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Controversy Trails Abia’s Alleged $5m Investment As Geometric Power Plant Flags Off

February 26, 2024

By Daniel Maduka

With the Multi million- Dollar Geometric Power Plant designed to considerably improve the power supply needs of the residents of the commercial hub, Aba, and its environs is commissioned on Monday February 26,2024, controversy, blame game and denials have continued to trail a purported claim of about five million Dollars and/or its Naira equivalent in the gargantuan project by the immediate past administration of Okezie Ikpeazu.

The raging controversy has tended, as it were, to blight the huge significance of the ambitious investment in accelerating and driving economic growth and development in Abia State.

Only penultimate week, the Abia State Commissioner of information Prince Okey Kanu had inadvertently set the tone for the ongoing debate among Abians over the correct investment portfolio of the State in the Power generating and distribution giant following his assertion that the State does not have any stake/ shares in the project.

Rising from an Executive Council meeting, Prince Kanu, while fielding questions from the press noted that Abia State apart from providing an enabling environment and other necessary assistance to Geometric, does not have equity holdings in the establishment.

This position contrasted sharply with the position of the immediate past administration in the State, which on several occasions claimed that the State Government invested and acquired five per cent shares amounting to five million Dollars or its Naira equivalent.

Some top officials of former Governor Ikpeazu’s regime had proudly flaunted the said investment and the l $115 million Africa Development Bank ADB facility secured, but which became available during the present administration, as parts of signature assets bequeathed to his successor Governor Alex Otti.

On Friday, February 23, the Promoter and Chairman of the 188 MW gas powered electricity generating and distribution outfits Professor Bath Nnaji put paid to claims of such investment in the $800million project by the host State.

At an interactive session with the Media, the former Minister of Power under former President Goodluck Jonathan Government, while profusely acknowledging the immeasurable contributions and assistance of the Abia state authorities in midwifing the project, however, said Abia State does not have monetary investment either in Naira and/or in any other currency in the organization.

“There was an expression of interest from the Abia State Government for the acquisition of interest. But there is no payments yet,” Nnaji stated

But in a statement issued on Sunday February 25 ,entitled ” Geometric : Facts About Investment of $5 million by the Abia State Government Under the Watch of Dr Okezie Ikpeazu” Chief John Okeiyi Kalu ,a former commissioner of Information in the immediate past regime insisted that the administration during an Executive Council meeting voted to acquire a-five million dollars ( %5 equity) stake in Geometric through the Ministry of Finance on behalf of Abians.

“As at the time the investment was authorized, Abia State Government insisted on paying the Naira equivalent using the prevailing official exchange rate of # 395 to a dollar as agreed with the Management of Geometric..

“According to information available to me the state government was expected to pay N1,975,000,000.00 (One billion, nine hundred, and seventy five million Naira only) to Geometric as the equivalent of 5% equity in the project.

“Iam also aware that the Abia state government under the leadership of Dr Okezie Ikpeazu actually transferred the sum of # 1,42 billion to the bank account of Geometric ( possibly Stanbic IBTC Account) and it was acknowledged by no less a person than Prof. Bath Nnaji himself in his capacity as Chairman/ CEO of Geometric via an official letter dated August 24 ,2022.” Chief Okiyi Kalu stated.

However, with the present Governor Otti-led Abia State Government debunking the claims of any such investment by the state in the Power plant, not a few Abians are calling on the immediate past administration of Okezie Ikpeazu to come clean on insisting that such an investment, if it exists, must be known to the Government of the day.

The Qatari Note Verbal: Nigeria’s Latest Diplomatic Debacle

The Source

February 26, 2024

By Frank Nweke II

As a Nigerian, I find the correspondence between the embassy of Qatar in Nigeria and Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs currently circulating online, embarrassing. It is an insult to our nation.

Relevant authorities should investigate the source and intent of this leak and take steps to ensure that it does not happen again.

There is no contesting that our government has a responsibility to manage our national affairs with savvy, reflecting deep knowledge and understanding of diplomatic protocols and norms, it is, however, impolitic for any nation to disrespect a purportedly ‘friendly’ nation through its communication, or any other channel for that matter, in the way that Qatar has done, however, muted the attempt.

