Chief Olusegu Obasanjo Former president, Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent discourteous behaviour against some of the traditional rulers in Iseyin, Oyo State has drawn an angry tirade from the public. Not unexpectedly, these comments have come as a mix of both the printable and unprintable words. For yours sincerely, the former president’s comments could only be viewed from two main perspectives. The first is the pre-colonial era prestige attached to Nigeria’s traditional institution. During the period under review, traditional rulers were in full control to the extent that the then-visiting white men who later became their colonial masters were always at their mercy for acceptance to the kings and the locals. In their bid, the white men always came to these monarchs along with materials such as clothes, tobacco, salt, refined gold and beverages. In return for the perceived kind gesture from the white men, traditional rulers would always pack and sell or give our brothers and sisters who had either been bought or captured in inter-tribal wars as slaves as gifts in return to these foreigners. This relationship continued till it all culminated in what was later known as colonial administration. It is also interesting to note that the colonial administration then brought the idea that traditional rulers needed to be subservient to the colonial administration. That was the genesis and the starting point of the gradual erosion of the power and influence of the traditional rulers in Nigeria. This was done to see the monarchs as middlemen through whom people were administered indirectly in the protectorates which in any case was resisted by the easterners. The Obas, too, really enjoyed it as it was seen in their fraternization and oppression of the people. But the monarchs had left their lofty positions and begun looking up to the white men or the colonial lords for decisions, directions and favours of all shapes and sizes in all things. At independence, the colonial masters left, but they left behind the structure for the indigenous administration. Not only that they left, they also gave us a document known as the Independence Constitution which was meant to right all the wrongs of the past and restore the dignity of the traditional leaders, among others. The joy of independence of the year 1960 was however brought to a halt by a group of soldiers led by Major General Thomas Aguyi-Ironsi, who instead of sustaining the regional system of government that was in place, introduced the unitary system of government coloured in federalism, and that’s what has been in place, even till this day. That was how Nigeria went back to its colonial master-monarch relationship. Needless to repeat, therefore, that Obasanjo and his co-travellers who later found themselves at the seat of power did not see anything wrong with the usurpation of the roles and powers of our revered monarchs. So, there’s no need to restore them. They went on as Nigerian leaders exploiting and further denigrating and desecrating our traditional stools. That is why governors and commissioners have been seen commanding and ordering these monarchs around against their wishes and those of their subjects. Obasanjo could not have done less; and cannot do less. Here’s a man who places himself above others and with the colonial master’s mentality that is deeply ingrained in him. He sees himself as the eternal bank of the world’s knowledge. That’s why he could appoint and pay political advisers from the public coffers as a sitting president and still declare that he would not listen to them. On an altar of sheer arrogance, this man wasted the Yoruba slot for eight years by pursuing his agenda over that of the general public. For example, as a sitting president, he organized fundraisings that birthed his private university, revamped his erstwhile comatose farm project and established a world-class library for himself. He forcefully made his daughter Commissioner in Ogun, his home state, and senator representing the state at the National Assembly. Obasanjo was also reputed for the inglorious Third Term Agenda. It is coming from this background that the former president believes that he has a lesson he must drive down the throats of the representatives of our ancestors, the Obas; and he did lead them in that Parade Ground of _‘E dide! E joko!’_ (Stand up! Sit down!), which they sheepishly obeyed. Too bad! Whereas Obasanjo finds it pleasurable to be denigrating Yoruba Obas, he most certainly cannot try the same with any Emir in any part of the North. In the North, monarchs are recognized in their statute books as a result of the penal code system in operation which is different from what obtains in the South. Here in the South, our monarchs are treated as errand boys for politicians. Hear The Rev’d ‘Toyin Adesokan’s view on the propriety or otherwise of Obasanjo’s impoliteness to the traditional institution in Yorubaland: _“I am aware that we have Kings in the Bible, from the Book of Genesis, to the Book of Revelation. Among the Kings were Pharaoh, Saul, David and Solomon. We have also read about Kings Ahab, Ahasuerus and Herod of the New Testament. They were all revered as leaders and as the aggregate of their people’s traditions and culture. Prophet Nathan never thought it right to confront King David even with the overwhelming revelation and backing of God in the case of Bathsheba the wife of Uriah, he treaded wisely. Prophet Elijah ran away from King Ahab and Joseph and Mary the earthly parents of Jesus Christ had to obey the divine instruction to escape the little Jesus to Egypt for fear of King Herod. However, what do you think would have become of Obasanjo in the presence of Kings like David, Pharaoh and Herod with that outburst?