OPINION

The Masses As Instruments

Published

3 years ago

24/09/2021

•By Abiodun Komolafe

Politics, ultimately, is about the people. Policymakers always allude to the interest of the masses as the raison dètre of their policy contents. It, therefore, goes without saying that all policies appear to be people-friendly until their implementation when the real and intended beneficiaries are exposed. At the outset, every administrator tells the people that the policy he or she is making is tailored towards the betterment of the lives of the citizens. So, we are familiar with the expression, ‘on behalf of the masses.’ Due to the peculiar nature of politics and public administration, especially, in Nigeria, policies are made for the people, but without their inputs. The masses are mentioned for political effects, but are seldom heard! They rarely know in whose interests the policies were made ab initio.

Talk is cheap! To rephrase it, it is easier to make a promise, but, fulfilling it is a different thing entirely. Once upon a time, Nigerians were told that the country would have food security, sufficiency in agriculture and food production enough to feed her citizens, and in fact, export food items from Nigeria to other lands. A policy was enacted, with fortunes from the nation’s treasury sunk into it. Regrettably, the policy failed; yet, no one was held accountable. To date, Nigeria imports food and grains!

In 1976, the Olusegun Obasanjo-led military regime came up with a national agricultural extension and mobilization program, tagged ‘Operation Feed the Nation’ (OFN). Though the policy looked good on paper, it ended up being a stillbirth. As of today, our nation remains practically unfed! Four years after, Shehu Shagari foisted the ‘Green Revolution’ on Nigerians. But, ‘instead of it getting better for the witch, all her children are females.’

In 1987, General Ibrahim Babangida put Larry Koinyan in charge of the Directorate of Food Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFRRI). Ultimately, DFRRI and the proverbial great boasters ended up as Siamese twins! What of the Small, Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs)? Well, the fault might have been in the name, more so as Commerce in our clime has remained perpetually small, reflecting a Lilliputian attribute.

When, in 2006, Obasanjo cleared Nigeria’s multibillion-dollar debt to the Paris Club of creditor nations, few Nigerians agreed with the former president’s initiative. However, Nigeria’s current debt portfolio, with her unbridled tendency to acquire more debts, is not only frightening but will make Obasanjo’s critics to reconsider their stand.

At a point, Nigerians were told that energy could not be owned and properly managed by the national government. Therefore, energy experts told us to diversify. We did! Sadly, however, the power supply in Nigeria remains epileptic, even, as we speak. While those who are supposed to be the end-users are groaning under a thick and suffocating cloud of ‘wattages of excuses’ from the nation’s energy managers, the situation has become so worse that, even, when there’s the power supply on the national grid, many Nigerians can no longer afford it.

Earlier in 1973, General Yakubu Gowon had told a stunned world that Nigeria’s problem was not money but how to spend it. Unfortunately, the man who made this very brilliant, highly philosophical statement did not understand its rhyme while those to whom it was made misinterpreted its rhythm. So, Nigerians merely used the letters of the word, not the spirit, to judge ‘Jack from Lur.’ How do I mean? Had Nigeria spent our commonwealth wisely, she would perhaps have been one of the topmost economies in modern history. Had Nigeria not been a country where huge sums of money were budgeted and recklessly allocated to attack minor problems, the dear country would have been better than most of the countries now hosting Nigerians as refugees. But, the irony of it is that, ‘on behalf of the masses’, Nigeria is still a case of ‘thief steal am, thief collect am.’ So, Gowon was right!

By and by, it is pedestrian to conclude that Nigeria’s problem is leadership. Without being immodest, followership may perhaps be a bigger problem. Supposing the followership has a defined vision, being conscious of how they are to be led, and can ask questions where need be, ours will certainly not be a country adrift on good governance and sustainable development.

On a day like this, Osun State readily comes to mind. As the state steadily approaches next year’s governorship election, what should the people watch out for in making the right choice? What should they expect from those jostling to become the state’s, Chief Executive? Beyond the theatrical performances with loaves of bread or a concoction of WhatsApp-induced Greek gifts, should those who have nothing concrete to point to as achievements in life be given the opportunity to plunge the state into a mess?

