Regulatory reforms will help attract private sector investment in Africa’s energy market

Addis Ababa, 31 March 2023 (ECA) – A timely regulatory overhaul of Africa’s fledgling electricity sector will attract private sector investment and ensure energy security on the continent, stakeholders meeting at an electricity dialogue, have agreed.
More than 600 million Africans have no access to electricity and Africa generates only 4% of the global energy. Despite vast opportunities in the development of the electricity sector in Africa, there is low private sector investment in energy infrastructure and service delivery, participants at the recent High-Level Public-Private Dialogue on Private Sector Investment in Electricity and Infrastructure Development in Africa, heard.
The two-day dialogue, hosted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the RES4Africa Foundation brought together stakeholders from the public and private sectors, including policymakers, international organizations, and decision-makers working in energy and infrastructure. They discussed the changes needed in policy and regulatory frameworks to ensure adequate openness, attractiveness, and readiness of African markets to private investments.
Mr. Yohannes Hailu, an energy policy expert at ECA Private Sector Development and Finance Division, highlighted the work of ECA and RES4Africa in 16 African countries on the assessment of the regulatory environment and risks as an essential entry point to address regulatory barriers that limit effective private sector investment in energy infrastructure.
“Advancing electricity market regulatory improvement and reform is a significant part of the solution towards de-risking investment in Africa’s energy infrastructure,” Mr. Hailu said, emphasizing that credible regulatory framework and policy remained key instruments for member countries striving to crowd-in private capital in their electricity markets via generation, transmission, distribution, and off-grid system development.
The ECA and AUC continental framework, which was validated during the Dialogue, offers guidance on mainstreaming the key regulatory instruments at regional and national levels to crowd-in private investment. In addition, representatives from Ministries of Energy and Regional Energy Regulatory institutions provided feedback on regulatory areas for technical cooperation with ECA and the RES4Africa Foundation.
They also identified areas of regulatory technical cooperation including green hydrogen, storage of batteries, standardization of contracts, development of grid codes and risk-mapping. The Dialogue also discussed developing a regional framework for private sector participation in electricity markets.
Mr. Andrea Renzulli, head of policy and regulation at RES4Africa, commended the partnership with the ECA in raising awareness and sharing knowledge on the electricity reform agenda across African markets. He reaffirmed the commitment of RES4Africa Foundation and its members in collaboration with ECA and interested African countries to advance policy and regulatory reforms towards better market openness, attractiveness and readiness for private sector participation.
Mr. Renzulli acknowledged the importance of continued exchanges of knowledge between energy regulatory authorities across the Continent and the private sector.
At the closing of the technical training on regulation and private sector investment session held on the margins of the Dialogue, Mr. Robert Lisinge, Officer-in-Charge of the Private Sector Development and Finance Division at the ECA said an enabling environment is essential to meeting the major investment needs for national and regional infrastructure in Africa through public private sector partnerships.
“Our aim at ECA is to stay close to the continental, regional and national infrastructure agenda guided by Agenda 2063 and SDGs,” said Mr. Lisinge, explaining that the ECA was providing capacity development and technical cooperation related to private sector participation to close the large financing gap in infrastructure development in the continent.
“The high-level dialogue this week highlighted the commitment of member States and the private sector to work together through facilitation of a conducive business environment for private investment and developing the right PPP framework for successful application of PPP in infrastructure finance,” he said.

SECURITY VOTES: 36 GOVERNORS, CBN, EFCC, OTHERS MEET
The 36 Governors in Nigeria have planned to meet with officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, among others to iron out issues surrounding states’ security votes.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, through its head, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, announced this on Sunday.
He said the meeting which was slated for Tuesday, April 4, according to an invitation issued by the Director General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Asishana Okauru, would be virtual, to ensure full attendance by all the relevant officers in the matter.
In a statement, the Director, Media and Public Affairs of the NGF, Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo, said, “Those invited to the meeting include the EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, and the CBN.
Bello-Barkindo further noted that “the meeting will also consider deepening the management and expansion of the cashless policy which took effect from the time of the redesigning of the national currency last year, to further the financial inclusion of all citizens in the ensuing scheme of things, going forward.”
The NGF media aide maintained that the meeting was called at the instance of the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, in its letter dated March 30, which was addressed to the Chairman of the NGF and signed by the NFIU Director, Modibbo Tukur.
“Also on the agenda is a consensus on harmonising and updating the national tax collection and business entry standards and its requirements to help respond to the FATF and the EU grey listing in which Nigeria appeared,” the letter said.
The letter further observed that all governors were advised to prioritise the meeting as its contents had been discussed at the NGF emergency meeting of Thursday, March, 30, where it was unanimously agreed that a meeting with the afore-mentioned agencies was imperative.