I call on Nigerians who think that this act of ridicule against our nation is justified and worthy of celebration to have a rethink. It is not. It is indeed very disrespectful to our nation and people.

Being outside the government, we may never know the full facts, but the tone and use of language in the circulating document, however factual, is most discourteous and calculated to undermine Nigeria’s image.

Every part of our government is important for the efficient functioning of the whole, however, our Ministry of Foreign Affairs like that of other countries is a critical Ministry, especially because it is front-facing, with the responsibility to shape and lead our engagement with the world.

Nations use their Foreign Service Ministry to project hard and soft power, economic development, their people and their cultures. It is for this reason that most nations make significant investments and spare no expense in training members of their diplomatic service.

Once upon a time, the Nigerian nation and her diplomats were highly revered in the world for the quality of their minds and the overall impact of Nigeria’s foreign policy in global affairs.

Their well-informed policy thrusts were the basis of Nigeria’s successes at various times in the past in South Africa, Mozambique, Sudan, Ethiopia, Angola, Zimbabwe, Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Burkina Faso and São Tomé and Principe to name a few; and in many peace negotiations and peacekeeping efforts around the world.

The Foreign Service Academy and the Nigeria Institute for International Affairs, and similar elite institutions abroad, were created to meet the training needs of our diplomats and also carry on research on contemporary issues in Africa and the world. It was the outcome of various research and the thought leadership provided by leading diplomats and scholars in these institutions that underpinned Nigeria’s foreign policy which though focused on Africa helped Nigeria project considerable power in global affairs.

This Note Verbale incident, in addition to a series of others before now which portray our country in a poor light, is one too many. There is a saying in my Igbo dialect which translates to ‘If an old woman falls more than once, it is usually advised to count the number of items in the basket she is carrying on her head’.

High-level engagements between Nigeria’s Sovereign and others are so important that there should be no room for errors.

The reason or basis for meeting or visiting must be clear and free of ambiguity. The agenda must be agreed upon and finalised, usually after extensive consultations between officials of both countries. Unless there is a crisis, requiring urgent meetings, State visits are not vacations. They are sometimes planned years in advance and governments must prepare to make the best of the visit to enhance trade, bilateral and other relations in education, culture, science and technology, depending on a country’s interests. The nature of the meeting will also determine the composition and membership of the delegation. An important role for Nigeria’s representatives in potential host countries is a keen understanding of the cultural norms and gestures with detailed briefing provided to guide Mr President. That is how detailed the planning must be.

Communication of the intent, purpose, resolutions and outcomes of a visit or meeting is critical; it must be factual and verifiable at every stage, issued at the appropriate level, only, by an authorised official.

It is not the duty of your host to make your country look good by keeping mute if out of excitement, inexperience or incompetence, your officials mis-state resolutions reached at meetings.

Competent officials of host countries are accountable to their principals and citizens and will issue their own statements based on their own understanding of what transpired at a meeting between two or more sovereigns. This was the case when President Tinubu visited the United Arab Emirates some months ago. Such slips, however Freudian, have the potential to undermine otherwise important gains from high-level meetings and engender a crisis of confidence.

With the state of our economy and the considerable security challenges Nigeria is faced with at this time, every trip outside the country must be one that will bring obvious benefits to our troubled economy.

The offensive note verbale from the Qataris is tantamount to someone accepting your request to visit his or her home while telling you at the same time that they won’t be home. If the Qatari Minister for Trade and indeed the Qatari business community and economic actors will otherwise be engaged with others on matters of similar interest to ours at the time of Mr President’s visit and communicate in the way that they have done, that in itself is a strong message of Nigeria’s standing with the government and people of Qatar. Actions are also important tools of diplomacy.

I anticipate a serious review of this situation by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and his offer of dispassionate advice to Mr President to postpone this visit to enable proper planning in order for Nigeria to obtain the best outcomes from the visit, at a future date.

I must, however, call on our government to get its acts together. The discourtesy and disrespect to our government and citizens around the world is on account of the perception of our country at this time, as weak, disorganized, and corrupt.

Respect can neither be conjured nor decreed. It can only be earned, especially in the international arena through hard work – good governance at home, a strong economy and people-centred development, a secure and stable polity, respect for human rights and the rule of law, a manifest abhorrence for corruption and consistent respect for international laws and fulfilment of legitimate international obligations.

