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Olowogboyega Oyebade

The Great Reset

by Bioreports September 3, 2020

written by Bioreports

By Olowogboyega Oyebade

Are you aware that the World Economic Forum coming up in 2021 will be devoted to a theme titled: “The Great Reset” which will entail a series of virtual dialogues to bring together global stakeholders to interrogate post COVID-19 scenarios? Do you know to be pushing the reset button to create well-being for people of this State in line with the dream of Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, the Governor of this State? Jennifer Morgan of Greenpeace International, cuts in:

“ We’re now in a different world. We need to ask, what can we be doing differently – to be pushing the reset button and looking at how to create well-being for people and for the Earth? ..Government funds need to be invested in people for long-term jobs. When we listen to the science and we have clarity on what we need to do, we can address these crises. We know the people who are being impacted by it. We know what the solutions are. I think the key is to put the health of people and the planet first.”

Can you believe that the promoters of the World Economic Forum are not the only one calling for a reset mode? Do you know that a survey by the International Trade Union Confederation found that only one in five (21%) of its 86 member countries during this pandemic, provided sick leave with pay for all or some workers? Do you know that this is a reflection that employers around the world are groping, a situation that reflects the need for reset through social dialogue to ensure that employers and workers are on the same during these troubled times and each party of the divide must show understanding? The voice of Sharan Burrow, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) cuts in:

“I can see how we could use this opportunity to design a better world,… to make it work. Solidarity and sharing and deciding on how you protect people – both within nations and globally – is absolutely critical at the moment. So public support for people and, of course, of the social dialogue are crucial. If you’ve got workers, employers and civil society at the table with governments at all levels, then you can design the kind of future that takes into account the right priorities for people, for the planet and for stable economies.”

Are you aware that the Governor of the State of Osun, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola inaugurated Osun Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corps Board and the Independent Complaints Board on Thursday, 27th August, 2020? Do you know that the two Boards peopled with our best in the State, leave no one in doubt that this administration means serious business in security of lives and property at every coordinate in the State? Do you know that the Federal Government needs to key in and promote this popular approach as a compliment of internal security arrangement rather than finding other ways? You care for more? Come along.

Are you aware that on Friday 21st August, 2020, Police Inspector General Mohammed Adamu disclosed that much of the N13 billion just approved by President Muhammadu Buhari for the take- off of community policing in the country will go into training, sensitization and purchase of equipment for some people to serve as community police? While doing that, do you know that he warned vigilance and neighborhood watch groups against using the community policing programme to get involved in “illegal possession” of arms? The voice of the IGP cuts in:

“Community policing is a strategy. It is not a new police structure that is being created but within the police we re-strategise and then bring in community based initiatives. The implementation has gone far… For the benefit of doubt, anybody seen with any prohibited firearms will be arrested and prosecuted. Even if you are a recognised vigilante group called any name that is given to you by the state government that created you as a vigilante group or neighbourhood watch, created to help law enforcement agencies in fighting crime if you carry firearms that you are not licensed, you will be prosecuted and you will go to jail.”

Are you aware that the Minister of Police Affairs Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi also disclosed that the Ministry of Police Affairs is working closely with the leadership of the Nigeria Police to put in place a security structure across the country to secure lives and properties? His voice cuts in: “The idea is to improve on existing police/community partnership… State and Local Government implementation committees have been set up in all the States while recruitment in L G is in progress.”

Do you know that this position contradicts the popular opinions in States, an opinion that has has elicited two variants of theses, namely: the DAWN Commission/Federalist Proposition and the Governor Ortom’s School or the Benue Thesis? While the first school sees security as a shared responsibility in a Federal system that must wear local content and be compatible with the geography and culture of the area, do you know that the Governor Ortom’s School or the Benue Thesis is of the opinion that rather than arguing about the structure and command of community policing, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State made a fresh case for Nigerians to be allowed to bear AK-47 rifles for self-protection and defence in view of the general insecurity in the country and that the Police should only assist in the training of the Vigilance Groups set up by each State? Governor Ortom cuts in:

“… We have arrested about 400 herdsmen and some are not even Fulani. But majority of them are Fulani and we have prosecuted them. Today, we have convicted more than 130 herdsmen who are already serving various jail terms and some have paid fines. We have arrested over 9000 cattle, ,,,On the issue of foreign herdsmen coming into the country, I am happy that the Inspector General of Police some few days ago did say that these herdsmen are not Nigerians. That is what I said about two to three years ago. I knew it. .. I was able to do my independent investigation and knew that these people are coming for an agenda. Nigerians must wake up… I heard people complaining that Ortom called for Nigerians to be allowed to carry sophisticated weapons and that it would bring about anarchy. What about the herdsmen who are carrying AK-47 and kidnapping innocent Nigerians, raping our women and destroying our villages and towns and becoming a terror to us? Why can’t we collect these sophisticated weapons from them? How many of them have been arrested? I am aware that some of them have been apprehended, but majority of them are still there with these AK-47. This is a suggestion that the Federal Government should take up seriously ..It is left for the Government to look at it. I still stand with my suggestion.”

Have you heard the news that on 26th August, 2020 that President Buhari, whose second tenure expires in 2023, assured Nigerians and the international community that his administration will use the remaining years in office to prosecute a nine-point agenda for his government, which include: building a thriving and sustainable economy; enhancing social inclusion and reducing poverty; enlarging agricultural output for food security and export; attaining energy sufficiency in power and petroleum products and expanding transport and other infrastructural development, expanding business growth, entrepreneurship and industrialization; expanding access to quality education, affordable healthcare and productivity of Nigerians; building a system to fight corruption, improving governance and creating social cohesion and improving security for all”? The President cuts in:

“Nigeria strongly supports joint action to ensure a democratic and fair world order based on strict respect for the norms of international law, … These include our cooperation in strengthening regional, continental and global peace and security, resolving complex issues, settling conflicts, addressing dangerous threats to mankind, which include terrorism, proliferation of small arms and light weapons etc”

Have you heard the news? Are you aware that on Thursday 27th August, 2020, Dr Ademola Adesina was elected for second term of office as President of African Development Bank? Do you know that the election took place on the final day of the 2020 Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank Group, which was held virtually for the first time in the Bank’s history? Do you know that the election result, which gave him a hundred percent of votes of all regional and non-regional members of the Bank, was announced by the Chairperson of the Board of Governors of the Bank, Mrs. Niale Kaba, Minister of National Planning of Côte d’Ivoire? As newly re-elected President, Dr. Adesina, a former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture, do you know that he will begin his new term on September 1, 2020? Do you know that as the President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, made history as the first President of the Bank to be re-elected via a hundred per cent votes by the Bank’s Board of Governors and other stakeholders? Do you know that he is a globally renowned development economist, World Food Prize Laureate and Sunhak Peace Prize Laureate? Do you know that President Buhari also felicitated with him? His voice of acceptance cuts in:

“Of course, right now, the sound that is the loudest in my ears is the announcement of my re-election as President of the African Development Bank for a second term…We also made history by re-electing me by 100 percent votes via a vote. .. it shows that all voices were heard, it shows that we are true to the constitutive test of our bank. The future beckons us for a more developed Africa and a much stronger and resilient African Development Bank Group…, while further strengthening the institution, for greater effectiveness and impacts.”

Have you heard another good news? Are you aware that on Thursday 27 August, 2020, it was reported that the Canadian government appointed a Nigerian-born Canadian, Kaycee Madu, as the Justice Minister and Solicitor General of Alberta, a Province in Canada to replace Doug Schweitzer, the new Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation? Do you know that this 47-year-old man was born and raised in Southeast Nigeria, graduated from the University of Lagos with a law degree in 2001 and practised law in both Nigeria and Alberta? Do you know that he and his wife relocated to Canada in 2005? Do you know that he was first elected as a Minister in Alberta in the April 2019 general election and prior to his current appointment, he was a member of the Legislative Assembly of the Province, representing the District of Edmonton-South West after winning the 2019 Alberta general election? Do you know that he is expected to spearhead the changes in the Police Act, and provincial election finance laws proposed by the Select Special Democratic Accountability Committee? Do you know that Madu is the first black man to occupy either Provincial or Federal Justice positions of the Justice Minister, Attorney General or Solicitor General in Canada? While reacting to his appointment, his voice cuts in:

“I spent my entire professional career fighting for those who lacked means, including at Legal Aid Alberta, Labour, Immigration, and Human Rights Tribunals, and in the courts. My views on the application of justice and equality will always be integral to who I am as a father, husband, citizen, lawyer, and politician. I am determined to make sure our justice system represents all Albertans in a way that is fair and accountable. In particular, I believe Modernizing the Police Act will be a necessary step towards ensuring equality for marginalised people before the law, and I look forward to that important work ahead.”

Have you heard the news that on Monday 24th August, 2020, Africa was declared free from wild polio by the Africa Regional Certification Commission? Do you know that in 1996 poliovirus paralysed more than 75,000 children across the continent, an outbreak that propelled Nelson Mandela to launch “Kick Polio Out of Africa” programme that year? Do you know that since 1996 billions of oral polio vaccines were provided? Can you recall that in 2003, Kano and a number of other northern States in Nigeria suspended immunisations following reports by muslim religious leaders that the vaccine was contaminated with an anti-fertility agent as part of an American plot to make Muslim women infertile, a claim that laboratory tests by Nigerian scientists dismissed? Can you recall again that in 2013 nine female polio vaccinators were killed in two shootings thought to be carried out by Boko Haram at health centres in Kano? Do you know that the campaigns against polio enjoyed the partnership of the WHO, the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and UNICEF, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation joined in 2007, followed by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance? The statement of John Hewko, General Secretary and CEO of Rotary International.World Health Organisation cuts in:

“Today’s victory over the wild poliovirus in the African region is a testament to what can happen when partners from a variety of sectors join forces to accomplish a major global health goal. It is something the world can and should aspire to during these turbulent times.”

In a swift reaction on Tuesday, 25th August, 2020, the voice of President Buhari cuts:

“This is indeed a truly historic event. I recall shortly after assuming office in 2015, I made a pledge to Nigerians that I would not bequeath a polio-endemic country to my successor. … I can affirm the commitment of all African leaders in this course of action. We must guard this achievement jealously and ensure that we take all necessary steps to prevent the resurgence of this deadly disease, sustian the momentum and leverage on the lessons learnt from the polio eradication to strengthen our health systems, especially primary healthcare and health security”.

Are you aware that on Thursday 27th August, 2020, President Buhari held the Nigerian Council of State, an organ of the Nigerian Government made up of the President, Vice-President, all former Presidents of the Federation all former Chief Justices; President of the Senate; Speaker of the House of Representatives; all the Governors of the States of the Federation; and Attorney-General of the Federation? Do you know that the Council has the following responsibilities: advise the President in the exercise of his powers with respect to the: National population census and compilation, publication and keeping of records and other information concerning the same; prerogative of mercy; award of national honours; the Independent National Electoral Commission (including the appointment of members of that Commission); the National Judicial Council (including the appointment of the members, other than ex-officio members of that Council); the National Population Commission (including the appointment of members of that Commission); and advise the President whenever requested to do so on the maintenance of public order within the Federation or any part thereof and on such other matters as the President may direct?

Do you know that the Council of State approved the presidential pardon granted late Ambrose Ali, the first democratically elected governor of old Bendel State (now Edo and Delta states), controversially indicted over a N900,000 scandal which he later paid but was convicted while he was alive and after whom the Ambrose Ali University in Edo State was named? Do you know that others pardoned include two retired army officers, Col Moses Effiong and Major E. J. Olarenwaju, who were said to be involved in a coup attempt during the Ibrahim Babangida military rule and one Ajayi Babalola, two inmates for pardon, 39 inmates for clemency as part of the strategies put in place to see to the decongestion of our correctional centres, the centres in which we have more than 70 percent inmates as awaiting trial across the country? Based on the strength of the prerogative of mercy occasioned provided for in the Constitution, do you know that Mr. President has directed the decongestion of our correctional centers across the country in collaborative action with the Governors, Heads of Courts in collaboration with the Presidential Committee on decongestion of our Correctional Centres which led to the granting of clemency to over 4,000 inmates out of the Correctional Centers across the country? Do you know that Council also considered a memo presented by the Attorney General of the Federation seeking to appoint representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association at the Federal Judicial Service Commission as the law confers on Mr. President to appoint members of the Federal Judicial Service Commission, subject to consultation with the Council of State?

Do you know that the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning briefed the Council on the Q2 Report that the economy contracted by -6.10 per cent in the second quarter of 2020 (April to June) based on data released by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS)? Do you know that the Minister revealed that the report appears muted compared to the outcomes in several other countries, including large economies such as the US (-33%), UK (-20%), France (-14%), Germany (-10%), Italy (-12.4%), Canada (-12.0%), Israel (-29%), Japan (-8%), South Africa (projection -20% to -50%), with the notable exception of only China (+3%)? Do you know that she disclosed that the Economic Sustainability Programme (ESP) contributed immensely to dampening the severity of the pandemic on growth? Do you know that she disclosed that Nigeria might fall into recession in the third quarter of the year, but that it will be short-lived? The voice of the Minister of Finance cuts in:

“Basically, for the Nigerian economy, our exposure to economic shortfall manifests in the following areas – export earning fluctuations, reliance on import to service substantial part of our expenditure and needs, whether energy, food or industrial supplies, our reliance on export to finance the import and lack of diversification, especially in terms of resources of government revenue. The vulnerabilities we face pre-COVID-19 have been exacerbated by the onset of COVID-19 and the Nigerian economy is disproportionately vulnerable to the twin shock of oil price collapse as well as health crisis because of our over-dependent on oil revenue and the low levels of foreign and domestic investments as well as the decline in foreign reserves. All of this is at a time the fiscal buffers are currently lean and the developments in the world oil market further make it difficult to rebuild those buffers this time, the foreign reserves, the excess crude account or the sovereign wealth fund. Recently, the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics, NBS, released our Q2 2020 GDP report which showed that for second quarter 2020, GDP growth was negative of 6.1 percent, bringing cumulative half year 2020 GDP growth to – 2.1 percent. Nigeria’s GDP performance better than major economies However, it is noteworthy that Nigeria GDP performance was better than major economies. Real GDP growth for full year 2020 is being projected at -4.2 percent by the NBS, but for 2021, we are projecting a recovery of 3.3 percent. This is consistent with the mass recoveries projected across different countries and other regions of the world.

