EFCC grills MD of First Bank Holdings, Nnamdi Okonkwo by Sodiq Oyeleke

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has reportedly grilled the newly-appointed Managing Director of First Bank of Nigeria Holdings Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo. It was learnt that Okonkwo’s questioning is not unconnected with his alleged role in the transfer of $153m linked with Nigeria’s former petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke from the Nigerian National Petroleum Commission. Though there were reports that he was also detained by the anti-corruption agency, details are still sketchy as of the time of filing this report. The EFCC had claimed that Diezani siphoned $153m out of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and stashed it in three banks in the country. The anti-graft agency had in January 2017 claimed that the former Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Plc, Okonkwo, allegedly helped Diezani to take delivery of the money, and kept $40m with the former Executive Director, Public Sector Accountant, First Bank Plc, Mr. Dauda Lawal, in order to conceal the source. On January 6, the EFCC had approached Justice Muslim Hassan and obtained an interim order, directing that the funds be temporarily forfeited to the Federal Government. The banker’s grilling is coming barely three weeks after the announcement by FBN Holdings Plc that Okonkwo will replace Mr U.K. Eke as the group managing director of the company, following the successful completion of Eke’s two-term tenure. The FBN Holdings Plc’s board said in a statement that Eke tendered his notice of retirement was on August 10, 2021. According to the statement, Okonkwo will assume office as the GMD of FBN Holdings Plc effective January 1, 2022 as Eke’s retirement will take effect on December 31, 2021. It had said Okonkwo would bring to bear on the board of FBN Holdings more than 30 years of banking career spanning local and international experience. His appointment is subject to the approval of regulatory authorities, according to the statement. The statement said Okonkwo has a wealth of experience in transformational leadership, business strategy development and visioning, innovative corporate governance, and risk management. It said he had led the transformation of banks, with the most recent being Fidelity Bank, where he led the management team in seven years to achieve remarkable results culminating in tripling profit and shareholder value. PUNCH.

INEC lists corps members to conduct direct primaries. by Eniola Akinkuotu, Sunday Aborisade and Friday Olokor

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu The Independent National Electoral Commission may be forced to use serving members of the National Youth Service Corps to monitor political parties’ direct primaries across the country if the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), signs the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, The PUNCH has learnt. This is because of the large number of personnel that will be needed to monitor the direct primaries across the 8,809 awards in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. The INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Festus Okoye, confirmed this in a chat with one of our correspondents on Sunday. Okoye said it would be premature to speculate since Buhari had not yet signed the bill. He also said certain factors would be considered. He admitted that the staff requirements for primaries would “change if the President assents to the bill.” The INEC spokesman said some political parties might consider conducting primaries at the ward level, while others might use the local governments or senatorial districts as the criteria for primaries Responding to a question, Okoye said, “Some parties may adopt the 8,809 registration areas (wards) of the commission for their primaries. Some may use the 774 LGAs for their primaries. Some may cluster their primaries around the senatorial districts. “Some may use the state capitals and have a differential period when people from a particular local government area can vote. These things will be set out in the guidelines that will be designed by the parties and filed with the commission at least 14 days before the conduct of the primaries. “When the bill is signed into law, the commission will meet and take a position on how to proceed with each strand and segment of the process. We may use our staff members for some of the primaries. We may use lecturers of federal tertiary institutions for some. We may use staff members of federal agencies and commissions, and we may use corps members. It depends on the tract designed and submitted by the parties.” Also speaking with The PUNCH, a retired INEC director, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, said the use of corps members would be the most feasible if the President assents to the bill. Osaze-Uzzi, who said mandatory direct primaries would increase the cost of elections, stated that the NYSC remained the largest single pool of personnel available to INEC. “It is most likely that INEC will use corps members, because the NYSC is the single largest pool of personnel available to the commission. But more importantly is the cost implication. The cost of conducting elections will be astronomical,” he stated. The commission, according to its 2019 project plan, hired about 2.7 million ad hoc officials for the general elections, many of whom were corps members. The document, which was obtained by The PUNCH, showed that N630m was spent on monitoring political party congresses and primaries in 2018. About N104.8m was spent on monitoring governorship, senatorial, state constituency and federal constituency primaries, while the presidential primary cost N27.8m. Attempts to get a response from the NYSC on the proposal proved abortive as its spokesperson, Mrs Nike Adeyemi, did not respond to inquiries. The National Assembly had last week passed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, which makes it compulsory for all political parties to conduct their primaries using the direct method. The Peoples Democratic Party and the governors of the All Progressives Congress have rejected the provision for direct primaries, while the National Assembly remains adamant. The bill is expected to be transmitted to Buhari this week for assent upon his return from South Africa. However, governors have begun making moves to ensure that he does not sign it. But the House of Representatives and some senators have threatened to veto the President if he fails to sign the bill within 30 days. Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo had said last week that many of the National Assembly members believed the best way for them to win re-election was by the direct primary method, which would not be easily manipulated by their state governors. “The reason (for the endorsement of direct primaries by the National Assembly) as it emerged from our discussions at the tripartite committee was that some legislators felt that party congresses had been completely taken over by state governments, and other legislators, as stakeholders, stood no chance of a fair contest in the primaries if all potential delegates and actors have already been spoken for,” Osinbajo said. Meanwhile, political parties under the aegis of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, have again kicked against the use of direct primaries The National Publicity Secretary of IPAC, Major Agbo, told The PUNCH that it could affect smaller parties, which did not have the finances. He said, “The passage of the Electoral Act due to pressure from the electorate is a welcome development. The wishes and aspirations of Nigerians prevailed at last even though they tried to scuttle it initially. “However, the inclusion of the clause on direct primaries is meant to stifle smaller parties without resources. The resources required to mobilise all party members for the primaries are enormous and will effectively put the smaller parties in difficulty, especially as the parties do not receive any funding from the government as tenable in other climes. “This is not healthy for our democracy as it gives undue advantage to the bigger parties at the expense of the smaller ones. Nigerians should insist that this clause be removed before the bill is assented to.” In a related development, the Senate has expressed optimism that Buhari will sign into law the 2010 Electoral Act (amendment) Bill, 2021, which will be transmitted to him this week. The spokesman for the Senate, Ajibola Basiru, stated this in an interview with one of our correspondents in Abuja. He said only enemies of democracy would envisage that the President would not assent to the bill. “The President has not rejected direct primary and has not told anybody that he will not sign the bill,” Basiru stated. Asked if the federal lawmakers would carry out their threat to veto the President if he declines assent to the bill, Basiru said he did not believe in assumptions. He stated, “I don’t deal in theories. I don’t deal in hypotheses. I won’t answer any question on whether the National Assembly will veto the President or not. It will be an insult on the President for anybody to be thinking that he will withhold assent to the bill. “We don’t have any problem with the President. We have done our work. Let anybody go and tell the President not to sign it. Go ahead. When we get to the bridge, we will know how to cross it. “It is presumptuous for anybody to assume that he will refuse assent to the bill. It is not even healthy for democracy. It is only negative people, who are enemies of democracy, who will think like that.” Meanwhile, the Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, has said the direct primary method is better than the indirect system. Rafsanjani, in an interview with one of our correspondents, however, said the National Assembly should not impose the direct primary method on all political parties without due consultation. “The positive side of the direct primary method is more than the indirect, because of the ways and manners in which it affects political parties negatively. The National Assembly should get the support of other political parties before imposing the method on them,” he said. The National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Kola Ologbondiyan, also said the party was against the imposition of a sole mode of primary on all the parties. Ologbondiyan stated, “Our position in the PDP has always been that the parties should be allowed to determine the type of primary they wish to adopt. “The National Assembly cannot force a singular process on all the political parties.” The PDP spokesman, however, said the party had yet to determine the method it would adopt to elect the candidates, who would fly its flags in the 2023 general elections. “We have not adopted any mode of primary for the 2023 general elections. We should be able to agree on that by the end of the year,” Ologbondiyan added. ,, PUNCH.

Odili’s home invasion was fake CSP’s fifth illegal raid –Police source. by Adelani Adepegba

Justice Mary Odili Lawrence Ajodo, a fake police officer arrested alongside 13 others for laying siege to the Abuja residence of the Supreme Court Justice, Mary Odili, has reportedly carried out the acts on other occasions with the backing of highly placed officials, Sunday PUNCH has learnt. It was gathered that Ajodo had been involved in four similar cases of assets recovery raids on homes of some prominent citizens, including the residence of former military President, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.). A complement of security operatives led by Ajodo, , a fake Chief Superintendent of Police, had stormed Justice Odili’s Maitama residence on October 29, on the strength of a purported tip by a whistleblower, Aliyu Umar, who claimed to have observed suspicious activities at the Supreme Court Justice’s residence. Ajodo, who claimed to be a consultant to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, was paraded alongside other suspects by the police on Thursday in Abuja. Police sources said the incident had led to the arrest and detention of about nine policemen, including a Superintendent of Police, all drawn from Zone 7, Abuja. Ajodo’s alleged accomplices include, Michael Diete-Spiff; two lawyers, Alex Onyekuru and Ernest Igwe; one Bayero Lawal; Aliyu Umar; Maimuna Maishanu; Ayodele Akindipe; Yusuf Adamu and Bashir Musa. Others are ASP Mohammed Yahaya; a journalist, Stanley Nkwazema; Shehu Jibo; Abdullahi Adamu and a Lance Coporal simply identified as Mike. The force spokesman, Frank Mba, had described them as “members of a well-organised criminal gang with a web-like involvement of individuals drawing from their different competences, professional background and social contacts in perfecting the criminal plot.” Our correspondent gathered that the last botched raid carried out by Ajodo’s team on a purported intelligence that huge sums of money were warehoused in a building embarrassed the police leadership. It was learnt that Ajodo used to recruit operatives from the Intelligence Response Team, Force Intelligence Bureau, and other units for assets recovery operations sanctioned by unnamed senior officials. A senior officer stated, “Initially, he used to recruit policemen from IRT, FIB for his raid on people’s homes but policemen stopped going with him on his assets recovery operations after the last failed operation he led at the beginning of the coronavirus lockdown in 2020. The operations were targeted at addresses not individuals. “He later gained some clout at the Ministry of Justice and continued his raids on homes but policemen stopped going with him after the 2020 incident which led to the detention of some officers from Zone 7.” Items recovered from Ajodo included three vehicles, a laptop, two fake ID cards, a printer and a search warrant. PUNCH.