Gbajabiamila eulogizes President-elect Tinubu at 71
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has eulogized Nigeria’s President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 71st birthday.
Gbajabiamila said Tinubu has demonstrated democratic credentials over the years and ought to be celebrated by well-meaning Nigerians.
He said the president-elect is a dogged and determined fighter for a just society even as he described Tinubu as “a man of the people.”
Speaker Gbajabiamila was elated that Tinubu has finally fulfilled his ambition of becoming Nigeria’s president, saying his victory at the presidential and National Assembly elections held on February 25 was a well-deserved birthday gift.
Tinubu’s emergence as president, Gbajabiamila noted, was against all odds, noting that God Almighty indeed favoured and granted him victory.
Gbajabiamila said as one of those who have been under Tinubu’s school of politics and mentoring, he was not surprised that the president-elect remained focused and unwavering throughout the presidential contest.
“I celebrate our president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his 71st birthday. Tinubu has proved over the years to be an uncommon democrat who always works assiduously for Nigeria to be great.
“We all thank God for the life of the president-elect, and we pray that He continues to grant him good health to achieve his desire for a better Nigeria.
“The story of Asiwaju is one that every Nigerian, young and old, should study carefully and learn from. Here is a man that worked against all odds to emerge as the presidential candidate of the APC. Even more daunting was his emergence as President-elect.
“Trust Asiwaju, he weathered the storm and scaled through all the hurdles to emerge victorious. That is the kind of man Nigeria is lucky to have at this time. For those of us that have known Asiwaju for decades, we are sure he would not disappoint Nigeria and Nigerians,” the Speaker said.
Tinubu, Gbajabiamila added, has carved a niche for himself not only in Nigeria and Africa but also in the entire world, noting that most developing democracies now have the task of learning from the president-elect’s emergence.
The Speaker said under Tinubu, Nigeria would witness unprecedented good governance as proven in Lagos, which is the commercial nerve centre of Africa.

Ayu’s suspension illegal – Okowa’s Commissioner

Spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP Presidential Campaign Council, Mr Charles Aniagwu says the alleged suspension of the party’s National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu was illegal and not in conformity with the party’s constitution.

Speaking on “Kakaaki” on AIT on Tuesday, Aniagwu said that those who attempted to suspend the National Chairman in Benue State were ignorant of the provisions of the party’s constitution as amended in 2017.

He accused Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike and his Benue counterpart, Samuel Ortom of being behind the said suspension in what looks like the Oshiomhole kind of treatment.

He argued that the APC constitution was different from that of the PDP adding that no organ of the party aside the National Executive Committee can suspend a member of National Working Committee.

According to him, Section 57(7) of the PDP Constitution was very clear on who has the power to suspend or discipline a member of the National Working Committee or National Executive Committee of the party.

“When they proceeded to ask the Ward of the National Chairman to take disciplinary action against him assuming that they have the power they ought to have given him fair hearing by summoning him to give him the opportunity to defend himself but the Section 57 didn’t give them the power to carry out such action against a member of NWC.

“So if anyone is proceeding to court with such illegal suspension is just making unnecessary troubles for the party.”

He said the exparte order from the court restraining Ayu from carrying out his duties as National Chairman was most unfortunate as the basis for granting the said order was faulty.

The Presidential Campaign Spokesman said the party was hasty in carrying out disciplinary actions on certain members of the party who were perceived to have worked against the party.

He however expressed optimism that the party would come out stronger after its current travails.

On Wike’s onslougt against the party, Aniagwu cautioned the Rivers Governor to be wary of how he uses his powers adding that he should be reminded that he would be out of office in two months time.

“In about two and halve months, Nyesom Wike will no longer be a Governor then reality will dawn on him to stop listening to himself and also understand what members of the public thinks about him.

“I thought that Wike having been a former minister and now Governor for eight years should have realized that there is a class leaders belong and they don’t behave the way he is behaving,” he stated

We’ll leave lasting legacy in education sector – Okowa

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Monday said his administration would leave no stone unturned to give the state a legacy of desirable learning environment in its7 tertiary institutions.

