists seeking to dispossess me of my land.

As an Igbo, I plead with IPOB and its cohorts to look into two important matters. The first is the “sit-at-home” passive resistance.
The second is the “no-election” issue. As I noted in my earlier article, “sit-at-home” should not be abused. It should not be too frequent. No day of the week should be dedicated to it. Otherwise, it will tamper with the people’s economic, educational and political livelihood. There will be starvation.

People will become poorer and blame it on IPOB. Children’s school programmes and exams will be frayed, and IPOB will be blamed. IPOB will now be seen as being anti-people.

The worst form of “sit-at-home” which must never be contemplated is the “permanent” one, as we hear. We hear that it will be ordered if the Federal Government refuses to produce Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in court at the next hearing date. You can be sure that the Buhari regime will like the permanent “sit-at-home” to go into effect because it will surely backfire against IPOB.

Why play right into the hands of your enemy? In any case, what manner of people’s interests are you projecting when you force them to stop earning a living? Without the people’s support, the struggle will collapse, and the Fulanisation agenda will succeed. It will become difficult to restart the “freedom agenda” in the foreseeable future.

The second matter is the “no election” call. That is another way of shooting yourself on the foot. It beats me hollow how anyone thinks he can stop elections in Anambra State or any part of Nigeria. Until Biafra comes, we are still Nigerians to the core. We don’t like the 1999 constitution. It is part of our struggle to get rid of it and get a better one that sets the people free to enable them work out their future. But for now, it is the rule book we have.

Attempting to stop the November 6, 2021 Anambra governorship election is as futile as trying to stop the River Niger from entering the Atlantic Ocean. The River will enter the Ocean, perhaps with the dead body of the person trying to stop it. People will be needlessly killed and property avoidably destroyed. But a governor will emerge.

Because you stopped the people from going out to vote, the governor who will emerge will be the choice of the enemy, not the people.
He will rule to please the enemy, not the people. Let Imo State be a lesson.

The “sit-at-home” must be sparingly and wisely applied. The Anambra election must hold.

Vanguard News Nigeria

... as NMA Honours Inoyo and partners for Donation of PCR Machine, 11,000 PPE Units to A’Ibom

The 2021 Physician’s Week of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in the country has been declared open in Uyo by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, with a call for improved healthcare delivery systems across Nigeria.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo, Governor Udom Emmanuel celebrated the contributions of medical practitioners in the fight against COVID -19 and called for support from all stakeholders towards improving the state of affairs in Nigeria’s health sector.

Nigeria’s former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR and the Chairman, Seplat Energy Plc, Dr. A. B. C. Orjiako, FWACS delivered keynote addresses on the theme of the week, “Nigerian in the COVID Era and Beyond: Health Systems Strengthening for National Security and Prosperity”.

The President of the NMA, Prof. Innocent Achanya Otobo Ujah,Mni, FNMA added his voice to calls for improvement in the healthcare delivery system, by asking for the augmentation of physician’s monthly hazard allowance from a paltry N5,000 and for the establishment of a Bank of Health in Nigeria. He argued that, if there is a Bank of Agriculture to incentivize agro-businesses in the country and a Bank of Industry to provide stimulus to industrial growth, there was no reason why Nigeria should not have a functional bank that supports the growth and development of the health sector.

Speaking at the event, the former Vice Chairman of ExxonMobil Companies in Nigeria and Advisor, Inoyo Toro Foundation, Mr. Udom Inoyo thanked Nigeria’s medical practitioners for volunteering to help humanity as first respondents in the fight against COVID 19 and sued for a multi-stakeholder approach towards beginning the much-desired journey aimed at redeeming healthcare delivery system in Nigeria.

“Truth be told, there has been a systemic failure across the board, and for so long. We recognize that you have complained severally, gone on strike, adjusted where necessary, and like some colleagues, may have thought of or are still thinking about abandoning the ship. But this is not the time to apportion blames but rather, an opportunity for all stakeholders to row in the same direction. We must reset the clock and begin a journey of redemption for the general good.”

Mr. Inoyo, a former National President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management in Nigeria, particularly spoke on how improvements in Human Resource Management (HRM) could inspire improvements in Nigeria’s health system.

“To achieve good human resource management and health system strengthening in Nigeria, you as health managers must focus on delivering health benefits to everyone, especially the vulnerable. And to effectively do so, you must understand the interplay of human resources in this process. Employees are the engine and livewire of any organization. Recruitment process across the value chain must be above board – square pegs in square holes. Strategic planning and staffing are critical success factors. Development and career planning must not only be deliberate but should be reflective of performance. Compensation and benefits must reflect the market and be transparently determined. Given the shortfall in human resources, task shifting is recommended.

“Ensure that your staff are up to date on global best practices. You must promote such practices that retain the workforce and halt regrettable attrition."

Mr Inoyo noted that "much as possible, brain drain must be minimized", adding that "despite how challenging the situation maybe, doctors must continue to take pride in the profession and remain committed to the fundamentals of the Hippocratic Oath".

"You must re-skill yourself. No matter how difficult, please read and stay abreast of new developments in medicine and do not rely on past knowledge and experiences, as any misdiagnosis further erodes the confidence of your patients.”

The opening ceremony ended with presentation of awards to two of the panelists at the event: Mr. Udom Inoyo and Pst. Umo Bassey Eno. The presentation of award to Mr. Inoyo was in recognition of his support towards improving healthcare delivery in Akwa Ibom State.

Presenting the award, the State Chaiman of NMA, Dr. Ime Sylvester Udo, flanked by NMA’s National President, Prof. Innocent Ujah, celebrated Mr. Inoyo and partners for the donation of 11,000 PPE units to medical workers in the state in the heat of COVID 19 and the procurement and donation of state of the art PCR machine to Akwa Ibom State Government.

According to the NMA Chairman, “If you go to Ibom Specialist Hospital, the PCR machine there was donated by Mr. Udom Inoyo and partners”.

It could be recalled that, while the 11,000 PPE units were donated by Concerned Akwa Ibom Professionals in Lagos (CAKPIL), an association Mr. Inoyo currently coordinates; the PCR 3 machine was jointly donated by Inoyo Toro Foundation and Stanbic IBTC Bank.

Lawless DSS in a face-saving measure has released veteran actor, Chiwetalu Agu to representatives of the Actors Guild of Nigeria.

Nigerians no longer accept illegal detention of citizens period!

Let it be made clear that CHIWETALU committed no offence by wearing his “Rising Sun” regalia and I hope he will continue to wear it with pride.
#Revolutionnow #BuhariMustGo #FreeNnamdiKanu #FreeLadyK. Lawless DSS must release all persons detained at its facilities beyond lawfully approved periods with immediate effect!

In life, nature abhors vacuum; so, there is room for improvement and space for everyone to display his wares (talents and skills). It is the gift of a man that makes way for him. Proverbs 18:16.

Gradually but steadily, he is ascending to fame from nothing; building a brand and carving a niche for himself.

His ambition is to become one of the most outstanding scholars the world will ever produce.

He boasts of 14 years post graduate work experience cut across banking, academics, public service, media, research and strategy, project management, business development and consultancy.

He is building an astonishing academic foundation to support his skills and talents:

*Diploma in Public Administration
*BSC in Policy and Administrative Studies
*MBA in Human Resources
*MSc in Public Administration
*Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism (In View)
*Doctoral Degree in Public Administration (In View)

He has also acquired a handful of professional skill sets
*Winner of 2020 MTN Yello 200 Revv Master Class
* Jobberman Professional Soft skills
* Google Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
* Coursera Project Management Certificate
* Digital Journalism Course by Reuters
* Coursera IT Support Professional Skils

He has attended more than 20 courses/trainings relevant to his chosen fields covering banking, ICT, entrepreneurship, personal development, financial Literacy, journalism and digital economy, etc.

He is CEO of Nellyvin Global Resources Ventures and Publisher of Naija Eye Witness News, an online News Platform.

He is a voracious reader; contemporary writer having contributed copiously to scholarship.
He combines exceptional natural ability with a willingness to learn.

His inquisitiveness always produces innovative solutions to most basic societal issues and has translated into his career as a banker, author, journalist, researcher and business development expert.

His name is Deacon Aluu Vincent, the village man from Ebonyi State, the dot nation of the rising sun. 08036688375, 08089753734 nellyvingroup@gmail.com

1. One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors - Plato

2. The wise who refuse to rule should prepare to suffer the rule of idiots - Socrates

3. A people who elect corrupt politicians,, impostors, thieves and traitors are not victims ..... But Accomplices.- George Orwell

4. The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who in a period of moral crisis maintain their neutrality... Dante Alighieri

Me: the choice of what happens to us as a people during and after 2023 is in our hands.

Choose wisely

Patriotism is voluntary. It is a feeling of loyalty and allegiance where a leader shows his patriotism through his actions, choices, values and preferences - Jesse Ventura

To build a society, it takes the actions, choices, values and preferences of statesmen and patriots who rise above pettiness and personal examples. In times of great distress and expectations, God has a way of raising men who would fill in leadership gaps and leave their mark in the scheme of things. He sure brings on men whose loyalty and patriotic zeal guarantees greatest good for the greatest number of people. One of such leaders is Rep. Unyime Idem, member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency and Deputy Chairman Communications Committee in Nigeria’s House of Representatives.

Inaugurated on June 11, 2019, Rep Idem has left no one in doubt that he is capable and that his exploits and impact in the telecoms sector has laid the foundation for what will become a five star and jinx breaking legislative performance. It is two years or so since Idem started out as a federal Lawmaker. He has defied the odds of a first timer to become a utility lawmaker whose voice is not only heard but is seen on issues of national concern that affects the generality of Nigerians. He has sponsored 17 bills, 15 motions and has initiated 28 lives touching and impactful projects dotting the landscape of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency.

Seeing the importance of agriculture in the nation’s economy, Idem took a working visit to the then comatose Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, NIFOR, located in Oruk Anam LGA. He wasted no time in drawing the attention of his colleagues to the dilapidated condition of the money-spinning facility and the impact it will create in not just the state economy but that of Nigeria. Federal government has since taken measures to revamp the ailing facility to aid in boosting agriculture, guarantee food security, create jobs and value chains for the army of unemployed.

While still basking from that euphoria, Idem fired another national shot in the interest of Nigerians. This time, it had to do with the activities of DSTV and other cable TV providers and how they have been sleazing Nigerians unabatedly. He sponsored a motion on the need to investigate non-implementation of pay as you go (PAYG) tariff by DSTV and other broadcast satellite service providers in Nigeria. This led to a setting up of an adhoc committee chaired by Idem. The committee sat for months and submitted its report to the House and far-reaching recommendations were made that will ensure not only ensure breaking of monopoly in the sector but to open up the sector to ensure creation of jobs/wealth, promote local content, boost the advert industry, ensure that Nigerian broadcast industry was at par with world best practices. Nigerians from all walks of life praised Idem and his team to high heavens on his principled stance on the issue of pay as you go tariff regime by the service providers.

Rep Idem has sponsored a total of 17 bills and 15 motions most of which are geared towards addressing very germane national issues. Some of the Bills cover areas such as Free internet access in public places, national Community Service Scheme, Entrepreneurship Education, Small and Medium Scale Entrepreneurship Development Agency, Free Education (Prohibition of Fees and Other Charges), National Information Technology Development Agency, Terrorism (Prevention), Federal Character Commission Act and Federal Service Act.