TRIBUTE TO THE CHIEF [BUT NOT THE LAST] IMAM - By Bashorun J.K. Randle

Late Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Garuba Ibrahim Akinola On Monday 2nd October 2017, in the early hours, without any warning Lagos was suddenly under siege from rain, thunder and lightning of sufficient dosage to provide cause for alarm and speculation that what would follow may be a hurricane or tornado. Then came the signal from heaven at precisely the hour when the 8th Day Fidau prayers for the late Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Garuba Ibrahim Akinola would commence. Suddenly, everything calmed down in accordance with the divine intervention and command of the Almighty. For the uninitiated, it was a miracle but for the true believers it was just another confirmation of the faithfulness of the Lord of all and mighty Creator that the gates of heaven had been opened to receive the soul and spirit of the Chief Imam who preferred to be known simply as the Servant of God. Yes, he was a servant alright; but he was also a master and embodiment of the finest attributes of Lagosians – humility; compassion; kindness; generosity and above all, uprightness and probity. He was indeed a role model to many – moslems and Christians alike. Without question, he was a magnet in his own uniquely quiet way – always radiating peace and warmth. He was never flustered. His gait and footsteps were advertisement of his self-assurance and confidence that his life on earth was just a prelude to something and somewhere much greater – just a rehearsal. His place in heaven at the feet of the Almighty was assured by his long years of devotion and service; and on the final day he must have ticked all the boxes and passed all the subjects/ criteria with distinction. The last time I saw the late Chief Imam was after the Jumat prayers which he had just concluded when special prayers were held to mark the anniversary of the demise of Alhaji (Chief) Alade Odunewu who had been a pillar of the Lagos Central Mosque. He looked very frail but he would not shirk his duties. As he was being helped into his car, he gave me and others who had gathered around him a sign that meant “peace be unto you”. He could barely speak but he managed to whisper: “We pray for peace in Lagos and in our entire nation.” For as long as I can remember, the doors of the Lagos Central Mosque have always been open to both moslems and non-moslems for prayers – births/ birthdays; marriages; deaths; and special occasions such as coronation of the Oba of Lagos; Installation of a new Imam; Nigeria’s Independence Day etc. Most of the families whose houses are directly behind the mosque (especially late Alhaji Murtala Egbebi); or opposite/ beside the shops next to the mosque are our family friends and relations. Being moslem or Christian (or whatever) has never been an issue. Within the same houses or compounds different faiths live together and have done so happily for ages. Nobody has ever bothered to carry out the census of marriages between adherents of different faiths or those who were born moslems but converted to Christianity or vice-versa. Nobody batted an eyelid when in the 1950’s, the Lagos Moslem Cricket Club was the darling of cricket fans. As for football, Christians versus Moslems was a major event in the sporting calendar. Indeed, on one occasion, the Gbajabiamila twins (Kehinde and Taiwo) played against each other in the cup final – one played for Christians and the other was in the Moslem team. Neither was disowned by their family!! As for the Nigerian National Football team, the star performer was “Thunder” Teslim Balogun, a moslem who played at centre-forward while the backbone of the team was Dan Anyiam, a Christian who was like a fortress at right-full-back. Typically, on Wednesday they would be fierce competitors in the Moslems versus Christians match but come Saturday, they would be on the same side (in the same club e.g. PWD; Marine; Railways etc. or in the Nigeria versus Gold Coast (Ghana) match). It was no big deal when Mashood Akanbi a devout moslem became House Prefect, and School Captain at Igbobi College, Yaba (a Christian school jointly owned by the Methodist Church and the Anglican Church). During Ramadan, special arrangements were made for him to perform his prayers and also break his fast in accordance with moslem rites. At St. Gregory’s College, Obalende (a staunchly Catholic School), Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi a moslem who is now His Majesty Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III the Alafin of Oyo was the undisputed boxing champion. Not many people know that the Alafin of Oyo and Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, the former Archbishop of Lagos are first cousins. Chief Adebowale Durosaiye Akande SAN was also at St. Gregory’s College. He enrolled as Yahaya Akande but changed his name and converted to Catholicism of his own free will. His wife, professor Jadesola Akande SAN was a Christian. Also at St. Gregory’s College Kayode Erogbogbo became the Senior Prefect regardless of his religion. He was a staunch moslem. As for Chief Akin Disu who is still very much a moslem, he lived as a student at C.M.S (Church Missionary Society) Grammar School in Lagos in the residence of the School Principal/ Headmaster, Bishop Kale. He shared the same room (and bed) with a Christian, Chief Ernest Adegunle O. Shonekan, former Head of State of Nigeria. Over at Baptist Academy, Lagos, late Molade Okoya-Thomas was actually a moslem but there was no doubt about his sporting prowess on the football pitch or the athletics field. Indeed, the school’s formidable 4X100 yards relay quartet was made up of Okoya-Thomas; S.D. Shittu and two others who were also moslems!! No problem whatever. It was long after he had left school that Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas converted to Catholicism with uncommon passion. He was a captain of industry in addition to being the Asoju Oba of Lagos. Also, Alhaji Musiliu Anibaba, former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and Late Alhaji Kafaru Tinubu, former Commissioner of Police and later Minister of Health were classmates at Methodist Boys High School, Broad Street, Lagos. They were not obliged to convert from being moslems to christians. It was the same story with the girls. Alhaja Lateefa Okunnu (nee Oyekan and former Deputy Governor of Lagos State) a moslem attended both Methodist Girls High School and Queen’s College, Yaba. She was not under any obligation to convert to Christianity. Time and space will not permit us to dwell on the vast number of “mixed” marriages – Christians married to moslems. However, one of the most remarkable was that of late Chief Gaffar K. Animashaun (“Lucky GK”) who died a little over a year ago. His father, a moslem, was the head of the Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADSN) while his wife Chief (Mrs.) Yetunde Animashaun was the daughter of the Vicar of St. Patrick Church, Lafiaji. He later became a Bishop. The take-away is that the marriage was blissful and flourished for over forty years. As for their children, they are free to choose between Islam and Christianity. We shall require the services of those who are experts in the appropriate sciences to delineate and decipher the complex social tapestry of those whose family houses (and roots) are in the immediate environ of the Lagos Central Mosque. I have always been intrigued by the lattice of their DNAs and distinct social/ anthropological landscape. Those who were at school with me happily bore a combination of both christian and moslem names and there was no way you could discern their religious preference or disposition. They are still illustrious names – Ariyo; Smith; Oluwa; Johnson; Doherty; Adewale; Kekere-Ekun; Oki; Jones; Thompson; Meadows; Ligali; Raheem; Rahman; Alli; Shitta; Dabiri; Iginla; Usman; Anifowose; Abina; Layeni; George; Wilson; Mcfoy; Augusto; Martins; Thomas; Oni Gbarago; Oni Orisan; Akinsemoyin; Giwa; Balogun; Ojikutu; Fuja; Kuti; Akinsiku; Gbajumo; Dawodu; Lawal; Williams; Jinuaid; Jinudu; Oseni etc. What was a great thrill in those days was the dazzling spectacle of the two Ojikutu brothers on their way from Idumagbo Avenue, on Fridays to the Lagos Central Mosque for Jumat prayers. They were on horseback bedecked in shimmering robes and intimidating turbans. On their way back from the mosque, they would stop at the homes of their Christian friends just to wave their flywhisk or horsewhip as a gesture of goodwill and blessings from Allah – to be shared with all and sundry. It was even grander if they were preparing to make their annual pilgrimage to Mecca or were returning from the Holy Land. We used to skip school just to follow their horses while we chanted: “Alhaji to re Mecca” (The pilgrim is on the way to or returning from Mecca). The history of the Lagos Central Mosque, of which the late Chief Imam was the custodian, is truly fascinating. It was actually constructed by a christian, Mr. Agbebi who was both an engineer and architect. After attending church on a Sunday morning, he decided to inspect the construction of the mosque which he was supervising. Unfortunately, he fell from the roof and died. Also, when the renovation and extension of the mosque was carried out under the leadership of the late Baba Adinni, Alhaji (Chief) Wahab Iyanda Folawiyo, the job was given to an Italian company – G. Cappa Limited owned by a catholic family. Perhaps I should digress and share with you the hilarious antics of a devout moslem, Alhaji G. Thanni, who after Jumat prayers, would stand outside the Lagos Central Mosque while the women textile traders walked back and forth as if determined to entice him. His cryptic reply was always: “Aje” which translates as “No dice”. The ladies would laugh merrily and threaten to come back the following week to tempt him again. As for the late Chief Imam, he took his duties and responsibilities very seriously. Behind his gentle mien and calm disposition was a man of muscular faith. His sermons were direct and fearless – always emphasising the path of truth and faithfulness while admonishing the idle, the corrupt, the wayward, the wicked and the selfish. The message he conveyed was always profoundly moving and cerebral. It cut across generations. One of his most memorable sermons was on the fear of doing the right thing. Another was on the subject of abuse of power (and arrogance of power) without the fear of God. According to him, impunity is the work of satan. Regardless of his status and the powers vested in the late Chief Imam, he was very accessible to both the rich and the poor. I had cause to interact with him on numerous occasions particularly at the Dr. J.K. Randle Swimming Competition (the oldest sporting competition in Nigeria) which commenced in 1928. He not only presented trophies, certificates; and cash prizes to the winners (both children and adults), he donated a trophy. Also, my beloved Auntie Esther (a christian at birth) donated her house at 14 Alhaji Bashorun Street, Ikoyi to the Lagos Central Mosque. As the surviving executor of her will, I had to fight all the way to the Supreme Court in order to ensure that the property was properly transferred, against formidable opposition, to the mosque in accordance with her wishes which I considered sacred. It was the Chief Imam himself who received the property along with the unassailable title deeds on behalf of the Lagos Central Mosque. Indeed, it would only be appropriate to dedicate the property to the enduring love between christians and moslems in Lagos and name