*Covid-19: Flour Mills of Nigeria intervenes, distributes 35,000 test kits to Kano, Lagos, 13 others. Orders 25,000 more*
The Flour Mills of Nigeria Group (FMN) has distributed 35,000 testing kits to Kano, Lagos and other states to help the country’s fight against the novel coronavirus.
The distribution, which was done through the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), was targeted at states with the most need of the kits.
It’s good to appreciate companies that are truly impacting lives without unnecessary fanfare. See here how Flour Mills Nigeria is making a difference under the radar by donating 35,000 testing kits to increase Nigeria’s testing capacity and they have even ordered 25,000 more.
They have also donated globally scarce ventilators plus thousands of protective equipment for medical staff across the country. This is an impressive show of social responsibility
According to a breakdown of distribution, the Federal Capital Territory got 13,000 test kits delivered to NCDC’s National Reference Laboratory in Gaduwa and its Defence Reference Laboratory.
A total of 10,000 kits were delivered to Lagos state: 3,000 to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, 3,000 to 54 Gene Research, 2,000 to the Nigerian Institute for Medical Research and 2,000 to the Lagos Biobank Laboratory.
In Kano, 5,000 kits were distributed to the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and the Bayero University Kano.
The state was also supported with a ‘Lab in A Box’ which is used for rapid testing in remote locations.
For Kaduna state, 1,500 kits were delivered to the DNA Laboratory while the Irrua Teaching Hospital in Edo got 1,000 test kits.
Oyo State’s University College Hospital Virology Laboratory got 2,000 kits while the African Centre for Genomics of Infectious Diseases at the Redeemers University in Osun state got 1,000 kits.
According to Olusanya, the Group’s Chief Operating Officer, 1.5m dollars equipment and distribution of kits, the company’s Chairman, Mr John Coumantaros had also redeemed his pledge of N1 billion to the CBN led Private sector coalition against COVID-19; CACOVID.
2020 World Press Freedom Day: “Journalists are frontline heroes” – Human Rights Commission
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate the 2020 World Press Freedom Day amidst the challenges posed by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Mr. Tony Ojukwu has commended the efforts of Nigerian journalists in creating awareness and disseminating information on the COVID-19 Pandemic. This is despite the personal risks of exposure to the infection as well as violations of their human rights to freedom of press, health and life from state and non-state actors.
Mr. Ojukwu who gave this commendation in Abuja, urged journalists to continue to exercise wise discretion in disseminating accurate information about the pandemic to avoid unnecessary panic that could result in devastating effects on the populace.
While noting that Journalists deserve more protection in all ramifications during the course of their duties, the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission said the “media plays a crucial role in the promotion of human rights in the society as they make people aware of their rights, expose violations, and focus attention on people and issues in need of human rights protection without discrimination, ensuring that no one is left behind.”
For highlighting the impact of the COVID-19 crises on poor and vulnerable populations, Mr Ojukwu on behalf of the Commission praised the media for their frontline advocacy roles: “We give kudos to the media for defending the rights of the vulnerable, highlighting the need for intervention in the situation of the rural poor, women and girls, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons and the daily paid workers who form the majority of the Nigerian society.”
In line with the theme of the 2020 commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day – “Journalism without fear and favour,” Mr. Ojukwu urged media practitioners in Nigeria to remain steadfast in promoting and protecting human rights, ensuring that government and security institutions are accountable to the people during the COVID-19 operations and beyond.
Mr. Ojukwu also called on governments at national and state levels and all non-state actors to respect the rights of journalists in accordance with sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution as amended. According to him: “It is only through the guarantee of press freedom and protection of the rights of journalists that we can truly claim to be a democratic society.”
In an age of unprecedented increase in online and other forms of news media, the human rights Chief enjoined journalists and media practitioners to practice their profession with responsibility by respecting the rights of other citizens. In this regard, he urged them to avoid hate speech, fake news, misinformation and defamation which are all capable of inciting violence, promote fear and violate the human rights of others in a peaceful and egalitarian society.
The Executive Secretary acknowledged the media for supporting the Commission in its mandate, as well as to paid tribute to Journalists who lost their lives or suffered one form of human rights violation or the other during the course of their duties, saying the Commission stands by them.
Mr. Ojukwu called on government and media owners to use the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic to improve the climate for the practice of journalism in Nigeria, including training, protection, compensation and the deployment of modern tools to ensure that the Nigerian media continues to be relevant in the growth of Nigeria’s democracy and in the defence of human rights during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Issued in Abuja on Sunday, May 3rd, 2020
Tony Ojuwu Esq. Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, National Human Rights Commission, Abuja
Members of the Patriots of Ijaw Struggle, a socio-political group in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, have again called on the immediate past Governor of Bayelsa state, Hon. Seriake Dickson to contest the vacant senatorial seat of the region in the forthcoming senatorial bye election. The group, in a communique made available to newsmen said Dickson has the requisite qualification to give the region the adequate representation it needs.
The communique was jointly signed by Chief Frank Omare; Felix Tuodolo, PhD (Pioneer President, IYC); Alhaji Asari Dokubo (Fmr. President, IYC); Mr. Oyinfie Jonjon (Fmr. President, IYC); Engr. Udengs Eradiri (Fmr. President, IYC); Barr. Owoupele Jeremiah (Fmr. Spokesman, IYC); Adokeme Godwin (Fmr. Chairman, IYC- Central Zone); Bobolayefa Owoupele (Fmr. Chairman, IYC- Central Zone); Chief Williams Mkpa (Fmr. Auditor, INC); Chief Ben Donyegha; Chief Pamotei Wasuote and Mr. Alfred Kemepado (Fmr. Secretary General, IYC).
In the communique, the group said it’s choice of Hon. Dickson to represent the region at the senate is premised on the fact that the former Governor is ” a man who has the political will and sagacity to muster appeal from fellow colleagues in driving our cardinal objectives on the floor of the Nigeria Senate.” The group said it’s choice is further predicated on the fact that “as a Governor, he (Dickson) became the leading voice in the call for restructuring of the Nigeria State, true federalism and the devolution of power to the component units for a greater people-oriented governance. This role made respected senior citizens of our country rally around him as a leader of trust for this national progressive cause.”
The communique reads thus:
“Following the 14th of February, 2020 victory of the duo of Senator Douye Diri and lawrence Erudjakpor of the Peoples Democratic Party as Governor and Deputy of Bayelsa State, the Independent National electoral commission (INEC), declared the two senatorial seats vacant necessitating the electoral commission to begin preparations for a bye election to fill the above seats.
We have in this regard x-rayed the many aspirants who have indicated their interest to represent the Bayelsa West senatorial district and have taken the pain to evaluate each and everyone of these aspirants, their background, educational qualifications and political persuasions as well as their belief in our undying IJAW STRUGGLE.
However, given the present unstable and unpredictable nature of our National politics viz a viz the growing National discourse on the shape of Nigeria’s democracy, given the many unpalatable developments of security concerns, environmental challenges and the issues of fiscal federalism and devolution of power.
It is in the light of the above mentioned realities that this political cum social group, as major stakeholder in the larger ijaw CAUSE, consider it an imperative to take these steps to guide and ensure that our corporate interest as Ijaw Nation and a people be given its proper place in adequate representation.
That it is also in the interests of our people to find a character whose personality equates such National assignment to drive and place our issues above board and have the capacity to build bridges across the various political blocks and find voices of similar persuasion to protect and project our larger aspirations as a people in the Nigerian project .
That such a character must be a man of such legislative experience to hit the ground running and use his influence and contacts to give us such universal and impeccable representation that sees the entire ijaw Nation as his constituency.
That such a man must be one whose knowledge of our corporate issues must be deep and has the political will and sagacity to muster appeal from fellow colleagues in driving our cardinal objectives on the floor of the Nigeria Senate.
That further to the above, such a character must have equally participated in our cultural organization’s given the role of our flagships; the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) in giving impetus to our collective drive for the emancipation of our people from the clutches of deprivation and marginalisation.
That in view of the above mentioned realities, it is hereby resolved that all patriotic sons and daughters of Ijaw Nation should persuade and support His Excellency, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson who has been a pillar of support to all Ijaw people irrespective of our artificial boundaries.