Some of his motions include investigation of non-implementation of pay as you go (PAYG) tariff by DSTV and other broadcast satellite service providers in Nigeria, increased security presence in federal roads during festive seasons, appointment of 37 Commissioners into Federal Character Commission, emergency national response to tackle the coronavirus pandemic presently ravaging the human race, suspension of the implementation of the 2.5 percent VAT increment and revert to the original 5 percent until January 1, 2021 in the interest of Nigerians during this period of covid-19 pandemic, setting up of Sex Offender and Gender Violation Special Court for speedy trial of the Perpetrators of the offence, establishment and inauguration of the National Council on Public Procurement to strengthen the fight against corruption in the Public Sector, Non-Release of Traditional Take-Off Grant to University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and other Notable Federal Universities Across the Country after their Establishment, Service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police to intensify efforts in the rescue of the abducted school children and staff of Government Secondary School, Kagara Niger State, addressing Constitutional Infraction against Federal Character Principle in the appointment of Heads of MDAs, etc.

Apart from being the Deputy Chairman Communications Committee, the Ukanafun born Federal Lawmaker was a member ad-hoc committee that investigated the Bauchi State House of Assembly crisis, Member ad-hoc committee on water resources, Member ad-hoc committee to investigate NDDC Interim Management Committee. He is also member committees on ICT, NDDC, Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Works, Nigeria Contents Development and Monitoring Board, Public Procurement, Banking and Currency, Civil Societies and Development Partners, SDGs, Customs and Excise.

Only recently, news filtered into the air that Rep. Unyime Idem has been appointed by the leadership of Nigeria’s House of Representatives as member Conference Committee to harmonise Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2021 representing South-South Region. Now for those following the trend of events concerning election in Nigeria will understand the onerous task before Idem and other conference committee members. The opinions and views of the people of the South-South rests on Rep. Idem’s shoulder as a member of that committee. The people of South-South are no doubt in support of electronic voting and transmission of results. They are also in support of an Independent INEC that will deliver free, fair and credible elections come 2023 and beyond. Idem understands all these as he stands on the threshold of history to defend and promote the interests of the Niger Delta people during the harmonization process. As a man of tested and proven character, humility, intellect, capacity and competence, the telecoms guru is poised on making Nigerians proud.

Our earnest prayer is that God will continue to provide Rep. Unyime Idem with the wherewithal to continue to pursue, defend and promote programmes that positively impacts the generality of Nigerians with a spillover to South-South, Akwa Ibom and Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency.

In dot nation of the rising sun, when a leader is told to continue with what he is doing, it means he is doing well. Rep. Idem is doing well.

Aluu Vincent (PhD in View), is a Public Affairs Analysts and Publisher of Naija Eye Witness News.

*Says anyone who wants to leave can do so

The Director, Publicity and Advocacy of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, at the weekend said nothing will happen if a Northerner takes over from President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

The spokesman of NEF also said the North has the numbers to retain the presidency and urged those from the region not to allow themselves to be treated as second class citizens.

Dr Hakeem gave this charge to Northerners while delivering a keynote address at the maiden Maitama Sule Leadership Lecture Series organised by the students wing of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

He said the North will not accept to serve as a second fiddle in 2023, when as a he said the region has the population to clinch the number one position.

He said: “The North is not for sale and Northerners will surprise those waiting for them to queue up in 2023 and be given money in exchange for their votes.”

Hakeem posited that anyone who does not want a Northerner as President should leave the country if the region clinches the presidency in 2023.

He also charged the organisers to be proud of who they are, challenging them not to accept being treated as second-class citizens in their own country.

“We will lead Nigeria the way we have led Nigeria before, whether we are President or Vice President, we will lead Nigeria. We have the majority of the votes and the democracy says vote whom you want.

“Why should we accept second class position when we know we can buy a form and contest for first class and we will win?

“Why does anybody need to threaten us and intimidate us. We will get that power, but be humble because power comes from God. Being honest is not being stupid.

“There are Nigerians who believe that because the economy of the North is being crumbled; we are running away from insecurity, we are politically vulnerable, they think they can buy us for 2023 but they are making a mistake.

“We are ready for this; we will consider every economic adversity, challenge, we will fix the Northern economy and we are the only one who can fix this Northern economy. For that reason, we are not for sale. We are in the process of rebuilding the North and we will rebuild the North from 2023.”

Baba-Ahmed said whether the North holds power in 2023 or not, anybody who wants to break up in this country will continue say so, as they were just looking for excuses.
-New telegraph

By Evang Bernice Umoh

Never compare your husband with any other man, he is different, he is unique, that is why you married him.

Why are you stretching your neck at someone else's husband? Because he has a car, yours doesn't? He gives his wife big money, yours doesn't? He is romantic to his wife, yours doesn't? He is clean and looks so handsome, yours doesn't?

My darling, you are comparing your husband's weaknesses against someone's strengths. Her husband looks like the king of universe because she wisely hid her weaknesses while you expose yours and hate him!

No one has it all! No one has a perfect husband! Each one must appreciate and celebrate what he has!

Your husband may be spending quality time with you while hers doesn't! He may be having an affair while yours doesn't! He may never assist his wife with house chores while yours does! He may be very dirty in the house but look so clean outside. I've met men who look so "wow" outside but are super dirty at home. The wife always clean up the mess!

I've seen men who give their wives all the money they need, buy them cars and build houses for them but are never around to ride in the car and live in the house with them. These women look so happy outside but won't tell you the hell they are going through in their marriages. Some weep daily! Never compare your husband with anyone.

Be satisfied with what you have, pray for him and seek ways to help your husband get better. You can, it is in your power to do so!

Pray for him daily.

Celebrate your darling, appreciate him, honour him, respect him.
Support him in every way you can.

Pray for and suggest business ideas he can do to boost his bank account.

Encourage him to be clean, eat healthy, be hygienic.

Lovingly teach him to be romantic.

Be very patient with him till he changes.

No marriage is without hope. Your marriage can be super rosy if you want it to be.

Just change your mind set, work on your marriage and respect your husband.

You will see your almost dead marriage bounce back to life!

May your marriage be sweet!
I care about you!

Thanks for reading. God bless you. Cheers!

#therealtalkqueen
#HeartMatters
#drberniceumoh

Breaking

A delegation of representatives of Western Cape province in Republic of South Africa visited the presidency in Durban, with intent to officially hand over request for referendum on a new Western Cape nation.

They were well received. No armored tanks, no intimidation, no undue hostilities.

In Nigeria, just wear rising of the sun clothe, you are dead and gone.

Pls Watch.

By Punch Newspaper

Civic advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association Of Nigeria, has tackled the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army over the arrest and detention of veteran Nollywood actor, Chiwetalu Agu.

The group described as injustice the arrest of the actor for wearing ‘Biafran colours’, while controversial Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, roamS reely with bloodthirsty bandits.

Soldiers on Thursday had arrested the actor around Upper Iweka Bridge in Onitsha for wearing an outfit with Biafra inscriptions.

The Army in a statement had said that the actor was arrested “while inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra,” adding that the actor was “dressed in a very well-known attire of the proscribed group”.

In a viral video, Agu had denied the allegations, saying his attire was a civil dress with an image of a rising sun and not Biafra.

The military later released the actor on Friday and handed him over the DSS.

DSS Spokesman, Peter Afunanya, who confirmed that Agu is in the custody of the secret police, said the law would take its full course.

However, reacting its statement titled, Chiwetalu Agu: HURIWA accuses military, DSS of ethnic profiling’, the group said, “The military and the DSS have clearly shown their inclinations towards ethnic profiling because on more than one occasion the Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi was seen holding nocturnal meetings with the terrorists who kidnapped many school children and held them hostage for months in the forests but despite the obvious evidence that the said Ahmad Gumi made many television and newspaper appearances and granted extensive interviews including the one that he accused the military of helping to weaponise terrorists in the North-West, there was never any attempt on the part of the DSS or Army to invite him or arrest him for these treasonous acts of fraternizing and colluding with terrorists.

https://punchng.com/its-ethnic-profiling-to-arrest-chiwetalu-while-gumi-continues-campaign-for-bandits-huriwa-tells-dss/?amp
--

"A society grows great when men of means plant trees whose shade they know not those who will sit on them. They hold the hands of the feeble; teach them how to sit, crawl, stand and walk until they are man enough to fend for themselves and others" – Greek Proverb

It is truism that to make a man self-sustained and independent, it is better to teach him how to fish than to give him fish. This makes him begin to fend for himself and the many mouths around him. He does not need to beg for alms or depend on others to foot his bill. He becomes a shade for others to take shelter.
One personage that understands the dynamics of mentorship, teaching people how to fish through empowerment that is futuristic is Mr. Udom Inoyo, Advisor, Inoyo Toro Foundation and former Vice President of Mobil Producing Nigeria. In line with the Greek Proverb quoted above, Mr. Inoyo has elected to hold the hands of the feeble; teach them how to sit, crawl, stand and walk until they are man enough to fend for themselves and others.

Over time, Mr. Inoyo has displayed humanity and rare courage in doing things differently and ensuring that he transforms the lives of those around him by providing them with visible means of livelihood. There can be no better religion than ensuring that there is food and job for the army of unemployed. I do not wish to talk about his heavy investment in the education sector of the state where for 14 years and counting, Inoyo has constituently supported teachers, students and youths, provided capacity building and empowering them financially, neither do I wish to talk about those he sponsored for one form of training, skills development or the other.

The issue of unemployment in Nigeria is an over flocked issue. Udom Inoyo has since keyed into that area and is providing the rostrum upon which Akwa Ibom youths can stand and see the future. He is also providing the wherewithal with which these youths can become job and wealth creators. Examples abound to authenticate Inoyo’s resolve to help deplete unemployment rate, ensure Akwa Ibom youths are productively engaged, provided with entrepreneurial capacity, to be able to fend for themselves and support their families.

His imprimatur is ingrained in the Support and Training Entrepreneurship Program (STEP), a flagship entrepreneurship development programme in partnership with International Finance Corporation, IFC. The idea was to train, capacitate and empower Akwa Ibom citizens to establish, run and grow their businesses. He attracted Growing Businesses Foundation (GBF), one of the foremost micro-credit implementing entities, to provide access to critical business finance for Micro and Small Enterprises in the state.

The 21st century is one that is governed by ICT, innovation and knowledge. For anyone to be relevant and contribute to the promotion of the human race, one of these must be adopted. Inoyo understands all these which is why he has put motions in place to acculturate Akwa Ibom youths into them.

Only recently, Inoyo sponsored the Akwa Tech Week 2021, the aim of which was to groom young innovators and ICT savvy youths. He said: "as you know, the 21st-century economy will be largely anchored on technology and innovation, and if this country must make progress, we must look in your direction. Society is bedeviled with many problems, but these struggles are also opportunities, which some of you have already identified. I salute you for this, and for being audacious, savvy, and ready to conquer the world, notwithstanding your name, location, circumstances of birth, etc. I thank you because in stepping up to be counted, we are assured that the future of this state is secured and that the industrialization drive of the government of Governor Udom Emmanuel will not be a waste."

At the end of the Akwa Tech Week 2021 boot camp for the innovators, an elated Inoyo announced sponsorship of 72 idea owners to the build and grow boot-camp capacity building to be organized by Fintech Academy estimated at over 100 million naira. He said it was his own way of raising the next generation of leaders who would help stimulate capacity development and enhance economic growth in the state and beyond. The good news in the air is that in keeping to his promise of raising the next generation of ICT Savvy leaders, the Akwa Ibom Tech Week Pitch Competition, sponsored by the Inoyo Toro Foundation, took place at the Ibom E-library, IBB Way Uyo, with 10 teams of young Technopreneurs, competing to cart away cash prizes ranging from NGN300, 000 to NGN 1,000, 000, naira each.