Inflation is expected to remain above single digit over the medium term, given the structural issues impacting in the course of doing business, including the high cost of food distribution. And overall our fiscal risks are somewhat elevated likely due to COVID-19 related disruptions which have exacerbated the structural weaknesses in the economy. We continue to face significant challenges, especially with respect to revenue generation and that is why the key reforms, such as the strategic revenue growth initiative that the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning is driving hard will continue to be implemented with increased vigour. The implementation of the reverse 2020 budget will also be accelerated. Capital releases which stood at N445 billion at the end of June before the reverse budget was passed, is now up to N1.2 trillion. The current coordinated efforts of the Federal Government to contain COVID-19 pandemic, especially the N2. 3 trillion economic stimulus plan, would reposition the economy on a sustainable part of rapid recovery, though it’s likely that the Q3 GDP growth will be negative, which means relapsing to a recession, our hope is for a short-lived recession.”

Hurray! Do you know that the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, on Friday 28th August, 2020 directed licensed bureaux de change operators to sell dollars to customers at a rate not higher than N386 to the dollar? The circular signed by the Director, Trade and Exchnage Department, O.S. Nnaji, of the Central Bank cuts in:

“As part of efforts to enhance accessibility to foreign exchange, particularly to travellers, following the announcement of the limited resumption of international flights by the Minister of Aviation, commencing with Abuja and Lagos, the CBN hereby wishes to inform the general public that gradual sales of foreign exchange to licensed BDC operators will commence with effect from August 31, 2020.”

Have you heard the news that the Governing Board of the Nigerian National Merit Award was constituted on Friday 28th August, 2020 by the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, a board saddled with the responsibility of identifying, recognizing and rewarding Academic excellence? Do you know that the Board was urged to promote intellectual and academic attainments for national development as only people of proven integrity and academic excellence in their various field of human endeavor will achieve sustainable development for the country? Do you know that President Buhari is not leaving any stone unturned in recognizing any good talent that can add more values to excellence in the country? You want to know more about that? Come on!

Have you heard the news that President Buhari appointed Daniel Amokachi, 46, as Special Adviser on Sports according to a letter of appointment dated 17th August 17th 2020 and signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha? Do you know that Daniel Amokachi, born on 30th December 1972, is a Nigerian former professional footballer, and former assistant manager of the Nigeria national football team and a technical director since 2006? Can you recall that early this year, he was named Nigeria’s Football Ambassador, a ceremonial role that he is expected to mentor youngsters? Do you know that this recognition by Mr President is to encourage the youth to be up and doing in their chosen careers? Do you know that he played in Kaduna with Ranchers Bees, played for Club Brugge of Belgium, Besiktas of Turkey, Everton of England and Colorado Rapids? Do you know that he played in three World Cup finals in 1994 and 1998, won gold in Atlanta 1996 Olympics, won two Africa Cup of Nations as both player and Assistant Coach, to Stephen Keshi, Austin Eguavoen, Samson Siasia and Lars Largerback? Do you know that he retired to coach the U-23 National Team, served as Assistant Coach of the Super Eagles and coached Nasarawa United?

Do you know that he had pretty performances in World Cup Tournaments, rated third in the African Footballer of the Year award three times and scored the first goal of the UEFA Champions League with Club Brugge on 25 November 1992, beating CSKA Moscow 1–0? Do you know that he won the FA Cup with Everton in 1995, scoring two goals in the semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur? Do you know that he played many international matches for Nigeria, and was part of the team that participated in the 1994 FIFA World Cup and 1998 FIFA World Cup, won the 1994 African Nations Cup and helped win the Olympic gold medal in 1996, scoring in the Gold Medal game itself against Argentina? Do you know that the recognition Mr President is giving to this ace footballer should be commended seriously, a recognition that is denied some other ace footballers in some West African countries? Do you know that Didier Drogba’s candidacy to be Côte d’Ivoire Football Federation President has been frustrated by the powers that be? You care for more? Come along.

Do you know that Didier Drogba was born on 11th March 1978 and is an Ivorian retired professional footballer who played as a striker and became the all-time top scorer and former captain of the Cote D’Ivoire national team? Do you know that he is regarded as one of Chelsea’s greatest players, the club’s fourth highest goal scorer of all time and was named in the Chelsea team of the 2010–2020 decade by Chelsea’s fans? Do you know that he was named African Footballer of the Year twice, winning the accolade in 2006 and 2009? Do you know that Drogba made his professional debut aged 18 for Ligue 2 club Le Mans, and at 21, finished the 2002–03 season with 17 goals in 34 appearances for Ligue 1 side Guingamp, moved to Olympique de Marseille, where he finished as the third highest scorer in the 2003–04 season with 19 goals and helped the club reach the 2004 UEFA Cup Final? Do you know that in July 2004, Drogba moved to Premier League club Chelsea for a club record £24 million fee, making him the most expensive Ivorian player in history and helped the club win their first league title in 50 years, and a year later he won another Premier League title? Do you know that his displays saw him named in the FIFA World XI for 2007 and in March 2012, he became the first African player to score 100 Premier League goals? Do you know that in May, 2012, he scored in Chelsea’s 2012 FA Cup Final win over Liverpool to become the first player to score in four separate FA Cup finals? Do you know that he played in the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final, in which he scored an 88th-minute equaliser and the winning penalty in the deciding shoot-out against Bayern Munich? Do you know that he played for 6 months with Shanghai Shenhua in China, and one and a half seasons with Turkish club Galatasaray where he scored the winning goal in the final of the 2013 Turkish Super Cup? Do you know that Drogba returned to Chelsea in July 2014? Do you know that he joined Canadian club Montreal Impact in 2015 as a Designated Player and played 41 matches over two seasons, scoring 23 goals and became a player–owner for Phoenix Rising of the United Soccer League in 2017? Do you know that when he retired at the age of 40, he was with a career record of scoring 10 goals in 10 finals winning 10 trophies at club level, and named as the “ultimate big game player.”?

Do you know that at the level of Cote D’Ivoire, between 2002 and 2014, Drogba captained the national team from 2006 until his retirement with 65 goals from 105 appearances and led the country to the 2006 FIFA World Cup, their first appearance in the tournament, and also scored their first goal? Do you know that he captained the the country at the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups and was part of the country’s teams that reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2006 and 2012 and on 8 August 2014, he announced his retirement from international football and on 11th December, 2018, he became Vice President of the International Organization Peace and Sport? Can you believe that with all these excellent service to his country, Didier Drogba’s hopes of becoming president of his country’s football federation were dealt a serious blow after he was informed that he was ineligible to contest in elections set for September 5, 2020? According to the Ivory Coast Football Federation (FIF) Electoral Commission, do you know that it is reported that Drogba failed to meet a number of conditions in its eligibility criteria as the two names he had submitted as his sponsors were declared not to have the necessary authority to do so, a terrible impediment put on his way by his countrymen to frustrate his desire to transform the sport in the country? Can you now see why we have to congratulate Amokachi as a prophet that is still honour-laden in his country, courtesy of the President? Do you know that we need to honour more people in sports particularly, an ace basketball player in the United States, Akeem Olajuwon, (the Dream)? Do you know that we need to rejig the science and innovation faculties too to honour more people to boost more inventions? Do you know that this initiative will provide fillip to other drives to boost the economy? You care for these other drives? Come along.

Can you recall that last year, in a bid to fast track the roll-out of meters to electricity consumers, NERC introduced the Meter Asset Providers (MAP) programme? Under this scheme, do you know that the regulation provides for the third-party financing of meters, under a permit issued by the Commission, and amortised over a period of 10 years? Do you know that the electricity distribution companies (DISCOs), in line with their licensing terms and conditions, are obliged to achieve their metering targets as set by the Commission under the new regulation, a regulation that was slowed down because of the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic? Do you know that the Federal Government is working to ensure that DisCos commit to increasing the number of hours of electricity supply per day, and quality of service?

To pursue this agenda, do you know that on Wednesday 26th August, 2020, in response to the yearnings of Nigerians, President Buhari directed the commencement of a nationwide mass-metering programme as part of efforts to end estimated and arbitrary billing for electricity as disclosed by the Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), James Momoh? Do you know that in order to make this directive possible, the President also approved a waiver of the import levy on metres, so that those that do not have metres can be supplied as early as possible at reasonable costs? Do you know that measures are already in place to protect the poor and vulnerable in cases of tariff reviews in line with service-based principles and in pursuit of post COVID-19 economic response? The voice of the Chairman, James Momoh cuts in:

“Under these service-based principles Distribution Companies (DISCOs) will only be able to review tariff rates for customers when they consult with customers, commit to increasing the number of hours of supply per day and quality of service. In all cases poor and vulnerable Nigerians will not experience any increase; in line with these expectations….No estimated billing through the strict enforcement of the capping regulation; this means that unmetered customers will not experience any cost increase beyond what is chargeable to metered customers in the same area.”

Are you aware that in the bid to jump-start the economy, the Federal Government is promoting the private sector seriously? Do you know that production of petroleum products in Nigeria is to expand output by 600%, as it opens mini-refinery soon? Do you know that the refinery is expected to contribute about 271 million litres of refined products to the domestic market as disclosed on Wednesday 26th August, 2020? Do you know that this initiative is coming from Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, an independent producer, dedicated to increase the output of its 5,000 barrel a day capacity mini-refinery in Ohaji/Egbema, Imo State to 30,000 barrels a day by 2022? Do you know that the refinery, which is 98% completed, is expected to be commissioned in September 2020? Do you know that the refinery is expected to primarily serve the South-Eastern part of the country, a project that is part of a bigger industrial energy park that will serve as a manufacturing base for oil and gas components to power a 30-megawatt power station which is expected to expand to about 300 megawatts later?

Do you know that Nigeria has desperately tried to revive its refining industry that has languished for years? Can you believe that the nation’s refineries did not refine a single barrel of crude oil in a while year, but reportedly incurred a combined operating expense of N142.07 billion, according to the latest earnings report from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC? Do you know that the NNPC attributed the abysmal operational performance of the refineries to an ongoing revamping process aimed at further enhancing their capacity utilisation once completed? Do you know that the refineries are located in Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Warri and have a combined installed capacity of 445,000 barrels per day but have continued to operate far below the installed capacity? Do you know that Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is also building a refinery with a capacity of 650,000 barrels a day that will help cut Nigeria’s $7 billion annual fuel-import bill?

Can you recall that President Buhari had in March ordered the suspension of international flights to stop further the spread of COVID-19 virus into the country while local flights were also suspended? Do you know that local flights resumed about five weeks ago as the country joined the rest of the world to battle the pandemic, a pandemic that Nigeria recorded its first case of COVID-19 in an Italian who arrived in the country by air in late February, 2020? Do you know that as at today Saturday 29th August, 2020, Worldometer revealed that Nigeria’s Coronavirus Cases are 53,477, deaths are 1,011 and recovered cases are: 41,017? Are you aware that on Thursday 27th August, 2020, it was disclosed that the resumption of international flights, earlier scheduled to resume on 29th August, will now commence on 5th September, 2020 so as to ensure that all non-aviation logistics are put in place? Do you know that a comprehensive list of countries from where passengers will not be allowed to fly into Nigeria will be released next week? Do you know that the resumption of international flights, although inevitable, is a seeming strife against our health sector? Do you know that it will increase the spread of the pandemic and pave smoother ways for the exodus of doctors and other health professionals in the country? Can you believe that from data provided by the United Kingdom’s Medical Council, the number of Nigerian doctors migrating to the UK increased by almost 100 between July and August, 2020 despite the restriction on international flights? Can you recall that the Nigeria Immigration Service had in July, 2020, prevented 58 Nigerian doctors from migrating to the UK because they did not have visas? Do you know that the United Kingdom recently introduced a ‘Health and Care Visa’ policy, which aims to make it cheaper, quicker and easier for healthcare professionals to migrate to the UK? Can you believe that the 58 Nigerian doctors, who were prevented by immigration from travelling to the UK were expected to earn between £51,384 (N25.1m) and £98,112 (N47.9m) per year depending on the experience they have, according to NES Health Care, a UK-based firm? Do you know that other destinations of choice include Canada, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Australia and the United States which recently approved visas for medical workers? Do you know that out of the 33,000 registered doctors in Nigeria, the ones we have practising in Nigeria are less than 20,000, indicating that over 13,000 are all around the world? Do you know that this country has to address the issue of brain-drain in its health sector? Apart from the issue of quality health to the people held as sacrosant by this administration, do you know that the administration is genuinely concerned with the administration of justice? You care for more? Come on!

Are you aware that on Wednesday 26th August 26, 2020, President Buhari challenged the Nigeria Bar Association during the Annual National Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association in Lagos, a conference that coincided with the body’s 60th anniversary, where he was represented by Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, to work towards reforming the Nigerian judicial processes to ensure the speedy dispensation of justice in the country to see judicial reforms that will fast track all court cases so that the longest will be a maximum of 15 months? The voice of President Buhari cuts in:

“I believe we need to step forward and resolve some of the emerging problems of our system of administration of justice. Reform is urgent because the fabric of our society is stitched together by our system of justice and law enforcement. .. We cannot afford to have the stitches undone. The first issue I would like to commend to your consideration is the terribly slow pace of trial in our courts. I’m not a lawyer, but I have been a beneficiary of the judicial process. Reform is urgent because the fabric of our society is stitched together by our system of justice and law enforcement. We cannot afford to have the stitches come undone. The first issue I would like to commend to your consideration is the terribly slow pace of trials in our courts. My question then is that why can’t we have timeliness on all cases? Why can’t we put in place the rules that will state that a criminal trial all the way to the Supreme Court must not exceed 12 months in duration? Why can’t we do the same for civil cases? ..The question of speed raises a related concern in the context of a competitive global economy, the speed of our legal institutions and processes must match up with the global pace of transactions.”

