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TINGO: Nigeria must Protect its Own

Published

2 years ago

June 16, 2023

Eric

The Lagos financial community is on fire right now at the audacity and ease with which Financial Research company allegedly operating behind a laundry, on Coopers Street, Yonkers, New York managed to use lies an innuendo to smash, after Jumia and Opera, the price of another African tech giant, Tingo Group (TIO:Nasdaq) and run off into the darkness with over $100mn and the US Regulators were impotent and were not capable of stopping them doing it or apparently from even striking again.

That research firm publishes the Hindenburg Report, run by money tycoon Nathaniel Anderson aka the Hindenburg Hustler specialises in a technique known as “short and distort” in which he bets the price of a booming stock will collapse and then pretends to be an independent arbiter but instead pays keyboard warriors to attack chatrooms to discredit companies with fabricated evidence, fake pictures, Ai distortions and out right lies until their price collapses. He and his billionaire buddies who back him then pocket the money. A fool and his money is soon parted, is there motto.

They are so brazen that they can do this at least ten times a year, pocketing hundreds of millions of dollars. This year to make a statement and prove their power over Wall Street, they attacked Carl Icahn, the banker that the original Oliver Stone movie “Wall Street”, played by Michael Douglas, was based on. They named and shamed him in a gross public display to show that Nathan was the new King of New York.

Carl Icahn, the old icon of the GREED IS GOOD 1980s, was left spluttering :

“Hindenburg Research, founded by Nathan Anderson, would be more aptly named Blitzkrieg Research given its tactics of wantonly destroying property and harming innocent civilians. Mr. Anderson’s modus operandi is to launch disinformation campaigns to distort companies’ images, damage their reputations and bleed the hard-earned savings of individual investors,”

All fun and games for the comfortable US bankers but here in Africa the consequences are deadly serious. Tingo provides a mobile phone and the means by which 11 million farmers buy their seeds and fertiliser and sell their crops, fruit and vegetables with VISA and AFAN (government co-operative organisation). Many Tingo farmers are in states that have been badly harmed by climate change. Many rely and their families and their communities rely on Tingo. When the Hindenburg Hustler sneezes, Africa catches Covid.

Tingo is one of the few commercial enterprises that can operate in our troubled North East and have done through out the conflict providing a source of income and communication to many who are isolated or displaced. When there is no market place, their children go without healthcare and education, they can’t just slip out of their Manhattan office for a cup of Joe and a a double burger at the Inwood Grill.

The Nathans of New York do not care how Africa has relied on our African technology entrepreneurs from Mo Ibrahim to Strive Masiyiwa to pull our continent out of endemic poverty. Mobile money has transformed financial inclusion in Africa and occurred a decade before it appeared in the States. Africa can be a leader. The digital transformation of Africa is rapidly closing the gender gap and reducing poverty for all.

In December 2022, the United States launched the Digital Transformation with Africa Initiative (DTA). The US government pledged about $800mn which is much less than the value that the Hindenburg Hustler destroyed in African technology companies in a matter of days. If the US is serious in Africa about digital transformation it should use its enforcement bodies to act swiftly and close down these “short and distort” bucket shops that rely on the unconscious racial bias of many of its financial institutions to attack with impunity foreign companies who seek a listing on markets such as NYSE and Nasdaq that are promoted as being global.

The US capital markets should not portray themselves as concerned about ESG matters or United Nations special development goals, if they can not control the criminal activities of the Hindenburg Hustler operating a 20 minute drive away from the UN headquarters in New York. In the Ai age, anyone can fabricate information and then as Nathan Anderson does hide behind the free speech First Amendment and any robust institutional governance should ensure that people like him are regulated.

And they should do this not just because of the outsized effects his greed is good mentality has on ordinary Africans but also to protect those hard working Americans who invest pensions and savings to make it through their old age in the market. Hindenburg does what it does for secretive billionaire buddies. Don’t think for a second he gives a damn about smashing ordinary Americans to the kerb.

But if the regulators can not control Hindenburg, (and Gary Gensler boss of US Securities and Exchange Commission is promising to deal with the short and distorters soon) then what can Tingo and other African tech companies who wish to go to US for capital market support, do to protect themselves.

Tingo did well by calling for an independent enquiry within 48 hours of the abusive attack by Nathan Anderson. They went to one of the world’s biggest law firms White & Case. Founded in 1901 and ranked in the top law firms globally by revenue. It is their job to look at the allegations and make recommendations to the board of Tingo. Hopefully, Nathan Anderson will be forced by them to reveal who his billionaire buddies are and thereby the expose the criminal conspiracy that surrounds him.