The 72 young men and women from Akwa Ibom shortlisted for the pitch event were trained between October 4 and 5 to prepare them for the competition. At the end of the programme which started on September 13, 2021, these young Akwa Ibom innovators would commence a build and grow boot/camp. Each idea owner will be supported with a whooping 1.5 million naira. and be inducted into the Africa Fintech Community platform with access to markets, partners and investors. The initiative is one of the many ways that Udom Inoyo through the Inoyo Toro foundation is reaching out to develop Akwa Ibom youths as well as build their capacity for self-reliance.

What Udom Inoyo is doing is the exact missing link in youth development in Nigeria. Over time, government has come up with lofty empowerment programmes for our youths. The programmes end up being political jamboree as beneficiaries are not provided with adequate knowledge and capacity to handle funds from such programmes. Most of our political elite are in the habit of doling out handouts to their supporters in the name of empowerment. Beneficiaries barely survive with such empowerments as they soon come back to their benefactor cap in hand for more support. Of course, this is also a subtle ploy to keep such beneficiaries loyal to them for God knows when.

Udom Inoyo has elected to change the narrative. While the beneficiaries may be seeing immediate gratification, the former Mobil Numero Uno is seeing the future. Imagine the impact 72 young Akwa Ibom businesses will create in the next 5 years with support from the Inoyo’s 100-million-naira support fund. Let us assume, that there are 50 of Udom Inoyo supporting 72 businesses each year in Akwa Ibom state to create a minimum of 3 jobs. That will translate to 3600 businesses and a total of 10,800 jobs annually. In five years, 54,000 jobs would have been created by only 50 persons. What a quantum leap and fight against youth restiveness and unemployment? Have you even considered the multiplier effect in terms of tax payment, salaries drawn by the employees and the salaries spent in Akwa Ibom state? The chain reaction is all encompassing.

This is exactly what the Deputy Chairman Communications Committee and member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep. Unyime Idem is doing by setting up E-learning centres in rural schools and sponsoring skills acquisition and empowerment for 5000 youths. The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey through his RHAB-YESS Programme empowers 3 businesses of Akwa Ibomites every month with the sum of 500,000. Do the mathematics and see the gargantuan impact.

For me, there can be no better leader than one who knows the way, shows the way, goes the way, helping his people to find their feet in life and assisting them cut their own soap. A society grows great when men of means plant trees whose shade they know not those who will sit on them. Udom Inoyo is one of such 21st century leaders who is busy plating trees not knowing those who would be sheltered and shielded by the trees.

Udom Inoyo’s brand of empowerment and policy of humanity are exemplified in the words of Rob Siltanen - “Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”

May God bless Udom Uko Inoyo and all those who are in the business of putting smiles on the faces of our youths and helping to push the human race forward. THIS IS THE NEW BRAND IN VOGUE; EMPOWERMENT FOR SUSTAINABILITY, THAT SHOULD BE DISPLAYED HENCEFORTH.

Aluu Vincent (PhD in View), is a Public Affairs Analyst and Publisher of Naija Eye Witness News.

Where did you read it from? You think US is like Nigeria where lawlessness reign supreme. Quote unfortunately unfortunate

While Boko Haram, Bandits and killer herdsmen are having field day up North unabated, Unemployed Nigerian Soldiers are busy arresting Chinwetalagu, Nollywood Actor for wearing Biafran dress.

I mean, what law forbids a man from wearing clothe? No law in Nigeria tells a man what dress to wear. Is there a law that says Biafra insignia should not be worn? Please show me the law.

How does the dress amount to breach of peace or constitute threat to NIGERIA'S territorial integrity? This is madness and executive rascality taken too far.

Meanwhile Sheik Gumi is walking free negotiating freedom for bandits. Issorite

While Boko Haram, Bandits and killer herdsmen are having field day up North unabated, Unemployed Nigerian Soldiers are busy arresting Chinwetalagu, Nollywood Actor for wearing Biafran dress.

I mean, what law forbids a man from wearing clothe? No law in Nigeria tells a man what dress to wear. Is there a law that says Biafra insignia should not be worn? Please show me the law.

How does the dress amount to breach of peace or constitute threat to NIGERIA'S territorial integrity? This is madness and executive rascality taken too far.

Meanwhile Sheik Gumi is walking free negotiating freedom for bandits. Issorite

– Inoyo Tells Uniuyo Lecturers

In what came as a call for all hands to be on deck, Mr. Udom Inoyo, former National President, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) has said that things would only get worse if Nigeria’s finest brains give up on the country.

Mr. Udom Inoyo stated this October 7, 2021 while addressing lecturers of the University of Uyo at the Uniuyo Senior Staff Club.

The immediate past Vice Charman, ExxonMobil Companies in Nigeria who currently is Advisor, Inoyo Toro Foundation, dissected the problems bedeviling the nation including unemployment, poverty, insecurity, decay in education and health sectors; celebrated the contributions of the academics so far, but encouraged them never to take back seats, if things must get better in Nigeria and in Akwa Ibom State.

“Any apathy on your part, any indication of withdrawal or giving up would only make things worse. Reflect on your knowledge across board, your support so far, your sacrifices, the people you have mentored and coached so far, what would happen if they realize you too have given up.

“In 2016, a UK Institute came up with a report that indicated that Nigeria is one of the poorest, unhealthiest, unhappiest, most dangerous places in the World to live in. Just last year, our National Bureau of Statistics talked about 40% of Nigerians living below the poverty line.

“Between 1999 and now, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has embarked on strikes for about 16 times, pressing for better working conditions, in the interest of Nigerian youths and the nation at large. In 2014, when I was the 19th/20th Graduation Speaker at the Uniuyo Convocation Ceremony, speaking on ‘State of Education in an Era of Moral Decadence’, what I realized about the state of education in the country, which I shared then, was painful, disappointing and humbling”.

Despite the gamut of challenges, Mr. Inoyo noted that it would pay Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State if members of the academia and other persons who have made marks in various career paths get involved in fixing the problems, offering solutions and evolve new ways to get the country on the path of enduring success.

He noted that it was the drive to fix the problems and offer enduring solutions that informed the birth of Inoyo Toro Foundation, a human capacity focused NGO that has contributed greatly towards bettering the lots of education and human capital development in Akwa Ibom State in the last fourteen years. He mentioned just a few of the contributions of the Foundation and cited the most recent in the technology space, which was ongoing.

“Few weeks ago, I was approached by some youths who were interested in promoting technological innovation in Akwa Ibom State. That gave birth to the 2021 Akwa Ibom Tech Week. I spoke at the event. We advised that anybody that had an idea that can impact any sector should pitch. 72 applied, 30 of them from this University. This is the 21st century and tech is key. There are potentials in this state and in this school that can be harnessed for betterment of society.

“Head of Innovation at Nigerian Exchange Group, an Akwa Ibom person, became aware, knew I was involved and decided there would be a boot camp and capacity training of N100 Million worth for all 72 persons who applied. This speaks to two things: One, when you have integrity, people would look in your direction and offer support. Two, if our young persons are willing to work hard, support would come”.

Mr. Inoyo recounted that at the peak of the Niger Delta crisis in Nigeria, between 2002 and 2005, he was frequenting various parts of the globe, meeting with groups like The Black Caucus, US Department of Justice, Corporate Council on Africa, etc., in an effort to position the Niger Delta for sustained investments and to particularly isolate Akwa Ibom State as a destination of peace for investors. He noted that the efforts made major investors or potential investors in the Niger Delta region to always reach out to him for help.

The former corporate leader of global reckoning said that since unemployment was a major part of Nigeria’s problem, a sure way to better the situation of Nigeria was to provide jobs and a sure way to provide jobs was to attract investments and create multiple opportunities. He mentioned the two things required to get this done as: Discipline and Investor Connection, strengths he has already been utilizing for decades to better the Akwa Ibom experience.

Responding to a question on why successive governments tend to abandon lofty ideas, projects and plans of their predecessors, with particular reference to the Akwa Ibom Development Plan initiated by the Obong Victor Attah-led government, Mr. Inoyo noted that it was best to follow through quality initiatives of preceding administrations in the common interest of the state. He commended the present administration for efforts in that direction.

“I give credit to Governor Udom Emmanuel because I know what he is doing in difficult circumstances. Beyond 2023, it would be important to make sure the airlines succeed, the port development succeed, the Companies attracted remain.

“We cannot afford to have missed opportunities like we did beginning from the 1970’s with Sunshine Battery, Biscuit Company, Ceramic Company, ALSCON, Ferry Services – Oron/Calabar. We need to get to a stage where businesses are sustained, get quality people to run the businesses and resist corruption.”

In their separate remarks, the President of the Uniuyo Senior Staff Club, Prof. Ini Jona and the Adviser to the Club who facilitated the conversation, Dr. Aniekan Brown, commended Mr. Inoyo for honoring the Club’s invitation, for sharing his thoughts with members of the academic community and for his contributions so far to the development of the state and the empowerment of her people.

There was also a session of questions and answer on various subjects, as raised in the gathering that had about 50 lecturers in attendance, due to COVID 19 restrictions.

Other leaders of the Senior Staff Club included Mr. Tijani Musa (Vice President), Dr. Francis Oborguh (Secretary), Mrs. Mary Obot (Treasurer, Mr. Eddy Eyenighi (Sports Secretary), Dr. Kingsley Egemba (Social Secretary), Dr. Anthony Umoh (Assistant Secretary), Dr. Abayomi Okediji (Bar Secretary), Mr. Edem Jacob (Financial Secretary), Arch. Emmanuel Okon (Ex-Officio).

In attendance also were Prof. Lawrence Etim, Pro. Felicia Ekpu, Prof. Valerie Solomon, Prof. Imaobong Akpan, Prof. Charles Obot, Prof. Anthony Okonofua, Prof. Ken Opara, Dr. Edu Inam, Prof. Godwin Akpan, Prof. Joseph Obinaju, amongst others.

By Aluu Vincent

The present situation in the South East, the DOT Nation and land of my birth is reminiscence of the civil war between 1967 and 1970. It is encapsulated in the words of the late China Achebe in things Fall Apart that, “The falcon can no longer bear the falconer, things fall apart, the centre cannot hold. Mere anarchy is loosed upon the earth” The Igbos are busy killing themselves and destroying their economy to protest what others are doing against us. In 1967 it was on record that leaders of good conscience pleaded with the late Ojukwu not to declare Biafra, to avoid war. He called it bluff and went on to declare Biafra. The result was that we lost 3 million people and all our wealth, including our leadership position in Nigeria, our youths, our girls, our culture and heritage were in shamble. It is also on record that Ojukwu went into exile. Igbos were defeated, humiliated and made second class citizens. Their properties seized and declared as abandoned. All their monies were seized and their children abused and brutalized. In humiliation and humility, they started with nothing and from nowhere to rebuild themselves to a thriving entrepreneurially oriented zone and centre of business and manufacturing in Nigeria.

All these are being wished away following the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. What started as a child’s play is gradually metamorphosing into a full-blown war just like we are having it in parts of the North. The Zone that was known for peace, hospitality and industry has become a fertile ground for arson, killing, destruction of businesses and government properties. Chief Ahmed Gulak was killed on the streets of Owerri, the Imo state Capital; Dr. Chike Akunyili, husband to Nigeria’s icon the late Prof Dora, was gruesomely murdered in his state, Anambra, while receiving a post humous award for the late Wife. There has been other senseless killings and destructions going on unabated and no one has been arrested. Need I mention the sit at home order that has become the norm? There seem to be absence of law and order and the cost of the sit at home is enormous. The question to ask is why and how did we get to this point and who is responsible for all these?