And that this decision is unbiased and springs from the above expectations and his overwhelming performance as a former member of the house of representatives for five years and a Governor who served our people for eight years which has given him the much needed requisite experience.
That as a member representing the good people of Sagbama/Ekeremor federal constituency, His Excellency Hon H.S Dickson was a voice that was heard conspicuously on matters affecting our people. His deep legal and political knowledge was brought to bear and saw him cause major positive changes to his Federal constituency.
That as Governor of Bayelsa State, he ran a government which saw inclusion of our brothers from Ondo, Delta, Rivers and Akwa Ibom States in governance without any segregation. That this exemplary leadership demonstrates his passion and core leadership values that show he is and still a Patriot to our noble cause as a people.
That it is on record that as a Governor, he became the leading voice in the call for restructuring of the Nigeria State, true federalism and the devolution of power to the component units for a greater people-oriented governance. This role made respected senior citizens of our country rally around him as a leader of trust for this national progressive cause.
That as Governor, his legacies in health sector reforms , education , environment, justice, road, infrastructure and youth empowerment is unprecedented till date.
That given the above, it is our considered submission that the people of Sagbama/Ekeremor federal constituency should see his election beyond party lines and a further call to duty and one which is seen as an Ijaw project critical to our collective goal as a people.
That we further call on all sons and daughters of Ekeremor local Government to respect our historical understanding of rotation in the Senatorial district and allow their Sagbama Kit and kin to produce the Senator to complete the remaining term of His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor to further cement this political decision for unity, cohesion and progressive politics.
We therefore call on His Excellency, Hon. HSD to contest the senatorial election while appealing to all IJAW PATRIOTS TO STAND WITH HIS EXCELLENCY HON SERIAKE DICKSON AND ELECT HIM TO THE SENATE TO CONTINUE TO FLY THE IJAW FLAG.”
The Immediate past Governor of Bayelsa State, Rt.Hon, Seriake Dickson has called on Bayelsans to Support the Govenor of the state, His Excellency, Gov. Duoye Diri in the battle against the Novel Coronavirus.
He made this Remark at the Bayelsa State Capital , Yenogoa toady while briefing newsmen
See Remarks Below:
My attention has been drawn to the fact that the new NCDC statistics include a confirmed COVID 19 case in Bayelsa State.
This is in spite of all the sacrifices the people of Bayelsa have made, and the efforts that the Governor has made in trying to keep Bayelsa out of the COVID 19 web. This is indeed regrettable.
However, this shows that COVID 19 is now in Bayelsa and it is now time for all the leaders and the people to give concerted support to the Governor and state officials in the coordinated action against this deadly virus.
I want to lend my voice to call on the good people of Bayelsa to respect and abide by all the protocols outlined by the World Health Organisation, the Federal Government and the Government of Bayelsa State with respect to personal hygiene, social distancing and avoiding crowded places.
This pandemic is a world wide threat to the human society. All the segments of the Bayelsa society should join hand to support the Governor to educate our people on the danger this pandemic poses to our people so that we can minimize its spread as much as possible and reduce avoidable loss of lives.
If we restrict movement and respect the protocol, it would be easy for the state Government to work for our lives to come back to normal again. We should note that if more cases are discovered, the lock down will be in place for a longer period.
In addition to the several support measures I have given to individuals and groups across the state, the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation is supporting the state COVID 19 Committee with the sum of N10 million.
Once again, I call on all leaders to support the Governor in the various measures he has taken. I also urge all the traditional rulers, religious leaders and opinion leader to encourage our people to abide by the protocol.
These measures come with a lot of inconveniences which are all regretted. Elsewhere in Abuja, Lagos and others, the situation is not different.
Signed:
The Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson Former Governor of Bayelsa State
There is No Fraud at NDDC, document circulating round the media is fake
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has in a worded press statement denied an allegation of fraudulent contract purportedly signed by a director of the intervention agency.
The commission while reacting to the alleged financial mismanagement by an online news platform said: “The document is simply fake or at best unauthorised. The letters for all contracts awarded by the Commission are signed by the Executive Director, Projects on the authority of the Ag Managing Director who is the chief accounting officer of the Commission. Neither of the officials is aware of the contract letter. It is inconceivable that a contract and of such magnitude could be awarded otherwise. The Commission has launched an internal investigation into how such a letter came to be issued and on what authority.”
Read Full Press Statement Below:
The Niger Delta Development Commission has been inundated with enquiries on many negative reports in online publications alleging acts of impropriety on the part of the commission. Given the extent of public interest and the determination of the Interim Management Committee to chart a new course for the commission, we feel duty bound to respond as follows:
1. COVID 19 Contract The online publications are circulating a letter purportedly issued by the Director of Procurement awarding a contract of N5.55 billion for the procurement of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and other kits to fight the spread of COVID 19 in the Niger Delta region. We wish to unequivocally deny that contract. The document is simply fake or at best unauthorised. The letters for all contracts awarded by the Commission are signed by the Executive Director, Projects on the authority of the Ag Managing Director who is the chief accounting officer of the Commission. Neither of the officials is aware of the contract letter. It is inconceivable that a contract and of such magnitude could be awarded otherwise. The Commission has launched an internal investigation into how such a letter came to be issued and on what authority.
For the purpose of transparency, we wish to confirm that the Commission has just secured presidential approval to intervene by assisting NCDC in the supply of kits and the building of isolation centres in the nine Niger Delta states.
Also, the Commission has disbursed N775m to assist the 9 Niger Delta States fight the plague. We have also disbursed N270 million as palliatives to the youths, women and the physically challenged in the 27 senatorial districts of the region.
2. Lassa Fever There are claims that the present management has paid out huge sums for contracts to supply kits and drugs for the prevention of Lassa Fever. We wish to state that this present management has not awarded any Lassa fever contract. From the records, the Commission awarded three contracts for intervention against the Lassa Fever scourge and all these took place in 2019, at least one year before the present management came into office. For the purpose of transparency, these contracts are as follows:
In early 2019, there was an outbreak of Lassa Fever in Ondo and Edo states, which overwhelmed the capacity of the state governments to cope. The governor of Ondo State made a request to the Commission for intervention. As a result, the then management, headed by Prof Nelson Braimbaifa on 20th February 2019 awarded a contract for the procurement of 21,000 Lassa Fever prevention kits for the region in the sum of N903 million. The items were supplied and distributed. The contractor was duly paid. As the scourge persisted, there was need for further intervention. Another 1,000 protective kits were ordered for N1,092,283,500. This contract was awarded on March 11, 2019. The last contract for Lassa Fever was awarded on April 16, 2019 in the sum of N2,425,242,248. All the kits were supplied and distributed to the nine states. As at date, the Commission is yet to pay for this last contract. Payments had been suspended on ministerial order due to the need for verification of past contracts. At no time did the IMC pay out more than N4 billion for Lassa Fever contracts as alleged.
Having provided the facts, the Commission also wishes to state as follows:
We has noticed an upsurge in attacks on the Commission, the Interim Management Committee and the Honourable Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs since the launch of a forensic audit into the affairs of the commission. This attacks are meant to distract the commission from the task of holding those who looted the commonwealth to account. The Honourable Minister and the Interim Management Committee are determined to see through this audit. On Wednesday, April 22 when the relevant documents were handed over to the lead consultant for the forensic audit, the Ag Managing Director, Prof Kemebradikumo Pondei warned that this exercise cannot be truncated. To quote him: ‘Those who took part in the grand conspiracy to loot the commonwealth are jittery that their misdeeds will come to light. We wish we could sympathise with them. But it could have occurred to them that a day of reckoning will come. The fear of the impunity of their past misdeeds being brought to light is causing panic. In fact, the vultures are shivering. Let us place on record that no amount of intimidation, campaign of falsehood and ‘breakdancing’ will abort this exercise.’ The public should be prepared for more of these attacks against the commission. It is important to point out that most of the attacks use online publications, with no known addresses or physical assets, which can be sued for defamation of character by the officials they are clearly libelling. The mainstream media with standards have not joined this jaundiced plot.