As we secure our country and rebuild our economy, perception of Nigeria’s circumstances will change based on reality, countries will naturally become more circumspect in their engagement with our government and respect for our passport and our people will grow.

Nweke II is a Senior Visiting Fellow at the Lagos Business School and member, Nigeria’s Federal Cabinet (2003-2007)

Coalition Of Nigerian Nurses Drags NMCN To Court Over Controversial Circular, Demands Millions In Compensation

Akinwale Kasali

February 26, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The cold war between Nigerian Nurses and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, NMCN, has escalated, and it has resulted in legal tussle. The Coalition of Nigerian Nurses has dragged the NMCN to court over its recent circular which requests verification of certificates for nurses and midwives to foreign nursing boards or councils.

NMCN Registrar/Secretary General, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar was joined in the suit as second defendant .

It would be recalled that Abubakar had issued a circular dated February 7, 2024, which has generated controversy and mixed feelings among stakeholders.

The controversial circular, among other things, provides that, “Eligible applicants must have a minimum of two (2) years post qualification experience from the date of issuance of the permanent practising licence. Any application with a provisional licence shall be rejected outrightly.

“The Council shall request a letter of Good Standing from the Chief Executive Officer of the applicant’s place(s) of work and the last nursing training institution attended, and responses on these shall be addressed directly to the Registrar/CEO, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. Please note that the Council shall not accept such letter(s) through the applicant.”

Aggrieved nurses, under the auspices of Incorporated Trustees of University Graduates of Nursing Science Association, have now approached a Federal High Court in Enugu, seeking a judicial interpretation of Faruk’s action.

The suit, with No FHC/E/CS/22/2024, was filed by the counsel to the plaintiffs, Barr Chijioke Ezeh.

The plaintiffs are seeking “a declaration that by the widest construction of the Nursing and Midwifery Registration Act ‘CAP N 143 L.F.N 2004) and other relevant extant applicable Laws, the 2nd defendant have no right whatsoever to issue or sign any circular and (or) directives in the exclusion and negation of the Board of Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Board of which was ipso facto dissolved by the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria on 19th June, 2023.

“A declaration that by the widest construction of the Nursing and Midwifery Registration Act ‘CAP N 143 L.F.N 2004). Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and other relevant extant applicable Laws, ALL DIRECTIVES as contained in the purported circular of Guidelines dated 7th February, 2024 as issued and signed by the 2nd defendant are unlawful, draconian, uncharitable, inconsiderate and unkind consequent upon which they are declared null, void and of no effect.

“An order compelling the 2nd defendant to open up and keep opened the portal of 1 defendant, rescind and cancel forthwith ALL such DIRECTIVES as contained in the purported circular of Guidelines dated 7th February, 2024 same being unlawful, null, void and of no effect.

“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the 2nd defendant from further signing or issuance of any other directives, instructions or circular in contradiction of the general intendments of Nursing and Midwifery Registration Act ‘CAP N 143 L.F.N 2004), Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and other relevant extant applicable Laws binding the operations of Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.”

The nurses are consequently praying the court “to grant a general and aggravated damages of five million Naira (N5,000,000.00) only for strictures and discomfitures.”

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

The Nigerian Nurses Lawyer, Ezeh, in an interaction with Journalists in Enugu State said his clients went to court over alleged acts of impunity and arbitrariness perpetrated by Abubakar, “wherein, acting under the auspices of his office, he has been issuing circulars that are repugnant to the tenets of his office and repugnant to the extant law that established the NMCN.

“We are saying that allowing that is making nurses in Nigeria to be subservient to the doctors, because those who are employers of nurses are mostly medical doctors.

“It is subservient for another profession to issue a letter of good standing; can’t the Nursing and Midwifery Council issue a letter of good standing for their own, why do it in such a manner that another profession will issue such letter?

“In one of the circulars, Abubakar also said that no nurse will leave the shores of Nigeria without complying with certain prescribed rules; we are saying no, that the constitution is the grundnorm; the circular is an infringement on the right to freedom of association as guaranteed by the constitution.”

