₦airaland Forum

These are fresh photos from the Court of appeal in Abuja this morning as Eyitayo Jegede, the Ondo guber candidate for the Makarfi led faction of the PDP battles Biyi Poroye. Poroye is the Ondo state chairman of the Sheriff led PDP faction.

Court proceedings, at the time of filing this report, were still ongoing. Things kicked off when Jegede's Lawyer Wole Olanipekun asked the court, presided over by Justice Salauwa, to begin with case 4 CA/A551/C/A /2016. Eyitayo Jegede SAN versus Biyi poroye & ors. Eyitayo then announced his presence as the appellant and Ben Nwofor announced appearance for Poroye and ors, Nelson Anih for INEC and Benson for Ali Modu Sheriff faction of PDP.

Things took a rough turn as Poroye's lawyer was presenting his motion. He took the floor and told the court he had a motion dated 3rd November and while still talking, Ali Modu Sheriff's lawyer, Mrapkor interrupts that the application of Nwofor shouldn't be granted, because he has some pending processes to file at the registry. This he presented in an unruly manner. Justice Salauwa enraged, came down hard on Mrapkor (Sheriff's lawyer), condemned his arrogance and contemptuous nature and advised him to comport himself and not denigrate the hallowed Court. After hesitation, Mrapkor apologies arrogantly, says it's not intended and insisted shouting was his nature.

Olanipekun corroborates Nwofor that Mrapkor's action is unfair as respect to the bench is for enduring posterity. He added that Mrakpor is only crying more that the bereaved being a respondent in the matter.

Raji Ahmed and Goke Fakunle, both SANs, then asked the judge for forgiveness over Mrakpkor's embarrassment to the court on the condition that it won't repeat itself. Salauwa forgives and tells Mrakpor to 'go and sin no more'.
http://politicsngr.com/photos-court-appeal-jimoh-ibrahim-poroye-battle-eyitayo-jegede/

cc : lalasticlala

A prostitute in Zimbabwe gruesomely attacked one of her male customers over a cash dispute recently. She stabbed him on the side of the head with a sharp knife.

According to Eyewitnesses, the incident occurred in the Mverechena area of Zimbabwe, the prostitute and the man had agreed to a particular sum but after S*x, the man reneged, leading to fight. The lady then pulled out a knife and lunged at the man, striking him on the temple.
http://politicsngr.com/photos-prostitute-stabs-man-face-cash-dispute/

cc : lalasticlala

A house in Mende, Maryland lagos suffered a very horrible fate recently as it was totally consumed by fire. The cause of the inferno was not made public. Several valuables and property worth millions of naira were consumed by the flames.

Officials of the Lagos state emergency services facilitated the safe rescue of residents.

http://politicsngr.com/photos-fire-consumes-house-marylandlagos-morning/

Engr. Aham Okorocha, the first son of Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha, was seen at the Caliphate during the weekend were he poses with former President of Nigeria, Obasanjo in sokoto.

He accompanied his father to the function of the 10th year anniversary of the Sultan. Beside him also is the Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon Dogara.

http://politicsngr.com/photos-okorochas-first-son-poses-former-president-obasanjo/

Rivers State Governor has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission , INEC , Police and the All Progressives Congress ( APC) of colluding to rig the forthcoming Rivers Rerun elections .

The governor stated that in collusion with INEC , the APC Official Printer , Atonyesia Peterside had printed fake result sheets for seven local government areas in Rivers South-East Senatorial District and Etche Local Government Area in Rivers East Senatorial District .

Addressing a World Press Conference at the Government House , Port Harcourt on Sunday , Governor Wike declared that INEC released all the official data of the specific polling units where elections will hold to the APC Official Printer , Atonyesia Peterside for the printing of fake result sheets, ballot papers and other sensitive materials .

The governor told the press conference attended by major Rivers State Stakeholders that despite overwhelming evidence , the police have stated that they are under instructions from Abuja not to prosecute the printer.

He added that the police authorities have further stated that they will not arrest Mr Emmanuel Chinda, Former Agriculture Commissioner and Rivers APC Chieftain, because the party considers it an embarrassment to APC.

According to him, the Police are already working round the clock to destroy the overall evidence of the printing of fake election result sheets and other sensitive materials as well as doctor the confessional statement of the prime suspect, Mr Atonyesia Peterside, who is a cousin of the defeated APC Governorship candidate in Rivers State.

He said: "We made sure that the overwhelming evidence were filmed before they were handed over to the police. We know the system that the police will destroy the evidence.

"Police instead of concluding the investigation and charge those responsible to court, the police are telling us that are having pressure from above to release the culprits and not to charge them to court".

The governor declared: "PDP will resist any attempt by INEC to rig the rerun elections in Rivers State. You go and print fake result sheets and you expect us not to resist it?

"Let me see the INEC official who will introduce the fake result sheets during the rerun elections. If you rig this election, you rig your life".

"If you like bring American marines, we will resist them. Rivers State is not Edo and it is not Ondo. Nobody will impose any representative on us.

"INEC cannot take us for a ride. We will not allow it . INEC must stop its collusion with APC . Yes, INEC was appointed by the APC , but they were not appointed to rig elections ".

Governor Wike stated that he believes that President Buhari will not support the electoral fraud being perpetrated by the APC, INEC and police as it is unlimited corruption .

It will be recalled that a plot by the agents of the Rivers APC to rig the forthcoming Rivers South-East Senatorial District was uncovered as the Police on Saturday bursted a fake result sheets printing syndicate in Port Harcourt .

The Printing Press, Help-Mate Consult located at 12 Isiokpo Street D-Line Port Harcourt was printing fake result sheets for seven local government areas of the Rivers South-East when the police stormed the facility upon a tip off by a concerned Nigerian .

Earlier, the graphic designer of the APC Official Printer , Mr Godday Nanee told journalists that Emmanuel Chinda , Former Agriculture Commissioner and Rivers APC Chieftain brought the sample Result sheets which he designed.

He said he was in the process of additional designing additional sensitive materials when the police stormed the facility.
http://politicsngr.com/fake-printing-press-inec-police-colluding-rig-elections-wike-explodes/

cc : lalasticlala

The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Mustafa Magu has used his US based online media ally to respond to a few of the allegations reported and published by this website.

Our source, Lucas Adenike, has in the past six months carried out an in-depth investigation with EFCC staffers, which revealed the appalling actions of Mr Magu, who was using dubious methods to push for his confirmation.

REPORT OF MAGU’S MISDEEDS

Anonymous sources very conversant with the operations of the EFCC have kept Nigerians up to date with Mr Magu’s action via this blog.

In February of this year, a bold whistle-blower contacted our source to report the antics of a frantically desperate, Mr Magu, who was said to be consumed with being made the substantive chair of the anti-graft commission, he was using unauthorised means to achieve this aim.



The whistle-blower along with other EFCC staff who did not want to be named, gave concrete evidence of the dubious method being used by Mr Magu which includes illegally reaching out to senators, blackmailing of some highly placed personalities in the country, such as Emirs, President Muhammadu Buhari’s (PMB) appointees and others.

When all failed, the Borno state indigene began to bully staff members. The allegation of staff bullying was published by a popular blogger, Abubakar Sidiq Usman. Unfortunately, this lead to the arrest of Mr Usman.

So far all advances made by Mr Magu have failed to achieve the desired result. Having realised that none of his plans would work, the EFCC leader devised a plan with his ally in the US and they both began a dirty media war against officials appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Politics Nigeria has been highlighted in the past and alerted on all efforts made by Mr Magu of EFCC and Sahara Reporters, but even the Presidency and some of PMB’s Appointees and Associates took the exposé with levity.

A staff member thinks it is the levity in which the AGF, Mamman Daura, DG DSS, Gen. Dambazau, Lt Gen Buratai et al, have responded to claims put by SR that has allowed Mr Magu of EFCC continue his misdeed.

Others commend the officials for staying silent and allowing their work speak for itself.

Insiders say, the recent article on SR shows how “the duo of Magu and SR, have gotten more boldness to peddle more lies in the media.”

Instead of providing a reply to all the allegations made against him in his personal or official capacity as Acting Boss of the agency, Mr Magu – who according to staff is unable to make a coherent argument for himself- would rather prefer to request his crony and ally, SAHARA REPORTERS to respond to the over six months EXPOSÉ on him.

A gonzo news reply by SR on behalf of Mr. Magu states that the EFCC’s current leader had “tactically decided to slow down on prosecuting high-profile corruption cases in order to advance his confirmation.”

According to SR, “Mr. Kyari and his team also discovered that both Mr. Monguno and Mr. Magu had been close friends with a former Air Force officer and a member of the Presidential Arms Panel, Air Commodore Umar Mohammed (rtd)” now DSS Suspect. With this alone, SR shot themselves in the foot, thereby acknowledging the shoddy deals of Mr Magu of EFCC.