The governor stated this while speaking with newsmen shortly after inspecting the Faculty of Agriculture buildings, lecture theatres and Halls of Residence at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba.

He noted that his administration had done so much in upgrading facilities in the three new universities since they were established by the state government over a year ago.

Okowa explained that the upgrade of facilities in the institutions was in line with his administration’s commitment to the development of education in the state, especially by bridging the hitherto admission gap for students of the state.

“We have inspected the Agriculture faculty and the auditoriums at the Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba. The 500-seater and the twin 250-seater auditoriums are having a great work done.

“We have been informed that by the end of April, the contractor would be off site, along with the furnishing; so we hope that we should be able to inaugurate the project in May, this year.

“We found there that they are already painting and soon the furnishings will begin. We also inspected the hostels in the university; the external work is being done, and from what I was told, the hostel is about 95 per cent completed.

“There are lots of projects going on within the Dennis Osadebay University and I think it’s beginning to wear the look of a university now.

“The only one that is slow is one of the faculty buildings that we just saw along the road now and we have asked that the project be determined, so that another contractor can take it over.

“Within the last one year that we started putting up the infrastructure in the university, I think we have done something almost magical,” he said.

The governor remarked that Dennis Osadebay University was in a more critical state due to the dearth of infrastructure on the campus, and assured that his administration would do everything possible to change the narrative.

“If you truly look through the Dennis Osadebay University, you will see that it was in more critical need of new projects because what was on ground was not just sufficient.

“That was why they have less courses accredited than the University of Science and Technology, Ozoro; and University of Delta, Agbor. This is because those ones have more facilities on ground.

“But as to whether we are achieving what we intended, yes we are. The universities have gone through their first academic session and the second one has also started.

“The purpose was to bridge the gap of the number of students who usually don’t find a space at the end of the year in our university. First year, I am told that they have admitted no fewer than 650 students.

“The University of Agbor had 2000 and that of Ozoro is 1,800. And, I am sure that this second set will likely have the same number and in another two to three years, they would have upscaled the numbers,” he added.

Okowa, who also inspected ongoing work at the International Conference Centre, Asaba, said on completion the project would provide conferencing facilities for the state.

“I am glad with what I see here at the international conference center. This is my first time to be here, I just drive pass all the while and because it is walled, you can’t anticipate the level of work here within a short while that the project started.

“I believe that the next administration will complete the project because it is a worthy project. We started this because what we normally call event center, is doubling as conference centre.

“What we have at Dome is only good enough as event center as it is called. But here is actually built to provide facility for a conference centre.

“What we have here is a 1,500-seater auditorium; we have another one that can take 1,000 people; I am told that we have 11 conference rooms of various capacities.

“That’s how a conference centre can truly run and I am sure that the next administration will complete it; more so, when it is a friendly administration,” he stated.

PRESS RELEASE

APC’s Endless Subterfuge Must Stop.

It appears the All Progressives Congress’ desperation to grab and retain power by foul means has refused to go away more than a month after they have grabbed the election as they planned.
While we are toeing the constitutional path to retrieve our mandate, those who have truncated the wishes of the majority of Nigerians have recoursed to mischief and endless subterfuge to continue to hold on to what they know does not belong to them.
From the show of shame in Portharcourt to the drama in the Ibom Air aircraft, both of which they contrived, they have now moved to the circulation of a deep fake audio file aimed at promoting religious tension in the country.
All these are meant to serve no other purpose than egregious mischief aimed at demarketing Peter Obi. If the goal is to create a credibility problem, the ploy has failed woefully. Peter Obi has long been on record as the only presidential candidate who has urged the Nigerians electorate not to vote for him on the basis of religion or tribe .
We will therefore
like to advice our beloved Nigerian people to remain focused on the task to take back the mandate we know was freely given to Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed through legitimate means.
That is more important than to expect those who ran election on forged credentials and even fake Bishops to stop faking. They cannot stop being fraudulent because that is who they are.