_ “Finally, the Bible says about kings: “The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendour into it” (Rev. 21:24 NIV). We see here that Presidents, Prime Ministers and Governors were not mentioned. 1 Samuel 16:2 has also shown the paramount nature of the kings and how divine they are above the man-made presidents and governors.”_ With the above from a priest of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Diocese of Lagos West, need Nigerians say more? After all, there are many ways to insult a Yoruba monarch and I’m sure Obasanjo knows them all. May the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria! _*Komolafe wrote in from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State (ijebujesa@yahoo.co.uk; 08098614418 – SMS only)_
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has sacked 21 Directors and Chief Executive Officers of parastatals, agencies, and government companies of the FCT Administration (FCTA). In a statement by his Director of Press, Office of the Minister, Anthony Ogunleye, the minister ordered the affected appointees to hand over the affairs of their offices to the most senior officers in rank. Those who are affected are: 1. Group MD/CEO, Abuja investment Company Ltd 2. CEO/MD, Abuja Markets Management Ltd 3. MD/CEO, Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company 4. CEO/MD, Abuja Property Development Company 5. CEO/MD Abuja Technology Village Free Trade Zone Company 6. CEO/MD Abuja Film Village International 7. CEO/MD Powernoth AICL Equipment Leasing Company Ltd 8. MD Abuja Broadcasting Corporation 9. MD, Abuja Enterprise Agency 10. GM, FCT Water Board 11. DG, FCT Emergency Management Agency 12. Executive Secretary, FCT Primary Healthcare Board 13. Director General, Hospital Management Board 14. Director, Abuja Environmental Protection Board 15. Director, FCT Scholarship Board 16. Director FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board 17. Director, Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board 18. Coordinator, Abuja Infrastructure Investment Center 19. Director, FCT Health Insurance Scheme 20. Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department 21. Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council The minister asked them to hand over the affairs of their offices to the most senior officers in rank. Wike said that appointments into the offices they vacated will be made in due course.
A popular Nigerian journalist, Kemi Olunloyo, has revealed that Sam Larry is the alleged father of Mohbad’s child. The controversial journalist made this assertion to all and sundry in her latest Instagram post on September 25. She said that the investigation has been submitted to the police. This is coming after Kemi Olunloyo previously said that Mohbad’s wife had sexual relations with Marlian boys. Kemi Olunloyo wrote; “A BREAK IN THE MOHBAD CASE FROM DUBAI UAE SAM LARRY REPORTEDLY FATHERED MOHBAD’S SON. FULL VIDEO ON FACEBOOK/Kemiolunloyo She raised questions as follows: What was the motive of Mohbad’s death? Was the plan to eliminate Mohbad and all his music assets transferred to the baby and wife who betrayed him and had a baby who already allegedly belongs to Sam? Sam could inherit all of Mohbad’s assets as the father of the boy and why I cautioned Nigerians against donating to mom and son. The N30M should be frozen by the bank because technically he didn’t lose his father. Where are Mohbad’s phones last seen with Wunmi after he was transported to and from the hospital? Was Mohbad buried alive while injected with Midolazam a long-acting benzodiazepine that came up in discussions knocked him unconscious and then possibly strangled him? His neck in the coffin appeared broken. Why did Naira Marley keep quiet about the DNA test done in Dubai as he has a copy? Why was Sam Larry fighting Mohbad for his son and why Mohbad refused to hand him over Why was Wunmi’s family threatening VDBM with a N300M lawsuit? Why did Cubana Chiefpriest give Mohbad’s dad N4M days before his suspected murder according to my UBA bank records? Why did he lie that only Davido gave him N2M which he later said only N1M was delivered to him? Why was Sanusi the boy with dreads immediately flown to Dubai after Mohbad was allegedly murdered? He’s described as a Dubai based crypto yahoo boy. Sanusi was also spotted in the car with Mohbad’s body, the car dealership and near Iyabo Ojo signing the condolence register. My name is Kemi Olunloyo #DrKemi Investigative journalist I have submitted my findings to the Lagos State Police Command
See Kemi Olunloyo’s post below; reacting to the post; olaideleshi: DNA test oooo Justiceformohbad. vicky_blinks112: I’m not Kemi fan, but all these questions are relevant. classified_thrift_: Look the baby lips and sam Larry own. Maybe that’s why San Larry dey disrespect Imole. adaeze_ekwochi: Mehn Nigerians are wicked sha, extremely heartless on God!! official_empire_blaze: Justice for Mohbad, Dna needed too. sammy.dollathug: This woman may be right or wrong but why is mhobad wife afraid of the DNA is it that difficult.