In all of this effort by Sahara Reporters on behalf of Mr Magu of EFCC, they failed to speak on the recent ‘audio exposé’ regarding their paymaster.

EFCC sources note that this is because any attempt to write in defence of Magu of EFCC’s relationship and Link with Mr Ibanga Akpabio will give more publicity to the revelation, thereby whittle down the ‘arrest and recovery’ gimmick which Mr Magu of EFCC has been selling to gullible Nigerians and Presidency so as to look as if he is pure and doing an effective job in the fight against corruption.



Mr Magu might be able to use SR to reply to some allegation but he would not talk about the tape, an insider stated. A source who spoke at length about this issue said that SR does the bidding of Mr Magu.

The EFCC acting boss was left shamed face when the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abba Kyari granted an interview to State House Media to debunk the news of his suspension.

They say SR which peddled much about the allegation of misconduct against the CoS advised the President against reacting to this sort of gutter journalism. Many were pleased when President Buhari gave an interview to Osasu Igbinedion in which he said he did not agree with the assertion made in the news about a power struggle in the Villa.

In that interview, President Buhari assured the world that he was still Nigeria’s number one citizen – not his elder nephew, Mallam Mamman Duara as SR would like people to think.

Predictably, PMB’s debunk of the allegation against Mallam Daura was not reported by SR. Those reading SR, say there hardly been an article on its website where it has not dragged the names of innocent PMB Associates into their false articles, and projecting that same people do not want Magu of EFCC to be confirmed as the substantive EFCC Chair. Invariably, this further justifies the fact that Magu of EFCC himself and Godfather, NSA Monguno are the arrow heads behind these publications by SR.



Despite many attempt to give right of reply, Wilson Uwujaren, the EFCC Spokesman has always snubbed the request for comment. Rather they have chosen SR instead of a direct reply to allegations against the Acting Boss of the Anti-graft agency.

MASS RESIGNATIONS

As a result of bullying, victimization and impunity of Magu of EFCC, senior EFCC Core Staff now tendered their RESIGNATIONS, and left the Employ of the Agency.

So far, over Five 5 Managerial Core Staff have resigned. Others say there is a need for PMB to ACT fast on the Agency’s Boss.

Politics Nigeria can reveal that some of the reasons provided by few of resignees is the fact that Mr Magu of EFCC made the Agency to call for recruitment but instead following due process in appointing new staff, Mr Magu ordered some of the List to be replaced with his “Confirmation Lobbying List.”

Also, Magu of EFCC “brought in a friend of his who is meant to be on Grade Level 10 and asked that the person be given Grade Level 15 unconditionally.”

Other reason proffered includes: “the sudden secondment of several Policemen to the EFCC, and insistence that they be pay rolled even without being budgeted for.”

To make matters worse, EFCC sources said Mr Magu of EFCC does not listen to the Professional Opinions of his Lieutenants heading most of the Departments, as he feels he ‘Knows All,’ yet reading a prepared speech in a conference was like hell for a Chief Executive.”

Importantly, staff have alleged several injustices perpetrated by Magu of EFCC, when it has to do with Core EFCC Staff and his Colleagues from the Nigeria Police.



BUGGING GOVT’S OFFICE

So desperate to be confirmed and having failed with all other plans, Mr Magu seem to have enlisted a new means to achieve his aim.

The recent and most catastrophic antics of Magu of EFCC is the use of a sensitive Unit in the Agency to “BUG” the phone lines of PMB’s appointees and associates, and thereafter, Furnish SAHARA REPORTERS with information to blackmail them. Where nothing is found as in the case of the CoS Abba Kyari, DG DSS Lawal M Daura, Gen. Abdulrahman B Dambazau, Alh Mamman Daura, Lt. Gen. Tukur Y Buratai, the duo conjured their own stories and the aim was to tarnish their image to the public and to PMB himself.

Government sources say that Mr Magu is fighting perceived enemies who he believes are agauinst his confirmation. EFCC staff collaborate this argument adding that MR Magu of EFCC realised that PMB’s Associates have known his true colour, and do not want him to keep deceiving them nor the Nigerian Populace.

WORKING WITH KNOWN LOOTERS

A Senator who gave a bribe of N15 Million to a member of staff of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC in order to squash an investigation has been named, despite the best effort of the commission’s boss, Ibrahim Mustafa Magu to protect him.

A brother of another Senator was heard boasting in a leaked tape to having links with Mr Magu. Mr Magu had given assurances to Mr Akpabio, who was a Personal Assistant to his brother, Senator Godswill Akpabio .

Many believe that the anti- graft acting chairman (pictured) has been a stumbling block to the fight against corruption.





ONGOING PLANS TO EMBARRASS THE GOVERNMENT

Magu of EFCC has ordered all his “foot soldiers” heading the various offices of the Agency, to look for anything possible that can Indict PMB ministers / aides/ associates.

His reasons being that since it is obvious that he may not be given the CHAIR of the Agency, it is time to mess everyone up, to embarrass the government of PMB. That was why he made a recent comment that PMB has given him POWER to investigate ANYBODY.

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has been petitioned to act on the complaints and allegations against Magu of EFCC, based on S.174 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
http://politicsngr.com/exposed-efcc-sahara-reporters-peddle-lies-media/

cc : lalasticlala

In a keynote address titled: "'Restoring the Confidence of the Citizens in the Political Leadership in Nigeria- A case study of IMO State'', the former Deputy Speaker of Nigerian House of Representatives and a Knight of St. Christopher (KSC), Rt Hon Chukwuemeka Ihedioha, speaking at the 2016 diocesan Synod of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, at St. John's Church, Amauzari, Isiala Mbano LGA of Imo State South East Nigeria, today Monday 31st, October 2016 urged the Clergymen to Speak out the truth to people in authority.

He emphasis on citizens participation in democratic process and governance. Urging the strengthening of Executive-Legislative corporation, whereby the legislature will not be seen as a rubber stamp or errand boys of the executive. He hampered on rule of law, separation of power, while condemning the infrastructural and social decay in Imo state.
http://politicsngr.com/say-truth-power-ihedioha-fires-church-leaders/

cc : lalasticlala

The World Bank says it has committed about N13bn ($41m) to six projects in Oyo State, including Urban Flood Management Programme, Ibadan Master Plan, health and agriculture, as part of its efforts to partner the state government’s socio-economic development agenda.
But, the state Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, wants the apex global financial institution to do more for the state in view of the pervading economic recession that has incapacitated the state from harnessing its huge potential.

The governor bared his mind while hosting the World Bank Country Director, Mr. Benmessaoud Rachid, and his mission members in his office in Ibadan, on Monday.

Thanking the World Bank for extending its largesse to the state so far, Ajimobi called for further cooperation and support of the institution in the renewed drive of the state to make agriculture the fulcrum of its economic revival agenda.
He told the visitors that the state had a comparative and competitive advantage in agriculture, including a high concentration of research institutions, vast arable land, manpower and clement weather condition capable of making it to excel in agriculture.
If its potentials were well harnessed, the governor was optimistic that the state was capable of surpassing the success story of the likes of Kebbi State, which is renowned as the highest rice producer in the country.
Ajimobi said, "Your earlier collaborative efforts in agriculture, like FADAMA, State AIDS Control Agency, and others are laudable. But, in the face of the current economic recession, it is our belief that only agriculture can take Nigeria out of the economic doldrums.
"I'm impressed by the position of the Country Director on the need to work together with our state for service delivery. There is a need to add value to crops production as different from harvesting and exporting raw agricultural produce. Our current vision is to get to the level of total package; we must be using cassava for chips, starch, pharmaceutical purposes, among others.
"We were initially unhappy with the low level of deliverables and slow response of World Bank to our call for support during some moments of emergency, but we want to believe that this trend will change for better with this visit. We will appreciate an early response to our call for assistance during emergencies."
The governor called the World Bank's attention to the health, environmental and education sectors, stressing that the state government had on its part embarked on Out-of-school projects, training for teachers and provision of educational infrastructures, flood management, and waste-to-wealth project for power generation.

Ajimobi advocated the need for factual reportage of execution of collaborative programmes between the state and the World Bank, explaining that the programmes were mostly hinged on repayable loans.

Earlier, the Country Director had informed the governor that the team was in Oyo to demonstrate the bank's commitment to the state and its preparedness to partner the state government in its efforts aimed at reducing poverty among the citizens.

He described the state as a hub of education, while he noted that there a was a need to give adequate support to the sector towards building good educational infrastructures for the youths, with the ultimate goal of attracting good jobs for the teeming unemployed population.
Rachid said, “The World Bank has six different projects worth over $41m, among others in Oyo State.It is important for projects currently embarked upon in the state to be fast-tracked for mitigating efforts in HIV/AIDS, youths empowerment, and the health sector.

