₦airaland Forum

Ahead of the 2023 presidential election, the factional National Publicity Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alpha Mohammed, has disclosed that the party would welcome an alliance with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

POLITICS NIGERIA reports that Mohammed said the SDP had done its assessment and discovered that the presidential flag-bearer of the ruling party is the best.

“Soon, our party is considering an alliance with Tinubu because we have found him to be the most successful candidate,” Mohammed told Punch.

“Look at all the revelations he did in the Chatham House meeting; he built a modern state that is capable of standing as a country of its own.

“Nobody has contradicted that. We all know what he had done in Lagos.

“We need a man with an idea that can transform a nation, using economic resources – generating resources. Revenue generating strategy, nobody is better in terms of generating resources than Tinubu.

“We have made an assessment and we found out that the best is him.”

The piece, The Obsessive Security Chap Called Yusuf Bichi, by Adebowale Yemi, which appeared in Thisday Newspaper edition of Saturday, 7th January, 2023 is by all indication a hatchet man’s job. This is more so that it came from Adebowale Yemi, the Saturday Editor who writes without logic and reason. He is a hatchet man. Aspects of his constituency have been in defence of the new paymaster in town, Chief Emefiele, the CBN Governor and former Presidential aspirant of no political party.

The connection between Emefiele and Adebowale’s enclave is not in doubt. He is one writer without focus. As loose cannon, he writes recklessly. He throws darts. He writes before he thinks. One wonders why a journalist of his standing (doubtful) would choose to write emotionally without facts. His previous writings on varied subject matters betray his exposure and composure as a lettered and trained penman. He simply casts aspersions on persons and tries to demean personalities he never came across.

His tirade on Bichi, the internationally acclaimed Director-General of the DSS is unnecessary. Bichi is known for his calmness. He is a thorough bread intelligence officer who Adebowale has tried to present as a non-achiever. No.

By the way, what does Adebowale know about intelligence and its management. I do not speak for the DSS. I will be surprised if the agency considers a response to the empty writing of Adebowale. A response to him will make him assume what and who he is not. But it is important that those who know Bichi and the discreet method of operation of the DSS put words across to the reading public lest it is believed that Adebowale is right.

On Emefiele, the DSS has not muttered a word. It is only the CBN Governor that is running helter skelter; pillar to post; mobilising all sorts of persons, groups and organisations to attack Bichi and his organisation, the DSS. Emefiele is a Nigerian. Assuming he was invited by the DSS, shouldn’t he go to answer? No one is above the law. That’s what the rule of law entails. In this same country, we saw former NSAs, Military Chiefs investigated and/or prosecuted. Sponsored groups and people will exhaust.

The time is nigh. DSS has maintained a studied silence without joining issues with Emefiele or his hired crowd. It is becoming apparent who the sponsors of the virulent attacks on Bichi are. Adebowale is doing the bidding of his pay master so he can earn his pittance. Rather than castigate Bichi, why not Adebowale and his cohorts encourage Emefiele to return to the country and not go into hiding in Jamaica and US. It is said that a clear conscience fears no accusation. Emefiele is doing all the reactions and defences. CSOs are holding press conferences for him. Clerics are defending him. Itinerant tribal associations and leaders are on his side. Good. Why don’t they advise him to come home and not abandon his seat.

Neither the DSS nor Bichi has come out to confirm they are looking for Emefiele or even declared him wanted. Yet, there are court actions initiated by Emefiele group(s). The court has issued a restraining order on the DSS from arresting Emefiele. Why doesn’t he return home to continue with his work? This is what is important now. Not to abuse or call Bichi names. I am certain the Bichi I know will not utter a word of reply unless he is not the taciturn intelligence czar we all imagine him to be.
For Adebowale, Bichi is a good for nothing person and has not achieved anything. To him and his ilk, Bichi should face criminal prosecution or get sacked as DGSS. Wonderful! What a recommendation?

Adebowale actually showed his heightened ignorance when he stupidly argued that Bichi “dabbles into areas he has no business with”. He mentioned that DSS intervention in what would have been the mother of all fuel scarcities in Nigeria prior to the yuletide if the Service did not intervene, was a waste of time. Adebowale did not think the intervention was necessary. He did not ascertain from NNPC, NARTO, NUPENG, PTD, DAPPMAN, MOMAN and the regulatory authorities if that was timely and result oriented. It is also obvious that Adebowale does not understand the role of DSS as an intelligence agency, policy adviser, security organisation and a law enforcement outfit.

That the agency is mandated to investigate economic sabotage of national security dimension is not in doubt. Only an Adebowale that did not see reason the impending sabotage was nipped. He preferred that the country went in flames as a result of the public agitations that would have followed the scarcity. The intervention did not matter to Adebowale. But it mattered to millions of ordinary Nigerians - home and abroad, who expressed their love for the agency under Bichi for the expeditious intervention.
It is needless educating Adebowale on the workings of intelligence services. A research will help him. On Sowore, Dasuki and El-Zakzaky, Adebowale should hold his jaundiced views. It is still part of his entitlement as an educated illiterate. Does Adebowale still remember that El-Zakkaky and wife in 2019 demanded while in India, to be returned to DSS custody because they preferred it to that of India. Bichi was the DG and still remains same.

Adebowale is using his pen wrongly. He is using it to misinform his audience. He is using it to espouse hate. Call him to defend his write up before the DSS and he will cry foul and run to everywhere. He cannot defend a line of his piece. He is only pushing an agenda as dictated to him by his controllers.

To say that Bichi’s “disdain for the rule of law is legendary” is a careless statement. It is idiotic if not abusive. If Bichi, “has no business staying a day longer in office”, the President and Commander- in – chief would not have reappointed him to a second term in office. He was considered for the honour of reappointment due to his excellent services. On all fronts relating to the execution of DSS mandate, Bichi has scored all time high.

Just recently, operatives under his command arrested those behind the bomb explosion in Kogi. This is just one out of many. Ask stakeholders about Bichi’s feats, analytical precision, preemptive disposition, team spirit and unparalleled achievements, he is an alpha man. He is not given to the type of noise that Adebowale’s circle make.

Adebowale and his Emefiele gang can never equal the accomplishments of Bichi. Bichi has won laurels including awards in human rights, corporate and human resource management, interagency relations, humanitarian services among many others from within and outside Nigeria. He is a champion of repute that cannot be diminished by a thousand Adebowales. In the DSS, news abound of how his staff love him because of his affectionate and fatherly mien. Adebowale, you are wrong with Bichi. Look for another target.

The five aggrieved governors of the People’s Democratic Party also known as G5 have arrived at the ancient Mapo hall in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to flag off the re-election campaign of one of their members, Seyi Makinde.

Other members of the G5 led by Nyesom Wike of Rivers State are Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu; Benue State, Samuel Ortom and Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

The G5 arrived at the venue of the campaign flag-off at exactly 1 pm.

Some civil society organisations (CSOs) have warned the National Assembly against taking any form of financial inducement to scuttle an ongoing probe into the activities of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

POLITICS NIGERIA recalls that Emefiele has been facing heavy backlash over recent monetary policies including Cash withdrawal limits put in place by the Apex Bank. The CBN had directed all banks and other financial institutions to ensure that over-the-counter cash withdrawals by individuals and corporate entities do not exceed N100, 000 and N500,000, respectively, per week.

The development was met with severe criticisms from several quarters which ultimately spurred the National Assembly, early December, to summon Emefiele to explain the reasons for the new restrictions on cash withdrawals. He has since failed to appear stating that he was ‘ill’ and attending to his health issues abroad.

However, in a joint statement on Saturday, the Improve Nigeria Project (INP) and the Anti-Corruption Stakeholders of Nigeria(ACSN) revealed that they have uncovered a plot to scuttle all efforts to investigate Emefiele. The CSOs alleged that a N4 billion bribe has been disbursed to lawmakers to shut down the ongoing probe.