Are you aware that in another development, President Buhari on Monday 24th August, 2020 at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja, while declaring open a Workshop for Nigerian Judges organized by the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption in conjunction with the NJI, said the judiciary arm of government was yet to perform its functions to the satisfaction of Nigerians given the reforms brought about by the Administration of Criminal Justice Act? The voice of the President cuts in:

“In justice, integrity is a necessity. Hence, Judicial Officers and all other members of this sector must always demonstrate manifest integrity. Critically important also, is the sacred duty of the judiciary to ensure that criminal justice administration is not delayed. I am worried that the expectation of the public is yet to be met by the judiciary with regard to the removal of delay and the toleration of delay tactics by lawyers. When cases are not concluded the negative impression is given that crime pays. So far, the corruption cases filed by government are not progressing as speedily as they should in spite of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act of 2015 essentially because the courts allow some lawyers to frustrate the reforms introduced by law. In the face of dwindling revenues and in a bid to reposition ‎Nigeria’s economy, ‘it became obligatory to swiftly tackle two ills; waste and corruption. The challenge is to come up with an integrated approach that balances process and substance, promote clarity to ensure a coherent and realistic formulation of objectives. To this end, the Judiciary is under a duty to keep its house in order and to ensure that the public, which it serves, sees this. Thus, we cannot expect to make any gains in the war against corruption in our society when the judiciary is seen as being distant from the crusade. This will not augur well and its negative effect will impact all sectors of society. Judiciary must always fight delay of cases in court and to also fight corruption in its own ranks, perceived or otherwise. We expect to see less tolerance to delay tactics used by defence lawyers or even the prosecution in taking cases to conclusion.”

We congratulate Mr Adegboyega Oyetola for all the sterling achievements recorded so far and we collectively declare that he is a jolly good fellow as the mass of the people in all the coordinates are hailing and urging him to move on to Kilometre 8, Bola Ige House, Secretariat, Abere. The “Great Reset” for another marathon is here!

September 3, 2020 0 comment

Ayo Fasanmi Olowogboyega Oyebade Op-Ed POLITICS Uncategorized

Fasanmi’s Death, Big Loss To Nigeria

by Bioreports August 6, 2020

written by Bioreports

By Olowogboyega Oyebade

Are you aware that we have to join millions of other Yoruba people and Nigerians to condole with the Governor of this State over the peaceful passage of a rare icon of our State and race, Papa Ayo Fasanmi on Wednesday 29th July, 2020? Do you know that despite the fact that he was born in 1925 at Iye Ekiti and attended School of Pharmacy, Lagos, he lived, practiced as a pharmacist in Osogbo before this State donated him to Nigerian politics, first to the House of Representatives and later to the Senate under the banner of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s political party, the Unity Party of Nigeria, and eventually died in Osogbo at a ripe age of 94? Do you know that till he breathed his last, he fought on the side of the people to bring democracy back to Nigeria, damned all treacherous ways without winking and never betrayed the creeds of Awolowo? As the fearless leader of Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-cultural and political organization, he held to a lofty height, the preachments of integrity in governance, fiscal federalism, regionalism and re-enactment of parliamentary system as roadmap to develop Nigeria? Do you know that this breed of men who can be counted in the bar of history of decent public service is in short supply? How? Come along. The statement of Governor Oyetola on the demise of Senator Fasanmi cuts in:

“Pa Fasanmi’s death, big loss to Nigeria.”

Are you aware that there is no deeper injury done to the heart than to be disappointed by those you trust? Do you know that President Buhari on Friday 31st July, 2020 reacted for the first time on the allegations of corruption levelled against the leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)? The voice of the President cuts in:

“There has been an abuse of trust by people trusted by the previous administration and this administration.”

Have you heard that President Buhari on Friday 31st July, 2020 took a swipe at the military over an attack on the convoy of the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, on Wednesday 29th July, 2020 by suspected Boko Haram gunmen in Baga, while on a trip to Monguno and Baga towns to distribute food to Internally Displaced Persons? Do you know that Governor Zulum expressed doubts on the integrity of the force stationed in the area, an action corroborated and seriously condemned by the Northern Governors Forum? Governor Zulum cuts in:

“You have been here for over one year now. There are 1,181 soldiers here. If you cannot take over Baga which is less than 5km from your base, then we should forget about Baga. I will inform the Chief of Army Staff to redeploy the men to other places that they can be useful. You people said there’s no Boko Haram here, then who attacked us?”

Have you ever thought that the indices listed in your Annual Performance Evaluation Report are to build integrity and excellence? Have you heard of Reputation Poll International, a firm that has released the 2020 list of 100 Most Reputable Africans rated in terms of Leadership, Entertainment, Advocacy, Education and Business? Do you know that the selection criteria are: Integrity, Visibility and Impact and affecting lives positively without controversy? Can you believe that eight Nigerians were listed among these 100 Most Reputable Africans, including Akinwunmi Adesina of African Development Bank and Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, Justice Ishaq Bello, businesswoman, Folorunso Alakija (the rare silent philanthropist who donated a Teaching Hospital for Osun State University, Osogbo), Chairman Forte Oil PLC, Femi Otedola, a Public Policy expert Tony Ojobo, Cardinal Francis Arinze of the Roman Catholic Church and Enenche Paul, Senior Pastor, Dunamis Int’l Gospel Centre? Do you know that a periscope into the lives of two of these personalities will convince you that they are integrity-laden? Come!

Are you aware that Nigeria is in a major win as some Nigerians in international bureaucracy are surviving puerile office politics as manifested in African Development Bank as it heads toward its election? Do you know that in January, 2020, a group of unnamed whistle-blowers levelled 16 claims against Adewumi Adesina, President of the Bank to the bank’s internal auditing body? In line with the instrument setting up the Bank, do you know that the bank’s Ethics Committee in March, 2020 investigated the allegations and reported that they were “frivolous and without merit”? Do you know that in May, 2020, Adesina was cleared of wrongdoing by the bank’s own internal review, a conclusion that did not suffice for some of the contenders who wanted Akinwumi Adesina out at all cost, including the United States which is the bank’s second-largest shareholder, following Nigeria?

Can you believe that in May, 2020, the United States Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin sent a letter to the Bank’s Board, questioning the integrity of the internal probe, calling for an independent investigation into the allegations? Can you believe that these calls for a new investigation were vehemently criticized by some current and previous Heads of State of African nations, who questioned the role that the U.S. should play in the bank’s governance? Do you know that while the bank’s Governors said they stood by the findings of AfDB’s initial review, a compromise was reached and an independent three-member independent review panel was set up by the Bureau of Governors of the bank, including Mary Robinson, Ireland’s former President; Justice Hassan Jallow, former Minister of Justice in Gambia and Leonard McCarthy, former Vice President of the World Bank Integrity Vice Presidency?

Can you believe that the Independent Review Committee found that it agreed with the bank’s Ethics Committee that the allegations against Adesina were “properly considered and dismissed”? Do you know that the panel reviewed about 16 allegations in total and dismissed all of them agreeing with the Ethics Committee findings? Hurray! Have you heard the news that Akinwumi Adesina was not guilty and in the concluding remarks of the report, the committee admitted the innocence of Dr. Adesina? Do you know that it also clears the way for Adesina’s election to a second five-year term as the bank’s President at the end of this month of August, 2020, a position for which he is running unopposed? Can you see the weird way his integrity-test was conducted and can someone, apart from your family, vouch for your integrity? Can you now see that Reputation Poll International was right in its judgement? The remarks of the panel cuts in: “The Panel is mindful of the fact that “absence of evidence is not evidence of absence”.

Are you aware that the former Prime Minister of Britain claimed that Dr Okonjo-Iweala, from Nigeria, would make an “outstanding success” in running the World Trade Organisation and has a record of delivering results in “the toughest of jobs” despite the fact that United Kingdom of Great Britain has a candidate vying for the position coming up on 7th November, 2020? Do you know that the selection process has entered its third phase that would run between July and September 2020, the third phase of a three stage process that would prune the number of the candidates from eight to one? Do you know that a committee of three is already constituted and the candidates would be asked a single question: “what are your preferences”? Do you know that they will not be expected to put negative preferences? Then, we must ask ourselves: can somebody that is not from your town or Local Government or State or country vouch for your competence to deliver results in “the toughest of jobs”? Do you know that the results we deliver as community of practice in Public Service can make or mar the future of our State and country? Do you know that this is called Malabu Syndrome or Dan Etete Novel Virus, more morbid than Covid-19? You care to know? Come along.

Are you aware that on Wednesday 29th JULY 2020, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami said that Nigeria is awaiting the return of $200 million from the Netherlands and Switzerland as proceeds from Malabu Oil deal, involving Oil Prospecting Lease (OPL) 245 and that due to the anti-corruption crusade of the present administration, his Ministry had facilitated the recovery of $62 billion arrears from oil companies as part of Federal Government Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), a sum of $311 million from the U.S. and New Jersey, in the third phase of Abacha loot, another $6.3 million Abacha loot from the Republic of Northern Ireland, all paid into the Federal Government Treasury for utility development such as Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Kano-Abuja Expressway and the Second Niger Bridge in line with the agreement reached with the foreign partners, another N685 million recovered through the help of whistle-blowers within the last one year while N500 million was recovered from forfeited vessels, trucks, and barges? Do you know that these are symptoms of Malabu Syndrome or Dan Etete Novel Virus spreading from Nigeria to many other parts of the world sign-posting lack of integrity in governance? You care to know more? Come along.

Do you know that this administration has done much more to cure our country of Dan Etete Novel Virus, a manifestation of Malabu oil deal? Have you heard of Dan Etete a former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum who was appointed by General Sani Abacha? Do you know that while in office, he acquired illegally, Oil Processing Licence, “OPL 245” through his company called Malabu Oil and Gas Limited? Do you know that the deal was struck within only five days after the company was incorporated with three shareholders; Mohammed Sani Abacha, Kweku Amafagha (a fake name created by Etete) and Hassan Hindu (wife of a former Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK? Can you imagine that Etete illegally awarded to himself the oil block and paid only $2 million out of the $20 million legally required by law to pay to the country? Do you know that the oil block, which is said to have about 9 billion barrels of crude oil, the richest as at that time, was sold to Shell and ENI for $1.3 billion in 2011? Do you know that Shell and ENI did not want to deal directly with Etete, who had been convicted in France for his part in a separate money laundering scandal in 2007 and opted to send the money to an account belonging to the Federal Government of Nigeria in JP Morgan bank, London, believing that Etete would wangle his way illegally to get the money back into his company account despite the fact that he was no longer in power? Do you know that in a country with Etete Novel Virus, there is no difference between the Bank accounts of the country and the private accounts of the functionaries of Government, both civil and political, an abuse of institutions?

As if that was not enough, can you believe that the Federal Government of Nigeria under Goodluck Jonathan and supported by the then Attorney- General of the Federation signed an agreement to transfer $801 million of the money into accounts controlled by Malabu and Etete in Nigeria under the signature and seal of the then Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Adoke? Do you know that the money was then allegedly shared to various public officials in Nigeria under the sharing formula of “ my stake must be higher than yours” as bribes while the government got only the sum of $210m USD as signature bonus on OPL 245? Do you know that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed a nine-count criminal charge against Adoke, SAN, and eight others over the oil block scam, a case that is still on-going? Do you know that the transactions got leaked when a Russian lawyer who claimed to have helped Malabu Oil to negotiate the deal with the Jonathan’s government sued in New York for a $66 million unpaid commission on the transaction, thus making the entire transaction an international embarrassment to Nigeria on one part and Shell and ENI, on another part? Do you know that as at September 2014, there were investigations about the deal in Britain, Italy and the Netherlands? Can you believe that despite international condemnations of the crime, still Shell and ENI denied wrongdoing (in spite of the fact that it fell short of international best practices adopted in international trade of civilized nations)? The voice of Andy Norman of Shell cuts in:

“Over time, it became clear to us that Etete was involved in Malabu and that the only way to resolve the impasse through a negotiated settlement was to engage with Etete and Malabu, whether we liked it or not.”

Can you believe that the amount allegedly shared out as bribes was greater than the entire 2018 and 2019 healthcare budgets of Nigeria, budgets where 90 million people in extreme poverty benefitted annually? Do you know that the study by Global Witness found that, in total, the terms agreed for future oil revenues from OPL 245 will end up depriving Nigeria of $6bn compared to standard Nigerian terms? According to a study by oil consultancy firm Resources for Development, and commissioned by Global Witness, revealed that the OPL 245 license was not a standard production sharing agreement, as Shell and ENI claimed, but instead was listed in the Nigerian Department of Petroleum Resources’ Annual Report as a ‘sole risk’-type contract? Do you know what is so called? You care to know? Come along.

Are you aware that in a regime of a typical production sharing agreement, a government contracts an oil company to lift the hydrocarbons out of the ground and that company is paid back its costs while the taxes and royalties are deducted and the proceeds from the subsequent production from the field are then shared? By contrast, do you know that a sole risk contract transfers massive economic benefits to the companies at the expense of the Nigerian people by giving away Nigeria’s right to its share of the oil produced? Do you know that these anomalies are proposed by the oil companies and our officials endorse the sharp practices to cheat Nigeria? The voice Barnaby Pace, an anti-corruption campaigner at Global Witness cuts in:

“A sole risk contract …is incredibly poor terms for Nigeria…. We know that the criminal and corrupt set up bolt-holes around the world in which to stash their dirty cash, with Dubai being a favoured spot for many.”