“Oyo State has all it takes to be financially independent of the Federal Government as it is the hub of education standards in the country. With this, every other needed impetus would easily be applied and help the youths to attract good jobs for the state unemployed youths.”
http://politicsngr.com/photos-world-bank-fund-6-projects-oyo-state-n13-billion/

cc : lalasticlala

President Buhari received the Governor of Plateau State Hon. Simon Lalong accompanied by APC Gubernatorial Candidate for Ondo State Rotimi Akeredolu in State House on 31st October, 2016. He was also visited by the Governor of Bauchi State Mohammed Abubakar and Governor of Jigawa State Badaru Abubakar.

http://politicsngr.com/photos-buhari-meets-ondo-apc-guber-candidate-rotimi-akeredolu-others/

Justice Tukur Mu'azu of Kaduna State High Court has convicted and sentenced the immediate past sole Administrator of Kaura Local Government, Kaduna State, Ibrahim Akut Baba to seven years imprisonment without option of fine for offences bordering on obtaining money by false pretence.

The convict was arraigned before Justice Mu'azu on January 7, 2016 on allegation of defrauding one Alhaji Auwal Ibrahim of Rahusa Investment Limited, Sabon Hunkuyi, Kaduna state sometime in 2011, over a phony gas supply contract.
The victim allegedly paid the convict N1million for the supply of five trucks of gas at the rate of N.2million per truck.
But after the payment was made, the victim neither received the product nor gets a refund.
http://politicsngr.com/photos-council-boss-sentenced-7-years-prison-fraud-kaduna/

cc : lalasticlala

A ghastly motor accident involving a container truck and trailer occurred in Mile 2, Sanya bustop, lagos state recently. The container truck lost control and rammed into the parked trailer. Both vehicles have since been removed by officials of the lagos state emergency services. Its unclear if any life was lost.
http://politicsngr.com/photos-container-truck-crashes-parked-trailer-lagos/

cc : lalasticlala

Ekiti House of Assembly drags Fayemi, others to EFCC over alleged N40bn fraud

The Ekiti State House of Assembly has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), calling for the investigation and prosecution of the immediate past governor of the State and Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Kayode Fayemi and others, for allegedly looting the State to the tune of over N40 billion.
Abuja.

The petition, dated October 24, 2016 and signed by Speaker of the House of Assembly, Pastor Kolawole Oluwawole, was submitted to the EFCC in Abuja today, by the trio of the Deputy Speaker, Hon Segun Adewumi, Chairman House Committee on Information, Dr Samuel Omotoso and Hon Sina Animasaun.

The petition was titled; “Complaint of fraudulent practices against former Ekiti State governor and Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Kayode Fayemi & others: Call for investigation & prosecution.”
Other people mentioned in the petition are Mr Dapo Kolawole, Mr Yemi Adaramodu, Mr Abiodun Oyebanji, Arc Oyelade (CASA Nig Ltd) and Mr Bayo Kelekun.

The Deputy Speaker, who addressed pressmen after the petition was submitted, said; “Since EFCC have claimed that the commission does not have any complaint against those holding power in Abuja, we have decided to submit this petition openly so that Nigerians and indeed, the entire world will be able to follow it up and ask questions from the EFCC as to what has happened to it.”

Dr Omotoso, who also corroborated the Deputy Speaker, disclosed that the petition bordered on 10 major issues, namely; Construction of new civic centre, construction of new governor’s office, mismanagement of the N25bn bond and N5bn commercial bank loan, construction of new government house, diversion of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) N852.9 million, fraudulent purchase of 156 units of Ford vehicles from Coscharis Motors, inflation of road contracts, among others.

Also, Hon Animasaun said the State House of Assembly could no longer pretend as if nothing was wrong in the face of the monumental looting of the State treasury perpetrated by immediate past APC government of Fayemi, hence the complaint to the EFCC.

The petition, which was accompanied with several documents read; “Consequent upon the resolution of the House of Assembly, we write to request for the investigation of the following allegations of fraudulent practices against the former Governor of Ekiti State and incumbent Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Kayode Fayemi and others. These fraudulent practices include, but not limited to contracts inflation, misappropriation of fund, diversion of Local Council and State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB) funds, amongst others.

1: Construction of New Civic Centre (See Document marked ANNEXURE 1)
Contract for the construction of a New Civic Centre was awarded to TIANJIN-YUYANG Construction Eng. Limited on August 30, 2012 at the cost of N2, 573,584,395.75. Consultancy on the construction was awarded to CASA Nig Ltd on June 11, 2012 at the cost of N137, 611,325.07.

As at the end of 2012, a sum of N643,396,098.94 (representing 25% of total contract sum) had been paid to TIANJIN-YUYANG Construction Eng. Limited while the consultant, CASA Nig. Ltd was paid N89,801,901.06 (representing 80% of total contract sum).

In 2013, a sum of N350, 116,245.17 was paid to TIANJIN-YUYANG Construction Eng. Limited, making a total sum of N993, 512,344.11 (representing 45% of total contract sum).
2: New Governor’s Office (See Document marked ANNEXURE 2)

2a. Contract for the construction of earthwork for the New Governor’s Office was awarded to PONTI-ITALWARE Nig Ltd on March 3rd, 2012 at the sum of N383, 900,911.06, with a sum of N115, 170,273.32 paid to the contractor. The New Governor’s Office was proposed to be constructed from the N25 billion Bond obtained by the State Government, with N3, 474,700.000.00 earmarked for the project.
However, despite that N115, 170,273.32 was paid to PONTI-ITALWARE Nig Ltd for earthwork, the site was abandoned, with no significant work done.
BOC ARCHITECTS of 32 Adeola Adeleye Street, Ilupeju, Lagos, the Project Consultant was paid N11,596,746.41.
Despite the payment of N115, 170,273.32, nothing significant was done.

2b. Contract for the construction of the New Governor’s Office was awarded to Messrs Interkel Nig. Ltd (12, Maitama Sule Street, Southwest Ikoyi, Lagos 0812900918) on March 1, 2014. The contract sum was N2, 027,495,857.45. Out of the 30% mobilisation fee of N608, 248,757.24, a sum of N100 million was paid to the contractor with nothing to show.

3. N25bn bond and N5bn commercial bank loan (See document marked ANNEXURE 3)
3a. N25 billion was sourced from the capital market to finance capital projects. This was obtained in two tranches of N20 billion and N5 billion in October 2011 and January 2014 respectively.

The Bond Prospectus, which was approved by the House of Assembly was not adhered to as the money was diverted into projects not listed in the Bond Prospectus. For instance, N1 billion was earmarked for the construction of Civic Centre whereas N1, 465,401,522.72 was spent on the project from the bond, with project left uncompleted.

Also, the State Pavilion to which N1, 583,292,358.00 was earmarked and total sum of N1, 457,945,445.44 was paid to the contractor was left uncompleted.

Projects funded from the Bond Proceeds but were not within the scope of the Bond Prospectus are listed in the document marked ANNEXURE 3.

3b. Towards the June 21, 2014 governorship election, N5 billion loan was obtained, using Fountain Holdings Limited, a company with N15 million share capital. The N5 billion loan was obtained from EcoBank without recourse to the Debt Management Office (DMO) and it was claimed that the loan was used to execute capital projects like construction of roads.
Our question is; is it part of the responsibilities of Fountain Holdings
Limited to execute capital projects like road construction on behalf of Ekiti State Government?
For your information, Fountain Holdings Limited is an investment company owned by the Ekiti State Government. The responsibility of Fountain Holdings Limited is to manage and supervise all companies owned by the Ekiti State Government. The Share Capital of the company is N15m, and we wonder how a company with N15m Share Capital could be granted N5bn loan by EcoBank without any recourse to the DMO!
As at today, there is no single evidence of utilisation of the N5 bilion, suggesting that the loan was taken to fund Fayemi’s botched re election bid.

4. New Government House (See Document marked ANNEXURE 4)
Contract for the construction of a new government house was awarded to KOURIS Construction Nigeria Limited on July 27th, 2012. The initial contract sum was N2, 054,573,822.00.
Curiously, another N730, 186,636.87 contract for additional works was awarded to the same company on October 10th, 2014, FIVE days to the end of the government of Dr Kayode Fayemi! It was claimed that the additional works was as a result omissions on the original Bill of Quantities prepared for the project.

For a contract awarded on July 27th, 2012, the question is; why waiting till October 10th, 2014, five days to the end of the government to realise that there were omissions on the original Bill of Quantities prepared for the project?