[b]“We have on good authority discovered that certain allies of the CBN Governor have been meeting lawmakers to explore possible ways to shut down the ongoing investigation.”

“We also have on good authority that N4 billion has been earmarked and disbursed to effect this sinister plan.”b]

“We call on the Presidency, EFCC and other relevant security agencies to investigate and possibly prosecute any lawmaker involved in this”, the statement read in part.

BUA Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu has again come to the aid of Nigerian educational system with a 5.5Billion NAIRA grant for infrastructural development to 22 Universities and other tertiary institutions. The grant is coming under the ASR Tertiary Education Grants Scheme.

The new recipients will bring to 30 the number of Nigerian higher institutions that have benefited from the scheme. Before the new set, eight Universities in Nigeria had benefited from the Scheme, receiving billions of Naira in grants with some of their targeted projects nearing completion.

Speaking on the grants, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman ASR Africa and BUA Group revealed that, ‘At ASR AFRICA, we believe in Africa’s capacity to leapfrog the development divide through the SDGs. Good quality investments in education is one of the ways through which we can achieve that. This is why education remains one of the three focal areas of ASR Africa’s intervention in Nigeria, and Africa, and our investments in infrastructure for tertiary institutions are showing good promise’.

The Managing Director of ASR Africa, Ubon Udoh, while speaking on the selected institutions revealed that the 22 picked for 5.5billion NAIRA grant were chosen across Nigeria based on certain criteria. He also promised that ‘the next phase under our grants framework would be project selection and development of mutual accountability framework with respective Universities and this phase is expected to commence in coming weeks.’

The beneficiary institutions, which were picked from both private and public-owned institutions include Bayero University, Kano, Adamawa State University, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Nigerian Law School, Lagos, University of Uyo, University of Lagos, University of Jos, Federal College of Education, Technology, Gusau, Federal University, LOKOJA, Nasarawa State University, University of Port Harcourt, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Uthman Dan Fodio University, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Crescent University, Babcock University, Al Qalam University, Baze University, Nigerian Defence Academy, Federal University, Gashua, and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru.

ASR Africa has been at the vanguard of supporting educational, health and social development sectors in the continent since its inception. It is the brainchild of Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group of companies, Nigeria’s foremost billionaire industrialist.

African Industrialist, philanthropist, and founder of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has received the Nigerian Army Recognition Award for his support to the Nigerian Army through the BUA Foundation and his personal philanthropy, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa).

The award was presented by Nigeria's President, H.E. President Muhammad Buhari accompanied by the Chief of Army Staff Lt. General Faruk Yahaya at the 2022 Nigerian Army Chief of Army Staff Conference in Sokoto state.

Speaking, Abdul Samad Rabiu said: "Personally, I am very honoured to have received this recognition award today. I thank the Nigerian Army for this recognition; it is a call to do more. Our security agencies are doing so much and have sacrificed a lot to keep us safe. We must acknowledge visible progress and support where we can as individuals and private sector". He further enjoined others in the private sector to join hands in supporting visible government effort in the security and social development space.

In his remark, the COAS, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya reeled out the numerous achievements of the Nigerian Army and thanked eminent Nigerians, other security agencies and government for supporting the Nigerian Army in its quest to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty against external aggression whilst also giving aid to civil authorities in mitigating internal security challenges in the country.
According to the Nigerian Army, Abdul Samad Rabiu’s contributions include a 2billion Naira donation to the Army, plans to refurbish and equip science laboratories as well as libraries in 6 command secondary schools across the various regions in Nigeria, infrastructure development and refurbishment of barracks, provision of kits, equipment amongst others.

In related news, Abdul Samad Rabiu was named the CEO of the Year (2022) whilst BUA Group/ASR Africa bagged three awards namely, ‘Best Company in Social Impact and Human Capital Advancement in Africa’, ‘Impact Investor of the Year’, and ‘Best Company in Infrastructure Development’ at the 16th Annual Africa CSR Awards (SERAS) for driving impactful change and sustainable development through various ASR Africa and BUA Foundation projects in the year under review.

Two years after it was slammed with a $9m claim for breaching contract by a US Court, Greenville LNG company is on the brink of another lawsuit in its supply dealings with Nigerian-based manufacturing giant, BUA Group.

Owned by Eddy Van Den Broeke, a Belgian cement magnate, Greenville is the pioneer Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) production and distribution company in Nigeria with three liquefaction trains and a total capacity to produce 2250 MT of LNG per day.

The company, which was incorporated in 2013, prides itself for producing and marketing Liquefied Natural Gas to customers across Nigeria since April 2019.

It should be noted that the company is a Nigerian subsidiary of the International Engineering & Construction (IEC), a Luxembourg-based construction company.

However, in 2018, there are reports of how Broeke was struggling to get his LNG project off the ground in Nigeria and also facing a $9m claim from his subcontractor, Baker Hughes.

How it started

In 2014, IEC through Greenville LNG entered into an agreement with Baker Hughes Energy Services LLC, formerly known as GE Oil & Gas (GEOG), for the purchase and installation of two small-scale liquified natural gas plants in Rumuji, Rivers State, Nigeria.

According to the documents obtained by POLITICS NIGERIA, GEOG agreed to supply IEC with two small-scale liquified natural gas production plants — the first by June 24, 2015, and the second by September 24, 2015— for use at the Rumuji Site.

In exchange, IEC agreed to pay GEOG $95 million. Both parties also agreed on a payment schedule, which would require IEC to pay various percentages of the $95 million at specific milestones.

It was stated that the agreement would be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of New York.

Unfortunately, GEOG failed to deliver the gas plants by their contractual delivery deadlines and this stalled installation, commissioning, and start-up of the Plants.

Arbitration

On July 31, 2018, IEC filed a Notice of Demand for and Commencement of Arbitration under the Contracts on behalf of itself and Greenville. IEC initially sought approximately $75 million in damages but its demand increased to $700 million by the end of the arbitration.

The $700m claims included the liquidated damages for delayed delivery and damages associated with the delayed entry into operation of the gas plants.

But GEOG also filed counterclaims against IEC for breach of the contracts, asking for damages up to $40.1 million. In 2020, the American Tribunal gave its verdict, ordering IEC and Greenville to pay GEOG over $9.5m for breaching contracts.

The Tribunal held that IEC had breached the Equipment Contract by failing to make two Milestone payments.

Dissatisfied with the judgement, On January 27, 2021, IEC filed a petition to vacate the Award in New York state court but the court rejected IEC's arguments.

"In short, due to the strong deference owed to the decisions of arbitrators, the Court is compelled to reject IEC's arguments and confirm the Award," the court ruled.

Controversial Business Practices

It is believed that the posture of the company and record of breaching contract is reportedly due to its owner's style of doing business. Prior to setting up Greenville, Eddy Van Den Broeke ran ASCA bitumen from 1996 and grew the company into becoming a giant monopoly with over 90% of the Nigerian market by 2015.

Eddy Broeke's family was one of six of Belgium's wealthiest families that featured on the Panama Papers, a cross-border investigation that revealed a list of thousands of people who channelled funds to tax havens.

"The family of Eddy Van Den Broeke, who turned the Eres company into an international player, is also mentioned. Eddy Van Den Broeke is identified as the sole beneficiary of at least five offshore companies in the BVI," the ICIJ report read.

Eddy was named in the Panama Papers having had an extensive network of shell companies to hide his funds and avoid government oversight.

Another multi-million dollar breach of contract suit looming

Our investigations also revealed that recently, BUA, which is one of Greenville’s largest clients, is set to allegedly sue Greenville for 50 billion Naira for a possible breach in contract and reneging on its obligation to supply gas to its businesses in the far north.

According to sources, this dispute is as a result of Greenville LNG reneging on their contract with BUA to supply gas and also increasing prices arbitrarily despite the contractually agreed oil-indexed pricing for any changes in price.

Industry watchers have claimed that Greenville is trying to take advantage of its near monopoly in the domestic trucked LNG market hence their habit of entering into contracts and reneging on it after starting.

