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Category: Interview

  • Kaduna Bomb Attack: Islamic cleric, Shiekh Gumi faults Tinubu

    Kaduna Bomb Attack: Islamic cleric, Shiekh Gumi faults Tinubu

    *Say’s north can address insecurity issues themselves, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Gen. Murtala M. others killed thru fake army intelligence

    By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

    A Kaduna-based Islamic Scholar and leader Dr. Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, has described the drone bomb attacked in Tudun Biri village in Igabi Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna state last Sunday by the Nigerian Army as unfortunate and avoidable.

    Sheikh Gumi who made the assertion in an interview faulted President Bola Tinubu over the bombing for been so much in a hurry to end insecurity in Nigeria.

    “Tinubu is making mistakes because he’s too much in a hurry to stop insecurity”, he stated.

    Recalled that on Sunday, 3rd December 2023, Nigerian Army mistook participants on Maulud Islamic procession for terrorists and launched an aerial bomb on them.

    The airstrike strike instantly killed scores and injured many residents of Tudun Biri, a community in the Igabi LGA of Kaduna State.

    Igabi, Giwa, Birni Gwari and Chikun Local Government areas of the state have however been identified as hidden spots for the terrorists and bandits who have been terrorising the state for about a decade.

    Before the unfortunate incident, several security officers including soldiers, policemen, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), officers and members of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADGVS), and the civilian populace have been killed by these marauding elements.

    Speaking in the interview, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi described the bombing by the Nigerian Army as unfortunate and avoidable.

    While he dismissed military intelligence as immaterial, Gumi said the security issues in Northern Nigeria could be addressed by the Northerners.

    He said “Honestly, I was not surprised about that mistaken assumption bombing at Tudun Biri by the Nigerian Army because it has happened elsewhere before and nobody was sanctioned to serve as a deterrent.

    For instance, I saw in Niger State, deep in the forest, where a village was levelled, except for three survivors. That joint operation was carried out by the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, and Vigilante. It was not a Fulani community but that of a minority tribe in Niger State.

    “We were invited by those three survivors and when we went there, we saw houses filled with dead bodies. When we inquired about what led to that, they said it was due to their alleged cooperation with the bandits.

    “I wondered if anyone could survive in that place without cooperating with the bandits who are like the government there. A vast land area that was under the control of the bandits.

    “So, if the Nigerian Army could not fight these bandits man-to-man, except through bombing, what do you want the villagers to do? This happened during the immediate past administration of Muhammadu Buhari.

    “It is important to add that no nation can progress with blood on its hands. The Nigerian Army has turned to the Nigerian version of Netanyahu, killing innocent women and children in the name of killing bandits who are combatants.

    “The Army authorities have accepted responsibility and pleaded with Nigerians, saying that the unfortunate incident was not intended?

    “What happened just recently has no excuse. The rule of engagements says that even if your target is seen, once there are innocent women and children among them, you should not bomb them because of those women and children because to save an innocent life is more important than killing a criminal.

    “In the interim, what should the government do to secure confidence in Nigerians especially the affected community in Igabi Local Government area of the state?

    “The government must immediately institute a board of investigation not just on the Tudun Biri incident but all the killings of innocent Nigerians. If those who killed these people are found to be prejudiced, they should be brought to book. The government needs to take full responsibility for the genocide that is happening in our rural areas”, stated.

    Gumi who was in the military lamented that “Military intelligence is not intelligence. Look at what is happening in Gaza. Israeli soldiers were bringing down houses with children in them.

    “Intelligence will tell them there are Hamas there and no children only to discover that there were children there after bombing them. Military +intelligence is nonsense. People just concocting something not as if it is real.

    “For example, the late Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto who was killed in 1966, was because there was an ‘intelligence’ that he was amassing weapons in his residence.

    “I got to know that because my father was apprehended and was being asked, ‘where are the weapons you are amassing’? Murtala was also killed because of similar fake intelligence.

    “Look at the case of America and Saddam Hussein in Iraq. He was accused of amassing weapons of mass destruction. When they went to Iraq, more than 2,000 American soldiers died for a life. So, Military intelligence is just about making money.

    “Nowhere in the World that military intelligence is intelligence. It is just a way to siphon money through the defence. They will just say there is a threat so the government can give money. Since Buhari came, no agency of government enjoys money like Defence, and look at how the security situation is getting worse by the day.

    “Once the government is not in tune with the society, it will never get the true intelligence. That was why we are having a dialogue on having active community policing.

    “We should bring such a policy down to the state and local government. Security is supposed to be on the same page with the people, otherwise, relying on officers instead of people will not give adequate intelligence.

    For example, if a carpenter sees any protrusion on a wall, the solution that will likely come to his mind is to harmer it to address it because that harmer is what he works with.

    “So, everything is not just to show the military power and bribe people with money. Our government needs to be told that not all problems are solved with power or money. Problems are solved with real politicking and that is missing.

    See how the Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo went to see Nnamdi Kanu and spoke to him. So, the government delegated some Igbo leaders to pacify the situation. Again, Sunday Igboho, Yoruba nation agitator, was in exile all along Buhari’s time.

    “When a Yoruba man came, the agitation has been subsided. So, if Igbo could deal with their problem and Yoruba could deal with their problem, then, we in the North can deal with our problem.

    “We can deal with it. Unfortunately during the past administration, Buhari failed because he had a personal problem. He was not listening. The extra-judicial killings were worst during Buhari’s time. Our people told me that they have never suffered bloody attacks like during Buhari’s time. Many called Buhari “Baba go-slow”.

    “Now, Tinubu is in haste to show that he’s doing something about the security situation in the country. The truth is when you act in haste, you are bound to make several mistakes. The military is not the solution to that. The more you kill their children, the more they get frustrated and the more they fight back.

    “So as we have somebody to take care of the problem in the South-East, another one to take care of the problem in the South-West, get somebody from the North to take care of the problem in the North. That is the only way and not force. I have good authority that bandits are on the increase because they are being massacred.

    “Like Buhari, Tinubu has two advisers; those who are telling him that he should use force to end banditry and he is supporting them. On the other hand, some people are telling him to opt in for dialogue, he listens to them, but not supporting them. I will advise President Tinubu not to be deceived the way Buhari was deceived. You cannot be doing the same thing and expect different results”, he added.

    On what message to the people of Tudun Biri, Gumi said “I’m hopeful the government will take it seriously. But it should investigate the unfortunate development in Turun Biri to avoid a repeat. It must never happen again.

    “A military man was saying that sometimes when they see a man riding a motorcycle in the bush, they would kill him. As a human, you cannot hide. If you kill someone unjustly using your power, you cannot hide from God. You will never have peace in your life if you take an innocent life.

    “So, I will tell the people of Tudun Biri to take it as predestination while calling on the government to take precautions to ensure this does not happen again.

  • Like NYSC, PDP Has Structure All Over Nigeria – Hon Chris Hassan

    Like NYSC, PDP Has Structure All Over Nigeria – Hon Chris Hassan

    The Peoples Democratic Party Chairman in Plateau State, hon Chris Hassan, in the following interview, describes the Appeal Court’s Claim that the Party in Plateau State has “no structure” as strange, stating that the Court order referred to was obeyed to the latter, and in the ensuing congress, the man who went to court earlier did not only accept defeat, but congratulated the winners, and that that outcome of the congress has not been challenged in any court of law. Excerpts by UKANDI ODEY

    Good day, Chairman. Recently, there have been a series of judgments against your Party from the Appeal Court. What really is the status of the PDP in Plateau State?

    Let me welcome you to my office. Well, what is happening today with the interpretation of the judgments is alien to me – and it’s alien to us as People’s Democratic Party, because we’ve not understood what “structure” is like.

    Is it “structure” as in the political party or “structure” as in the judgment? We don’t seem to understand; but you know, for sure, ever since the inception of the People’s Democratic Party, it is one party that is well structured.

    From the manifesto, from the constitution, from the philosophy of the party, I want to believe that there’s no political party in Nigeria that is as structured as the People’s Democratic Party. And that is why, you can see, of course, the existence of the People’s Democratic Party is in all the 774 local government areas in the country.

    No political party in Nigeria has the same national spread and presence. So, in the right sense of the word, we’re well structured.

    Then what is peculiar with the Plateau situation?

    Good question. You are aware that we had congresses that brought in the Ward Exco, the Local Government Exco, and, of course, the State Exco, up to the six geopolitical zones.

    And we also concluded that journey with a national convention. So, we are part of a structure. What is structure? In line with the constitution of the People’s Democratic Party, we held the congresses up to the state level.

    In November 2020, at the state congress, I was elected as the chairman of the party. My brother and contender for the same chairmanship position at the congress, Bitrus Kaze, went to Court and the Court granted his prayers and ordered that we repeat Congress. Because the People’s Democratic Party is a party that respects the rule of law, we said there was no problem with that order. We said let us go back, so that we can save ourselves from all these litigations and court processes. The legal team advised us to that effect too; and that Exco was off.

