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Niger Delta Leaders Have Failed the People – Enang

Senator Ita Enang has been a Legislator in most of his political career. He was first elected Councillor and later served in Akwa Ibom House of Assembly before proceeding to the House of Representatives and ultimately, the Senate, where he served for two terms.
The former Presidential Liaison Officer (Senate) who serves as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta Affairs in this interview to mark the nation’s 60th Independence anniversary bares his mind on some critical issues in the polity. Excerpts.This is the diamond age of Nigeria’s independence, how will you assess the journey so far?
I think we done very well, we thank God that we are able to stay together as one country, although in a different heart the things in our hearts and our consciousness are different they were still bond together by geography and international dialogue the leaders of the country have done very well, they’re respected leaders, we started by bloodshed, the different coups and ethnic suspicions, which led to the 1964,1965,1966 and 1967 challenges of the country and now we are able to stay together.
One of the greatest achievement is that we have been able to have democracy running consecutively for the last 21years, so we congratulate Nigerians. I want to say that we would have done better as a country.
We are self governing, we are a democracy but we are not independent. The only thing we can call independent is we are independent of foreign rulers but we are not independent as a country, because we have not yet produced what we can eat or we have not yet refined our petroleum, we don’t add enough value to our petroleum.
In agriculture, we are not self- sufficient in technology, we are are not deploying the technology of other countries into our country and yet don’t explore the democratic resources into the technological advancement of our citizens.
In terms of our currency, we have not done well at all. In the ‘80s the naira was stronger than the Dollar and Pounds. In the ‘80s the dollar exchange was about $3 or $4 dollars to one naira, the Pounds was two pounds to one naira, how do we get to where we are? So we have to go and see again how we can re-invent our country and make sacrifices.
The other problem is that individuals and persons in government don’t see themselves as serving the public. Persons in government and public offices see it as an opportunity to make money, as an opportunity to show up they don’t see it as an opportunity to develop the country or to add value to the country. Most persons in public offices don’t see their Nigeria with like the British, European and Americans see their countries.
They do not see public offices as an opportunity to grow the country, to add value to the country, create employment. People in public offices see it as an opportunity to make money, to show up, to say, I have arrived. These are part of the things we lost, which we will not gain in our 60 years of independence but I am praying to God that under the leadership and the hand of President Buhari, who also says to me “do the right thing go and do the right thing, you will account to your God.” Let all public officers follow the example of President Buhari, who believes in doing the right thing, they will account to their God
You were Chairman of House committee on Rules and Business, while in the House, from your experience, what can you tell us about the role and performance of the legislature in Nigeria since independence?
I want to congratulate the Nigerian people again for the 21 years of democratic rule. In the existence of the legislature, it does appear that the public still takes the legislature as the opposition party, but the legislature has done well because the legislature is the conscience of the people. I am very grateful to the legislature because its the legislature that brings out things that are happening in different Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
A president or governor will not know when there is crime or corruption in any office, he will not know when money is been appropriated, he will not know when things are not going well in any of the ministries, where money has been misappropriated he will not also know where programmes that are to be executed are not well executed, as they were meant to be other than the legislature through over sight function, through the process of public hearing.
And of course, the legislature has to come to stay. Something is getting very wrong with the legislature and I want to say with the greatest respect to the present legislature, the 7th Assembly, the 8th Assembly and the 9th Assembly. I was a member of the 7th Assembly in the Senate.
At the time I was in the Senate, the standard had started getting down. You will have a situation where you bring a bill on the floor, you don’t have the bill debated, you don’t have the essentials of the bill debated and and you don’t have situation where you have votes and proceedings produced, you don’t have the situation where you have the handsards showing the debate on any bill to know the thinking of the legislature.
In Law, one of the best means of knowing when the judge is based on interpretation of any law and is not guided by any precedent, he will want to say, what was the intention of the legislature and sometimes when you want to know the intention of the legislature, you go to the handsards of the legislature , and the handsards of the legislature is showing the drain and flow of debate, it’s that flow of debate that the judge will take, read and know, this was the thinking of the legislature. But now you will go to the legislature, you won’t find the handsards, sometimes they don’t produce the vote and proceeding.
Take for instance, we have the CAMA act, a lot of people say they do not see or know because there was no dated debate on it and even the vote and proceedings were not produced because not everybody had it.
Now take for instance, what is happening in Imo state today and what I’m saying is not really applicable to the National Assembly but to the State Houses of Assembly, the state houses of assembly have been reduced to parastatal of the governors.
Take the example of Imo state, they passed the administration of criminal justice Act and according to social media, and the sponsor of the bill, what was presented to the governor for signature is different from what was passed on the floor, which can not happen, which is a criminal action.