With Eddy and his companies’ history of reneging on contracts entered into with the Federal Government, partners, suppliers, communities and clients, it is unlikely that Greenville LNG or its billionaire owner Eddy and Managing Director Ritu Sahajwalla would stop such behaviour anytime soon.

Experts familiar with BUA's history of ensuring its rights are enforced, believe BUA will pursue this issue to a logical conclusion at the courts and till their rights are enforced.

Claim: Social media was recently awash with claims that the Department of State Service, DSS whisked away a final-year student of the Federal University of Dutse, Jigawa State, on the directive of Nigeria’s first lady Aisha Buhari over a Twitter post he made about her.

The post wherein the claim was made reads: “We Seek Justice For Aminu Adamu Muhammed, Taken Away From Federal Univecrsity Dutse On Thursday 8th November, 2022 By Suspected Security Operatives From Aso Rock[sic].”

“Aminu Is 23yrs Old, A Final Year Student Of Envoronmental Management And Toxicology At FUD Jigawa State, With Out Prior Knowledge Of School Authority, Taken Away By Security Operatives To Aso Rock Over His Statement Targeted First Lady Aisha Buhari. Aminu’s Sudden Disappearance Came To The Father’s Notice When One Of His Friend (School Mate) From The University Called Him To Inform Him Of Not Seeing Aminu For Five Days In The School. Other Source From School Said Aminu Was Forcefully Taken Around 12 O’clock Pm By Suspected To Be Security Operatives[sic].

“Aminu Said After Been Beated Mercilessly By Security Before First Lady, Was Later Taken To Unknown Location In Abuja Not A Police Station, For One week Before He Was Allowed To Called His Father Adamu Shalele Azare, A Retired Bauchi State Civil Servant[sic].

“Father Of Aminu Expresses Sadness Over The Action Of Security Operatives As Well As Nasty Decision Of First Lady[sic].

“Below Is The Comment Made By Aminu Adamu Shalele On His Tweeter Handle Sometimes In June During ASUU Strike, Which Warrants His Castigation[sic].

“SU MAMA ANCI KUDIN TALAKAWA ANKOSHI”

“This Statement Is Attarched With Pictures Of First Lady Of 2015 And That Of Today[sic]. We Call For Justice To Young Environmentalist Who’ll Write His Final Examination On December 5th[sic].

Verification: an online search by this newspaper revealed that SaharaReporters claimed that officials Department of State Service, DSS arrested a final-year student of the Federal University of Dutse on the directive of Aisha Buhari over a post he made about her.

To verify the claim of the arrest, findings by POLITICS NIGERIA reveal that the student was arrested by plaincloth police operatives. This was also confirmed by PRNigeria, who reached out to a Security Official at the University.

The security guard said: “The student was picked up by police operatives on November 18th at about 3pm at the hostel of the Federal University of Dutse called Shekarau Anguwan.”

Bauchi-born Mohammed is a student of Environmental Management at the Federal University, Dutse and will be writing his exams on December 5th, 2022.

Amnesty International Abuja has strongly condemned the arrest and called for his immediate release. They vowed that all those who subjected the young student to torture and other human rights violations will be brought to justice.

Speaking to Freedom Radio, his uncle, Baba Shehu said that Muhammad made the post out of frustration when Aisha Buhari posted pictures of her children who graduated from a foreign university amidst the strike.

“Aminu phoned his father and told him what happened to him. He told his father that he was arrested, beaten up by the police, and taken to the first lady.

“Aminu told us that he was arrested because of a post about Aisha Buhari…we agree that Aminu was wrong but she should seek justice through proper means…”

It was also gathered that Muhammed was arrested and handed over to the police command in the Federal Capital Territory.

“The suspect in our custody was arrested for an offence he committed and he will soon be arraigned in an Abuja court,” the senior police officer said.

Conclusion: Based on facts and data gathered by this newspaper, the university student, Aminu Adamu Muhammed was arrested by the Nigeria Police and and would soon be arraigned in the court for an alleged defamation.

Claims that the Student was arrested by DSS is false.

In the last 10 days, the All progressives Congress in Kwara state has witnessed an influx of thousands of new members following the Women's presidential Campaign flag off and a youth rally in support of the State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.

Thousands of Kwarans on Thursday came out in droves for the official flag off of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu/Kashim Shettima presidential campaign in Ilorin with Gov. Abdulrazaq saying that the APC ticket is the most progressive path to a greater Nigeria.

The flag-off was led by the First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs Aisha Buhari, joined by several first ladies from APC states, top government and party officials from Abuja and across the country. Also in attendance were the wives of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shetimma: Senator Oluremi and Mrs Nana. Top government officials in Kwara state were also in attendance.

The event which took place on Thursday witnessed the attendance of thousands of Party faithful and Supporters in Illorin.

Speaking on it, Gov. Abdulrazaq stated; "I am very happy that the State of Harmony was chosen for the flag-off. Our support for Asiwaju Tinubu is not because he is perfect. Our support for Asiwaju is because of his provable excellent track record as a people’s person who is able to consolidate on the gains of the present, drive inclusive growth, and lead our country to become more prosperous."

"Asiwaju has the experience. He has the temperament. And he has the right network to make our country more united and stronger. By their antecedents, it is clear that the Asiwaju Tinubu/Shettima presidential ticket is the most experienced and the most progressive combination available on the ballot in 2023."

Governor’s welcome of decampees from PDP, SDP, others

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq also welcomed decampees from PDP, SDP and other political parties. He led several leaders, stakeholders, and members of the party to welcome top opposition bigwigs and thousands of their supporters.

Speaking on this, the Governor said: "We welcome all the decampees and appreciate everyone for the conviction and trust in our party. We are going to work to achieve success together. We will treat everyone fairly as members of our party."

Yahaya Seriki led youth rally in support of Gov. Abdulrazaq

Meanwhile, on Friday 25th November, 2022, the Kwara state All Progressives Congress Campaign council DG Amb. AbdulFatai Yahya Seriki shutdown the Ilorin metropolis as he led a youth solidarity rally for the Governor's Re-election Bid.

According to him, APC is the only formidable party in Kwara State. In his words; "I urge to go back to your polling units and wards to mobilize support for Governor AbdulRazaq and other APC candidates. Vote APC for President, Senate, House of Representatives, Governorship and House of Assembly come 2023. The Governor has laid good foundation for development. He has implemented projects in every local government area. His impactful projects are scattered all over the state. He is running youth friendly and People's oriented government."

Leading African Industrialist, philanthropist and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, through his ASR Africa Initiative, has donated 200million Naira to the Jigawa State Flood Disaster Committee to provide emergency relief efforts for those affected by the recent flooding across the state. This donation by ASR Africa will be channelled towards support for internally displaced persons, provision of food items, medicine, and rebuilding communities destroyed by the recent floods.

Speaking on the donation, Abdul Samad Rabiu, said that the adverse impact of climate change remains a clear and present danger to human security and development in the global south. “Nigeria, and Africa, contribute less than 6% of global emissions yet bear the biggest brunt of the negative impact of climate change. [/b]The recent flooding in Jigawa and elsewhere across Nigeria, and Africa are a pointer to that. Whilst we must continue to advocate for a better deal at all levels for countries most affected by climate change, we have a responsibility towards our people to mitigate the impact of the recent floods on them and their livelihood.”

[b]Rabiu went further to state that the 200million Naira donation to Jigawa state will be channelled properly to intended recipients and monitored within the ASR Africa mutual accountability framework to ensure judicious use.

The Governor of Jigawa State, Muhammed Badaru, expressed appreciation for the donation, and urged the committee to be equitable and just in the distribution of the palliatives and cash.

Over the past three years, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative’s fund for Social Development and Renewal, and the BUA Foundation, have actively intervened in various humanitarian activities within Nigeria and Africa from COVID-19-related support to health, education, social development, and security interventions.