Are you aware that on 11th March, 2020, a civil society called Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) revealed more symptoms of Dan Etete Novel Virus that the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) data put revenue losses from crude theft at $1.56 billion and refined product losses at $1.85 billion while companies operating in the sector puts the figure of crude oil losses at N38.54 billion for that Quarter? Curiously, do you know that the Management of NNPC told the House Ad-hoc Committee on Crude Oil theft in Nigeria at a public hearing recently that they had no records of crude oil theft as against the data supplied to the Committee by CISLAC? Can you recall that in August 2019, the National Economic Council (NEC) headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo alleged that 22.6 million barrels of oil estimated at $1.35 billion were stolen between January and July 2019? Do you know that the National Economic Council Committee on Pipeline Vandalism headed by Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, drew attention to Nigeria’s potential risk of losing $2.7 billion worth of oil in two years? Do you know that two profound studies by the Nigeria Natural Resource Charter (NNRC) and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) put the country’s loss to oil theft at N4.57 trillion between 2015 and 2018 and $41.9 billion between 2009 and 2018 respectively, averaging $11.47million/day, $349million/month and $4.19 billion annually? Can Nigerians involved in these economic sabotage be listed among 100 Reputable Africans for 2020 by Reputation Poll International? Do you know that the spate of these abuses are generating new tension on the Derivation Formula for the country? Do you know that the tension is now very high? You care to know more about it? Come along, please.

Have you heard the news? Do you know that the House of Representatives is set to cause an upward review of the derivation fund on natural resources from 13 percent to 50 percent as it discussed the issue on Thursday 29th July, 2020 in a Bill Seeking to Alter Section 162(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 by Increasing the Percentage of Derivation Fund of the Revenue Accruing to the Federation Account Directly from Any Natural Resources to not Less than Fifty (50%) Percent; and for Related Matters’ co-sponsored by Awaji-Inombek D. Abiante (PDP, Rivers) and 13 others? Do you know that the bill was aimed at getting diverse funds for the nation and ensuring local participation in mining so that the commonwealth of the nation could get to duly licensed and registered miners? According to the sponsors, do you know that the pooling of our commonwealth at the centre and its administration is mired with corruption and misappropriation of funds meant for the development of Nigeria’s economy? According to them, do you know that they want Paragraph 2 of Section 162 (2) of the Constitution to be altered by deleting the words ‘not less than 13 percent’ in line 3 and inserting ‘not less than 50 percent’? Do you know that the struggle for this alteration has been on, protracted and crises-ridden because the provision and documentation of these agreements are in the foundational instrument of Nigeria, namely: the Independence Constitution of 1960 as well as the Republican Constitution of 1963?

Do you know that every State in Nigeria is endowed with mineral resources and this bill seeks to ensure that the States and regions where these minerals are extracted from also have their revenues allocated according to the 50 percent derivation fund? Do you know that Osun will soon be Dollar-denominated when active mining commences? Do you know that there has been discovery of one billion barrels of crude oil and gas in the North East part of the country along the Chad Basin in neighbouring Bauchi and Gombe States? Do you know that there are gold fields in Zamfara, Niger, Osun, Kwara, Ebonyi, Kaduna, Edo, and Bauchi States and the FCT; tin mining in Plateau and Nasarawa states; and gemstones mining (including sapphire, ruby, aquamarine, emerald, tourmaline, topaz, garnet, amethyst, zircon, and feldspar which are among the world’s best) in Plateau, Kaduna, and Bauchi states? Do you know that there are very huge deposits of bitumen, about 42 billion tonnes in Ogun, Lagos, Edo and Ondo States, Coal in Enugu, Benue, Nasarawa, Zamfara, Ondo, and Plateau states; Zinc in Akwa Ibom, Abia, Benue, Anambra, Kano and Taraba states; Kaolin in Delta, Adamawa, Bornu, Katsina, Ekiti, Kaduna, Kogi, Sokoto, Ogun and Plateau states and the FCT? Do you know that the call for this derivation formula is not new and to make Nigeria grom, this is the route to take? You care to know about it? Come along. The voice of Abiante cuts in:

“We are lending our voice under this regime of change to review quickly and amend the formula to not less than 50 % according to the Independence Constitution of 1960 and the Republican Constitution of 1963 in S134 (1) (a and b) and 140 (1) (a and b).”

Do you know that the Philipson Commission of 1946 to 1951 based on the revenue sharing formula on 3 factors the principle of derivation, even development and population? Do you know that there was also the Hicks-Phillipson Commission of 1952 to 1954 which also based its formula on derivation, need, population and national interest? Do you know that the Chicks Commission of 1953 gave full autonomy to the regions and formally established a federal structure for the country while the Raisman Commission of 1958 resolved that the personal income tax be made a regional tax which was the federating units then and now States) and had the centre coordinating the laws? Do you know that this Commission created a Distributable Pool Account (DPA) to facilitate collection and sharing of revenue, the equivalent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund as captured in Section 80 of the current Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended)? Do you know that the Independence Constitution of 1960 and the Republican Constitution of 1963 in Sections 134(1a & b) and 140(1a & b) respectively recognizes payment of 50% of proceeds of any royalty received by the Federation in respect of any minerals extracted mining rents derived in any region in the country? Do you know that Section 14 of the Independence Constitution of 1960 also recognized the establishment of the Niger Delta Development Board with the main aim of promoting physical development of the Niger Delta, hence the creation of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on 5th June 2000 was not new to the Constitution of Nigeria?

Are you aware that it was the military intervention that disrupted the people’s participation and keeping faith with agreements reached before independence and unilaterally shifted the bulk of Collectible Revenue to the Federal Government on the premise that it needed resources to prosecute the war and maintain Nigeria’s unity? And what did General Gowon, the then Head of State do? Do you know that the military put in place a decree that gave the Federal Government 100% right of off-shore rents and royalties? Do you know that Decree 13 of 1970 made it mandatory that 80% of all onshore mining rents should be transferred to the DPA, leaving 20% for the States to be shared on the basis of the principle of derivation?

Do you know that In 1978, the then military government of General Obasanjo passed an Act, which had since become known as the Exclusive Economic Zone Act? Do you know that the provisions of the Act in S. 2(1) states:

“Without prejudice to the Territorial Waters Act, the Petroleum Act or the Sea Fisheries Act, sovereign and exclusive rights with respect to the exploration and exploitation of the natural resources of the sea bed, subsoil and superjacent waters of the Exclusive Zone rest in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and such rights shall be exercisable by the Federal Government or by such minister or agency as the government may from time to time designate in that behalf either generally or in any special case”.

Do you know that this Act was not a product of representation, and incidentally, it found its way into S. 44 (3) of the 1999 constitution which states that “Notwithstanding the foregoing provision of this section, the entire property in and control of all minerals, mineral oils and natural gas in, under or upon any land in Nigeria or in, under or upon the territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone of Nigeria shall vest in the Government of the Federation and shall be managed in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly.”

Do you know the Federal Government has now presumably interpreted this provision to mean that revenue derivable from offshore production of oil cannot be credited to the States to which that offshore geographically belongs using the Offshore Revenue (Registration of Grants) Act, 1971 as a guide? Can you believe that on the basis of this interpretation, the Federal Government split oil revenue arbitrarily into 60 per cent: 40 per cent as on-shore/off-shore revenue and proceeded to base payment of the minimum 13 per cent derivation revenue from only the 60 per cent? Can you believe that by this ommision, the Federal Government has merely paid 7.8 per cent of oil revenue as derivation rather than the minimum of 13 per cent enshrined in the Constitution? Do you know that this is a grand malpractice? Can you remember the time the Federal Government argued that its Exclusive Economic Zone should extend to the shoreline of the nations coastal land by 100 metres in land, an argument that came up in Osborne case? Can you believe that the percentage of revenue due to producing States declined from the initial 50% share to 1% in the 1990’s, and subsequently was increased again to a currently 13% share which does not reflect full offshore derived revenues? Do you know that in 1992, the military government of Ibrahim Babangida made an attempt to redress the neglect through the establishment of OMPADEC, an organization that performed dismally, leaving only a legacy of abandoned projects and unpaid contracts all over the Niger Delta? Do you know that in 1993, the agitation of the Ogoni activists led by late Kenule Saro-Wiwa forced General Abacha to nurse the idea of a separate fund for the oil-producing communities? Do you know that at the 1995 Constitutional Conference, it was recommended that in sharing the Federation Account Revenue, 13 per cent should be set aside as derivation revenue to assist the development of oil-producing communities, an initiative to financially empower the oil-producing States of the Niger Delta to tackle the monumental neglect and degradation of the area given the lack of federal presence and ineffectiveness of federal spending in the area? Do you know that this provision of 13 per cent derivation principle was enshrined in the 1999 constitution? Do you know that Nigeria has to review upward this 13 percent Derivation Fund to 50 percent as we migrate to solid minerals explorations and mining? Do you know that we have to support the alteration of the Constitution in this respect? Section 162 (2) of the 1999 constitution provides:

“The President, upon the receipt of advice from the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, shall table before the National Assembly proposals for revenue allocation from the Federation Account, and in determining the formula, the National Assembly shall take into account, the allocation principles especially those of population, equality of States, internal revenue generation, land mass, terrain as well as population density: Provided that the principle of derivation shall be constantly reflected in any approved formula as being not less than thirteen per cent of the revenue accruing to the Federation Account directly from any natural resources.”

Are you aware that integrity is everything as we relate with ourselves and the members of the public? Do you know that it will define us as a country as we join other African countries in African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA)? Are you aware that on 5th December, 2019, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adeniyi Adebayo declared that Nigeria is determined to fully implement the terms of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and uphold its commitments on trade and regional integration? Can you recall that the 12th Extraordinary summit of the African Union which was held in Niamey on the 7th of July 2019 saw the launching of the operational phase of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which was adopted and opened for signature on 21 March 2018 in Kigali and entered into force on 30 May 2019, an agreement that had been ratified by 27 as at 7th July 2019? Do you know that the AfCFTA secretariat is Ghana? Do you know that during the launch of the operational phase, the adoption of five key instruments was done which include: the Rules of Origin governing the conditions under which a product or service can be traded duty free across the region, the Tariff concessions of 90% tariff liberalisation and the deadline set for 1st July 2020, the online mechanism on monitoring, reporting and elimination of non-tariff barriers, (NTBs), the Pan-African payment and settlement system to facilitate payments on time and in full, by ensuring that payments are made in local currency and at the end of the year there will be net settlements in foreign exchange, the African Trade Observatory to serve as a trade information portal to address hindrances to trade in Africa due to lack of information about opportunities, trade statistics as well as information about exporters and importers in countries? Do you know that the AfCFTA will be the largest free trade area since the formation of the World Trade Organisation, with the potential to unite 1.3 billion people, in a $2.5 trillion economic bloc, ushering in a new era of development?

Do you know that some of its expected benefits include: increasing trade among African countries which currently ranges between 15-18%, stimulate production through the development of regional value chains, strengthen the capacities of African companies to access and supply world markets and strengthen African’s economic and commercial diplomacy with take-off date to be 1st July 2020, despite COVID-19 pandemic? Do you know that the AfCFTA can facilitate economic growth and diversification through preferential access to Africa’s market for manufactured goods and services? Do you know that this can be done through upping the country’s production capacity, retooling and upscaling existing businesses and assisting sectors that will be negatively impacted to migrate to new areas; prioritizing the resolution of bottlenecks that hinder competitiveness in trade, including hard infrastructure such as power and logistics as well as policies and regulations; and enforcement of trade rules without compromising the country’s efforts on trade facilitation and ease of doing business?

Do you know that as we migrate to this market, we must shine our eyes so as not to allow rogue traders to manipulate the rules of origin and disguise goods from outside the continent as made in Africa so as to qualify for duty free passage”? Do you know that the National Action Committee to coordinate a wide range of actions at the domestic, regional and continental levels set up by government on the successful implementation of the AfCFTA should be peopled with men of impeccable character and integrity if we want to make a success of the agreement? Do you know that integrity is key in this game? Do you know that the Standard Organisation of Nigeria and the Central Bank of Nigeria should be alive to its responsibility in making a huge success of this continental agreement?

Are you aware that the Central Bank of Nigeria is trying to arrest the slide in Nigeria economy by assisting the Federal Government to raise capital internally for infrastructure? Do you know what is called the Treasury Bills in Economics? Do you know that the Central Bank of Nigeria periodically sells treasury bills in efforts to raise capital for the Federal Government to meet its financial needs? Do you know that the issuance of treasury bills is also used as a mechanism to control the circulation of capital in the economy? Do you know that Treasury bills have a face value of a certain amount, which is what they are actually worth but they are sold for a little less? Do you know that if a bill is worth N5, 000, it can be sold for N4,500? Do you know that each bill has a specified maturity date which is when you receive money back? Do you know that at the time of maturity, the subscriber is paid the full price of the bill, an opportunity given to him to earn an additional income from his investment? Do you know that the amount earned as interest is called the discount rate and is set as a percentage? Do you know that Treasury bills are sourced from financial institutions and the Central Bank issues treasury bills regularly as a control measure to help banks mop up excess liquidity and control the money supply to avoid inflation? Do you know that Treasury bills are some of the many investment options available to the Nigeria’s investing public and retired officers or those aspiring to go can probably consider taking advantage of it, first by studying the CBN issue calendar?

Do you know that on Wednesday, 29th July, 2020, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) rolled over maturing Treasury Bills worth N33.8 billion at the Primary Market Auction (PMA) because the FGN bond market closed on a negative note on Tuesday 28th July, 2020 as a result of coronavirus pandemic affecting businesses and much pressure on foreign exchange? Do you know that certain items need to be banned to reduce pressure on the foreign exchange? Do you know that the market opened on Tuesday 28th July, 2020 with the dollar trading at N387.63k officially why the exchange rate at the black market saw the dollar trading at N445 as the “Dollar is becoming scarce”? Do you know that all these economic interactions affect our quality of life and opportunities available to Nigerians as we trudge on in this pandemic?