Curiously again, another N604, 961,645.72 contract was awarded to KITWOOD Nigeria Limited on June 18th, 2014 (three days to the June 21, 2014 governorship election) for the furnishing of the government house.
To show that the State Ministry of Works was not carried along in the contract award and execution, the contractor was asked to report at the office of Fayemi’s Chief of Staff, Yemi Adaramodu to sign contractual agreement and also obtain detailed specifications of the items to be procured.

5: Diversion of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) (See Document marked ANNEXURE 5)
A sum of N852, 936,713.92 was illegal withdrawn from SUBEB Access Bank Account Number 0065385694 on October 8, 2014, eight days to the end of Dr Fayemi’s tenure as Ekiti State governor.
The N852, 936,713.92 was counterpart fund paid by the Ekiti State Government to access the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) 2012 Marching Grant of N852, 936,793.12.
This illegal withdrawal was in contravention of Section 11(2) of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act, 2004.
It should be noted that UBEC Deputy Executive Secretary, Dr. Yakubu Gambo told the Senate Committee on Finance’s Budget Defence that Dr Fayemi, used the N852.9 million counterpart funds dedicated for education by the federal government through the UBEC for other purposes.
Mr Dapo Kolawole, who was Fayemi’s Commissioner for Finance, while defending the allegation, said there was no law forbidding States from borrowing counterpart funds to support states capital development operations.
Consequent upon this illegal withdrawal, UBEC caused a letter to be written to the Ekiti SUBEB in which the commission called for the return of the N852, 936,713.92 to the account of SUBEB.
UBEC also suspended Ekiti SUBEB from accessing any further FGN-UBE Intervention Fund until further notice.
UBEC, in the letter dated April 16, 2015, with Reference Number; UBEC/FA/SUBEB/EK/183/Vol.II/162 described the withdrawal as criminal act that violated Section 11(2) of UBE Act 2004 and conveyed its suspension of Ekiti State from accessing any further FGN-UBE Intervention Fund.
UBEC letters dated April 16, 2015 and April 29, 2015 as well extract from Ekiti SUBEB Statement of Account are herewith attached.

6: Diversion of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB)
In 2012, contracts worth N4, 246,094,751.14 were awarded through the Bureau of Special Projects (under the Governor’s office), headed by Mr. Kelekun. The contracts were for renovation of schools, supply of school furniture and construction of classrooms. Funds for these projects were taken from SUBEB and Local Governments accounts.
Of these contracts, N3, 672,078,820.14 were for renovation of schools alone. Atlantic Offshore & Properties got N1, 152,562,555.14, Strabic Nig. Ltd got N1, 107,744.408.21, Bam Darley Nig. Ltd. got N924, 977,310.95 while Fatub Nig. Ltd got N486, 794,545.84.
Immediately the renovation contracts were awarded, Atlantic Offshore & Properties was paid N750 million (70% of contract sum), Strabic Nig. Ltd was paid N600 million (65% of contract sum), Bam Darley Nig. Ltd was paid N600 million (70% of contract sum) while Fatub Nig. Engineering Ltd was paid N150 million (60% of contract sum).
A total of N2.1bn was paid from SUBEB and LG accounts to these contractors even before the commencement of work, and over 40% of the payment was diverted into private pockets.
In the 2014 Capital Projects Report, payments to the contractors were presented as;
a: Atlantic Offshore & Properties - N1, 022,130,415.64
b: Strabic Nig. Ltd - N957, 237,829.62
c: Bam Darley Nig. Ltd - N742, 730,990.25
d: Fatub Engineering Nig. Ltd - N431, 327,270.41
As at the time N1, 022,130,415.64 was paid to Atlantic Offshore & Properties, only 60% work had been done, meaning that Atlantic Offshore & Properties was only entitled to N691, 537,551. Bam Darley Nig. Ltd that was paid N742, 730,990.25 had done 60% work too and ought to have been paid N554, 986,386.57.

7: Inflation of Road Contracts
Contracts for REHABILITATION of Roads were awarded at highly inflated cost, with some of the roads costing as high N50 million per kilometre. The REHABILITATION only involved cutting of failed portion, filling with laterite and stone base and asphalt overlay. No subsoil drainages, new pipe culverts and box culverts were constructed.
For instance, 10.7km Ado-Afao was awarded at N538, 638,704.26, 17km Ilawe-Igbara Odo-Ibuji road, which was awarded at a little above N200m by the government preceding Fayemi’s government was re-awarded at N894,698,043.75, 11.5km Ado-Ilawe road was awarded at N482,849,098.20, 3.6km Ijigbo-Baptist College (Ilawe road) was awarded at N788,038,599.60 while Fajuyi-University Teaching Hospital Road that is less than3km was awarded at N447,544,063.50
Rehabilitation of 13km Old Garrage-Ado-Ikere road was awarded to Plycon Nig Ltd at N2, 369,833,077.15.
Construction of 0.8km Old Garrage-Ojumose (Ado-Ekiti) road was awarded to Heartland Nig. Ltd at N866, 872,873.13.

8: Diversion of LG Funds to Pay For Roads Awarded By State Govt.
Using the State Public Works Corporation (PWC), rehabilitation 5km township roads were embarked upon in each of the 16 LGs. Contracts for the rehabilitation of these roads were awarded without any imput from the respective LGs while fund for the project was deducted from the local councils allocation.
For instance, rehabilitation of 5km roads in Moba LG was awarded for N368, 950,821.09, Ido/Osi LG for N329, 950,821.50 and Ilejemeje LG for N347, 914,157.68. Apart from the PWC, cronies of Governor Kayode Fayemi were also given the contract. Most of the road projects have been abandoned.

9. Fraudulent Purchase of 156 Units of Ford vehicles from Coscharis Motors
N1.2 billion loan was obtained from First Bank Plc for the purchase of 156 units of Ford vehicles from Coscharis Motors Limited, for traditional rulers in the State.
It is on record that only 156 units of the vehicles were delivered while Coscharis, in its letter dated May 2, 2014 said it delivered 235 units. Up till today, the remaining 79 vehicles are yet to be accounted.
It is also on record that proposal for the supply of vehicles was submitted on November 14, 2013 while the vehicles were distributed to the Obas on August 27, 2013! The supplier, Coscharis also registered as a civil/building contractor in Ekiti State on November 13, 2013.
Coscharis, which supplied the vehicles only registered as a civil/building contractor in Ekiti State on November 13, 2013 and submitted proposal for the supply of the vehicles on November 14, 2013 while the vehicles were supplied in August 2013 and distributed on August 27, 2013, three clear months before the proposal to supply the vehicles was made.
Furthermore, it is also on record that instructions were sent to Local Government Chairmen on November 15, 2013 to deliberate on the proposal sent by Coscharis on November 14, 2013 in their F&GPC meetings and their decision to get back to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs not later than November 22, 2013; while the vehicles they were to deliberate upon in the F&GPC meetings in November were delivered in August and distributed to the Obas on August 27, 2013.
Also, while the vehicles were distributed on August 27, 2013 and the tracking done on September 13, 2013, certificate of no objection to procure the vehicles was issued on February 24, 2014.

10. Ado Ekiti Beautification Project (See Document marked ANNEXURE 6)
Contract worth N596, 151,159.10 was awarded for construction walkways and beautification of Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital was awarded to nine contractors. (See Annexure … for list of contractors).
Total sum of N306, 165,425.90 was paid to the contractors. A visit to the project sites will reveal that nothing significant was done to justify this payment.
Apart from Dr Kayode Fayemi, the following people are involved in the alleged fraudulent practices amongst others.
1. Mr Dapo Kolawole - 08135063506
2. Mr Yemi Adaramodu - 08035019919
3. Mr Abiodun Oyebanji – 08072074878
4. Arc Oyelade (CASA Nig Ltd) – 07059825045
5. Mr Bayo Kelekun – 08129020900
6. Interkel Nig Ltd – 08129009118, 08033223296
Consequent upon these alleged fraudulent practices perpetrated by the immediate past government of Dr Fayemi, Ekiti State has been finding it difficult to meet up with its responsibilities.
It will also interest you that several petitions have been written to your commission both by concerned citizens of the State and the State Government itself.
We are however miffed that nothing has been done to these petitions despite that they were duly received by the commission.
In view of the need for an all-inclusive anti-corruption fight, we implore that you act promptly by directing thorough investigation into the alleged fraudulent practices enumerated above with a view to bringing anyone fund culpable to justice.

http://politicsngr.com/photos-ekiti-state-house-assembly-drags-former-governor-fayemi-efcc-n40bn-fraud/

See earlier thread here: https://www.nairaland.com/3429594/3-die-mysterious-well-anambra


A borehole accident which occurred on 24th October, 2016 at Onitsha, Anambra State, has claimed the life of 3 people.