100 young persons of African descent under 40 years have been recognized as the Most Influential People of Africa Decent 2022 by the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD), a global civil society initiative in support of the UN International Decade for people of African descent. The list was released during the MIPAD 2022 Recognition Week following the opening of the 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City in the United States of America.

Kamil Olufowobi, Chief Executive Officer of MIPAD congratulated the honourees and noted that the Global Top 100 Under 40 list identifies and recognizes outstanding individuals worldwide across the four core categories of Politics and Governance, Business and Entrepreneurship, Media and Entertainment, Activism & Humanitarian Endeavors.

According to Olufowobi, “It is not an award show, it is a recognition platform because the first pillar of the international decade as declared by the United Nations General Assembly is recognition. So, we are recognizing the positive contributions of people of African descent and for us, that is a clear distinction”.

“Nigerians around the world are making positive contributions and the expertise they are learning abroad must be harnessed toward the development of Nigeria and Africa.” “It is hoped that the people of African descent, everywhere around the world, will look up to these honourees and get inspired to pursue excellence in whatever field they play.”

Amongst the honourees are 13 Nigerian-based and 10 Diaspora-based individuals including O’tega Ogra, the Director of Corporate Communications of BUA Group; AbdulJabar Oyekan, co-founder of Yahshud; Aisha Bolarinwa, co-founder of Farmz2U; Akah Nnani, Actor & TV-Host; Jeremiah “Swanky Jerry” Ogbodo, celebrity stylist and reality TV star: Ayotunde Fabamwo, Director, House of Twitch; Efa Iwara, Actor; Emmanuel Nwobodo, Chair, Federation of African Law Student and Kola Aina, Founding Partner, Ventures Platform. Others are Muhammad Suleiman, National Youth Leader, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Omawunmi Ogbe Managing Partner, GLG Communications; Prince Deji Ajomale-McWord, Secretary General of the World Sports Tourism Council, and Tari Taylaur, Politician, Youth Party Nigeria.

The Diaspora-based Nigerians on the list include Angelica Nwandu, the founder of the Shade Room (USA), Damola Adamolekun, the first Black CEO of P.F. Chang's China Bistro; Efe Ukala (USA), Founder, of ImpactHER, Evana Oli (USA), Co-Founder, Beautiful Curly Me, Francesca Uriri, Global DEI Communications at Meta (USA), Tara Peaches Enahoro (USA) is an Entertainment Law Attorney. Damilare Ogunleye, Co-founder of FoodLama, a $1 billion food chain (UK); Linda Ayoola, Head of Africa & Services at Apple (UK), Oluwatobi Aigbogun (UK), Visionary at Global Citizen and Raphael Sofoluke who is the Founder & CEO of UK Black Business Show, UK Black Business Week.

BUA Group’s Communication Chief, Ogra was recognized in the top 100 under-40s media and culture list of the Most Influential People of African Descent in honour of his outstanding and positive contribution to influencing and advancing issues impacting people of African descent worldwide through media, culture, social impact, and communications, especially in the African Private Sector.

Reacting to the recognition, O’tega Ogra said, “I thank MIPAD for this recognition. It means there is a lot more work to be done especially for the young people in Africa. We must also channel our work and influence into projecting Africa positively to the world and changing the narrative of the continent for good”

The 2023 Presidential Campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has been facing series of Challenges over its candidate, Atiku Abubakar's reported refusal to release funds, POLITICS NIGERIA has gathered.

A South-West Chieftain of the Party who pleaded anonymity disclosed to Punch that Atiku's stance has paralysed campaign activities.

He said, "There have been complaints that Atiku is unwilling to release money for campaigns. But Atiku once boasted in the presence of some governors that he had billions of naira to prosecute his campaign. That is why some of them are just looking at him and are not ready to contribute to his campaign."

"Some governors are not sure of their chances and are reluctant to open the purse. This might change in the weeks ahead, though."

Dismissing rumours that Atiku may be 'broke', the chieftain disclosed that the former VP may have learned a lot from the 2019 elections hence his recent stance.

"The presidential candidate wants to start releasing money towards the end of the campaign."

"He is learning from the experience of 2019. He lost that election, but he is probably wiser now. What I can’t say is whether things will pan out differently this time. He has told those close to him that he will release money at the appropriate time."

However, earlier this week, a report revealed that the Governor of Akwa Ibom state and chairman of the presidential Campaign Council, Udom Emmanuel wanted to resign his position over financial problems the campaign was experiencing.

In a swift reponse, while addressing party supporters at the Nest of Champions Stadium, Uyo, Gov. Emmanuel dismissed the story, saying there was no iota of truth in the claim that he was considering resigning his position as Chairman of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council.

Also speaking on the matter, a member of the PDP National Executive Committee, NEC, Ibrahim Tsauri, said. that if indeed Udom complained about the paucity of funds, “There’s indeed a problem.”

"If it is true that the chairman of the campaign council complained about a lack of money, then, there is indeed a problem. Campaigns involve a lot of money because those who travel to Nigeria to talk to Nigerians don’t go by road; they fly."

"Maybe Udom is saying the money is not enough and it is important to look inward."

A recent report has detailed possible means by which the 2023 elections could be compromised through some insertions by the independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The report made public in the early hours of Monday shows that while the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and polling unit results will be uploaded to the INEC portal, voters will be denied access to the results until after the ward collation officers have mopped the votes from all the polling units.

It should be noted that this is a deviation from what was obtained in the recent polls in Osun state, where results of the governorship were uploaded to the portal real-time.

This many have opined will help electoral fidelity and transparency, noting that such should be replicated at the 2023 general elections.

However, according to the report seen by POLITICS NIGERIA, certain officials of the commission have alleged that a member of its lCT unit has been positioned not to allow polling units results to be viewed real-time.

BVAS Upload Controversy

Reliable sources in the lCT department of INEC have revealed that a powerful politician has successfully compromised key lCT staff members of INEC not to allow polling units results to be viewed by the public on the INEC result view portal.

A report by Sahara Reporters reveals that the BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System) and IReV (INEC result Viewing Portal), the two most important technology inputs to the election, backed by the new Electoral Act will be used but Nigerians will not be allowed to view the uploaded results of polling units until they are validated by collation officers and Registration Area Technical Support (RATECHS) that will be compromised to input fake data at ward collation centres.

Further more it was gathered that this was done at the  instance of an influential politician who is bent on making sure that the polling unit results uploaded to the IReV (results view porter) should not be open to the public to view them until a group of RATECHs, who are to assist ward collation officers validated the polling unit results.

These RATECHs/collation officers, many of whom may be sponsored as ad hoc staff by political actors, have been compromised, hence if they are empowered to validate already declared polling unit results at collation centres before the public can view the results, it amounts to a return to the old way of keeping everyone in the dark while those who have leverage over INEC will fix the results to predetermined outcomes.

On the reason for the sudden change, sources in INEC revealed that it has to do with a compromise at the top level and the explanation to be used as justification is a flimsy claim that just in case there is a mistake on Form EC8A at the polling units, it could be corrected at ward levels that are to be manned by politically vulnerable RATECHs.

According to these sources, that reason is a deception. The source further revealed why Nigerians should not buy into the deceit for the following reasons: firstly, the possibility of error at a polling unit during the counting of votes where there are party agents, voters and election observers is highly unlikely and could be easily noted and corrected before all stakeholders than at ward collation centres with limited and reduced numbers of people present where manipulations are more likely?”

Secondly, ward collation centre is where RATECHs who are lCT experts work, and influential political actors can easily recruit them or their supervising officers to aggregate all polling unit results that could be easily altered. Thirdly, if polling unit results are not allowed to be viewed after they are uploaded at polling units, compromised RATECHs and collation officers at ward level could input additional figures at ward level to upturn the outcome of polling units election results.

Meanwhile, questions have been asked as to why the results from all polling units, the number of accredited voters and scanned (EC8A) can’t be viewed by Nigerians. Similarly, there have been queries as to why ward collated results and scanned (EC8B) are not uploaded to the public results view porter for transparency of the entire result collation value chain.