Diran Onifade
Head, Obi-Datti Media

Edo monarch backs Prof. Gregory Akenzua’s suspension
The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on Sunday, endorsed the suspension of Prof. Gregory Akenzua, as the Enogie (Duke) of Evbuobanosa Dukedom in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Chief Press Secretary to Oba Ewuare 11.
According to the statement, the Palace suspended Akenzua as Enogie over allegations of leading rebellion against the Benin throne.
The statement said “the Enogie’s suspension arose from several complaints and protests against him by elders across the six communities in Evbuobanosa Dukedom.
“These comprised Evbuobanosa, Abudu, Igue-Ohenza, Idu-dolor, Iru and Evbuohen.”
It said the palace endorsed the communities’ protest letter for the Enogie’s suspension following his refusal to heed fellow Enigies’s call to apologise to the Royal Father.
The statement said “the elders indicted Prof. Akenzua for colluding with the suspended Enogie of Egbaen-Siluko Dukedom, Edomwonyi Iduozee Ogiegbaen of misconduct, failure to perform his duties and allegation of attempted ploy to organise a revolt against the Benin throne.”
It said that Prof. Akenzua allegedly led delegation of Enigie to Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo in November 2022.
According to the statement, the delegation went to see the governor requesting the government to constitute a parallel Benin Traditional Council (BTC) for seven Local Government Areas in Edo South Senatorial district, with outright disrespect and disregard to the Palace, thereby fuelling agitations to Balkanize Benin Kingdom.
“Addressing the elders from the communities in his palace at the weekend, Oba Ewuare II highlighted the trust deficit among the Enogie’s fold that stirred emotions that transcend logic.
“I want everyone to hear this that some Dukes the Palace sent to represent the throne are behaving funny.
‘Why can’t we call or invite them to answer the complaints? They have also resolved never to retrace their steps from the path of perfidy”, Oba Ewuare II said.
“Elders you have all heard all that have been said.
” Look after the area. Do not fight. Don’t allow anyone to fight or quarrel or entertain any form of disagreement or division among you.”
Earlier, spokespersons from the various communities, conveyed their regrets to Oba’s palace and appealed to Oba Ewuare to strip Prof. Akenzua of traditional duties.

GOV AKEREDOLU, OTHERS BID LATE MAMA AMOLE FAREWELL IN IBADAN
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON on Friday joined other dignitaries and eminent personalities to bid late Mama Adewale Amole farewell.
The funeral service for late Amole held at Molete Baptist Church, Challenge, Idi-Odo, Ibadan, was also attended by Judges within and outside Oyo state, politicians, captains of industries, clergymen, among others.
Those who spoke at the funeral service paid glowing tributes to late Amole, describing her as loving and generous woman who served God till her last day.
In his sermon titled, “What legacy are you leaving”, the Minister -in-charge, Rev’d Dr Edward Alabi, JP, thanked God for a life well spent by the late nonagenarian, saying the funeral service was to celebrate the beautiful life she lived.
He also described her as a devoted Christian with a good character worthy of emulation.

PRESS STATEMENT
You’re The Needed Ideological Tool For Development, Akeredolu Celebrates President-Elect, Tinubu @71
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON has described the President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a truly inspirational figure and the most innovative person in the nation’s political history.
Governor Akeredolu, while congratulating the President-Elect on the occasion of his 71st Birth Anniversary, said Asiwaju Tinubu has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the service of the country.
He said Asiwaju Tinubu’s unfaltering determination and passion to achieve what he set out to do, are so remarkable and truly inspirational.
“We welcome the liberating realization that with the right leader; with optimism, integrity and a plan, we can kickstart development and be on the path to hypermodernity.
“You’ve walked this democratic Path with honour as a political giant with an enviably infectious positive impact and total commitment to the ethos and tenets of democracy. Your love for Nigeria and Nigerians has continually fired your passion for service.
“As you prepare to mount the saddle, you deserve all the support required of all patriots. Your rich experience as a former Senator and Governor, as well as your roles in nurturing and sustaining our democratic transition, combined with your depth in knowledge and understanding of the Nigerian situation, will be an immeasurable asset to the people of the country.
“You’ve marked phenomenal moments in both your career and politics. Your unswerving demonstrated love for providing a ladder of choices to promising leaders and investment in human capital placed you as the much-needed ideological tool for the development of our country.
“On the auspicious occasion of your birthday, we pray God to grant you more wisdom, strength, knowledge and sound health to continue to serve humanity and your country.”
Happy Birthday, our President-Elect
Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
March 29, 2023.