it the “Sheikh Garuba Akinola Ibrahim House”. Unknown to many, the late Chief Imam played a quiet but crucial role in resolving many crises that could have degenerated into major conflagration between ethnic or religious groups with dire consequences for Lagos and Nigeria. There was a particular occasion when blood was being shed in Shagamu and subsequently at Idi Araba. It was the powerful intervention of christian and moslem religious leaders that doused the fire that was about to engulf Lagos State. Till the very end, the late Chief Imam wielded enormous influence, but it was always for the common good – never for self-aggrandisement. All the encomiums, eulogies and accolades showered on the late Sheik Garba Akinola Ibrahim are truly well deserved. He was a man of exceptional integrity and impeccable pedigree. His father was Chief Imam. So also was his brother, whom he succeeded. Hence, it was no surprise that he was well prepared to take office as the ninth Chief Imam of Lagos State at the age of 63. He was an Islamic scholar and charismatic preacher. He attended the famous Morcas Arabic School from 1959 to 1961. Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode FCA, the Governor of Lagos State was absolutely spot on when he delivered his audit report as a Chartered Accountant and Chief Executive of Lagos State. “The late cleric was a great man of God who spoke truth to power not minding whose ox was gored, and contributed immensely to the growth and development of the State. He was indeed a respected cleric who was always mindful of his integrity and used his sermons to engineer positive changes in the behaviour and character of his followers. He was a devout Muslim, humanist and bridge-builder and would be remembered for his fairness, boldness and thought-provoking sermons.” Unknown to many, the late Chief Imam was a formidable force in the financial sector. For thirty-two years, he was a public servant at Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC) which is a subsidiary of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Regardless of the reputation of the sector in which he worked and the slew of scandals as well as cesspool of corruption that undermined the management of our nation’s resources, the integrity of Alhaji Garba Akinola Ibrahim was never compromised. When he retired, his record was unblemished. During his tenure as Chief Imam, whatever turbulence or conflict that arose found him preaching harmony and peace. One of such was the selection of a successor to Alhaji (Chief) Wahab Iyanda Folawiyo as Baba Adinni of the Lagos Central Mosque. Co-incidentally, both Sheikh Ibrahim and Alhaji (Chief) Folawiyo died at the age of 79. (So also did Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas). Anyway, there were other issues of a very sensitive nature which the Chief Imam handled with a cool head, maturity as well as commendable and unflappable temperament. Of course, no human being is perfect. Perhaps, the Chief Imam could have been more gender sensitive in an age when women can no longer be confined to “the other room”!! Also, following a conference hosted in Dallas, Texas, United States of America where Lagosians in America invited me as the Guest Speaker several years ago; I declined to participate in a proposed documentary on Lagos which would beam the searchlight on the slum areas of Lagos – particularly the area directly behind the Lagos Central Mosque. I am firmly convinced that such highly sensitive matters are better handled by gently prodding the government to pay attention and remedy matters in order to avoid a major social blight which could crystallise into a permanent underclass of those who are jobless and are prone to temptation to foment trouble. That is a subject for another day. For now let us celebrate the exit of a titan. The choice of Tafawa Balewa Square (which used to be the Race Course) as the venue is very apt. In days of yore, the Race Course was where all lovers of horse racing both christians and moslems congregated on Saturday to enjoy the sport of kings. Alas, it is no more. What an irony, that the 8th Day Fidau prayers for the late Chief Imam are being held on a public holiday to mark the 57th Anniversary of our nation’s Independence from the United Kingdom, on 1st October, 1960. That it rained fiercely in the morning only serves as a reminder that the same thing happened when the Nigerian flag was hoisted up to replace the British “Union Jack”. I was one of the students who served as ushers at the entrance of the V.I.P. stand with Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the Prime Minister as the Chief Host. The seat reserved for Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the leader of the Opposition was most inappropriate. The Prime Minister would have none of it and ordered one of the junior ministers to vacate his seat. The youngest ministers were Alhaji Shehu Shagari (who later became president in 1979) and Chief M.T. Mbu. A suitable seat was promptly provided for Chief Awolowo. On a lighter note, as the dignitaries arrived, their names were announced on the loudspeaker. When Mr. Aja Wachukwu was on his way, his car splashed rain water on one of the bystanders. As the announcer merrily hailed the arrival of Aja Wachukwu, the victim of the water splash protested angrily: “If the Aja (Yoruba word for dog) of the Minister can do so much damage, we should expect worse from the Minister himself”. Nigerians have never stopped protesting and complaining against their ministers. On one thing we are all agreed is that Sheikh Garuba Akinola Ibrahim was a true minister of God. He has earned his place in the bosom of the Almighty Tribune

2023: APC Boils As Power Blocs Go For The Kill By Akinwunmi King