Two local borehole drillers engaged to carry out the job unfortunately died due to lack of oxygen. The third person, an unprofessional rescuer also lost his life trying to evacuate them. However the person that finally evacuated the dead bodies from the borehole succeeded because oxygen was repeatedly injected into the borehole.

Officials of the National Emergency management agency helped to evacuate the bodies. May their souls rest in perfect peace.

http://politicsngr.com/photos-borehole-accident-kills-3-onitsha/

A recording with the voice of the brother of a senator bragging about his connections to the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Mustafa Magu has been released online.

In the leaked tape obtained by Politics Nigeria,Magu called Ibanga Akpabio, the younger brother of the former Akwa Ibom State Governor and current Senate’s Minority Leader saying: “can you see this stupid boy, he is serving a reminder.”

Mr Magu of EFCC went on to give assurances to Mr Akpabio, who was a Personal Assistant to his brother “that he’ll plan for it. ”
http://politicsngr.com/exclusive-politics-nigeria-obtains-recording-showing-efcc-boss-magus-secret-deal-with-akpabios-brother/

See the tape here :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cGZ3P4cPVU


cc : lalasticlala

This occurred this morning at abule egbaA heavy car crash occurred this morning at Abule Egba, Lagos/Abeokuta Express Way involving a danfo bus. 2 people are seen in the photos receiving treatments from officials of the lagos state emergency agency.

We wish them speedy recovery.
http://politicsngr.com/photos-scene-accident-morning-2-injured/

cc : lalasticlala

The Economic and Financial crimes commission arrested the wife of former aviation minister, Olufemi fani Kayode today. This was revealed in a statement by the former minister;

He said;

This govt is sick and cowardly and so are the EFCC. If you have a problem with me face me and leave my family alone.
My wife travelled to Ado Ekiti to see my friend and brother Governor Fayose and his family.

They were on their way out of town when they went to Access Bank in Ado Ekiti to get some money.
When they got there my 8 month old son Aragorn and wife Precious Chikwendu were illegally detained, brutalised and put under arrest on the orders of the EFCC at a bank in Ado Ekiti today.

She has never had any business with me, she has never been formally invited by the EFCC or asked any questions about her transactions and neither have they written to her on any issue even though they are always sending letters to my house and sending people there.
If Buhari wants to deal with me why doesnt he face me like a man obstead of trying to harm and hurt my 8 month old son and wife.
Had it not been for the intervention of Governor Ayo Fayose they would have been taken them away and subjected them to all manner of harm and indignities simply because she is married to me.

This was an account that has 200,000 naira in it and that has never had more than 500,000.

She has operated it since 2005 and she stopped using it in 2013. The account has no connection with me and I did not know it existed till today.
In an attempt to starve and harass me and my family all my accounts and wifes accounts have been frozen.

Now they are resorting to arresting peoples wives and children for no just cause.

I thank God for Gov. Fayose and the people of Ado Ekiti who stormed the bank and freed my wife from this illegal detention and attempt to kidnap them.

Had it not been for the governors intervention and prescence the bank would have been burnt down by the crowd. My family have since left Ekiti state.

This is Buhari's Nigeria and we will resist his wickedness and tyranny.

We intend to sue the bank and to sue the EFCC for this illegal and wicked action. They have no right to do this.
If they want to see my wife all they need to do is to invite her. We have nothing to fear. They do not need to be so primitive and barbaric to people.

Below is a photos of fayose and snowhite after her rescue today.

http://politicsngr.com/breaking-efcc-arrest-femi-fani-kayodes-wife-ekiti-rescued-fayose/



https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10206717387802763&id=1516216357&refid=17&_ft_=top_level_post_id.10206717387802763%3Atl_objid.10206717387802763%3Athid.1516216357%3A306061129499414%3A2%3A0%3A1477983599%3A8788496956682196259&__tn__=%2As

The Lagos state emergency management agency received a distress call at about 12.45am on 16/10 /2016 regarding a fire incident of a Story building Shopping Complex opposite Presbyterian Church Yaba.

This prompted immediate activation of the Agency's Emergency Response Team to the incident scene along with the Lagos State Fire Service, Nigerian Police Force from Sabo and Adekunle Police Stations.

Investigation conducted by the Agency's ERT at the incident scene revealed that the fire started from one of the shop at the back side of the complex where wears, shoes, bags were burnt leaving 94 shops out of 201 in the complex destroyed. Owners were alerted and came on time manage to salvage some of their wares while the presence of the police team prevented lurking miscreants from looting tne salvage products. No life was lost in the incident.

The Agency ERT was involved in salvaging some items, shops baricaded with iron bars using concrete cutter for fire service to gain access to the affected areas and also prevented further escalation. A total number of 117 shops were savaged by the emergency responders which include Fire Service from Ilupeju and Alausa Fire Station.

The General Manager LASEMA Mr. Adesina Tiamiyu noted that the fire outbreak was exacerbated by the highly inflamable materials such as wears stored in the shops, as well as Air conditioners and Generators with fuel in the market caused occasional explosions as the fire raged the shops. Hee also said that emergency responders also had problem of accessibity to some of the shops due to iron bars used as security doors for the shops.

The General Manager however advised market owners to ensure that their members are continuously sensitized on fire prevention and safety as well as ensuring that electrical appliances are put off after the close of business everyday to avoid incident such as this.

In another fire incident, Agency along with the Lagos State Fire Service also responded to the fire outbreak at at about 6.57 a.m at No. 83 Abeokuta Street Ebute Metta received a distress on the same day, This prompted the immediate activation of the Agency's ERT to the scene of the incident.

According to investigation carried out by the Agency's ERT at the scene of the incident, the cause of the inferno remained unknown. However, further investigation conducted by the Agency's ERT revealed that the fire started from one of the rooms in the three beroom flat of the first floor of the two storey building.

No life was lost but two male adults who sustained minor injuries while trying to put out the fire and immediately treated by LASEMA Medical Team.

The fire also destroyed some house hold materials in one of the room and the sitting room of the flat but was prevented from spreading to other part of the building by Lagos State Fire Service men.

http://politicsngr.com/photos-100-shops-destroyed-fire-guts-yaba-shopping-complex/

According to a statement signed by Wale Adeniyi, Public Relations Officer for the Comptroller-General of Customs,
Seventeen (17) Junior Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service have been dismissed from the Service for offences ranging from drug addiction, certificate forgery, theft and absence from duty from January to September 2016.

The statement revealed the following;

1. The appointment of two other Officers have been terminated for absence from duty while one Officer was retired for drug addiction.

2. Investigations into offences committed by the Officers in the senior category are now being concluded. Officers found guilty are expected to face similar stiff penalties.

3. These disciplinary measures were taken after series of investigations and deliberations by the disciplinary committee and recommendations were made to the Management.

4. This process is a continuation of the reform agenda the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) promised upon his assumption of office which emphasized discipline, good conduct and transparency.

http://politicsngr.com/nigerian-customs-sacks-17-officers-drug-addiction/

On Saturday 8th October, 2016 when Senator Gbenga Ashafa visited the Lagos State Model College, Igbonla Epe to commiserate with the staff and students of the school over the kidnapping of their colleagues, he promised to support the internal security network of the school with Security Tricycles.

On 15th October, 2016 the Senator,who represents lagos west senatorial district fulfilled his promise to the school, when his representatives led by Hon. Wasiu Odeyemi (WASTAB) and the Chairman of the Eredo Local Council Development Area, Alhaji Hassan presented the promised Security Tricycles to the school.

The Tricycles were received on behalf of the school by the principal of the Senior School, Mr. Osindero and the Vice Principal of the Junior School, Mrs. Medinat Adebanjo.

In his letter to the school, Senator Ashafa congratulated the staff and students of the school over the safe rescue of their colleagues after concerted efforts by the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Police Command. He urged the staff and students of the school to remain security conscious.
http://politicsngr.com/lagos-senator-gbenga-ashafa-delivers-2-keke-marwa-government-college/

cc : lalasticlala

Ekiti strongman, Ayodele Fayose launched a Compendium of Newspaper Reports from 2006-2014 put together by his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi and Adekunle Adeniyi at the 2nd Year Anniversary Dinner held at Lady Jibowu Hall of the Government House on Saturday.

The book which beams its searchlight on the governor's life in and out of office is titled "Trials Travails and Triumph of Ayo Fayose".

http://politicsngr.com/ekiti-governor-ayo-fayose-launches-book-photos/

Below is a fresh article from controversial musician, artist, businessman and area fada, Charly boy.

Although we are used to seeing the area fada in the news for things like denrele and charly boy kissing , charly boy romances python and charly boy in a coffin , this his new article reveals something about him we don't know. He claims to commune with the dead!...infact..just read the article below....

