MAERSK, NGELALE AND NEEDLESS DIATRIBES

By Bolaji Afolabi

For democracy to thrive, it is imperative that various elements including opposition political parties, civil societies, faith and community-based organisations, the media, and citizens play their respective roles as watchdog of government in every way, where possible. Since Nigeria’s return to full-blown democracy in 1999, the fourth republic has witnessed the emergence and relevance of some individuals and groups who, at different times and diverse ways performed defining functions as checks to successive governments. The likes of Olisa Agbakoba, SAN; Ayo Obe; Late Yinka Odumakin; Idiat Hassan; Ene Obi; Auwalu Rafsijani; Hussein Abdu; Clement Nwankwo; Kayode Ogundamisi; Jite Ogunye; SISLAC; SERAP; CDD; PLAC; PLAN; Action Aid; Save Nigeria Group as recognized and legitimate groups and activists have succeeded in monitoring different governments. As properly constituted entities whose primary agenda is national development, they have remained largely focused by giving knocks, offering back-pats, and proffering perspectives to governments where and when necessary.

In the past few years there has been a preponderance of self-styled CSOs whose objectives and modus operandi are patently pecuniary-driven and attention-seeking. A situation like this calls to question the integrity and morality of “public policing” in democratic development. It is tragic that in most cases, these latter-day organisations are largely procured to “fight a cause” and do the bidding of certain pay masters without recourse to objectivity, sincerity of purpose and national interest. Sadly, these incongruous and derisive groups which are usually managed by one-man or few persons are by their narrow mindedness and selfish desires doing collosal damage to national growth and development. Careful analysis of the activities of CSOs during military governments, and the early years of the fourth republic when juxtaposed with what is presently obtainable reveals glaring decline. In terms of effectiveness and efficiency, these “new age” groups are shamelessly rubbishing the noble ideals of CSOs as enunciated by its progenitors such as Late Gani Fawehinmi; Late Chima Ubani; Late Beko Ransome-Kuti; Late Bala Usman and others.

Unknown to many Nigerians, in the past few days, there has been a coordinated effort by some faceless individuals and phoney CSOs to skew narratives about the injection of $600m into Nigeria’s economy by A.P. Moller-Maersk, a global maritime and shipping conglomerate. The vicious and contrived controversy generated, is patently unpatriotic, outrightly devilish, and ludicrously juvenile. Attempts to poo-pooh and demonise certain government officials notably Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential media adviser, and throw invectives at the audacious moves by the Tinubu administration in negotiating and sourcing foreign direct investment is totally uncalled for.

I have never met Ngelale. He was a familiar face on television before his current brief in the Tinubu scheme. I speak in this instance as a politically unaffiliated journalist and a dispassionate Nigerian. To rehash the catchphrase of former President Muhammadu Buhari in his early days, “I belong to no political party, but I belong to every well-intentioned plan to get Nigeria working.” One of the “fast food, pasta-like” CSOs procured for this insipid project has deployed vacuous tactics in its stain and spoil statement, calling for the disengagement of some government officials. The plot has clearly exposed the intentions of these purveyors of falsehood, deceit and confusion. Having had years of close interaction with activists, research, investigation, and less sensationalism should ordinarily be germane to the principles and operations of CSOs. Unfortunately, these attributes have been jettisoned by the groups and individuals involved in this anti-Ngelale plot. Their approach has been at best mischievous preposterous, insensitive, and insourciant to national interest.

In their respective bids to present skewed and rancorous agglomeration of variegated misinformation with mischievous intents, they forgot to uphold the time-tested and serially-proven operational guidelines anchored on fairness, firmness, and objectivity. They seem to have chosen the route of deliberate falsehood, targeted browbeating, and pillorying innuendos to whip up public sentiment against government. They have most probably recoursed to wrongful vilification and demagoguery of government officials to elicit a bandwagon effect among unsuspecting Nigerians. This may be a reflection of competency deficit, conceived shenanigans and intellectual indolence. After detailed and dispassionate reviews, assessment and distillation of the narratives and explanations by government and it’s accusers, one can conclude that the “CSOs and individuals” are guilty of one or more of these conjectures.

From reports in the local and foreign media, President Bola Tinubu and Mr. Robert Maersk Uggla, Chairman of A.P. Moller-Maersk, a Danish global provider of logistics and services in the maritime industry had a meeting on the sidelines of the recently concluded World Economic Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. According to the presidency, at the end of deliberations, Maersk, whose company has been operating in Nigeria’s shipping and maritime sector for over three decades reiterated it’s commitment to on-going investment drive by government towards deepening growth and development. Maersk further re-affirmed the company’s resolve to expand its investment in the Nigeria’s shipping industry which is expected to be mutually beneficial. However, in a bogus campaign to downplay this laudable development, some CSOs, social media influencers, and opinion moulders copiously refered to a “rebuttal” published in Lloyd List, one of the World’s oldest-running maritime journals. In the report, an unnamed person among other things denied knowledge of such extensive talk between Maersk and Nigeria; that the investment plans appears to be news to it’s officials.