Are you aware that as at 31st July, 2020, the World Health Organisation declared that the coronavirus, which caused a global pandemic, has now infected over 17.6 million people and has killed more than 680,000? Do you know that WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced a record increase in global coronavirus cases, with the total rising by 292,527 on 31st July, 2020 and deaths rose by 6,812 in one day? The voice of WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Friday 31st July, 2020 cuts in: “The pandemic is a once-in-a-century health crisis, the effects of which will be felt for decades to come,”

Do you know that countries cannot wait for decades for this pandemic to be curbed before balancing livelihood with life? Do you know that it is against this background that schools will re-open to terminal classes this week? Are you aware that on 28th July 28, 2020, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, disclosed that he is committed to ensuring that sporting activities resume in the country as soon as the figures of persons contracting the Covid-19 pandemic drop to a manageable level and that plans have been concluded for a meeting between officials of the Federal Ministry of Sports and the Presidential Task Force to discuss the possibilities of reopening the space for sports to return from lockdown since March? Do you know that he hinted that there is a possibility that the postponed Edo 2020 National Sports Festival could still take place this year and that there are plans to have 20 athletes resume training at the High Performance Centre in Port Harcourt to begin preparations for the Olympics moved to take place next year? Do you know that the Minister had inaugurated the 11-man committee to inspect all health facilities for the festival in Edo State so as to ascertain the readiness of the state in hosting the games? Do you know that the committee was satisfied with the level of preparation by Edo State, adding that everything needed to fight COVID-19 were on ground in the State before going ahead? Do you know that 25th October 2020 is tentatively given as commencement of the sports festival as well as the 4th November, 2020 for the closing ceremony of this 20th edition of the National Sports Festival also known as Edo 2020?

Since we have been told that the COVID-19 pandemic is not a race but a marathon, do you know that we need to continue to address the issues around quality of life of the people and the issue of mass poverty created by the pandemic? As we trudge on, do you know that we need to address the issues relating to land-use for agri-business, mis-use of money to acquire weapons for war to win victory over Boko Haram, the rampaging bandits and the violent kidnappers abducting people, raping them collecting ransom and still kill their victims? Do you know that this asymmetric warfare is difficult to win and negotiations may suffice, most of the time? Have you not heard the news of fifty eight medical doctors attempting to board planes to Britain without visas at a time that we are in dearth of qualified hands to assist in this rampaging pandemic? Do you know that this is the time to race to raise committed scientists, engineers, medical personnel and even good teachers to bring positive changes to our new normal life?

Do you know that we have to reverse the issue of lack of safe drinking water primarily stemming from mixing sewage and drinking water supplies, the widespread prevalence of AIDS and fatal infections such as SARS virus, malaria, tuberculosis, tapeworm and dysentery, diseases that often claim far more victims in our country? Do you know that we must sign-post the issue of poor infrastructure in transportation, power and security? Do you know that this administration cannot abandon the issues of Boko Haram and banditry for another administration to come and tackle without compromising collective peace and democracy in the country? Do you know that President Buhari remains the best hand to end these security breaches in Nigeria during his tenure? Do you know that all of us serving the public owe the public our integrity and a sincere commitment to their right to life as available in the tenets governing civilized nations? Do you know that these are the ideals that Papa Ayo Fasanmi lived and died for as our collective hero? Shall we abandon the ideals as we bid him farewell? Never! Heroes never die. As Senator Fasanmi waits for us in the morgue to give him a decent farewell worthy of a rare hero, with obedience to COVID-19 protocols, do you know that we must seize the occasion to prop up ourselves to better integrity and refrain from all Dan Etete Novel Virus, a virus that kills morbidly than COVID-19? May the labour of our heroes past never be in vain. Amen. Adieu! Papa Fasanmi! Greetings to Awo, Uncle Bola, Pa Rewane, Pa Abraham Adesanya and other worthy leaders that had transited. Greetings to all the heroes!

August 6, 2020 0 comment

Featured Olowogboyega Oyebade Op-Ed POLITICS Uncategorized

The Boy Calls You Father

by Bioreports June 14, 2020

written by Bioreports

By Olowogboyega Oyebade

Have you ever written a eulogy? Do you know that it is a way of saying farewell to someone who has died? Do you know that it is an onerous assignment to do something at the very moment when nothing can be done, the attempt to define the outlines of a life of a dear one? Do you know that finding appropriate words to say can be difficult, a very heavy burden of responsibility to get it ‘right’ particularly when the moon of age of the dead is just half-full? Do you know that this is the situation now in the mind of the Civil Service of this State as we mourn the depart of BaristerAdejare Adebisi, the Deputy Chief of Staff, General Administration?

Do you know that this man, who death snatched away, was described by Governor Oyetola as very loyal and committed? Do you know that he was a rare loyal party man who could weather any storm without winking? Do you know that this man snatched away by death was the son of a civil servant, worked briefly as a civil servant, joined mainstream politics of the progressives and strenuously gravitate with others, to build a party of beauty, pride and culture as we have in the ruling party at the State and Federal levels? Are you aware that once in his trajectory, his party lost power to one of the present opposition parties? Do you know that he never stooped low to pick crumps from the inviting juicy tables of the party in power, like most others of his age did? Do you know that he damned the treacherous ways of whosoever wanted to woo him to the opposition with the strength of of progressive characters in him and never bowed before their mighty ‘Baal’ in the shrine of ill-gotten wealth?

Do you know that despite the limitation of his frames as a result of an attack of ailment, his sense of industry and commitment to duty never failed until he breathed his last? Do you know that despite his very busy schedules, despite his possession of Masters of Laws of the great Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, he was never tired of knowledge as he was an active Ph.D research candidate in Law in another University at the time of his death? Such was his industry! Such was his love for knowledge? Such was his love for people. Now, what can we do than to condole with our Governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, the State Executive Council, the people of IrepodunLocal Goverenment and his family on this huge loss? Do you know that today is our chance to say thank you for the way you brightened our lives? Barister AdejareAdebisi, do you know that we are all despaired at our loss over you and only the strength of your service and character of not relenting will give us the strength to move forward as your colleagues and friends? The voice of Ralph Waldo Emerson in “All Return Again” cuts in:

It is the secret of the world

that all things subsist and do not die,

but only retire a little from sight

and afterwards return again.

Nothing is dead;

men feign themselves dead,

and endure mock funerals

and mournful obituaries,

and there they stand looking out of the window,

sound and well, in some new strange disguise….”

Have you read Things Fall Apart authored by Chinua Achebe? Do you know that it is the debut novel of the author and first published in 1958 to tell the story of pre-colonial life in the Southeastern part of Nigeria and the arrival of Europeans during the late 19th century? Do you know that the hero of the novel is Okonkwo, a local wrestling champion of the clan of Umuofia? Are you aware that Okonkwo is famous for defeating a wrestler nicknamed “Amalinze The Cat” (a wrestler who never lands on his back)? Despite his strength of character and industry, do you know that he has an albatross as a moral burden, namely: his own father, Unoka with unpaid arrears of debts, abandonment of wife and children and a reflex to be afraid of and displayed cowardice at the sight of blood?

Can you believe that his father, Unoka was a terror to the neighbours, a torturer to the family and a liability to the community who eventually died a shameful death? Do you know that these are the burdens Okonkwo lives for with singular mind to dispel to build wealth entirely on his own, to take care of family members and neighbours and to be a rare blessing to the community? Do you know that Okonkwo’s drive to shift attention from the liability of his father propelled him to heroism in wealth, power and influence in his community?

Have you heard of Ikemefuna before, a character in “Things Fall Apart”? Do you know that Ikemefuna is a boy taken by the clan as a peace deal between Umuofiaand Mbaino after Ikemefuna’s father killed an Umuofian woman? Do you know that Okonkwo is selected by the elders to be the guardian of Ikemefuna? Do you know that , the boy lives with Okonkwo’sfamily and Okonkwo is fond of him and the boy, too, sees him as a second father? Do you know that Nwoye and Ikemefuna are best of friends spending all their time together like brothers? Do you know that in the evenings, they sit like buddies with Okonkwo in his hut and listen to his stories of wars, conquests, violence and bloodshed?. Do you know that Okonkwo is inwardly pleased as Nwoye grows more tough and manly, and he credits the change to Ikemefuna’s good influence on him? Have you ever tasted locust? Do you know that as devastating as it can be on the farm, locusts can still be a tasty delicacy? Do you know that one day while Okonkwo and his sons are working on the construction of the walls of the compound, a great black cloud descends upon the town, signifying the coming of the locusts, a great delicacy in Umuofia? Do you know that Okonkwo’s family partakes in the harvest of the locust….. catching them for roasting, drying, and eating? Can you believe that as Okonkwo, Nwoye, and Ikemefuna are happily eating the rare food, a stranger saunters in, Ogbuefi Ezeudu, the oldest man of the village?

Alas! Do you know that the Oracle of Umuofia has whispered something to him? Have you read the writing of Luciano Canfora while describing the burning of the Library of Alexandria by Alexander the Great, Eliot saying: “when an old man dies in Africa, it is like a huge library set ablaze”? True to this aphorism, do you know that Ogbuefi Ezeudu is one of the elders of Umuofia, regarded as very wise and gives Okonkwo needed pieces of advice? Do you know that he is the one who brings Okonkwo the message from the Oracle that Ikemefuna should be sacrificed but also warns Okonkwo not to participate in the boy’s execution, since Ikemefuna calls Okonkwo “father”? The voice of Ogbuefi Ezeudu cuts in:

“That boy calls you father,

Bear no hand in his death.”

Are you aware that later, Okonkwo tells Ikemefuna that he is going home to Mbaino, but the boy does not believe him? Do you know that as soon as Nwoyehears that his friend is leaving, he bursts into tears and is beaten by his father? Do you know that the next day, Okonkwo wakes up Ikemefuna, asks him to dress up for his dream journey back to his natural parents? How glad he is? Do you know that many men of Umuofiaaccompany Ikemefuna to the outskirts of the village and into the forest? Do you know that Okonkwo is walking near him, a reassurance to Ikemefuna to lose his fear and thinks about his family in Mbaino? As they trudge on, do you know that Okonkwo begins to drop to the rear of the group, thus making Ikemefuna to be trepid with fear? Alas! Can you believe that as the boy’s back is turned, one of the men strikes the first blow with his machete, inflicts a deep cut that makes Ikemefuna to cry out to Okonkwo:

“My father, they have killed me!”

Do you know that he runs towards Okonkwo for safety?. Can you believe that as Okonkwo is afraid to appear weak, Okonkwo raises his machete up and deals a killing blow on Ikemefuna? Do you know that as soon as Okonkwo realizes that the boy is just half-dead, he reaches out to his body and strikes the killing blow with his machete? Do you know that for many days after killing Ikemefuna, Okonkwo feels guilty and saddened? Can you believe that shortly after Ikemefuna’s death, things begin to go wrong for Okonkwo? Can you believe that he becomes traumatized? Do you know that his sickly daughter Ezinma falls unexpectedly ill and it is feared she may die? Do you know that during the traditional gun-salute at Ezeudu’s funeral, Okonkwo’s gun accidentally explodes and kills Ezeudu’s son? Can you believe that Okonkwo and his entire family are banished into exile for seven years to appease the gods he has offended? Do you know that our President is the Okonkwo who is trying to build a new nation from the ashes of the old? Do you know that the workers of Nigeria are personified by Ikemefuna? Do you know that OronsayeReport is Ogbuefi Ezeudu and the elders of Umofia are the people that are likely to be selected to implement the Oronsaye’s Report? Have you read the President’s speech delivered on “Democracy Day”? Do you know that another Ikemefuna is born and may be sacrificed if help does not come handy?

Do you know that we have enough reasons to celebrate 21 years of uninterrupted civil administration in our dear country? Do you know that this administratioin has performed and the Civil Service is part of the anchors of the various achievements of this administration? Do you know that despite this COIVID-19 pandemic, Nigeria’s GDP growth is still at 1.87% in the first quarter of 2020? Do you know that as at May 2020, our external reserves has grown from $33.42 billion as posted on 28th April, 2020 to about $36.00 billion in May, 2020 which is enough to finance seven months of import commitments? Do you know that the pride of place this President gives to the Civil Service results in the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative programme reviving 31 blending plants and created a significant number of direct and indirect jobs across the value chain? Do you know that the CBN Textile Revival Intervention Fund created and supervised by the Civil Servants in the Central Bank has been a blessing to the cotton, textile and garment sector and economy is receiving a boost? Do you know that Nigerians are now growing what we eat and eating what we grow, courtesy of the workers of the Civil Service campaigning for such in the media and working in Customs and Excise Department ?

Have you not seen how revenues from Tax have improved during this administration? Shall we not praise the civil servants doing the duties and the magic? Are you aware that 30,289 agro-rangers recruited into para-military agencies by President Buhari to protect farming investments are the new game-changing ace to secure food security for the nation and they are giving good accounts of themselves? Do you know that the 131st position from 146th on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business ranking Nigeria now attains is the product of the efforts of the civil servants in the Ministries of Land, Commerce, Finance, Planning and Budget and other agencies of Government dealing with the business world? Do you know that the emerging resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant based on Government-to-Government financing and a Public-Private Sector financing is anchored on the workers of the Ministry of Justice, Finance and their sister agencies?

Are you aware that the emerging digitalization of the mineral rights management platform for quick processing of mineral rights application, digitization of records and plugging revenue leakages must be anchored on the workers of the agencies that will work on these? Can you believe that the present conduct of bidding process for 57 Marginal Oil Fields to increase revenue and increase the participation of Nigerian companies in oil and exploration and production business can only succeed if the workers working on the matter are well briefed, courted with love and patriotism before they can deliver? Do you know that this administration is executing some critical projects through the Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme in the power sector and Nigeria’s agreement with Siemens to transmit and distribute a total of 11,000 Megawatts by 2023 can only be feasible if well monitored by well-motivated civil servants? Do you know that the transportation sector that is receiving a boost in road construction, rehabilitation of airports, railway and the concessioning of Bonny Deep Sea Port can only amount to much and be impactful if the present administration makes sure that the vision of the government is well declared and the Civil Service is allowed to key into monitoring it to fruition?