    And upon dissolution, the national secretary of the party put together a caretaker committee headed by Senator Tunde Ogbeha. He came here to the state with a mandate to stay here for 90 days only – that is three months. And he did wonderfully well. A very experienced senator, an ex -military man, and a proud father of the North Central Zone, his contacts were actually very extensive; and he did consult with all those who were aggrieved

    And before then, there were judgments given in five local governments that there should be a repeat of congresses. It was that same caretaker committee that saw to the conduct of the said repeat congresses and emergence of party Excos in those five local governments.

    Local governments like Jos North, Jos South, Jos East, were part of those captured in the judgment that we received. Having got our house in order, we went back. And this paved and gave birth to the state congress that took place on 25th of September 2021

    How was that Court ordered, and the repeat State Congress conducted?

    Although the chairman of the caretaker committee, Tunde Ogbeha was in place, but, in the wisdom of the party at the national level, as if they envisaged there will be a judgement like this, they put the power to conduct the congress in an electoral committee headed by Shola Akamudi.

    Shola Akamudi came in here and conducted the congress. And in that congress, there’s no single individual that has gone to court again to challenge anything relating thereto. Even Bitrus Kaze congratulated and embraced me. The video clips are there. They all congratulated me!

    What happened thenceforth?

    We went back on our journey. A journey, of course, to conscientise our people, trying to mobilize our people toward these last elections. And you saw what happened even when we had a sitting APC government here.

    And I told you before that for anybody that is actually aware and in tune with the Plateau struggle, the manifesto and philosophy of the party comes very close to our struggle.

    And that is why you’ll find out that, overwhelmingly, we brought in 16 members of the State House of Assembly as against the then ruling party’s seven. We brought in five members of the House of Representatives, with two senators and a brand new governor that has the interest of the state at heart.

    What INEC declared is what I’m saying; because it is the only statutory body in Nigeria that has the power to conduct general elections. If the elections were unfair, they know it better. But I’m yet to hear that from them!

    So, what is the basis of this claim of “no structure”?

    If we don’t have a structure, check, as compared to other political parties, why is it that it is only the People’s Democratic Party that conducted congress and primaries, and nobody went to Court. In Plateau State alone, for the House of Assembly, we had 313 people that went and obtained the forms to contest for the House of Assembly.

    We had 19 that bought forms to contest the governorship election. We had 68 who obtained forms to contest the House of Representatives. For Senate alone, we had 27. And no form was obtained from this office because we believe that there’s only one certificate of registration and that certificate rests with the national secretariat of the party. For you to conduct anything in this state, it is the national Secretariat that does everything.

    Ours is to receive them as visitors, and give them every assistance of which they may stand in need; such as link up the security agencies so that they can of course conduct their activities in a well secured atmosphere. That’s what the state does. Even now, I don’t have the powers to communicate with the INEC. If I have a problem in ward A, I have to take it back to the National Secretariat. The national secretariat will communicate the secretariat of the INEC. And if the INEC wants to come and do a repeat Congress in a ward, they don’t communicate to me, they communicate to the National Secretariat. The National secretariat will now tell us “INEC has approved so, so, date….” That is how we operate.

    Besides, If we don’t have a structure, should it be the concern and resolution of the judiciary or INEC?

    What of internal democracy within your Party? How fair were the primaries in terms of how you related with the aspirants as part of build up to the primaries?

    First of all, remember I have told you the number of aspirants who obtained nomination forms for various elective positions; and that at the end of the day none went to court seeking one thing or the other.

    There is no single person that came out dissatisfied – nobody. Instead, as a chairman of the party, I had interface with all the aspirants and I promised them that we will be very fair to them. And they also said, if you are going to be fair in the conduct of all these primaries, then we are reassured that we will not have protest votes.

    When you see members of the political parties going around to do protest voting, then the process was not transparent. And because the process was transparent enough, that is why all those that lost elections in the primaries, closed ranks and teamed up with those who won the election and worked for the success of this party.

    And that did not only manifest, it was brought to the table. And I’ve understood and learnt as chairman of the party, that there is nothing as good as being very justifiable in the conduct of your office, particularly during party primaries.

    And when we did that, we had fewer problems. So, if anybody says today that there was no fair play or “structure”, the golden question is, who went to court? Nobody went to court! Not even against the conduct of the congresses that brought in the present Exco and the primaries that brought in our candidates. Nobody went to court!

    In other political parties, you saw what happened during the primaries of the governorship election. Up till now, they are in the Supreme Court. Even the election that brought in the Exco of the Plateau State APC from the Wards to the State are still being disputed and contested as fraudulent and make-belief!

  • Sophia, the mother of Davido’s child, opens up about her greatest fear becoming a reality.

    Sophia, the mother of Davido’s child, opens up about her greatest fear becoming a reality.

    During a recent Instagram live session with fans, Sophia Momodu, the first baby mama of singer Davido, revealed that her worst fear has come true. She expressed that her greatest fear was having to raise a child alone, and unfortunately, that is now her reality as Davido has allegedly abandoned their daughter, Imade.

    In a candid statement, Sophia Momodu, the first baby mama of singer Davido, expressed, “My worst fear has happened to me, so I don’t think anything scares me in life anymore. I never wanted to raise a child alone, and now I’m doing it.”

    It is worth noting that Sophia recently shared her plans to change their daughter Imade’s surname, emphasizing that she has been fulfilling the role of both mother and father in her life.

    Read also:https://daybreak.ng/top-10-advantll-signed-by-pr/

    In a series of recent social media posts, Sophia alluded to Davido being an absentee father, raising concerns about his commitment to their child.

  • An afternoon with BAI YANG, CCECC staff and first female train driver in Nigeria

    An afternoon with BAI YANG, CCECC staff and first female train driver in Nigeria

    In this exclusive interview, Miss Isa Fatimat Abiola also known as ‘Bai Yang’ spoke to our correspondent on her journey with the Chinese construction firm, CCCECC and how she broke the jinx to become the first-ever female train driver in Nigeria.

    Q: Who is Bai Yang?
    Bai Yang: I am Miss Isa Fatima Abiola but my Chinese name is Bai Yang. I am from Kwara state, Ilorin to be precise. I work with China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) under the operations department in Abuja.

    Q. Can you introduce us to your work experience and growth with CCECC?

    Bai Yang: Hmmmmmmm! I started work at CCECC as a domestic staff in 2008. That was before I finished my studies. But after, I continued as Secretary where I started learning Chinese right here in Nigeria. In 2013, I applied to the Abuja-Kaduna train modernization in Jere, Kaduna. This is what I want to do. To learn how to drive a train. So I was happy to be admitted to the department because it is an opportunity for me. With time, I told one of my bosses on our trip to Kaduna that I would love to try this. So he looked at me and said even in China, I don’t think we have a female train driver. I told him to just let me try. So I started looking at my bosses and understanding them whenever we travel. So with time, I started catching up and later they discussed how to tutor me into a train driver.

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    Q. So how long did it take for you to perfect the training?
    Bai Yang: I think three years.

    Q. How was your first experience of driving?
    Bai Yang: It was not hard because I have been on the train sitting with the pilot for like many months. So handling that was not difficult for me because that is what I wanted to do.

    Q. What was the reaction of the passengers the first time they discovered that a female was piloting them?

    Bai Yang: Hmmmmmm! that day was amazing because normally passengers don’t see their pilot. But there was a day I decided to introduce myself to the passengers and they were all amazed. That day I drove them from Churchgate to the airport.

    Q. What are the personal changes you have experienced since picking this job?
    Bai Yang: When I was a secretary, I earned lesser, but my salary increased since becoming a train driver. So I am now able to take care of my family and my retired parents more than before.

    Q. What can you say about this job?
    Bai Yang: This job is not only beneficial to me, but it has also helped the economy to grow. This rail here has opened up this environment to huge economic activities.

    Q. How do you get along with your Chinese colleagues?

    Bai Yang: I think very well. I love one thing about them. They have been very nice and easygoing ever since I met them. Through them, I learnt a new culture, the food, and even the name Bai Yang was given to me by my Chinese colleagues because I have a kind of adopted Chinese parents.

    Q. What does Bai Yang me?
    Bai Yang: Bai Yang is a kind of tree. A long tree in China. Bai is something white and tree is Yang.

    Q. What kind of Chinese Delicacy do you like?

    Bai Yang: I think Kwogwo and Chaozo. Chaozo is made of flour and beef. The Kwogwo is a kind of hot pot where people eat from.

    Q. What is the difference between your Chinese and Nigerian colleagues?
    Bai Yang: You know being a Nigerian, I am already used to my Nigerian colleagues. But adopting a Chinese friend is like learning more about their culture, and their environment. I think it is interesting and that is why I find it comfortable with them

    Q. How do you feel about China?

    Bai Yang: China is a good country, especially from a Global aspect. They are very fast in the global world. I feel very good any time I travel to China because I learn more. I am the kind of person that always likes learning. China is a very good country and the people are very hospitable.

