Nigerian singer, Divine Ikubor aka Rema has warned record labels to stop trying to copy him.

He said record labels are not doing well by copying his style and branding their artists in the same way.

According to him, some record labels are trying to model their artists after him and are imitating his music style and overall brand.

Rema urged record labels to be more creative and stop trying to clone him.

On his X handle, he wrote: “Labels get creative, stop trying to clone me.”

The ‘Calm Down’ singer also boasted that he “made Afrobeat EP’s a Big statement. Every new Artist since 2019 ate from the same template. Uh oh.”

Nigeria’s federal government at the weekend commenced the controversial demolition of properties on the Right of Way (RoW) of the over N15 trillion Lagos-Calabar coastal highway. The government urged owners of such facilities along the axis to see the demolition as a sacrifice for Nigeria.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, who flagged off the exercise on Section 1 of the road, assured that the construction of the highway would mark a major milestone in President Bola Tinubu’s economic diversification roadmap.

Handled by Hitech Construction Company Limited, the project had drawn criticisms from several Nigerians, including former Vice President Abubakar Atiku and the presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi.

Both leaders raised concerns over the alleged opacity surrounding the award of the contract for the 700-kilometre highway. They emphasised the need to prioritise the funding of more critical roads across the country.

But Umahi, according to a statement yesterday by his spokesman, Uchenna Orji, said the federal government was passionate about the plight of the people affected by the demolition exercise. He said the government would, in the exercise  of the right of way, put a “human face” to the demolition of properties required  to give way for the construction of the highway.
The minister noted that the federal government was considering the most economically viable way to pass the coastal road without much damage. He reassured that there would be no delay in the payment of compensation to the property owners entitled to compensation, but solicited their cooperation to the timeline of the demolition exercise.

Umahi said, “We are doing some minor adjustments, and our commitment is to stay within the coastline. When the initial demolition order was passed to all the affected investors, so to speak, I graciously increased the period to another seven days and yet another four days.
“And here we are because the project stopped because of this part of the demolition. This demolition is going to have a pure human face…
“I wish to flag off this demolition exercise to get a right of way within the coastal corridor, which is the legitimate right of the federal government.”
The minister called on all those to be affected by the demolition exercise to take it as a sacrifice for the country.

He highlighted the socio- economic benefits of the project, including the funds it would save for businessmen and women and the stability it would bring to the economy.

“Those who are playing politics with this can go ahead. My job is simple, just to pass the coastal road and those who are into politics can continue,” he said.
Speaking at the event, one of the affected property owners, Mr.  Bolaji Ariyo of Mami Chula beach, said the demolition would affect his business.
However, the statement quoted Ariyo as saying that he had no option than to make the sacrifice for the greater good of millions of Nigerians whose livelihoods would be impacted by the construction of the highway that would connect the country’s southern and northern parts. He urged all those to be affected by the infrastructure to see it as a sacrifice for the good of all Nigerians.

Ariyo said, “Some of us are affected, no doubt about it. But some of us are not up to 0.1 per cent of the millions of people that will enjoy the coastal road. That’s why someone like me and some others also have taken it to heart to also support Mr. President and the minister to ensure that this road comes to life.”
Ariyo noted that the coastal highway had the potential to create greater vistas of opportunities for businesses and other human development initiatives that would benefit the greater number of Nigerians.

He added,  “As humans, those affected  will feel the pain, but the future  of the country  must be put first. And some of us are paying the price in good faith. So we are human, we feel the pain.

“But at the same time, if you look at the bigger picture, you realise that it’s to the benefit of everyone. It’s more than the benefit of one person. Yes, we are sitting on a lot of money, a lot of money being recouped here.

“But it is not worth the enjoyment or the free access of every other Nigerian that will ply the road. So Mr. Minister has already lectured me so well and has consoled me so many times.”