The new governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, has given details of how he would run apex bank even as he linked money supply to the rising inflation in the country. He stressed the fact that the new team will abandon some of the policies of its predecessor, led by Godwin Emefiele, and focus solely on monetary policy to strengthen the naira. Speaking when he was being screened by the Senate before he was confirmed as the CBN governor, Cardoso admitted that the apex bank is faced with numerous challenges which his team will identify and address. “We have identified issues of corporate governance, diminished institutional autonomy, discontinuity of orthodox policies and foreign currency issues. “Addressing inflation and price stability is the function of the CBN. We will address the issue of foreign exchange unification. If there is a need for interest rate alignment, we will do it for economic growth.” To manage the economic policy, Cardoso said that size matters, adding that the CBN team had identified macroeconomic indices and will facilitate new ways to attain $1trillion GDP in eight years. On inflation, Cardoso said each will be tackled based on their causes. “If the inflation is on food, we should ramp up production of food. If inflation is on energy, we know the challenges of energy. If you are importing, automatically you are importing inflation.” On the issue of money supply, Cardoso said that the way money has gone up in Nigeria, “that, itself, is behind inflation. It is the problem. It is a big problem, but going forward, we will do everything possible to ensure that deficit financing does not bring problems to us. “These are the assurances I can give you coming from outside because we will maintain a good working relationship to block the excesses we had in the past. “I believe that the CBN under us will have no choice but to embrace a culture of compliance,” Cardoso said, adding that they will abide by the CBN Act. “We will not wait for oversight before we interact with the lawmakers. We will have zero tolerance to abuse of processes. We recognize the fact that we need to work closely with these chambers at the National Assembly to ensure compliance.” According to him, deficit financing and undue money glut are responsible for 50 per cent of the inflation He told the Senate that there is a need to stabilise the naira to settle Nigeria’s outstanding debts, stating that the country is only spending money in printing currency rather than bringing in revenues. According to him, the immediate thing to look out for is to address operational issues, which are the unsettled obligations of the CBN wealth of N4 billion or N7 billion. He said that Nigeria will not make progress if it is not able to handle that side of foreign exchange rate. Cardoso said that the issue of foreign exchange rate is worrisome, adding that Nigeria must have a stable exchange rate. Also speaking, a deputy governor, Philip Ikeazor, said that the present CBN is going to strengthen governance and focus on monetary policies and not fiscal policies. He said that the country must decide to support the physical majors of the CBN and ensure that exportation thrive. “We will think outside the box, tackle inflation and the free flow of naira.”