Integrity! Character! Courage! Respect! Gratitude! Influence! Empathy! Self-awareness! Managerial skills! Ability to delegate! Experiential knowledge of power-play! As the saying goes, ‘one sees all sorts of knives on the day an elephant dies.’ Although democracy welcomes all, the society owes itself a duty to scrutinise each probable aspirant to the highest office in the state. It is therefore simple logic that anybody who will aspire to the Office of the Governor of Osun should not only be seen as above average but also accepted by the social norms, to boot. He must be an ideal standard of who an Omoluabi should be, not a misfit. What each candidate has done in his or her life and how responsible and upright he or she has been must count. Most importantly, Nigerians must be able to see in such a candidate if he or she is of the tribe of those recently referred to as ‘deep thinkers and silent reformers and performers with Development Agenda hinged on adequate, quality and equitable service in all sectors’ by the Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar III.

In fairness to posterity, these first-rate qualities are not too difficult to discern, more so as their opposites have their smell. Listen to their praise, they deceive you! Listen to their attacks, they derail you! Theirs is a world where immature disciples and men without values or virtues speak through the spirit, not the spirit speaking through them.

Among the major contenders amid pretenders for the seat, a candidate is seen as standing out. And that candidate is Adegboyega Oyetola, the incumbent State Governor. Discreet investigations into the life and times of Oyetola have shown that he is not only a prudent and cheerful giver but also a quiet achiever in all the important sectors of human endeavour. An Insurance juggernaut, the Iragbiji, Osun State-born politician has successfully handled a conglomerate of companies and has been running Osun State in the last 3 years without borrowing a penny from anybody. Yes, it is not as if the state is free of crises, the good news is that Oyetola has successfully managed them; which therefore shows that he is a man of capacity. If given the job of governing ‘the Land of Virtue’, come November 27, 2022, Nigerians should rest assured that they will not handle the state’s legacy with levity.

May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Osun State!

Komolafe writes from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State (ijebujesa@yahoo.co.uk)

OPINION

EFCC, Naira Abuse And The Real Anti-Corruption War

Published

3 hours ago

19/04/2024

'Bike Ogbonnaya

EFCC Operatives

By Emeka Alex Duru*

It is becoming clear that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is not looking back in its battle against abuse of the national currency, the Naira. Or so it seems! Two quick moves by the commission within the month, indicate that it perhaps, means business in this regard.

On Wednesday, two days ago, EFCC arraigned a businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, before a Lagos court on three counts bordering on abuse of naira, by allegedly spraying and tampering with the nation’s currency at a social event.

According to EFCC, Okechukwu had on February 13, 2024, at Eko Hotel, within the jurisdiction of the court, while dancing during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 notes, by spraying the same for two hours, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.

The commission also alleged that sometime in 2020, during a social event in Lagos, Cubana Chief Priest tampered with funds in the denomination of N500, by spraying the same for two hours.

In Count 3, EFCC alleged: “That you, Okechukwu Pascal, sometime in January 2024, in Lagos during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying the same and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.”

The EFCC had on April 5, 2024, secured the conviction of controversial cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, on similar charges for which he was sentenced to six-month imprisonment on Friday, April 12, 2024. The judge, Abimbola Awogboro, imposed the sentence after the 31-year-old socialite pleaded guilty to the alleged offences.

Earlier in February, a Federal High Court in Lagos had convicted an actress, Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, of spraying and stepping on new naira notes at a wedding in Lagos.

Ms Omoseyin was apprehended on February 1, following the viral circulation of a video clip showing her spraying new Naira notes at a wedding in Lekki, Lagos State, on January 28. On February 2, the trial judge, Chukwujekwu Aneke, sentenced Ms. Omoseyin to six months imprisonment, but with the option of a N300,000 fine.