The Commission also wish to warn those agents of darkness from the Niger Delta who are hell bent on destroying every good thing in the region to change course. The essence of the present IMC and the forensic audit ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari are to reposition the Commission to make it fit for purpose. Anyone with any evidence of wrong doing should reach out to the IMC or the auditors. The forensic auditors should be allowed to complete their assignment so those who failed the region can be held to account.
It is also clear that people who have political agenda against the Honourable Minister of Niger Delta Affairs are also seeing the Commission as a fair game. It is imperative to say that the commission is an agency for the good of the Niger Delta region. The greatest disservice that can be done is for political gladiators of today to make the commission a collateral damage in their contest for power and influence. Tomorrow will come. Besides, the Hon Minister’s uncommon passion for a new Niger Delta should be applauded and not attacked.
Meanwhile, Signora Concept Services Limited, the company, alleged to have received N5,474,647,125.00 for procurement of Personal Protective Equipment for health workers and provision of community-based sensitisation campaign against the spread of COVID-19 has denied receiving any such money.
The company in a statement said, Signora Concepts Services Limited has not been paid nor its accounts credited with any money in respect of the contract under COVID-19.
……..commits N400 Million for feeding vulnerable communities in 11 states.
……..Redeems N1bn Pledge to FG through CBN led Private Sector Coalition.
Mr John Coumantaros, Chairman of the Flour Mills of Nigeria Group (FMN Group) has donated a $1.5 million worth of ventilators and other essential personal protective equipment and testing kits to the Federal Government. Coumantaros, an industrialist and known philanthropist said that the first batch of the supplies, sourced through FMN’s global supply chain, focused on the most essential needs of the government at the moment, had arrived.
A statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the Group’s Chief Operating Officer, Boye Olusanya, said that the supplies which will continue to arrive until March 31, will beef up Nigeria’s fight against COVID-19.
Olusanya said that the supplies were an additional contribution by FMN through its Chairman, Coumantaros. The Group had also redeemed an initial One Billion Naira pledge to the Federal Government of Nigeria. He noted that despite procurement restrictions on supplies by several countries to ensure their frontline responders had sufficient supplies, FMN through its global supply chain network ensured that it sourced and procured the critical supplies for Nigeria.
He added that some of the items on the first batch include ventilators, protective equipment and testing kits, assuring that all the supply would have arrived and handed over by April end. “FMN initiated a global supply chain plan to help provide the Nigerian Government with tangible, and tactical support during the global economic lockdown.
“This initiative led by the philanthropic Industrialist John Coumantaros, Chairman of the FMN Group, involved the leadership of the NCDC, Ministry of Finance, vendors from 5 Nations, multiple logistics partners, and a team drawn from the FMN group’s operational leadership.
“The team scaled through varying national restrictions on medical supply procurement, limited stock, transport restrictions, but stayed resolute in the race to help Nigeria manage and flatten the curve. “The medical supplies will facilitate 100 per day field-testing capacity and 35,000 laboratory-based testing capacity.
The supplies included: 331,000 pieces of PPE (N95 Masks, Coveralls, Protective gloves, Protective eyewear) enough to provide regular use for 10,000 Nigerian health care professionals over two months. “There are also 75 Ventilators. These supplies will be delivered to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to ramp up the capacity in Nigeria,” he said,
He said that the medical supplies procured from Dubai, United States, Canada, Greece and China have started arriving Nigeria from April 18, through to April 27.
Ebebi, Set to Tackle Sylva in the 2023 Bayelsa Governorship Election.
All is not rosy in the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bayelsa state as more internal battles unfold after their unexpected defeat at the last Governorship elections.
Key members of the party have expressed displeasure and concern over the current state of the party which rather than improving on previous behaviors after similar defeats, is sadly engrossed in a power tussle and quest to control the party structure.
Before, during and after the 2019 Bayelsa Governorship election, It was widely reported that the botched takeover plan by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, which informed his handpicking of Senator Degi Eremienyon as the running mate of David Lyon was to prepare the grounds for his return and take over in 2023 as governor.
It is equally true that the Minister has not in any way debunked or denied these facts despite his several statements and appearances in the media space.
In another development, a former deputy governor of the state, Chief Peremobowei Ebebi from Ekeremor LGA, who decamped from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to APC during the 2019 Governorship election in Bayelsa State, has indicated interest to run for the vacant Bayelsa West Senatorial District seat under the APC platform. However, the Party leader in the State, chief Timipre Sylva, is opposed to the candidature of Chief Ebebi having insisted on maintaining the existing rotation formula in the district which disallows another candidate from Ekeremor LGA to run for the senatorial seat since Hon. Fred Agbedi from Ekeremor LGA, is already serving as the member representing the district in the Federal House of Representatives.
This position of the former minister therefore implies that the party will support a Senatorial candidate but that candidate must come from Sagbama LGA.
The decision did not go down well with the former deputy governor who historically had been in a political feud with the Minister. It is however obvious that Chief Ebebi has decided to continue with his desire to pursue his ambition of securing the senatorial seat and then the APC governorship ticket come 2023.
Chief Ebebi has expressed hopes that he would challenge and defeat Chief Sylva as the shameful failures of the party in the Governorship elections since 2011 in the state, coupled with the statewide rejection the minister has recieved as well as the national embarrassment he caused the party at the last election, wounds which all APC faithfuls are yet nursing, has revealed that he, the Minister, was no longer capable of leading the party in the State.
His recent endorsements by some youth bodies in Yenagoa recently sends a strong message that the former deputy governor reserves no apologies for discarding any existing rotation formula.
It is not however clear yet who Chief Sylva intends to flag as candidate from Sagbama LGA. Party leaders have expressed fears at the minister’s habit of foisting candidates and pray he doesn’t impose another candidate with conflicting credentials which will simply give the PDP a land slide victory especially if someone like the former Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson decides to run.
OPPO Mobile Nigeria has recently launched the ‘OPPO Care’ initiative as a humanitarian measure to help alleviate the pain and difficulties currently experienced by low-income households in Lagos, especially those families who have to rely on the daily earnings of breadwinners who can no longer work due to the lockdown.
As Nigeria struggles to arrest the spread the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has been faced with an outcry among low income/wage earners who can no longer afford to feed themselves. These people have little or no savings to fall back on this period and cannot work to earn a living due to the lockdown. In order to support the government’s efforts in providing for the most vulnerable Nigerians, OPPO Nigeria is partnering with the Lagos Food Bank to feed 5,000 people within 1,000 family units.
The overall expectation for the initiative is to provide more food items in the form of relief items to ensure that no one starves during the lockdown period. In a bid to show that OPPO Cares, OPPO Mobile Nigeria is using the OPPO Care Initiative to take social responsibility by alleviating the hunger struggles among the displaced, impoverished and less privileged, and as such creating avenues to generally improve their standards of living.
Despite being a Smartphone brand, humanity and social good remains humane at the core of the OPPO brand values, and as such the company will continue to proactively and continually seek out new ways to live out its slogan “designed for life”.
The Public Relations Manager of OPPO Nigeria, Joseph Adeola, in his remarks emphasized that OPPO decided that releasing insight driven communications across the brand’s social media pages to urge and inform the public on effective ways to combat the pandemic was not enough, they wanted to go a step further by playing a part in the effort to defeat the systematic hunger caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 in Nigeria.
The InnerCity Mission for Children, a non-governmental organization under the auspices of the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International, has donated food items to the Lagos state government to help soften the effects of the compulsory lockdown in the state which has affected many who survive through their daily means of sustenance.
The organization will also help the government in the distribution of the food items, targeting vulnerable children, households, and communities to help them cushion the effects of the government’s stay-at-home directive by government to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Director of Innercity Mission for Children, Mrs. Omoh Alabi, who led the team to present the items to the state government was received by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Gbolahan Lawal and the state’s commissioner for Wealth Creation Hon. (Mrs) Yetunde Arobieke at the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority office.
According to Mrs. Alabi, the organization decided to support the Lagos state government to cushion the effects of lockdown on Lagosians as the Coronavirus outbreak has affected all areas of human endeavor.