LAGOS – It is now fairly obvi­ous that relentless in­trigues among the pow­er blocs that make up the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are snow­balling into self-consuming designs in the party ahead of the 2023 elections. At the moment, mem­bers of the ruling party are dealing with the issue of the Electoral Act Amend­ment Bill 2021. The National Assembly has deliberated extensively on the report of the Con­ference Committee on the bill as a way of returning democracy to the people. Following the consider­ation of the Conference Committee Report on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill by both chambers of the National Assembly, the lawmakers approved direct primary for selecting party candidates. Before the passage of the Bill by the National As­sembly, there were moves by the leadership of the APC and some governors to alter the aspect of the bill which allows direct primary. As it was gathered, there was a meeting between the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker/Extraordi­nary National Convention Planning Committee and the APC caucus of the NASS and at the meeting, the lawmakers were pre­vailed upon not to support direct primary. The lawmakers, howev­er, did go ahead to pass the bill into law. Not satisfied with this decision, the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), on Friday, launched a fresh tirade against members of the National Assembly, la­beling them products of the same indirect primary they now want jettisoned for direct primary. POLL The APC governors, who are believed to be out to resist the direct pri­mary method, are said to be mounting pressure on the Attorney General of the Federation and Minis­ter of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, to stop Pres­ident Muhammadu Buhari from signing the Bill into law. The PGF, which compris­es governors elected on the platform of the APC, also accused the federal law­makers of smuggling the controversial clause on di­rect primary into the Elec­toral Act Amendment Bill. The Director General of the PGF, Dr. Salihu Mohd Lukman, said in a state­ment in Abuja that the brains behind the inclu­sion of direct primary as the mode of determining party flag bearers for elec­tive posts in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill were quiet on its inadequacies when it worked for them. There are claims that the governors are mobil­ising for a showdown with lawmakers who have also vowed not to give up their position. The governors are said to be pushing for indirect primaries because such an approach will favour them in electing candidates of their choice. According to some politi­cal analysts and observers, the issue of direct primary, factions in some states, dis­agreement among federal legislators and their gover­nors, and some other issues going on in the party, may likely affect the fortune of the party in 2023. The outcome of the last state congresses held by the party is another issue begging for resolution, as the party is having a tough time on how to bring its members together under one umbrella. Investigations showed that serving governors, their predecessors, sen­ators and other major stakeholders in the party are involved in the fight for the soul of the party. Some former governors, who were not successful in the bid to install their successors in 2019, are also said to be steadily pushing against incumbent state chief executives and their godfathers as the logjam created by the recent con­duct of APC ward congress persists. Speaking with Sunday Independent, a political analyst and chieftain of the Coalition of Oodua Self-Determination Groups (COSEG), Gbenga Soloki, said the ruling party must exercise caution ahead of 2023. “Presently, the party is going through a lot of chal­lenges that if they don’t resolve before the general elections, may affect their chances. “In some states, they are having factions, the issue of direct primary has po­larised the party, the gover­nors are trying everything to take over the control of the party, and all these are not healthy for the party. If care is not taken, their members will work against them in the election. “So they just have to re­solve their differences be­fore the election because the opposition parties will capitalise on their loop­holes and mistakes and take advantage of those things,” Soloki said. A top chieftain of the party, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told our correspondent that one of the major prob­lems is the presidential ticket of the APC for 2023 The source stated that five power blocs within the party are hoping to get the backing of the villa. “Everybody wants to control the party struc­ture across the zones. Everybody is claiming access to the Presidential Villa and this is because it is the villa that installed the current APC national caretaker committee. Some governors are using Mai Mala Buni in the quest to achieve their desire. “Former governors and serving senators believe they have access to the Presidential Villa. Every­body is lining up their teams, hoping that the structure of the party will fall into their hands. “Where a governor has a candidate, some ministers and senators are deter­mined to protect their own candidates, so whoever is able to receive endorse­ment of the Presidential Villa will be in charge of the APC structures at the state level. “All former governors, ministers, senators and others who believe the governors are oppressing them, belong to this group. For example, a former gov­ernor from the South be­lieves he is the ‘son’ of Mr. President. He is fighting back because of perceived injustice meted out to his group by the other camp during the 2019 elections. Most of the party lead­ers, who still feel cheated during the 2019 governor­ship primaries and believe they are the pioneers of the party, have formed a camp.”