Singer Naira Marley has denied all allegations linking him and his record label: Marlian Music to the death of singer Mohbad. In a statement via Instagram, Naira Marley said that he was shocked by the allegations against him. He insisted that he had no hand in the death of 27-year-old Mohbad. It read: “Permit me to categorically state that I have no hand in the death of llerioluwa, either directly or indirectly. It is not unusual in the industry, just like in several other industries to have family friction, even amongst blood relatives. Truly, we had our own share of misunderstandings whilst working together, but the disagreement between us was never to the extent being painted by some hirelings. It never degenerated to the extent of wishing each other death. Even at that, we were resolving our business disputes legally before he had passed.” Naira Marley said that he would be returning to Nigeria to assist the police investigating Mohbad’s death. “I have chosen not to say anything since due to being distraught over his death and in order not to jeopardize the investigation being carried out by the government agencies. In addition, I have been out of the country since the 31st of August, 2023 and I’m yet to return. In light of the police invitation, I am making arrangements to return to the country to assist the investigation and give my version of the events. I am fully cooperating with the Police team and I certainly have no reason to be a fugitive when I have no hand in his death. “I am certain that the culprit behind his death and has a vendetta against me and are fueling public opinions to have me lynched for reasons known to them. In due time the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death will be unveiled and the world will know the truth. This kind of scenario of attempting to set someone up is not novel in the industry as other great musicians.” Naira Marley denied that he is a “drug lord” saying that Marlian Music is not a “drug cartel, cult or fraternity. “For the avoidance of doubt I have never instructed anyone, friend, known associates or fans to attack, bully or harass Mohbad. With regards to the talent on the label, none of our artists ever fought or mistreated Mohbad.” Naira Marley expressed his condolences to Mohbad’s family, saying that he would honour his memory. Mohbad died on Tuesday, September 12, leaving behind his wife, his five-month-old son and his parents. Naira Marley, who has been at the centre of the controversy, had a misunderstanding with Mohbad in 2022 which forced the latter out of Marlian Music. Source: qed.ng
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have declared a nationwide strike over the failure of the Federal Government to meet their demands. The Labour unions announced said that the strike action would commence on October 3, 2023. Both Unions took the stand on Tuesday, shortly after their National Executive Council meetings in Abuja. NLC President, Joe Ajaero, who spoke first, during a joint press briefing in Abuja said an indefinite strike became inevitable owing to the government’s lackadaisical stance in meeting demands raised by both unions. To this end, Ajaero said the executive councils of both unions, having taken into consideration the stance of the government in the wake of the subsidy removal policy, left them with no option but to call for an indefinite strike. On his part, President of the Trade Union Congress, Festus Osifo said they resolved that beginning from October 3rd all workers are expected to withdraw their services.
President Bola Ahmed Tinub ha warned that the African continent would remain in chains till it breaks free from the shackles of the criminal enterprises of drug barons and syndicates of illicit drugs. Tinubu sounded the warning in Abuja yesterday, September 26, when he declared open, the 31st meeting of the Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Africa (HONLAF) in Abuja. “If we don’t dismantle the criminal enterprises that threaten our future and build a brighter tomorrow for all Africans, we will remain in chains in a diseased and amoral world, as will our children and their children.” The keynote address titled: ‘Rising Above the Drug Threat’, delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President said that Africa is at the mercy of a threat that knows neither race nor geography, neither gender nor social class. He enjoined the heads of drug law enforcement agencies to consider the conference in Abuja as a ray of hope and a catalyst for positive change across the continent. President Tinubu thanked them for their sacrifices in ensuring a world that is free of illicit drugs. “This threat has crossed borders and destroyed societies and dreams. Without the moral commitment of the men and women in this room, this threat would have left cities, countries, and even civilizations erased. So, I must commend you for your sacrifices in the bids to keep our world drug-free, sane and safe. “This conference emphasizes your investment across borders to protect us from the devastations of drugs, a threat that only submits to the enforcement of the law. “Therefore, we are grateful to HONLAF and its partners, notably the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, for creating this avenue, for offering intelligence and drug law enforcement officials a grand opportunity to compare notes, collaborate, and build networks that would be several steps ahead of the criminal network of drug transnational organizations.” Tinubu said that in the last couple of decades, criminal organisations had made frantic efforts to breach the security measures in African countries, all in a bid to pollute the minds of their citizens, adding that the anti-narcotics agencies have proven to be a thorn in their flesh. The President who doubles as the chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said: “But while it’s a compliment that drug-law enforcement organizations are a threat to their criminal empires, their desperation must never be taken for granted. “Without you as gatekeepers of healthy nations, humanity as we know it would have long been perverted. So, on behalf of the world, I say: thank you, thank you to all of you who have kept us from being polluted and destroyed. “For us, the commitment to the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse is not just a matter of policy; it is a moral imperative. We recognize that a population at war with drugs is not a dividend but a liability. We believe that the future of our youth, the strength of our institutions, and the well-being of