Hardship: We Don’t Have All The Answers, Says Tinubu During Crisis Meeting With Dangote, Others

Tosin Olatokunbo

February 26, 2024

In the effort to find solutions to the current economic situation in the country, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has met with key stakeholders in the system.
On Sunday, President Tinubu met with prominent Nigerians in Aso Villa, Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, including Africa’s Richest Man, Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa, UBA and Heirs Holdings, Chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra state, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.
During the meeting, the president declared that his administration is working hard to put the country on the right economic path, but “we are not saying that we have all the answers.”
The president’s declaration comes on the verge of the two-day protest declared by the organized Labour to press home their demand on the government to do something about the hardship facing Nigerians.
The protest is billed for Tuesday and Wednesday this week, and it’s expected to preceed a wider nation-wide strike by the nation’s work force.

Tinubu said: “We are very concerned, from students to mothers and fathers, farmers, and traders, and realising that every one of us will have to fetch water from the same well. ⁣

“We’re looking for additional efforts that might help the downtrodden Nigerians and we will provide that hope and reassurance that economic recovery is on its way. ⁣

“We are not saying that we have all the answers. But we will not be blamed for not trying. We assure Nigerians that we will do our best to get our Marshall Plan in place and fashion out the best economic future for this country.”
After the meeting Dangote told reporters that: “I think we had a very, very good meeting and what we discussed was generally about the economy, food security and security of the nation.

“We discussed everything in detail. And there is the economic Presidential Advisory Committee, which has been set up and I think this will look at all the issues and address them, coming from job creation and food security.”

Military Dismisses Coup Report

James Orji

February 26, 2024

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has dismissed a report of an imminent coup in the country.

The rebuttal followed a report by an online news medium of suspicious movement of troops around the nation’s capital, Abuja.

It also comes after the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Musa warned last week that those peddling the coup rumour would be dealt with decisively.

The reports claimed that the Presidential Brigade of Guards has been placed on high alert as a result of this.

Reacting to the report on Sunday, DHQ dismissed the fear of coup plot, urging Nigerians to disregard it.

According to a statement signed by the Acting Director Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukr Gusau, the military said the report “is totally false.”

The statement in part: “The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to a malicious and unfounded article published online (Not Vanguard) on 25 February 2024 claiming that the Guards Brigade has been put on high alert following unusual movements, leading to suspicion of a coup plot in Nigeria.

“The publication also asserted amongst other things that the suspicion prompted emergency meeting involving President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Staff to the President and Commander of the Guards Brigade.

“The Defence Headquarters wishes to categorically state that the allegation is totally false.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Guards Brigade has been statutorily assigned the responsibility of protecting the seat of power (The Presidency) and by extension the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.

“Hence, it is to be noted that the Guards Brigade has always been on high alert in order to effectively executive its assigned tasks.

“It will be recalled that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa had in various fora reiterated the unalloyed commitment of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the protection and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.

“Therefore, the Defence Headquarters strongly condemn this unsubstantiated assertion which is just a figment of imagination of the publisher and enjoins members of the public to disregard it.

“Furthermore, the Defence Headquarters calls on relevant security agencies to immediately take appropriate action against the Sahara Reporters for this unpatriotic action.”

Military Won’t Tolerate Coup- CDS

Musa stated, “I want Nigeria to be assured that the armed forces of Nigeria are here for them to protect them and to protect democracy and ensure that democracy thrives. They should have no fear. We have had a number of coups in countries around Nigeria, we have Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

“I know that is a lot of apprehension. I want to assure everyone that the Arm Forces of Nigeria is dedicated and committed to ensuring, securing, supporting and standing by democracy. We stand by democracy.

“You saw that ECOWAS was very decisive in the decision taken against the coup plotters and we want to assure Nigerians that nothing like a coup is going to take place in Nigeria.

“All members of the Armed Forces are pleased with democracy and we will continue to defend democracy.”

Oyo: Gov Blames Chinese For Illegal Mining, Arrests 4

James Orji

February 26, 2024

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has accused some Chinese of promoting illegal mining in the state.

Recall that the state experienced a deadly explosion in January which led to the death of at least five persons residents, and close to 300 properties affected in its wake.

Following the explosion, the state government had promised to deal with the illegal miners in the state.

While paying an unscheduled visit to one of the illegal mining sites at Idi Ayunre, Oluyole Local Government on Sunday, the governor said some Chinese were operating a factory where lithium is being packaged.