ORIGIN
The conundrum playing out in the South East is a direct result of the inability of the federal government to implement the no victor no vanquished policy of the civil war. A section of the Igbos are protesting perceived injustice, marginalization, disrespect for rule of law, executive recklessness and highhandedness, greed for power by South East Leaders and lack of inclusiveness. All these contributed to the outbreak of the civil war in the late 1960s and are yet to be addressed. The war was won and lost. While surrendering, Gen. Philip Effiong who deputized Ojukwu in the now defunct Republic of Biafra during the Nigerian Civil War of 1967 to 1970, has said that Nigeria should Treat the surrendering Biafrans well or risk their children rising again”. Today undoubtedly his prophetic postulation has come to stay in Nigeria. “I don’t think we learnt the lessons we were supposed to learn about the war,” says Philip Effiong II, the son of Major General Philip Efiong. “The war was a result of so many things including, ethnic conflict, intolerance, abuse of power and a lack of respect for the democratic process. These things are still happening today. The official policy of “reconstruction, rehabilitation and reintegration” and no victor no vanquished are also widely disputed by many Igbos today. No one was ever held responsible for the pogroms that preceded the war and there have been no apologies neither has there been attempts by the Federal government to rebuild the South East. Some of the actors of the war are superintending over Nigeria today and are still reminding the Igbos that they will teach them in the language they will understand. There was no Truth and Reconciliation-type mechanism to process the brutality of the war; there isn’t even a national museum or monument. In addition, Igbos talk about being both economically and politically marginalised in modern Nigeria and no one seem to listen to them or call them for a dialogue. It is with these in mind that a new agitation for Biafra was started again by MASSOB, which is now followed by IPOB.

IPOB under Mazi Nnamdi Kanu began holding processions, declaring sit at home in a peaceful manner and championing for a nation of theirs since they are not fairly treated in Nigeria. Government did not find it funny. It declared war on IPOB, killed unarmed youths agitating for better life. This led to the arrest of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who was later granted bail. Few days to his appearing in court, the Military stuck; desecrated his father’s compound, killed scores of his followers and in the process, his parents died. Kanu escaped for his life. Federal government went on to proscribe IPOB and later got Mazi Kanu rearrested.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT RESPONSE
The manner in which a matter is resolved is as good as the matter itself. One fundamental duty of government is to safeguard the lives of its citizens. This is what gives government moral anchor. Government seems to have failed in this regard. Underneath the issue of insecurity in the South East and elsewhere are unemployment, injustice, marginalization. Instead of addressing these issues as raised by IPOB, government resorted to intimidation, harassment and militarization of the zone. Instead of calling to know what the problems are and how solutions could be achieved, the Nigerian government chose to military might and bullets on unarmed youths. While previous governments did little or nothing to fix the South East, the present government of President Buhari has not helped matters. His utterances have fueled the crisis the more.

President Buhari during an interview with Arise TV said ‘” IPOB is just like a dot in a circle. Even if they want to exit, they will have no access to anywhere. And the way they are spread all over the country, having businesses and property, I don’t think IPOB knows what they are talking about. In any case, we say we’ll talk to them in the language that they understand. We’ll organise the police and the military to pursue them.” President Buhari’s statement, according to analysts, showed clearly that the President does not understand that Igbo Ethnic bloc is different from the secessionist group known as the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB. This has not gone down well with the Igbos who have criticized the government of being insensitive to the situation on ground. Whose father is it that will support one of his kids against the others. Yet the President is seen as always supporting Boko Haram, herdsmen and bandit activities up North. He has never condemned their activities in public. While IPOB was proscribed, Boko Haram members were provided with amnesty and empowerment. Killer herdsmen were provided state cover to snatch lands from indigenes while banditry has become official business. To add salt to injury, government is threatening a state of emergency in Anambra with an election less than one month away. Is there a plan to overrun the East whereas Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Plateau have more security concerns with telecommunications completely shut down and schools not in session?

SOUTH EAST LEADERS RESPONSE
Leaders of the South East have failed woefully in ensuring peace in the zone. The governors have also failed in their duties to secure lives, ensure development and prosperity and guarantee the greatest good for the greatest number of people. They have little control over the people anymore having failed to protect their interests. While the crises raged on, no strong representation was done to the federal government. We have the South East Governors Forum, the South East Caucus in the National Assembly and Ohaneze Ndigbo but they all speak in discordant tunes. Although they made efforts to broker a truce with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the effort was not effective. The Governors have also failed to develop their zones. Apart from Governor of Ebonyi State, other governors are found wanting. They have not created the congenial environment for the youths to better their lives. They have contributed to the injustice and marginalization of the zone. It is only recently that they have spoken with one voice against the activities of IPOB and is now calling for calm and dialogue as well as setting up Ebube Agu, a security outfit. The South East Caucus in the National Assembly led by Senator Ike Ekweremmadu has also been visible of recent but it seems the efforts are coming rather late. Have you now wondered why the IPOB will issue sit at home order and the people obey but won’t obey instructions from the leaders? The leadership has lost credibility and are carried away by the siren and appurtenances of office.

NNAMDI KANU MADNESS
Nature abhors vacuum. The lacuna created by seeming absence of leadership in Igboland, marginalization and injustice gave birth to Nnamdi Kanu. He has built a cult followership for himself; become a hero and freedom fighter promising his people that Biafra Nation will be achieved. While not against the agitations of IPOB, everything seems to be wrong with the modus operandi. Nobody is an island unto himself. You cannot get Biafra without the consent of the people. Mazi Kanu has refused to sit with the leaders of the South East. He calls them all sort of names and see them as his enemies. He forgets that he is a non-state actor and needs state actors to achieve his aim. He is busy commanding the youths to destroy government buildings, kill security forces, and take up arms against constituted authorities. Yet he himself was not even in Nigeria to lead the fight from the front. He was in the United Kingdom dishing out orders and the gullible youths obey without asking questions. Is that how to fight for freedom of their people? Now the youths have turned their anger and barrel of the gun against the very people they claim to be fighting for. Does freedom fighting involve intimidating, harassing and killing your own blood, destroying their properties and means of livelihood? This is madness, irresponsibility, insurrection that deserves the condemnation of all right-thinking South Easterners. The perpetrators deserve a spot at Kirikiri prison.

CONSEQUENCES OF THE CONUNDRUM
There are severe consequences of the present imbroglio going on in the South East. Apart from the fact that the zone is already marginalized, unjustly treated, and has near collapse of government presence, it is approaching a Hobbesian where life has become short, brutish and anarchy reigns supreme. It is a sad reminder of the consequences the Igbos went through during the Civil War. Fear and insecurity have taken over the entire South East. Conducting elections in Anambra and in the near future seems a tall dream which may lead to a constitutional crisis. The economy of the zone is nosediving due to constant orders to sit at home by IPOB. It is estimated that more than 100 billion naira have so far been lost by various individuals and businesses due to the sit at home order while several other billions are lost due to destructions and investors presently avoid South East. Lives of innocent citizens are daily being wasted by both security forces and IPOB. Need I mention the fact the marginalization and injustice will continue.

THE WAY FORWARD
In any crisis situation, the need for dialogue, negotiation and compromise cannot be over emphasized. Methinks it is time the federal government came down from its high horse and call the leaders of IPOB and South East to a sincere round table. You cannot hold Mazi Kanu in DSS custody and expect his followers not to react. Kanu and his followers in prison custody should be unconditionally released to the leaders of the South East while a political solution is modelled out. Late President Yardua applied the carrot and the stick approach in the Niger Delta and it worked. President Buhari should follow suit. This will douse the tension and stop the killings. Militarising the East does no good. Also, Mr. Presidents should mind his utterances henceforth. The genocide in Rwanda was fueled by utterances of the leaders. Mr. President cannot be preaching peace when it comes to matters concerning Boko Haram, Killer Herdsmen and Bandits but threatens fire and brimstone when it concerns IPOB. This is double standard of the highest order. If Boko Haram, Killer Herdsmen and Bandits are granted amnesty and empowered with tax payers’ money, IPOB deserves same or better treatment. The South East Development Commission should be established same way the Niger Delta Development Commission and North East Development Commission were set up to address needs of the affected zone. Since after the war, nothing has been done to assuage the feelings of the Igbos who still the brunt of the war. It is important for us to provide a space for conversation and reflection with the intention of creating a productive space for mutual understanding. The official policy of “reconstruction, rehabilitation and reintegration” should be reenacted, apologies rendered and compensation provided where necessary. Truth and Reconciliation-type mechanism to process the brutality of the war; should be established while the much talked about marginalisation and injustice should be addressed. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu should call his followers to order by asking them to stop these senseless killings and wanton destruction. Why will you order the killing of those you claim to be fighting for? For the political jobbers and choppers of Igbo extraction who are looking the other way, your days of reckoning are fast approaching. You shall all pay for your sins one after the other unless you retrace your steps and tow the path of peace, development and prosperity for the people of South East. Posterity will judge you all if you do not rise to defend the course of Ndigbo. Like the APGA motto says, “Be your Brother’s Keeper”

Aluu Vincent PhD (In View), public affairs analysts and social commentator is the Publisher of Naija Eye Witness News

October 5, 2021

I had the privilege to stumble on a report titled: “Pandora Papers: Inside Peter Obi’s secret businesses — and how he broke the law”. It was written by one Taiwo-Hassan Adebayoand published in Premium Times Newspaper on the 4th day ofOctober, 2021. Most Nigerian and indeed my humble self, had perceived Peter Obi to be an epitome of transparency, good governance, patriotism and economic astuteness. This perception heightened my curiosity to read through the article in order to discover the hidden secrets which the article had to bear against the former two term Governor of Anambra State and the Vice-Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in the 2019 national election. Having read through the article, my lawyerly self queried whether Peter Obi actually violated the law as alleged in the article. This prompted my decision to dispassionately test the allegations against Peter Obi against the provisions of the law.

The allegations in the article basically bother on allegations of tax evasion and non-declaration of certain jointly owned assets by Peter Obi. It was argued that Peter Obi committed the offence of tax evasion by establishing a company outside the shores of Nigeria in “havens where little or no taxes are paid”. It was further argued that Peter Obi committed a crime by non-declaration of some of his jointly owned assets outside the shores of Nigeria and failure to resign from the board of directors of those companies 14 months after assuming the office of the Governor in Anambra state. These allegations shall be addressed seriatim.

It must be stated there is a world of difference between allegation, facts and evidence. Allegation are mere claims and assertion of a person’s wrong doing that are not yet proven. Facts are events that are confirmed or verifiable. While evidence are concrete facts used to support an assertion or a claim. At the moment, the claims of the Adebayo against Peter Obi are still within the realm of mere allegations. However, this article will proceed with the assumption without necessarily conceding that Adebayo’s claims against Peter Obi are factual, as the said Peter Obi still enjoys the presumption of innocence in his favour as protected by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This presumption stands unshaken until otherwise proven.

A cursory look at Adebayo’s article would reveal that the author seems to have confused tax avoidance for tax evasion. It is appreciated that both terms may easily be mistaken one for another or erroneously used interchangeably except for persons who are well informed about tax laws. In simply terms, tax evasion is an offence, whereas tax avoidance is not an offence. At this point, it must be stated that on the authority of Section 36 (12) of the Nigerian Constitution, a person shall not be held liable for an offence except such offence is expressly defined by a written law and a sentence specifically prescribed thereto. The case of George v. FRN (2015) All FWLR (Pt. 718) 879 is apt in this regard.