Those companies that have escaped the clutches of the Hindenburg Hustler, include Bloom Energy, the green energy provider. Hindenburg alleged that there were undisclosed servicing liabilities that the market had overlooked and predicted that Bloom Energy was heading towards bankruptcy. Within two years of the report the company had more than doubled their share price.

In March 2021, Hindenburg Research accused Ormat Technologies, Inc. of engaging in widespread and systematic acts of international corruption. Around this time their share price moved wildly. In a short time, having thrown off these allegations, the renewable energy provider carried on as normal with its share price being pretty stable ever since.

In December 2021, Hindenburg Hustler published a report alleging that Technoglass Inc had Suspicious sales and acquisitions involving undisclosed related-party customers. They also alleged ownership of these related-party customers by family members of Technoglass’ CEO and COO. There were also accusations of significant connections to a cocaine cartel, resulting in criminal allegations. In the time since these reckless or fraudulent accusations by Hindenburg, the share price of Technoglass has tripled.

That such criminal activity against so many foreign participants from Africa, India, China and Europe can exist and thrive at the centre of the world’s largest economy and then hide behind that economy’s constitution is astounding. A potential recourse would be by our government or the African Union to the World Bank or IMF’s Financial Sector Assessment Program which can sanction America for allowing this to even occur.

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing, is often quoted, in instances where guys like Nathan Anderson and his billionaire buddies but Nigeria can no longer expect the good guys in the USA to do anything. We have to stand on our own two feet and protect our own. Within 25 years,
we will have population bigger than the USA.

It time for Nigeria to draw the line and say no longer will you bully our companies or belittle our leaders or impoverish our people.

Related Topics:Hindenburg Mmuobuosi Tingo

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Ahead Christmas, It’s Glo’s Feliz Navidad All the Way on TVCs

Published

12 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Eric

Celebratory seasons, such as Christmas and New Year, are times when corporate organisations churn out new television commercials (TVCs) to connect with their customers and share the fun, euphoria and uncommon conviviality of such seasons.

One such organization which has over the years used this strategy to great effect is Nigeria’s top telecommunications brand, Globacom.

The exciting commercials that the technology company keeps rolling out fan the delight and elation of the season of goodwill. The brand employs the occasion not only to promote brand awareness but to felicitate its customers and the nation at large.

It is a tradition Glo has established. Since it started operations in 2003, it has always used television commercials as veritable tools of ensuring brand presence, marketing products and services and spreading joy among its various targets.

The 2024 Yuletide adverts it rolled out recently are not different. The two unique yet powerful commercials serve dual purposes. They felicitate the Nigerian people and spread mirth, which the season typifies, around existing and prospective customers.

Expectedly, the two new commercials have dominated the airwaves, and kept viewers talking and relishing the joy that Christmas brings.

The first commercial features juju music maestro, King Sunday Adegeye, popularly called King Sunny Ade, who parades a full ensemble of dancers and a rich, talented band in the TVC tagged “Merry Christmas”. The percussions, rhythm and dance merge to foster affability and enchanting memories of the season of glad tidings.

Before the party celebration where King Sunny and his band entertain guests, the TVC takes viewers back to the 1970s and 1980s when Christmas was celebrated with so much fanfare. It paints a vivid picture of rural Nigeria during Christmas where the warmth of tradition and community fills the air. The village with lush green vegetation is buzzing with excitement, with children playing, women cooking delicious meals in open-air kitchens, the aroma of local dishes (you can literally perceive it) mixing with the sounds of Afro Juju music. Families and friends gather around, dancing joyfully to the rhythmic beats, their faces beaming with happiness as they celebrate the festive season. A woman bearing the Aso ebi for the party is shown coming down from a Peugeot 504 car which also reinforces the advert as being set in the 1980s.

The television commercial by the telecom company captures the essence of togetherness, blending the cultural richness of rural life with the spirit of Christmas, all while subtly underscoring the telecom brand’s role in connecting loved ones, no matter how far apart they may be. It ends with “Better don come. Merry Christmas, Nigeria” further underscoring the reason for the commercial.

The second commercial tagged “Feliz Navidad” uses a galaxy of known artistes including Nollywood star, Timini Egbuson, as well as Uche Nwaefuna (Uchemontana), Chigozie Stephanie Alichi (Chizzy Alichi), Tomi Ojo, Eronini Osinachim, Kiki Bakare and Tope Adenibuyan (Teddy A) to pass across the message of Christmas.

At the heart of the Christmas party, the energy is electric as tap dancers take center stage, their feet tapping out intricate rhythms that blend seamlessly with the upbeat melody of Feliz Navidad. The sound of their shoes striking the floor creates a lively pulse, complementing the lively tunes of the music band performers who bring the festive song to life with vibrant instruments and harmonious vocals. Laughter and cheer fill the air as all come together to toast the season, sharing in the joy of music, movement, and the warmth of the Christmas spirit. The scene is a vibrant celebration of culture, unity, and festive joy, all set to the timeless sounds of Feliz Navidad.