PRESIDENT BUHARI HAILS ANTHONY JOSHUA’S VICTORY OVER JERMAINE FRANKLIN
President Muhammadu Buhari celebrates the victory of Nigerian-born boxer, Anthony Joshua, over Jermaine Franklin, commending the triumph of the gifted pugilist over a formidable opponent.
Extolling the mentality of Joshua, who did not allow personal setbacks and obstacles to dent his resilient spirit, the President says the former three-time world heavyweight champion has demonstrated that by hard work, patience, dedication, persistence and humility, those who dare do win.
President Buhari lauds Joshua for his courage and discipline, on and off the ring, and prays that this success will be a stepping stone to one of the greatest comebacks in boxing history.
The President believes that the accomplishments of Joshua on the world stage will continue to inspire many upcoming professionals, particularly sportsmen and women, not to be discouraged by temporary defeats and setbacks.
He wishes Joshua a bright future and fulfilling career.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
April 1, 2023

PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES ACE TV BROADCASTER, PRODUCER, OLOROGUN PETER IGHO AT 75
President Muhammadu Buhari sends warm greetings to celebrated writer, producer and director, Olorogun Peter Igho, on his 75thbirthday, joining the entertainment industry to rejoice with the multiple award-winning and highly talented broadcaster, whose impact remains legendary.
President Buhari shares the joyous occasion with Olorogun Igho and his family, extolling the creative and visionary producer for leading a revolution in TV entertainment that brought families together, reunited neighbours and pulled generations to enjoy the tube for more than thirty years, with many still yearning for the educative narratives of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.
The President affirms that the creative works of the former Executive Director, Programmes, of Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), set the foundation for the success of the entertainment industry in Nigeria, like Nollywood, starting with his play Ogaga’s Heart, which was chosen as the North-Western State’s entry into the 1974 All-Nigeria Festival of Arts and Culture, and turned out one of three winning entries.
President Buhari believes that Olorogun Igho’s directing and supervision of TV classics like Cock Crow At Dawn, which encouraged interest in farming and agriculture, Mirror in the Sun, Things Fall Apart, New Masquerade, Behind the Clouds, New Samanja, A.M. Express, New Village Headmaster, Tales by Moonlight and Magana Jari Ce, made him a household name and hero of crowd-pulling series.
The President prays for more years of good health for the TV producer, who served as pioneer Director General of National Lottery Regulatory Commission.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 28, 2023

March 30, 2023
Press Statement
PDP NWC Reviews Decision on Ortom, Shema, Anyim, Others
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at its meeting today, Thursday, March 30, 2023 extensively discussed recent developments in the Party.
The NWC recognized the imperativeness of a total reconciliation among Party leaders and critical stakeholders for a more cohesive Party in the overall interest of our teeming members and Nigerians in general.
Consequent upon the above, the NWC reverses the referral of the Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Dr. Samuel Ortom to the National Disciplinary Committee.
The NWC in the same vein reverses the suspension of the following underlisted members of our great Party:
1. H.E Ibrahim Shema (Katsina State)
2. Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti State)
3. Sen. Pius Anyim (Ebonyi State)
4. Prof. Dennis Ityavyar (Benue State)
5. Dr. Aslam Aliyu (Zamfara State)
This decision is without prejudice to the powers of the NWC to take necessary disciplinary action against any member of the Party at any time pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).
The NWC charges all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our Party across the country to be guided by the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) as well as the new spirit and necessity of reconciliation, unity and harmony in our Party at this critical time.
The PDP must remain focused as we continue to take every necessary action to recover the stolen mandate freely given by Nigerians to our Party and Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Saturday February 25, 2023, at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary

PRESS RELEASE

LAGOSIANS SHOULD BE READY FOR MORE GOODIES IN SANWO-OLU’S SECOND TERM – SPOKESMAN
•Says Governor, deputy’s re-election, affirmation of people’s trust in their first term efforts

The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, has assured residents of the State to be ready for a lot more goodies from the Governor and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat during their second term in office.

He said Governor Sanwo-Olu, who is very happy about the people of Lagos State giving him and his deputy, a mandate for the second time in office, will meet the yearnings and aspirations of millions of Lagosians through the administration’s THEMES PLUS agenda.

Akosile spoke on Friday night during Inside Politics with CKN, a political interview programme on Silverbird Television anchored by Chris Kehinde Nwandu.

