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The FCT High Court, Apo on Wednesday fixed Oct. 3, for the arraignment of Deziani Alison-Madueke, former Minister of Petroleum on five counts bordering on conspiracy and illegal act of accepting and giving gratifications.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the court granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission leave to arraign Alison-Madueke, former Chairman of Atlantic Energy Drilling Company, Olajide Omokore, on five counts on Feb. 25.

The date was fixed following the absence of Justice Valentine Ashi, trial judge who was on another official engagement.

Mr Faruk Abdullahi, Counsel to the EFCC had told the court on Feb. 25, that the arraignment would not hold as Alison-Madueke and her co-accused were not in court.

Abdullahi explained that the EFCC had forwarded a request to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) for onward commencement of Alison-Madueke’s repatriation process from the United Kingdom.

He said the absence of the second defendant, (Omokore) was linked to the commission’s inability to serve him with the court’s processes.

The prosecutor, therefore, prayed the court for further adjournment to enable the team tidy up its house.

Mr Adeniyi Adegbonmire, SAN, Counsel to Omokore said his client was prepared to stand trial but that the right process to commence the trial must be adhered to.

Alison-Madueke and Omokore, are billed to be arraigned on five-count charge bordering on conspiracy and illegal acts of accepting and giving bribe.

EFCC averred that the accused persons had conspired at different levels to commit the fraud.

The anti-graft body further alleged that the ex-minister accepted gift of properties described as penthouse 22, Block B, Admiralty Estate, Ikoyi, and penthouse 21, building 5, block C, Banana Island, Lagos.

The EFCC said the alleged offence, contravened the provisions of Sections 26(1) and 17 of the EFCC Act, 2000.

NAN reports that on Dec. 5, 2018, Justice Ashi ordered the police, EFCC, Department of State Services (DSS), and others to produce Diezani in court within 72 hours.

Ashi gave the order, following an ex parte motion made before the court by the counsel to the anti-graft agency.

NAN reports that the suspects, are aso to be arraigned for allegedly accepting and giving gifts of properties described as penthouse 22, Block B, Admiralty Estate, Ikoyi, and penthouse 21, building 5, block C, Banana Island, Lagos.

The EFCC revealed that the alleged offence contravened the provisions of sections 26(1) and 17 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

NAN reports that on Nov. 11,2018, the EFCC confirmed that the process to repatriate the former Minister of Petroleum, Alison-Madueke, from the United Kingdom has begun.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/alison-madueke-to-be-arraign-oct3.html

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to setting up research and innovation development fund to promote scientific findings and research for national development.

Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Science and Technology, who stated this on Tuesday in the town hall meeting with the staff of the ministry and agencies under the supervision of the ministry, expressed optimism that once President Muhammadu Buhari assented to the National Council and Innovation Development Fund Bill, consolidated funds would be provided for research and innovation in Nigeria.

He described the Ministry of Science and Technology as the “brain box” of the present administration, assuring that with the setting up of the fund,


According to him, “It will not be too long from now this Ministry will be one of the best among other ministries in Nigeria.

“This ministry will have all the money that it needs to help the nation to have a great future. The National Council and Innovation Development Fund Bill has been passed by the National Assembly.

“Mr. President however has some points. He has not assented to it. It has been sent back to the National Assembly to correct.

“Someday, we are going to have research and innovation fund. We have been working very hard in the last three years to set it up.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/fg-reiterates-commitment-to-setting-up.html

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said that telecommunications operators carried out 21,440 Mobile Number Portability activities in March 2019.

The regulatory body made this known in its ”Incoming and Outgoing Porting Activities of Mobile Network Operators Report” on its website.

The commission said in the report that 14,639 subscribers ported within the networks in February, hence an increase of 6,801 activities in March.

It said that out of the 21,440 porting activities recorded in March, 10,945 were ”Incoming Porting Activities”, while 10,495 were ”Outgoing Porting Activities”.


The regulatory body said that in the outgoing table, 4,515 subscribers moved from Airtel Nigeria to other networks through Mobile Number Portability in March.

According to NCC, those who left Airtel increase by 3,336, as against 1,179 customers who deserted the network in February.

It said that in the month of March, 3,176 customers moved from Globacom Nigeria, showing an increase of 895 subscribers against 2,281 that left the service provider in February.
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NCC said that 1,583 subscribers moved from 9mobile in the month under review, representing a decrease of 218 customers as against 1,801 who left the network in February.

It said that 1,221 customers of MTN Nigeria ported to other networks within the same period, showing a decrease of 422, when compared with 1,643 users who left in February.

In the incoming table, 9mobile led with an additional 7,297 customers joining its network in the month of March.

MTN Nigeria came second on the gainers’ list with 1,502 subscribers; 1,444 subscribers moved to Airtel Nigeria, while Globacom Nigeria got 702 customers.

The exercise was launched on April 22, 2013 by NCC, with the aim of deepening competition in the industry.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/additional-3336-subscribers-left-airtel.html

Pastor Samson Farounbi, has told an Idi-Ogungun Customary Court, Agodi, in Ibadan, that the small size of his penis made his estranged wife to deny him sex for a long period.

Farounbi disclosed this on Monday when testifying before the court on a case of divorce he instituted against Tope Farounbi.

He had requested the court to end the 19-year-old union on the grounds of unrest of mind, a threat to life and lack of respect for his family.

Narrating his ordeals, the Pastor said his wife, who was a fruit seller, used to return home at late hours every day and refused to have sex with him.

”There was a day I challenged her why she always returns late and denying me sex.

”She confessed that the small size of my penis was responsible for keeping late outside and for refusing to have sex with her.

”She suggested to buy local herb for the treatment of my micro penis which cost N5,000 but I priced it down to N4,000.

”I got myself treated with the ‘Agbo'(a local herb) but she still felt the reluctance to allow me to have access to her body,” he narrated.

The pastor further alleged that the defendant maltreated his mother when she was living with him and that the ill-treatment forced his aged mother to relocate to Ilesha where she died a few months later.

He told the court that Tope used to curse every member of his family and always cursed his blood brothers when they visited him.

”My lord, she is a devil, always fighting people especially females, that come to my church for prayer, accusing me of flirting with them.

”We have never stayed beyond two years in every house I rented since we married 19 years ago due to her stubbornness and troublesome character.


”The five children of our union lack home training and always cursing me whenever I tried to correct any of the kids for doing wrong things.

”In fact, our first child has run away from home now and I cannot even locate his whereabouts.

”I urge the court to separate us so that I can have peace of mind to do my pastoral work,” he pleaded.

In her defence, Tope denied all the allegations but urged the court to dissolve the marriage as requested by the plaintiff.

She accused her husband of womanising, saying he never care for her welfare but was in the habit of drinking alcohol.

The President of the court, Chief Mukaila Balogun and the two court assessors, Chief Wahab Popoola and Chief Alao Ganiyu, in their unanimous decision dissolved the marriage.

Balogun said the court was handicapped to settle the dispute between the parties because the couple had agreed to end the marriage.

He ordered that three kids that are males including the firstborn that ran away should be in the custody of the plaintiff while the remaining two daughters should remain with the defendant.

He further directed the plaintiff to pay N8,000 monthly allowance for the upkeep of the two kids in the defendant custody.

He admonished the parties to refrain from fomenting trouble or disturb public peace.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/my-wife-denies-me-sex-over-my-small.html

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has said allegations by the Federal Government, that it is orchestrating a security breach in the country, alongside its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, are diversionary tactics.

The PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, yesterday, said government is desperate to play the victim, so as to conceal alleged manipulation of the 2019 presidential poll.

The opposition party said the recent Facebook revelation, detailing alleged disinformation by the President Muhammadu Buhari’s handlers and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 general election exposes them as “schemers and real enemies” of the country’s democracy and national cohesion.

It stated that the Facebook revelation has exposed the APC as “a fraudulent and violent-loving party, whose divisive activities are now directly threatening the security stability of our nation.

“Indeed, the Buhari Presidency and the APC should hide their faces in shame as Nigerians have seen that their professed sanctimony and ‘holier-than-thou’ claims are mere masquerading.