our communities depend on our ability to eradicate this threat.” President Tinubu stressed the need for the the anti-narcotics agencies to consolidate established contacts, strengthen operational existing partnerships and cooperation among them at the sub-regional and regional levels. H said that this would make trafficking of illicit drugs and movement of drug syndicates difficult in the African continent. “So, I must appeal to you to see this gathering as an avenue for the exchange of novel ideas and the development of practical strategies. We must consolidate established contacts, operational partnerships, and cooperation to ensure that the outcomes of this four-day deliberation advance public safety and the emergence of drug-free African communities. “Our strength has always been our proactive actions to prevent any individual or group from turning our countries into a minefield of drug trafficking. So, we must prioritize prevention, education, and rehabilitation to empower our youth with knowledge and opportunities. We must steer them away from the treacherous path of drug abuse and trafficking and protect our economy from the consequences of their actions. “This administration will continue to provide the necessary support, motivation, and tools for the NDLEA to fulfill its mandate. We understand the connection between the success of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking and the attainment of a number of goals on our socioeconomic and security agenda. “Ladies and gentlemen, I know you don’t need to be reminded of the sacred task before us. I know you are fully aware of the number of people and dreams that depend on your decisions and actions to reach their destination. But, more importantly, I know that you are up to the task.” On the choice of Nigeria for the conference, President Tinubu said it is a profound recognition of the campaign and fight against illicit drugs in the country by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). “We are hosting the 31st HONLAF meeting here to reassure you of our promise to participate in building a world not threatened by the infiltration of illicit drugs.” Welcoming the guests earlier, Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brigadier General Buba Marwa, restated the stakeholders’ commitment to addressing the world’s drug problem and that Nigeria will continue to uphold the objectives of multilateral organizations dedicated to combating drug trafficking and related crimes. He emphasized the need for global partnerships in addressing drug trafficking and other vices, saying that world’s drug problem cannot be effectively tackled by individual entities.
The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has asked the judiciary to support him as he carries out reforms in the FCT Administration. Speaking at the ceremonies marking the commencement of the 2023/2024 Legal Year of the Court of Appeal in Abuja yesterday, September 25, the minister said: “here in the FCT, we are fully committed to implementing certain reforms that will not only restore the glory of the Federal Capital Territory but also make it a source of pride for every Nigerian. “And as we diligently work towards realizing this vision of rejuvenating the FCT, we implore the judiciary to also stand beside us in this quest.” Wike stressed the importance of a strong and independent judiciary as it affects the preservation of justice, protection of citizens’ rights and the overall wellbeing of the society and assured that his Administration will continue to provide the necessary support to promote the efficient functioning of the court. The Minister expressed the resolve of the Administration to address some of the accommodation challenges confronting Appeal Court Justices in the capital city. “We recognize that a strong and independent judiciary is pivotal to the preservation of justice, the protection of citizens’ rights, and the overall wellbeing of our society. Therefore, we are resolute in our determination to provide the necessary support to ensure the efficient functioning of the Court. “We are not unaware of some of the challenges confronting the justices of this Honourable Court in the FCT, especially the problems associated with their accommodation. “We will look closely at this matter and see how it can best be mitigated.” He said that the Appeal Court has a huge task ahead as the final Court for appeals arising from the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Tribunals, adding a lot of industry is required while hearing and determining these appeals. Wike charged the court of appeal to live up to the trust and tremendous faith in the decisions of the court by members of the public. “By virtue of Section 246(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), this court is the final Court for appeals arising from the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Tribunals. “This implies that a lot of industry is required while hearing and determining these appeals. The public has tremendous faith in the decisions of this Court and the Court has a responsibility to live up to that trust.” On the need for peace and stability in the country as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu drives the renewed hope agenda, the Minister said that the judiciary, as a bastion of justice and an arbiter of disputes, has a role to play in maintaining stability, peace, and progress throughout the country. In her remarks, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, said that the special court session is designed to not only reflect on the achievements and challenges of the past year, but to set sights on the path ahead and recommit to the ideals of fairness, equity and the delivery of justice. Justice Dongban-Mensem who described the legal profession as the bedrock of the nation’s social, economic and political coherence, said that the Court of Appeal will harness the potential of technology, fortify the capacities of staff and deepen its tireless devotion in the discharge of its constitutional mandate in the new legal year. She charged the Bar to uphold the role of legal custodians and refrain from dubious tactics that could hinder progress and sabotage national interest. Speaking at the event, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, stressed the need for quick dispensation of Justice so as to decongest the court of pending cases. He expressed concern over the plight of judiciary workers in terms of poor remuneration, saying that the issue is being addressed with the aim of finding a lasting solution soon.