    Q. How many times have you visited China?

    Bai Yang: I think twice.

    Q. How many Chinese cities have you visited?
    Bai Yang: I think five. I have been to Siang, Guangzhou, Lanzhou, Beijing and Shanghai.

    Q. How was the reception like?
    Bai Yang: Nice, good.

    Q. So Chinese People are very hospitable, right?
    Bai Yang: Very very!

    Q. And you were treated as one of them?
    Bai Yang: Ya like one of them. Chinese people are very friendly and they don’t discriminate. When I was in China, I intended to go to only three cities. But my Chinese friends kept on telling me to explore new cities and they took me around. I think they are very nice people.

    Q. How will you describe the contribution of Chinese companies to the Nigerian people?

    Bai Yang: I give kudos to them. Because Chinese companies in Nigeria have employed lots of citizens hence reducing the level of unemployment and enhancing our economy. They have also trained many Nigerians with relevant skills needed for productivity.

    Q. What are your plans for the future?
    Bai Yang: I plan to travel to China to learn more about how to drive a train. Because the train we have here is just 150 speedometer. In China, they have more than 350 speedometers. I plan to go to China to train more. I also have the vision to employ more than 100 females and teach them how to drive a train because this work does not belong to only men.

    Q. What is your message for aspiring female train drivers?

    Bai Yang: The message I have for females out there is not to be scared of unfamiliar things. Because some people believe this particular work belongs to men. What a man can do, a woman can do better. My advice to them is to go straight to whatever they want to do. Be determined and do whatever you want to do and don’t believe this work belongs to a man or a woman.

    Q. Finally, what are your parting words on the relations between Nigeria and China?

    Bai Yang: I want both countries to maintain more friendship for the betterment of all.

  • Why I want to be next Gov of Kaduna–Sani Sha’aban

    Why I want to be next Gov of Kaduna–Sani Sha’aban

    By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

    Abdullahi Muhammed Sani Lema is a staunch supporter of Hon. Sani Sha’aban, the DanBuran Zaazzau and a top political stalwart of the All Progressive Party APC being rumoured to be the next Governor of Kaduna State. In this interview with journalists, the faithful and loyal devotee of the charismatic politician reveals some of the progressive and positive changes the electorate should expect from his candidature if elected as executive Governor of Kaduna state, among other revelations.

    Q. Give us a brief about the DanBuran Zazzau

    DanBuran Zazzau is a political icon in Northern Nigeria and in Nigeria as a whole. It is on record that Alhaji Sani Sha’aban was the leader of the opposition party that later metamorphosed into the today’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He was also a founding member of APP and then moved to ANPP where he went on to become a member of the House of Representatives at the National Assembly. Hon Sha’aban further contested for the Governorship position in Kaduna state under the platform of the All Nigeria People’s Party but was cheated of his victory. He then went to court to challenge the outcome of the election.

    Q. What is his pedigree and ambition?

    As earlier stated, Hon. Sha’aban has a hand in the formation of the APP which later changed into ANPP and later to CPC and finally to APC. It was also Sha’aban who brought the mammoth crowd to the stadium in Kaduna to flag off the APC campaign, this culminated in Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu coming to the state to give him the APC flag as a recognized party Stalwart and political gladiator.

    Q. Could we say that the hurricane that swept the PDP out of office was precipitated by Hon. Sha’aban?

    Well, the originator of the political hurricane that kicked out the PDP was our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, however, Buhari himself can attest to the fact that he played a critical role in the coming of the APC to power. Hon Sha’aban is also like Buhari when it comes to mass mobilization Similarly, everyone in Kaduna also knows and understands that the Danburan Zazzau is a force to be reckoned with.
    With that being said, we are ready to move to the next level in APC with our leader and we are ready for the next assignment. Let me reiterate that Hon. Sha’aban has never for one day moved to the PDP and he is not considering doing so.

    Q. There are rumours that some political parties are calling on the DanBuran Zazzau to decamp and contest for Governor under their banner, is there a possibility of him decamping?

    Well, as of today, it is not the party that matters anymore but the individual. It is about whom you are, what have you done for your society and community? It is about your pedigree.
    Everyone knows that Hon. Sha’aban is a man of the people, a philanthropist and a man with a vision. Right now, everyone is waiting for the whistle to be blown by Hon. Sha’aban that he is going to contest for the post of the Governor of Kaduna state. Once that whistle is blown, like the Muezzin who calls for prayers in the Mosque, the faithful will pick up the gauntlet

    Q. Does that mean he has not declared his intention yet?

    In a few days from now, he would declare and hundreds of thousands from the 23 Local Government Areas of the state would heed his call.

    Q. Hon Sha’aban has been the recipient of numerous awards for his philanthropy, why so?

    Why not, for years now Sani Sha’aban drives his own car whenever and wherever he goes he would stop and pick up the masses along the road and drops them off at their destinations. If anyone goes to his house no matter the time, Sha’aban would welcome him. Nobody goes to him with a plea and cones out not satisfied.
    Therefore, the issue of him getting awards for humanitarian activities is based on his closeness to the masses.

    Q. How popular is Sani Sha’aban?

    It is a known fact that Sha’aban is a political heavyweight in the state that every party wants in its camp.
    That is why the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) supporters got up one day, printed posters and banners and placed Sha’aban alongside Senator Musa Kwankwaso Even the PDP people are wooing him and calling him to come over to their camp. Sani Sha’aban is the man of the moment and he is extremely popular, I tell you one thing, If he declares for the Presidency of this country today, he would make a great impact and get a lot of support.

    Q. What is his relationship with traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the state?

    Most people know how cordial his relationship with the late Emir of Zazzau, Dr Shehu Idris was. In fact, the late Emir took Sha’aban as his son. The new Emir and Sha’aban are from the same house -the Maulawa House. In the same vein, both the Derika and Izzala leadership also has a very cordial relationship with him.
    On the Christian side, Sani Sha’aban is very close to most Christian leaders in the state. He does not discriminate on tribal or religious basis.

    Q. What do you think would be his priorities if elected as governor?

    Sani Sha’aban has a plan of action right from the go . He is an old hand in the game of governance and administration, therefore when elected he would hit the ground running

    Q. What are some of his achievements as the chairman committee on pension?

    He was the one who introduced the bill on pension reform and after it was signed into law, he was made chairman of the committee on pension. As the chairman of that committee, Sani Sha’aban never had time to rest as he was inundated with calls and complaints from individuals and corporate organisations. In all, he was able to introduce the pension reform which lead to ease of pensioners getting their dues when due.

    Q. How did he become a titleholder in Keffi, Nasarawa State?

    He was and still close to the traditional ruler in Keffi and based on his hard work and philanthropy in that area he was given the chieftaincy title. Even now, the newly appointed chairman of the APC is also a close ally of Sani Sha’aban.

    Q. If Sani Sha’aban becomes the governor, how does he intend to ease the pains of the masses?

    Kaduna state under El’ Rufai has seen massive development in terms of road construction, social amenities and others. Incidentally, these developments have brought hardship to the citizens of the state.
    It is time for the citizens to smile, Sani Sha’aban would wipe out the hardship of the masses and continue with good policies that would benefit the people, but these policies would have a human face.

    It is also my belief that market men and women, business people that lost their properties in the process of El’ Rufai developmental projects should be compensated. Honourable Sha’aban has a plan to take businessmen and women , market men and women and others to countries where they can learn further the art of business and marketing.

  • CGC build agricultural demonstration centre in Abuja

    CGC build agricultural demonstration centre in Abuja

    In this interview with Zubairu Abdullahi, Director of planning & policy Coordination, Department of the Ministry of Agriculture Abuja, he speaks about the impact of CGC agricultural demonstration centres to Nigeria.

    Qstn.
    What do you think of the Agricultural demonstration center and how can it serve as a model for China-Nigeria Agricultural cooperation.

    Ans.
    For a very long time China and Nigeria have had a very good relationship, the relationship if they don’t materialize in concrete work then it just remain a statement ,But China has made a bold effort now ,they have started addressing the basic challenges that Nigerian farmers face ,this demonstration center is the Chinese way of transferring some level of technology to our rural farmers ,this process center has a lot of areas ,as it can serve as a demonstration process ,every other processor can see the way of doing things and open a wide market for their produce, Nigerians are in the Business of producing a lot of crops ,but will always want to sell them as a produce.

    The Chinese demonstration center will give an opportunity for a further processing of this little produce so it can create product that can become a little bit more packaged and they could have good market appeal ,so indirectly this is an intervention that will help open the market for farmers ,within the catchment area and if the farmers within the catchment area are making good profit then you can be rest assured other farmers would want to do the same thing and would want to copy from what happens here ,because if I produce the same crop and I get certain profit and the another person produce the same crop and he process his own through this your technology and get a higher profit ,you don’t need to tell this other farmer to come and join this one, so this is the beauty of this China Nigeria cooperation.