A couple of nights ago, I had a seance (talking with the dead) with my two Virgins. I had to talk to the incorruptible, The Lord Denin/Socrates of the Supreme Court, the one who taught me humility, contentment and the fact that wealth does not guarantee happiness for it is impermanent, He said that in every country, people suffer whether rich or poor, but for those who seek to understand the true meaning of life, they can find true happiness. Wow!

My dear departed father, Hon. Justice Chukwudifu Akune Oputa, whom I know is cringing in his grave because of what the judiciary/Nigeria has finally turned into.

I remember some 30years back when we used to have heated arguments about the future of Nigeria, the apparent injustices and inequalities, as he tried to teach me all the code of practice or way of life that leads to true happiness. I told him, but he never believed it could get this bad.

This was the 3rd time I was speaking with my late father, friend and teacher through my spiritual guides and virgins.

Amidst all our many national wahala, I shared with him the story of some judges recently raided by the Department of Secret Service and how they allegedly found mad, incredible monies in their accounts or their toilet, as they were being investigated.

Back in the days, I knew what some exceptional judges looked like. Today, everything don scatter scatter. Na thieves and criminals hold us to ransom. .Corruption has become our *Legal Tender*. All we hear are stories of fantastic stealing everywhere, even till now.

Hummmm!!! I saw it coming, Fela couldn’t stop talking.

I could tell my Daddy was very sad. However, I made him realise that the values he instilled in me were all intact. That was only how and when I managed to evoke a smile on his face. I told him how blessed I have been to have him as my teacher, raised on an overdose of strong morals, value, integrity and spirituality. Call me old fashioned, but I still believe that a good name is worth more than billions in the bank.

Corruption is not just a Nigerian problem but nah we dey carry first. Just like religion is a universal phenomenon, but nah we know God pass all the nations of the world.

To most ordinary Nigerians, corruption may appear a victimless crime. Isn’t that why many of us want to go into politics, so that we too can chop?

How many of us in the village or even in the cities know that corruption manifests itself as poverty, disease, injustice, inequality, oppressive rule, instability, restiveness and eventually maybe WAR?

In this neck of the woods, my people are sleepy, dreamy, stupidly over-religious, waiting for manner to fall from heaven.

We cant stand for our rights or agitate to retrieve our stolen future. We can’t… because most of us are all like the numerous leaders who have led us astray. We cannot hold the leadership accountable because 90% of us have been infected by the corruption virus.

Chinua Achebe, the famous Nigerian author, said Nigerians are corrupt not because they are “different fundamentally from any other people in the world” but “because the system under which they live today makes corruption easy and profitable; they will cease to be corrupt when corruption is made difficult and inconvenient.”

MR. Fighting Corruption, how far; are you winning or losing? Look well under your bed o, you sure say corruption no hide there? Fela say na government magic. All the money una collect weytin una take am do?

So many days for the thieves, one day for we the owners.

I don talk my own.
http://politicsngr.com/legal-tender-charly-boy-reveals-communes-dead/

cc : lalasticlala

Mohammed Musa Dimis was arrested inside the reserve for hunting on October 8th. He was taken to court and was sent onto remand awaiting trial. He killed two guineafowls before his arrest.

Continuous patrol by Yankari rangers with support from WCS has helped to reduce hunting pressure in the reserve.
http://politicsngr.com/photo-poache-arrested-yankaari-game-reserve-killed-two-guinea-fowls/

cc : lalasticlala , mynd44

Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development - Chief Audu Ogbeh is seen discussing with CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele , Enugu governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and another delegate member ahead of bilateral trade agreements in Germany. They are part of a delegation that accompanied the President on his trip to the european country.

Ogbeh was also present at the Tegel airport to welcome the president on his arrival into Germany.
http://politicsngr.com/photos-minister-agric-audu-ogbeh-emefiele-uguwanyi-discuss-tea-germany/

cc : lalasticlala

The plateau state government has placed a ban on the activities of shiite muslims (also known as Islamic movement of Nigeria) in the state. The ban on shiites is coming after a clash between youths and some members of the sect in Angwan Rogo, Jos North.

The youths attacked the sect members while they were celebrating 'Ashura', a festival that commemorates the death of Prophet Muhammad's grandson. The husanniya (Worship building) of the sect was burnt down and destroyed by the youths.

State governor, Simon lalong, in a statement issued by his media assistant, Mr. Rufus Bature, said that the activities of the sect in the state could no longer be accepted, adding that the ban was necessary to maintain public peace.

http://politicsngr.com/plateau-state-government-bans-shiites/

Hon. Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN, Governor of Taraba State, Mr Darius Ishaku and others during a courtesy visit to the Minister to discuss developmental issues on Mambilla Hydro Dam Power Project at the Conference Room to the Ministry of Power, Works, & Housing Headquarters, Mabushi Abuja, FCT, Abuja on Thursday 13, October 2016.
http://politicsngr.com/photos-taraba-governor-visit-minister-power-fashola-discuss-hydro-power/

cc : lalasticlala

Although Stomach infrastructure is a very good way of getting votes and kudos from state residents in Nigeria, it can be a problem sometimes. This was evident recently when associates of Ekiti state governor,Ayo Fayose, embarked on a 'stomach infrastructure' exercise yesterday at a local government meeting.

Truckload of 'Agege Bread' shared

Chairman of Ado Ekiti LG, Hon Deji Ogunsakin and the PA to the governor on stomach infrastructure Sunshine Anifowose distributed 'agege bread' at the PDP Ado Local government general meeting yesterday,October 13th. The entire scene became very rowdy in a matter of minutes as each resident tried to grab their own share.

Photos below;

http://politicsngr.com/stomach-infrastructure-ekiti-residents-struggle-get-agege-bread-distributed-fayoses-aides/

At its last Emergency Meeting which was held on October 11th 2016, Council decided among other matters, as follows:
That the National Judicial Council is a creation, by virtue of Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, with its powers specified in Paragraph 21 of Part One of the Third Schedule whereof.
That by virtue of Section 160 of the 1999 Constitution, Council fashioned out:
Judicial Discipline Regulations;
ii) Revised NJC Guidelines and Procedural Rules for the Appointment of Judicial Officers of all Superior Courts of Record;
iii) Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; and
iv) National Judicial Policy
to inter-alia, regulate its own procedure while exercising its Constitutional Powers.
3. That Section 158 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, has unequivocally provided for the independence of the National Judicial Council vis-à-vis directing or controlling it by any authority or person while exercising its powers.
4. Reiterated its absolute confidence in President Muhammadu Buhari Administration and its unwavering determination to uphold the Principles of Democracy, Separation of Powers and the Rule of Law enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended and the United Nations Charter, which Nigeria is a Member.
5. That it shall continue to support the President Buhari Administration in its fight against corruption in all its ramifications in the Federation; and in cleansing the Judiciary of corrupt Judicial Officers.
6. However, expresses its grave concern on the recent invasion of the Residences and arrest of some serving and suspended Judicial Officers by the Department of State Services (“DSS”); and condemned the action in its entirety.
7. Viewed the action as a threat to the Independence of the Judiciary, which portends great danger to our democracy; and also considered the action as a clear attempt by the DSS to humiliate, intimidate, denigrate and cow the Judiciary.
BACKGROUND FACTS

8.1 RE: HON. JUSTICE SYLVESTER NGWUTA
The Public is aware that Hon. Justice Sylvester Ngwuta, a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, was arrested after his House was invaded by heavily armed and masked operatives of the Department of States Security on Friday 7th October, 2016. The operatives did not leave his house until 12.00 noon of the following day, when he was whisked away to the (“DSS”) office.
8.2 RE: HON. JUSTICE INYANG OKORO
The Residence of Hon. Justice Inyang Okoro, a Justice of Supreme Court of Nigeria, was raided in the same manner and was arrested by the same operatives of the DSS.
Contrary to the claim by the DSS and as published in the electronic and print media, Council has never received any petition against the aforesaid Judicial Officers: Hon. Justices Ngwuta and Okoro of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, by the DSS.
8.3 RE: HON. JUSTICE MUHAMMED LADAN TSAMIYA OF THE COURT OF APPEAL
At its Meeting which was held on 29th September, 2016, Council had found His Lordship culpable of professional misconduct contrary to Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the provisions of Section 292 of 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria. Accordingly, he was recommended to Mr President for compulsory retirement from office following the petition written by one Mr Nnamdi Iro Oji for demanding the sum of N200,000,000.00 (Two Hundred Million Naira) bribe. It is to be stressed that from the evidence before the Council, Hon. Justice Ladan Tsamiya did not receive N200m bribe. The Petitioner adduced evidence to support his allegation that Hon. Justice Tsamiya only demanded for the money.
In the exercise of its power, Council had suspended Justice Tsamiya from office, pending when the President will act on the recommendation. And Mr. President has approved the recommendation of the Council and compulsorily retired His Lordship from office yesterday, the 12th day of October, 2016.