Diphtheria, a disease that causes difficulty in breathing or rapid breathing, nasal discharge, fever and chills and tiredness among others, has reportedly killed no fewer than 453 people across Nigeria. Reports reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper showed that 7,202 cases have been recorded out of the 11,587 suspected cases across 105 local government areas in 18 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, which Confirmed the spread of the disease, in a joint press statement signed by the ministry, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, and other development partners, said that Kano State has the highest figure of 6,185 confirmed cases and prevalence. Other states with cases are Yobe (640), Katsina (213), Borno (95), Kaduna (16), Jigawa (14), Bauchi (eight), Lagos (eight), FCT (five), Gombe (five), Osun (three), Sokoto (three), Niger (two), Cross River (one), Enugu (one), IMO (one), Nasarawa (one) and Zamfara (one). It was gathered that 5,299 of the confirmed cases occurred among children of ages one to 14 years with those from five to 14 years bearing the brunt of the disease. So far, a total of 453 deaths have occurred in confirmed cases, giving a case fatality rate of 6.3 per cent, the statement added. The government, however, said it has been coordinating surveillance and response activities across the country since the outbreak of the disease in December 2022. “Given the escalation of the outbreak and findings that 80 per cent of confirmed cases in the ongoing outbreak are unvaccinated, the Honourable Coordinating Minister of the FMOH&SW, Professor Ali Pate, set up a national emergency task team co-chaired by the Executive Director of the NPHCDA, the Director General of the NCDC for higher level coordination of outbreak response efforts. “This includes ensuring optimal collaboration of all relevant health stakeholders in this fight. “Other prominent members of the task force include the director of Public Health-FMOH, representatives from the Federal Ministry of Information, the World Health Organisation, the United Nations Children’s Fund, USCDC, USAID, Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, other non-governmental organisations and development partners. “For the first time for any diphtheria outbreak, the FMOH&SW through NCDC and with WHO support, procured diphtheria antitoxin and more recently intravenous erythromycin and distributed them to the affected states. “With support from partners and in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health, Diphtheria Treatment Centres/Wards have been established in affected states. “Intensified routine diphtheria immunisation and reactivated vaccination campaigns in 33 LGAs in Bauchi, Katsina, Yobe, Kano, and Kaduna by the NPHCDA. Mobilised procurement of vaccines and essential logistics for three large-scale outbreak response campaigns in 56 LGAs across seven priority states – Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Yobe,” it said. To reduce the risk of diphtheria, the government advised parents to ensure that their children are fully vaccinated against it with the three doses of diphtheria antitoxin-containing pentavalent vaccine, given as part of Nigeria’s childhood immunisation schedule. “Healthcare workers should maintain a high index of suspicion for diphtheria and practice standard infection prevention and control precautions while handling all patients in their care. “All healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, support staff etc.) with a high level of exposure to cases of diphtheria should be vaccinated against diphtheria. “Individuals with signs and symptoms suggestive of diphtheria should promptly present to a health care facility or designated diphtheria treatment centres and where possible they and/or healthcare workers should notify their LGA, State Disease Surveillance Officer, their State Ministry of Health helpline, or the NCDC through our toll-free line on 6232.” Diphtheria, caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae, is a vaccine-preventable disease covered by one of the vaccines provided routinely through Nigeria’s childhood immunisation schedule. Some of the symptoms are thick, gray membrane covering the throat and tonsils, sore throat and hoarseness, swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes) in the neck, difficulty in breathing or rapid breathing, nasal discharge, fever and chills and tiredness.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) cum Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC Ltd) and five international oil-producing companies.