She further said the founder of the InnerCity Mission for Children, Rev. Dr. Chris Oyakhilome is committed to working with the government to ensure that efforts to combat the virus are not made in vain by those who may be driven to the streets as a result of hunger.
In her words, “We deem it necessary, as a faith-based organisation to lend our own support for the laudable efforts of the government to cushion the unsettling effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on many families in Lagos State.
“As a caring organisation we realized that we cannot be indifferent to the plight of many challenged masses of the state. We are trying to stretch out a hand of kindness to those who ordinarily will not have anyone to care for them,” she stated.
“Our goal is to ensure that indigent children and families are safe and fed even as the world fights against Covid19. As we reach out to these needy with food supplies, it is our prayer that soon we will be able to put this behind us and our cities will return back to normal,” she added.
Receiving the relief materials on behalf of the Lagos State Government, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Gbolahan Lawal, commended the Innercity Mission for Children for the kind gesture.
Two thousand families are to benefit from the 1st phase of the InnerCity Mission’s emergency food distribution as part of palliatives for the lockdown to prevent spread of the coronavirus. In the end, 20,000 families would have been supported in Lagos alone.
Speaking further, Mrs. Alabi said: “the 2000 families are from 27 inner city communities and 10 vulnerable orphanages in Lagos who have been adversely affected by the recent preventive measures of the lockdown.”
“As we reach out to these needy with food supplies, it is our prayer that soon we will be able to put this behind us and our cities will return back to normal,” she added.
“Our distribution has commenced in earnest in collaboration with Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture to deprived families in communities such as Majindu, Oworo, Makuko, Ajegunle, Iwaya, Haruna, Kosofe communities to mention a few.”
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Rose, a mother of three expressed her gratitude as she collected her food parcel.
She said: “I was not expecting food today because I didn’t know how to feed myself and my children, but I thank the Man of God, Pastor Chris and the InnerCity Mission for giving me food. Now I can feed my children.”
The InnerCity Mission for Children was birthed as a vision of the world-renowned Pastor and Philanthropist, Rev. Dr. Chris Oyakhilome DSc DD to take action to meet the needs of indigent children and families. In his words, “The challenge of the poor is not just about their needs; we are equally meeting our own needs. It is in your interest to help the poor. We have a divine responsibility to God, to the Church and the society to reach children in our inner cities.”
The immediate past Governor of Bayelsa State, the Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson has condoled with President Mohammadu Buhari, on the death of his Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari.
The ex-Governor also commiserated with the family and friends of the late Chief of Staff to the President and the Borno State Governor on his death in a statement by his Media Advisor, Mr Fidelis Soriwei on Saturday.
Honourable Dickson added that Kyari died in active service to the President and the country.
He called on Nigerians to be patriotic in unity irrespective of political affiliations in the fight against the Corona virus which he described as “one of the most serious challenges facing mankind and human civilization in recent time.”
He said, “In times like this, we are reminded of our common humanity, and mortality and people should not play politics with issues of death.
“Corona virus is the greatest threat to our civilization and existence now. We should all support the steps that the President and the state governors have taken. This is a very serious challenge to our lives, the existence of humanity and our civilization.”
He stressed that the unfortunate death of Kyari and indeed several others within and outside the country were a grim reminder of the grave threat posed by the COVID19 virus to mankind which should be tackled with concerted action.
He lamented that the fight against the virus had created temporary inconveniences which should be endured in view of the seriousness of the challenge.
He prayed to God to give the President, the Kyari family, the Borno Government and friends the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
As the fight against the spread of the coronavirus intensifies, and governments at all levels putting up stringent measures to curb the spread, the Nigerian Police and other relevant law enforcement agencies have been at the forefront ensuring the lockdown is adhered to while ensuring the safety of persons and property during this trying period of the nation.
In complementing the effort of government and the Nigeria Police Force, Nollywood Actor , Dave Ogbeni who doubles as the Special Assistant to the Governor of Oil Rich Delta State of Nigeria paid a courtesy visit to the Delta State police headquarters with some of his colleagues in the Movie industry and political sector where they made donations of packs of table water and other items to support the police force. During the visit, the Actor alongside his Colleagues in the film industry from Delta State appreciated the police and encourage citizens to support the government’s effort in combating the coronavirus
Receiving the items on behalf of the Nigerian Police Force Delta State command, the Assistant Commissioner of police (Administration and Finance) Delta State ACP Osifo Emefili, thanked Dave for this gesture and also appeal to Deltans to comply with the lockdown directives while assuring them of safety during the lockdown period.
I am inspired by the Gov of Delta State Sen Dr Ifeanyi Okowa who has put all efforts in making sure the spread of the pandemic is curbed and having it in mind that the Government alone cannot fight this battle itself, I’m urging every meaningful Nigerian to assist and encourage the indigent in the society, the health care workers at the forefront as well as the law enforcement agents in any possible way they can.
The group also made a similar presentation of packs of table water to police officers in all checkpoints set up in Asaba the Delta State capital numbering over 25 to ensure people adhere to the “SIT AT HOME” order declared by the state Government . He thank BASEMENT AFRICA MEDIA, official sponsor of the project.
The former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi has just acquired a mansion in Enugu for Six Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (₦650, 000, 000)
The mansion which is located at the end of Oba Close GRA, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria belonged to Dr. Chu Okongwu, a former Minister of Finance under Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida as Nigeria's Head of State.
The tastefully finished property which was built by Julius Berger Plc on a very large expanse of land was acquired through Mr. Obi's Front and younger brother Mr. Josephat Ndibe Obi.
Mr. Ndibe Obi has remained his elder brother's [Mr. Peter Obi] company manager right from the period Mr. Obi came back to Anambra State to run for the office of the Governor in 2003.
When Mr Peter Obi realized that Government is the biggest Business Enterprise in Nigeria, he decided to launch an effort to bid for the Governorship of Anambra State because of the huge Security Votes available to that Office.
Mr. Peter Obi's zero trust in anyone, manifested in a well laid out plan when he withdrew his last brother, Mr Josephat Ndibe Obi from the University of Jos where he was a young first year undergraduate Student and brought him into his company and positioned him to front for him in all transactions as a proxy in case he succeeded in becoming Governor of Anambra State. Ndibe has been doing just that since his brother emerged Governor of Anambra State in 2006. Till date, Mr. Obi even while as Governor, was still dictating the affairs of NEXT International. It is evident that, no financial decision or otherwise, is taken in Next International Nigeria Limited without Mr. Peter Obi's consent.
With the Slush Funds from Security Votes and other Government sources, Mr Peter Obi using Ndibe Obi and his Next International Nigeria Ltd laundered over 150 Billion Naira of Anambra people’s money with which he built his now big business conglomerate.
He started by hauling hundreds of millions of naira in cash from Government House Awka to his Company’s Office at Apapa every month with Vehicles in his Official Convoy in the guise that the Vehicles were going to Lagos for routine servicing! Mr Ndibe will carefully launder these Cash into the Company’s Bank Accounts as coming from Cash Sales. Luck however ran out on them. Following a tip-off, the Convoy was ambushed at the premises of their Company at No 7 Aerodrome Road Apapa on Sunday 31st May, 2009.
In an Operation coordinated by the then Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Marvel Akpoyibo, a whopping ₦250 Million Cash was intercepted in suitcases transported from Government House Awka to Mr Ndibe at their Apapa Office! It was a huge national scandal and Mr Peter Obi had to mobilize all contacts, including a retired Army Colonel to quench the fire. He spent a fortune to wriggle out of the mess.
With the Lagos axis now blocked, when the tension reduced, they relocated their collection point to Port Harcourt. His brother now started shuttling between Lagos and Port Harcourt where he started receiving the monies from the re-routed convoys at the end of every month!
Mr. Ndibe acting as a Front for Mr. Peter Obi has acquired a lot of properties across Nigeria and beyond over the years. This acquired mansion in Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria, is his latest. This proxy approacb to property acquisitions, has remained the reason Mr. Obi had continued to deceive Nigerians and the global community of not having any property any where apart from his Residence at Niger Drive in GRA Onitsha which he claimed he built after he left as Governor in 2014.