Many celebrities, according to the EFCC, are facing investigations and will soon be prosecuted for Naira abuse. We must commend the commission for waging the battle against abuse of the Naira.

A country’s currency is its legal tender; its store of value, unit of account, and medium of exchange. It is a major tool in transactions by its nationals and residents. In the absence of money, the transactions would become inefficient, and the economy would not be able to produce. By extension, the currency counts among the indexes of national security of a country. How a country treats its currency goes a long way in determining how others see it and its citizens.

Over time, the Naira has been an object of abuse by Nigerians, especially of low value and fleeting identities. Careless spraying of the Naira or even trampling on it, has become an easy path for upstarts to announce their arrival in social circles. If proper analysis is done on the rising incidences of kidnapping, cyber fraud and the get-quick tendencies among the youths, flaunting of the Naira at public functions, will have some blame for the odious acts.

The desire to be celebrated has led many into crimes. It is nearly impossible for anyone who has struggled and toyed to make his or her money to flaunt or spray it in a meaningless fashion. Every effort at safeguarding the value and essence of the Naira should therefore be lauded.

But then, there is the greater task ahead for the EFCC. That is the real war against graft and other acts of corruption. Incidentally, that was even why the commission was established. Established under the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, EFCC has among other functions to investigate all financial crimes including advance fee fraud, money laundering, counterfeiting, illegal charge transfers, futures market fraud, fraudulent encashment of negotiable instruments, computer credit fraud and contract scam.

It is also empowered to examine and investigate all reported cases of economic and financial crimes to identify individuals, corporate bodies or groups involved. It can also identify, trace, freeze, confiscate or seize proceeds derived from terrorist activities, economic and financial crime-related offences or the properties the value of which corresponds to such proceeds.

Given the initial success of the Commission in reining in advance fee criminals and scammers, it was generally seen as a bold move in tackling crime and other misdemeanours that had dented the nation’s image locally and abroad.

With time however, especially, due to the closeness of the leadership of the organisation to successive administrations and the willingness to be used in executing vindictive wars of any seating president, EFCC gradually began to be seen as an instrument of blackmail and intimidation by the government. The agency began to lose steam.

The result is that Nigeria is still rated among the countries with high levels of corruption. By the 2023 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) released by Transparency International (TI) in January this year, Nigeria ranked 145 among 180 countries surveyed. The EFCC had on its own, in 2015, admitted that about $20 trillion had been stolen from the national treasury by leaders who had access to the nation’s money between 1960 and 2005. That figure must have been exceeded over time.

Some of the perpetrators of the heinous acts against the country and their cronies are still in the government houses at the state or federal level or other agencies. The opacity and dirty deals in the oils sector, also portray Nigeria as a country that is neck-deep in corruption.

It is therefore not enough for the EFCC to go about raking in petty thieves, internet fraudsters or those abusing the Naira at social functions while leaving out the brains behind huge crimes. For the anti-corruption war to have meaning and be convincing, it must be comprehensive and encompassing.

The EFCC may have done well in securing a conviction for those trifling with the Naira. But leaving the real thieves roam freely, casts doubt on the genuineness of its anti-corruption war.

Duru is the Editor, TheNiche Newspapers, Lagos (08054103327, nwaukpala@yahoo.com)

OPINION

Yahaya Bello, EFCC And Rule Of Law

Published

16 hours ago

19/04/2024

'Bike Ogbonnaya

Bello

By Pelumi Olajengbesi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stands as a cornerstone in upholding the rule of law and combating economic and financial crimes in Nigeria. Its unwavering commitment to investigating and prosecuting offenders has earned it commendation, fostering transparency and accountability in governance, even though there cannot be an institution without a challenge.

Despite facing institutional challenges, the EFCC’s track record of success has solidified its reputation as a formidable government agency, instilling a sense of propriety and caution among those in positions of political and economic influence.