The MoU is aimed at
quickly ramping up Nigeria’s flagging crude oil production, ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Nigerian Content Act, and timely approvals of documents,
The SLA was conceptualised by the NCDMB and is intended to optimize the contracting cycle in the oil and gas industry and spur the speedy development of new oil and gas projects, contributing to increased oil production and improved national economy.
The agreement was signed by the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engineer Simbi Kesiye Wabote, while the new Executive Vice President Upstream of the NNPC Ltd, Oritsemeyiwa A. Eyesan signed on behalf of the national oil company.
Other top industry officials who signed the agreement included the Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and Country Chair, of Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN) Mr. Osagie Okunbor, and the Chairman and Managing Director of ExxonMobil’s affiliates in Nigeria, Mr. Shane Harris. Others included the Director of Joint Ventures for Chevron Nigeria, Mr. Iwueze Cosmas; the Managing Director, Nigerian Agip Oil Company Ltd, Mr. Fabrizio Bloomfied, and the Executive Director, Joint Ventures, Total Exploration and Production Nigeria, Mr. Obi Imemba.
The Executive Secretary stated that the overall goal is to conclude the oil and gas industry’s tendering to contract award processes within six months, affirming his conviction that the target is realistic with all key parties now on board with the execution of the SLA. He expressed delight that NNPC Limited signed up to the MoU, being the senior partner of the joint ventures and concessionaire of the production sharing contracts (PSC) arrangements that govern the operations of the industry.
Wabote recalled that NCDMB first introduced the 15-day Rule to the industry in 2017, when it promised that it would respond within 15 working days to any formal request for approvals in relation to projects execution. He noted that the rule was later formalized with an SLA in May 2017 with Nigeria LNG Ltd pioneering the process and breaking approval records in respect of the NLNG Train7 project.
“The industry found the outcome impressive leading to the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG) signing the SLA in 2018 and Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) thereafter.”
Wabote said that NCDMB is a business-enabling regulator, adding: “this is attested to by our being recognised and awarded as the most efficient amongst the MDAs in 2022 by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).
”We are also rated PLATINUM by the Bureau for Public Service Reforms in recognition of the self-imposed reforms of our processes.”
The NCDMB boss assured the industry that the SLA would not be an exception, adding that the Board would deliver its own part of the deal.
The SLA signed with the Nigeria LNG in 2017 was the first of its kind to be entered between a regulator and another entity in the oil and gas industry. The template was adopted for managing documentation, contracting and expatriate quota applications between the Board and international and local operating companies.
The agreement obligated NLNG to submit to the NCDMB documents like the Quarterly Job Forecast, Nigerian Content Plan, Bidders List, Nigerian Content Evaluation Criteria, Nigerian Content Technical Bid among others, while the Board had to respond on specific timelines. Should the Board fail to respond in accordance with the provisions of the SLA, the company could proceed with its tendering process after informing the Board in writing or email.
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Obasanjo And The Face Of Insolence, By Abiodun Komolafe
Former president, Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent discourteous behaviour against some of the traditional rulers in Iseyin, Oyo State has drawn an angry tirade from the public. Not unexpectedly, these comments have come as a mix of both the printable and unprintable words. For yours sincerely, the former president’s comments could only be viewed from two main perspectives.
The first is the pre-colonial era prestige attached to Nigeria’s traditional institution. During the period under review, traditional rulers were in full control to the extent that the then-visiting white men who later became their colonial masters were always at their mercy for acceptance to the kings and the locals. In their bid, the white men always came to these monarchs along with materials such as clothes, tobacco, salt, refined gold and beverages. In return for the perceived kind gesture from the white men, traditional rulers would always pack and sell or give our brothers and sisters who had either been bought or captured in inter-tribal wars as slaves as gifts in return to these foreigners. This relationship continued till it all culminated in what was later known as colonial administration.