8.4. RE: HON. JUSTICE I. A. UMEZULIKE, OFR
Hon. Justice I. A. Umezulike, OFR, Chief Judge, Enugu State, was recommended for compulsory retirement from office to Enugu State Governor for gross misconduct, pursuant to the petition written against him by Mr. Peter Eze.
In the meantime, National Judicial Council has suspended His Lordship from office pending when the Governor of Enugu State will act on its recommendation.
8.5. RE: HON. JUSTICE A. F. A. ADEMOLA, OF THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT
Hon. Justice A. F. A. Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division has been petitioned by Hon. Jenkins Duviegiane Gwebe on allegations bordering on corrupt practices.
Currently, a Committee of the Council is investigating the allegations.
There is no other petition against Hon. Justice Ademola from DSS pending at the National Judicial Council.
8.6. RE: HON. JUSTICE KABIRU AUTA, KANO STATE HIGH COURT

Hon. Justice Kabiru Auta was investigated by Council based on allegations of corrupt practices levelled against him in a petition forwarded to Council by one Alhaji Kabiru Yakassai. His Lordship was recommended to the Governor of Kano State for removal from office by dismissal. Council wrote separately to the AIG Kano Zone 1, for Police to prosecute Hon. Justice Auta.

Council has suspended His Lordship from office pending when the Governor will act on its recommendation.
8.7 RE: HON. JUSTICE MUAZU PINDIGA OF HIGH COURT, GOMBE STATE
The DSS petitioned the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the National Judicial Council alleging corrupt practices against Hon. Justice Pindiga, inter-alia:-
“i) That the Hon. Judge in a bid to illegally enrich himself, perfected plans through third party proxies/conduits, with a view to influencing the outcome of the Election Tribunal in the governorship polls in favour of the incumbent Governor Nyesom Wike.
ii) That further ongoing discreet investigation, Justice Pindiga is observed to have illegally enriched himself through corrupt means. Part of the illegitimate proceeds suspected to have accrued to Pindiga includes the underlisted:
a) Two (2) completed blocks of six (6) units 2 bedroom flats in Federal Low Cost Estate in Gombe metropolis;
b) Four (4) units of bungalow in another part of the Estate;
c) An uncompleted property at GRA in Gombe Metropolis;
d) a Mercedes Benz C300 car in the name of MUBAJJAL;
e) A Toyota Venza-Model SUV.
iii) From all indications, it is apparent that Pindiga, who is a very Senior Justice in Gombe State, is highly corrupt. His continuous stay as a Justice in any capacity would likely embarrass the current administration and pervert the cause of justice. In view of the foregoing, it is strongly advised that immediate necessary administrative and judicial measures be taken on him, including appropriate sanctions and trial to set a precedent to others of his like”.
The complaint containing the allegations of corrupt practices against the Hon. Judge were conveyed in a letter Ref No. DGSS71/3161 and dated 26th February, 2016, written by the DSS to the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the National Judicial Council. The petition was not supported by a verifying affidavit deposed to by the DSS, as required by the National Judicial Council Discipline Regulations 2014. The Petition should have been disregarded for non-compliance with the National Judicial Council Regulations, but by letter Ref. No. NJC/S.15/HC.GM/5/1/128 dated 19th April, 2016, the DSS was notified and requested to comply and to depose to a verifying affidavit in support of the allegations of corrupt practices levelled against the Hon. Judge.
By letter Ref No. LSD.232/4/68 dated 6th May, 2016, to the Council, the DSS deposed to a verifying affidavit in respect of the allegations against Justice Pindiga.
On the directive of the Council, Hon. Justice Mu’azu Pindiga responded to the allegations against him by DSS. Thereafter, a Committee comprising Members of the Council investigated the allegations of corrupt practices.
Both Parties - The DSS and Hon. Justice Mu’azu Pindiga, together with their witnesses and counsel appeared before the Panel set up by Council in compliance with the National Judicial Discipline Regulations and Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, on the Right to Fair Hearing.
The DSS was represented by a Director, S. U. Gambo, Esq. who is also a Legal Practitioner in the Department and Hon Justice Pindiga was represented by Joe Agi, SAN.
At the end of the investigation, the DSS could not substantiate any of the allegations of corrupt practices either by documentary or oral evidence against the Hon. Justice Pindiga.
Consequently, at its Meeting of 15th July, 2016, Council decided to exonerate Hon. Justice Pindiga of the allegations of corrupt practices levelled against him by DSS.
The Council’s decision was conveyed to Hon. Justice Pindiga in a letter Ref. No. NJC/HC.GM/5/1/132 of 9th August, 2016 and copied the DSS.

8.8. RE: HON. JUSTICE NNAMDI DIMGBA OF FEDERAL HIGH COURT ABUJA DIVISION
Council is aware that DSS had written a complaint alleging corrupt practices and professional misconduct against Hon. Justice Dimgba by a letter Ref. No. LSD.158/2/31 dated 5th August, 2016.

At its Meeting of 29th September, 2016, Council constituted a Fact Finding Committee comprising its Members to investigate the allegation.
During the last Emergency Meeting of the Council, it received a Report from Hon. Justice Nnamdi Dimgba that his Residence was also raided and ransacked; and in the process, his nephew and driver were man-handled, using a wrong search warrant which was not meant for the search of his house.
The Committee has commenced the process of investigating the allegations before the recent unfortunate raid and search of Hon. Justice Dimgba’s Residence.

9. Council meticulously considered the entire unfolding events that led to the arrest of the Judicial Officers and the misinformation and disinformation making rounds in both Electronic and Print Media that the DSS acted thus because the National Judicial Council was shielding the Judicial Officers from investigation and prosecution for corrupt practices and professional misconduct.
10. Council noted particularly, that from the available records, the DSS forwarded only two(2 no.) separate complaints containing allegations of Corrupt Practices against Hon. Justice Pindiga; and corrupt practices and professional misconduct against Hon. Justice Dimgba.
11. The impression created and widely circulated before the public, that the DSS forwarded a number of petitions containing various allegations of corrupt practices and professional misconduct against some Judicial Officers to the Council, and they were not investigated, is not correct. The Council urges the DSS to make public the particulars of such petitions to put the records straight.
12. Given the above background facts, on behalf of the Judiciary, Council is constrained to inform the general public that all petitions and complaints forwarded against Judicial Officers bordering on corrupt practices and professional misconduct, have been attended to and investigated, where applicable, by Council since year 2000 to date, within the powers conferred on it by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
13. Therefore, any Judicial Officer that was reprimanded by Council or recommended for removal from office by compulsory retirement or dismissal to the President or Governor, was done in compliance with the Constitutional power, Rule of Law and Due Process.
14. From year 2000, when the National Judicial Council held its inaugural Meeting to 2016, 1808 petitions and complaints against Judicial Officers, including Chief Justices of Nigeria, Justices of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal were received by the respective Honourable, the Chief Justices of Nigeria and Chairman of the National Judicial Council. Eighty-two (82 No.) of the Judicial Officers were reprimanded (suspension, caution or warning), by Council, in the exercise of its exclusive Constitutional Disciplinary power over Judicial Officers. Thirty-eight (38 No.) of the Judicial Officers were recommended to the President or Governor where applicable, for compulsory retirement from office; while twelve (12 No.) were recommended to the President or Governor as the case may be, for dismissal from office.
In conclusion, Council wishes to state as follows:-

That it maintains its earlier decision that no Judicial Officer shall be invited by any Institution including the DSS, without complying with the Rule of Law and Due Process. That explains why when the DSS wrote to the Council by letter Ref. No. LSC.960/4 dated 14th September, 2016, to direct Hon. Justice Mu’azu Pindiga to appear before it, The Hon. The Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the National Judicial Council directed the Hon. Chief Judge of Gombe State to ask Hon. Justice Mu’azu Pindiga to report to DSS, which His Lordship did.
That the National Judicial Council has never shielded nor will it shield any Judicial Officer who has committed any misconduct.
3) That the Department of State Services is an Agency in the Presidency and its functions as specified in the statute establishing it, is primarily concerned with the internal security of the Country.
4) That the action of the DSS is a denigration of the entire Judiciary, as an institution.
5) That by the act of the DSS, Judicial Officers are now being subjected to insecurity, as criminals might take advantage of the recent incidents to invade their residences under the guise of being security agents.
6) The Council vehemently denounces a situation whereby the Psyche of Judicial Officers in the Federation is subjected to a level where they would be afraid to discharge their Constitutional judicial functions, without fear or favour, intimidation, victimization or suppression.
7) The Council will not compromise the integrity and impartiality of the Judiciary.
The Council wishes to reassure the public that any person who has a genuine complaint against any Judicial Officer is at liberty to bring it up to the Council for consideration, after following due process vide its Judicial Discipline Regulations.
9) At the end of the Meeting, Council unanimously agreed to recommend Hon. Justice W. S. N. Onnoghen, CFR, as the most senior, suitable and competent Justice of the Supreme Court to President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, for appointment as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria to succeed Hon. Justice Mahmud Mohammed GCON who retires from office on 10th November, 2016.