A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Perekeme Kpodoh, has predicted a landslide victory for former Governor Seriake Dickson if he emerged as the Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the forthcoming Western Senatorial by-election in the state. Kpodoh insisted that Dickson as a Senatorial candidate would have no problem in winning the election for the PDP following his track records and his dogged political style.
He said despite his disagreements with Dickson as a governor, he would not hesitate to look at issues involving the former governor and his political capabilities objectively. “It is not about the disagreements we had when he was a governor. It is about Dickson’s political sagacity and dogged style. He is the first to complete two terms as a governor. He also took development to his Senatorial district when he was a governor. “Look at how he dealt with our party and snatched our victory back to his party. Nobody can challenge him successfully in any election he is personally contesting. He is an enigma in politics”, Kpodoh said.
Kpodoh, a former security adviser, lamented that the APC under Minister Timipre Sylva had remained a shadow of itself adding that the party would continue to play a second fiddle until Sylva ceased to be its leader. He said: “Everybody knows that Dickson is going to fly the PDP flag for the senatorial election. So, PDP already has a candidate. For the APC, people are waiting for Sylva. “At last Sylva will ignore competence and appoint someone with a questionable character as the party’s candidate. “Such person may not have the basic qualifications, so you may expect another disqualification. At the end of the day, you will discover that the APC doesn’t have a candidate”. Kpodoh warned that any attempt to follow the decision of the Petroleum Minister in any election in Bayelsa would lead the APC to a disastrous end. “In this coming Senatorial election, the APC is not prepared. It is foolhardy challenging Dickson. It is better we support Dickson across party lines than wasting our time working for a Sylva’s candidate that will never win at the poll”, he said
Our interest lies in the fact that a lot of fraudulent activities are taking place in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) largely perpetrated by our fellow Niger Delta people, whether as contractors or as managers of the Commission; this has become the bane of the underdevelopment of the region. Every well meaning citizen of the region should therefore rise to the occasion and condemn these heinous crimes.
It is on this basis that we have decided to join issues with Rodnab to set the records straight so that the public and particularly the people of the Niger Delta will know who their true enemies are.
We all should recall that Chief Godswill Akpabio made a huge noise about completing the permanent site of the NDDC Headquarters located along Eastern By-pass, Port Harcourt, by March 2020. This project was initiated by the defunct Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC). The contract was awarded to Marshland Nig. Ltd at the cost of N6b. Marshland brought the project to 65% completion and was paid N4b. The contractor demanded for an upward review of additional N4b due to project delay caused by failure of the Commission to meet its payment obligations.
The Commission engineers re-evaluated the project and pegged the cost at N6b, recommending the likes of Julius Berger to complete the job.
Nsima Ekere, the Managing Director at the time, jettisoned this recommendation and reassigned the contract to Rodnab Construction Ltd at the profligate sum of N16b. If Marshland Nig. Ltd., the original contractor needed just additional N4b to complete the entire project and NDDC Engineers pegged it at N6b because they were recommending Julius Berger to complete the project, why did Nsima Ekere award the contract to Ronab Construction Ltd. at the whopping sum of 16b? An extra N10b from what would have been offered to Julius Berger and N12b higher than what Marshland Nig. Ltd. requested to complete same project. Why?
In the dishonest statement released by Rodnab Construction Ltd, they made a failed attempt to distract the public from the facts by trying to deny their relationship with Chief Akpabio. Their only defence to the inflated payment of N16b for a contract valued at N6b was that the contract was awarded to them before Chief Akpabio became Minister. Whereas it is common knowledge, we have stated this before, and we unequivocally state here again that Messrs. Rodnab Construction Ltd. has been Chief Akpabio’s crony since his days as governor of Akwa-Ibom State. Nsima Ekere needed Akpabio’s political support for his 2019 gubernatorial ambition in Akwa-Ibom State, hence this patronage. These are the irrefutable facts.
Rodnab Construction Ltd received roughly N10.4b before Chief Godswill Akpabio became the supervising Minister of the NDDC. Upon assumption of duty, Chief Akpabio hurriedly visited the project site and ordered the Commission to pay N2.6b, giving March, 2020 as project completion dateline.
From reliable sources, we can confirm that the project is currently about 70% complete, implying that Rodnab’s input to the project is just about 5% (if any), after collecting a total of N13b. Yet, late last month, (March, 2020) the current Interim Management Committee (IMC) paid Rodnab another N3b, bringing the total sum received by Rodnab to N16b, representing the final and total contract sum.
That is the crux of the matter. Is it true that Rodnab has received the total sum of N16b as payment, being the total contract sum? If yes, why is the project still where it is at the moment? Is it the practice of Government/Agencies of government to make full payment for an ongoing contract? Didn’t Rodnab Construction Ltd. make the corrupt payment of N100m on behalf of Chief Godswill Akpabio to militants, to bomb oil installations in the Niger Delta through Zenith Bank, which were released to the militants in three tranches on the 10th of February, 2020 in the bid to force Dr. Nuneih out of office? These questions are begging for answers. Why was N16b paid to Rodnab Construction Ltd. for an uncompleted project? A project that Julius Berger would have completed for N6b and Marshland Nig. Ltd. would have done for N4b? What justification do you have for this? While we hope and pray that our anti-graft agencies will find answers to these burning questions, the Niger Delta people must all come together to defend our collective resources before it is completely emptied by the enemies of our region.
To follow the development of this story, see also: https://www.nairaland.com › alleged... Alleged Corruption in NDDC: Ijaw Group Demands Akpabio ... - Nairaland Forum
https://www.nairaland.com › ndidra-... Web results NDIDRA Restates The Need To Sack Akpabio - Politics - Nigeria
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been moved to intensive care in hospital after his coronavirus symptoms worsened, Downing Street has said. The prime minister, 55, was admitted to St Thomas' Hospital in London with "persistent symptoms" on Sunday.
A No 10 statement read: "Since Sunday evening, the prime minister has been under the care of doctors at St Thomas' Hospital, in London, after being admitted with persistent symptoms of coronavirus.
"Over the course of this afternoon, the condition of the prime minister has worsened and, on the advice of his medical team, he has been moved to the intensive care unit at the hospital."
Mr Johnson was initially taken to hospital for routine tests after testing positive for coronavirus 10 days ago. His symptoms included a high temperature and a cough.
In order to alleviate the effects of the lockdown which has made it almost impossible to trade and for agents to generate income and cater for their businesses and family, Nigeria’s premier betting platform, Nairabet has released the sum of N50m to be shared amongst their agents.
This will come as a relief to the agents that have not been able to make money since sporting activities shut down worldwide. The relief package will help Nairabet agents all across the country and will trickle down to other small businesses.
Active Nairabet agents who traded in March with at least 100 bet counts will benefit from this as it will be credited directly into their betting accounts to be withdrawn at any time.
Members of the Niger Delta Ijaw Development and Response Assembly (NDIDRA), read with dismay, the scanty rebuttal of corruption allegations levelled against Chief Godswill Akpabio, the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs and the supervising Minister of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by the spokesperson of the Commission, acting on the prompting of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) in “The Nation” Online, on The 5th Of April 2020; regarding Chief Akpabio’s activities in the Commission. It was a failed attempt to distract the public from the fact that Chief Akpabio is sucking the NDDC dry and causing untold hardship on the Niger Delta people.
We state emphatically that the corruption allegations against Chief Godswill Akpabio as published on https://www.nairaland.com/5772032/nddc-ijaw-group-ask-buhari are factual, backed with documentary evidence, if the Nigerian anti-corruption agencies care to investigate him. We also urge the general public to avail itself of these facts because both oral and documentary evidences are readily available in the public domain.
While we sympathize with members of the current IMC in their worthless attempts to exonerate themselves from the ongoing rot in the NDDC, it is suffice to say that they cannot defend the corrupt practices of Chief Godswill Akpabio since he became the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs and the supervising Minister of the NDDC. We also want to remind them that they are also complicit in the ongoing rot in the NDDC and their shameful attempt to coverup Akpabio’s loot only has them dipping their hands in deeper.