    This is the first concretization of all the past agreement and understanding Nigeria has had with China, this demonstration center is unique and it is beautiful and it is acceptable.

    Qstn.
    What are your expectation for this project in the future?

    Ans.
    The expectations are these ,like I told you this thing is going to be a major game changer for our farmers ,so there will be greater demands for the intervention from China to other areas ,Now Nigeria has six agro zones ,if you have done this one in the central part of Nigeria ,there is a possibility that you have to do the same demonstration with a different specific crop attachment to it North western part of Nigeria ,the North east would want another demonstration center, the south west would want one ,the south east would want one and the south south would want one, because if you go to south south it will be fish processing ,if you go to the south west it is Cocoa and other things ,if you go south east it will be rubber ,it will be root crops it will be so many things ,So the essential part of this thing is that this demonstration center is the first ,y the time it has come into full operation ,people would have seen the positive side of it and many people would jump to say we want it, so in the future there is a possibility that Nigeria and China will agree to replicate this noble project in all the six geo political zones ,I see in the future that the product produced will be processed better, and China will open a market for Nigerians ,so that many things will be produced there ,processed there , and now be taking directly to china, this is the beautiful part of it , because Nigeria import a lot from China, Nigeria want China to take so many things from their country to Nigeria and we have the same beautiful understanding and relationship ,what China considered good as import to eat the western would want to bring long processes ,but for china and Nigeria there is a good understanding, there are many things that can move from Nigeria to china in an organize fashion and there are many good things that can come from China to Nigeria in an organized fashion, Now this demonstration center is a learning process for china and Nigeria ,when you start this process you will discover that the farmers that are producing are still using the primitive method of production like I mention to your cultural team, there are so many other simple machinery that are going to be useful to a peasant farmer that China has produced and have demonstrated ,for example you have the Agriculture production here, the Nigerian –China Agriculture cooperation project, then farmers scattered here are using primitive farm tools now this center will demand for more and more and more and then the production capacity of the farmers will be limited to primitive implement ,now because they are demanding for more they will be able to pay for more simple technology the Chinese has produced that can be used to improve their production, China will discover that the primitive tools will not allow farmers to produce to meet up with demands , so China will bring simple technology tools that will help farmers produce more. So it’s a learning process for China to learn how our production systems work and to inject new ideas.so when you train this people to improve their production then all other regions will come to say we need it ,so it’s a two way sword ,china will benefit from it because you will have to bring the tools from you, then Nigeria will benefit because our productivity will go higher

    Qsn .
    What role does the demonstration center play in promoting Agricultural Modernization by using Agricultural science and technology?

    Ans.
    Yes. If you bring the machines here you are modernizing the Nigerian Agriculture, But one of the expectation is that China should not just do it and hands off, No! China should be part of the management with the intention of passing the technology to the people till it grow, we would work with you ,I don’t want China to do it and pullout ,I want China to be there until this thing is well embraced in Nigeria.

    Qsn
    . Is there any other Agricultural demonstration project in Nigeria, and what are the difference between these projects?

    Ans.
    yes, I’ve not visited the place but I was told South Korea have done one in Kogi state., the difference with that one is that it is a cassava processing plant ,it processes cassava only ,the one John weyn is doing covers more than one ,that of China is all encompassing Agricultural processing system ,then the one done by South Korea is cassava processing plant, which is only for Cassava.

    Qsn.
    With the outbreak of war between Russia and Ukraine, the whole world maybe will have to face food crisis, do you think what kind of effort that Nigeria will make to protect Nigerian people.

    Ans.
    The crisis between Russia and Ukraine is a sad development for all of us ,Nigeria is not happy and Nigeria doesn’t want any crisis with anybody ,Nigeria do not want crisis to happen in Ukraine or Russia or in any part of the world ,whenever there is a crisis in the international ecosystem it affects Africa and many other countries ,Nigeria is not an exception ,we buy a lot of wheat and fertilizer from Russian –Ukraine axis ,if this thing is affecting the supply ,definitely there will be problem with the production of wheat, there will be a problem with availability of fertilizer in Nigeria ,that means there will be low productivity and Nigeria coming from the effect of covid 19 and coming out of the problem of flooding last year, then climate changes and its effect on productivity ,with the banditry and so many other crisis within the country ,additional burden of Ukraine Russia crisis is not going to be good for Nigeria ,the beautiful part of it is that the federal Government is aware ,invariably is making effort so it does not affect Nigerians very well, there is a frantic effort to make available fund to farmers to encourage them to produce more and more for the teaming population, this is where China can come in ,China can support Nigeria as China always do during the times of need ,this is where china can support Nigeria in filling the gap and making sure that the inflow, like this beautiful demonstration center and so many things are increased for the period , because actually within the next two three months the impact of Ukraine Russia war will be felt all over the world, so there is need for us to be proactive toward the Chinese Government in giving us support .

  • Russian President Putin gives exclusive interview to China Media Group

    Russian President Putin gives exclusive interview to China Media Group

    Ahead of his visit to China to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympic Games, Russian President Vladimir Putin gave an exclusive interview to Shen Haixiong, president and editor-in-chief of the China Media Group.

    Q: Mr. President, I am very pleased to have the opportunity to interview you again. First, let me welcome you to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. In February 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony of the 22nd Winter Olympics in Sochi at your invitation. This was the first time a Chinese leader had attended a major international sporting event abroad. Then, Xi Jinping said: “If our neighbors have a joyous occasion, we certainly should go there to congratulate them.” Today is a joyous occasion for China – we are hosting the Winter Olympics for the first time; all the more so as it comes in the midst of the Spring Festival (the Chinese Lunar New Year). When applying to host the Winter Olympics, China announced a plan to engage 300 million people in winter sports. Now, ski resorts are being built even in my home province of Zhejiang in southern China. You were the first foreign leader to confirm your arrival at the opening ceremony. What special role does sport play in relations between the two neighbors China and Russia? How can our countries strengthen cooperation in ice and snow culture, winter sports and related industries? What results do you expect from Russian athletes at the Olympics? Can you predict how many gold medals they will win?

    A: President Xi Jinping and I have known each other for a long time, as good friends and politicians who hold largely the same views on addressing the world’s problems; we maintain close and frequent contact. That is why, I immediately responded to his invitation to visit China and to join our Chinese friends in celebrating this year’s main sporting event – the Winter Olympic Games. Moreover, the first ever Winter Olympics on Chinese soil will take place in the midst of the Chinese New Year, in Beijing – the first city in the world to host both the Summer and Winter Games.

    I know that the organizers have done a good job preparing for the Games. They made massive investments in sports and transport infrastructure, built modern sports venues. They created an environment for the safe stay of foreign athletes, coaches and journalists.

    I am sure that such excellent preparations for the Olympics will help the Olympic athletes to show their sporting character and demonstrate their skills and ability to achieve their goals in a fair and uncompromising competition. Naturally, we will be supporting our athletes, we will celebrate their every victory and every achievement. But only the competition will show how many and what medals they will win. Besides, the epidemiological situation may have an impact on athletes’ participation and, consequently, on the final results.

    Sport is a unique phenomenon of human civilization. Major sports festivals are designed to bring nations together, deepen mutual understanding and promote the universally accepted principle of “fair play”, as was vividly illustrated by the success of large-scale sporting events such as the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and the 2018 FIFA World Cup, hosted by our country.

    Russia has been and remains committed to the traditional Olympic values. We oppose the attempts to politicize sport or use it as a tool of coercion, unfair competition and discrimination. We reject the practice of “collective punishment” for acts perpetrated by individual people, which has recently become a frequent occurrence. And of course, we strongly condemn the use of prohibited substances by athletes and advocate broad international cooperation in the fight against doping in sport.

    Our country has a well-developed infrastructure, sports schools known for their champions and traditions, and a rich history of sporting records; it organizes major international competitions, encouraging our citizens, especially our youth, to engage in physical culture and sports. This is what helps to preserve the health of the people and the nation as a whole and shape a strong foundation for future sporting achievements. We expect that by 2024 the share of people regularly engaging in sports will be 55 percent and by 2030 it will reach 70 percent.

    As for the interaction between Russia and China in sports and physical education, it occupies an important place in our bilateral humanitarian cooperation and is broad and complex in nature. A number of events, including those in winter sports, have become truly important. Among them are the Russian-Chinese Winter Youth Games and annual ice hockey matches on the Amur River (Heilongjiang River) between teams representing the two countries’ border regions. We are actively developing exchanges between Russian and Chinese sports federations and professional clubs. For several years now, the Chinese hockey club Kunlun Red Star has played in the Russian Kontinental Hockey League, which was agreed during my visit to China in 2016. Cooperation is also developing in junior hockey. President Xi and I visited one of the games between Russian and Chinese teams in June 2018.