It is also interesting to note that the colonial administration then brought the idea that traditional rulers needed to be subservient to the colonial administration. That was the genesis and the starting point of the gradual erosion of the power and influence of the traditional rulers in Nigeria. This was done to see the monarchs as middlemen through whom people were administered indirectly in the protectorates which in any case was resisted by the easterners. The Obas, too, really enjoyed it as it was seen in their fraternization and oppression of the people. But the monarchs had left their lofty positions and begun looking up to the white men or the colonial lords for decisions, directions and favours of all shapes and sizes in all things.
At independence, the colonial masters left, but they left behind the structure for the indigenous administration. Not only that they left, they also gave us a document known as the Independence Constitution which was meant to right all the wrongs of the past and restore the dignity of the traditional leaders, among others. The joy of independence of the year 1960 was however brought to a halt by a group of soldiers led by Major General Thomas Aguyi-Ironsi, who instead of sustaining the regional system of government that was in place, introduced the unitary system of government coloured in federalism, and that’s what has been in place, even till this day. That was how Nigeria went back to its colonial master-monarch relationship.
Needless to repeat, therefore, that Obasanjo and his co-travellers who later found themselves at the seat of power did not see anything wrong with the usurpation of the roles and powers of our revered monarchs. So, there’s no need to restore them. They went on as Nigerian leaders exploiting and further denigrating and desecrating our traditional stools. That is why governors and commissioners have been seen commanding and ordering these monarchs around against their wishes and those of their subjects.
Obasanjo could not have done less; and cannot do less. Here’s a man who places himself above others and with the colonial master’s mentality that is deeply ingrained in him. He sees himself as the eternal bank of the world’s knowledge. That’s why he could appoint and pay political advisers from the public coffers as a sitting president and still declare that he would not listen to them. On an altar of sheer arrogance, this man wasted the Yoruba slot for eight years by pursuing his agenda over that of the general public. For example, as a sitting president, he organized fundraisings that birthed his private university, revamped his erstwhile comatose farm project and established a world-class library for himself. He forcefully made his daughter Commissioner in Ogun, his home state, and senator representing the state at the National Assembly. Obasanjo was also reputed for the inglorious Third Term Agenda.
It is coming from this background that the former president believes that he has a lesson he must drive down the throats of the representatives of our ancestors, the Obas; and he did lead them in that Parade Ground of _‘E dide! E joko!’_ (Stand up! Sit down!), which they sheepishly obeyed.
Too bad! Whereas Obasanjo finds it pleasurable to be denigrating Yoruba Obas, he most certainly cannot try the same with any Emir in any part of the North. In the North, monarchs are recognized in their statute books as a result of the penal code system in operation which is different from what obtains in the South. Here in the South, our monarchs are treated as errand boys for politicians.
Hear The Rev’d ‘Toyin Adesokan’s view on the propriety or otherwise of Obasanjo’s impoliteness to the traditional institution in Yorubaland: _“I am aware that we have Kings in the Bible, from the Book of Genesis, to the Book of Revelation. Among the Kings were Pharaoh, Saul, David and Solomon. We have also read about Kings Ahab, Ahasuerus and Herod of the New Testament. They were all revered as leaders and as the aggregate of their people’s traditions and culture. Prophet Nathan never thought it right to confront King David even with the overwhelming revelation and backing of God in the case of Bathsheba the wife of Uriah, he treaded wisely. Prophet Elijah ran away from King Ahab and Joseph and Mary the earthly parents of Jesus Christ had to obey the divine instruction to escape the little Jesus to Egypt for fear of King Herod. However, what do you think would have become of Obasanjo in the presence of Kings like David, Pharaoh and Herod with that outburst?_
“Finally, the Bible says about kings: “The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendour into it” (Rev. 21:24 NIV). We see here that Presidents, Prime Ministers and Governors were not mentioned. 1 Samuel 16:2 has also shown the paramount nature of the kings and how divine they are above the man-made presidents and governors.”_
With the above from a priest of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Diocese of Lagos West, need Nigerians say more? After all, there are many ways to insult a Yoruba monarch and I’m sure Obasanjo knows them all.
May the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!
_*Komolafe wrote in from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State (ijebujesa@yahoo.co.uk; 08098614418 – SMS only)_