Are you aware that the country has keyed into digital economy by increasing the level of 4G coverage by 30%? Do you know that 5G technology is in the pipe-line? Do you know that Mr President is dreaming of Artificial Intelligence and Robotism to make our cities smart? Do you know that the civil servants in Research Centres and Universities must be drawn closer to government now to deliver on this mandate? Do you know that the enforcement of free and compulsory basic education for the first 9 years of schooling which is still progressing in the country cannot amount to much if teachers are not carried along or they are not well trained to key into the new knowledge economy? Of what use will additional 6 Federal Science and Technical Colleges now established under Better Education Service Delivery for All be when teachers are not well-kitted for the assignments in these institutions? Of what use will the delivery of 1,200 housing units or provision of 520 service plots with infrastructure by the thisadministration be if they are not allocated to poor workers who are daily toiling?

Do you know that water supply, irrigation and dam facilities are expanding to boost agriculture and health of the people because Mr President is worker-friendly? Do you know that the new initiative of agric-business is perfectly in order for all civil servants to be fully involved in agriculture? Do you know that in order to promote health, the Executive Order 009 on Ending Open Defecation in Nigeria has been signed and it relies on the capacity of Environmental Health Officers to do the implementation to put our country in better position of sanitation? Do you know that the commitment of this administration to plant 25 million trees in line with the resolution of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2019 on climate change is a joint task of the Ministries of Environment, Agriculture and Information? Can you imagine the monumental efforts of the present administration to ensure security to protect our national infrastructure including on-shore and off-shore oil installations, secure our territorial waters and end piracy in the Gulf of Guinea? Do you know that our brother soldiers of all colours in the Civil Service are the magicians doing the job and at times paying supreme sacrifices with their lives in the service of the nation?

Can you see the armed wing of the Civil Service in Police duties or Correctional Service or Civil Defence, slugging it out with characters of easy virtues to guarantee internal security in our land? What of the civil servants in the National Command and Control Centre and the National Public Security Communication System or in the government-owned media stations? Do you know that we have to appreciate them for working with patriotism to guarantee peace in our country? Do you know that the idea of Community Policing Strategy is to get more men and more materials to maintain effective internal security mechanism and its success depends on the capacity of its administrators? Do you know that this administration closed our international borders to stem down inflow of small arms and drugs and illegal food items into the country since August 20th 2019 till date? Do you know that the civil servants on this beat are the ones that made the achievements possible? Do you know that 549,500 N-Power beneficiaries, 408,682 beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme and 2,238,334 beneficiaries of the Growth Enhancement and Empowerment Programme are rejoicing under the Social Investment Programme of this government? Do you know that the civil servants played prominent parts? Do you know that the “Marketmoni” and “Tradermoni” Programmescontinue to provide affordable loans to small and micro scale enterprises to grow their businesses? Do you know that Under the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, over 9,963,729 children are being fed to keep them in school and improve their nutritional status? Are you aware that civil servants are the ones supervising these laudable programmes and popularising this administration?

Are you aware that this administration is strongly concerned about the health of the people as demonstrated by its capacity to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic? Imagine that the government has money but no doctors, nurses, virologists and Pharmacists? Will the campaign be smooth as we are having it? Do you know that the Federal Government puts in place a number of various non-pharmaceutical measures to slow down the spread of the virus? Do you know that the civil servants played prominent parts in all these laudable initiatives? Are you aware that as part of the strategy to create jobs to reduce the effect of COVID-19 on our youths, the President has directed the employment of 774, 000 Nigerians in Special Public Works Programme, that is, each of the 774 local government areas in the country will be allotted 1,000 slots? Do you know that this directive will be implemented by the civil servants?

Have you heard the news as Mr President is calling on inventors and researchers to rise to the challenge of saving us from the pandemic? Do you know that this is a clarion call on all the organised workers to bring their ingenuity to bear at this crucial time? Do you know that all workers of the Anti-Corruption agencies are civil servants and it is a pride to the nation that they have secured more than 1,400 convictions and also recovered funds in excess of N800 billion? Do you know that the digital switch-over is enough good news and it has been achieved through the workers in the Ministry of Communication? Do you know that the Executive Order 10 that gives autonomy to the judiciary and the Houses of Assembly cannot implement itself but is to be implemented by the Civil Service? Do you know that workers of the Ministry of Finance, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation and the Ministry of Justice will have to collaborate to give the law the dentition it requires? Can you now see that workers and government are essential partners to strengthen democracy in a polity?

And now the area of caution! Are you aware that in the address of the President during the celebration of “Democracy Day”, we were told that in the face of dwindling resources and rising cost of governance, the White Paper on the Rationalisation of Government Parastatals and Agencies has been approved for implementation? Do you know that Mr President must be vigilant lest some fifth columnists will hide under that cloak to be retrenching workers at this crucial time? Do you know that Oronsaye and his report are like Oguefi Ezeudu who comes around to remind Okonkwo, the President, that it is time to sacrifice Ikemefuna? Do you know that, like Okonkwo of the old, the President has bailed the country from the fiscal and moral deficit of the past administration in the country? Do you know that, like the Okonkwo of the old, he has created a niche of integrity in the sub-region of Africa and the world to earn the accolades of an “Nwalimu”, the great teacher? Do you know that any form of retrenchment will make his white banner to have a stain? , Do I hear somebody suggesting that if the issue of mounting salaries is the problem, why are we not employing Hassan Sumonu’s Initiative at the Federal level? What is Hassan Sumonu’s Initiative? You care to know? Come along. The voice of OgbuefiEzeudu cuts in again:

“That boy calls you father,

Bear no hand in his death.”

Do you know that COVID-19 is defining everything about us? Have you heard the news published on 5th June, 2020 by Dr. Tunji Ogunyemi, a government policy expert that 32 States may find it difficult to pay salary after COVID-19? Do you know that he hinted that there is a possibility of a further downward review of the already reviewed Federal Government’s budget, going by recent happenings globally? Do you know that the economic historian-cum-lawyer, and who is also the acting Head, Department of History, Faculty of Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, urged the Osun State Government to meet Labourleaders to revisit the Comrade Hassan Sunmonu-led committee’s template, saying the State would be negatively impacted by the global economic downturn occasioned by Covid-19? The voice of Ogunyemi, who spoke on a popular radio programme: ‘Frank Talk’, in Osogbo, cuts in:

“The Federal Government can deliberately create money by printing more money that may not be backed by productivity, to pay its workers. But no State can do that. Already, states are cutting their budgets significantly because of the drop in the federal allocation. What they will be sharing in June is half of what they shared in January. Only about four States can manage to survive marginally. The opportunity the civil servants have now is that no State can say go home, I am not paying. But States can decide to pay slashed salaries because one cannot appropriate and reprobate at the same time. So, the State can only pay from what it has. If it has nothing, what will it pay? We are in dire straits. Some States such as Kaduna, Delta, Plateau, Taraba, Gombe, among others are slashing salaries….Osun also has a background of owing a significant debt both domestically and externally going towards the realm of N200billion. From that background, coupled with 30 local governments with huge civil servants, one would rather advise Comrade Sunmonu, chairman of the Committee of Government and Labour, to share some views with the Governor by calling on the civil servants to know the truth about the financial status of the State. Politicking should end here.

Some professionals can be called to that kind of meeting, especially experts in public finance and banking to let the truth be told on the status of Osun. When an income is far, far less to expenditure, and there is no extra capacity to generate more, it means that the state must begin to reduce wasteful expenditure. So, government must pursue the idea of land charges, cut down if not suspend capital expenditure to pave the way for the maintenance of minimum services of government. Also, for the state to stay afloat, people must prepare for the impact. They must support government and show patriotism in view of the socio-economic reality. Reality is staring us in the face and for the clouds to clear; it will take five years or more.”

Do you know that instead of retrenchment at all, it is not a bad idea in Nigeria to make each worker contribute a certain percentage to keep others on duty pending the end of this pandemic? Do you know that things are not normal again and it will be more abnormal if workers are retrenched by the Federal Government in whatever guise? Do you know that all workers must be prepared to make more sacrifice for the good of all? Do you know that the problem is global? Have you heard the news? Do you know that the the World Bank said on Monday 8th June, 2020 that coronavirus pandemic inflicted a “swift and massive shock” that has caused the broadest collapse of the global economy since 1870 despite unprecedented government support? Do you know that the World Bank has predicted that the global economy will contract the most since World War II this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing incomes and sending millions of people into poverty in emerging and developing nations? Do you know that it is predicted that global Gross Domestic Product will probably shrink 5.2 per cent in 2020 as published in the semi-annual Global Economic Prospects report released on Monday 8th June, 2020? Do you know that this is the first recession since 1870 triggered solely by a pandemic, and it continues to manifest itself in various forms? The voice of Ceyla Pazarbazioglu, of the World Bank cuts in:

“This is the first recession since 1870 triggered solely by a pandemic, and it continues to manifest itself. Given this uncertainty, further downgrades to the outlook are very likely. The decline in per-capita income may push 70 million to 100 million people into extreme poverty”.

Have you heard the news that the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic is falling on poorer Americans, as declared by the Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on Thursday 11th June, 2020? Do you know that as it is for Americans, so it is for Nigerians? The voice of Powell at the start of a Central Bank Forum for voices outside of Wall Street called “Fed Listens”cuts in:

“We are in the midst of an economic downturn without modern precedent. And while the burden is widespread, it has not been evenly spread. Those taking the brunt of the fallout are those least able to bear it…. Not only is there the difficulty predicting how the coronavirus pandemic will play out, it is also unclear how American workers and consumers will react as lockdowns aimed at limiting the spread of the virus are lifted. The pandemic is falling on those least able to bear its burdens. It is a great increaser of inequality. It is low-paid workers in the service industries who are bearing the brunt of this, it is also women to an extraordinary degree.”

Do you know that the bad economy is dragging United States of America crazy? Have you heard the news that Democrats in the United States Congress – responding to two weeks of protests across the nation sparked by George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis police custody – on Monday 8th June, 2020 unveiled a sweeping package of legislation aimed at combating police violence and racial injustice? Do you know that the so-called Justice in Policing Act would limit legal protections for police, create a national database of excessive-force incidents and ban police choke-holds, among other changes? Do you know that it outlines the most ambitious changes to law enforcement sought by Congress in years? The voice of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during a news conference cuts in:

“This moment of national anguish is being transformed into a movement of national action as Americans from across the country peacefully protest to demand an end to injustice. Police brutality is [a] heartbreaking reflection of an entrenched system of racial injustice in America. True justice can only be achieved with full comprehensive action.”

Do you know that the legislation would revise the federal criminal police misconduct statute to make it easier to prosecute officers who are involved in misconduct “knowingly or with reckless disregard”, alter “qualified immunity” protections for police “to enable individuals to recover damages when law enforcement officers violate their constitutional rights”, provide greater oversight and transparency of police behaviour in several ways, grant subpoena power to the US Department of Justice to conduct “pattern and practice” investigations of potential misconduct and help states conduct independent investigations and create a “National Police Misconduct Registry”, a database to try to prevent officers from transferring from one department to another with past misconduct undetected? Do you know that this legislation is the most expansive effort in recent years to crack down at a federal level on policing practices across the US? Do you know that this administration will be appreciated more if these American Initiatives are included in our own Police Reforms?

Are you aware that the United States economy officially entered a recession in February 2020 and was announced on Monday, 8th June, 2020? Do you know that this downturn is the first since 2009, when the last recession ended, and marks the end of the longest expansion — 128 months — in records dating back to 1854? Do you know that the National Bureau of Economic Research, of the United States concludedthat the unprecedented magnitude of the decline in employment and production, and its broad reach across the entire economy, warranted the designation of this episode as a recession? Do you know that America is just a call away and Nigeria may bear the burden in terms of remittances from the diaspora and Foreign Direct Investments?

Do you know that something strange is happening to the United States and which is a danger to any democracy fashioned after American system? Have you heard that Joe Biden expressed fear that President Donald Trump will try to “steal” November’s election or not leave office if he loses? Have you heard that he predicts that the military will intervene if Trump refuses to accept election loss? Do you know that these remarks on The Daily Show that was aired late Wednesday 10th June, 2020 came during a discussion of voter suppression, a spotlight issue this week following chaotic elections in some States including Georgia, where problem-plagued voting machines and hours-long lines frustrated voters? Are you aware that before the 2016 election Trump claimed the poll was rigged against him and even after he triumphed over Hillary Clinton he asserted, again with no evidence, that millions of people voted illegally against him and estimated this cohort to consist of 3 million votes, the number of votes Hilary Clinton beat him by in the popular vote, as opposed to the electoral college system that determines who ascends to the White House in the United States? Are you aware that during the 2016 presidential election campaign, Trump refused to say during a final debate with Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton that he would concede if Clinton won? Do you know that election experts and officials expect a surge in mail-in voting this November due to concerns over the coronaviruspandemic, and warn the process could be marred by chaos of the type already seen in primary elections held in States during the viral outbreak? Do you know that whatever the circumstances, the military should not be allowed to dabble into elections in the United States? The voice of Joe Biden cuts in: “My single greatest concern is that this president’s going to try and steal this election. This is a guy who said all mail-in ballots are fraudulent.”