According to him, the factory was meant for the recycling of batteries and tyres but was turned to a mining site by the illegal Chinese operators.

Makinde said four persons have now been arrested in relation to the matter.

The governor said: “This place, according to records available to us, was meant to be a yard for recycled tyres and batteries.

“But coming in here, you can see there is no single battery or tyre here. They are crushing lithium here and they had support from all over.

“The preliminary investigation indicated that some Chinese are the ones leading this. They also have a lawyer from Katsina.

“The state government will take over the facility via a court process, as this is a clear violation of the Executive Order that I signed and it is a problem that we have to address.

“Some four persons have been arrested and they are with the security agencies. The Chinese people have been taken to immigration and, once we are able to find something to prosecute them, then, we will prosecute them.”

As The Geometric Power Plant Comes On Stream

The Source

February 26, 2024

By Abraham Amah

The official commissioning of the Geometric independent power project located in Osisioma, a suburb of Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State and in deed the South East by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu represents a great milestone in Nigeria’s journey to sustainable and uninterrupted power supply through the National Independent Power Projects, NIPPS scheme.

Conceived as a private initiative by Nigeria’s former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, Geometric Power is a full-fledged electricity utility company in the value chain of the power business including generation, distribution and marketing. The economic potential of the thermal plant with a 188 MW of electricity is huge as it would provide steady power to the Enyimba Economic City, another huge private business concern located within three local government areas of Abia State; Ukwa East, Ukwa West and Ugwunagbo. In addition, the Abia dry seaport, another economic flagship located in Isiala Ngwa South local government area would be a big beneficiary of power supply from the plant.

In all, the power plant would in the present phase, supply electricity to the area designated as Aba mega city comprising nine local government areas of Abia State, with the possibilities of expansion to take on more areas in the future as well as export power to bordering States as the case may be. The nine local government areas are Aba North, Aba South, Ugwunagbo, Osisioma, Obingwa, Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South, Ukwa East and Ukwa West. The interplay of the various economic initiatives as envisioned by the former leaders of the state and embedded in the Aba mega city would certainly leapfrog the economic opportunities in Abia State.

The story of Geometric Power Limited and the local politics and intrigues that dogged it for over ten years, to the point of a frustrating collapse is not within the purview of this discourse, after all, whatever happened is now in the past as all the grey and contentious issues have been resolved, making it possible for the project to finally come on stream to provide the primary infrastructural base required to effectively jumpstart and scale the industrial potential of Aba and the ingenuity and resilience of its people.

The entrepreneurial courage and foresight of the visioner of Geometric Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, for believing in his capacity to undertake such a massive investment of $800m at the individual level inspires optimism. His ability to stay through the tough period is inspirational and above all placing economic rationality over sentiments by choosing Aba in Abia State as the project location deserves commendation. The choice of Aba, the potential therein and the best efforts and honest commitments of the Abia State government through the consistent intervention of its governors who foresaw the possibilities of a fully industrialised Aba through the Geometric power supply is a conflation of ideas and resources meant to place Aba and Abia in the industrial map of Africa.

In celebrating this huge feat which is denoted as the single highest investment in the South East, we must not forget in a hurry, but eminently recognise the personal sacrifices, best efforts and honest intentions of individuals, especially the previous governors of Abia State who contributed immensely to the success of the project we are celebrating today. The initial intervention of the governor of Abia State, Chief T. A. Orji in providing a conducive environment for the take-off of construction work in the plant site by ensuring that compensation and other matters related to native lands and obligations were conducted in the most peaceful atmosphere gave the project a good start.

In 2013, Governor T. A. Orji rehabilitated the 1.4km Geometric access road in Osisioma to provide easy access to the site and fast track the completion of the project to boost the economic activities in the Aba area and grow the State’s economy. In the same year, the Abia State government of Chief T. A. Orji granted tax waivers to Geometrics totalling N50m as a show of support for the company and the government’s unreserved commitment to the completion of the project. In 2015, Governor T. A. Orji also brought President Goodluck Jonathan to visit and inspect the Geometric Power plant that was under construction but encumbered with several bureaucratic bottlenecks that had prevented its take-off. President Jonathan on that visit pledged to dismantle every bureaucratic roadblock on the way of Geometric and by so doing help to realise the hidden treasures in Aba which had for years been locked up by the lack of steady power infrastructure. Pursuant to the State government’s commitment to the completion of the project, Governor Orji continued to give bureaucratic State-level and moral support until he left office.