In 2002 or 2003, when there was an injection of something wrong into the electoral Act under Obasanjo administration, when there is something into the Act before it was forwarded to the president, so the legislature is gradually going low , because, when you take the vote and proceeding argument, in the Assembly of 1999 to 2003, and take the one of 2003 to 2007, take the one of 2007 to 20011 you will see contributions, you will see men who were prepared for the legislature, you will see the argument of lawyers, engineers, architects, doctors different professionals, you will see what people did
now if you pick those things, you will not see what even a sponsor of a bill will do, therefore the national assembly and the legislature should go back, thank God I urge the Senate president who is the longest serving member, he was with me in the house of representatives from 1999 to 2007, in 2007 he left to the Senate I was the One that continued in the house of representatives in 20011, as of today he spent one year on the floor of the legislature as a Senate president let him recall as it’s working and then bring back that level of intellectual argument.
How will you describe the situation in the Niger delta since 1960?
Niger Delta shouldn’t be weeping and wailing today. It appears raped by the very country it has helped but it is more raped by the indigenes of the region because the things that come for the development of the Niger Delta through different struggles have gone into the hands of the leaders of the Niger Delta, who have found opportunity to be in government.
They have not done well for the citizens. Look at the derivation principle, it was supposed to be for the development of the Niger Dtelta but it is given to the Governors and the governors use it to compete among them selves who Will fly the newest private jet.
I saw a post the other day and I wept, which Said, compare the convoy of President Buhari with the cars and convoy of a particular governor in Niger Delta. I wept because when you see the cars of a governor in the Niger Delta, then you will see that the region is not suffering from the hand of the country but it’s suffering from the hand of it’s citizens. Go and look at the local content fund, look at how the oil companies are treating the area.
The Governors should set up a special purpose vehicle that goes to develop Niger Delta with the derivation money at least if they want to give this thing, give only 20 percent to the Governors to develop the Urban areas, let the 80percent go to the development of Niger Delta oil producing communities.
There are times that we have stoppage of oil production. It’s because some communities want just a primary school, they want Just a road and a market, if you go to Ogbosi community, the ogba kingdom in Ogba LGA in Rivers state, you will find soldiers always surrounding and protecting the gas plant there.
The gas plant that feeds this country. The gas plant from there is going to be joined by the gas pipe line in delta to take gas through the West African gas pipe line, it is that gas that is coming to Ajaokuta and it’s being linked to Kaduna and Kano, contract has been awarded worth over $2billion. Yet the community, where this gas comes from – Ogbosi, is asking for primary school; Is asking for a market; Is asking for a one kilometer road. What these people are asking for does not even amount to revenue that accrues from from one hour production of gas
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United Capital Reports N11.9bn Profit, Declares N5.4bn Interim Dividend
United Capital Plc has reported a profit after tax of N11.9 billion for the first half of 2025.This represents a 54 percent increase from N7.74 billion profit recorded for the first half of 2024.The company announced this in a corporate disclosure on Monday through the Nigerian Exchange Ltd.
The profit before tax also grew by 52 per cent, from N9. 06 billion in 2024 to N13.79 billion while the gross earnings rose by 57 per cent, from N15. 15 billion to N23.76 billion.The net operating income climbed to N21.32 billion compared to N12.76 billion in 2024, a 67 per cent year-on-year growth.Operating expenses witnessed a 49 percent increase to N10.61 billion from N7.12 billion of 2024.Commenting on the group’s performance, the bank’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Peter Ashade, said, “I am pleased to inform all stakeholders that United Capital Plc ended the first half of the year on a strong and positive note.“This is continuing our track record of excellence and strong financial performance, as demonstrated by our remarkable earnings growth and robust performance across key financial metrics, despite the prevailing macroeconomic challenges and market volatility.“During the period under review, we recorded significant financial growth, with gross earnings increasing by 57 per cent year-on-year to N23.76 billion.“Profit before tax grew by 52 per cent year-on-year to N13.79 billion, profit after tax rose by 54 per cent year-on-year to N11.89 billion, while Shareholders’ Funds grew by 25 per cent year-to-date to N166.91 billion.“This is a testament to the strength of our capital base and the confidence reposed in us by our investors,” he said.Ashade noted that “these results reflect the resilience of the company’s business model, the dedication of people, and the effective execution of our strategy across our business lines.“As we look ahead to the second half of the year, we remain focused and firmly committed to sustaining this strong performance.“With a solid foundation, a clear strategic direction and our retail and Pan-African play in full-force.“United Capital is well-positioned to continue delivering superior returns to shareholders and providing best-in-class solutions to all our stakeholders.“Finally, to reward our esteemed shareholders, we are excited to announce the payment of an interim dividend of 30 kobo per share for 50 kobo ordinary shares of the company.“This represents a payout of N5.4 billion. We have obtained the approval of the board and details will be shared with our shareholders,” he added. (NAN)COVER
Tinubu Confers National Honour on Triumphant Super Falcons

By David Torough, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has bestowed the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger, on the Super Falcons and the entire technical crew.Tinubu also allocated three-bedroom apartments in Abuja to each of the players and the technical crew at the Renewed Hope Estate.