Why I tattooed Fela’s face on my arm – Troost-Ekong Agency Report

What does Black History Month mean to you? I think it’s a very special month, with everything that has been going on in the world, I think it’s a great way to highlight what black people stand for as well and also just to further educate everyone about different black idols and historic figure. Going into your inspiration and historical figures that you look up to in the black community, starting with Fela (Anikulapo) Kuti, what is it about him that you like? I love his music, I actually got his face tattooed on my arm, so I am a big fan of his music, I grew up listening to them. He is, I will probably say, Afrobeats pioneer, I think everyone knows what Afrobeats is now, but many years ago, he was the first one to combine Yoruba music with calypso and different kind of beats. He was born in Nigeria, so is he a figure a lot of people look up to in Nigeria and I imagined he was very popular? Yes, he was very popular. Of course, he was a bit two-sided because he got himself, but I think he’s a real man of the people, so I think everybody respects what he stood for, always stood for the underdogs and fought for the people. So, he is definitely a name that is massive in Nigeria, maybe the Bob Marley of Nigerian music. Definitely, so, he was a great person. I am sure any Nigerian you speak to and you mention Fela, they will know who he is. What is it about Michelle Obama that stands out for you and that makes you feel inspired? Last year, when I spoke about different people that inspired me, I mentioned Barack Obama of course, being the first black president of the United States. So yeah, Michelle Obama as the First Lady was also very impactful, someone that in my lifetime, you know they were very historic couple, and yes, she has different charity works that she does, many different things, letting girls learn I think is probably her biggest one. And me having a daughter myself, and knowing how important it is to have the quality I think she is someone that represents that and has made the best use of her platform and her voice over the years as the First Lady but even now after to advocate equality and giving young girls the chance as well in the society. I love what she stands for and she is someone different, maybe everyone knows Barack Obama, so this is someone that I want to highlight because again I know everyone knows who Michelle Obama is, but maybe not necessarily what she has done, I think she is a great personality. Burna Boy is a musician from Nigeria. Do you identify with him and what do you think his music and generally as a person, what do you think? Burna Boy obviously being more recent histories is very hot now with his music. He is someone that I grew up listening to in the most recent years, someone that I listen to probably on a daily basis, if it’s driving to training or before a game. I think his music inspires me as well, I think he is maybe like a modern day Fela because he also has strong messages in his music and I love what he stands for. So, he is a great musician, everybody knows who Burna Boy is now because he’s gone mainstream. But even before that, he is someone that I love to listen to and I’m sure I will continue to listen to for the rest of my life. So, that’s why I wanted to highlight Burna Boy, and I think he has a great connection with the UK, coming from a Nigerian heritage is someone I can relate to. Fisayo Longe, a fashion designer, and again got links to Nigeria and England? Yes, I tried today to choose some people that are really in line with me. Fisayo is someone that I have never met in person, I follow her on Instagram, I read about her. I think last year, she was in the top 24 most influential woman and being a young British-Nigerian clothing designer, she designed Kai Collective which is a really cool brand. I am still trying to get my first piece, you know I love a bit of fashion as well, so it’s something that I am going to be flaunting around when I get it. So, yes she is someone that I can relate to, and I love what she stands for, being a young black woman and running her own clothing label with the success that she’s had in recent years, and seeing now that she is battling some of the bigger brands who are somewhat trying to impersonate her clothing and her trademark designs. I love her individualism.