    The Russian and Chinese years of cooperation in physical education and sports in 2022–2023, which President Xi Jinping and I announced in December 2021, will certainly be a significant, memorable event for our two countries. It includes about 500 various popular and youth sports events, as well as educational, sports science and staff training activities. Activities that prove most successful will continue to be organized on a regular basis.

    I firmly believe that the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing will be held to the highest standards. I wish successful performance and luck to all athletes, participants in the Olympics, and bright unforgettable moments and joy to the guests.

    Q: Initially, China and Russia viewed each other as friendly nations and then they established the relations of constructive partnership, strategic partnership, comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction. In June 2019, we took them to an even higher level, opening a new era in our relations. During a video conference on 28 June 2021, you and President Xi Jinping announced the extension of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. How important do you think this step is for the bilateral relations?

    A: The Russia-China Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation signed more than 20 years ago is a basic policy document that established the legal framework for a long-term consistent development of the Sino-Russian relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction. That is why, on June 28 last year, President Xi Jinping and I decided to extend it for another five years.

    It is a very rich document in terms of ideas contained in it, many of its provisions being rediscovered in the context of today’s rapidly changing international environment.

    Relations between Russia and China are developing on an equal, de-ideologised basis. Our partnership is sustainable, intrinsically valuable, not affected by the political climate and not aimed against anyone. It is underpinned by respect, regard for each other’s core interests, adherence to international law and the UN Charter.

    The atmosphere of political trust created, among other things, thanks to this treaty, has allowed our countries to establish a multilayer structure of interstate cooperation, with meetings of the two leaders playing a key role.

    China remains firmly at the top of the list of Russia’s trade partners. According to preliminary data, last year, even despite the pandemic-related restrictions, our bilateral trade reached a historic high, totaling 140 billion dollars.

    China is our strategic partner in the international arena. Our approaches to most issues on the global agenda concur or are really close. We engage in close coordination within many leading multilateral organizations and formats, such as the UN, BRICS, SCO, G20, APEC and EAS, which has a stabilizing effect on the current difficult world situation.

    To sum up, I would like to reiterate that the concepts laid out in the Russia-China Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation have allowed our countries to achieve an unprecedentedly high level of partnership, fundamentally changed its character and scope, and created the conditions enabling us to move forward together.

    Q: If you don’t mind, I would like to ask my last question on behalf of all internet users and winter sports lovers in China. In an interview you gave me three years ago you said you were “trying” to play hockey. However, that appears to be quite an understatement. In a Night Hockey League match held in May last year, you scored a goal just 30 seconds into the game and a total of 8 goals in the entire match, which is comparable to the results of professional hockey players. Could you share any secrets of your prowess with Chinese ice hockey enthusiasts? Do you have any ideas as to who of the Russian hockey players will score the first goal at the Olympic Games? What winter sports other than ice hockey would you like to master?

    A: I am not in a position to give any advice to people who are passionate about hockey. I would leave this to professional hockey players and coaches. I think the most important thing is to do your favorite sport – no matter what it is – on a routine basis and to work hard keeping your goal in sight. Over time, mastery will come.

    Ice hockey in Russia is big and has deep-rooted traditions. A special place here belongs to the Night Hockey League established in 2011. Today, it brings together almost 1100 teams with more than 20 thousand players from most regions of our country. Many of our renowned Olympic and world champions are actively involved in the development of the project, for which I am very grateful.

    The success achieved is evident. Last year, the number of amateur ice hockey players in Russia amounted to over 620,000, and that number is constantly growing.

    It is always a great pleasure for me to take part in the events of the League whenever my schedule allows. Every chance I get, I go alpine skiing. However, there are other sports disciplines I am interested in. I like biathlon and figure skating, where our athletes have traditionally been very strong. I enjoy watching competitions in ski flying but, for lack of time, can only do it on TV.

    Of course, we expect our hockey team to show its best performance at the upcoming Olympics. Russia’s ice hockey squad is well-prepared, united by the team spirit and the will to win, and all its members are capable of scoring the first goal.

    There is no doubt that the hockey matches at the Olympics will, as always, be exciting and memorable. We are looking forward to seeing some fine play and, naturally, trust in our players and wish them every success.

  • Corruption is common in corporate companies in Nigeria – IoDCCG Chairman

    Corruption is common in corporate companies in Nigeria – IoDCCG Chairman

    By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

    The Chairman, Board of Governors, lnstitute of Directors, ‘IoD’ Centre for Corporate Governance (IoDCCG), Shuaibu Idris,in an exclusive interview with our correspondent talks about the many challenges of the Centre and efforts to reduce corporate corruption in the country

    Excerpts:

    Q. What essentially does the IoD Corporate Governance Centre do?

    Ans. IoD Centre for Corporate Governance (IoDCCG) is a collaborative project of three partners namely: Institute of Directors Nigeria (IoDN), the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), the regulatory authority for the Nigerian Capital Markets and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the sole agency of government responsible for registration of companies in Nigeria. IoD Centre for Corporate Governance (IoDCCG) is committed to improving and promoting good corporate governance principles, standards and practices in Nigeria through advocacy, research, high quality trainings and Corporate Governance consulting.

    The Centre is at the forefront of advocating for the application of good governance principles by private and public organisations, thereby contributing to, and advancing best and leading practices in Nigeria. IoDCCG is an Affiliate Member of the African Corporate Governance Network (ACGN) and is in collaboration with Centre for International Private Enterprise, (CIPE) Washington, USA.

    Essentially, the Centre provides amongst other things; High-quality Corporate Governance research and publications, Corporate Governance training workshops, Seminars and Conferences as well as Advocacy and public enlightenment on Corporate Governance, and Anti-Corruption and Ethical Compliance. Moreover, it also handles Corporate Governance support services to public and private sector organisations, including design and development of Corporate Governance framework, Board Induction, Board & Committees Charters and policies as well as Board and Corporate Governance Evaluations, Collaborations and Alliances for promotion and acculturation of good Corporate Governance, Support on the institutionalization of global leading practices in Corporate Governance and Support to organisations in designing Anti-Corruption & Ethics Compliance Systems as well as free membership of Ethics.

    Q. What are the benefits of being a member of the IoD Nigeria?

    Ans. IoD Nigeria Members benefit from a wide range of services offered by IoD globally, including but not limited to the following: Creation of unparalleled network amongst business leaders, Upgrading the conceptual and professional skills of Directors, Representing Business to Government, Capacity Development through Conferences and Workshops, Meeting point of both foreign and local investors, Business Information Service and Special discount at premium hotels & lounges all over the country and beyond to mention but a few.

    Q. What are the requisite qualifications for an individual to become a Director?

    Ans. The Companies and Allied Matters Act CAMA 2020 as amended provided in its Section 244 (i) – “Directors are persons duly appointed to direct and manage the affairs of a Company”. The Nigeria Code of Corporate Governance 2018 recognise a Director, as a member of the Board which is responsible for providing entrepreneurial and strategic leadership as well as promoting ethical culture and responsible corporate citizenship.

    The major requisite qualifications for an individual to become a Director as provided in the relevant statues are namely; A person: Must not be an insolvent, bankrupt or fraudulent persons – CAMA 2020, S. 279, Must not be under 18 years old; and must be a persons of sound mind, Must not be 70 years old and above in the case of a Plc and person with Appropriate skills and diverse knowledge for discharge of duties and responsibilities are very essential.

    Q. What’s your view about Corporate Governance in Nigeria?

    Ans. Corporate governance has become a burning issue all over the world. It became most pronounced in the United States especially after the collapse of two corporate giants- Enron from the energy/power sector and WorldCom from the communication sector in 2001 and 2002 respectively. In addition, one of the world’s top five accounting firms –Arthur Andersen and Co, collapsed under the corporate scandal generated in Enron saga.
    The first major effort to address this issue in Nigeria was in 2003 after the United States had enacted their Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002, with the setting up of the Atedo Peterside Committee by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This Committee could not do much as the implementation of the provisions of its Code were made voluntary and not accompanied by any sanctions. We later had several Codes like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC Code 2006) of Corporate Governance, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Code of Corporate Governance (2006), National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) Code of Corporate Governance to mention but a few.

    The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) of Nigeria introduced a unified code – National Code of Corporate Governance (NCCG) in October 2016. This Code was suspended almost immediately after it was issued due to unending controversies arising from opposition to some of the provisions of the Code. Although the Codes have most of the elements and basic principles of good Corporate Governance, there exist gaps between implementation, compliance and sanctions as widely reported. For the records and in order readers may need to have few tips on the Code, let me attempt to provide synopsis of the Codes.

    Q. On the “NCCG 2018?

    Ans. On the 15th of January 2019, the Federal Government of Nigeria unveiled the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance 2018 (Code), which is aimed at institutionalizing best practices in corporate governance in Nigeria in order to restore confidence in the Nigerian economy and create an environment for sustainable business operations.