Sanwo-Olu’s spokesman said the Governor, who has made a lot of huge investments in transportation, education, health, entertainment, security, environment, civil service, technology, and other critical sectors in his first term will do more during the second term in the delivery of the dividends of democracy and good governance to the people.

He said: “The Governor started on a journey with six pillars’ THEMES agenda, which are Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy, Entertainment and Tourism, and Security and Governance. The Governor has made very huge investments in all of these areas. And part of our achievements in the first term, which we have not even ended, is the commissioning of the Oba Sekumade Road in Ikorodu (commissioned on Friday) among several other road networks across the State, completed and handed over to the public in the first term.

“Going into the second term, the Governor will continue with his agenda but he is going to turn it into THEMES PLUS because this time around we are going to have things around inclusion; inclusion in governance. We are going to have things around gender balancing, whereby we give more opportunities to the youth and the women.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu in his wisdom together with his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat has tried to meet the 35 percent Affirmative Action for women and even the youths but going forward, we are going to be focusing more on deliberately including women and youths in all of the activities. So, Lagosians should just be ready for a lot more goodies from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.”

Speaking on the March 18 governorship election in Lagos, Akosile said the victory of Governor Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Hamzat is an affirmation that the people of Lagos State trusted them in the first term.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu’s feeling about the election is in two ways. Naturally, he feels relieved. He feels happy and excited to have been reelected for the second term in office. But on the other side, he feels humbled. He feels challenged because he has said on two or three occasions since we won the election that it is more like a challenge for him and his deputy governor.

“Today (Friday) when we went to commission Oba Sekumade Road in Ikorodu, he said their reelection is an affirmation of the fact that the people of Lagos State trusted them in the first term, which is still ongoing and Lagosians are now trusting them with more works. So, for him, it is more of a challenge for them to do more.

He said: “because the people believe that they (Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat) can deliver more that is why they trusted their lives in their hands for the second term. I think that is a very deep one from someone who understands and I appreciate the value of that thumb print that an average voter and almost 800,000 of them went out on the day of the election to cast their ballots for him. So, I think the Governor is particularly very happy about the people of Lagos State, giving him and his deputy a mandate for the second time in office.”

Akosile also kicked against any attempt to divide Lagos residents through ethnicity. “We want a Lagos where our diversity will continue to be our source of strength. We want a Lagos where everybody who is a taxpaying Lagosian is not criminally minded. You do your work legitimately; nobody is disturbing you and you are not disturbing anybody. That is the kind of Lagos that we want.

“The Governor in his Acceptance Speech spoke very well about it that we don’t want division. We don’t want any form of bigotry. We don’t want any form of ethnic coloration in our affairs in Lagos State.”

Akosile said Governor Sanwo-Olu was very proactive during the last general elections in curbing the activities of those who tried to use ethnicity to cause division in the State before and during the election by calling them to order and that was why the elections were peaceful in many parts of Lagos State.

He also expressed his displeasure against those calling for the cancellation of the last gubernatorial election based on alleged voter intimidation.

“Amuwo-Odofin was won by Labour Party. Was there voter intimidation there? If there was voter intimidation all over Lagos State, there is no way they would have won that local government, and that local government is very big. The Labour Party also recorded victory in some other polling units outside of Amuwo Odofin. Besides, there are 13,325 polling units in Lagos State. We recorded not very serious glitches in less than one percent of the entire polling units and you are telling me that, that election was not good? How good can an election be?” he asked.,

SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
02 APRIL 2023

Obey ECOWAS judgments, end prosecutions for ‘cyberstalking’, SERAP tells Buhari

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to use his “good offices and leadership position to immediately enforce the judgment by the ECOWAS Court of Justice prohibiting prosecutions of anyone on the grounds of ‘insulting’ or ‘stalking’ public officials online.”

SERAP also urged him to “enforce and implement the ECOWAS Court judgment compelling your government to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom.”

In a letter dated 1 April, 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization expressed “serious concerns about the shrinking civic space in the country as some state governors and government institutions are reportedly using the section 24 of the Cybercrime Act and other repressive laws to crackdown on anyone seeking to assert their human rights, and media freedom.”

SERAP said, “Many Nigerians and media houses continue to face threats simply for speaking out and seeking to peacefully exercise their human rights and carry out their professional duties. This situation is contrary to the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the judgments by the ECOWAS Court.”