Realising the huge economic benefits derivable from the power project and its multiplier effect in the Aba area for residents, industrialists, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises and minor businesses, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu took off from where his predecessor stopped and continued to support the project in several ways. Besides ensuring that the access road to the project site remained motorable at all times, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu led delegations several times to Egypt and South Africa to negotiate an Afrexim bank loan and in February 2021 facilitated the financial closure with the bank which provided a $50m facility to Geometrics. According to Dr. Ikpeazu, “I led delegations to Cairo several times and to South Africa where we achieved financial closure. Even the President of Afrexim bank commended us openly.”

Not done, Dr. Ikpeazu continued to work with Geometrics and other stakeholders including the office of the Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE to straighten a major contentious issue around the business concern and on February 16, 2022, the company took over the Aba Ring-Fenced area from the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC and became a full-fledged standalone electricity utility company.

In recognition of the support received from Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in the process of building the power plant, the promoter, Prof. Barth Nnaji poured encomiums on him on February 22, 2022 during an inspection tour of the facility and recounted how Dr. Ikpeazu helped to revive the project and travelled with him several times to meet institutional investors. Specifically, Prof. Nnaji said, “this project wouldn’t have seen the light of the day without the support of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu”, and re-affirmed that the Abia State government has a 5% equity stake in the project.

Having broken all entry barriers, survived all the intrigues and power play, seen the tenure of two governors of the host State; Senator T. A. Orji and Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, and being commissioned during the tenure of the third governor, Dr. Alex Otti, Geometric Power project is a child of perseverance, the product of the resilience of the promoters and the immutable power of doggedness of everyone that has contributed in any measure to the success of what we are celebrating.

As we enter into the service delivery phase of the project, it is incumbent on all stakeholders to continue to provide the requisite support that would scale the business to the next level and provide the needed steady supply of power to individuals and businesses in the Aba area. The present State government must as a matter of policy provide all necessary support, especially with a view to helping Geometric to expand its infrastructure, technology and other facilities required to provide the entire Abia State with uninterrupted power supply in the nearest future.

Geometric Power should understand that the expectations of the people of Abia are high and rightly so, because they believe that an individual who conceived such a huge venture and nurtured it through turbulent times would also have the capacity to deliver top notch and efficient services to the delight and satisfaction of the people and numerous customers. The future of electricity in Abia State is in the hands of the company by providing seamless power, the support of the government through favourable business policies and the people through complainace with regulations and meeting obligations regularly.

Amah is the Vice Chairman of Abia PDP and Acting State Publicity Secretary

Afenifere Leader, Pa Fasoranti Begs Nigerians To Bear With President Tinubu

Ayodele Oni

February 26, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

National Leader of the pan Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti has appealed to Nigerians especially people of Yoruba race to stop any form of protest due to the current economic crisis.

Fasoranti, who admitted that some of the economic policies of the present administration have brought hardship and high cost of food items, pleaded that Nigerians should exercise patience while government addresses the challenges.

In a statement on Sunday, the Yoruba leader stated that “The outcry over the hardship, hunger, and price hikes is not unexpected. However, we must come to terms with the realities of our national challenges, which the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is striving to resolve.

“While acknowledging the hardships faced by our people, it is important to recognize that these economic measures, although difficult, are part of a larger strategy aimed at restoring economic prosperity and stability to Nigeria.

“The government’s commitment to implementing these measures is a testament to its dedication to addressing the root causes of our economic challenges, inherited from the ills of the previous years.

“As a responsible leader, I appeal to every Yoruba man and woman, young and old, and our fellow citizens across the nationalities, to exercise patience and refrain from engaging in protests or actions that may escalate tensions.

“Understandably, the immediate impact of Tinubu’s economic reforms is challenging to everyone, but it is crucial to give the government the necessary time to realize the intended benefits.

“It is important to note that the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the Naira is not undertaken lightly, as we all know the great damage done to our national prosperity through the nefarious activities of the agents of darkness within the oil and financial sectors.