These commercials have further endeared the Glo brand to its subscribers and the general Nigerian public as they enjoy the geniality of the season of love, hope, gifts and celebrations.

Talking about the Yuletide commercials, Ademide Gafar, an industry watcher opined that churning out great TVCs is one of the selling points of the Glo brand while John Michael, a marketing communications expert, noted that Globacom is not just a leader in the telecommunications sector but a prominent creator of unforgettable commercials. From the nation’s pride in telecommunications, it’s Feliz Navidad-Merry Christmas!

Featured

Court Sends Woman to Prison for Abusing Tinubu’s Son, IGP on Social Media

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Eric

Olamide Thomas, who reportedly threatened Seyi Tinubu on social media, was on Friday, arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Olamide was arraigned by the office of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, before Justice Emeka Nwite on a three-count charge.

Olamide was alleged to have, sometime in 2024, knowingly and intentionally transmitted communication in the form of video recording through a computer system or network on her social media platforms wherein she made remarks in Yoruba language.

In the video, she was alleged to have stated: “Mr. Seyi Tinubu would die this year, and misfortune and calamity had befallen the Tinubu family, with intent to bully, threaten, harass the person of Mr Seyi Tinubu.”

The communication was said to have placed Seyi in fear of death, violence or bodily harm.

The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (2) (a) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

In count two, the defendant was alleged to have intentionally transmitted communication in the form of video recording wherein she made remarks in Yoruba Language to bully, threaten, and harass the person of Egbetokun.

The communication was said to have placed Egbetokun in fear of death, violence or bodily harm.

The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (2) (a) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

She, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Olamide was arrested on allegations bordering on harassing and threatening Seyi Tinubu, Egbetokun, and the Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a viral social media post.

In the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/636/2024 dated and filed on December 18 by the police team of lawyers led by A.A. Egwu, Olamide was sued as sole defendant.

Upon resumed hearing, Victor Okoye, who appeared for the police, informed the court that the matter was slated for arraignment and that he was ready to proceed.

After the counts were read to the defendant, she pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The defence lawyer, T J. Aondo (SAN), sought to move an oral application on his client’s behalf but the request was turned down.

Justice Nwite directed Aondo to file a formal bail application and adjourned the matter until December 30 for the commencement of trial.

The judge, however, assured the defence counsel that as soon as a bail application is filed in form of a motion on notice, the court would not hesitate to hear it.

Justice Nwite, thereafter, ordered Olamide to be remanded in Suleja Correctional Centre pending the hearing of her bail application.

Featured

Buhari Denies Ownership of Abuja Land Revoked by Wike

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

Eric

Former President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, denied ownership of a piece of land purportedly allocated to him by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCDA) in Abuja.

Media reports indicate that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked the ownership of 762 plots of land in the Maitama 1 District of Abuja, citing non-payment of statutory fees.

According to the trending reports, high-profile figures, including former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen, are among those affected.

The FCTA had also issued a two-week ultimatum to 614 other individuals and organisations, demanding they settle outstanding Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) fees or risk losing their plots.
However, debunking the reports, the former President stated he is “not the owner of the said plot of land which is allocated in the name of a ‘Muhammadu Buhari Foundation.’”

In a statement issued by his media aide, Garba Shehu, in Abuja, the former President explained that he turned down the offer by the administration when it was presented to him.

The media aide further clarified: “When he and his cabinet members were invited to fill the forms and obtain land during his tenure in office, he returned the form without filling it, saying that he already had a plot of land in the FCT and that those who did not have should be given. He, therefore, turned down the offer.

“All those jumping up and down in the digital space talking about the rightfulness or the lack of it on the reported seizure of Buhari’s land in Abuja to get their facts right and stop dragging down the name of the former president.

“As with anything Buhari—and there is no surprise in this at all—there is a lot of buzz in the media on the reported seizure of a piece of land by the authorities of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, FCTA, allegedly belonging to the former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Former President Buhari is personally not the owner of the said plot of land, which is allocated in the name of a ‘Muhammadu Buhari Foundation.

“The Foundation was itself floated by some utilitarian individuals around him who, it must be said, went about it in a lawful manner with the support of a number of well-meaning persons.

“But they ran into a roadblock in the land department of the FCDA, which handed them an outrageous bill for the issuance of the certificate of occupancy, very high in cost that did not at all compare with the bills given to similar organisations.

“It may have been that this was not erroneous, but a deliberate mistake, making the revocation of the land no surprise to anyone.

“As a person, the former President has a plot of land to his name in Abuja,” he added