In Nigeria, tax evasion used in two sense. First, as a specific offence. Second, as generic expression for acts of tax non-compliance or violation of tax laws. Section 26 Value Added Tax Act 1993 and Section 164 Custom and Excise Management Act 1959 are the two known tax law provisions that specifically provide for the offence of tax offence. Every other tax offence, including, omitting or understating income in order to make incorrect return; failure to keep the required records; refusal or neglect to pay tax; dishonest declaration of income, earnings or assets; fraudulent tax returns, etc. are loosely referred to as tax offences. However, the definition of the “tax evasion” in the two aforementioned tax law provisions has nothing to do with a business man deciding which part of the country to invest his legitimately earned money. It would be preposterous and despotic for any government to even prevent any entity from making such business decision, when the same government do solicit for foreigners to invest in the Nigerian economy. Why should a Nigerian be penalised for deciding to invest his resources in other countries irrespective of the prevailing tax rate in that country? Indeed, the question to ask is: is there any Nigerian law that prohibits and penalises a Nigeria from investing in any jurisdiction outside Nigeria? Adebayo did not mention any. My guess is, he could not find any.

Business owners and entities ordinarily direct their business undertakings in such a way as to avoid financial liabilities including payment of tax. This is what is also known as tax planning. To quote Lord Clyde in the case of Ayrshire Pullman Motor Services and D. M. Ritchin v. Commissioner of Inland Revenue, (1920) 14 Tax Cas 754, 763–764: “No man in this country is under the smallest obligation moral or otherwise so to arrange his legal relations to his business or to his property as to enable the Inland Revenue to put the largest possible shovel into his stores. The Inland Revenue is not slow and quite rightly to take every advantage, which is open to it under the taxing statutes for the purpose of depleting the taxpayer’s pocket. And the taxpayer is in like manner entitled to be astute to prevent so far as he honestly can the depletion of his means by the Revenue. Every company has the option of carrying out tax planning in order to minimize tax liability within the law of the territory in which it operates”.

There are tax avoidance schemes that is even recognized by tax laws. Individuals or companies may avoid payment of tax by simply increasing its capital expenditure in order to reduce its taxable profit. In this instance, the company would be said to be taken advantage of section 24 of the Company Income Tax Act (CITA) which includes certain capital expenditures as allowable deductions. This would be regarded as measures taken to reduce its tax liability. Provided such act is not prohibited by law, the company cannot be said to have committed any tax offence.

Provided that a particular scheme to avoid or reduce tax liabilities are not prohibited by law, they are still within the realm of tax avoidance and no criminal liability can accrue thereto. The best the government can do to address the incidence of tax evasion is to identify tax avoidance schemes and then get the legislature to criminalise it. Then again, the legislative enactment criminalising such act has effectively moved from tax avoidance into the realm of tax evasion. Until there is a law prohibiting a Nigerian from investing outside the shores of Nigeria, Peter Obi cannot be said to have committed the offence of tax evasion or any other tax offence(s), however so called.

On the issue of non-declaration of jointly or partly owned foreign asset: the law which addresses this subject is majorly the constitution and the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act.Section 11 (1) (b) Part I Fifth Schedule to the Constitution Adebayo referred to requires a public officer to declare his properties, assets, and liabilities. The said provision did not specifically require the declaration of jointly or partly owned assets. It is appreciated that a public officer is required to declare his assets in view of the public trust reposed in the office they occupy. It would be irrational to expose assets that are partly owned by other individuals, when they are not the ones occupying the public office in question. Some business investors actually prefer to invest quietly, hence, a declaration of their jointly owned assets breach that business trust which they expect from their business partners. The otherwise could amount to a breach of the right to privacy and quiet enjoyment of the property of these individuals.

It is to be noted that Section 6 (b) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act did not prohibit a public officer from holding an interest in a company. It only prevents the said public officer not to personally “engage or participate in the management or running of any private business, profession or trade”. To my mind this does not preclude a public officer to shut down his hitherto existing business or profession simply upon his assumption of public office. It would be unreasonable for the law to expect that of such public officer. Provided the public officer is not personally involved in administering the business while in office, he is in the right side of the law. The appointment of nominee directors by companies are legitimate and well known corporate law practice recognised by the Companies and Allied Matters Act. More so, Nigerian law recognises that companies have distinct personalities different from its shareholders and directors. As such, it is legally incorrect to say that a person owns a company. Adebayo failed to tie down Peter Obi’s personal involvement in the administration of the companies while occupying the office of the governor of Anambra State.

Eti Best Herbert is a legal practitioner and legal research consultant. He is the Head of Practice of Olive Branch Attorneys. He may be reach via: etiherbert@gmail.com
https://leaders.ng/did-peter-obi-actually-break-the-law/

By Chief Patrick Chidolue.*

*We kill our selves to protest what others are doing against us. In 1967 good Igbo leaders begged Ojukwu not to declare Biafra, to avoid war, he declared Biafra and we lost 3 million people and all our wealth, including our leadership position in Nigeria. Our youths, our girls, our culture and heritage. All were lost because of that war, which started as a result of declaration of Biafra.*

*Ojukwu went into exile. Igbos were defeated, humiliated and made second class citizens. Their properties seized as abandoned. All their money were seized and their children abused and brutalized.*
*In humiliation and humility they started with nothing and from no where to rebuild themselves.*

*Ojukwu was told that all these may happen if he declares Biafra. His father specifically begged him to wait at least let us find a strong country that can support us before he can declare, if he must. He called all the advisers saboteurs and claimed that his father was selling out because of his wealth that was scattered all over Nigeria.*

*Three years after, by 1970 all was lost. Three million well trained and our best all wasted.*

*By 1983 when Ojukwu came back from exile he declared that Biafra was no longer fashionable. He joined a national political party and contested for an elective office in Nigeria. At this time all have been lost. Igbos have lost power, properties, political leadership, values, good men and respect. Yet we hail Ojukwu as our hero.*

*Compare it to now. We have managed somehow to rebuild part of what we lost in the Biafra war.*

*Now a new agitation for Biafra was started again by MASSOB, which is now followed by IPOB. By creating insecurity in igbo land alone, every developed human person in that zone will be on the run. Education will suffer set back as well as every other thing.*

*We are crucifying our selves to shame our oppressors. Like in 1967 they have started calling Igbo leaders saboteurs again. Unfortunately we don’t have the likes of Zik any more to plead our case within the international comnunity, to beg Nigeria to allow relief food in order to reduce 28000 dying children per day. We don’t have Zik to come and negotiate our surrender in order to have no victor no vanquished. Our opponents are already regretting that, they should have taken the remnant of Biafra as slaves and war booty.*

*The questions are.*

1. Why must we fight a losing battle to lose everything?
2. What do we want to achieve in Biafra that we can’t achieve in Nigeria politically?
3. Who will lead Biafra when we eventually get it and where will he come from?
4. How do one convince an Anambra man and Enugu man to let Ebonyi man lead him?
5. Where can we get the leaders from? The stock of existing Governors or manufactured by IPOB?
6. What will constitute the mean economic drive for our development within Biafra? Etc.

*Federalism as we have it today in Nigeria, makes every state a country. A quasi sovereignty. That is why we have state courts, states can make their own laws. States can make their budgets and own their properties etc.* *Governors like Wike have already started applying true federalism by collecting VAT in his state. Let other states go to Supreme Court and ask for powers to secure their people by licensing gun carriers and state police. Also by using available gas in their state to power turbine and provide electricity to their industrial parks in order to employ their work force. Etc*

*The Biafra we are asking for we already have it in our hand but we don’t know what to do with it. Those who are at the forefront of Biafra agitation today, should know that when the real Biafra emerges, they will not be in a position to determine its leadership. It will be chaos. By then it will be too late to have an opportunity like Nigeria today.*
*Nigeria is ours to be taken. All we need is to get involved in politics and protect our political interests.*

*Please stop blaming others for protecting their own political interest. We have all it takes to win in Nigeria.*

1. We have the largest population and we are united.
2. Our people are scattered all over Nigeria and beyond.
3. Our political interest is merit, Justic and Rule of law. Which is easy to sell to other good men.
4. We have people in diaspora to support our case.
5. We have commerce to back up our pursuit.
6. Our Nigeria Political leadership will bring development to everyone.

*Even if we get Biafra. It will be too small to withstand the pressure from the vast poor and uncontrollable North. Therefore, let’s hold a meeting with all the parties and discuss what we need before we make more mistakes.*

*The meeting should have representations of,*

1. IPOB,
2. Ohanaeze
3. Political leadership
4. Traditional leadership
5. Academicians
6. Business leaders
7. State representatives.
8. Diaspora representatives.
9. Religious institutions
10. Women representatives
*This conference will determine what we need to develop as a people.*

*If we want Biafra, let it be a collective decision. However, if we want Biafra, there are simple and less dangerous ways to go about it.*

1. The South East and South South Congress men could sponsor a bill to that effect and call for a referendum. A survey will be conducted to determine the demography and topography. Then referendum will be conducted and on a certain date we will seize to be Nigerians and instead become Biafrans. However, where that is being frustrated by the Northern lead national assembly, a petition an be sent to UN committee in-charge of state creation, who will bring it to the UN assembly. Nigeria as a party, will state their case after which the Assembly will hear the other sides and vote on it. If the vote is in favour of a referendum, it will be conducted and if majority says yes, Biafra will be created as a new member state of the United Nations.

*This idea of killing people, burning houses and destroying properties does not in any way address the issues of secession. Instead it gives room for the people to be addressed as criminals and killed.*

*Who will convene the Confrence of Eastern Nigeria?*

Ohanaeze!
May God help us.

The bill for an act to make provisions for the establishment of building fire safety measures, regulation and penalty for defaulters has passed the first reading in the House of Representatives.

Sponsored by the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Communications and member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep. Unyime Idem, the bill was presented before the House on Tuesday.

Rep. Idem said the bill is an act to amend the Fire Service Act, CAP F29 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 to further reduce the incessant cases of fire outbreaks in the country which has become worst due to non availability of fire safety/fighting equipment in both private and public buildings.

The bill titled, Fire Safety Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 partly reads "Section 2 of the Principal Act is amended by adding the word “management”.

The new section 2 to read as follows: - "The Fire Service shall be employed for the management, extinguishment, control and prevention of fire, the saving and protection of life and property and for such other humanitarian and other works as may be required of them under the authority of the Minister.”

"Section 5 of the Principal Act is amended by adding a new paragraph e to further establish the intention of paragraph d.
The new section 5 (e) to read as follows: - give approval for building after thorough perusal of the submitted building plan and compliance with provision of necessary fire services prevention and management kits and supervision protocols.”

According to Rep. Idem, when passed into Law, the bill will empower the Fire Service to inspect and approve buildings in the country in line with fire safety measures which is a standard and global practice to avoid or reduce the effect of fire incident.


Media Unit
Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency
05/10/2021

Is this law not vindictive? Nobody holy pass. Why target Lecturers only?

Today, the Nigerian Senate led by Senate President Ahmed Lawan has read for the 3rd term The Sexual Amendment Bill (2020 as amended).

In this bill, the lecturers in higher institutions must not date, friend or have sexual intercourse with any student.

In short, intention to do is 14years a jail term according to this law endorsed by all stakeholders of education industry apart from the ASUU who felt the law is against their members.