    The Code provides a framework “to ensure good corporate governance practices in the public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy….” by articulating a broad set of principles on corporate accountability, transparency and sustainability for both public and private companies in Nigeria.

    In other words, there was no uniform corporate governance standard for all companies and across all business sectors, and the companies were made subject to the codes of corporate governance applicable to the sectors in which they operate, thereby making some companies subject to more than one corporate governance regime.
    However, the Code, recognizing the importance of flexibility and scalability to the implementation of such cross- sectoral and non-company-size-specific Code of its nature, applies a principle-based approach to specifying the minimum corporate governance expectations placed on companies. Although the Code does not void sector specific codes which are now guidelines regulating the operations of each of the sectors. For effectiveness, the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) has the mandate to monitor the implementation of the Code and is empowered to issue guidelines towards the implementation of the Code by the sectoral regulators.

    Ques. Deep Dive into NCCG 2018

    Ans. There are twenty-eight (28) broad principles laid down by the Code, sixteen (16) of which relate to the Board of Directors and Officers of the Board (addressing diverse board related issues including composition, key functions, meeting, induction, delegation of duties, and evaluation); 4 concerning risk management, whistle blowing and audit processes (together titled Assurance); 3 on relationship with shareholders (reiterating the importance of general meetings, communication with and equitable treatment of shareholders); 2 on ethical conduct of business (which extol establishment of policies and mechanisms for monitoring insider trading, related party transactions, conflict of interest and other corrupt activities); 1 on sustainability (pushing for the adoption of environmental and socially sustainable business practices), and 2 on transparency (addressing stakeholders communication and disclosure of material information).

    To avoid robotic implementation of the Code and ensure that companies do not lose sight of the goal of the governance principles, the Code requires, in certain circumstances, that companies adopt the “Apply and Explain” principle, which requires that companies not only apply the governance principles, but also explain how their specific conducts fulfil the objectives of the governance principles. However, companies are at liberty to tailor suggested practices under the code to meet specific industry or company needs. In other words, strict adherence to the principles of corporate governance stipulated under the Code takes precedence over practices suggested under the Code for compliance with the principles.

    While it may be too soon to evaluate the impact of the Code in the Nigerian corporate space, there is no gainsaying the fact that there will be need for considerable readjustment, especially for those companies that have very low or zero corporate governance practices. Reporting has commenced and organisations are expected to comply in each Financial Year with the provisions of the Code based on its philosophy to avoid sanctions.

    Ques. As the new helmsman in charge of the Centre, what new things do you hope to bring into the practice of Corporate Governance in Nigeria?

    Ans. While previous Boards have made significance contributions towards the advancement of Corporate Governance practices in Nigeria. The current Board of Governors under my leadership will work towards strengthening the existing system and also focus in key specific areas, such as; Closer partnership and collaboration with the founding partners of the Centre in the execution of its major activities. The Centre will be upscaling its services and increasing internal capacity to man new areas and expand the scope and frequency of conferences, seminars and workshops as well as research offerings and other advisory services that we render to clients. New service offerings such as the Management of Whistle Blowing Mechanism and Anti-Money Laundering training would be introduced. In addition, The Centre will take its prime position in moving Nigeria economy forward through the acculturation of Corporate Governance practices, principles and values in key Government Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDAs) as well as key sectoral groups in private organisations. Constant engagements through courtesy visits and the introduction of Annual National Corporate Governance Submit will be part of the tools for the achievement of these objective.

    Ques. I understand that a Director can also become the Secretary of a Company. Can you expatiate on this, sir?

    Ans. Subject to the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2004 (CAMA), a private limited liability Company may appoint any competent person as its Secretary. The act ie CAMA does not exclude a Director of a company to hold such a position as he/she is eligible to serve as Company Secretary.

    Consequently, a private company may appoint one of its Directors as a Company Secretary since every person eligible for a position of Director of a private company under CAMA are also eligible or qualified to hold position of Company Secretary.

    However, it is important to take note that although foreigners are qualified to be appointed as Directors of any Company in Nigeria, a foreigner cannot serve as a Secretary of any Company in Nigeria.

    Ques. Is it possible for an individual to solely run a Company as Director?

    Ans. Going by the amended Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 now CAMA 2020, a single person can start, promote, register and own a private company. The implication of this is that such person will be the sole Shareholder and Director of his/her private Company. Before now, a Company must have at least 2 persons as Shareholders and Directors to be able to form and manage a Company.
    This change is believed to positively improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria and also support the economic growth with new businesses. Hopefully, it will move up Nigeria’s ranks 131 out of 190 countries on the World Bank Doing Business Index.

    Ques. Is there a ceiling on the age an individual can become a Director? Can a minor be appointed Director?

    Ans. According to laws of Nigeria and specifically CAMA 2020 as amended, a minor is said to be anyone below the age of 18 years. He or she cannot vote or be voted for, same thing applies to criminal liability. Hence, a minor CANNOT (note the emphasis) be a Director of a Company in Nigeria. However, it is worthy of note that a minor can be a Shareholder of a Company. Also, a Director may not be 70 years old and above in the case of a Plc.

    Q. What is your assessment of the 2021 budget and the proposed 2022 budget of the Federal Government?

    Ans. In the review of the performance of 2021 Federal Budget, the link between revenue and expenditure stood out as a huge challenge. In the 2021 Second Quarter and Half Year Budget Implementation Report, Nigeria recorded a fiscal deficit of N3.48 trillion in the first half of 2021. This was N1.03trillion (42.46 percent) above the projected half-year deficit of N2.44 trillion. It was also, above the N2.80 trillion deficit that was recorded in the first half of 2020.

    Nigeria spent N2.02 trillion to service matured debt despite weak revenue recorded. This means that a significant percentage of Nigeria’s budget was financed using borrowed funds. Despite this, the federal government has continued to defend its borrowing plan, noting that it is necessary for the country’s infrastructure development. The federal government has again revealed that a significant portion of its revenue in the first six months of 2021 went into paying for matured debt. N2.31 trillion in the first half of the year was released for budget implementation, with N2.02 trillion of that amounts going to debt servicing. This means that for every N100 issued by the federal government to finance the budget, N88 was spent on debt repayment, forcing the government to rely significantly on borrowed funds to pay workers and other expenses.

    The implication of the foregoing is that Nigeria is facing a revenue crisis and if it is a private sector concern, it would have been due for a bailout. A situation where debt service takes more than 88% of revenue cannot be a sign of sustainability. It is a clear sign of major issues requiring urgent attention. Borrowing money to pay Salaries as in the extant case is against the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007.

    The 2022 budget has a deficit of about N6.25tn, approximately 3.39% of GDP which is approximately a 2% decrease when compared to the 2021 budget which its deficit component was about N6.44tn. Key concerns is rising debt profile, increased debt service to revenue ratio and foreign exchange instability which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Although, it’s quite commendable as the federal government has continued to emphasized internal generation of revenue and investment in capital infrastructure. However, the federal government need to focus on diversifying export revenue sources away from crude oil, which currently accounts for more than 80% of total foreign exchange receipt.

    In addition, the federal government need to reconsider its spending on petroleum subsidy to either consider a total removal to ensure that it is targeted only at the most vulnerable Nigerians or develop effective strategies that would reduce spending. The federal government need to address insecurity in order to boost domestic investment and attract foreign direct investments.

    Ques. What implications do you think the 2021 budget has had on Corporate Governance in the country?

    Ans. The size of the 2021 budget was constrained due to relatively low revenues and high debt service obligations. In the 2021 Half Year Budget Implementation Report, Nigeria recorded a fiscal deficit of N3.48 trillion in the first half of 2021. This was N1.03trillion (42.46 percent) above the projected half-year deficit of N2.44 trillion. It was also, above the N2.80 trillion deficit that was recorded in the first half of 2020.

    This shows a poor performance of the 2021 Budget in the first six months. Critical sectors of the economy have had serious budget cuts due to huge debt servicing. The non-transparent fuel subsidy financing has not abated raising fears on the allocation processes. The role of budgeting in promoting Corporate Governance is critical in the allocation and management of funds to meet well defined objectives. The nation’s current budgeting system and its implementation raises serious questions on the promotion of accountability and transparency in funds appropriation.

    The Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance 2018 (Code), is aimed at institutionalizing best practices in corporate governance in Nigeria in order to restore confidence in the Nigerian economy and create an environment for sustainable business operations. The Code provides a framework “to ensure good Corporate Governance practices in the public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy. The implication of Corporate Governance on the 2021 budget clearly shows a breach in the outlined principles and practices which could lead to systemic failure and liquidation in the case of an organisation.

    Ques. How does the IoD Corporate Governance Centre see the business environment in Nigeria?