“These measures by the Federal Government, though painful in the short term, are designed to create a more sustainable economic environment that will benefit us all in the long run. It requires collective understanding and resilience from every citizen as we navigate through these challenging times.

“We cannot afford a preference for the euthanasic approach of painless death of our nation, where we are propped up with loans and subsidies until a total collapse into a failed nation.

“We have the opportunity of painful healing through treatment with multiple surgeries that will guarantee not just our survival, but restored health, vigour and thriving life. We must endure today’s hardship for tomorrow’s prosperity.

“I implore you to trust in the government’s commitment to the welfare of our nation. Let us engage in constructive dialogue and contribute positively to the ongoing economic reforms.

“Join me in appealing for unity and understanding among our people. Together, we can weather this storm and emerge stronger as a nation.

“I want to assure you as the Leader of Afenifere, that we are actively engaging with the government at different levels to address the concerns of our people.

“Let us remain steadfast, patient, and united in the face of these challenges, confident that our collective resilience will pave the way for a more prosperous future.”

Leave BDCs Alone, They Are Not The Cause Of The Dollar Rise

The Source

February 26, 2024

The main opposition Voice and the Labour Party Presidential Candidate in last year’s general election, Peter Obi has advised government agencies arresting Bureau de Change operators to desist because they are not the problem of the naira fall or dollar rise.

Obi said in his X handle on Sunday that the action is primitive goes to show a poor understanding of the problems.

According to the LP leader, “The recent reported attacks and disruption of the business activities of Bureaux de Change (BDCs) operators in different urban centers across the country by Government Agencies, are ill-advised and wrongly directed.

“Rather than solve the problem, the action will further escalate and worsen the exchange rate situation in the country.

“The BDCs are not the primary suppliers of forex nor do they create demand. They only provide a market to sellers and buyers of foreign currency.

“They are part and parcel of every economy and can be found even in the developed economies of the world.

“To think that the BDCs are the cause of the declining value of the Naira is a smack on rational economic thinking.

“The only way to shore up the value of our currency is to move the country from consumption to production, especially export-led production, and fight corruption, which allows unproductive money to pursue the available supply of foreign currency.

“As long as Nigeria remains an unproductive economy and corruption continues unfettered with people in possession of unproductive excess cash, the value of our currency will continue to depreciate.

“It’s important therefore that government authorities properly understand the workings of a modern economy and channel their efforts accordingly, and stop ridiculing the nation in the eyes of global economies.”

Falana To FG: You Can’t Threaten Labour, As Battle Line Drawn Over Protest

Tosin Olatokunbo

February 25, 2024

A senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Femi Falana has written a scathing letter to the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi over this week’s protest by the Organised Labour in the country.

The Trade Union Congress, TUC and Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, are billed to embark on a two-day warning protest this week to call government attention to the economic hardship facing Nigerians.

The protest is billed for Tuesday and Wednesday this week.

On Saturday however, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice , Lateef Fagbemi threatend labour with a contempt of court charges if they went ahead with the protest.

The AGF, in a letter he wrote to Falana yesterday said the protest would be a violation of last year’s Nigeria Industrial Courts, NIC, order to Labour not to go on strike.

In his reply to the AGF, Falana, a human rights lawyer said it’s the workers’ right to protest in line with the 1999 Constitution.

What the federal government should do, Falana said is to ensure that the Nigerian police Force, NPF, provide security for thr Labour during the protest to endure that it’s not hijacked.

The rights lawyer said the government policies have brought untold hardship to the members of the unions, saying the federal government has failed to implement the agreement reached with Organised Labour .

He explained that instead rather implement the agreement, the federal government chose to initiated “contempt proceedings against the NLC and TUC at the National Industrial Court,”

Falana’s letter dated February 24 read in part: “It would be recalled that following the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 29, 2023, the Federal Government commenced negotiations with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) as the subsidy removal policy had brought untold hardship to Nigerians.

“While the negotiations were in progress, the Federal Ministry of Justice rushed to the National Industrial Court to file Suit No NICN/ABJ/158/2023 between the Federal Government of Nigeria & Anor. v Nigeria Labour Congress & Anor in respect of the same issues.