They serve, they steal, they get away by Fola Ojo

Abdul Rashid Maina was Nigeria’s Pension Reform Task Team’s big boss. He was hired by former President Goodluck Jonathan to clean up Nigeria’s corrupt pension system. His monthly salary was about N250,000 per month. But in real life, Maina was worth about N10 billion. How come a middle-class civil servant is worth that much? Well, Maina is not the only one with beaucoup cash and monstrous mansions. Amassing wealth on the back of peasants and paupers who work their tails off on behalf of Nigeria is a lifestyle in Nigeria’s Civil Service. These ‘servants’ are richer than their masters. Maina was one. He was in charge of huge cash. Billions of naira flowed through his desk as pension funds set by law to be paid to Nigerians who have worked hard for years on behalf of their country. Maina cleaned up the trough. A whopping sum of N2 billion was found in his business accounts. But three days ago, Judge Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Maina to eight years’ imprisonment for money laundering offenses. He must be cooling off in the calaboose by now. There was a time Maina was running from pillar to post away from the law and the country he defrauded. We all know Nigerian big thieves. Even when caught pants down, they still ‘lie’ like a dog. These were Maina’s words spoken from his hideout a few years ago: “In Nigeria, multi-billion-naira monthly allocation shared by thieves under the guise of paying pensioners. My task force recovered N282 billion. My team was asked to restructure the Police Pension Office. Minister of Finance approved N24 billion for payment of police pension arrears. N1.5 billion is given every month for police pension. The actual amount needed was N488 million. At the Police Pension Office N300 million was shared every morning like armed robbers’ loot. For a long time in Nigeria, N1 billion was stolen every month from the pension. The payroll of the Head of Service was N825 million. N5.12 billion was paid by the government every month. Nigerian Senators are in collusion with pension thieves”. At that time, Maina sounded like the hero hounded by thieves in power. But EFCC proved to Judge Abang that Maina was a hounding hyena of thievery. But was Maina just a scapegoat? Was he a fall guy for the malfeasances of traditional heavy-hitter thieves whose faces we may never see in court? Big thieves in Naija usually face no comeuppance for the evil they perpetrate. There are no practical consequences for defrauding the state even when the fraudsters are caught. Big men don’t go to jail in Nigeria; little people do. Big men come to serve; they steal, and then they get away. That is the narrative. In a few cases where they are found guilty, the punishment is a slap on the wrist. When the dust settles, and the attention of the country is shifted elsewhere, the thieves appeal their judgments, and they are let go to steal some more. Even with a bawling anti-corruption crusader as the country’s president, there is a thriving ancient wall of corruption erected by insanely duplicitous characters. The corruption carnival in Nigeria is still a free-for-all fiesta of stealing. Blisteringly unapologetic thieves and coddlers of blizzards of corruption are still subtly watering the ancient wall. Their contagious viruses of purloining we still see and feel. These garroting and goading goats continue to eat up Nigeria’s yams in a frenzy and in dynamic shapes and forms, and they get away with it. Let us peruse a low-lung summary of the noxious absurdity spun by Nigerian big fellas. Once upon a time, EFCC traced a whooping sum of N34 billion to former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Allison-Maduekwe. Her hidden $37.5 million mansion was also uncovered. Her assets were recently seized, but she is in London enjoying the rest of the loot that escaped the ensnaring hands of the law. Do you still remember $9.8 million and £74,000 recovered from former Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation GMD, one Andrew Yakubu? He, we learned, was warming up to becoming Governor of Kaduna State? What about the former governor of Adamawa State, Bala Ngilari’s procurement fraud totalling N167 million? Remember that too? Former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Temisan Omatseye’s hands were also caught in a hot cookie jar of N1.5bn contract fraud. Former Local Government Chairman in Kogi State, Gabriel Daudu, was also nabbed for 1.4bn fraud. 17 exotic vehicles were also once recovered from ex-Comptroller-General of Customs, Abdullahi Dikko. N50 million was found on former Enugu Chief Justice’s bank accounts. N49 million in five large bags weighing 150kg was once uncovered at Kaduna Airport, owner/owners unknown. $50 million was also found in a Lagos house, owner/owners unknown. This particular one was tangled up within the wired fence of the Nigeria Intelligence Agency. The characters in all of these questions got either a slap on the wrist or a warm hug of “well-done, good boy” from his friends. They are walking free on Lagos and Abuja streets scheming for the next scam. Over 60 years after independence, corruption in Nigeria is still a lifestyle. Don’t believe me? Read up on what Rotimi Amaechi reportedly spoke off record a few years ago to some of his buddies. “Corruption has become our culture; it’s our way of life. Nothing can change it…” Amaechi was once Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, once Governor of oil-rich Rivers State, and now Federal Minister with trillions of naira working capital. He must know what he was talking about. The Nigerian political system by default has nurtured and raised Chairmen/CEOs of cumshaw, commanders-in-chief of Nigeria’s gravy-train, and cockeyed capo dei capi of corruption. It is only in Nigeria that civil servants become billionaires without a track record of where the wind of wealth blew from. Nigeria is an island of wealth. A trough of tintinnabulating treasures. A penstock of prosperousness. A depository of abundant and abounding natural resources. The home of innumerable sages. Arsenal of intellectuals. Harbor of highbrows. The human assemblage of geeks and deft double-domes. She is stupendously prosperous, yet the vast majority of her people are leprously poor. A nation so religious and so pious with splatters and bespatters of churches and mosques, and with millions of Nigerians in daily mad rushes to worship the Invisible God. Yet, the nation is so drenched and marinated in dubiety and impropriety. Poverty rages on and hunger boils hot because people in power serve, steal, and get away with it. Giant of Africa? Give me a break! Does a crown necessarily make a man the king? Do a bloated population and a vast landmass qualify a nation to be called the “Giant of Africa”? Do leaders who are trusted with power in a true giant of a nation steal from their children? When you steal from your children, are you not killing their future? When you kill the future of children, have you not murdered the country herself? My friends, a true giant doesn’t kill the future of her children. She protects it. PUNCH.