“Our party notes that there are more damning revelations against the APC, not only on its rigging of the general election, but also, on how it is working against our nation, which will come to light at the appropriate time.The APC, which engaged in manipulation to foist itself, will do anything, no matter how vile, to sustain itself in office, not minding the social, economic and collateral damages such could cause our dear nation.

“It is, however, to say the least, despicable that, in their desperation to hold on to power at all costs, president Buhari’s handlers and the APC engaged in this sneaky disinformation, internet lies and smear campaigns against PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.”

The party noted that it is unpardonable that instead of owning up, the federal government and the ruling party, through the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, seek to cover their tracks and divert public attention by making unsubstantiated security allegations against it and Atiku.

Regardless, last Saturday, the minister accused the PDP and Atiku of doing everything possible to sabotage the Buhari administration, overheat the polity and make Nigeria seemingly ungovernable.

The minister, who spoke during the 12th annual Ramadan lecture in his Oro countryhom,e in Kwara State, claimed that the opposition party colluded with “anti-democratic forces and dead-enders” to fan the embers of violence in the country.

He added: “As you are aware, a few days ago, we raised the alarm that either by themselves or via their proxies, the PDP and it’s presidential candidate are doing everything possible to sabotage the Buhari administration, generally overheat the polity and make Nigeria seemingly ungovernable. Of course, you are aware of similar alarms that have been raised by the police, the military and the DSS.

“Our interventions are based on credible evidence and no government with the kind of evidence that we have, of plans to subvert the power of the state, attack the nation’s economic live wire and generally unleash mayhem on the polity, will keep quiet.

“The security agencies are all alert to their responsibilities and will not sit by and allow anyone to reverse the gains of our democracy under any guise.”

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Sunday in Makkah had Iftar dinner (a fast-breaking meal), a daily ritual during the holy month of Ramadan, in the company of Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State and the Emir of Maradun, Alhaji Garba Tambari.


This was contained in a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu on Sunday.

During the event, President Buhari expressed sadness over the loss of lives and destruction of property in the State following banditry attacks.


The President expressed determination to ensure that justice prevails and Nigerians find peace and prosperity wherever they lived.

The Emir of Maradun led prayers for the repose of victims of violent attacks in Zamfara State and all over Nigeria and for God to help the country achieve total peace and stability.

The President was accompanied to the event by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Justice Isa Dodo (rtd), and some personal aides.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/omg-see-what-president-muhammadu-buhari.html

Nigerians have blasted Reno Omokri, the former Social Media aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan for working tirelessly to divide Nigeria along religious lines.

Youths who attacked Omokri on Twitter said he was trying to ignite a civil war in Nigeria while living in California with his family.

Omokri had written on his official Twitter page that President Muhammadu Buhari was for the Muslims while Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was for Christians sparking an outrage that he was trying to turn religions against each other.

He also claimed that Buhari fought for Zainab Aliyu, who was wrongly accused to have transported Tramadol to Saudi Arabia, to be freed because she was a Muslim while Leah Sharibu, a Christian who was abducted by Boko Haram terrorists was still in captivity.

Reacting to his claims, James Sunday Akinloye said Omokri was suffering from a self-induced post election traumatic stress disorder and that he needed to see a doctor.

“I must tell you that those who listen and follow Omokri are merely doing so to be entertained. We know Mr. Omokri don’t mean well for Nigeria. He only wants to ruffle things up so that the unsuspecting can ignite a violence in our country.

“He has forgotten so quickly that over 200 school girls were abducted during the Jonathan government and it took Buhari/Osinbajo to reunite most of them with their families.

He added that Omokri’s attempt to draw comparison between legitimate governments and a terrorist sect was baseless to say the least. He urged Nigerians to stay clear of Omokri and his ilks.

Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa who is the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Foreign Relations and Diaspora said it’s not true that the Federal Government wasn’t working to have Leah Sharibu released.

“Leah’s case is different. She is held captive by terrorists. The Buhari administration is not leaving any stone unturned to get her back. We are optimistic she will return,” she said.

Similarly, Bernard Okri pointed out that both the President and Vice President did not represent the interest of any religious groups as they were both elected by Muslims and Christians.

“It’s petty that Mr. Omokri is trying to draw a religious divide in Nigeria just because he wants the country to burn. Nigerians should be weary of him and those who reside in the United States but are strategising to make Nigeria burn,” he said.

He also shamed Omokri for trying to draw Kiki Osinbajo, the daughter of the Vice President into the matter. “Mr. Omokri claims that he wants Ms. Sharibu rescued are lies. He takes pictures and brandishes the good life he is living but will never return to Nigeria to help free Leah Sharibu.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/nigerians-blast-reno-omokri-on-social.html

The Federal Capital Territory Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has approved N1.5 million as the 2019 Hajj fares for intending pilgrims in the territory.

Public Relations Officer of the Board, Muhammad Lawal, in a statement on Saturday said that all intending pilgrims from the territory would also get a flat Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) of eight hundred US dollars ($800.00) as fixed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria ( NAHCON).

He said the release of the hajj fare was sequel to the release of its approved hajj fare for this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia by NAHCON.


He explained that the increase in the fare above that of 2018 was as a result of increase of cost of services in Saudi Arabia in addition to exchange rate of naira to a dollar.

The PRO restated the determination of the board to do all within its powers to provide a befitting services to those who would performed the 2019 hajj through it.

He disclosed that, the staff of the board underwent through trainings to enhance their productivity in handling hajj affairs considering its importance to each and every Muslim.

The spokesperson disclosed that intending Pilgrims who have made deposit are to immediately balance their payment before May 31s to enable the board meets up with the deadline set by NAHCON.

Lawal warned intending pilgrims who are yet to submit their completed application forms and e-passports to do so before the deadline or have themselves to blame.

He also, advised residents who have the intention of performing the hajj through the board to get registered with the officials of the board across the six Area Council Secretariats of the territory via a bank draft of the hajj fare package before the end of the month.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/fct-pilgrims-board-approves-n15m-as.html

A former Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Mr Amaechi Nwoha, has expressed his optimism that President Muhammadu Buhari will give his backing to a Nigerian of Igbo extraction to become the next speaker of the House of Representatives.

“The president is a detribalized leader, who sees every part of the country as one people,” Nwoha said this on Saturday in Abuja.

He described Buhari as father of modern Nigeria, who could not leave any section of the country behind in his administration of the nation, noting that the country’s unity and progress were top priorities for the president.

Nwoha said Buhari is a nationalist and man of integrity, whose love for Nigeria has been a compelling reason for his decision to run an inclusive government.

The former lawmaker restated the need to support a south easterner as speaker of the House of Representatives, saying that this would be in tune with Buhari’s vision for a united Nigeria.

He also urged leaders of the APC to support a south easterner for the position, noting that such action would make the party more popular in the South East.

According to him, it is time for Nigerians to show the South East a sense of belonging by supporting a credible lawmaker from the area for the House of Representatives top job.

Buhari in his 2019 election victory speech, promised that his new administration would strengthen Nigeria’s unity and inclusiveness so that no section or group would feel left out.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/9th-assembly-buhari-will-back-south.html

Ado Ekiti, Nay 17, 2019 The 2,000 workers recruited by former Gov. Ayo Fayose into the public service in Ekiti on Friday staged a peaceful protest in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, over the recent cancellation of their recruitment.

Gov. Kayode Fayemi on Thursday cancelled their appointments over alleged irregularities.

The News Agency of Nigeria, reports that the workers, alongside some of their dependants, stormed major streets of Ado Ekiti, claiming they were innocent of the alleged irregularities in their recruitment exercise seven month ago.

They appealed to the governor to reconsider their case.

They also stormed the state Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) located within the State Secretariat complex, flaunting their original letters of appointment.

Spokesman for the protesters, Mr. Olawole Ganiyu, said contrary to the pronouncement made by Ekiti government that they were employed illegally, their appointments were in line with the civil service rule.