Questionable Provisions

Also some suspicious provisions were inserted in the INEC 2022 Regulations & Guidelines to be used by presiding officers for the 2023 election. It is believed that these provisions will create room for the courts to determine the final outcome of the 2023 elections.

Such questionable provisions are Rule 19. E(lV) which says a voter should “mark” on the Ballot paper instead of using “thumbprint”. According to the source, marking a ballot paper instead of a thumbprint is a recipe for rigging. An individual recruited by political actors and given a ballot booklet can use a pen or pencil to mark as many ballot papers as possible.

Besides, if a pen or pencil rather than a thumbprint is allowed, can a forensic exercise be carried out to determine whether it was just an individual that marked a large number of ballots?

It is very unlikely to detect, unlike fingerprints that a forensic machine can examine on ballot papers and determine whether it was just an individual or a few individuals who put thumbprints on ballot papers.

The question is whether a thumbprint or any mark on the box of a party's logo also represents the intention of a voter insofar as the mark is clearly on the party's logo. Also, there is the additional provision of Rule 20, which provides for a voter that even failed to pass through the five methods of identification for accreditation to be ticked/marked on the same manual register with successful accredited voters.

For those who wonder why this additional leeway is provided by officials of INEC in the guidelines, it should be noted that it is a loophole created by influential politicians using their leverage in INEC to dilute the Electoral Act. This is a recipe to bypass BVAS and claim that it failed.

The more troubling fact also is that, if this is allowed, it will be used to claim votes not recorded or to impute over-voting into the actual votes, thereby creating room for rigging.

However, one of the pertinent and critical questions that INEC needs to publicly answer in light of this is: "Will Nigerians be allowed to view real-time uploaded polling units results and the accredited number of voters on Form EC8A on the portal on Election Day as provided by section 60 (4) and (5)?"

“Will INEC allow Nigerians to view scanned collated ward results on Form EC8B on the portal? Why should a voter who failed both biometric, facial, and other verification processes be marked on the hard copy of the Election Day register, thereby creating room for many unnecessary manipulations of the accredited voters’ figures?”

A CALL TO GOVERNOR DOUYE DIRI OF BAYELSA STATE:

WE DEMAND THE IMMEDIATE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE FROM CUSTODY OF MR. EBIKPOEMI EBIKIBINA UGO, APC PUBLICITY SECRETARY OF KOLOKUMA/OPOKUMA L.G.A OF BAYELSA STATE.
(1)​We are extremely disturbed by the actions of Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State in respect of the arrest, charge and remand in prison custody of the APC Publicity Secretary of Kolokuma/Opokuma L.G.A of Bayelsa State, Mr. Ebikpoemi Ebikibina Ugo. Incidentally, this gentleman is also the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (ABAT) Media Center Co-ordinator, Bayelsa State.

(2)​We have been reliably informed that, following a compliant by Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa State to the Police, Mr. Ugo was arrested by the Bayelsa State Police Command on the 18th of October, 2022 for making two Facebook posts as follows:

​(a)​“What about the Federal Government N150 sent to the State?

(b)​“Shameful broadcast and you still have mind begging Muhammadu Buhari for more money when the one he brought was pocketed.”
​(See the facebook posts attached).

(3)​Mr. Ugo was then detained illegally for several days before he was arraigned in court for “Defamation of Character” and “Conduct Likely to Cause Breach of Peace”. He was subsequently remanded in prison custody, where he remains till date under terrible conditions.

(4)​To say we are shocked by the conduct and complaint of Governor Diri is an understatement. Here is an opposition Governor who is at the forefront of the call for State Police already misusing the Police to oppress a hapless and harmless citizen just asking valid questions (even without mentioning the Governor’s name). These are the same leaders of the opposition that are quick to cry blue murder at the slightest provocation if the act had been that of an APC Governor or the Federal Government. These are the same opposition Governors that are begging Nigerians to re-elect them because they have allegedly turned a new leaf. Alas! The leopard cannot change its spot.

(5)​It is on record that despite the deluge of misinformation and abuses against President Muhammadu Buhari on a daily basis on social media, he has NEVER FOR ONCE used the Police to clamp down on anyone as a result of a mere defamatory post on social media. Instead, he even conferred some of them with National Honours recently. If the APC Governors retaliate in their various States by clamping down on officials of opposition parties, it will be an invitation to total chaos across the country.

(6)​It is unfortunate that there is always a tendency to see it as “oppression” only if it is an act of the ruling party. However, the Press and the entire gamut of Civil Society cannot apply a different standard because this dastardly act is being perpetrated by an opposition Governor.

In the light of the foregoing, we make the following SPECIFIC DEMANDS:

(1)​That Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa State IMMEDIATELY withdraws his compliant to the Police, which in turn should IMMEDIATELY withdraw the Charges and discontinue the trial of Mr. Ugo and set him free; or

(2)​Gov. Douye Diri should IMMEDIATELY instruct the Attorney-General of Bayelsa State to take over the matter from the Police and enter a nolle prosecui (discontinue the trial).

ALTERNATIVELY

(3)​The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, should IMMEDIATELY instruct the Bayelsa State Police Command to withdraw the Charges against Mr. Ugo forthwith and set him free.
Anything short of any of these options above will be oppressive, barbaric and undemocratic and would be consequently unacceptable to us and we shall respond fully in a lawful and legitimate manner.

A word is enough for the wise.
Thank you.

FESTUS KEYAMO, SAN, FCIArb(UK)
• Director of Public Affairs and Chief Spokesperson, Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council.
• Minister of State, Labour and Employment,
Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Better Oyo Movement (BOM), a sociopolitical group committed to the all-round development of Oyo State, said it is in receipt of credible intelligence on purported moves by the Oyo State governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, lobbying for the retention of newly re-appointed Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barrister Mutiu Agboke, in Oyo State.

In a release in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the group wondered why the governor became so interested in the retention of Barrister Agboke as REC "when there are in fact, hundreds of other credible professionals the Commission can deploy to the state who’ll even do a better job than the re-appointed REC."

“Why we have no business with Barrister Agboke, who has served Nigeria to the best of his abilities, and has been so honoured with reappointment, we’re worried at the governor’s interest in his retention in Oyo State, particularly to superintend the 2023 elections. That lobby by Engr Makinde, ridiculous at best, is patently suspicious in the least.

“What is the governor up to? Is there a relationship between the duo that the rest of us aren’t privy to? What bid did Barrister Agboke do for Governor Makinde in the past that the governor is so desirous of repeating in 2023?

“To forestall any underhand dealings, with Barrister Agboke having had the benefit of a four-year first term in Oyo State, with possibilities of nurturing relationships, particularly with the ruling party, we believe it will only be fair to redeploy him elsewhere, so that the relationship he may have nurtured, will not stand in the way of free, fair and credible polls in the state,” the group maintained.

Calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to, in the interest of fairness and equity, ensure its re-appointed RECs aren’t "returned to the state where they served their first term, firstly to prevent unholy alliances with the ruling parties in the respective states, and secondly to ensure their wealth of experience is utilized in other states, at least to improve the conduct of the polls, the group noted that the non-retention of these RECs in the state where they ran their first terms, is a guarantee to all parties that the 2023 polls will be credible, and its results acceptable to all."

“We hereby call on the Oyo State governor, Engr Seyi Makinde to concentrate his efforts on his flagging reelection bid, instead of wasting precious energy on plots, subplots, themes and subthemes targeted at tainting the 2023 elections.

“The earlier he realizes that the coming polls will be one where he’ll stand alone, devoid of the plank of coalition that brought him victory in 2019, the better.

“Having been thoroughly rejected by the good people of Oyo State, the coming election will only cement that rejection, his lobby for the retention of Barrister Mutiu Agboke as Oyo Resident Electoral Commissioner notwithstanding,” BOM concluded.

The Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar is a 'Tribal Jingoist'.

Tinubu's comment is coming a day after footage of Atiku campaigning in the North went viral on social media.