For the avoidance of doubt, we have stated here again some of the specific corruption allegations we made in our previous publications for the Federal Government, its anti-corruption agencies and the general public to take note of. 1. The establishment of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) is itself a corrupt effort perpetrated by Chief Godswill Akpabio. It is an aberration and must be scrapped. Mr. President must reconstitute the NDDC Board without further delay.
2. Mr. President ordered the forensic audit to take place in the Commission on the 17th of October 2019. It is 6 months now, and still counting. What has taken place since then? Who are the auditors appointed to carry out the forensic audit? Why are they afraid to carry out the forensic audit? The Niger Delta people will like to know.
3. The amount to complete the permanent Headquarters of the NDDC located along Eastern By-pass, Port Harcourt, was pegged at N6b by the NDDC Engineers empanelled to cost the project but the contract was awarded to Rodnab Construction Ltd at the cost of N16b. Does this not amount to contract inflation?
4. In the middle of this Coronavirus lockdown, Chief Akpabio and his IMC puppets are operating from Golden Tulip Hotel Port Harcourt, making payments to their cronies with phoney contracts to make sure they empty the treasury before normalcy returns.
The complete contract sum of N16b has now been paid to Rodnab Construction Ltd while the project is less than 70% complete. Does government in Nigeria now make full payment and issue certificate of completion of a contract that is yet to be completed?
5. Since 2016 under the leadership of Nsima Ekere as the Managing Director, the Commission has been awash with contracts for clearing Water Hyacinths, Emergency Projects and River De-silting. Chief Godswill Akpabio is a major beneficiary of these contracts. Are you also denying that fact?
6. The sum of N65b has been paid for clearing of Water Hyacinths. Chief Godswill Akpabio received N1.9b and N700m within two weeks interval on assumption of office and is processing additional N30b payment for the same non-existent jobs.
7. Chief Akpabio received N4b payment for supply of Lassa fever equipments that were never supplied.
8. Chief Akpabio sponsored militants to attack oil installations in Bayelsa State and paid them N100m. This was to put pressure on Dr. Joy Nunieh to pay some of the phoney contracts belonging to him and his cohorts. The N100m was released to the militants through Rodnab Construction Ltd’s Zenith Bank account on the 10th of Feb.
9. The NDDC spokesperson was silent on Emergency contracts in his response to our publication. 80% of recent payments were for Emergency Jobs, one of the three ways the Commission is defrauded. The other two are Water Hyacinth and River De-silting. 20% of recent payments made by the present IMC cover these two fraud infested areas.
10. In the matter of staff redeployment, the Commission re-deployed, in some cases, four Directors from the Headquarters to one State office where only one Director is needed. Junior personnel, with little or no experiences, have taken the positions of these Directors so that Chief Akpabio can have unfettered access to the Commission’s treasury.
Finally, it is worthy to state that the members of the NDIDRA are not contractors to NDDC and have not benefitted either directly or indirectly from the NDDC. We therefore do not have pecuniary interest or seeking attention as alleged by the spokesperson of the Commission.
We however wish to state that we have a stake in this legacy and will defend it at all cost. A majority of those who fought for the creation of the defunct Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) and the present NDDC are angered by what is going on and have vowed to resist a further degeneration of the situation. The NDIDRA will continue to release the FACTS to destroy all attempts to mislead our people with their lies. This should therefore serve as a call on President Buhari to sack and investigate Akpabio and also for the forensic auditors to commence work immediately but most not be under the supervision of Chief Akpabio or else we will use other means available to us to stop our common patrimony squandered in this manner.
Residents of Onu-Asata, in Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State, have commended the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) for its prompt response to the emergency situation that befell them as a result of "a poor illegal structure being built on a waterway at Asata River Water bank", which was wrecked by flood a few days ago.
Following the heavy rainfall of 1st April, 2020 in Enugu, a petrol filling station being constructed on a waterway at Onu-Asata, along Presidential Road, was wrecked by flood which affected other shops around the area.
On receiving distress calls from residents of the neighbourhood, the rescue team of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) mobilized to the site, removed the wreckage and cleared the waterway for free flow of water.
Unfortunately, the ECTDA’s intervention was misconstrued, in some sections of the social media, as a demolition exercise, an accusation officials of the agency faulted, explaining that they only came to remove the wreckage and clear the waterway to avert future recurrence.
Reacting to the development, a cross section of the residents thanked God that the heavy flood, which was caused by the collapsed building that blocked the waterway, did not affect much property.
The residents dismissed the erroneous impression being peddled on social media that the ECTDA came and demolished peoples’ houses when they are observing the government’s sit-at-home order aimed at containing the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, stressing that the allegation was mischievous and a calculated attempt to undermine the state government and mislead the public.
Speaking on behalf of the residents, Mr. Onyebuchi K. Agbo from Ogui Community stated that it was unfair for some social media users in the state to misrepresent facts about what actually transpired on that fateful day.
Mr. Agbo regretted that instead of commending the management of the ECTDA for its timely intervention, "these biased social media influencers in this Enugu, who feed on false and negative stories have twisted this story in a failed attempt to gain traffic and achieve their selfish interest”.
He asked those accusing the Enugu urban development agency of demolishing peoples’ houses amid Coronavirus outbreak to drop such cheap blackmail and appreciate what they did to save lives and more damage of property by flood in the vicinity.
The resident argued that the government's sit-at-home order does not in any form stop those in emergency services from discharging their due responsibilities, maintaining that the action taken by ECTDA under such an emergency situation was timely and in the overall public interest.
Noting that the neighborhood had expressed worries about the imminent danger of constructing such commercial structure on a waterway, Agbo revealed that they had equally called the attention of the ECTDA and the Council Chairman to such illegal construction.
According to him, "the people of this neighborhood, especially those of us living close to this waterway had earlier informed the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority to come and stop work at that construction site because the structure was just on the waterway, I mean this river here. We said that it was dangerous to build there. The ECTDA people came and marked “Stop-work” on the building but they continued work, until Monday night when the rain started and wrecked it.
“In short, I was the first to call the ECTDA rescue team to come and clear the waterway because it was blocked to the extent that if any rain falls, the flood will affect a lot of buildings including mine.
“So, all these things people are talking on the internet or social media are not true and should be disregarded because the structures the rescue team removed were collapsed buildings destroyed by flood. We invited them and they did not demolish anything, as mischievously alleged”.
A former banker, Seye Onigbinde, has been arrested by men of the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly defrauding 354 Nigerians to the tune of over N500m in illegal foreign exchange deals.
PUNCH Metro gathered that Onigbinde, who operates under the business name, Blueprint Business and Consulting, convinced over 354 Nigerians to invest in his foreign exchange business after successfully helping the first set of investors to make returns on their investments.
Onigbinde, while conducting the business, gave his office address as No. 13 Hughes Street, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos, but was operating from his place of residence on No. 7 Eyiowuawi Street, in the Pedro area of Shomolu, Lagos.
It was learnt that the initial investors were also responsible for convincing a significant number of the victims whose money had yet to be recovered.
Onigbinde, who had been operating without the requisite licence, was said to have promised his investors extraordinary profits, but when the investment went bad, he allegedly made attempts to abscond with the victims’ money.
He, however, was tracked and arrested by detectives led by the Area Commander, Area ‘F’, ACP Akinbayo Olasoji, through his yet-to-be-identified wife, who had threatened to run to America with their only child when she discovered the husband’s illegal dealings.
Detectives had tracked his wife’s phone number after several petitions from his victims.
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, said Onigbinde had been arrested, adding that he had been charged with the crime.
He said, “The command is investigating an alleged case of fraud, cheating, money laundering, obtaining of N574,251,261,01 by false pretences through a Ponzi scheme by Tosin Onigbinde and three others, Adeyanju Tijani, Olumuyiwa Adebayo and Adewemimo Onigbinde.
“Investigation so far has revealed that Tosin Onigbinde collected a total sum of N574,251,261,01, from 354 individuals, from which he claimed to have paid principal and interest to the tune of N482,311.350,89, leaving an outstanding sum of N233,454,755,76.