” During the Fayose-led government, we were at home when vacancies were advertised

” Out of nothing. we paid N1,000 to buy forms. We wrote examinations and later sat for interview. Scores of the examination results were also pasted at the various ministries

“Later, those shortlisted as qualified, again sat for separate interview and letters of appointment and posting issued out to successful applicants.

” What was in our letters is that we are to work for three months before getting salaries , but we have not been paid a dime since eight months ago.

“Government should please be compassionate with us. We were born and brought up here in Ekiti as indigenes, most of are long time graduates in search of gainful employment

” Most of us even, out of the desperation to get pensionable jobs, resigned from private jobs to partake in the recruitment while many others had to relocate to our places of posting without a single kobo of mobilisation since about eight months ago that we were engaged, and has been working very hard to justify our appointments,” he said.

Another victim, Mr. Akande Adekunle expressed sadness that they could be allowed to suffer since October 2018 they were offered employment without any pay.

“We went through due process. It was a process that was legitimate. When the present government came, we expected pronouncement from the government, but they said we should just be working because our employment was legitimate.

” We have to clarify that we were not sponsored by politicians. We have no godfathers and government should be a continuum.

” I do not know why we are being treated this way. It is shocking that they said we didn’t go through due process.

“One of us has already lost her pregnancy, because of the shocking news of our disengagement

“People of goodwill should please help us intervene in this matter. We should not be sacrificed on the altar of politics, we don’t carry party cards,” he said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/photo-2000-sacked-workers-stage-protest.html

Senate President Bukola Saraki on Friday described late Oba Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi, the Olowo of Owo, as an epitome of a great man who brought stability and peace to Owo town in Ondo State.

The late Olowo joined his ancestors on April 17, at the age of 77.

Saraki made thecommendation in Owo during the interdenominational service in honor of the late Olowo.

He said the monarch brought a lot of pride to his family and the entire country, as a great monarch during his reign.

“It is indeed a great loss to us. This is the time we will miss him the most. He was the first traditional ruler to show support and solidarity with words of encouragement, when I became the senate president.

“His impact in the life of many people in education and law, was monumental. He left a great legacy and would be remembered all over the country. May God continue to bless his family,” he said.

Earlier, Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, also described the Oba as a great king, who commanded respect of all.

He said the traditional ruler was an international figure, who was good to everyone.

“We have lost a great monarch in Owo, somebody we are proud of. We will all miss him, but thank God for his life,” he said.

Akeredolu also lauded the wife of the late monarch for being by his side through period of his sickness.

“You are a wife in a million, and we will never forget you. I saw the way you tried to get him well, you tried your best. You are a repository of knowledge and Owo is grateful to you,” he said.

In his sermon entitled ‘Death is inevitable’, Pastor Joseph Obayemi, National Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), extolled the legacy of late Olowo, saying Olowo lived a fulfilled life.

According to him, the late monarch served God and humanity till death, admonishing the living to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ.

He noted that it was appointed for a man to die once, after which his judgement, just as he added that whether big or small, rich or poor, every man must die.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that dignitaries at the event included Senator Ajayi Boroffice, representing Ondo North Senatorial District; Senator Yele Omogunwa, representing Ondo South Senatorial District; Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti; and former governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko.

NAN also reports that letters of condolence from prominent people include President Muhammadu Buhari and Former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/late-olowo-was-epitome-of-great-man.html

Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, on Friday said that no genuine staff of the state public service was sacked by his government.

Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olayinka Oyebode, explained that he was only correcting the fundamental error of his predecessor, Mr Ayo Fayose.

“Fayemi never sacked anyone. You cannot sack people who are not duly employed in the first place.

“The so called “recruitments” carried out were obviously mischievous because it neither followed due process nor was it ever completed

“For instance, the affected persons were not duly captured in the Civil Service Structure

“Apart from a letter of “employment purportedly given them, they do not exist in the state civil dervice nominal pay roll

“Besides, they were never captured in the state’s Biometric Payment System and never received any salary since the purported “appointments” since October 2018.

“You can imagine 2,000 applicants who did not know the offices or jobs they were being employed for. An application form that did not indicate the position each applicant was vying for.

“So, this means they were arbitrarily assigned to jobs after an unprofessional “interview” process.

“The Local Government Service Commission and others saw through the scam and refused to issue phoney letters to purported “employees”

“Public notices and announcements of warning were issued to the public by the incoming administration then, that a government that had less than 45 days to leave office should not engage in a theatre of the absurd, but the affected job seekers ignored the caveat.

“The said application fee of N1,000 paid by each of then were paid to fraudsters and not into government account

“A genuine government recruitment application fee will be paid into TSA, and not private accounts

“A proper recruitment process will begin as soon as the Head of Service ascertains the available vacancies in the Public Service, in line with the directive of the governor

“All Ekiti indigenes, including those 2,000 persons whose illegal appointments were cancelled are qualified to apply,” he said.

The organised labour in the state, however, said they would intervene in the plight of the workers who are victims of the past government appointments.

The state Chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC), Joshua Kolapo and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Sola Adigun, said everything would be done to persuade goverment to back down

“We know ordinarily that what we are out to fight for, is not a right. It is just to persuade and beg, at least in the interest of innocent job serkers and their dependants

“We will let government know that the newly recruited staff are not in anyway at fault. We will also let them know that two wrongs do not not make a right, especially when you consider the high rate of unemployment in town and the desperation that accompanies such circumstances.

“Gov Fayemi is our father and we know he will take kindly to our pleas by kindly considering many factors, especially the dependants of the affected workers and let them be.

“Yes, the past government may have committed error which we all understand, but that is not to say the doors are automatically shut against us to beg him on their hehalf so that he can have a change of heart,” the leaders said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/i-did-not-sack-any-worker-gov-fayemi.html

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says there is no reason why any Nigerian should give bribe to law enforcement agents whether for obtaining drivers licenses, passports or to clear goods at the ports.

Osinbajo spoke on Tuesday in Abuja while declaring open the anti-corruption conference tagged “Collaborative Approach to Eradicating the Evils of Corruption in Nigeria.’’

The conference was organised by the Office of the Vice President and the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC).

Quoting PricewaterhouseCoopers, Osinbajo said Nigeria’s 2030 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) could be up to 534 billion dollars higher if it reduced corruption.

He said it did not matter how much revenue a country made or how transformative its plans were; corruption would ensure that the majority of the people did not benefit from it or simply truncate the plan.

According to him, in spite the highest oil revenues in Nigeria’s history, debt doubled and poverty figures rose as a result of corruption.

He said that the administration was not slightly deluded into thinking that it had won the battle against corruption as it was tackling grand corruption first.

“ By that we mean the stealing of huge public resources directly from the treasury; usually at the highest levels of executive authority; and the stealing of budgeted funds through various schemes.’’

He said that the enforcement of Treasury Single Account(TSA), the Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit, and even ensuring that most civil servants were on the IPPIS electronic platform had helped greatly to control official theft of public funds.

The vice president said that the judiciary also moved the needle in recent times.

“The Supreme Court in a lead judgment of Akaahs JSC, recently held that forfeiture under Section 17 of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act is a civil process which neither requires the criminal conviction of the property owner nor his innocence .

“This opens the door for forfeiture of assets that the purported owner cannot explain, whether or not an allegation of corruption is made.

“We are now poised to deal with the wider problem of systemic corruption; especially where the average person interacts with government.

“ Corruption in the issuance of contracts , licenses and other government approvals; there is no reason why any Nigerian should have to give bribe to law enforcement agents for obtaining drivers licenses or passports, or to clear goods at our ports .

“All the relevant government agencies have shown a serious commitment to eradicating these forms of corruption; our next level is to create the environment for collaboration between our agencies, civil society and other stake holders.’’

The vice president said that it was in recognition of the enormity of corruption that President Muhammadu Buhari set up PACAC in 2015.

Osinbajo said that PACAC deserved commendation not just for its sterling, innovative contributions to the fight against corruption, but for regularly setting the agenda for important conversations on the subject.

On his part, PACAC’s Chairman, Prof. Itse Sagay, said information and intelligence sharing among anti-corruption and security agencies was critical in the fight against corruption.

He said that the Sept. 11 attack in New York and the recent attack in Sri Lanka were all blamed of security agencies who failed to act on or share intelligence.