Further extrapolation of the news report bandied by naysayers reveals yawning gaps and holes. That the celebrated online maritime publication quoted an unnamed and non-descriptive Maersk official casts doubt about the veracity of the report being circulated by mischievous elements. The report, contrary to the warped interpretation of critics emphasized that, “discussions (between Maersk and the Nigerian government) were on-going.” Reasons that the entire Maersk team was yet to get full disclosure was equally provided in the news report by the unnamed official, “….. may be by next week, we would be properly briefed.” It should be noted that at the time naysayers activated their spin arsenals, Maersk was yet to deny or contradict government’s position as released by Tinubu’s spokesman. Why “pick and choose” by these critics? Why not dwell on the entire news report and do proper inquisition if any? Why the unnecessary dust and hullabaloo? Why the wrong, pervasive vilification of Tinubu’s spokesman?

Findings from further research and empirical studies reveals that in February 2024 in the course of an exploratory visit to Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, the A P. Maersk Terminal Chief Executive Officer, Keith Svendsen detailed the company’s $600m investment commitment to Nigeria’s economy. Svendsen, who re-affirmed Maersk’s commitment to investing more in Nigeria, clearly outlined plans to allocate “an initial $100m, with an additional half-billion dollars ($500m) earmarked for port investments in Lagos, Nigeria.” Contrary to wrong insinuations, the Riyadh meeting was another opportunity by Maersk to re-confirm it’s investment interest in Nigeria’s maritime sector. These investments are expected to support modernisation and expansion of our ports; improve trade; reduce corruption; and boost efficiency. Maersk’s interest in the sector is buoyed by government’s commitment, and to complement on-going $1bn development of seaports construction and development across Nigeria’s eastern and western ports.

In a widely published statement by Maersk that did not only expose the despicable, hideous, and vengeful intentions of traducers but explicitly described the seriousness and benefits of the company’s investment in Nigeria, Svendsen confirmed that the company has concluded plans to invest over $500m in the upgrades of Nigeria’s port facilities. He added that, “I earlier this year publicly told about the proposal to invest more than $500m that we have discussed with President Tinubu both in February, and which we further elaborated in late April. We have intensified talks with the administration and port authority to make these plans concrete and I’m pleased with the significant progress made towards implementation.” According to Svendsen, the global logistics and provider has being a critical stakeholder in Nigeria’s maritime sector with, “container terminals in Lagos, Apapa, and Onne, provision of high-quality and modern equipment, direct employment of about 2,500 people, and indirect employment of about 65,000 people.” Maersk in the words of Svendsen, “believes strongly in the future prospects for the Nigeria economy, and the long-term opportunities that the current economic reforms and invitation for international investments will generate.”

Contrary to the negative narratives floating around, Maersk, while acknowledging Nigeria as the key market in Africa, and the company’s central role in trade between Nigeria and the rest of the world, is determined to consolidate it’s position as a leading force in Nigeria’s maritime sector, and desirous to upgrading it’s greenfield terminals in Lekki and Badagry as well as other ports infrastructure across the country. Svendsen declared that, “we seek to do this under a long-term agreement with the government to support our ambition to continuously improve the import and especially export opportunities for the country, creating jobs and diversifying opportunities locally. For us, it is important that we not only operate highly efficient terminals, but also that we play a role contributing to the development of the local communities and bring opportunities for growth and new prospects in Nigeria.”

For emphasis, Nigeria and Denmark have always had a robust, and mutually beneficial business relationship spanning four decades. This relationship has involved steady exchanges of goods and services, crude petroleum, concentrated milk, non-fillet frozen fish, margarine, transportation, solar power, renewable energy, biotechnology and few others. Specifically, Maersk with over $2b existing investments in Nigerian ports and other activities has shown that it’s involvement is not just fruitful but transcends to reputable and equitable partnership with states including Ogun where a container terminal is under construction.

Finally, rather than resort to cheap, mindless, and fruitless public ridicule as well as unnecessary debilitating politicisation of any, every intention and programme of government that will impact positively on the country and citizens, it is incumbent on “professional naysayers” to allow objectivity to prevail. In matters of development, banal reasoning, ethnic consideration, and tribal imputation should be subsumed under national interest and true nationhood. Multi-faceted buffeting, multi-pronged chicanery, and caustic denunciation of appointees and officials of government by hirelings and sourced ranconteurs is not what Nigeria need now. Given the multi-dimensional economic challenges and corrosive poverty that Nigerians are experiencing, every human capacities should be deployed towards supporting any development-driven initiative by government. The comments of Maersk’s Chairman at the Riyadh meeting with Tinubu will suffice, “with the growth potentials of the Nigerian economy, we are very eager to invest in it, and we will continue to dialogue with the relevant Nigerian authorities to explore further investment opportunities in an economy that has the capacity and potentials to be among the best in the world.”