Are you aware that on Friday 12th June, 2020, the ILO and UNICEF warn of rampant rise in child labourdue to COVID-19 crisis?? According to the agencies, do you know that child labour decreased by 94 million since 2000, but that significant strides of two decades have the real risk of back-tracking due to the pandemic, according to UNICEF-ILO’s joint publication titled “COVID-19 and Child Labour: A time of crisis, a time to act”? Do you know that the report hinted that COVID-19 could result in a rise in poverty and therefore lead to an increase in child labour as households use every available means to survive, or may be working longer hours or under worsening conditions and in times of crisis, child labour becomes a coping mechanism for many families? The voice of ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder cuts in: “As the pandemic wreaks havoc on family incomes, without support, many could resort to child labour. Social protection is vital in times of crisis, as it provides assistance to those who are most vulnerable. Integrating child labour concerns across broader policies for education, social protection, justice, labourmarkets, and international human and labour rights makes a critical difference.”

The voice of UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore cuts in:

“As poverty rises, schools close and the availability of social services decreases, more children are pushed into the workforce. As we re-imagine the world post-COVID, we need to make sure that children and their families have the tools they need to weather similar storms in the future. Quality education, social protection services and better economic opportunities can be game changers. Evidence is gradually mounting that child labour is rising as schools close during the pandemic. Even when classes restart, some parents may no longer be able to afford to send their children to school.”

As we wish the President happy celebration, we urge his administration to always see civil servants as strong partners in progress. And to Barister Adejare Adebisi, may you find more favours with Allah, your Maker.

June 14, 2020 0 comment

Featured hero Olowogboyega Oyebade Op-Ed POLITICS Uncategorized

The Time To Redesign Our Thinking Is Now

by admin2 admin2 April 27, 2020

written by admin2 admin2

By Olowogboyega Oyebade

Do you know that we have to appreciate the Governor, of the State of Osun, Mr AdegboyegaOyetola, for the unwavering commitment of his administration in tackling the spread of the Coronavirus in the State and his commitment to employing the necessary technology and creativity to prevent community spread of the virus? Do you know that we have to appreciate, too, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi for donating two motorised Modular Fumigators to support the State to contain the spread of the virus? The voice of the Governor interludes: “We have seen this as a creative way of dealing with such a situation as we have been told that the device can also be used after COVID-19 for agriculture and industrial purposes. So, I must commend this initiative and express gratitude to our monarch for the gesture.”

Do you know that countries in West Africa rely on Nigeria to provide leadership? Hurray! Have you heard the news? Do you know that member countries of ECOWAS held a virtual meeting on Thursday 21st April, 2020 during which the chairman of the ECOWAS and President of Niger Republic, Mahamadou Issoufou, lamented about the effects of the deadly virus on the people and economies? As at that date, do you know that Benin Republic had 54 coronavirus cases, Burkina Faso 609, Cape Verde 73, Cote D’Ivoire 952, the Gambia 10, Ghana 1,154, Guinea 761, Guinea Bissau 50, Libera 101, Mali 293, Niger 662, Nigeria 873, Senegal 442, Sierra Leone 61 and Togo with 88? Do you know that all these countries have all implemented different measures including social distancing, stay-at-home order curfews, travel bans and lockdown in key regions and cities to curb the pandemic and the disease was not near a blink, receding? Do you know that the body appointed Nigerian President Buhari as the coordinator of the sub-regions’ response to coronavirus? Can you now see that there is no ambush in the air for us to provide leadership to some other smaller nations? The tweet of Femi Adesina, the presidential spokesman on 1st April,2020 cuts in:

“ECOWAS leaders at an extraordinary summit held by video conference have appointed President Buhari as Champion that will coordinate the COVID-19 response in the sub-region.”

Do you know that we must appreciate President Buhari for constituting the Federal Government Economic Sustainability Committee headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to focus on developing sustainable response to the economic downturn arising from falling oil prices amongst other things, to develop a clear economic sustainability plan from now till 2023, identify fiscal and monetary measures to enhance oil and non-oil revenues in order to fund the plan, develop a stimulus package and come up with other clear-cut measures to create more jobs while keeping existing ones? Have you heard the news? Do you know that oil prices plunged to a record low and into negative territory on Monday 20th April, 2020 as uncertainty mounted about storage for excess supply? Do you know that WTIcrude oil futures expiring in May plunged 321%, to -$40.32 a barrel, while Brent crude slid 9.5%, to $25.41 at intra-session lows as Covid-19 torpedoed demand for oil, with fuel use in cars and planes slumping? Do you know that this oil plunged into negative territory for the first time in the last 70 years? Are you aware that the Group Managing Director, NNPC, Mele Kyari, said Nigerian crude oil grades were stranded in the global oil market like expired snacks? Do you know that the NNPC has announced that Nigeria may stop production of crude oil if the prices of crude oil in the international market continues to fall consistently? Do you know that this is the time we need Strategic Thinking on the fate of Nigeria without oil, which is part of the riddle that the Economic Sustainability Committee must crack? The voice of Obateru of the NNPC cuts in:

“We should be positive and hope that things improve. But again, if the situation persists, definitely I think it will come to that. Nigeria may stop production of crude oil.”

Do you know that the Committee is poised to salvage the current situation in the country? Do you know that the Committee needs our collective support to play the ace? Do you know that it is strategic for us to convert this vicissitude of the pandemic to fortune as done by other nations? Do you want to know what other nations are doing, not necessarily minding the heresy of President Trump of the United States who on Thursday 23rd April, 2020 suggesting research into whether coronavirus might be treated by injecting disinfectant into the body and irradiating patients’ bodies with UV light, a suggestion seriously criticized by the scientific community? Do you know that he is dead serious in post Covid-19 agenda -setting for his country, a scenario you will see soon? The voice of Prof Osinbajo cuts in:

“ What we will need to do is something that is bold, radical and one that our people can understand and buy into. .. We are faced with a challenge that no government in the history of Nigeria has ever faced. So, we have to redesign our economic planning and change our thinking. . We must design a broad vision..to implement a big plan inclusive of a focus on mass local productivity and mass employment”

Are you aware that on Friday 24th April 24, 2020, the World Health Organisation and world leaders launched $8.6bn required to implement the plan to contain COVID-19? Do you know that German Chancellor Merkel, French President Macron and European Commission President Ursula were among leaders who took part in a video-conference to unveil the plan? Do you know that the Director-General of WHO, Ghebreyesus, who hosted the event, said the world was in urgent need of tools being developed in some parts to combat the pandemic which could only be defeated with a common approach? Do you know that the United States boycotted the virtual meeting? UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, cuts in:

“The world needs the development, production and equitable delivery of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine,… Not a vaccine or treatments for one country or one region or one-half of the world, but a vaccine and treatment that are affordable, safe, effective, easily-administered and universally available, for everyone, everywhere. Data must be shared, production capacity prepared, resources mobilised, communities engaged, and politics set aside.”

As part of the strategies to manage the case before potent vaccines come our way, can you see how various tiers of government are competing to give palliatives to disadvantaged people in the informal sector to cushion the biting effects of the lockdown occasioned by Covid-19? Can you see how the issue of social security is playing out in this period of emergency? Are you aware that in a period of emergency like this, the rich cannot sleep when the poor are awake? Do you know that social security is any government assistance that provides monetary or material assistance to people with an inadequate or no income? Are you aware that Social security was fingered as a human right in 1944 in the Philadelphia Declaration of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which approved ‘the extension of social security measures to provide a basic income to all in need of such protection and comprehensive medical care’, a precursor to the ILO Income Security Recommendation 67 of 1944 and the ratification of the ILO Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention 102 of 1952? Do you know that there is provision for it in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights? Article 22 cuts in:

“Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.”

Are you aware that the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights all make provisions for social security? Do you know that the International Labour Organization (ILO) in its 1952 Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention (nr. 102), itemized social security to include: old age pensions; survivor’s benefit; family benefit; medical care; maternity benefit; unemployment benefits; sickness leave benefit; disability benefits; employment injuries and people who cannot reach a guaranteed social minimum for other reasons may be eligible for social assistance?

Do you know that a report published by the ILO in 2014 estimated that only 27% of the world’s population has access to comprehensive social security? Do you know that the main idea behind social security is anchored in welfarism which presses for a valid claim to an equal share in all good basic things to support wellbeing of individuals in the society? Do you know that in Nigeria, before the Covid-19 pandemic, the right to social security remains a fleeting dream to a large majority of the citizenry as social security laws are targeted mostly at workers in the formal sector of the economy and poverty and lack of attention were the lots of the majority of Nigerians in the informal sector? Are you aware that the right to social security is given recognition in section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, which provides that ‘the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government’? Do you know that this provision is inserted in Chapter II of the Constitution entitled ‘Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy’? Do you know that part of the generous provisions of Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution are provisions on the right to suitable and adequate shelter; suitable and adequate food; a reasonable national minimum living wage; old age care and pensions; unemployment benefits; sick benefits and welfare of the disabled; the right to adequate medical and health facilities; and the right to education? Can you see how progressive these provisions are to deliver viable social security system to the mass of Nigerians?

Alas! Do you know that the drafters of the Nigerian Constitution, 199 (as amended) inserted the provisions of section 6(6)(c) of the Constitution which has generally ousted the jurisdiction of the court in respect of any issue or question as to whether any act or omission by any authority or person or as to whether any law or any judicial decision is in conformity with the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy set out in Chapter II of this Constitution? Thus, do you know that the rights enunciated in Chapter II of the Constitution are not binding legal entitlements, but mere desires that are non-justiciable for fear of fiscal constraints?

Are you aware that under the Exclusive Legislative List on which the National Assembly has power to legislate on, by virtue of section 4 of the Constitution, ‘to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the Federation or any part thereof’, the National Assembly is empowered to establish and regulate authorities for the Federation or any part thereof ‘to promote and enforce the observance of the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles contained in this Constitution’? Do you know that the National Assembly has not been acting in this capacity to promote universal social security for all citizens? Do you know that the right to social security in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 is enforceable in case of any breach? Section 27(1)(c) and 27(2) of the 1996 Constitution of South Africa states:

“Everyone has the right to have access to social security…. the state is obliged to take reasonable legislative and other measures, within its available resources, to achieve the progressive realisation of the right of access to social security.”

Do you know that in Khosa & Others v Minister of Social Development, a law that excluded permanent residents and their children from access to social assistance was challenged in court and in the wisdom of the court the provision was declared very unreasonable and inconsistent with the provisions of section 27(1) of the Constitution of South Africa, 1996, which guarantees to everyone the right of access to social security and social assistance, as well as with section 9(3) of the same Constitution, which prohibits unfair discrimination? Do you know that we have committed huge resources to provide Voters Register since 1999 and we do not have a time-tested social register as a country? Do you know that Covid-19 with all its woes has provided us with a unique opportunity to quickly join the Economic Sustainability Committee headed by Vice President Osinbajo to engage in Strategic Thinking now for Nigeria and the countries of the West African sub-region? Do you know that this is what most countries are doing right now as a post Covid-19 exit plan? Do you know that we need this Strategic Thinking? Come along, please.

Do you know that Strategic Thinking is a rise to a mental plane to engage in serious thinking process to achieving a goal? Do you know that it can be done individually, as well as collaboratively among key people? Are you aware that Strategic Thinking finds and develops a strategic foresight capacity for an organization, by exploring all possible organizational futures, and challenging conventional thinking to foster decision making today? Do you know that this is the right time as a post Covid-19 exit strategy to look at our Constitution again on the issue of Social Security? Do you know that Covid-19 is going to be around for awhile and rapid community transmission of the pandemic may force intermittent lockdowns? During such lockdowns, do we still continue to hold that provision of the Constitution in abeyance?

DO you know that the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has advised the federal government to design a lockdown exit plan as part of its COVID-19 exit strategy as a prelude to reopening the national economy? Do you know that this call is in line with international best practices? Do you know that this pandemic has changed the way we do things? Do you know that uniforms for schools will have to change? Do you know that methods of instruction will have to change? Do you know that the mode of examinations will have to change?

Is it not a notorious fact that now that UN Security Council meeting, G-20 meeting, WHO Conference and ECOWAS meetings were held virtually without physical presence? Do you know that National Assembly sessions can be held virtually as part of our take home strategy to cut cost of legislation in this country in line with the protocol of Covid-19 that forbids large gatherings? Do you know that Covid-19 hass taught us now that we can use the public resources spent on pilgrimages by some agencies to improve infrastructure for the people? Do you know that the same doctrine of necessity imposed by Covid-19 is silently teaching the mass of people in Nigeria that religious miracles do not happen everyday and that the best of self-appointed miracle healers have their moments of doubt and reservation to invite for healing the Covid-19 patients? Do you know that it is against this background of a complete revolution from our old ways of doing things that the Federal Ministry of Justice is advancing a post-Covid-19 Justice System in Nigeria? Do you know the Economic Sustainability Committee cannot rely on the current judicial system, a judicial system that has more than 70% of the in-mates in Correctional Facilities as “Awaiting -Trial”? What are these propositions of the Federal Ministry of Justice? You care? Come along, please.

Do you know that the Ministry of Justice is giving us template on post Covid-19 Justice trajectory? Do you know that the Honorable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN has rolled out plans to invigorate the judicial system in post COVID-19 era to consider how best to start opening up as soon as possible and to start tackling backlog of cases? Are you aware that in a statement issued on Monday 20th April, 2010, Malami affirmed that the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, with the support of relevant stakeholders, will see to implementation of the under listed strategies:

– Empowering the institutions of the ACJA, 2015 to commence functioning immediately. For instance, Part 46 dealing with the administration of the Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee; Section 251-witness payment; sections 107 & 108 etc. The net result will galvanise the judicial sector into rapid mode to fast track trials and release of those who are deserving.

– Deployment of ICT facilities to fast-track taking evidence from witnesses. Digital platforms such as Skype and Zoom can be used. NTA stations across the country can be connected to courts to facilitate taking evidence as witnesses do not have to necessary be physically present in court. It is expected that NTA facilities are to provide the rudimentary structures for video conferencing in view of their digital switchover process. Using their existing IT infrastructure, the courts may only need video screens and bandwidth at the minimum to ensure connectivity between parties to the proceedings.

– Speedy processing of pending civil matters that have not reached advanced stages of hearing and with the consent of parties and their solicitors to opt for out of court settlement. This may even mean using multi-door mediation avenues in courts that already have one, such in the case of Lagos and the FCT and a few other states.