According to SERAP, “The immediate enforcement and implementation of the judgments by your government will be a victory for the rule of law, the right to freedom of expression and media freedom, including online.”

The letter, read in part: “These disturbing trends show the failure by your government to effectively comply with the country’s international obligations and the ECOWAS Court judgments on the Cybercrime Act and Twitter ban.”

“If the two judgments are not immediately enforced and implemented, SERAP will consider seeking a Writ of Execution from the ECOWAS Court, and asking the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government to impose sanctions on your government for non-compliance with these judgments.”

“By implementing the judgment, your government will be demonstrating Nigeria’s leadership within the ECOWAS sub-region, and sending a powerful message to other countries to embrace the rule of law and human rights.”

“The processes for the sanctions are provided for under the 2015 Supplementary Protocol, the 2012 Supplementary Act on Sanctions and the 1993 ECOWAS Revised Treaties. The sanctions may include judicial, economic and political sanctions.”

“Section 27 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties provides that, ‘A State party to a treaty may not invoke the provisions of its internal law as justification for its failure to perform the treaty.’”

“SERAP urges you to urgently send an executive bill to the National Assembly to repeal the provisions of Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act on the offence of ‘insulting or stalking public officials online’ by ensuring the deletion of the provisions from the Act, as ordered by the ECOWAS Court.”

“SERAP also urges you to direct Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to withdraw all charges of ‘insulting or stalking public officials online’ against activists, critics and journalists, ensure their release from unlawful detention, and pay adequate compensation to those who have faced unfair prosecutions on the basis of the unlawful provisions.”

“SERAP urges you to instruct Mr Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to immediately reverse the arbitrary and unlawful fine of N5 million imposed on Channels TV for allegedly violating the NBC code in a programme with the Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed.”

“Some of the troubling trends showing restrictions on freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom include the recent arbitrary detention of journalist Agba Jalingo for allegedly publishing an article that was deemed ‘insulting’ to Elizabeth Ayade, the sister-in-law of Cross River Governor, Ben Ayade.”

“Another case involves Ekene Obinali of Umucheke, a traditional ruler in Imo State who was reportedly arrested for allegedly sharing a post on a WhatsApp platform which is said to be critical of Governor Hope Uzodinma.”

“Nnamdi Chude, a social media influencer, was also reportedly arrested for cyberstalking allegedly over a tweet he posted on electoral violence in Anambra State.”

“In Rivers State, three lawyers representing Tonye Cole of the All Progressives Congress were reportedly arrested and detained for preparing a petition against the outcome of the Rivers governorship election. The lawyers are Jerry Aondo, Dr Sobere Nelson, and Odum Eyiba.”

“The National Broadcasting Code (NBC) also arbitrarily imposed an unlawful fine of N5 million on Channels Television for allegedly violating the NBC code in a programme with the Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed.”

“In the first judgment in the suit number ECW/CCJ/APP/09/19 brought by SERAP, the Court ordered your government to repeal section 24 of Cybercrime Act by deleting the provisions, consistent with Nigeria’s obligation under Article 1 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.”

“The ECOWAS Court ruled that Section 24 is inconsistent and incompatible with Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Nigeria is a state party.”

“The unlawful provisions of section 24 of the Cybercrime Act among others criminalise sending or causing to be sent an ‘offensive, insulting or annoying’ message via a computer system.”

“In the second judgment in the suit No ECW/CCJ/APP/23/21 brought by SERAP and 176 concerned Nigerians, the Court ordered your government to respect and ensure freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom, consistent with Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”

“The two judgments mean that your government has the obligation to ensure that state governors and government institutions do not use section 24, other repressive laws, and law enforcement agencies to target, harass, intimidate, arbitrarily arrest and detain people simply for peacefully exercising their human rights.”

“Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right and the full enjoyment of this right is central to achieving individual freedom and to developing democracy. It is not only the cornerstone of democracy, but indispensable to a thriving civil society.”

“SERAP notes that Article 15(4) of the ECOWAS Treaty makes the Judgment of the Court binding on Member States, including Nigeria. Also, Article 19(2) of the 1991 Protocol provides that the decisions of the Court shall be final and immediately enforceable.”

“Furthermore, non-compliance with the judgment of the Court can be sanctioned under Article 24 of the Supplementary Protocol of the ECOWAS Court, and Article 77 of the ECOWAS Treaty.”

Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
2/4/2023
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202