“On June 1, 2016, PACAC organised a roundtable on corruption information and intelligence sharing protocol.

He said that the justification for that roundtable was contained in the summary of the outcome of the roundtable.

Sagay said that it was observed that information at the disposal of various intelligence units in the country was not shared in a systematic and pragmatic manner to assist the fight against corruption and other related national security threats.

He said the gaps were identified as setback in the fight against corruption.

“Against the above background, PACAC developed a protocol on information and intelligence sharing for anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies and intelligence community.

“The recommendations of that roundtable were not only apt, but were imperative for the successful collaboration and information sharing among the anti-corruption and security agencies.

“Let us use the opportunity this morning to reaffirm the determination of the ant-corruption and security agencies to work together in the interest of Nigeria in order to clear the cobweb of corruption that has almost covered the face of Nigeria,” he said.

Heads of various anti-corruption agencies whose operations are affected by corruption attended the event.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/osinbajo-frowns-at-bribes-for-licenses.html

Candidates of the Unified Tertiary and Matriculation Examination(UTME) have decried technical challenges faced in accessing by telephone, the just released results.

And the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, which conducted the examination, admitted the problem, but said it was working in collaboration with telephone service providers to resolve the glitches.

JAMB on Saturday directed the candidates to use the same telephone numbers used in registering for the examination to access their results by sending ‘RESULT’ to the code, ‘55019’

Mrs Bridget Otuagha, a parent, expressed worries at the challenge her son was facing to get his result.

According to her, ever since the result was announced, her son had tried without success to check his result as directed by the board.

“I am sick with worry about this whole thing. My son has been trying to get his result since Saturday to no avail.

“He has been sending this ‘RESULT’ to the said code up until this morning, and there has been no response to that effect.

“This is getting not just him, but the entire family worried. JAMB should please see if there is another way to this situation,’’ Otuagha told NAN.

Mrs Florence Ibem, another concerned parent, also told NAN that her son was equally having the same issue, checking his score for the same examination.

“Since they released the result, we have not been able to access his score through the telephone number we used in acquiring the registration pin.

“After sending RESULT to the said code severally, we only waited to see that no response whatsoever will follow. This is disturbing and frustrating.

“Something should be done and urgently too. Even if it is withheld or cancelled, I think we deserve to know,’’Ibem said.

When contacted, Dr Fabian Benjamin, the board’s Head, Media and Information, apologised to the affected persons on behalf of the board.

According to him, the challenge is from the service providers.

Benjamin said that the board had received complaints concerning the development and summoned the service providers for a meeting on the issue.

“We have just had a meeting with the service providers and they have assured that they are working hard to get the issue addressed and that in no distant time, candidates should be able to access their results without hitch.

“We are just trying to ensure that all the candidates deserving of results should have firsthand information of their performance via their telephones.

“It is after that, that we will go ahead and post it to our website for candidates to go ahead and print.

“We are just trying to safeguard these results from the activities of fraudsters.

“We want candidates to know their scores first, so that on getting to print them out at the business centres, there would not be anything funny on their slips,’’ the JAMB spokesman explained.

Over 1.8 million candidates that registered for the examination, a total of 1,792,719 of them had their results released by the board.

A total of 49, 265 results were withheld for examination malpractice. Out of the number, 15, 145 results are undergoing further clarification as in the case of identical twins and siblings.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/utme-results-inaccessible-jamb-admits.html

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has returned N5 billion to the Federal Government coffers, after the conduct of its 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

JAMB’s head of media and information revealed this in the board’s weekly bulletin, tagged `JAMBULLETIN.

Benjamin on telephone explained that out of the N5 billion returned to the Federal government, N2 billion was given back to the board to enhance its operation.

“Technically, the board returned N5 billion to the Federal government but out of that amount, the board was handed N2 billion to further enhance its operation,” he said.

Last year, his first in running the board as the registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede remitted N7.8 billion to the treasury, as against the paltry N50million remitted by his predecessor from 2010-2016.

Public criticism following the huge surplus made the Federal Government order a reduction in examination fees from N5000 to N3,500.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/oloyedes-jamb-remits-n5b-to-federal.html

Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has ordered the newly inaugurated Emirs in the state to ensure that every child in their domains is sent to school.

The governor, who attended a modest reception organized by the new Emirs, also advised the traditional rulers to take records of strangers and new comers in their midst.

The Emirs, he advised, should also push their people to devote themselves to commercial agriculture as well as to ensure that their people took due advantages of health facilities.

At event which held at the Indoor arena of the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, Ganduje explained: “The challenges of development are too many, are too weighty to be left in the hands of a highly centralized traditional institution.”

Ganduje explained that the event was initiated by the four newly appointed traditional rulers to appreciate the government on their appointments.

He said that the creation of the emirates, was well rooted in a strong foundation and that the law was irreversible.

Adducing reasons for the creation of the emirates, he said that historically, Kano’s traditional rulers had been independent of one another.

He noted that the government took the factor into consideration.

Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero is the new emir of Bichi, one of the newly created emirates in Kano State.

The Sarkin or district heads of Karaye, Gaya and Rano, are the three other emirs appointed by the government following the enactment of Kano Emirs Appointment and Deposition Amendment Law 2019 by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

Alhaji Tafida Abubakar 11 becomes the emir of Karaye and Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulkadir Gaya, the emir of Gaya.

Dr Ibrahim Abubakar 11 is the emir of Rano.

All the emirates were excised from the Kano emirate under the kingship of Muhammadu Sanusi 11.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/send-every-child-to-school-ganduje.html

As kidnapping and other forms of armed banditry rage on in Kaduna communities, the Kaduna Hunters Association has come out to challenge the state government that the association has what it takes to bring the situation under control.

The hunters believe that the armed banditry going on in Kaduna communities has dragged for too long, arguing that the government must now involve them in the fight against the criminals.

The hunters who said they may not have the conventional means of fighting the kidnappers and other bandits, however, explained: “What we have the soldiers and the police don’t have it. Where they cannot enter, we can enter, we have antidote to kidnapping activities in Kaduna State.”

In recent times, kidnapping and banditry activities have made lives very miserable for the people of Kaduna State, reducing farming, social and economic activities to the lowest ebb.

From Brinin Gwari to Jere, Kajuru to Katere, it has been tales of woes and lamentation as the people watched helplessly as their loved ones are either kidnapped, killed or raped with reckless abandon.

To the people of these communities under siege by armed bandits, life has become meaningless as their farmlands have been converted to burial grounds with hundreds of them being killed on a daily basis.

The current security situation in Kaduna State is that of “everybody to himself and God for us all” as the situation seems to have defied every security arrangement put in place to bring the menace under control.

The recent onslaught by armed men along the Kaduna-Abuja highway has now forced travellers along this ever-busy road to abandon it for the train.

The situation is the same along the Birnin Gwari road, extending to Alawa community in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State with no end in sight.


The people in the entire communities, who are predominantly farmers, have fled from their ancestral homes and abandoned their farming business with food crisis looming.

While the police, soldiers and other security agents continue to search for a way to bring the situation under control, hunters in Kaduna State have challenged the state government to engage their services, saying that their members have the antidote to kidnapping and other forms of armed banditry in the state.

The hunters said what they need from the government was the green light to commence operations and the necessary encouragement to be able to carry out the task, and the people can be rest assured of sleeping with their two eyes closed.

The Secretary of the Kaduna State Hunters Association, Mallam Dahiru Kanga Kargi, in an exclusive interview with our correspondent who was in Kargi, Kubawo Local Government Area of the state believed that there will be no end to the security challenges facing the state unless the hunters are called in to compliment the efforts of other security agents.

Mallam Dahiru, 60, disclosed that his members, spread all over the northern states have successfully tamed robbery activities in a number of places across the region where the security agents had failed to make any head way.

“All we need is for the government to encourage and mobilize us and we will take the fight to the kidnappers’ den. Anywhere there was security challenges across the North, people used to call us for help, but the government has not yet known our importance,” Dahiru said.