    Ans. With the discovery and administration of COVID-19 vaccines as well as easing off of lockdowns, available data and forecasts on key macroeconomic variables suggest optimism in output growth. Crude oil prices are rising while inflation is slowing down although the pressure on the naira is not receding. Massive administration of vaccines to citizens and strict adherence to rules of engagement as espoused by Health Authorities together help to prevent further spread of COVID 19 and the attendant consequences. These gives us hope and optimism for better years ahead and provides opportunities for the Centre to add value to both the public and private sectors organisations and individuals through innovative Corporate Governance training programmes, seminars and workshops. We will ensure the Centre is shining example by inculcating the values of Corporate Governance, Ethics, Transparency and Integrity into Corporate Culture in our country thereby contributing to extending this standard to the fabric of every part of the Nigerian community and its leadership. Nigeria with a population in excess of 200 million people and mostly young, is a destination of choice that can not, should not and must not be evaded or avoided by investors both local and foreign. Google is about investing 1 billion US dollars in Africa with Nigeria getting the lion share! Can google be wrong?

    Ques. What is the Centre doing to better the business climate in Nigeria?

    Ans. The Centre is upscaling its capacity to increase its service offerings aimed at improving and promoting good Corporate Governance principles, standards and practices in Nigeria through advocacy, research, high quality trainings and Corporate Governance consulting mandates.
    The Centre will continue to be at the forefront in the advocacy for the implementation of good governance principles by private and public organisations, thereby contributing to, and advancing best and leading practices in Nigeria.

    Additionally, and specifically, the Centre is collaborating with the Centre for International Private Enterprise, (CIPE) Washington, USA, to conduct Ethics 1st Trainings among other compliance activities. Ethics 1st is a Database of Sustainable, Low-Risk Small and Growing Businesses & Suppliers in Africa with Enhanced Compliance Culture. The platform offers a demand driven solution to market opportunities and challenges, which Nigeria businesses can take advantage of and launch into the global business competitiveness space. As an ethical and compliance readiness venture, funding and other business growth interventions becomes easy to attract.

    Ques. It is believed that a lot of corrupt and underhand practices are being perpetrated by corporate organisations in the country. What is your institute’s plan to tackle this problem?

    Ans. Indeed, corruption has eaten extremely deep into the fabric of our society. The question you asked is an excellent one as there is need to bring out the issue of corruption from all our facets of endeavours and not just the politicians and or civil servants. The organised private sector also has its share of corrupt practices perpetrated by a few misguided and disgruntled people. Issues such as low-quality products, weight and measurement issues, health, safety and environment issues, unfair, unjust and immoral labour practices, etc are amongst the many vices perpetrated by companies. Stealing, theft and other acts of misappropriation or malfeasance are common in Corporate Nigeria.

    IoDCCG believes that with quality leadership in an organisation coupled with astute Board that is replete with experienced technocrats, culture of accountability, transparency and sustainability would be established, nurtured and sustained in the private sector thereby appropriately and adequately managing the issues through a robust Corporate Governance practice. If and where men and women of honour and integrity are appointed to serve on the Board of a company, establishment of rule of law and strict adherence to regulations, codes and morals becomes the norm. Herein lies the wisdom of what we do and what we preach to all segments of the society. Its our firm belief that with such culture in place, the challenges manipulations of the system, tax evasion and avoidance, substandard goods, inappropriate measurement etc would be reduced, minimised and possibly eliminated from our system and or society over time. End.

  • Nigeria Would Be Great With Competent Leaders – Dr Wailare

    Nigeria Would Be Great With Competent Leaders – Dr Wailare

    By Jabiru Hassan, Kano.

    Dr. Saleh Musa Wailare is the founder of Tamallan Foundation, Kano. He disclosed that Nigeria would become an examplary nation when more competent leaders emerged on various positions in government. He stated this In an interview with our Kano state correspondent JABIRU HASSAN. Excerps:

    Daybreak News: You are the founder of Tamallan Foundation and the foundation is doing well in assisting the needy especially in Dambatta and Makoda local government areas, what are the reasons behind the establishment of the organisation?

    Dr. Wailare: Before I comment on the establishment of Tamallan Foundation, let me give you a brief history of the organisation. The name Tamallan is derived from my grandfather who make an interesting livelihood in assisting the people of all categories. This is why I decided to use her name after our Foundation as an honour.

    We established Tamallan Foundation in order to use what we have in assisting the people of Dambatta/Makoda in the areas of Healthcare, Empowerment, Information Technology, education and to enlighten our people on what is going on in the global phenomenon and other important issues that transform lives.

    Daybreak News: We have noticed that the foundation is penetrating into rural settlements making so many philanthropist activities and donations where necessary, can you tell us more about such services?

    Dr. Wailare: This is an interesting question and since the establishment of Tamallan Foundation, we commenced pencilling down many important things that would be of great benefits to ensure that every sector is being touch at all levels. Similarly, we are now getting ready to start offering other services to our people in order to makes livelihood more progressive.

    As known to our people,we have successfully carried out so many charity assistances across Dambatta and Makoda local governments under our great organisation, Tamallan Foundation, and by the special grace of Allah, our plans and missions would meet our target in the near future.

    Daybreak News: Sir, some of the people of Dambatta and Makoda Federal Constituency have commenced calling on you to contest for the seat of federal house of Representatives to represen Dambatta and Makoda local governments, what can you say on this issue?.

    Dr. Wailare: Before I comment on this question, let me first of all thank the entire people of Dambatta and Makoda local governments for their prayers and good will messages to me since the time we started our programme on health care. And I am happy that the people of Dambatta and Makoda accepts what we are doing at Tamallan Foundation which resulted in their agitation to contest elective post.

    I wish to announce that based on what we have observed Nigeria needs more competent leaders who can join hands in every situation towards the economic and infrastructural development of the country without bias, that is why I decided to answer the call of our people to come out and contribute more in a democratic dispensation because we have a good blueprint of what is better to our people at both rural and urban settlements.

    Daybreak News: Do you expect to do more than what impact you are making now when elected as lawmaker?

    Dr. Wailare: Every leader is trying to bring out new down for his electorates, and a politician is somebody who is struggling to ensure that his people benefited with all the relevant programmes that would be of great importance to their living especially at present when Nigeria is advancing in the area of democracy.

    When we established Tamallan Foundation, we limited our programmes to health care services, education and empowerment, but gradually we are now deeply into other activities like information technology, skills acquisition and other vital projects that we are certain to be a great progress to our poeple without political differences because all the people of Dambatta and Makoda local government areas remained our priority.

    Daybreak News: Dr. you are well known for giving a comments on current affairs and what is happening in the national politics, what can you say about your party APC and what is going on in the Nigerian democracy especially about the 2023 forthcoming general elections?.

    Dr. Wailare: first of all let me inform you that I always commented on what is happening in Kano state, Nigeria and the world in general, this is a task that every patriotic citizens should do so as to make sure certain contribution in order to ensure national progress. And as the 2023 general elections is drawing nearer, we have to takes things easy because in politics, nobody is being taken as permanent enemy.

    Furthermore, our party the All progressive Congress APC is always getting more supports from the people of Nigeria this is because it has good manifestos that are directly related to national development, I wish to use this medium to commend his Excellency the president of the federal republic of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari for steering the affairs of this great country with good better focus which is also contained in the party’s blueprints.

    Daybreak News: What is your remarks on the people of Dambatta and Makoda Federal Constituency especially on how they are calling you to contest for the federal house of Representatives come 2023?.

    Dr. Wailare: The people of Dambatta and Makoda local governments must be commended for giving us all sorts of supports and encouragements that we are now witnessing. And as I have said it in so many occasions, I would never let them down because we have so many programmes that would cater for their livelihoods at all the nook and crannies of the 22 wards that makes the federal Constituency.

    In conclusion, I wish to thank my part leaders and my political Godfathers who are always giving me courage to being active in the journey, and i am also using this opportunity to Commend my supporters who are always making advancing moves in giving me better counselling that always becoming a guide to our political aspirations.

    Daybreak News: Thank you sir for giving us this opportunity to have an interaction with you despites your schedules?.
    Dr. Wailare: Thank you too and as a regular reader of Daybreak News, I am happy to always be with you, best regards.

  • No apologies for our relationship with China–Lai Mohammed.

    No apologies for our relationship with China–Lai Mohammed.

    .

    COVER STORY

    Denies reports that China is helping Nigeria build an internet firewall

    Says there is nothing wrong in borrowing as long as funds are invested in infrastructure

    Celebrates CPC at 100

    “The cooperation between Nigeria and China is laudable and very commendable. In the area of infrastructure China has stretch its hand to pull us up and we are glad”

    The editorial team of Daybreak newspaper was part of a team of Chinese foreign journalist that had an audience recently with the honorable Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed in his office in Abuja, where the Minister, spoke extensively about China/Nigeria relationship, the contribution of China and Chinese companies to the development of the country’s infrastructure and sundry issues. The interview section also coincided with the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China. Our correspondents Becky Adi and Iyke Obi were there.