However, recent events have generated concerns about the agency’s capability to function above interference, particularly in light of perceived political interference in its operations. A notable example is the recent stand-off between EFCC personnel and the immediate former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, highlighting the roles played by the Nigeria Police, the Court, and his successor, which underscores this concern.

The recent decision of the Kogi State High Court, purportedly restraining the EFCC from taking action against the former governor came as a rude shock, sparking widespread debate and scrutiny of the Nigerian legal system. Many citizens perceive this as an instance where certain individuals are seemingly placed above the rule of law, fueling media arguments and public discourse.

While awaiting access to the Certified True Copy of the judgment for clarity, it’s crucial to affirm the EFCC’s statutory authority, akin to other law enforcement agencies, to investigate and prosecute individuals suspected of committing offences. Sections 6 and 7 of the EFCC Establishment Act unequivocally empower the Commission, with constitutional backing that cannot be overridden by the courts.

The Supreme Court in the case of Dr Joseph Nwobike SAN v. The Federal Republic of Nigeria held thus: “Having regard to sections 6, 7, 14-18 of the EFCC Establishment Act, particularly 6(b), 7(1)(a), 2(f), 13(2), the EFCC has powers to investigate, enforce, and prosecute offenders for any offence, whether under the Act or any statute, insofar as the offence relates to the Commission of economic and financial crimes.”

Similarly, in the case of Ewulo v. EFCC & ors., the Court of Appeals held as follows: “It is no longer in doubt that agencies vested with statutory powers to investigate crimes cannot be restrained or arm-twisted by litigation to prevent them from exercising their statutory powers. Once there is semblance of legal justification in the exercise of statutory powers, the courts must refrain from making orders that have the consequence of stupifying the proper exercise of statutory powers.”

From the above, it is clear beyond a doubt that the Commission cannot be restrained from carrying out its constitutional responsibilities. Any attempts by an individual or group to use the instrumentality of the law to obstruct, delay, and/or circumvent the Commission’s constitutional responsibilities are therefore unlawful.

While respecting citizens’ constitutional rights is crucial, courts lack the authority to impede law enforcement agencies from executing their duties, regardless of the individual’s status. Upholding the rule of law necessitates ensuring equal accountability and justice for all, without exceptions or undue influence.

Olajengbesi Esq, Legal is Managing Partner at Law Corridor, Abuja

OPINION

Shifting Urban Mobility Trends: Electric Scooter Ride Is The New Normal

Published

2 days ago

17/04/2024

Managing Editor

Electric scooter prototype

By Faheem Daha

Recent decades have seen unprecedented technological advancements. Modern devices and gadgets seep into our daily lives and replace outdated products effortlessly. Change is normal and a sign of liveliness. The bustling roads that were once a showcase for large vehicles are now witnessing a different scene. People today are more intrigued by restoring the environment to a healthy state. While it’s impossible to reset the environment in pristine condition. It will be still a success to conserve the environment at its present condition. It requires a lot of continuous effort, mindful practice choices and patience. Preferences of individuals are shaping the trends of urban mobility. Electric scooters are a popular trending product. Each passing day a new e-scooter is joining the fleet. The proliferation of electric scooters in the urban transportation grid is compelling authorities to focus on the development of dedicated infrastructure for these single-occupancy vehicles.

Key triggers behind the surge of electric scooters

The post-pandemic world is facing the aftershocks of COVID-19. Global inflation is one such impact. Unstable fuel prices and unreasonably high car prices are a limiting factor in owning a personalized vehicle. Although the US economy is largely based on credit obtaining a car on lease is easier than the rest of the world. Yet every car leaves massive air pollution. Eco-friendly people are aggressively heading to electric stores to hit the best deal. What could be more exciting than taking an independent ride that is cost-effective, convenient, and environmentally friendly? You just need to have a few hundred bucks in your pocket to hit the right deal. No worries if you are out of budget, companies like LIME and Bird are offering electric scooters on rental service. Another good news is some states in the USA offer relaxed policies and GOvernment incentives for switching to this eco-friendly vehicle.