While passing the law, the senate adjusted the law to even mean all schools including primary schools.

So if you are a lecturer and you are dating one of your students, you have one of these four options;
1. End the relationship
2. Marry her immediately
3. Resign as a lecturer
4. The girl drop out of school.

If you are caught, 21years imprisonment. There is nothing like, she gave consent. They said NO MORE CONSENT.

If you make any attempt to date or cajole a student or toast. Or you make sexual advances at a student; 14years imprisonment.

If you forcefully "involve" with a student(in words of Senate President) by guy, you dey go prison.

Now, this is not peculiar to lecturers only. Even bosses at work. Directors, HODs, EDs, ES, Supervisors, Chairman, Councillors, Conductors and so on.

GOD BLESS NIGERIAN SENATE. UNA DO WELL ON THIS ONE.

Like the evil arrow from the demonic bow, the bullet from the murderous AK47 riffle of Isokpafit gang pierced through and shattered the flesh, tendon and bones of Inibehe Uwem Idiong. The only thing he remembered was the wailing voice of his mother, Nwanmi akpao, nwanmi akpao, nwanmi akpao. That was how the journey to spinal cord injury and confinement to a bed for 4 years started for young and promising Inibehe Idiong

Inibehe, a native of Ikot Okusung Ward 5, Ukanafun LGA, is an accounting graduate from Obong University and staff of Bursary Department of same citadel of learning.

Though I heard that Prof. Moses Akpan Udoh only supported with 45k for medicals and since then they stop paying his salary without a sack letter from the institution.

The journey to Inibehe’s confinement to a bed for 4 years started on October 16, 2017 while returning from a church programme around 7pm with the mother and kid sister. They were accosted by the murderous AK47 riffle wielding Isokpafit gang, a group that held Ukanafun hostage for 3 years. In the ensuing melee, Inibehe and the kid sister were shot at close range. While the kid Sister had her right hand shattered, Inibehe was not luck as the bullet pierced through his left thigh and affected his spinal cord. This has kept him bed-ridden for years. All efforts to extract the bullet has been unsuccessful hence a referral to National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu for a correctional surgery that will cost N4 million. Efforts to raise the N4,000,000 has remained unsuccessful.

Due to confinement on the bed, the buttock (bombom) of Inibehe has peeled off developing into a very big sore. His condition is deteriorating by the day unless urgent help is granted to him.

Inibehe Idiong is passionately appealing to your good conscience to help him raise N4,000,000 for his surgery so he could walk again.

Be his leg and hands by contributing to the Support Fund for Inibehe Idiong. Posterity will be kind to you and you will never be stranded in life.

Akwa Ibom State Government, Office of Her Excellency (FEYRep), State and National Assembly Members, Commissioners, elected and appointed officials form Ukanafun extraction, Aspirants, NGOs, spirited individuals and the general public should please lend a helping hand to one of our own, IDIONG INIBEHE UWEM WITH JUST FOUR MILLION NAIRA SO HE CAN WALK AGAIN.

TOGETHER WE CAN DO IT FOR INIBEHE.

God bless you all

All donations should be sent to

IDIONG INIBEHE UWEM, 3111481546 (FIRST BANK PLC).

You can reach Inibehe Idiong on 07085057980, 08130048093

Let us join hands together to help Mr Inibehe Idiong

THIS MESSAGE IS POWERED BY FACEBOOK FRIENDS OF INIBEHE IDIONG.

Please Share.....

Me: Your Excellency, this is nothing but the gospel and Islamic truth

1. You are the highest borrower with nothing to show for it
2. Nigeria is the poverty capital of the world
3. Insecurity is at its zenith
4. Cows are valued more than Nigerians
5. Highest unemployment rate.
6. Boko Haram, Killer herders and bandits are saints. IPOB is a terrorist organisation
7. A supposed repentant Boko Haram member can be president of Nigeria
8.Nigerian youths are lazy.
9. Protest is not allowed in any form
10. Protesters are dispersed with live bullets and government will deny ever ordering the shooting
11. Rice that was 8500 is now 35,000.
12. Naira is now 570 per dollar
13. Fuel that was 87 naira is now 165 naira
14. Prices of goods and services have gone up by 400%

Happy Independence day Nigeria

By Aluu Vincent

The last few days has been an admixture of the good, the bad and the ugly for the state. It has been replete with accusations and counter accusations about location and name change of Deep Seaport. Although the bickering surrounding the Deep Seaport is not new, it got to a zenith during the 2021 anniversary of the state.

While fielding questions from Journalists, the Governor of the State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel had said some leaders from Oro nation are frustrating the takeoff of the Ibom Deep Seaport project. He said, "The problem we have with Ibom Deep seaport is that the people of Oron wrote a lot of petitions. Anybody entering plane to Akwa Ibom says he's going to Uyo, not Uruan or Nsit Atai where the airport is located. Ibom is a brand name we should enjoy brand equity from but they have written petitions and driven our investors away. If I leave office without achieving that project, hold them responsible, not me",

The Governor spoke from the prism of privileged security and other information at his disposal. Oro Union did write a petition to the Federal Government and investors. The Union first wrote to the Federal Government in April 2021 and later to Bollore Transport Logistics of France on May 12, 2021. The Union also sent a petition to Nigeria’s Senate which was read on the floor a day ago or so. Responding the Federal government through the Federal Ministry of Transportation dismissed the allegations of Oro nation in a letter dated April 22, 2021. The letter, referencing the Petition number: IDSP/ 02/21/ MOT, titled; “Illegal Relocation of Ibaka Deep Seaport from Ibaka Bay to Ibeno Bay” reads in part; “the Ministry conducted an extensive in-depth investigation into the matter with the view to establishing the veracity or otherwise of the allegation. The petition was consequently found to be lacking in merit, and unsupportive of the reality on ground. Accordingly, you are enjoined to cooperate and support Akwa Ibom State Government in its quest to successfully and timely execute the project for the overall interest of the citizens of the State and the Nigerian economy”. If this letter was received by Oro leaders since April of this year, yet they are still battling the Governor the way they are doing, I am afraid they may have and know things the Governor and others don’t concerning the Ibom Deep Seaport.

Following the comment by the governor, the said Oro leaders began releasing salvos with reckless abandon. Instead of sticking to the issues, they began pointed accusing finger to the Governor as one who took the entitled turn of governorship from Oro people when it was zoned to Eket Senatorial District. The people of Oro Nation also complained of marginalization in terms of infrastructure. This may have prompted a section of the media to research and get the petition of Oro leaders and response from the Federal government. Everything seem to be thrown open at the market square for analysts to feast on.

What I find worrisome is the accusation that Governor Udom Emmanuel took what rightfully belongs to Oro nation. This is not only laughable but ridiculously ridiculous. For the avoidance of doubt, the governor did not usurp the birthright of anyone. He contested and won his elections both in 2015 and 2019. The people of Oron were part of the election success story. Accusing the governor of usurping amounts to a man setting his own house on fire because he wants to kill a rat. It is laughable for Oron leaders to accuse Governor Udom Emmanuel of marginalization. He has appointed Oro sons and daughters in positions of authority. He has done more roads in Oron than he has done in Eket. His government delivered five roads to Oro people in his first 100 days in Office. These include Efiat Street, Bassey Lane, Bassey Street, Anwana Esin, Maryanne and Post office streets, with water channelization to de-flood the area and 12 others roads with some awaiting commissioning. Are these roads not in Oro nation?

Now to Ibom Deep Seaport. I am still at a loss as to whether the issue under contention is only that of name change from Ibaka to Ibom and relocation. Where is Unyenghe and Okposo located? Is it not in the same zone? The last I checked, the state government is to fund part the project and has the upper hand in what happens to the project. This is not the first time a project will be relocated from its original position. A federal Polytechnic was lobbied for by vibrant Senator and was approved to be sited in his Local Government. While he was still relishing the success story, a powerful Governor of this state took it to his own local government. The sky did not break and the Senator understood and let it slip.

Obong Attah, as Governor of Akwa Ibom State approved Akwa Ibom State Univeristy to be sited in Eastern Obollo, Ibeno and Mkpat Enin. Construction works had commenced already. But when a new Sherrif came to town, he felt the topography of the area was not good enough. The Univeristy was relocated to Mkpat Enin and Oruk Anam, very far away from Eket Federal Constituency, the initial host. Akwa Ibom remained one until date.

Upon becoming Governor of the state in 2015, Udom Emmanuel told everyone that he plans to industrialise the state. That he has been doing with all amount of patriotism. Industries now dots the landscape of the state. These include Metering Solution, Jubilee Syringe, Plywood firm, Ibom air, St, Gabirel Coconut refinery, Vehicle Assembly plant, Oil refinery, etc.
The bigger one is the Ibom Deep Seaport and Industrial City at Ibaka, Mbo LGA in Oro nation. Although the project was birthed by previous governments, Udom Emmanuel has shown enough commitment to actualizing the project. His government has got all the five levels of approvals and is at the stage of procurement. As a meticulous investment banker, the Governor having liaised with would be investors saw the need to change the name and the location of the seaport. He had earlier explained that every critical stakeholder (Federal, state government, investors and host communities), were in the picture of whatever change was to take place. Since the change was ostensibly not in the seeming interest of the Oro people, they probably had refused the decision for a change.

Expatiating on the reason for relocation, spokesperson to Felak Concepts Ltd, the Transaction Advisor/Consultants, Mr. Ezekail Adamu, said, “The relocation of the $4.6 billion Ibom Deep Sea Port (IDSP) from Okposo to Ibeno is not political but based on professional and engineering decisions. Five locations were initially shortlisted for the mega-project expected to provide no fewer than 300,000 jobs. Out of the five locations, Okposo was selected as the site at the preliminary stage based on initial/ preceding studies for the Initial Due Diligence (IDD), which itself was subjected to further studies and research to ascertain its suitability,”

It must be noted that the chosen location would be about 20 nautical miles from the Deep-Sea Trade Route, while the other locations could take up to 75 nautical miles to access the trade route. Also, available data shows that while the seaport covered about 2,500 hectares of land, much of the industrial city covering over 14,000 hectares of land and the headquarters of the port would be located around the Mbo axis of the complex. Just like you have in Lagos, the Nigerian Ports Authority is in Lagos Island while the Port itself is in Apapa. So, the main structure of the Port is in the seaside area of the new location while the headquarters is in the Mbo axis.

The Secretary to Government of Akwa Ibom State and an Oro Son added, “Ibom Deep Seaport” was chosen to reflect the Akwa Ibom Brand, explaining that the previous name “Ibaka Deep Seaport” did not project the state in global light”. The SSG explained that the seaport was off the Atlantic coast of Unyenghe/Ibeno, assuring that the state government would integrate all interests in the siting of the seaport. He urged his kit and kin to look at the bigger picture of the benefits of the project and not the name or location by acquiring relevant skills and qualifications that would enhance their chances of working at the port, when it becomes operational.

Like Mr. Akan Okon said recently, the people of Oro “should position themselves academically and professionally in order to benefit maximally from the project and not bicker over location and change of name. It is not about struggling for location but positioning our people practically by training and upgrading ourselves. Just like the Lagos Port, the impact of this port will be felt in the 31 Local Governments Areas of the state. Akparawa Ephraim Inyang said, “When this seaport comes, custom will give license to Nigerians irrespective of the ethnic group and how are our people working towards that? How are we building structures to take advantage of that seaport? how many people in our localities are using their little money to build a house so that during the construction people will see where to rent?