The Adamawa born politician was heard telling Party faithful that the North does not need a Yoruba or an Igbo President only a Northern one. The video has drawn widespread condemnation.

Tinubu, in a statement on Sunday, signed by his Director, Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, added that Atiku's 'Tribalism' was the reason why the PDP was in crisis. He stated that Atiku has refused to persuade the national chairman of the PDP, Iyorchia Ayu to resign because he is also from the North.

The PDP's zoning arrangement stipulates that if the Party chairman is from the North, the Presidential candidate will come from the South.

This is the reason why Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike alongside 4 other governors have refused to participate in Atiku's campaign.

The statement read; "The statement of Peoples Democratic Party's presidential candidate, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku to the effect that Northerners don't need a Yoruba or Igbo president is the worst expression of ethnocentric opportunism ever uttered by a former Nigerian Vice President."

"This clearly demonstrates how low a man honoured with the second highest office of the Nigerian Constitution is willing to sink in search of a perennial wild goose chase after the highest office in the land. It confirms the argument that Atiku has feasted on such base, cheap, primordial sentiments to use the masses and the elite of the North as the ladder to ascend to power since 1989 without any dividends to show."

"Doubling down in his now infamous speech, Atiku said: “What the average Northerner needs is somebody who is from the north and also understands that part of the country and has been able to build bridges across the country."

“This is what the Northerner needs, it doesn’t need a Yoruba or Igbo candidate. I stand before you as a Pan-Nigerian of northern origin.”

"In clear terms, Atiku who stole the PDP ticket, by a similar mindset, has cast himself as a northern candidate, who should solely be supported by the people from his region. We view Atiku's public declaration which framed him as an ethnic and regional champion as unbecoming for a man who was once a Vice-President of Nigeria."

"But we are not surprised by his desperate position. Atiku has resorted to whipping up ethnic sentiments, knowing that his chances of being elected have become a mirage.He has himself, not anybody else, to blame for his expected electoral misfortune. First, he broke the fundamental rules of power rotation in his party and the country."

"As if this cardinal sin was not enough, the PDP candidate has remained defiant in the face of pressure by preserving the two topmost posts in his party for people from his region. The Nigerian public now know better that a man who has been campaigning as a so-called unifier of our disparate groups, is a tribal jingoist, who has now totally eviscerated all pretensions to being a detribalised Nigerian."

"He is demonstrably the anti-thesis of a pan-Nigerian politician. Nigerians of goodwill, who, daily, seek a united and prosperous nation, should reject Atiku and his party at the polls next February."

"Atiku only pays lip service to national unity, despite that it features as one of the 5 cardinal points of his so-called "Covenant with Nigerians". The facade is over, he is now fully naked before the Nigerian people."

The Kogi State government on Saturday said it has uncovered plans by Dangote Group to cause chaos in Kogi State “as a fight back strategy against the State Government's decision to get its own legally supported equity from the Obajana Cement Company”.

In a statement by Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, obtained by POLITICS NIGERIA, the Kogi government said Dangote is frustrated because the Yahaya Bello administration possess facts about the ownership of the company.

This newspaper recalls that Dangote on Friday vowed to prosecute the Kogi State Government-sponsored vigilante group which shot its workers while enforcing the sealing of its facility on Thursday.

“We have uncovered certain plans by the Dangote Group at a meeting held last night to cause chaos across the state as a fight back strategy against the State Government's decision to get its own legally supported equity from the Obajana Cement Company,” the statement by Fanwo read.

“The latest strategy stems from frustrations occasioned by the failure of the Dangote Group to misinform the general public and its shareholders as the State Government has consistently and continuously present the facts of the matter to the general public.

“A top Management Staff of Dangote Group erroneously called a top Government official as the meeting was going on to hatch their satanic plans against the Government and people of Kogi State.

“The call which came in at 10.06pm went on for 28 minutes, 12 seconds, detailing how they intend to doctor documents to prove they own the cement company 100 percent; how they intend to use the DSS and other security agencies to arrest top Government Officials on frivolous charges; how they intend to use the EFCC to arrest some Government officials in order to cow them down; how they also intend to use the media to promote falsehood against the Government and people of Kogi State and sundry other satanic plans against the people and Government of our dear state.

Below are the resolutions at their meeting:

* Obliteration of the Agreement between the Kogi State Government and the Dangote Group.
* A plan to use the press to attack the Governor and the Government of Kogi State. They planned to deploy people to the major TV Stations in the country to attack the Governor and the Government of Kogi State.
*They planned to call the EFCC and DSS today to claim those who sealed the company on the orders of the House of Assembly stole the sum of N207m and that those agencies should arrest them.
*They also resolved to initiate both civil and criminal proceedings against certain Government officials.
*Lastly, they resolved to block all the major highways across the state with their trucks to make it impossible for the Governor to move out of the state capital. In their words, they said "we will prove to him that his madness cannot match our own". They said at the meeting that Dangote owns Nigeria and that there is nothing anyone can do to stop him.

“The over 28 minutes recorded meeting typifies the mindset of economic oppressor who thinks he could use every apparatus of the Federal Government to fight our dear state into submission. Nigeria is what it is today because certain individuals think they own the country and can get away with any attrocity they commit.

“We make bold to say that if the Dangote Group attempts to carry out any of his threats or deny our claims above which are supported by facts, we will release visuals and audio of the said meeting and the whole world will see the mindset and modus operandi of Alh. Aliko Dangote and his conglomerate. We are a people that cannot be destroyed by the whim and caprices of the capitalist dominance that the Dangote Group stands for.

“One of the plans hatched at the meeting was to use Dangote trucks to block all major highways in Kogi State from today to make life unbearable for the people of the state and also launch attacks on commuters across the state in order to cow the State Government into submission in the ongoing ownership determination battle for the Obajana Cement Company.

“We wish to inform the people of Kogi State that the State Government will stop at nothing legal to defend their rights to movement and safety. We will take steps that are legal to resist the act of cowardice of the Dangote Group to harass, intimidate or harm the people of Kogi State for demanding their rights.

“Let it be clear to all that the Government and people of Kogi State are united against economic oppression under the leadership of Governor Yahaya Bello. Our resolve to right the wrongs of the past is bigger than those who think they own Nigeria and can get away with anything they do.

“We call on security agencies to be on red alert to forestall any breakdown of law and order. It is our wish to ensure the agitation to reclaim our equity at Obajana is non-violent as we have all that is required to win the battle. Security agencies should resist the temptation of being used by the Dangote Group to be used to harass officials of Government and our people as hatched at the I'll fated meeting.

“We also want to sound a note of warning to the Dangote Group that Kogi State will not condone any act of lawlessness and that perpetrators will be made to face the full wrath of the law, no matter how highly placed.

“Let it be clear to all that the present administration has overseen the heaviest influx of investments into the state as a result of the enabling environment created. But in as much as we crave investments and economic expansion in our dear state, it is our responsibility to protect the interest of the people in those investments.

“Our stand is just and fair. Our decision is to give what belongs to the people to the people and not seek pecuniary interest. That is why Dangote Group is being repeatedly exposed. The Group should do what is right and just to stop further drowning in the murky waters of ignominy.

“We urge the people of Kogi State to remain calm as the Government they elected is capable, ready and equipped to fight this economic battle successfully.”

The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned that his party will lose the 2023 presidential election without the genuine support of APC governors.

POLITICS NIGERIA reports that Bola Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State, is the presidential candidate of the APC.

Adamu who spoke at the opening session of a meeting of governors, National Working Committee (NWC) and other stakeholders at the party’s national secretariat on Wednesday in Abuja, stressed the significance of governors in helping Tinubu achieve his goal in 2023.

“Being the chief executive officers of their various states, the onus of our great party lies in the hands of God and in their hands because they are the commanders of the party fortunes in their various states.

“We cannot make meaningful progress in the affairs of these states, particularly in an election year that is approaching.

“We cannot plan without the buy-in of our governors so that we can stand together, believing that we share same aspirations.