    What do you have to say about the raging controversy concerning the ban of Twitter in Nigeria, is it true that China is helping Nigeria to build a Firewall?

    I don’t know what we would have done if we have not banned Twitter, we suspended the operations of Twitter in Nigeria, and we see that Twitter has lend itself as a platform for separatist agitators who are agitating for the dismantling and disintegration of Nigeria that is why we suspended their operations indefinitely in Nigeria until such a time as the two parties can get together and will arrive at an amicable resolution of the issues at stake.

    We have also followed up by asking every social platform in Nigeria to now register with the authorities which is the National Broadcasting Commission of Nigeria. You first have to register as a company and then you have to be licensed by the NBC that way each and every one of them will operate only according to the details on the licenses they were given. You asked whether it’s true that there was a meeting between Chinese authorities with Nigeria to build a firewall to block some internet sites?. I read the story too, and I was supposed to be at that meeting but I was never there and I am not aware of it.

    Have you heard this fake news that Chinese customs officials seized 7021 pennies smuggled from Nigeria to China and what is your take? Because these goods were actually just seas food but many media deliberately distort the facts, bringing unhealthy information on both side sides, what do you think can be done to prevent these sorts misinformation?.

    Thank you very much for that question. As far back as 2017 this office has realized the damage that fake news and misinformation can cause to the polity and decided to convoke a National Information Council meeting to discuss the issues in 2017.

    The National Information Council is made up of all commissioners of information in the 36 states and Abuja, all the directors of information in all the states. The broadcasting television information outlet all over the country, it’s the highest body that makes decisions in Nigeria as far as information is concerned. At that meeting in 2017 we issued a warning to the world that the next war will be triggered by fake news, but nobody listened, in 2018 we started an advocacy program through which we visited every media house in Nigeria warning them about the dangers of fake news and that especially in a country like Nigeria where we have plural values, we have Christians we have Muslims, we have Hausas we have Igbos, we have Yoruba Itsekiris, Edos, Ijaws etc. We have people of different values, now what fake news does is that it’s explores this fragile relationship and could set one part of the country against the other, I remember very vividly one of the fake news that shook this country was when a celebrity announced that a Christian student in college of education in Benue has been killed but for the prompt filter of this fake news it could have led to killings in other parts of the country. I remember during one of the conflagrations in Kaduna state the Bishops said that fake news has contributed more to death, we started this advocacy and visited every media house to explain to them to join us in the fight against fake news and fight against misinformation, some newspapers even wrote editorial against us and said: what are you talking, we are not your problem, the problem of Nigeria is development, but we did not stop, it got to a stage that the use of advocacy will not work, we must regulate the social media, don’t misunderstand me regulating the social media is not stifling press freedom we want only content that is not harmful to the country, when we talk about harmful contents it’s not about the government alone, many people committed suicide because of the bullying they received on social media an we are not alone in this drive to regulate the social media, I no that in Turkey, Australia, Singapore even in EU nations, even though no law in regulating social media in EU but today they gave recommendations they should remove any news that threatens national securities, and the UK just reviewed that there is going to be a law now that will penalize people who use social media platforms for hate news, fake news Or use it to influence young children. And the fine is about 25milion dollars, 18milion pound for those who are criticizing us for trying to regulate the social media should understand that there are differences between regulating the social media and free speech all we are talking about is that the content of the media must be heathy both for the government and for the people, today I have some grandchildren that are of 5years they are more adapt at using the telephone than I am, and if we don’t control social media the kind of information they are going to get from there will be unhealthy for them morally. You can see today there is a lot more of incest, lesbianism, rape because people have been exposed to these unhealthy sites, like www.sex.with.all.women, you will see different naked pictures so can you imagine giving my phone to my grandchild who knows how to use the phone. We need to regulate it. Fake news has caused lots of problems all over the world, herdsmen from Somali with AK47 pictures are used in Nigeria, every day you listen to news about things said about me it’s confusing. Recently we did a survey there are about 476 online publications in Nigeria alone whose major occupation is fake news, misinformation and attacking government that is why we are using this opportunity of the suspensions of Twitter to regulate and register all social media platforms in Nigeria. We are not stifling the press, Facebook is still available for them, Google hangout, WhatsApp is there, so it is not correct to say our decision to suspend Twitter in Nigeria is actually to stifle the press. Let me say this, Nigeria has the most free media in the world I can defend it, if you check online today, you see a lot of things they say about Mr president and me and other people but nobody is arresting anybody.

    What do you have to say about COVID-19 and the fake news it has generated?

    Incidentally I am a member of the steering committees on Covid-19 and at the beginning of the pandemic, we were fighting two pandemic, we were fighting COVID-19 and “infodemic”, the infodemic was more serious to fight than the pandemic, some people simply believe that there is nothing called Covid-19, that it’s not true, some said they had cure, and they were exploiting people and making money at the expense of health and lives of Nigerians, if you see the number of herbal shops that grew out of Covid 19, and it was also distorting the effort of government in putting information across to Nigerians the need to obey the Covid-19 protocols many people in our big cities today simply don’t believe that COVID-19 exists, as a matter of fact people run away from me because I am always on my mask because they think I have Covid-19, we need to double our efforts in the areas of the 9 pharmaceutical interventions, because In Nigeria today it might take us 2-3years before the vaccination would attain what they call herd protection by the time 70% Nigerians are vaccinated then we can be fairly certain that there is protections for all of us. But with the current vaccine nationalism it is very unlikely we are going to get that number very soon. In Nigerian that is about 70 milion so we need to vaccinate about 70 miion, we have only vaccinate 2 millon you can see it’s a far cry from what we need. Even when Mtn came to visit Mr president they promised to deliver 25milion worth of COVID-19 vaccine I am not sure whether it’s for the whole of Africa but what they said is they do not feel we can receive it before August, so in the absence of this vaccine I think we need to intensify our campaign and our advocacy on the need to maintain the Covid-19 protocols. very simple things, wear your mask in public, wash your hands with soap or sanitizers, avoid large gatherings and don’t amass in one place and keep social distancing, this is not the time for big parties or religious festivals. When you tell people not to gather in a church or In a mosque because of the sensibilities of Nigerians to believe that God does not want you dead but to stay alive, the only way we can resume our lives in the normal way is by abiding by the rules, and there is high chance of not contacting Covid-19 if you abide by the rules until the time when we can get vaccines

    What do you have to say about the relationship between Nigeria and China especially as both countries marked 50 years of bilateral relationship this year and as the CPC celebrates its centenary?

    The cooperation between Nigeria and China is laudable and very commendable in the area of infrastructure in particular we know China has stretch its hand to pull us up and we are glad, whether we talk about Lagos and Ibadan railway’s, PortHacourt and Maiduguri railway, Kano Kaduna railway, I thank the Chinese government and Chinese companies they have been quite prominently in these and whatever we can do to deepen infrastructural development I think it should be continued and encouraged

    As to the criticism it is unfortunate, Nigeria is a strange democratic country and it takes a leader very thick-skinned to forge ahead

    Don’t know whether you had the chance to watch the documentary we did on the second anniversary of the administration’s second term which is running on every television station and social platforms.

    We are also amazed and surprised that we did part one, two, three and four that shows the kind of and the volume of achievements of this administration. We have reason to be proud of the relationship between us and China in areas of infrastructure. For example it took Nigeria 35 years or thereabouts to finish from conception the Ajaokuta, Itakpe Warri railway line. It took this administration working with Chinese government less than 3years or 4years to finish the Lagos to Ibadan railway line. The difference is clear those who are accusing the Federal Government of borrowing money from China are wrong. There is nothing wrong in borrowing as long as you are using the money to invest in infrastructure, which in 50yrs time when many of us won’t be around would be enjoyed by our children which will remain the back bone for our economic development. Anywhere in the world that they don’t have infrastructure can never grow, so the cacophonies of voices about the borrowing and relation with China are not necessary. These money we are borrowing people see what we are going with it. That is why we are commissioning projects, if not because of Covid-19 Mr president can go and commission project every week, if you look at our infrastructure. And development. We are borrowing for a purpose every country borrows it is what we do with the borrowing that matters, we are very proud of our relationship with China, because these is the first time an administration will start a project and complete it, I am talking of the magnitude of the Lagos Ibadan railway line. Now it will take 2-3 hours from Lagos to Ibadan, and when you going there its in comfort and safety. We have no apology with our relationship with China because we are using the money for good and we hope our relationship with China will continue to grow.

    What do you have to say to the government and people of China as the Communist Party marks its 100th anniversary since its formation?

    For the records I want to on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria congratulate the CPC and the government of China. It is not a mean fit for a political party to exist for 100 years I have been involved in party formation. I started with AD, from AD to ACD, from ACD to ACN, from ACN to APC, there have been mergers there have deaths along the line. So for a political party in a country anywhere in the world to survive for 100 years I think it must be celebrated and the best we can do is to wish the CPC better luck, more success and to express solidarity to the people and government of China on this occasion.