“He collected this money from these individuals with a promise of extraordinary gains to those willing to invest in the scheme/investment, which he claimed was built on lucrative trading in forex trading, Bitcoin and shares purchase from four international brokers.
“This get-rich-quick scheme attracted gullible and greedy investors, who received the expected high returns, as he simply paid these investors who received the expected high returns, as Seye Onigbinde paid them from later investors. The more investors his scheme attracted, he created a business and used agents to find more and more investors.
“Investigation is ongoing and the Area ‘F’ of the command arraigned him in court and got a remand order for 21 days to enable other members of the public, whose names featured in the scheme, to approach the Human Rights Unit of the Area ‘F’ Command before final arraignment at the Lagos State High Court after the DPP advice.”
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research begins free screening for COVID-19 on Monday 30 March, 2020. Kindly visit our Website nimc.gov.ng for appointment if you fall into categories of those who need the test, especially if you have come in contact with suspected case
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research is grateful for partnership and support coming from the Lifebank led by Temie Giwa-Tubosun to provide this free COVID-19 test to members of the public who may need it.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi wrote a letter to the Governor of Ekiti, Kayode Fayemi on the constitution of the council of Obas, the of Alawe Of Ilawe-Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi in his position as the Chairman of State Traditional Council has reported the Alaafin to the Governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde
Two weeks after the Supreme Court Ruling that sacked the Bayelsa Governor-Elect of the APC, David Lyon and his Deputy Biobarakuma Degi over certificate forgery, more revelations have emerged about the rottenness that plagued the APC after the court ruling that saw Senator Douye Diri of PDP being sworn in less than 24 hours before David Lyon would have assumed office as Governor.
It was learnt that the Supreme Court ruling threw confusion into the camp of the APC who had made adequate preparations for the inauguration as payments had already been made to several vendors providing services, hotels, transportation, catering and general logistics. After the storm had cleared, more revelations came to light revealing the dirty roles former President Jonathan and Patience Jonathan played in the preparation of the inaugurations that never happened.
Meanwhile, the Bayelsa state chapter of the APC has asked Former President Goodluck Jonathan and his Wife to refund the N300m and bullet proof cars given to them by David Lyon for the inauguration.
David Lyon had paid for the use of Aridolf hotel owned by The Jonathans for 4 months as sources said, Lyon had wanted to run the Government from that hotel pending the completion of the intended renovations of the Bayelsa State Government house.
This newspaper also gathered that the N300m is part of the N5bn David Lyon and the minister of state for petroleum Timipre Sylva borrowed from two banks with a promise that various state bank accounts and other juicy deals will be given to them when they assume office, a plan which ultimately backfired along with all inauguration arrangements.
Our correspondent also learnt that Entertainers and several service providers had been paid and assorted drinks that were to be imported from the United Kingdom and South Africa had been duly paid for as well.
The APC had planned to turn Bayelsa State to a Carnival. Bayelsans were to have endless parties for a month, free food was to be given to people at different points across the state.
All hotels had been paid upfront in Bayelsa to accommodate commercial sex workers from other states. Militants were to be placed in charge of security in the state. It was supposed to be an entire month of jamborees and wastefulness, and it never happened as the Supreme Court made the ruling.
The Bayelsa chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC has also called on the country’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to as a matter of urgency, launch an investigation into all the monies, Loans and collateral given to Timipre Sylva which were never accounted or judiciously used for the Bayelsa election. It is in good knowledge that Timipre Sylva received over $150m for Bayelsa election and only a meagre sum of $10m was handed over to David Lyon for the election.
Petty Jonathans.
A group known as APC Reformation Forum had accused the Jonathans for sabotaging their mandate after the election. The group says the Jonathans were petty and couldn’t wait for David Lyon to be inaugurated before they started making demands and collecting bullet proof cars.
Goodluck Jonathan, a leader of the PDP received N300m in cash to provide entertainment and logistics for his guests that were supposed to come to Bayelsa state for David Lyon’s inauguration, Goodluck Jonathan and his wife Patience had already concluded plans to attend the inauguration of an APC governor whose election was still contested in court by his party, an election that was adjudged by local and international observers to have been massively rigged in favor of the APC. This further exposes his disloyalty to his party that made him President.
You would recall that a group, PDP Renaissance group had in a press statement after the election, berated Goodluck Jonathan for failing to condemn the violence that took place in his home state during the elections.
Consequently, Counting down to the inauguration that never happened, there was already a conflagration of different groups (David Lyon, The Jonathans and Sylva) over commissioner nominees and other appointments in the state. David Lyon’s hands were already tied even before his botched swearing in.
An APC faithful our corespondent spoke with says, “Now that the game is over, it makes sense to lessen the burden of David Lyon that was used as a sacrificial lamb by Timipre Sylva. The vehicles and monies should be returned without drama to save face”.
Several PDP members and leaders in Bayelsa and outside Bayelsa have expressed disappointment towards the Jonathans over their role in the last elections and for also allowing their image and self acclaimed integrity to be dented with allegations of anti-Party activities and return of alleged N300m given to them for APC inauguration.
A Bayelsa state based member of the PDP in Yenagoa who asked to remain anonymous said that “Nigerians have always known that GEJ is a “careless man” in his politics and showed lack of critical judgment”
More on Jonathan…
Jonathan’s integrity came under scrutiny again recently when Olisa Metuh was found guilty of receiving N400m from Former NSA Sambo Dasuki for election campaign. You would recall that Goodluck Jonathan failed to appear in court or speak up for Olisa Metuh during his trial when it is obvious that he (Jonathan) asked Olisa Metuh to collect the money from Dasuki.
As Bayelsa state slowly recovers from the wounds of the violence meted on it by APC loyalists after the Supreme Court ruling, yet the storm is not over. The APC struggles to put its house in order as more dirt of its financial dealings during the elections surface.
It was an atmosphere of serenity, glamour and style on the 9th of February, as Abuja Big Boy, consultant and Founder of the Patrick Ayiwe Adahor Oghenejode Foundation, ( a philanthropic organisation, that is involved in the welfare and training of deserving teens and youth, through its scholarship schemes), was treated to a surprised birthday party, by Business tycoon Sir Karo Jockey ( CEO Okama Infinity Limited).
The ceremony which was held at the pool side, of the host residence, was well attended by friends and associates of the celebrant. Prominent amongst them was the current Deputy Governor of Edo state, The Managing Director, Nigeria pipeline and storage company, The Chief Registrar, National Industrial Court of Nigeria , Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and other Captains of Industries.
Below are some of the pictures that captures the moment.
Not so long ago, one of the greatest and most influential African-Americans in history, Malcolm X, uttered a touching quote and each time I look at the turn of events in the Imo governorship tussle, it easily flows through my mind. Even though the quote was made over 50 years ago, its relevance to the travesty served on the people of Imo state is unquantifiable.
The quote goes thus: “I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I’m a human being, first and foremost, and as such I’m for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.”
Quite profound and that explains my disappointment with the manner in which the leadership of Imo state has been decided for the next four years.
If the trend of events that throw up Hope Uzodinma as governor is holistically examined, it’s so obvious that truth and justice were debasingly raped. That is the simple inference any objective mind would make from the entire episode. It is something that should never happen, not to talk of this digital age when the world has become a global village.
Initially, the thought of review had raised hope of remedy for the glaring flaws that were inherent in the earlier ruling of the country’s apex court, but it all went to nought when the panel choose to preserve the error. “The judgement of the Supreme Court is a finality,” Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who read the majority judgement that has Chief Justice Tanko Muhammed as head of the panel, put the matter to rest.
The implication is that even if a decision of the Supreme Court is fraught with errors and controversies as the Imo governorship tussle has shown, it must subsist because they are ‘final’. However, Justice Chima Nweze disagreed with his colleagues as he concurred with Ihedioha’s counsel that “Uzodinma misled this court (Supreme Court) into awarding him victory.”
Perhaps, he was persuaded by the glaring inconsistencies in the pleadings that awarded Uzodinma undue victory and ordered: “Uzodinma should return his certificate of return to INEC which shall reissue it to Ihedioha.” But he was alone in that decision and his pronouncement, as profound as it seems, was, however, of no effect.