Instead of bickering over name change and location (the minutest of the project challenges), methinks leaders of Oro nation should bury their hatchet or grievances, close ranks with the state government and occupy a pride of place in the said project. Oro Leaders should look at the bigger picture; that is the multiplier effect that this gargantuan project will bring to Oro people, the state and Nigeria in general.

1.The project will create 300,000 direct jobs and millions of indirect jobs

2. More than 70 million dollars will be saved from illegal fishing activities.
3. Allied industries will berth in Oro nation to boost commerce, other economic activities. Also, hotels, housing, transportation and other businesses will thrive.
4. The revenue of the state will quadruple leading to more development and improvement in the living standard of the people.
5. As a trans-shipment port for the West and Central African region, the Seaport which is expected to handle container break-bulk, dry-bulk and liquid cargo will stimulate business activities and lead to a gargantuan leap in trans-national trade activities, as it would handle large vessels that can load over 13,000 containers in one voyage.
6. IDSP is unique and strategic to the maritime economy and international trade portfolio of the country and has the potency in launching the state and the country into a robust regime of international trade and other international business transactions.

In conclusion, let me say that Akwa Ibom state is one be it Ibibio, Annang, Oro, Ekid or Obollo and no one tribe is bigger than the entirety of the state. It is also trite to note that no one kills someone he will take part in burying. Petitioning or writing directly to investors over a project due to name and location change is bad blood taken too far. There is need for caution on the part of Oro nation and other stakeholders. All the negative vibes flying around in a bid to rub mud on the person of the Governor is done in bad light. It is scaring investors away too. Oro leaders should sheathe their sword, return to negotiation table, accept the name and location change, and cut a deal on what share or benefit the host community should have in the entire project. It is time for Oro leaders to start encouraging their children to pursue marine related courses, trainings and programmes. This will prepare them as first beneficiaries of the choice positions and job placements when the port operations commence. They should also start arranging allied businesses such as hotels, restaurants, transport and haulage firms among others. That is how take advantage of the soon to commence project and not to fight over ephemeral issue of name change and location.

This is not the first time federal or state project is relocated to another place and the name changed. The project is done for the overall interest of Akwa Ibom people. If Ibeno, Ibiono Ibom or Eastern Obollo people saw reasons with government, Oro people should show maturity too and let things be for the peace, progress and prosperity of Akwa Ibom State. This is the bigger picture of Ibom Deep Seaport whose headquarters is still located in Ibaka, Mbo, Oro nation.

God bless Akwa Ibom State

Aluu Vincent (PhD in View), is a Researcher, Public Affairs Analyst and Publisher of Naija Eye Witness News

Very pathetic and unfortunately unfortunate. A man who contested for twelve years did so just to divide Nigeria. A leopard cannot change its spots. We deserve pity in Nigeria

...to represent South South Interest.

The House of Representatives has set up a seven member conference Committee on Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

Speaker of the House, Rt.Hon Femi Gbajabiamila announced this at Tuesday Plenary.

The Committee has Hon. Akeem Adeyemi from Oyo for South-West as Chairman while the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Hon. Unyime Idem is representing the South South region in the Committee.

Other Committee members are Hon. Ahmad Kalambiana from Sokoto for North-west, Hon.Blessing Onu from Benue is for North- Central.

In addition, Hon. Emeka Chris Azubogu from Anambra represents South- East while Hon. Abiodun Faleke from Lagos represents South West as well as Aishatu Dukku from Gombe North East.

The Speaker said that the conference Committee will work with that of the Senate to harmonise positions on the mode of conducting primaries by political parties, Electronic transmission of results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) among other things.

Rep Unyime Idem to Represent South South in the Committee.

The House of Representatives has set up a Conference Committee to harmonise positions on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila who announced this Tuesday September 28, 2021 during plenary, said that the conference Committee will work with that of the Senate in order to be on the same page on the mode of conducting primaries by political parties, Electronic transmission of results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) among other things.

The Members of the Committee are:

1.Hon. Adeyemi Raphael Adaramodu - APC - Ekiti (South-West) -Chairman

2. Hon. Unyime Idem - PDP - Akwa Ibom (South-South)

3. Hon. Ahmad Abdullahi Kalambiana - APC - Sokoto (North-West)

4.Hon. Blessing Onu - APC - Benue (North-Central)

5.Hon. Emeka Chris Azubogu - PDP - Anambra (South-East)

6.Hon. Abiodun Faleke - APC - Lagos (South-West)

7.Hon. Aishatu Dukku - APC - Gombe (North-East)

Editorial by Vanguard Newspaper

September 24, 2021

IN spite of numerous complaints and criticisms, President Muhammadu Buhari has continued to exhibit tendencies bordering on nepotism in his federal appointments.

Never in the history of this country had one part of this country been favoured with the vast majority of important federal appointments and distribution of projects as in the current dispensation. This is totally against the Federal Character provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigerian 1999 as amended.

Cognisant of the danger that this portends to the unity and sense of belonging of citizenry of the country, we have written several editorials condemning these constitutional violations, all to no avail.

Penultimate week, the House of Representatives also waded into this matter when it came to their notice that the Chairman and Secretary of the Federal Character Commission, FCC, appointed by Buhari were Northerners and Muslims.

The House, in a rare show of pluck since Femi Gbajabiamila became the Speaker, rose as a body to condemn this act when one of its members, Unyime Idem, brought it up. The House mandated its Committee on Federal Character to ensure compliance within four weeks.

That President Buhari took his serial violations of the Federal Character principle into the FCC, the very body created to ensure compliance with this constitutional provision, implies that he is doing it deliberately.

Since this principle was agreed at the Constitutional Conference convened by the late General Sani Abacha, the Chairman and Secretary have always been appointed from the North and South.

This is the first time both are from one region. The FCC Chairman, Muheeba Dankaka, is from Kwara State while the Secretary, Muhammad Bello who was recently reappointed for a second term, is also a Northerner.

Section 14(3) of the Constitution stipulates that “the composition of Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in the Government or any of its agencies”.

Section 4 specifically states: “…But in the case of where two positions are available, the positions shall be shared between the Northern and Southern zones”.

Buhari should be reminded that it was lack of sense of belonging due to nepotism that led to the upspring of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, the Yoruba Nation and other agitation groups.

It is unfortunate that the National Assembly kept mute till now while the presidency toyed with the Constitution. These imbalances must be corrected.

Etokowo Owoh

There were opportunities in the past, there are opportunities today, and there will be even greater opportunities in the future, for those who dared to explore the world to berth breath-taking innovations in history. Usually, such opportunities when they are being hatched, defy the attention of the world, even its immediate environment until they become irrefutably obvious. The world is full of “Thomases”, where seeing is believing. That seemed to be my observation on the 17th day of September 2021, when I attended the grand finale of AKWA IBOM TECH WEEK, 2021, held at Emerald Event Centre in Uyo. I am convinced not many Akwa Ibom people took studied notice of the Tech Week. Not even many would appreciate the import of the paradigm shift, and that 5-years from now, the result of this effort will certainly re-define the State technology landscape and re-configure the socio-economic character of our young people.

The event, sponsored by Inoyo Toro Foundation, brought together techno-hungry, techno-passionate, young Akwaibomites who are ready to dare the IT world, willing to learn, and ready to debut their talents in the process of breaking loose from the hackneyed civil service state, politically laden and failed wealth creation mentality. This also included 72 already identified candidates who had applied to be part of a pitch competition. What was perhaps more germane, and exciting, was the array of equally young Akwa Ibom sons and daughters, who are miles ahead of their time, a galaxy of indigenes who are making their marks in the IT industry and who voluntarily came together to support, educate, and encourage their younger generation on the mechanics and business dynamics of the IT industry; and to help them navigate what many of the locals may think is impossible.

These include Usoro Anthony Usoro who is the CEO, Y’ello Digital Services at MTN Nigeria; Otto Abasi Williams, the Senior Vice President, Head of Partnerships Innovation and Digital Solutions at VISA, Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa; Nsikan Utuk, a Technology Strategy Consultant; Mark Essien, the Founder/CEO at Hotel.NG; Aniedi Udo-Obong, Program Manager, Developer Ecosystem for Sub-Saharan Africa at Google; and Awana Efiong Esang, M/D/CEO, Primera Microfinance Bank. This galaxy of young stars and highflyers in the IT community lent their support to Mr. Udom Inoyo, Advisor, Inoyo Toro Foundation, and immediate past Vice Chairman, ExxonMobil Nigeria whose job, beyond the sponsorship, set the tone for the day’s business with a most encouraging, opportunity-loaded keynote address.

A few things from Inoyo’s keynote address became apparent and significant from this weekend's business refreshment. First were Mr. Inoyo’s words to the youth whom he advised not to worry about the current visible signs of poverty, but work to create lasting prosperity. Because present hardship the youth are experiencing is nothing but a blue sky which will soon give way to prosperity if they remain focused. To him, “If there is any subject that should engage everyone’s attention today, it should be about evolving a society that creates opportunities for our youths and challenges their psyche in terms of not only how they see themselves but also how the outside world perceives them”.

The second was the very low government presence at the occasion. This indicates that other than the government, other members of the Akwa Ibom community, from all demographics, could cooperatively fashion innovative development solutions to complement state government initiatives. Third, the gathering itself suggests that there are other sets of 72 (indeed more) young Akwa Ibom indigenes who can leverage opportunities of this nature across sub-sectors of our economy from where they could be groomed and encouraged to form a critical mass of ready to dare Akwa Ibomites. It is also germane to note the many kinds and empathetic big brothers who could be brought in to help salvage the ship of our young ones who are victims of several years of economic mismanagement. That rather than condemn, our veritable youths could be unhooked from the hanger of failure and paucity of opportunities. Indeed, with many of such events in our clime, even the other youths amongst us whom we see as irredeemable, could be turned into success stories.

Pretenses aside, we should asterisk the cooperative initiatives of Mr. Udom Inoyo, Aniekan Ukpanah, Managing Partner of Udo Udoma, and Belo-Osagie, a leading commercial law firm (who donated the one-million-Naira prize money to first place winner at the Pitch Competition slated for October 8, 2021, and hours of free legal counsel), Nsikak John, Head, Enterprise Innovation at the Nigeria Exchange Group (NGX) who facilitated a partnership with Africa Fintech Academy – a strategic development partner. The Academy will be deploying a build and growth boot camp for all the 72 idea owners at N1.5 million each. There are many others: Hanson John, Managing Director/CEO, Start Innovation Hub, Eric Ekwere, Ubong Ekefre, and Idotenyin Isaac to mention a few.

The Akwa Ibom Tech Week represents one example of the many avenues we can come together to provide platforms for our youths to be empowered to tap into opportunities. Futuristically, Tech Week is a route to the world IT market and benefit from the local, national, and international technical and financial support systems to transform the State into an IT hub. Our youths want to become key solution providers in the renewed drive to create new wealth, stem unemployment, reduce over-dependence on government, and free themselves from the hackneyed yet unsubstantiated accusation of being lazy, unimaginative, and non-adventurous.