– Criminal charges of minor and non-indictable offences should be summarily tried and sentenced to non-custody penalties. Even in cases where sentenced persons cannot pay their fines, the court should consider other alternative punishments other than jail term. This can include parole or probationary sentences and, if possible, community service like cleaning public places etc.

– Persons awaiting trial on minor criminal charges should be discharged, especially in cases where adjournments have been at the instance of the prosecution.

– The passing of the civil equivalent of the ACJA in order to fast track the disposal of civil proceedings. Civil matters are proportionately more in number and tend to clog the speedy completion of civil trials. The proposed law (civil equivalent of the ACJA) should stipulate time line for commencing and completing civil trials. Front loading of evidence should also be adopted for civil trials in order to fast track hearings.

– Setting aside special dates and that Courts work extra hours to decongest their case files. The 2020 court vacation could be suspended as the COVID 19 lockdown period has provided judges with the much-needed break from official duties.

– Having courts that are fully IT-compliant in order to fast track the digital recording and production of the record of court proceedings. The courts should also be able to automate case filing and cause list management.

– Appointment of more judges and justices, as appropriate. Additional judicial decisions of federal courts are to be created. This will, as a proactive measure, help in decongesting the already loaded court hearing schedules.

– Payment of court fees is done electronically. All court fees should be done electronically and not in cash. The courts should only receive receipts of payments and this can be transmitted online as well.

Do you know that this is a beautiful revolution in our judicial system? The voice of the Minister of Justice cuts in:

“At Courts where hearing electronically may not be possible, we can also consider having only few people attend to court matters. Ensuring that court dockets have only few cases per day can reduce the number of persons in courts. So, all the pending judgments should be drafted and concluded during short period of time. This does not require lawyers to be present. Once the judgment is ready, the lawyers should be able to receive them in their email or it should be posted on the court’s website for any interested party to download it. This is the way to go and thus provide greater transparency. The way to go in effect, Court Proceedings should also be handled in a manner that reduces the number of persons in the courts at any given time. Although this requires the movement of suspects from prisons to the courts, all such suspects should be tested, in fact everyone entering the court premises should be tested to ensure that they are not already positive, thus risking the lives of other people. While some of these changes may not happen in the short term, there is need to start the introduction of these new initiatives immediately through consultations with the Judiciary, NBA, and other relevant stakeholders”.

Hurray! The Earth Day is here! Are you aware that Earth Day is an annual event celebrated around the world beginning from 22 April for about a month to demonstrate support for environmental protection? Do you know that it was first celebrated in 1970, and it is now celebrated in more than 193 countries? Do you know that it evolved from the unfortunate industrial accident on 28th January, 1969 when an oil well blew out off the coast of Santa Barbara, California, spilling to the environment more than three million gallons of oil, killing more than 10,000 seabirds, dolphins, seals, and sea lions and created environmental disasters of monumental proportions? Can you recall that to mark the day in 2016, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change was signed by the United States, China, and some 120 other countries to seal the climate protection treaty adopted by consensus of the 195 nations present at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris? Do you know that Earth Day 2020 is the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day and celebrations includeactivities such as the Great Global CleanUp, Citizen Science, Advocacy, Education, and art? Do you know that this year’s celebration coincides with COVID-19 pandemic which became our lot as we continue to mismanage the resources of the earth? Do you know that this year’s events include five components which are: –

-Citizen Science to engage one million global citizens in the 50th anniversary “Earth Challenge 2020,” collecting one billion data to measure air quality, water quality, pollution and human health,

-Advocacy to mobilize and take action to save our planet,

-Volunteering to engage volunteers across the globe for a month-long worldwide volunteer-driven program to remove billions of pieces of trash from our neighborhoods, beaches, and parks, working with partners to plant 7.8 billion trees, one for every human who will live on the planet in 2020,

-Education to build environmental and climate literacy worldwide among teachers, students, innovators and thought leaders to educate and activate a new generation of environmental leaders around the world, Events to recognize worldwide as the planet’s most significant civic engagement event each year,

-Artists for the Earth to disseminate information on the enormous challenges from loss of biodiversity, pollution, degradation of our ecosystems, and climate change?

Do you know that high-tech politics has started trailing each country’s actions and reactions in the management of Covid-19 pandemic? Do you know that Nigeria cannot afford to play last? Can you believe that China on Monday 20th April, 2020 rejected US President Donald Trump’s demand to send an investigation team to Wuhan, China, where the coronavirus first emerged to unravel whether the deadly virus “escaped” from the Wuhan Institute of Virology or not? Do you know that China’s reaction is suspect? The voice of Geng Shuang, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman cuts in: “The virus is the common enemy for all mankind…It may appear at any time anywhere in the world. Like any other country, China is attacked by this virus. China is a victim instead of the culprit. We are not co-workers for this virus.”

As part of the COVID-19 exit strategy, are you aware that the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), the International Trade Union Confederation are working with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to take action to support manufacturers to survive the economic disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and to protect workers’ income, health and employment? Do you know that we need to endorse a call for action and commit to work with governments and financial institutions to mobilise sufficient funding to enable manufacturers to ensure business continuity including payment of wages, as well as income-support and job-retention schemes to address the impact of the crisis as a post-Cpvid-19 survival strategy? Do you know that leadership and cooperation from all stakeholders are vital to realise a future based on resilience and decent work in Nigeria? The voice of ILO DG Guy Ryder cuts in:

“The International Labour Organization is deeply concerned by the threat posed by Covid-19 to millions of jobs in the global garment industry. This is an unprecedented crisis that can only be solved through global solidarity. The priority must be to sustain businesses and protect workers. At the heart of this is effective social dialogue between governments, workers’ and employers’ organizations. We urge all actors to heed this call and take joint action that will help us avert catastrophe for the industry.”

As part of the COVID-19 exit strategy, despite huge fatalities of Covid-19, do you know that on 22nd April, 2020 Iran lofted its first military satellite into orbit, ending a series of setbacks for the nation’s space programme from the Markazi Desert in central Iran and successfully delivered a military reconnaissance satellite called Nour to orbit? Do you know that the trade war has shifted from the terrestrial to the celestial? Do you know that military satellite will be used specifically for intelligence gathering and secure communications for the navigation of forces on land and sea? Do you know that countries leverage on wars including this bio-warfare to push their national interest beyond acceptable limits? Do you know that each country is preparing for a post Covid-19 strategy as envisaged by President Buhari by inaugurating the Economic Sustainability Committee headed by Vice President Osinbajo?

Do you know that in the midst of a global pandemic, President Donald Trump, despite his failings to attempt to prescribe a cure for Covid-19 without studying Medicine, found time on 6th April, 2020 to sign an executive order for U.S. companies to commence exploitation of mineral resources from the moon to steer up the 1967 Outer Space Treaty that allows the use of such resources? Are you aware that the United States, like the other major spacefaring nations, has not signed the 1979 Moon Treaty, which stipulates that non-scientific use of space resources be governed by an international regulatory framework? Do you know that in 2015, Congress of the United States passed a law explicitly allowing American companies and citizens to use moon and asteroid resources? Do you know that the new executive order aims to land two astronauts on the moon in 2024 and to establish a sustainable human presence on and around the moon to start commercial mining there for the prosperity of the United States of America? Are you aware that the Strategic Thinking for this Executive Order began in December 2017 President Trump signed Space Policy Directive-1, which began the Artemis campaign for astrauts to prepare to move American businesses to invest in the moon, followed by a Directive to streamline commercial space regulation and the protocols for space traffic control? Do you know that Space Policy Directive-4 was signed in February 2019 by President Trump that created a standby Space Force which is now a branch of the United States Air Force? Do you know that post Covid-19 Strategic Thinking of the United States is to monopolise the mineral resources on the surface of the moon for the prosperity of the American people? The voice of Scott Pace, the Executive Secretary of the U.S. National Space Council cuts in:

“As America prepares to return humans to the moon and journey on to Mars, this executive order establishes U.S. policy toward the recovery and use of space resources, such as water and certain minerals, in order to encourage the commercial development of space.”

Do you remember Abraham Maslow a motivation theorist that once canvassed that the physiological needs of mare are simply: food, shelter, clothing, water, sleep and sex? Do you know that he hinted further that any equation to keep man alive must factor in food? Have you heard the news from the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) that reported last week that number of people facing acute food insecurity could double this year to 265 million up from a current 135 million in low and middle-income countries could be under severe threat, as a result of the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic? Do you know that this is the time to put on Strategic Thinking because Nigeria is specifically mentioned in the report? Did you see on the TV News how thousands of people were defying lockdown order to search for food? Do you hear them touting: “Coronavirus is more subtle than Corona-hunger”?The voice of the WFP Dr ArifHusain, chief economist, cuts in:

“These new projections show the scale of the catastrophe we are facing. We must make sure that tens of millions of people already on the verge of starvation do not succumb to this virus or to its economic consequences in terms of loss of jobs and incomes. The greatest worry is for people living in conflict zones, refugees and displaced people, with countries of concern including north-eastern Nigeria, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen. COVID-19 may prove especially deadly for people suffering from chronic or acute hunger or malnourishment. Africa’s 1.2 billion people face the highest percentage of undernourishment on the planet, affecting over 20 percent of the population. The COVID-19 virus has proved especially deadly for those who are elderly or whose health is already compromised. This likely includes people suffering from malnourishment. There is also considerable risk to refugee populations. Today, more people are displaced from their homes because of violence, conflict and persecution than at any other time since the Second World War. Many of those who have left their countries are living in camps. Refugee populations living in close proximity to one another, and lacking adequate medical facilities, are at an especially elevated risk from COVID-19. Covid-19 is potentially catastrophic for millions who are already hanging by a thread. It is a hammer blow for millions more who can only eat if they earn a wage. Lockdowns and global economic recession have already decimated their nest eggs. It only takes one more shock – like Covid-19 – to push them over the edge. We must collectively act now to mitigate the impact of this global catastrophe.”

Do you know that as we strategise for food security, we must intensify campaign against smoking? Do you smoke or sit close to a smoker? Do you know this is not the best of times for this fad? Do you know that smoking is already known to be a risk-factor for many other respiratory infections, including colds, influenza, pneumonia and tuberculosis? Have you heard the news? Do you know that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration made a second revision on its stance about the risks of Covid-19 and nicotine, saying that cigarettes also increase the chances of catching the disease? Are you aware that countries of the world have been advised to warn smokers in the world who are estimated to be 1.1 billion people that they are liable to have worse outcomes from Covid-19?

Do you know that this is the time that our country must decide as Japan and the seven Asian Tigers did after the Second World Wart to rebrand the country economically? Why are we not copying oil production and management from Saudi Arabia and Agriculture from South Korea and Israel? Why are we waiting for food, clothing, ventilators and loans from China as we cause discourage local capital formation and industrialsation? Do you know that the economic diplomacy of China is first to its own people and while doing that, foul may be fair? Do you know that on 6th April 2020, when President Trump was signing an Executive Order for America to commence mining in the moon, China too, was filling 58, 990 forms for industrial patency of new inventions with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) while our country was sulking in the rise in the pandemic? Do you know that the United States filled patent applications of 57,840 for 2019? Do you know that each of our Research Institutes and Universities is working in silos, blaming Government every time, even if occasionally, they fart out of reflex? Do you know that Asia continues to outpace other regions of the world in filing activity for patents, utility models, trademarks and industrial designs and accounts for 68.8% of all global patents? Do you know that the few patents filled by Nigerians were done by Nigerians in diaspora? Do you know that ownership of patents is widely seen as an important sign of a country’s economic strength and industrial know-how?

On the economic front, do you know that the total foreign reserve of Nigeria with its 200 million people as at February, 2020 was $37.5 billion whilethe worth of Bill Gates alone as a single individual on 3rd January, 2020 was over $100 billion? Do you know that Bill Gates does not deal in oil? Can you see that the Foreign Reserve of Nigeria is just a-third of the worth of Bill Gates as at today? today is less than half of the personal worth of Bill Gates? What is that saying to us and to all our intellectuals? Is it not high time we left Egypt of mental slavery and rise upto salvage our country without creed, colour, religion and sex forming any point of reference? Do you know that the Chinese investments in infrastructure across the world under the Belt and Silk Road Initiative is to make China to create additional 400 million millionaires in the next 10 years, have more access to our solid minerals including Uranium? Do you know that our collective strategic thinking must be communicated to all our University lecturers and they must be seen to have shown perfect understanding of where the country wants to get to? Do you know that we must be prepared to fund researches like we were funding sports and elections before the on-rush of Covid-19? Do you know that many analysts are saying that the world will not get back on its feet for a few more months if not a few years? Do you know that we are in a fantasy world and may be stuck in this new world until a vaccine is found? The statement of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the occasion resumes again:

“The world needs the development, production and equitable delivery of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, therapeutics and diagnostics. Not a vaccine or treatments for one country or one region or one-half of the world, but a vaccine and treatment that are affordable, safe, effective, easily-administered and universally available, for everyone, everywhere.

As we are expecting much from the world, do you know that post Covid-19 Economic Sustainability Strategy that Vice President Osinbajo’s Committee is working on needs peace, love, and truth? Do you know that whether we get it right or we bungle it, truth will always remain constant? Do you know that this is the time to re-work our thinking strategically and collectively? A passage from the Jewish Sacred Text interludes:

“The angels were not all of one opinion.

The Angel of Love favoured the creation of man,

because he would be affectionate and loving;

But the Angel of Truth opposed it,

because he would be full of lies.

And while the Angel of Justice favored it, to

because he would practice justice,

the Angel of Peace opposed it,

because he would be quarrelsome.

To invalidate his protest,

God cast the Angel of Truth down from heaven to earth,

and when the others cried out against such contemptuous treatment of their companion,

He said, “Truth will spring back out of the earth.”

April 27, 2020 0 comment