According to the statement, the demolition exercise is continuing as the committee of the ministry on the compensation of Section 1 property owners, headed by the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State, Olukorede Kesha, is working to ensure payment of compensation to the affected property owners begins in days.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

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Assailants suspected to be herdsmen on Sunday, murdered at least four persons, including an infant, while many others were injured at Nimbo community in Uzo – Uwani LGA of Enugu State.

Nimbo is the same community where the Fulani herders in 2016 killed sores of people, generating nationwide outrage.

The attacks have become frequent in recent weeks, despite assurances of protection by the Enugu state government.

Meanwhile, the latest attack have been condemned by many, including Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last election, who recalled visiting the community when the 2016 attack happened.

“I just read reports of yet another senseless killing of harmless and defenseless villagers in Uzo Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu state over the weekend. I find the report very disturbing especially recalling that these terror-mongers have continued to unleash terror on the people of Uzo-uwani over the years,” he wrote via his X handle, @PeterObi on Monday.

“Uzo Uwani is one of the areas I have closely related with and remained supportive to. I am pained by how these attacks have made the people of the area to live in constant fear of terror and death.

“I recall that in 2015, a hostel of one of the best secondary schools in that area, Mater Amabilis, Adani was completely razed by fire, and the students were without a hostel.

“When I read the reports, I quickly intervened, rebuilt the hostel and handed it over to the School Management by March 2016. A month after that, the people of Nimbo Community in the same Uzo Uwani were senselessly murdered, and this attracted national attention.

“I attended their funeral alongside the Former Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. I helped in consoling and rehabilitating the victims. My heart, again, goes out to the people of Uzo Uwani who have continued to experience these incessant attacks.

“We must not allow further spilling of the blood of innocent Nigerians under any guise. Enough must now be enough. The government should show visible commitment to the security of lives and property of the Nigerian people.

“Uzo Uwani local government area of Enugu state is the main agricultural bed of the state and the continued insecurity there will have far-reaching consequences on food production in the state.

“Security agencies should be proactive especially as this area has become prone to these attacks and take necessary actions to avert future occurrences.

“I sincerely commiserate with the people of Uzo-uwani who lost their loved ones to this cruel attack and indeed all the many victims of insecurity in our nation.

“May God Almighty grant eternal rest to the dead, grant quick recovery to the wounded and heal our land bleeding profusely from insecurity.”

Similarly, Chijioke Edeoga, the governorship candidate of the Labour Party in the last election in Enugu, said the attack is intolerable and demand immediate and resolute action from both the state and federal governments.

“I strongly condemn the recent horrific attack on Ugwujoro in Nimbo Community of Uzo Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State by suspected killer herdsmen,” he wrote via his X account, @chijioke_edeoga.

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“These appalling acts have resulted in the tragic loss of lives and inflicted deep anguish upon innocent residents. Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the victims during this time of profound sorrow.

“The ongoing violence and bloodshed perpetrated by assailants believed to be killer herdsmen are intolerable and demand immediate and resolute action from both the state and federal governments. I urge the authorities to prioritize the security of our communities and swiftly bring the perpetrators of these atrocities to justice.

“Ndi-Enugu, I urge heightened vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement agencies. Please remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or movements to the appropriate authorities promptly. Your active engagement is crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities.

“Furthermore, I appeal to the President to do more to secure farmlands and farmers not only in the North, but also in the East, particularly in Enugu State in alignment with his food security agenda. It is essential to safeguard our agricultural lands and ensure the safety of farmers, who play a critical role in our nation’s food production and economic stability. By enhancing security measures in these regions.

“I also express gratitude to the President for the efforts made so far in combating security challenges in Enugu State. However, more needs to be done, especially in areas like Eha-Amufu in Isi Uzo LG and Uzo Uwani LGA, where communities continue to face threats and occupation by killer herdsmen. I appeal for increased interventions to ensure the complete restoration of peace and security in these affected areas.

“The safety and security of every citizen, particularly our farmers, are paramount and non-negotiable. Let us stand united against violence and work together to foster peace and harmony in our beloved Enugu State.”