He said that he has been into hunting business for 37 years, and revealed how he and his members foiled a number of robbery incidents not only within his Kargi community alone, but across communities in Kaduna State.

Hear him: “Recently I arrested a leader of armed robbers after they had killed three policemen who went after them. The police called me to come and assist them, and when I sent my men (hunters) to the place, they said they couldn’t see the gang leader, but that they only saw a little boy in the room.


“After five days my men went back again and still met the same little boy. This time around I asked them to bring the boy for me to see. When they brought the little boy, I took him to a room and looked at him very well, there I discovered that he was the gang leader that was always turning to a little boy each time they came for his arrest.

“Inside the room, he turned to adult and engaged me in a fight, but I over powered him, arrested him and handed him over to the police.”

Dahiru, a primary school teacher and victim of Governor El-Rufai’s mass sack in Kaduna State, regretted that the government was unaware of the hunters crime-fighting skills.

He stressed that the hunters were ready to join forces with the security agents, to bring the insecurity situation especially in Kaduna State under control.

Recalling that his past efforts were not recognized by either the government or the public, Dahiru said: “You keep sleeping in the bush in an effort to help the system, but nobody recognizes your efforts. You abandoned everything including your family to sleep in the bush and come back without anything to show for it.

“There was a time when we, hunters in Kaduna State spent six months in the bush around Birnin Gwari, Jere, Katere and other places battling armed bandits and we recorded huge success, but at the end of the day, there was nothing to show for it.”

He also recalled how the Kaduna State hunters and police community relations committee had several meetings with the Commissioner of Police where “we bared our minds on a number of challenges facing us, but unfortunately he himself is handicapped.

“We also had an enlarged security meeting at Manga Plaza in Kaduna where it was agreed that a security committee, comprising all stakeholders including the hunters and local vigilante should be constituted in view of the rising cases of kidnapping and armed banditry in the state, but at the end of the day nothing came out of it,” he said.

The hunters believe that the government must seek for collaboration and the assistance of all stakeholders, especially the local hunters and the vigilante if they want it wants kidnapping and armed banditry to stop in Kaduna State.


In addition to this, he urged the government to be ready to deal decisively with anybody found to be connected with kidnapping, no matter how highly placed the person is in the society.

His word: “The problem is that sometimes when you arrest these kidnappers, before you know it he would be released because someone had paid for his release. All these kidnappers and armed bandits have their backers who always give them protection in time of arrest. The people in these communities know those who are doing the kidnapping, but they are afraid to disclose their identity because when they (kidnappers) are arrested, before you know it they are set free again, that is why people don’t want to expose them.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/we-can-end-kidnapping-banditry-in.html

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has denied enjoying the support of some foreign countries during the last polls. The former vice president also faulted influential leaders in the country as well as some political parties for endorsing the outcome of the election. Atiku was often accused of enjoying the backing of some foreign interests during the 2019 presidential election. While Atiku’s trip to the United States (US) was celebrated by the PDP campaign, he was accused of working with foreign lobbyists during the polls. But spokesman of the Atiku Presidential Campaign Council, Segun Sowunmi, told Akelicious that contrary to claims, Atiku never enjoyed the support of foreign interests. When asked, Sowunmi said: “I will know or I ought to know. Atiku is not backed by any national power, there is no truth to that, Atiku is not conniving with anybody, he is not trying to undermine this country by any means, he is not even wishing for crisis in the country. Atiku is not interested in the shedding of the blood of any Nigerian for whatever reason let alone for his ambition, that is not Atiku.” Sowunmi, who also served as one of the spokespersons of the PDP presidential council, added that Atiku is more interested in institutional reforms that can give Nigerians the best opportunities to be whatever they want to be. He added that Atiku did not heed the advise of some elders in the country not to go to court because they were spent forces. He said, “Is Atiku himself a small boy? Who are those elders? How old are they that they should be advising somebody that is old enough to take a decision. “I think there are no elders advising anybody. What the elders ought to have done was to scream before the election that anything short of a free, fair and transparent election would not be accepted. “Having failed to insist that this country should be able to select its leaders in the most dignified manner and having gone on again to fail in their ability to call for probe and to say that this is not acceptable, they can no longer wear the toga of elders.“ He added that Atiku is not rocking any boat in the country as insinuated in some political circles. “Atiku wants peace in this country and he is for peace, if there is anything Atiku would do for Nigeria to have more peace, he will do it. The only thing is that a stolen mandate really means a stolen future and no stolen mandate should go unchallenged and it is not Atiku that is on trial, it is the future of the younger generation,” he said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/atiku-denies-foreign-backing-in-2019.html

A group of indigenous Gbagi people of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),Abuja, on Tuesday disrupted traffic on the Umar Musa Yar’dua Way to protest against the Federal Government.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the protesters blocked the highway for about an hour causing gridlock.

Some air travellers who were rushing to catch their flights at the airport were frustrated by the development.

Although, the protesters had opened the road before NAN arrived the spot but one of the protesters, Fred Ekeng, said that the protest was to drive home their demand for recognition as indigenous people.

Ekeng said the protest was to tell government that the people should be given their proper place in the territory.

According to him, the people are saying no to ceaseless taking over of their land.

“We came here to express our displeasure with the way the government and the military are ceasing our lands without compensation and treating us like second class citizens in our own land.

“We are saying that henceforth, the position of the Minister of FCT should be held by an indigene instead of an outsider.

“We also want the government to treat us with respect because they keep taking over our lands and pushing us into the interiors without proper compensation, “ he said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/abuja-airport-road-blocked-by-protesters.html

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, has said the apex bank is currently gathering data about, and investigating the accounts of individuals and corporate organisations involved in smuggling and dumping textile materials into Nigeria.
Emefiele warned that after the investigation, the names of the individuals and companies involved would be publicised, stressing that persons or organisations found culpable would be blacklisted and all the banks in Nigeria shall be barred from conducting any banking business with the companies, their owners and top management.

The CBN governor said this yesterday when he launched the commencement of the distribution of cotton seeds and other inputs to over 100,000 cotton farmers in Katsina State for the 2019 farming season, with the aim of reviving Nigeria’s cotton, textiles and garments sector and also increasing cotton production from 80,000 tonnes produced in 2018 to over 300,000 tonnes by 2020.


He said the investigation would also be extended to the 43 other items restricted from forex in Nigeria.
“Today, Nigeria currently spends about $4 billion annually on imported textiles and ready-made clothing. With a projected population of over 190 million Nigerians, the needs of the domestic market are huge and varied, with immense prospects for growth of the domestic textile industries.

“One quick example that highlights the potential of this local market, includes the need to support provision of uniforms and clothing apparels for students, military and paramilitary officers as well as workers in the industrial sector. In addition, when we consider the amount spent on outfits for religious and social events such as weddings, naming and funeral ceremonies on a weekly basis, the potential market size is well over $4 billion,” the CBN governor added.
Emefiele, who was supported at the ceremony by the Governors of Katsina State, Hon. Bello Masari, and Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, as well as the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, also reiterated that the forex restriction on finished textiles and other 43 items remained in force.

He said the CBN had identified insufficient cotton seeds as one of the major challenges facing cotton farmers, hence the apex bank sought to change the narrative on the cotton and textile industry in Nigeria through the distribution of high yielding cotton seeds to farmers.
According to him, the provision of seedlings to more than 100,000 farmers cultivating over 200,000 hectares of farmland, along with extensive training on proper farming techniques, will boost production of high grade cotton lint at much improved yields of up to four tonnes per hectare, from the current cultivation rates of less than one tonne per hectare.

He further disclosed that the choice of Katsina was based on the immense potential of the state as the leading cotton producing state in Nigeria. He also noted that CBN was committed to the revamp of the cotton and textiles industry, given its immense potential to Nigeria’s growth objectives as well as the apex bank’s efforts at creating jobs for a large number of Nigerians.

Recalling the glory days of the textile industries in Nigeria in the 1970’s and early 1980’s, Emefiele noted that Nigeria was home to Africa’s largest textile industry, with over 180 textile mills that employed over 450,000 people, representing about 25 per cent of the workforce in the manufacturing sector.
He also recounted that the industry was supported by the production of cotton by 600,000 local farmers across 30 of Nigeria’s 36 states, thousands of ginnery workers who processed the cotton from farmers, and a large number of distributors that sold the finished cloths to consumers.