The President also directed the cash award of the naira equivalent of $100,000 each of the 24 players and $50,000 to each of the 11-man technical crew. This came during a reception in honour of the players and the coaching crew at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.He said, “I hereby conferred on the players, the 11-man technical team, with national honours of the Officer of the Order of the Niger.“Additionally, I have directed the allocation of three-bedroom apartments in the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme.“Then there is the cash award of the naira equivalent of $100,000 US dollars each 24 players and the naira equivalent of $50,000 to the 11-man technical crew.”“You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable.“You have inspired me, too. And it’s great for a nation to have assets that are the hope of today, tomorrow, and the day after. You represent that hope. You ignited that hope. And we will continue to encourage you, the next generation, and other generations after you.”The President recounted the emotional moments of the final match, noting how the team’s performance lifted the nation’s spirits and united Nigerians from all walks of life.“Your victory represents more than a sporting accomplishment. It is a triumph of courage, determination, discipline and consistency.“Honestly, I didn’t want to watch the match. I didn’t want to have high blood pressure. But people came in and turned my TV on that channel. When it was 2-0, I got very offended and restless.“But I was still watching with the spirit of resilience, determination, and courage. And after that penalty, my strength was lifted, and I believe that of the nation was lifted too.“But you almost made me angrier because your mother (the First Lady) was in the kitchen, nearly abandoning my dinner.”She doesn’t watch the game except when the girls are playing. And at the end of the final whistle, it was joy all over the country,” he said.The President assured the team of his administration’s continued support and commitment to sports development, pledging that the government would invest further in women’s football and youth talent development across the country.“Your story is a story of hope. And in this era of Renewed Hope, we celebrate you not just as champions of Africa, but as champions of the Nigerian dream.”In a further show of appreciation, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, also announced a donation of N10 million to each of the players and technical team members on behalf of the 36 state governors.The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, described the Super Falcons as role models and shining examples of courage and excellence.She congratulated the team for their exceptional performance and unwavering spirit, describing their journey as “a testament to resilience, teamwork, and determination.”“You played with passion, confidence, and an unshakeable belief in yourselves—that it is not over until it is over.“The zeal you displayed on the pitch was nothing short of inspirational. You never wavered and reminded the world why Nigeria remains a powerhouse in African women’s football.”The First Lady prayed for the team’s continued success and shared an earlier conversation with President Tinubu about the team’s bright future as world champions.“I told Mr. President this morning that you are going to win the World Cup, and he thought I was too ambitious. But Ajibade, the team captain, just seconded that, and that is possible,” he said.Super Falcons Captain Rasheedat Ajibade said the victory was for the team and for every Nigerian girl who dreams of achieving greatness.“Today, I stand before you not just as the captain of the Super Falcons, but as a proud daughter of Nigeria, carrying the dreams, resilience, and spirit of our great nation,” she said.“On behalf of my teammates, coaches, and technical staff, I express our heartfelt gratitude for this warm reception and the unwavering belief you have shown in us.”Emphasising the significance of their 10th WAFCON title, the team captain said, “This victory is not just a trophy. It is a testament to the unyielding spirit of Nigeria. It is a celebration of every young girl in our villages, towns, and cities who dares to dream… This 10th title is for you, Mr. President, for Nigerians, for Super Falcons, and for every young child who believes and dreams of being on this stage someday.”Ajibade called for continued support from the government and stakeholders to elevate Nigeria’s global standing in women’s football.Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, described the team’s victory as a symbol of national unity, inspiration, and the triumph of belief, courage, and excellence.Dikko credited President Tinubu’s administration with investing in sports development and women’s empowerment.“The Super Falcons’ triumph is a fruit of your unwavering support for sports and women. You have always believed that sports can unite us, heal us, and uplift our spirits as one of the major drivers of the economy. And today, we have seen it happen,” he stated.He commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her “constant support for our women in sports.”“This win goes beyond sports. It is a powerful symbol of our national unity and cohesion. In those 90 minutes, Nigerians everywhere from the north, south, east and west held their breath, prayed together, cheered the team, and finally celebrated together.”That is the power of sports, and indeed the power of our women in sports,” he said.COVER
NCS Strengths Ties with China Customs

By Tony Obiechina Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has deepened its strategic engagement with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) through a high-level meeting held in Beijing on July 25.According to NCS Spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada in a statement on Sunday, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, the meeting aimed to explore bilateral knowledge exchange and capacity development in customs administration.
The NCS delegation, led by Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Oluyomi Adebakin, discussed customs training methodologies, modernization models, and technology-driven solutions with GACC officials. The Chinese Customs authorities shared their structured training system, which incorporates virtual reality, 5G-enabled systems, and blended e-learning approaches.The meeting highlighted Nigeria’s active participation in China-led customs development initiatives, with over 200 African customs officers trained since 2023. The Chinese Customs officials commended Nigeria’s growing leadership in international customs platforms and appreciated the election of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council.Both parties expressed mutual interest in exploring technical exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and officer exchange schemes. The NCS aims to strengthen its human capital, advance intergovernmental partnerships, and modernize customs operations in accordance with global standards.The engagement aligns with promoting knowledge sharing, harmonizing customs procedures, and building an integrated trade infrastructure for sustainable development, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).