“We will plan together to see how best we can deliver the interest of the party and ensure that victory is ours in 2023 general election that is by the corner. That is the essence of this meeting,” he said.

The Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has yet again dismissed rumours of ill-health following fresh photographs of him playing with his grandkids.

Tinubu, who is widely rumoured to be very ill, can be seen wearing a clean suit and playing around with his grandchildren.

The heartwarming photographs were shared by his son, Seyi Tinubu on Thursday amidst rumours that the Lagos politician was 'very sick'.

Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria before October 10th, which is the date his Presidential campaign will officially kick-off.

The Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) has sealed Dangote Cement factory in Obajana, Kogi State.

A staff confirmed the development to POLITICS NIGERIA on Wednesday afternoon, adding that, “in fact, I’m on my way home as we speak”.

This newspaper learnt that the KGIRS sealed the company over tax evasion and acquisition controversy.

The action was reportedly backed by the Kogi State House of Assembly.

Kingsley Fanwo, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information, was quoted as saying: “Pursuant to the Constitutional authorities of the Kogi State House of Assembly, and upon petition by the people of Kogi State, an investigation was carried out on the acquisition of Obajana Cement Company by Dangote Company.

“It was found that no valid acquisition took place, as Dangote could not show evidence of what was paid as consideration for the acquisition.

“The legislators invited the Chairman of the Company, Aliko Dangote, before the house for explanations but he failed to appear before the state assembly, giving excuses.

“The House of Assembly therefore ordered the closure of the company pending when they are able to present it with credible evidence of a valid acquisition.”

At 16.25Mta capacity across five lines, Dangote’s cement factory at Obajana is the largest of three factories in Nigeria.

The company is founded by Nigerian business magnate, Aliko Dangote.

Some Nigerians on Social media have challenged the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to reveal names of his supporters reportedly arrested by Security agents.

Unconfirmed reports also have it that some of the party’s supporters were arrested before the October 1st rally, which was held on Saturday. Responding on Tuesday, Obi condemned the arrest and intimidation of his supporters, noting that the right to peaceful assembly is constitutionally guaranteed.

”Elections are not deemed free and fair when a certain group employs the tool of intimidation to ensure that the opposition is silenced, both at the campaigns and at the polls.

”Peaceful assembly and unfettered electioneering campaigns are constitutionally guaranteed. Both and other ordered liberties cannot be breached wilfully by security agents,"

"Recent reports of OBIdients being silently arrested by some security agents is extremely disturbing and condemnable",he said.

However, allegations continue to mount on the veracity of the claims by Obidients, which many insist are untrue. In this light, several Nigerians have dared the movement to release the names of security agents if truly the attacks are real.

For instance, the African Action Congress (AAC) candidate, Omoyele Sowore, demanded that those allegedly victimised should report for him to help them seek justice.

"It has come to our attention that security agencies are victimising supporters of @PeterObi, according to a report attributed to him. If you know of anyone being wrongfully victimised for their political views or choices, do not hesitate to let us know. We’ll be happy to help!" Sowore tweeted on Tuesday.

However, nearly 24 hours after Sowore's post, no one has come out to report any attack or victimisation by the security agencies.

Also, in a way that the allegations raise doubts, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benjamin Hundeyin, said no attacks have been officially reported to the police.

“I chatted with the victims and I advised them to report the matter to the nearest police station. I went as far as putting the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) on notice, and he is still on stand by, waiting for them, but as I am speaking with you, they have not reported to the police.

“It doesn’t have to be Peter Obi’s supporters, but anybody who attacks another should be arrested and prosecuted according to the law of the land. Let them go and report to the police and see if the case will not be investigated by the police. Yes, I assure you that the case will be investigated.”

A human rights lawyer and social commentator, Felix Adekunle, has called on the Labour Party flag bearer to name victimised supporters, adding that such claims are capable of inflaming the polity.

"The political atmosphere is tense and the security situation too. Peter Obi should name those victimised and the police stations where some are detained.Give us the locations where they are being held and tell us the offences they are being held for."

"We can't keep throwing up claims and inciting Nigerian people for political gains. This has to stop."

Umuchichi and Umueme communities in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State have protested the poor condition of the major road in the area, the Okpulo Umuobo/Umuchichi/Umueme Road and called on the two companies doing business in the area to fix it.

They threatened that if the companies do not fix the road after December, no haulage truck would be allowed to pass through the road.

Natives and residents of the two neighbouring communities marched through the stretch of the road from the Umuchichi Council Hall junction, to the gates of Glass Force Limited and GZ Industry.

The protesters who carried placards, and sang solidarity songs as they waded through the muddy road to the gates of the two companies, expressed displeasure over the state of the road.

Their spokesman, Chigoziem Okechukwu said they were not protesting because they did not like the existence of the companies in the area, but were protesting because of the problem the firms are creating for them.

"The environmental impact of their existence here is negative and they are not responsive to it.

"It took us about N20m to fix this road this year, but within six months, the companies heavy trucks have destroyed it".

Okechukwu revealed that more than 300 trucks leave or enter the companies on daily basis, using the road.

He urged the management of the companies to be responsive to know that the natives need a very strong road for their trucks; "we have endured enough", he said.

Chuks Ezeyim, a landlord in the area, regretted that the authorities of the two communities are not helping matters when it comes to maintaining the road.

He said the state government should give the companies tax holidays to enable them fix the roads and where that has been done and they refused to fix the roads, government should query them.

"This is a warning protest, if after December, nothing was done, we will not allow any truck to pass the road again", he warned.

Addressing the protesters, the HR manager of GZ Industry, Obi Nwankwor said the company has held meetings with stakeholders in the area.

While urging the people to exercise patience as the company gets approval from the state government, he assured that soon the company would start the rehabilitation of the road.

"We all are part of the community, we need the road in good shape and immediately we get approval from the state government, we will start work on the road", he assured.

FORMER Imo State Governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha has said that he shares close political affinity and has the utmost respect for the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi.

Ihedioha, who was also a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, also denied referring to Ndigbo supporting Obi’s presidential ambition as saboteurs.

This is coming on the heels of a video that has gone viral where the former Imo State Governor was said to have castigated supporters of Obi in Southeast.

The viral video has attracted serious criticisms and attacks on the former Deputy Speaker’s personality.

But Ihedioha in a statement on Wednesday which was made available to Vanguard said that he respects the plurality of opinions and choices.

The statement issued by his media aide, Chibuike Onyeukwu read:

“Few days ago, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha CON, on the invitation of his kinsmen, was in Accra, Ghana to celebrate this year’s Iri Ji festival with the Mbaise community in that country.

“As a founding member and one of the leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, he seized the opportunity of that visit to address PDP issues nationally but particularly in Imo State and assuage the anxiety of the members of his party who have been apprehensive of the developments within the party.

“In doing so, he decried what at best is the insouciant attitude and worse, the outright sabotage of some acclaimed party leaders who are engaging in acts that are inimical to the success of the PDP, especially in the Southeast by working in cahoots with the other parties. He was only talking about members of his own political party.

“For clarity purposes, His Excellency, never referred to members of any other political party, especially the Labour Party as saboteurs. He only spoke in the context of the PDP and the emphasis was on the need for members of his party to remain consistent and committed.

“It is inconceivable that he will refer to anybody who is supporting Mr. Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, his long time friend, with whom he shares close political affinity and has utmost respect for, as a saboteur.”

Regretting that his statement was misconstrued, he said, “It is unfortunate that his well-intentioned speech which addressed the specific issue of happenings within his own political party was, again, manipulated by fifth columnists to suit their mischievous scheme of bringing him on a collision with Mr. Peter Obi, whose unwavering political philosophy of “Taking Back Nigeria” from the draconian stranglehold of the failed ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, he wholeheartedly shares.

“His Excellency respects the aspirations and passion of members of other political parties, even as he remains committed to the cause of his own political party and it is not in his character to cast aspersions on those who hold contrary political opinion.”