Soji Oye, Esq
Ag. Director (Information)

http://politicsngr.com/national-judicial-council-reacts-arrest-high-court-judges-bars-dss-arraignment/

Chief of Naval staff(CNS), Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas paid a visit to the lake chad Naval post in Baga, Borno state.

Ibas, who was there to inspect operations, revealed that Boko Haram insurgents had been successfully chased out of Malam Fatori, an area that served as a strong base for the terrorists.In a statement released by the Navy’s director of information, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, the CNS inspected the temporary, accommodation site at the College of Fresh Water Fisheries at Baga as well as facilities at the temporary site at the Fish Dam 8km North-East of the College.

The CNS was received by the GOC 8 Division, Brig.-Gen. Nani as well as the Commander, 7 Special Task Force, Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Saram. He concluded his visit on October 11th.
http://politicsngr.com/pictures-cns-ibas-visits-lake-chad-naval-outpost/

cc : lalasticlala

Governor of Anambra state, Willie Obiano attended the 2016 Ofala Festival of HM, Igwe Achebe of Onitsha Kingdom, yesterday, October 8th.

Obiano was cheered and given a rousing welcome by the palace chiefs. He also displayed humility and honor when he bowed to greet the Igwe.

Pictures below;

http://politicsngr.com/photos-willie-obiano-attends-igwe-onitshas-ofala-ceremony/

President Muhammadu buhari attended the passing parade of the 63 Regular Course, Nigerian Defence Academy today in Kaduna State.

Below is the president's full address at the occasion;

I am delighted to be in the Nigerian Defence Academy again this time to review the Passing Out Parade of Cadets of the 63 Regular Course. Since I came here a year ago to review the Parade of 62 Regular Course, I am pleased to note that the Academy has made tremendous progress in terms of both physical infrastructure and quality of teaching and training.

I always look forward to coming here to perform this duty as it reminds me of my cadet days as well as the opportunity it gives me to appreciate the tremendous progress and achievements of the Nigerian Defence Academy and the Armed Forces since independence.

The excellent parade we have just witnessed is a testimony to the high standard of training and discipline the Academy has set. I, therefore, commend the Commandant, instructors and gentlemen officer cadets for this outstanding parade. Today’s Passing Out Parade has an added significance because, for the first time in 52 years, this Academy is graduating female cadets who will be commissioned as regular officers into the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

While congratulating these soon-to-be pioneer female Regular Combatant officers for their courage and resilience in the past 5 years, I advise the Services to put in place adequate institutional mechanisms to evaluate the deployment or otherwise of our female officers in active combat roles. But we must be careful to carry public opinion with us and respect cultural sensitivities.

I am delighted to note the series of transformations that have taken place in this great institution within the past one year which includes:

· The Indoor Gallery Shooting Range which is the best in the sub-region;

· An enhanced obstacle course and

· A standard armoury.

Additionally, recent improvements in physical and human resources have led to the accreditation of 5 academic programmes by the National Universities Commission. I commend the Commandant and staff of the Academy for these outstanding achievements within the last one year.

This Administration will continue to support the Ministry of Defence especially in capacity building and improving the welfare of its personnel in the Armed Forces. Only recently, the Federal Executive Council approved the treasury funding of the Defined Benefits (Non-Contributory Pension Scheme) for NDA civilian retirees. The Academy will continue to be assisted in terms of budgetary provision to sustain the high standard of excellence already attained.

To the passing out cadets, I want to observe that you are graduating into the Armed Forces at a very auspicious time when the gains of several years of sacrifice by our troops are being consolidated. You are indeed moving into a path of honour, sacrifice and responsibility. You are also moving to the next level having been found worthy in learning and character to move from being Cadets to officers.

Therefore, as you step out of this noble institution, your character will determine how far you can go. Endeavour to be patriotic and exhibit the highest level of discipline and loyalty to one Nigeria. Above all you must strive to keep to the tenets of the profession by remaining apolitical. You are also required to exhibit the highest sense of integrity, patriotism and exemplary service to the nation and its people.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, you will all recall that this Administration inherited a badly managed Boko Haram insurgency in the North East. The violence even spread beyond North Eastern states. But the capacity of the insurgents to launch attacks has now been significantly curtailed. Boko Haram’s capacity to hold territories has been obliterated. What is on-going now are mop up operations to clear the remnants of the insurgents from their numerous hideouts.

All these successes are largely the efforts of our gallant troops of the Nigerian Military. I therefore commend our men and women in uniform and the intelligence community for their roles in dealing with the emerging threats. Terrorism and insurgency are new global phenomena that require concerted international cooperation to be defeated. We have, therefore, strengthened our participation in the Multi-National Joint Task Force.

We expect that other countries in the sub-region will continue to give the MNJTF and our efforts maximum cooperation. Some of our diplomatic shuttles to Niger, Cameroon, Chad and Benin have significantly contributed to defeating Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in the sub-region.

Terrorism has a global reach: during my trips to the United States, Europe and China, we discussed strategies to strengthen cooperation towards tackling insurgency and global terrorism. These diplomatic shuttles have contributed towards strengthening our battle against the insurgents. But we must sustain our momentum.

Today’s challenges, however, go beyond Boko Haram. We have seen the negative impacts of kidnapping, cattle rustling and renewed militancy in the Niger Delta on our economy. The repeated attacks in the Niger Delta have been impacting negatively on oil revenues. The scourge of illegal Small Arms and Light Weapons, and the drugs war among others remain issues which we are tackling seriously. I would like to reiterate my call on all Nigerians to give peace a chance and jettison negative tendencies on our land and join government efforts at addressing the numerous challenges in the path of building a better Nigeria.

Recently, we flagged off the Clean-up of Ogoniland as part of the programmes to salvage the ravaged environment. We are convinced that undertaking such a monumental project will contribute to addressing the root causes of militancy in some parts of the Niger Delta region. However, for the avoidance of doubt let me state that other options are still open including decisive military action, if necessary, to deal with the criminal elements disguised in ethnic regalia to sabotage the country largely for their selfish and parochial interests. However, our priority, still remains constructive engagement of the stakeholders for peace.

As we tackle the challenges of nation building and sustainable development, I urge the military to continue to operate within the rules of engagement. The military needs to constantly abide by the laws which guide armed conflicts as you carry out your constitutional roles. Without this, you will be doing a lot of damage to the institution and the Constitution as a whole. It is the extent to which you respect the laws of armed conflicts that success in the real context of global best practices will be measured.

On military-civilian relationships, I acknowledge the openness with which information flows to the public these days. In addition, we have facilitated engagement between local and global stakeholders in the civil society. I note with delight the conscious effort of the armed forces to safeguard human rights of citizens but which the insurgents violate at will.

May I at this juncture congratulate the parents, guardians and instructors of the passing out cadets whose commitment helped to achieve this important milestone in their lives. Gentlemen and Lady officer cadets, today you have entered a new chapter in your life. I can assure you that it is going to be adventurous, turbulent but interesting.

Your survival as an officer in the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will be dependent on the extent to which you are able to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during your academic and military training in this Academy.

Your parents, guardians and the nation in general have invested in you and it is payback time now. You are expected to serve this country selflessly with loyalty and integrity and set new records of gallantry in the defence of our dear nation as former cadets from this Academy have done and are still doing in various military campaigns within and outside our dear country.

Our nation puts its trust in you and looks up to you with a lot of expectations which you must never betray. You no longer belong to your parents or your family alone. You no longer belong to your village, town or state. You now belong to the Nigerian nation and you will serve it selflessly and be prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice if the need arises.

Finally, I congratulate the leadership of NDA and express my appreciation to members of the NDA Governing Council for providing a well focused and transparent strategic direction to the Academy. To all the cadets on parade, I say well done once again for an excellent parade.

Thank you all. God bless Nigeria.

http://politicsngr.com/buhari-attends-pop-nigerian-defence-academy/

The department of state security services(DSS) has arrested supreme court judge, Justice John Inyang Okoro over an alleged bribe he took from the PDP in arrangement of a favorable ruling in the last Akwa Ibom elections.

An official statement is yet to be released by the PDP on this matter.
http://politicsngr.com/dss-arrest-supreme-court-judge-justice-inyang-okoro-akwa-ibom-elections-bribe/