The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Enugu State Command, DSP Daniel Ndukwe is yet to respond to an enquiry sent on the latest attack.

The Labour Party (LP) has thrown its weight behind the proposed bill seeking to stop politicians guilty of tax evasion from running for elective offices in the country.

It was earlier reported that the Executive is planning to send a bill to the National Assembly in the coming days, seeking to bar tax-evading politicians from contesting elections.

The Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, made this known over the weekend while speaking at the 2024 strategic retreat for staff of the Joint Tax Board.

Oyedele also revealed that the federal government is planning to set up a National Tax Amnesty Programme.

Reacting to the move in a chat with The Punch on Sunday, the Chief Spokesman of the LP Campaign Organisation, Yunusa Tanko, commended the move by the government.

Tanko, however, expressed fear that much as the bill appears promising, the government may not be able to enforce it.

He said: “The need to bar politicians who are found wanting are things we need to do in our recruitment process. Even before it is presented to the National Assembly, it has already been established as a fact. After all, the law says if you have been convicted, you cannot stand for election.

“The only thing we have not been able to do is to enforce it. This is because anybody can come and raise a bill on anything. But we often fail to enforce that particular law.

“What we need actually is enforcement of the law so that at the end of it all, we are left with clean people who can run for election.”

Nigeria, we are often reminded, has the potential to be great. I have been getting that message from our forefathers since the 1960s when we got flag independence. Over 60 years later, we are still reminded of Nigeria’s potential. Has the potential not been realised? When will it be realised? What form will it take? Greatness in what?

The potential to be great can be in positive or negative deportment. From the positive stance, we can think of technological advancement, scientific innovation, medical innovation, and improved labour productivity. The negative potential outputs include corruption, indolence, lack of productive capacity, lack of capacity to deliver on the mandate, deliberate mismanagement, and misappropriation of opportunities for greatness. Nigeria and Nigerians seem to have chosen the negative potential side.

As part of the capacity to deliver on the mandate, for over six decades, Nigeria has not delivered or provided 15-hour electricity. Even those that we are told are on a 20-hour supply and need to pay more, the hours are broken into two or three periods per day. It was said that there was a need to liberalise the market and allow market forces to determine the price. The more or the higher the price, the poorer the service. Someone in government would then come up with an unfounded theory that people put on power for fridges and freezers when they should be switched off, to cover up the ineffectiveness and inefficiency in the sector.

Nigeria, in the 21st century, with the potential, cannot deliver clean pipe-borne water for its citizens. Citizens in rural and semi-urban areas still depend on water from streams, rainwater and shallow well water sources for domestic uses and drinking at home while those fairly wealthy in urban centres dig boreholes for their homes and sometimes for their neighbours while the government which cannot provide such simple basic needs still has the effrontery to tax or force them to pay fees for drilling the ground to provide water! Late in 2023, I went to Lagos Island where I grew up in the 1960s to see any improvement in the environment. I found the public tap where we used to fetch water modernised but without water flowing from the taps.

I wondered whether Lagos has not been able to make sure that water flows in every house in the state. But that is the truth and the truth for the whole of Nigeria. I see many children coming to fetch water in our street and do feel for them when the electricity distribution company prevents us from pumping water for them. This inadequacy is the same with other basic amenities like cheap, decent and affordable housing units; environmentally friendly basic education; and wholesome health services with basic drugs and medical equipment.

With the potential wealth in human and non-human resources, the country remains a raw material producer with the Chinese, the Europeans, and Americans coming to ‘assist’ in extracting mineral resources legally and illegally. The Nigerians who are attempting to extract the minerals or refine them are termed illegal refiners who have to be harassed, intimidated, jailed, or killed instead of legalising them and formalising their activities with backup training both of which can prevent the loss of revenue or revenue leakages; damages to oil pipes in the case of crude oil and prevents environmental degradation.