He, however, expressed regrets that farmers and processors have had to deal with low quality seeds, rising operating cost and weak sales due to high energy cost of running factories, poor access to finance and smuggling of textile goods, which he estimated cost Nigeria over $2.2 billion annually. He lamented that only 25 textile factories were currently operating in Nigeria with a workforce of less than 20,000 people, stressing that a large proportion of clothing materials were now being imported from China and countries in Europe.

While acknowledging the support and leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, he said the bank had placed considerable emphasis on addressing impediments to the growth of Nigeria’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors, as both sectors represent over 52 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP.
“If we are able to drive productivity gains in these sectors, it will undoubtedly translate to higher growth rate for the broader economy, result in increased rural incomes, and improvements in living standards for a majority of Nigerians,” he noted.

On the restriction of foreign exchange to 43 items, Emefiele said the measures taken by the CBN were yielding the desired results and had helped in driving interest by potential investors who are seeking to make investments to support improved production of textiles in Nigeria.
“With a population of over 190 million people, Nigeria clearly stands out as a virgin market that must be tapped. If we are serious or determined in our drive to create jobs on a mass scale and reduce youth restiveness in Nigeria, the cotton, textiles and garments industry cannot be ignored,” Emefiele added.
He, therefore, urged all hands to be on deck to harness the potentials in the agricultural sector.

In his remarks, Masari said the federal government’s initiative to promote cotton production under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme of the CBN was a welcome development as such would support the textile industry in the country by encouraging local production.
Also speaking on behalf of other state governors in the North-west geo-political zone, Ganduje equally commended President Buhari for the administration’s effort in agricultural development. While lauding the CBN for its initiatives, Ganduje stressed the need for strong institutions to complement monetary and fiscal policies aimed at developing the Nigerian economy.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/cbn-to-blacklist-bank-accounts-linked.html

Brig.-Gen. Felix Omongue, Acting Director of Operations, Nigerian Army, has disclosed that Rivers would have burnt to ashes, if not for the military’s quick intervention during the 2019 General Elections.

Omongue made statement in Port Harcourt on Monday at the House of Representatives public hearing on political violence in Rivers.

The House Committee on Army, Police, Human Rights and Justice was in Rivers to investigate the murder of Dr. Ferry Ogberegbe, a lecturer at Saro Wiwa Polytechnic Boro.

The lecturer was alleged to have been shot by men of Federal Anti-robbery Squad (FSARS) during the elections.

He said the political landscape of Rivers was charged before and during the elections, hence the army played the necessary roles.

According to him, “the Nigerian Army was the sole hero of 2019 elections.

He, however, said the military arrested some criminals for alleged impersonation during the polls.

“The Political environment in Rivers was heated up.”

The General said it was only in Rivers that the public accused the army of killing, intimidation and arrest, while local and international communities commended it for positive role in the exercise.

According to the director of operations, the Odi massacre in Bayelsa, would have been repeated but that the army exercised restraint when its officer was killed.

An army officer was killed in Abonnema, in Asari Toru Local Government Area during the presidential polls.

“Only Rivers in Niger Delta zone is accusing the military of wrong doings.

The military has a rule of engagement (operation), ” he said.

Omogue said three soldiers were killed during the elections in Rivers.

Dr. Gogo Jack, Rivers Commissioner for Education, told the committee that 187 people were arrested by soldiers, including himself and detained in a military facility in Boro camp, Port Harcourt.

The education commissioner said his house was ransacked while N1.5 million he left on a dinner table was stolen.

According to him, his house was surrounded with several trucks and Amoured Personnel Carriers (APC).

Mr Ibim Dokubo, a counsel to Asari Toru Local Government Area, said 43 persons died; 24 “identifiable persons were wounded, while 14 were brutalised and arrested.

Nine persons, including the military personnel testified at the public hearing while the committee adjourned to May 8, for continuation.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/2019-polls-how-we-saved-rivers-from.html

A metallurgist, Dr Toyin Jegede, has urged the Federal Government to take urgent actions against past wrong business proposals to turn around Ajaokuta Steel Company for Nigeria’s rapid industrialisation.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that President Muhammadu Buhari, recently withheld assent to the Ajaokuta Steel Company Bill.

Jegede told NNN in Lagos on Monday that the steel company had the potential to create millions of jobs to tackle the socioeconomic crisis in the nation because of the viability of the iron and steel industry globally.

She explained that President Buhari refused assent to the bill because of the current economic crisis but called for political will on the part of government to resolve issues of corruption in previous trade agreements that had kept the firm under developed.

She appealed to the government to create policies that would favour the regeneration of the industry as well as an enabling environment to create confidence for the private sector to inject funds into the project again.

“Apart from injecting funds into the project, we also need experts, it is not as if Nigerian experts cannot do the project but we need those who are actively involved in the industry, a lot of the staff of the Ajaokuta Steel Company have not worked for a long time so they might not be in tune with what is globally trending in that sector.

“So we need people to inject funds and invest into the project; government should review our policies to enable the industry and then Public Private Partnership to get the project going,” she said.

She said that previous government efforts to revive the industry had been ridden in various controversies and political interference which the Buhari administration must address.

“Enabling environment for PPP should not be treated like a normal national project, we have to back this Ajaokuta issue with right policies, framework and legalities in place to make it difficult for politicians to manipulate things,” she said.

She added that political interference would be minimal with the right transparent policies on ground, so that Nigeria could take its pride of place in comity of nations, through harnessing opportunities in its huge steel sector.

“We need the political will to create these policies that will favor that industry, the industry needs to be strictly regulated,” she told NNN.

Jegede, a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, explained that the steel industry was a huge revenue platform, adding that consequences of not properly harnessing it were numerous.

“The implications of not assenting to this bill are very numerous; first and foremost, we are denying ourselves the opportunity of tapping into the enormous market of the steel industry.

“Secondly, if that project had been successful, it would have created employment capacity for the country because it is a large project and it is such a shame that the government lacks the will power to salvage it.

“It would have created direct and indirect job opportunities, also it would have aided our manufacturing sector and to kick start the industrialisation goals of the country.

“The government did not think of it well, that project is something that should have been pursued to conclusion,” she said.

She also appealed to the federal government to work with technocrats and metallurgical engineers to fashion out ways for development of the iron and steel industry.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/expert-tasks-fg-to-turn-around-ajeokuta.html

The Federal High Court in Abuja has refused to stop President Muhammadu Buhari from swearing-in acting Chief of Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Tanko Muhammed as substantive CJN.

The court rejected an ex-parte application for an order stopping the president swearing-in Justice Muhammad as CJN.

Muhammad has been acting as the CJN since January when Buhari suspended the former CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen.

With Onnoghen’s resignation and subsequent conviction by the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Muhammad is believed to be set to assume the office of the CJN in a substantive capacity.

The main suit filed by Malcom Omirhobo Foundation, a group being promoted and represented in court by a lawyer, Mr. Malcom Omirhobo, is challenging Muhammad’s fitness to hold the office of the CJN.

Justice Inyang Ekwo rejected the group’s ex-parte application requesting an order stopping Buhari from swearing-in the acting CJN in an acting capacity, in a ruling on Friday.

The enrolled order of the court was only sighted by The PUNCH on Monday.

Rather than grant the prayers contained in the ex parte application, the judge, in his ruling, directed the applicant to put all the seven defendants on notice.

Ex parte applications are characteristically conducted in the absence of the adverse parties.

But Justice Ekwo ruled that the prayers sought by the applicant in its ex parte application could not be granted in the defendants’ absence.

After hearing the plaintiff’s lawyer, Justice Ekwo ruled, “It is hereby ordered as follows: That none of the prayers made on this motion ex parte can be granted in the absence of the defendants. The plaintiff is hereby ordered to put the defendants on notice. The defendants are hereby granted seven days upon being served to appear and show cause why the application of the plaintiff ought not to be granted. Case adjourned till May 13, 2019 for the defendants to show cause.”