Bolaji Afolabi a seasoned media practitioner, has served in the Office of Public Affairs in The Presidency and as Communications Resource Person in the House of Representatives, respectively.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has clinched the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket as the candidate of the party for the forthcoming November 16 governorship election in the state by sefeating fifteen other aspirants in a landslide victory

The Chairman of the Governorship Primary Election Committee and Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, made the declaration on Monday morning in Akure, the state capital.

Ododo said Aiyedatiwa clinched the APC ticket with a total of 48,569 votes followed by his closest rival, Mayowa Akinfolarin, who trailed behind with 15,343 votes, while Chief Olusola Oke secured the third position with 14,865 votes.

Below is a breakdown of the final results of the election.

Total number of voters – 117922

Total number of accredited voters – 95,178

Total votes cast – 95178

Invalid – Nil

Jimi Odimayo – 490

Omogoroye Judith – 115

Lucky Aiyedatiwa – 48,569

Isaacs Kekemeke – 1045

Soji Ehinlanwo – 492

Olugbenga Edema – 395

Jimoh lbrahim – 9456

Adekojo Funmilayo – 529

Akinfolarin Samuel – – 15343

Wale Akinterinwa – 1952

Olusola Oke – 14,915

Olamide Ohunyeye – 424

Morayo Lebi – 290

Diran lyantan – 348

Prof Dayo Faduyile – 353

Ife Oyedele – 462

1: Ilaje LG

Lucky Aiyedatiwa 2,485

Wale Akinterinwa. 26

Olusola Oke. 2,511

Jimoh Ibrahim 589

2: Ile Oluji/Okeigbo

Jimoh Ibrahim: 282

AIYEDATIWA: 1225

WA: 474

3: Ondo West LG

Jimoh Ibrahim: 2668

Aiyedatiwa: 10610

4: Ese Odo LG

Aiyedatiwa – 298

Akinterinwa – 0

Oke – 147

Jimoh Ibrahim – 174

5: Owo LG

Aiyedatiwa – 2,123

Akinterinwa – 345

Oke – 225

Jimoh Ibrahim – 192

6: Idanre LG

Aiyedatiwa – 1, 579

Akinterinwa – 119

Oke – 225

Jimoh Ibrahim – 120

7: AKOKO NORTH EAST LG

Aiyedatiwa 1, 664

Akinterinwa 135

Oke 138

Jimoh Ibrahim 505

8: AKOKO NORTH WEST LG

Aiyedatiwa 5, 430

Akinterinwa 198

Oke 2, 721

Jimoh Ibrahim 728

9: AKOKO SOUTH EAST LG

Aiyedatiwa 2, 533

Akinterinwa 43

Oke 391

Jimoh Ibrahim 67

10: AKOKO SOUTH WEST LG

Aiyedatiwa – 2, 747

Akinterinwa – 272

Oke – 415

Jimoh Ibrahim – 466

11: No results for IFEDORE LGA due to alleged violence

12: OSE LGA

Aiyedatiwa 1, 091

Akinterinwa 39

Oke 800

Jimoh Ibrahim 267

13: IRELE LG

Aiyedatiwa 1, 203

Akinterinwa 15

Oke 93

Jimoh Ibrahim 139

14: ODIGBO LG

Aiyedatiwa 2, 631

Akinterinwa 114

Oke 138

Jimoh Ibrahim 845

15: AKURE NORTH LG

Aiyedatiwa 2, 860

Akinterinwa 177

Oke 1, 239

Jimoh Ibrahim 1, 606

16: AKURE SOUTH LG

Aiyedatiwa 3, 265

Akinterinwa 86

Oke 328

Jimoh Ibrahim 294

17 OKITIPUPA LG

Aiyedatiwa 1, 622

Akinterinwa 27

Oke 1, 571

Jimoh Ibrahim 109

18: ONDO EAST LG

Aiyedatiwa 4, 803

Akinterinwa 141

Oke 1, 171

Jimoh Ibrahim 406

Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State and chairman of the Ondo State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election committee has applauded stakeholders and members of the party in the state for their orderly conduct and massive turnout during the direct primary election in the state.
Special Adviser on Media to the Governor Ismaila Isah in a statement quoted the Governor to have given the commendation while receiving reports from members of the APC Governorship Primary Election committee, security agencies and other stakeholders who monitored the conduct of the election in different parts of the 18 local government areas in the state.

According to the Governor

“I have received reports from our committee members and security agencies as well as NGOs monitoring the election including video footages and I can say that the process has been transparent and we are going to produce a candidate that will unify the APC ahead of the November, 2024 governorship election in the state.”

Responding to questions over delay in arrival of materials in some wards and local government areas, Governor Ododo said he was certain that the delay has no adverse effect on the conduct of the primary election.

The Kogi State Governor also expressed confidence that concerns noticed in the revalidated membership list would not have any major impact on the outcome of the primary election, stressing that the committee is well guided by the APC guidelines for the nomination of candidates for general elections and relevant provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.

Governor Ododo called on the aspirants and their supporters to see the primary election as a contest among brothers and sisters in one family seeking to make the family better as candidate of the party in the November, 2024 Governorship election in Ondo State.