In a bid to keep up with all activities and projects, Kwara State Ministry of Works and Transport has come up with a series called "Commissioner's diary".

The series is a brain child of the Honorable State Commissioner for Works, Suleiman Rotimi Iliasu.The series, which is the first of its kind in Nigeria, will showcase the Commissioner's visit to sites, onsite inspections, interaction with community members and general assessment of the projects.

This is in line with Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq's commitment to transparency and delivery of quality projects across the state.

This newspaper recalls that Engr. Rotimi recently won an award for the Excellence and Leadership by the Nigeria Society of Engineers in recognition of his excellent leadership role in promoting professionalism and sustainable development in Nigeria.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=RnNT5_IwUts&feature=share

Fresh Court documents have revealed how the Department of State Security Services, DSS, recovered over $151,000 dollars(over N105,000,000) in cash during a recent raid on the residence of Desert Herald Publisher, Tukur Mamu.

This is contrary to the widespread reports that a paltry sum of $151 was found in the journalist's residence.

POLITICS NIGERIA recalls that Mamu, accused of being a terrorist negotiator, was arrested alongside his two wives at Cairo International Airport in Egypt on September 6.

The trio were awaiting a connecting flight to Saudi Arabia for lesser Hajj when they were whisked away by INTERPOL officers. Thereafter, they were deported to Nigeria, where DSS operatives picked them up on arrival at the Aminu Kano International Airport.

But according to the documents obtained by this medium, the items found in Mamu's house include 16 naval uniforms, 8 Army uniforms, different foreign currency coins, $151,000 and over one million naira in cash.

Other recoveries include 6 laptops, tablets, various tactical communication devices and binoculars.

Security sources reveal that the huge sums recovered are suspected to be proceeds of an alleged criminal collusion between Mamu and bandits.It should be noted that Mamu played an intermediary role in the release of some victims of the infamous Abuja-Kaduna train attack.

Family says uniforms belong to Mamu's relatives

Members of Mamu's family have disputed the DSS claims on the monies and military uniforms.

According to a statement signed by Ibrahim Mada, special projects manager of Desert Herald Newspaper, the military accoutrements found in Mamu’s house during the Thursday raid of his house belong to his son, a naval officer.

The statement said; "We urge the DSS to avoid media trial of Malam Tukur Mamu (Dan Iyan Fika), Publisher, Desert Herald Newspaper whom they arrested and kept in detention since on Tuesday 6th September."

"While the DSS did not indicate the actual amount of the so-called large sum of money found in his house and office, we want to make it clear, that the ‘military accoutrements’ found in his house are military kits (uniform and barret) belonging to his son, Yahaya Bello, a naval officer who graduated from NDA. Bello was brought up by Tukur and he lives in his house."

"Recall that about two weeks ago, Tukur Mamu’s younger brother, Muhammad Saleh Mamu, an Air Force officer was killed while on counter terrorism’s mission in Zamfara."

However, security experts who spoke with POLITICS NIGERIA under the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the topic, queried the claims that the uniforms belong to a relative.

"It is preposterous to claim that the uniforms belong to his relatives. What about the army uniforms? The security agencies should get to the root of this and Nigerians should not be quiet," one of the experts said.

Another expert, who is a retired soldier, said, " All through my days in the army, I did not have up to 20 uniforms. This matter should be thoroughly investigated."

Gumi Reacts....

Controversial Islamic cleric, Ahmed Gumi has asked the secret police to either release Mamu or charge him to court immediately.

The cleric, whom Mamu was acting as his spokesperson, cited a provision of the Nigerian constitution that forbids the detention of a criminal suspect beyond 24 hours.

“Take him to court to face trial. Keeping him in custody despite being a family man was just to intimidate him. This intimidation is also terrorism. Arresting people unjustly is also terrorism; just like the terrorists do by going to somebody’s house to kidnap him.

“It’s not about Tukur Mamu, you all know that whenever they arrest innocent people, I always talk, not to talk of someone that I know and I’m only advising the government to release him so that we can apologise to him to forget what happened.”

But several Nigerians have continued to call for the arrest of Gumi, accusing him of being complicit in the thriving banditry because of his intermediary roles.

This development comes barely a day after the director general of DSS, Yusuf Magaji Bichi, hinted that the agency will clampdown on all "subversive elements creating problems in Nigeria."

Bichi disclosed this in Abuja while celebrating the beginning of his second term as the head of the secret service.

According to multiple sources, the DSS is compiling a list of those creating tension and threatening peaceful coexistence.

Nigerians react

Mamu's arrest elicited a lot of reactions from Nigerians on Social media. Aliyu Nuhu, whose friend was kidnapped in Kaduna alleged that  the kidnappers directed the family to Mamu. He stated;

"Just last month, a friend was kidnapped along Millennium city, Kaduna. The family offered to pay N4 million ransom. The kidnappers directed them to Mamu. When he assessed them and found out that they were rich people, he made them cough out N27 million and even asked them to bring "na goro" after the man was released. The man is currently at Airforce hospital, Kaduna, receiving treatment from a gun injury."

Another Nigerian, Dr Idris Ahmed, said his friend, whose family were among those that were kidnapped by the terrorists on the Abuja - Kaduna train, labelled Mamu a 'criminal'.

"Tukur Mamu is actually a criminal, who uses his popularity, religion, journalism and connection with highly placed politicians to cover his clandestine criminal activities," he wrote.

He also alleged that the journalist has continued to amass luxury with money suspected to be proceeds of crime.

"Tukur Mamu just recently bought a house worth over N150 million in Anguwan Rimi in Kaduna."

"Where did he get this substantial amount of money in these hard times? Tukur Mamu has a house along Anguwan Dosa in Kaduna."

"The street that leads to the house is currently being refurbished, costing millions of Naira. Where did he find the money to embark on such a grandeur project? Tukur Mamu has an office in Anguwan Sarki in Kaduna. The office is now being completely refurbished. Where did he find the money to embark on such a project?".

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has expressed his view on the call for the resignation of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as the national chairman of the PDP.

POLITICS NIGERIA gathered that Atiku, who led other leaders of the party to Ibadan on Wednesday for an interactive session with stakeholders of the PDP said that the call for the recomposition of the National Working Committee was not impossible, but only when the constitution of the party has been amended to accommodate such demand.

According to him, “the Peoples Democratic Party is the oldest political party in Nigeria since the return of democracy and even before then. It is a party that has laid down rules and regulations.

"I have been a member of the party since when it was formed and I am still a member of the party up to the point of what it has grown to become.”

In his response to the call by some governors of the party calling for the ouster of Ayu as national chairman, which was also reaffirmed by the chief host of the event and governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, Atiku said, “there is nothing any individual can do to change the outlook of the National Working Committee of the PDP.”

He remarked further that, “the PDP is a party where there are laid down rules and regulations. What Governor Makinde is asking for is possible only when we have amended our party’s constitution. As things stand today no single individual has the power to tamper with the NWC of the party. Doing so will be illegal and it will be against our rules in the party.

“Nigerians will not trust us to govern by the tenets of rule of law if we take such arbitrary action against our own party,” he said.

The Southwest stakeholders’ interactive session was attended by leaders of the PDP across the six states of the geopolitical zone with a common resolution to ensure victory for the PDP in next year’s general election.

The PDP leaders who attended the interactive session included the chief host and Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde; governorship candidate of the PDP in Ogun State, Chief Ladi Adebutu, former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose; Osun State Governor-elect, Senator Demola Adeleke; the governorship candidate of the PDP in Lagos State, Olajide Adediran and deputy governorship candidate of the PDP in Lagos State, Funke Akindele.

Others are the presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP and governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa; Chairman, PDP’s Governors’ Forum and Governor of Sokoto State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Tambuwal; former Governor of Cross River State, Liyel Imoke; Deputy National Chairman of the PDP (North), Umar Damagum and national deputy chairman of the PDP (South) Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, among other stakeholders from the Southwest.