Not even the analogy of Kanu Agabi, Ihedioha led counsel that “when I was a child, my father will beat me to cry and also beat me to stop. My Lord, please we’re crying and do not treat us like my father did” could change anything. In the end, the status quo remains and Imo people are stuck with Uzodinma for four years
Shortly after the Supreme Court turned down Ihedioha review request, the media went into a frenzy and different headlines popped up to catch the attention of the reader. But I find some interesting, and at the same disturbing. It is disturbing because many failed to weigh the long-term implication of what happened and the bearing on electoral jurisprudence.
If anyone assumes or conclude that Ihedioha was a loser going by the outcome at the Supreme Court, that would be a huge mistake. True, he was denied the mandate freely bestowed on him by Imo electorate but a critical look will show that far from Ihedioha, the real loser is justice.
That is because it is hard to reconcile, as pointed out by Justice Nweze, that “Uzodinma cannot benefit from an election he wanted to be invalidated”, yet, he is handed the governorship seat of Imo state. That is, unmistakably, a knockout for justice and the people of Imo who would have to stick with a governor that errors foisted on them.
In my earlier article that was entitled ‘Imo: The people no longer decide’, I posited that “for all the justified outrage that trailed the manner in which Ihedioha lost out, one thing, and a frightening reality that the Supreme Court judgement represents is that, the people no longer decides.” I’m even more worried now than when I first made that conclusion.
Right before us, we have a precedent that would do no good in the future. It’s beyond Ihedioha because justice, as it has ever been, is never about an individual, but something that every society require for confidence and stability. Even God cherished justice and admonished humans through the various Holy books to always follow its path.
While the door of the courts is forever closed on the Imo governorship tussle for the 2019 election circle but the mind of Nigerians cannot be easily deflected away from how the impossible became possible, not by facts but controversial circumstance. This has come and gone, hopefully, we would not have another reason to rue the loss of justice in the future.
Oke Umurhohwo is a Political Analyst and Strategist. He tweets via @OkeStalyf and can be reached via oke.umu@gmail.com
SAYS SYLVA SHOULD STOP DEMONIZING THE JUDICIARY …APOLOGIZE FOR MUDER OF 21 PEOPLE IN NEMBE
The Bayelsa State Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Godspower Keku, on behalf of the State Executive Committee, has asked the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, to stop the unnecessary vilification of the Supreme Court and the Judiciary, as a fallout of the Apex Court decision on Bayelsa Governorship Review.
The PDP State Scribe said that Sylva and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, played a critical role in aiding the Peoples Democratic Party to wrest the wrongfully taken mandate from the APC through the bold decisions of the court.
He said that the party commended Sylva and Oshiomhole for making it easy for the PDP to avert a waiting catastrophe by foisting a candidate who never won a primary and handpicking Senator Degi Eremienyon his Coursin as the running mate to David Lyon.
According to him, Sylva propped up David Lyon and Degi as his stooges in furtherance of his ambition to combine the position of minister with that of the Governor of Bayelsa State.
Keku made the comment while reacting to an interview by Chief Sylva on Channels Television who accused the Supreme Court of wrong-doing in the verdict.
He said that with the final verdict of the Supreme Court on the issue of the Bayelsa Governorship, Sylva ought to have apologized for the Nembe massacre of 21 persons, the vandalization of former Gov Henry Seriake Dickson, Gov Douye Diri, residences, the attack on the PDP Secretariat, the Steve Azaiki Library, the judiciary among others rather than casting aspersions on the integrity of the Supreme Court.
He stated also that Sylva should show remorse for the sponsored protests at the residences of Honourable Justice Mary Odilli in Abuja and Port Harcourt.
He said, “Sylva should not blame the Supreme Court and the Judiciary. The fact is that he helped us; his people worked with us to reclaim the mandate wrongfully taken by the All Progressives Congress to avert a disaster.
“He should stop blaming the judiciary, apologize for the massacre of 21 persons in Nembe, and the killings which the Federal Forces backed him to perpetrate against the good people of Bayelsa.
“But We thank him and Oshiomhole for making it easy for us, the PDP and the good people of Bayelsa, to stop the catastrophe he and his party wanted to foist on Bayelsa because of his burning ambition to be both minister and Governor by installing a stooge who never won primaries; by bringing Degi, his cousin and foisting him on David Lyon and the APC.
“He should apologize for the Nembe killings, the attack on my home, Gov Diri’s home, the attack on the High Court, the Azaiki Library, the PDP Secretariat and several other places rather than the immoral assault on the Supreme Court.”
Keku challenged Sylva to explain what he did with over 150 million Dollars he received from oil companies and others for the purpose of the Bayelsa governorship election which he didn’t spent.
He called on the Federal Government to investigate the minister for foisting extreme violence on Bayelsans and Bayelsa since 2015.
He also called on the international community to investigate the minister and impose a visa ban on him for hiding under the influence of the Presidency to perpetrate political terrorism in Bayelsa.
Keku who called for investigation of the minister raised the alarm that the interview he granted was to set the stage for further violence in the state.
He appealed to the youths of the state to ignore the antics of Sylvia who according to him was trading with their futures.
Iran’s vice-president has been diagnosed with coronavirus, state media have reported, as the country struggles to stop the spread of the disease.
Masoumeh Ebtekar is among 254 people infected with the virus in the Middle Eastern nation, where 26 people have been killed.
The vice-president for women and family affairs is better known internationally as the English-language spokeswoman for the hostage-takers who seized the US embassy in Tehran in 1979, sparking a 444-day diplomatic crisis.
Iran’s deputy health minister tested positive for the virus earlier this week, hours after appearing visibly unwell at a press conference during which he denied the government was suppressing the scale of the outbreak.
Coronavirus cases in Iran spiked by 106 over the last 24 hours, the country’s health ministry announced on Thursday. The country’s death toll from the outbreak is higher than any country except China, where the epidemic began.
The outbreak has prompted Iranian authorities to cancel Friday prayers in Tehran. Health ministry spokesman Kianush Jahanpur said there were also plans to impose restrictions at some holy Muslim sites but the plan “needs the approval of the president before being carried out”.
Mr Jahanpur, speaking to state TV, urged Iranians to avoid “unnecessary trips inside the country”.
State news agency IRNA said Chinese citizens have been banned from entering the country. Similar restrictions have been implemented by dozens of other nations including the US, Russia, South Korea and Australia in a bid to stem the spread of coronavirus.
Michael Ryan, executive director of the World Health Organisation’s emergencies programme, said Iran’s 10 per cent mortality rate – five times higher than China – was probably due to milder cases of the disease not being picked up.
I am told of a planned protest by my party and i must express my disapproval. Reports reaching me is that the planned protest is actually a plot to cause instability and unrest in the state.
The recent activities of my party supporters in the state reveals that the intentions of these young people is not to have a peaceful protest but an opportunity to revenge, destroy houses and properties belonging to members of the other party in the state, disrupt business activities, loot stores and shops, harass their owners and all those going about their lawful businesses, interrupt school activities and shot down every means of transportation in and out of the state.
They have purposed to go to any length to distort the peace Bayelsans have enjoyed since the inauguration of Senator Douye Diri and his deputy.
Though a member of APC Bayelsa, I must state here that supporters of my party have shown times without number that they are violence prone and must therefore be stopped.
Bayelsans including my humble self have long accepted the outcome of the elections and normalcy has since been restored until the announcement of this planed protest.
These youths are already sounding drums of war and the good and peace loving people of Bayelsa are becoming apprehensive.
I therefore use this opportunity to call on the security agents to look deeper as their custom is to see the true intent of the APC Bayelsa supporters and avert the impending episode of violence.
This is also a call on the APC leadership both at the national and state level to behave responsibly and call their supporters to order.
Bayelsa is peaceful and the people prefer it so. I expect that my party leaders should follow the peaceful path and seek redress at the appropriate quarters and not the way of violence.
I remain Independent Famgbei, APC member, Southern Ijaw LGA.
Health › COVID-19: Flour Mills Of Nigeria Distributes 35,000 Test Kits To Kano, 14 States by AnonPoet(op): 10:04am On May 07, 2020