Impact of Electric scooters on the environment
Zero tailpipe emission
Conventional scooters draw power from combustion engines. On Average, a normal-sized motorcycle will add 0.18245kg of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere for every mile it covers. On the contrary electric scooters are surging in demand because of their zero to negligible tailpipe emissions. Thus conserving the air quality.

Bye Bye to frustration
Traffic congestion is one of the primary reasons for underperforming individuals. Juggling for way among different vehicles is an uphill task. Electric scooters can now navigate you easily through dedicated bike lanes in no time. Individuals can save a lot of time and conserve their productivity for onsite work. Similarly, returning home frustration-free can restore the domestic environment. It sounds cliche but fresh and healthy individuals are likely to make healthier choices. Just like frustrated peeps resort to cigarettes and alcohol, mindful buddies prefer activities that are safe for them and the environment too.
Critiquing the e-scooters from procurement to production
There has been an ongoing debate regarding the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere while extracting the raw materials, establishing production units to final delivery of e-scooters in the market. There is no denying that extracting raw materials for e-scooters requires a significant amount of energy. Yet, the initial environmental cost is offset by the far-reaching benefits it brings to the environment. Additionally, companies are looking for ways to reuse and recycle electrical components that can be retrieved from discarded products. Practices to make the extraction and production process efficient are underway.

Lesser emissions from idling vehicles
Idling vehicles despite being stationery still impart a carbon footprint to the environment since the engine is running and fuel is burning. The slim structure of electric scooters is a big plus. Navigation through populous terrains is swift and trouble-free. The e-scooter rider is a blessing for the rider himself and other road fellows. Why? Because the compactness of this scooter plays a big role in reducing congestion we can have fewer idling vehicles. Because of electric scooters riders’ fuel of other cars is conserved along with air quality. Isn’t that great? But it does not mean that car drivers keep on polluting the air. They also owe their fair share towards the betterment of the environment.
Electric scooters boast active commutation
E-scooters enable riders to engage in healthy lifestyles without compromising their physical limitation. Elderly people with back and leg pain discourage the idea of the outdoors as walking and bicycling appear tedious to them. Electric scooters besides conserving the environment conserve precious moments too. Like healthy individuals, weak people can enjoy cool breezes, friend reunions and nature walks equally on their much-loved e-scooters.

First and Last-mile commute
Using public transportation is always referred to as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution. However, a gap always exists between transit points and destinations. E-scooters fill this gap impeccably. No need to pay extra bucks now. As electric scooters have immense portability, they easily fill the gap from your place to the transit station. And then to the final destination.

No parking hassle
Escooter riders enjoy the liberty of hassle-free parking. Identifying a reasonable parking spot for cars is painstaking. Contrary to this you can effortlessly park the e-scooter at the specified area near the actual destination

Convenience on the go
Demand for escooters is surging in urban traffic dynamics. They are ideal, particularly for short trips. With the help of different smartphone applications, you can avail the convenience of riding on the go. Simply locate available e-scooters in your surroundings using the app, unlock and tada there you go! No more need to wait for transport to arrive. Electric scooter rides liberate you from the worries of fuel charges, waiting times, and traffic jams along with better air to breathe in.

There have been a lot of real-life stories advocating how electric scooters emerged as a real heroes. Be it a navigation through densely populated cities or becoming a travelling partner of environmental enthusiasts NANROBOT D6+2.0 never disappoints.

Electric scooters have challenges too
Like every product e-scooter industry has its challenges. Problems like vandalism. improper disposal and safety considerations have raised eyebrows. Public demand for a developed infrastructure is pressing the authorities whether to openly legalize vehicles or not. However, for every problem, there exists a solution. If e-scooter companies collaborate with local stakeholders and municipal authorities, there is a better chance that issues will be resolved.Reference link: https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/carbon-footprint-calculator/
https://www.escootersstores.com/pages/carbon-footprint-calculators
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/what-is-a-carbon-footprint-how-to-measure-yours