The 1st to the 7th defendants who are to show cause why Muhammad should not be sworn in as the CJN are, the National Judicial Council, the Federal Judicial Service Commission, the Acting CJN, Justice Tanko Muhammad; the Federal Government of Nigeria, President Buhari, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the National Assembly.

The plaintiff had in its substantive suit filed in April, alleged that Justice Muhammad made himself available as a tool that was used in the violation of the Constitution, especially with regards to the “illegal” removal of Justice Walter Onnoghen as the CJN.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/we-cant-stop-buhari-from-swearing-in.html

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) says it transferred N153.01 billion into the federation account in January.

The corporation disclosed this in its Financial and Operations Report for the month of January released in Abuja on Sunday.

“Within the period under focus, NNPC transferred N153.01 billion into the Federation Account.

“Cumulatively, from January 2018 to January 2019, Federation and JV received N905.45 billion and N658.66 billion respectively, under the column of Naira Payments to the Federation Accounts,’’ NNPC said in the report.

The corporation also said that it made a trade surplus of N15.04 billion for January 2019, an increase of 24 per cent over the N12.13 billion surplus posted by the corporation in December 2019.

It attributed the positive financial position to the improved performance of NNPC’s upstream subsidiary, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) which recorded surplus numbers in spite reduced operational activities in the month.

The report submitted that NPDC’s sustained revenue drive, evident from recent average weekly production of 332,000 barrels of Crude oil per day.

The report noted that this has made achieving 500,000bpd production by 2020 plausible.

According to the report, the NPDC’s position contrasts with the high expenditure levels posted by two other entities of NNPC, the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC) and Duke Oil, although both ended the month with profit.

In terms of sales and remittance of crude oil and gas proceeds, the corporation recorded a total export receipts of 381.70 million dollars in the month under review as against 345.68 million dollars posted in December 2018.

A breakdown of the numbers indicated that contributions from crude oil amounted to 269.43 million dollars, while gas and miscellaneous receipts stood at 111.75 and 0.52 million dollars.

On petrol supply, 1,998.61 million litres of petrol was supplied into the country through the Direct-Sale-Direct-Purchase (DSDP) crude-for-product arrangement in the month under review..

The number was slightly higher than the 1,789.20million litres of petrol supplied in the month of December 2018.

On pipeline vandalism, the corporation recorded 230 hacked pipeline points, leaving only two ruptured.

This marks 11 per cent improvement from the 264 vandalised points posted in December 2018.

A breakdown indicated that Mosimi-Ibadan, Ibadan-Ilorin and Aba-Enugu pipelines accounted for 67, 62 and 30 points which translated to 29 per cent, 27 per cent and 13 per cent of the vandalised points.

“The Warri-River Niger axis accounted for 10 per cent and other locations accounted for the remaining 21 per cent of the pipeline breaks,’’ the report stated.

On the gas sector, natural gas production increased by 2.22 per cent at 245.83billion cubic feet compared to output in December 2018, translating to an average production of 8,194.34 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscfd).

According to the report, out of the volume supplied in January 2019, a total of 151.50bcf of gas was commercialised, consisting of 38.03BCF and 113.47 BCF for the domestic and export market.

The figure translates to a total supply of 1,226.83 mmscfd of gas to the domestic market and 3,780.24 mmscfd of gas supplied to the export market for the month.

This implies that 61.73 per cent of the average daily gas produced was commercialised, while the balance of 38.27 per cent was re-injected, used as upstream fuel gas or flared.

The report disclosed that gas flare rate was 7.52 per cent for the month under review; translating to 610.07mmscfd compared with average gas flare rate of 9.76 per cent, that is 770.31 mmscfd for the period January 2018 to January 2019.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/nnpc-pays-n15301bn-into-federation.html

Pay television channel, Multichoice Nigeria, says season 4 of its reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, which kicks off in June, will be filmed in Nigeria.

Announcing the return of the reality TV show on Sunday, Multichoice said the 2019 edition was themed – “Forget Wahala”.

It said that Ebuka Obi-Uchendu would return as the show host for the third time, adding that the reality TV show was scheduled to be filmed in some other countries as well.

Multichoice Nigeria had earlier teased the audience with a possible theme for the fourth edition, ‘Forget Wahala.’ on Friday May 2.

The first edition was tagged Big Brother Nigeria, while second edition had the theme, ‘See Gobe,’ then the third edition was tagged ‘Double Wahala.’.

Auditions for the fourth season held in February, while online auditions held in March with the audience voting for one housemate to join the members of the house.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/big-brother-naija-season-4-kicks-off.html

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Anambra Command has urged motorists to ensure their vehicles are properly registered and uploaded to the National Vehicle Identification System (NVIS) platform and desist from patronising touts.

Mr Andrew Kumapayi, the Sector Commander of FRSC in Anambra made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Awka.

“FRSC has the database of all registered vehicles uploaded in the NVIS platform.

“People should ensure that their vehicle registration are done genuinely at the Board of Inland Revenue office and should not patronise those dealing with fake numbers,” he warned.

He said that the FRSC recovered a Toyota Rav. 4 Jeep suspected to have been stolen from the original owner in 2015, which was subsequently registered by touts.

The sector commander said that Mrs Veronica Okeke had gone to Nnewi Licensing Office to effect the change of the registration number of the car from SSM 23 AA to an Anambra number plate which she bought from Mrs Kate Ucheagu.

Kumapayi said discrepancy was spotted in the original chassis of the vehicle which was JTEHH20VX26025177 but was captured as TTEHH20VX26025177 in the document presented.

He said it was detected during verification of the number plate that the vehicle had been registered to another person.

He said when verification was done on the original chassis number, information available showed the vehicle belonged to Mr Chukwuemeka Seth who was resident in Port Harcourt with a Lagos number plate LND 79 DB.

The Sector Commander said when Seth was contacted he confirmed that the car belonged to him but was stolen with the original documents in April 2015 at Choba, Port Harcourt

Kumapayi said the men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad arrested Okeke, the new buyer of the vehicle.

The sector commander said the case had been transferred to Choba Police Station where the matter was earlier reported.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/frsc-tasks-motorists-on-proper-vehicle.html

After several days of silence, the Nigerian Army has finally spoken on the attack on its base at Mararaba Kimba in Sabon Gari along Biu, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State in Northeast, Nigeria.

A statement from Ado Isa, Colonel and Deputy Director, Public Relations, Theatre Command, Operation
Lafiya Dole said the recent strategy adopted by the untiring and dogged troops of Operation Lafiya Dole in conducting robust and aggressive fighting patrols coupled with simultaneous clearance operations within the North East has been highly effective.

“These actions were aimed to complement the efforts of Operation Yancin Tafki by the Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) currently ongoing along the borders of the lake chad region.

“Recently, it has been observed that the few elements of the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) earlier bombarded and chased out of their enclaves were left with depleted number of fighters and supplies. They are presently feeling the colossal storm of the joint operations and are now looking for ways to sneak into town for food supplies, logistics and most importantly weapons.

“In their desperate and fruitless efforts, they resolved in springing surprise attacks on soft targets, smaller units, including civilian settlement with market advantage within the Theatre. It is in this regard, troops of 254 Task Force Battalion at Forward Operation Base (FOB) Kimba while on clearance operation along Sabon Gari in 25 Task Force Brigade Area of Operations – Damboa, came in contact with the terrorists on 27 April, 2019.


“During the encounter, troops were reinforced and gave the terrorists a lethal fight with only minor casualty on own troops and few damaged equipment. Dozens of the BHTs were decimated and several others escaped with severe gunshot wounds. Normalcy has since returned to the general area while troops dominated all likely escape routes of the terrorists.

“We, therefore, call on the general public to disregard the unsubstantiated story circulating in some media outfits and other social media platforms with fake casualty report of own troops and equipment on the encounter with BHTs along Kimba – Sabon Gari – Damboa axis on 27 April, 2019.

“The fake report trending is the handiwork of sympathizers of the BHTs. We also call on the general public to support the fight against insurgency and terrorism by providing credible and timely information to security agencies for swift action,” the statement said.