“On June 5, 2023, the Honourable Justice Yemi Anuwe granted the application of the Federal Government for an ex parte order to restrain the NLC and TUC from embarking on a strike against the removal of fuel subsidy.

“Although both the NLC and TUC complied with the ex parte order, they promptly filed an application to set aside the same for lack of jurisdiction.

“They equally asked for a stay of execution of the order ex parte pending the determination of the motion. The application to set aside the ex parte order filed by the defendants and the motion for interlocutory injunction filed by the claimants have not been considered as parties resolved to settle the case out of court.

“Even though the parties signed a 16-point memorandum of understanding, the Federal Government did not implement all the terms of the agreement. Hence, on August 2, 2023, both NLC and TUC held a peaceful protest throughout the country.

Instead of implementing the Agreement, the Federal Government initiated “contempt proceedings against the NLC and TUC at the National Industrial Court,” adding that the charge had since been challenged by the union at the industrial court.

Therefore “We submit, without any fear of contradiction, that the proposed public protest of the NLC is not contemptuous of the two ex parte orders of the National Industrial Court,”Falana said in the letter.

Part of the letter to the AGF read:

“On November 10, 2023, the Federal Government filed another Suit, No NICN/ABJ/322/2023 between the Federal Government of Nigeria & Anor. at the National Industrial Court against the NLC and TUC, notwithstanding the pendency of Suit No. Suit No NICN/ABJ/158/2023.

“On that same day, the President of the National Industrial Court, the Honourable Justice Benedict Kanyip, granted an ex parte order to restrain the NLC and TUC from embarking on the planned strike.

“However, His Lordship directed that the case file be transferred to Justice Olufunke Yemi Anuwe who is handling a similar labour dispute between the same parties.

“Both NLC and TUC challenged the competence of the fresh suit on the ground that it constitutes a gross abuse of court process, inter alia. The application has not been heard and determined by the National Industrial Court.

“Having withdrawn the contempt proceedings filed against the NLC and TUC for embarking on a public protest on August 2, 2023, you ought not to have threatened the NLC with contempt of court over its plan to hold rallies from February 27-28, 2024, against the astronomical cost of living in the country.

“We submit, without any fear of contradiction, that the proposed public protest of the NLC is not contemptuous of the two ex parte orders of the National Industrial Court.

“In particular, the issue of contempt does not arise as the NLC has challenged the jurisdiction of the National Industrial Court to entertain the substantive case.

“It is further submitted that the National Industrial Court has not restrained the members of the NLC from exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression to protest against the excruciating economic pains being experienced by the masses.

“In the case of Inspector-General of Police v All Nigeria Peoples Party (2008) 12 WRN 65, the Court of Appeal upheld the fundamental right of Nigerians to protest on matters of public interest without a police permit. In the leading judgment of the Court, Olufunmilayo Adekeye JCA (as she then was) held inter alia:

“The right to demonstrate and the right to protest on matters of public concern are rights which are in the public interest and that which individuals must possess, and which they should exercise without impediment as long as no wrongful act is done…

“If as speculated by law enforcement agents that breach of the peace would occur, our criminal code has made adequate provisions for sanctions against the breakdown of law and order so that the requirement of a permit as a conditionality to holding meetings and rallies can no longer be justified in a democratic society.”

“Since freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are part of the democratic rights of every citizen of Nigeria, the Court of Appeal further held that, “the legislature must guard these rights jealously as they are part of the foundation upon which the government itself rests.”

“Consequently, the National Assembly has ensured that the right of aggrieved citizens to protest peacefully for or against the government is protected.

“Thus, section 83(4) of the Police Establishment Act 2020, which “where a person or organization notifies the police of his or its intention to hold a public meeting, rally or procession on a public highway or such meetings in a place where the public has access to, the police officer responsible for the area where the meeting, rally or procession will take place shall mobilize personnel to provide security cover for the meeting, rally or the procession.”

“While we have advised the members of the NLC to conduct the rallies scheduled for February 27-28, 2024, in a peaceful manner, we urge you to use your good offices to direct the Inspector-General of Police to provide adequate security to the conveners and participants in the protest in line with the provisions of Section 83(4) of the Police Establishment Act.

“Finally, while awaiting your favorable reply to this letter, please accept, as usual, the assurance of our highest esteem.”

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