Our youths are talented, gifted, but they should be harnessed, supported, and guided to hold their own in the world. Hitherto, it would appear private sector encouragement was lacking in supporting youth activities. Despite the government's concerted efforts, a large chunk of the Akwa Ibom youth population could not be adequately accommodated in the ongoing transformation because development was not sufficiently multi-sectoral and with a diversified support base. Public-private sector collaboration was few and perhaps driven by individual egos. Inoyo Toro Foundation for the last 14 years has pointed the way to better social responsibility activities that emphasizes collaboration and networking. By sponsoring Tech Week and calling forth our sons and daughters to join hands to build a new future, the Foundation is set to unleash new succor on the youths. The aim is to re-invent the Akwa Ibom youth as a key component in the process of re-defining the State’s business landscape. Principally, it is to harness youth energies and take a key interest in the emerging future where only knowledge-based systems will survive. Public responsibility should be to select, train, incentivize, and create a pool of investment funds to grow a crop of Akwa Ibom youths who are willing, ready, and able, to swim in the rich waters of modern technology.

The week-long event sensitized the youths to have self-confidence and utilize their potentials vis-a-vis the myriad of opportunities in the IT world. The program covered all the senatorial districts. From the ensuing interactions and discussions that followed, it is obvious that a major challenge of the youths was the business geography of the State which seems insular and “limits” the extent of their forays into the IT world. There was the fear of resources scarcity to forge ahead with marketable IT solutions, particularly finance. There was gender phobia which tended to limit the female youth population. There was also the paucity of institutional support and excessive political pollution which blocked the visions of our young ones. All these fears were categorically, practically, and sincerely allayed. The IT industry is a distance enabler. The ability to constrict the world into a ‘small global community’ is made possible by IT. And this has opened opportunities for everyone, irrespective of distance. Not long ago, we talked about paperless offices. The covid-19 pandemic has brought the benefit of working from home and keeping even multiple jobs.

The Pitch Competition which has already attracted prizes ranging from one million Naira to three hundred thousand and the funding of the expected 72 boot camps valued at over N100 million proves that what matters is not funding as much as it is having winning ideas and having the heart and mind to dare and innovate to create value for the varied consumers of IT outcomes.

And therein lies my reference at the forum to Stafford Beer’s books: The Brain of the Firm and The Heart of the Enterprise, both being resource materials that can ignite mental audacity and passionate hearts to push for success. A hint was also made of the need for participants to appreciate the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and investment finance, through the understanding of financial intelligence. Financial intelligence should be built into all funding templates as long-term expansion, growth, and sustainability should be the hallmark of this very worthwhile venture.

It is envisaged that 5 years hence, the fruits of this seed sown by Inoyo Toro Foundation and the sacrifices of the resource persons drawn from across the globe, Akwa Ibom’s first eleven, this state of limitless possibilities will emerge as an IT destination reminiscent of America’s Silicon Valley, even if a microcosm of it.

Etokowo Owoh is a Management Consultant, Researcher, and Public Policy Analyst

By Agosi Todo, Calabar

There were indications yesterday that authorities of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Cross River State have forced a corps member, Ezeiruaku Ifeyinwa Fidelis, who was allegedly assaulted by a female Army officer of 13 Brigade Command Calabar, Lt. Chika Viola Anele, over an argument, to leave the state.

It was learnt that Miss Fidelis has been allowed to go to her lodge and a flight has been booked for her to leave Calabar for Lagos today.

This followed arrest of Lt. Anele by the Military Police after a report that she had allegedly bathed a youth corps member, with a liquid substance over an argument.

The assault was seen in a viral video where she (Corp Member, Ezeiruaku) in her full NYSC attire, was on her knees and the female military officer ( Ezeiruaku) was pouring and splashing the substance suspected to be mood water on her body.

Sources in the military revealed that Ezeiruaku is attached to the command as her primary Ppace of assignment. Contacted to react to the video, the 13th brigade spokesperson, Tope Aluko, simply said “please I’m in a meeting, I will call you back.”

As at the time of filing this report, she did not call back as she promised. But a reliable staff member of the state NYSC, who spoke in confidence, confirmed the incident, noting that NYSC State Coordinator, Zemoh Andrew, had been on the matter with leadership of the 13th brigade.

But the NYSC state coordinator did not respond to calls and text messages. Sources in the Brigade said the command’s leadership is trying to cover the issue.

“I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him” Abraham Lincoln

There is an Igbo parlance that says “Aku rue uno” meaning that wealth, riches and the affluence of life should be brought back home. In Ibibio dialect, it is translated “Yak Inyene Onyong Edi Ufok”. This has prompted Igbos around the globe to always go back home to establish their presence by way of building a befitting house, attracting development like roads, electricity, water, schools and hospitals, setting up a business and helping their kit and kin to find their feet in life. This phraseology has also given impetus to the apprenticeship system that has transformed boys into men of means and capacity.

If there is one Akwa Ibomite who understands the import of “Yak Inyene Onyong Edi Ufok” that person is Mr. Udom Uko Inoyo, former Vice President of ExxonMobil, founder and Advisor of Inoyo Toro Foundation. He has since understood that we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give and that a man is remembered for what he gives and not what he takes knowing that what he builds outlive what he tears down.

As a key player in the oil and gas industry, has ensured that whatever good he sees outside is brought back home to Akwa Ibom State. Inoyo has displayed a rich culture of Akwa Ibomness; the culture of resourcefulness, live and let’s live, be your brother’s keeper and ensuring that Akwa Ibomites are encouraged to rise to the faith of greatness while living their dreams.
Inoyo played valuable role during the resource control era. Buttressing on some of Inoyo’s commitment and Akwa Ibomness, Chief Assam Assam SAN wrote, “I recall when we, as a people, were engaged in the fight for resource control. Inoyo was then the leader of the Akwa Ibom professionals in Lagos, a group vehemently opposed to the Supreme Court judgment that deprived Akwa Ibom state from benefiting from the 13% derivation payments. He, Inoyo, anchored the compilation of the literature which in no small measure whipped the conscience of the country to adopt the political solution of the resource control imbroglio”. Senator Anietie Okon and Uko Udom SAN, who served as advisers to the late General Philip Effiong, (Akangkang of Ibibio nation) can bear witness of Inoyo’s invaluable contributions.

Inoyo led a delegation of Mobil to a Committee hearing on the Niger Delta Development Commission where he pointedly questioned the lack of proper utilization of Mobil’s share of contributions to NDDC. How can we forget the Eket- Ibeno road project, a distance of 15 or so kilometers used to take hours with attendant safety issues? Those who were privy can attest to the fact that Inoyo it was who convinced the management of MOBIL and the Government to take over the road project from NDDC. He got Mobil to contribute a whopping N8 Billion towards the construction of the two lanes road.

As General Manager, External Relations, and Member MPN Leadership Council, Inoyo superintended over the Akwa Ibom State/MPN/Schools Athletics and Championships, a sport talent and skill discovery programme which ran for a whole of 15 years. Veteran Sports Administrator, Paul Bassey made it clear that on Inoyo’s table was the decision to fund and host a competition dedicated to the honing of the athletics fortune of the youths, in schools and colleges of Akwa Ibom State. That seed has paid off as the state boasts of a cream of talented young men and women who passed through this programme to establish themselves in the national and continental limelight of sports. It also promoted grassroot sports development at the time, provided sport equipment and incentives to schools and individuals, such as spike shoes and one-off scholarships to winning athlete students.

For 14 years and still counting, Inoyo painstakingly and progressively began changing the narratives and creating a platform for Akwa Ibom state to launch itself into the knowledge economy era with all the resultant benefits. Through the Inoyo Toro foundation, more than 5040 students have been mentored, 3500 teachers trained, 235 teachers empowered, 3 principals rewarded, more than 90 schools reached across 30 LGAs of the state costing more than 400 million naira. In 2014, he opened a library in his village, Ikot Okoro Ubium, to provide learning aids and create access to research and development of reading and writing skills in secondary school students.

In 2015, he facilitated the start-up of the International Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Research (ICEESR) in University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Are you also aware for many years now, the man, a trained journalist has been sponsoring and providing scholarship for students at the International Institute of Journalism? He partnered Royal Arts Academy to berth the first ever film monotechnic in Akwa Ibom State. He sponsored 31 Akwa Ibomites to undergo training in creative and performing arts – acting, directing, editing, script writing, movie production and cinematography.
He got ExxonMobil to partner with the International Finance Corporation, IFC, the private sector investment arm of the World Bank, to bring in their flagship entrepreneurship development programme at the time, Support and Training Entrepreneurship Program (STEP) to the state to capacitate Akwa Ibom citizens to establish, run and grow their businesses. He attracted Growing Businesses Foundation (GBF), one of the foremost micro-credit implementing entity, to provide access to critical business finance for Micro and Small Enterprises in the state.
What is more Akwa Ibom than the several pioneering community development projects, employment of Akwa Ibomites into Mobil courtesy of Inoyo? Akwa Ibom indigenes alone constitute about 35% of all employees of the ExxonMobil affiliates in Nigeria. As at 2019, Mobil has cumulatively contributed over N160 billion to NDDC, and remits about N7b annually in payee tax to the Akwa Ibom State Government.

Just few days ago this patriot who takes delight in supporting his fellow compatriots, sponsored the Akwa Tech Week 2021, the aim of which is to groom young innovators and ICT savvy youths. He said: "as you know, the 21st-century economy will be largely anchored on technology and innovation, and if this country must make progress, we must look in your direction. Society is bedeviled with many problems, but these struggles are also opportunities, which some of you have already identified. I salute you for this, and for being audacious, savvy, and ready to conquer the world, notwithstanding your name, location, circumstances of birth, etc. I thank you because in stepping up to be counted, we are assured that the future of this state is secured and that the industrialization drive of the government of Governor Udom Emmanuel will not be a waste."

At the end of boot camp for the innovators, he announced sponsorship of 72 idea owners to the build and grow boot-camp capacity building to be organized by Fintech Academy estimated at over 100 million naira. He said it was his own way of raising the next generation of leaders who would help stimulate capacity development and enhance economic growth in the state and beyond.

An exceptional leader is one who thinks differently and out of the box. While some leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown were providing food for the people, Udom Inoyo thought of how best lives can be saved. Through the Inoyo Toro Foundation and Stanbic IBTC/JNCI, Inoyo donated a PCR machine used for testing, getting results and treating of COVID 19. Akwa Ibom State Government is now conducting more COVID 19 tests and saving more lives because it is the only State Government in Nigeria that is administering two Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) facilities, at the moment. The PCR machine as sophisticated, exorbitant and significant as it is was donated without fanfare, nor the usual ribbon cutting as is the norm in our clime. This is because for Mr. Inoyo not every act of philanthropy is a thing for the cameras. Mr Udom Inoyo deserves our commendation especially as this life-saving machine which detects COVID-19 variant at its latent phase has helped to save lives of numerous patients in the hospital, homes, multinational organisations, etc, including several high-profile indigenes of Akwa Ibom State and environs.

Mr. Inoyo through Concerned Akwa Ibom Professionals in Lagos, a body he still serves as Coordinator, had also donated over 11,000 pieces of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the Akwa Ibom State Branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), for onward distribution to frontliners in the combat against the now ubiquitous virus.

I can go on and on to enumerate the Akwa Ibomness of Udom Inoyo.

Let me declare that no one can claim to be more Akwa Ibom than Inoyo, who as an employee and salary earner, chose to think home. The events you will find Inoyo organize or attend are not the ones to open a new house, luxury estate, dedicate a new porch car or throw a lavish party to celebrate a milestone. It has always been an event where a life touching project, training programme or investment for Akwa Ibomites are being launched. By this act of Akwa Ibomness, Inoyo exemplified the words of John F. Kennedy who said, “Ask not what your country can do for you but ask what you can do for your country”.

Aluu Vincent (PhD in View), is the Ubokutomabasi Kiet of Akwa Ibom State and Publisher of Naija Eye Witness News.