However, local hunters and residents of the area who were returning to their homes after the devastating attack of the area said it was one of the worst attack on military base in that area.

A local hunter who did not want his name in print in Biu, spoke to our correspondent. He said, “We mobilised to pursue the insurgents but the military has denied our involvement. It was after the attack that we realized they did not want us to see the scene because we were told the insurgents took some weapons and equipment after some soldiers fled the base.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/boko-haram-army-finally-reacts-to.html

The Nigerian Army on Saturday alleged that some unpatriotic individuals, groups and foreign interests were working against the security situation in the country in particular and West African Sub-region in general.

It said they were making concerted efforts to further induce ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists and bandits with funds and other logistic support.

Colonel Sagir Musa, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, in a statement said their body language and unguarded utterances seem to be in tandem with the above and imply tacit support for the criminals.

He noted: “For example, credible source has shown that some individuals are hobnobbing with Boko Haram terrorists, while others are deliberately churning falsehood against the security agencies with a view to set the military against the people and the government.

“They are also demoralising troops and security agencies through false accusations and fake news. Therefore, it has become necessary to inform the public and warn such persons and groups to desist as the consequences of their actions would be calamitous to themselves and our great country.


“Some of these mischievous elements thought that we would not have a safe and successful general elections but were proved wrong, hence they want to derail the scheduled handing over later this month and to scuttle the democratic process in the country.

“We also noted that foreign interests are also working assiduously to cause disaffection and divide the coalition Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to give room for the so-called Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP) and its defeated local franchise, Boko Haram terrorists group to resurrect.

“While we have confidence on the Federal Government of Nigeria’s efforts at sustaining and reinvigorating the MNJTF to continue it’s good work, we would not relent in clearing the visages and remnants of Boko Haram terrorists and their sympathisers.

“The Nigerian Army is a stakeholder in our national security and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. Additionally, we are making this statement because the military, particularly the Nigerian Army, has always been called upon to intervene in conflict situations in order to resolve crises in most cases when they get worse, while the public expect miracles.

“We would like to reiterate our unalloyed loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we are determined more than ever before, to continue to uphold the constitution and defend the territorial integrity of this nation from both external and internal aggression.

“Nigeria is a sovereign country with clearly established judicial system, therefore all aggrieved persons and groups should take advantage of that and resolve differences amicably.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/boko-haram-army-reveals-those-working.html

President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to receive the President of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly (PGA), Ms. Maria Espinosa, who is paying a one-day official visit to Nigeria on Monday.

Espinosa’s spokesperson, Ms. Monica Gravley, announced this at a media briefing at the UN headquarters in New York yesterday.According to her, the PGA’s visit to Nigeria is part of her eight-day official trip to Central and West Africa, which began yesterday.

Gravley did not disclose the agenda of the PGA’s meeting with the President when asked by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), but promised to keep reporters updated on proceedings at the meeting.She said cabinet members would join Buhari in receiving the PGA, who would later meet with students of the University of Abuja.

She disclosed that Espinosa is expected to speak on the role of multilateralism and how to respond to global challenges in a fast-changing world and also meet UN officials in the country and take part in a discussion with women on their role in promoting multilateralism.The tour would also take the PGA to Chad and Ghana, where she would meet with the presidents and top officials of both countries.“While in Africa, she will grant interviews to national and international media outlets and hold press conferences,” Gravley added.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/buhari-to-receive-un-general-assembly.html

Mr Femi Fani-Kayode, ex-minister of state for defence and critic of ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), agreed praising President Muhammadu Buhari but has denied dumping opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He said that the reports that he had joined APC are false.

In tweet on Friday, he said the reports are “vile mendacities and perfidious falsehood’’.

He said that it was true that he commended President Muhammadu Buhari for getting Zainab Aliyu out of Saudi Arabia prison.

The commendation, he said was not tantamount to joining the president’s political party.

“Reports that I said I am “proud of Buhari” and that I have “dumped PDP” and “joined APC” are false. Those that are peddling such vile mendacities and perfidious falsehood are insane. I commended Buhari for getting the young lady in Saudi Arabia out of prison but it stops there,’’ he said in his tweet.

Reno Omokri, another critic of Buhari also praised the president for securing the release of Zainab Aliyu.

The former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and an ardent critic of President Muhammed Buhari, in a tweet on Tuesday, said: “I celebrate the @MBuhari government for securing Zainab Aliyu’s release in record breaking time.

“President Buhari is to be commended.

“Now, I urge the President to apply the same sense of urgency that he showed for Zainab towards Leah Sharibu and make #FreeLeahSharibu a reality.’’

Saudi Arabian authorities released Zainab Aliyu, a student of Maitama Sule University, Kano, who was arrested for alleged drug trafficking.

Also released was Ibrahim Abubakar.

Zainab was arrested since Dec. 25, 2018.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said the government has been able to establish the innocence of Zainab and the second Nigerian involved in the case, Ibrahim Abubakar.

Both accused, he said, would be released tomorrow to the Nigerian Mission in Saudi Arabia.

There had been several calls for their release with President Muhammadu Buhari directing the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, to swiftly intervene and secure her immediate release.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Diaspora Affairs Abike Dabiri-Erewa had assured Nigerians that they were making good progress and she will be back, along with 2 others in the same situation.

Zainab was arrested after a banned drug, Tramadol, was found in her bag, but claimed it was planted in her luggage by unknown persons.

The student had reportedly travelled from Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in company with her mother, Mrs. Maryam Aliyu, and sister, Hajara Aliyu.

Zainab, who was accused of entering Saudi Arabia with an illegal dosage of Tramadol.

Reports indicate the she was a victim of a cartel that specialised in keeping hard drugs in travellers’ bags, some of whom were already in the custody of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

In Kano on Tuesday, some students of Yusuf Maitama Sule University, her school, protested against her arrest and detention.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/fani-kayode-praises-buhari-denies.html

On Wednesday,Maverick entertainer and activist, Charles Oputa, a.k.a ‘Charlyboy’, returned to the music stage to thrill fans at the 2019 edition of popular comedy show ‘Nite of a Thousand Laughs’ in Abuja.

The singer/songwriter and former president of Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), alongside his dancers, held audience to electrifying performances at the Transcorp Hilton.

The show, put together by Yankee Entertainment was a night of humour and glamour as both upcoming and established artistes took turns to entertain the crowd before the ‘Areafada’ came on stage.

The 68-year-old showbiz maestro who released his debut highlife album over three decades ago performed his latest recorded advocacy songs, ‘Na we be Government’, ‘Our Mumudondo’, among others.

Lyrics of the songs were largely motivational, urging citizens to be patriotic and to hold leaders accountable in order to collectively build a virile nation.

Speaking with journalists on his return as a performing artist, CharlyBoy said that he decided to use music as a tool to inspire ordinary Nigerians, especially youths, to realise that power truly belong to them.

The “Nwata Miss” crooner explained that he was leading an advocacy and enlightenment campaign on the “Social Contract” to Nigerians across all backgrounds.
“Music has been my age-long passion, and this time I am using it to awake the consciousness of all Nigerians, no matter where they are, towards building the country they desire.
“A lot of Nigerians do not believe they have a say in the affairs of their country, and this makes them to be docile.
“The Social Contract Initiative is designed as a contract between the citizen and the elected officials to collectively build a nation of our dreams.
“It is a contract between the people and the government at all levels, that citizens, will vote, pay taxes and be patriotic.
“However, citizens also require that government provide basic amenities, protect human rights and guarantee the security of lives and property.
“Citizens will do their part and political leaders should also fulfill their obligations as promised in their manifesto, and as required by the constitution,” Charlyboy said.
Also speaking to journalists on the initiative Dr Udy Okon, Executive Director of Youth Alive Foundation, commended CharlyBoy and his ‘Ourmumudondo’ team for “championing the course for national rebirth.”
“CharlyBoy has passion for a better country, and that is taking him across the country with the message of building a better Nigeria through good leadership,” she said

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/photos-charlyboy-lights-up-abuja-as-he.html