We give preference to foreigners to appropriate and exploit our wealth, with government officials getting kickbacks. Instead, we should encourage local entrepreneurs and use the skilled manpower on the ground to work on the natural resources. One is happy that the Nigerian Export-Import Bank has decided not to sponsor or support raw material exports and I hope we get the message of that decision. It means we must add value to our raw materials before export. That will build the skills of the labour involved and improve government revenues.

Nigeria is a country that ignores inventors and gives preference to importers of technology that can be produced here. Foreign countries have come to pick local inventors that we ignore to support them and produce the goods that we will later import. Investors like those producing diesel from water sachets and bottles or the ones converting vehicles from petrol-driven to battery-powered vehicles and others are awaiting sponsors.

It is in Nigeria that elections are regarded as a do-or-die affair and voting areas are tuned to war zones. Almost all election results must be resolved by the courts, not by the pronouncements of the Independent National Electoral Commission; even in the local government areas. At the end of the day, the electorate finds the struggle to serve is not for them for family aggrandisement. As soon as elections are over, the constituency offices are closed down, rented out or just abandoned.

As part of deliberate mismanagement and misappropriation of opportunities for greatness is the increasing level of corruption with brazen bravado. Nigerian leaders, both the old and the “not too young to run” are enmeshed in corruption. You can imagine a young Yahaya Bello who paid the school fees of his children upfront with public funds of the state, among other money laundering activities being investigated. Is it not an honour to be considered worthy of holding the exalted position of President or Vice-President, governor or deputy, senator, House of Representatives member, minister, commissioner, or even permanent secretary among millions of qualified Nigerians? Is it not shameless to end the honour in the hands of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission or the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offices Commission being accused of corruption?

In an earlier article, corruption was defined in a broad sense as presented by Ruzindana, a former Director General of United Nations Trade and Development. He identified the following forms of corruption people engage in as “bribery, extortion, illegal use of public assets for private use, over- and under-invoicing, payment of ghost workers and pensioners, payment for goods not supplied …. Purchase of goods at inflated prices, fraud and embezzlement, misappropriation of assets, court decisions awarding damages above any injury suffered, removal of documents or even complete case file, and red-tapism and patronage.”

These are all characteristics found in our behaviour. The country’s agricultural exports have been found to contain a mixture of good and bad fruits/seeds with the bad ones stacked under the good and resulting in the rejection of our raw agricultural exports and preference for our competitors’ products. It is in this country that both local and foreign contractors will use inferior materials for production and such outputs are acceptable.

In one African country’s embassy sometime past, an applicant submitted his document for visa approval and the official scanned through, then threw the document back at the applicant telling him that the photocopies were not clear and he should realise that he was not submitting to the Nigerian embassy. We attempted to force the officer to apologise for the last statement. He was too arrogant to do so and had to close his window to us. But it was not his fault. We are so used to low quality that when government contractors construct poor-quality roads, we hail it as the best thing to happen. That was why, recently, our Peter Obi commissioned a shoddily constructed borehole project in Bauchi.

It is in Nigeria the government would safeguard the middle and edges of a bridge, like the River Niger and of course, some other such roads with articulated steel or aluminium, and Nigerians would go and vandalise the project, removing the steel to make spoons, hangers, hoes and allied products. This is just what they do with electricity wires, transformers, and other power infrastructure facilities, only to turn and start blaming the government for inefficiency in power supply. Nigeria is where teachers sell marks and parents buy marks for their children to make progress. What manner of followership lives in this country?

It is in Nigeria that a respectable figure like a governor of a state would complete his tenure and start hiding from the public and the anti-corruption agencies because he had used his office to embezzle, misappropriate and mismanage the state’s funds for the benefit of his family at the expense of those who voted him to serve them. We heard that ex-Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State was caught while trying to run away a few hours after he handed over power. And currently, the self-styled Lion of Kogi is sipping tea behind a thick curtain, avoiding the EFCC! What manner of leadership is Nigeria blessed with? Let’s reflect on how to move forward henceforth.