₦airaland Forum

Apostle Kenneth Kiarie of God’s Covenant Holiness Church in Mihang’o, Kayole in Nairobi ended his marriage of 87 days and sent his 23-year-old pregnant wife
packing. They wedded in April this year.

The 30-year-old pastor told The Nairobian that he hurriedly married Marion Wagitu “because being a pastor, I needed a wife officially married in church." adding that he borrowed money to finance their wedding which has now left him in debt.

The two fell in love when Marion, whom he saw as a 'humble rural girl' attended his church.

The pastor is being accused of throwing out his newly wedded wife to marry another woman. Even before the honeymoon was over, their marriage hit the rocks sometime in July, with both parties pointing accusing fingers at each other.

"He used to tell me that if I left, I would not get a husband, and that he had scores of beautiful girls hanging around him," says Marion, who is now back at her Murang’a village.

Marion says he married Kiarie because he is a pastor, but their marriage has been a bumpy one, with Kiarie allegedly blaming her for the declining congregation numbers and tithe amounts in his church, because of her odd behaviours in and out of the church.

"He blames me over a Sh70,000 debt he incurred to fund the wedding. He claimed I threw hot tea and stove at him and attempted to beat him in front of his parents,” says Marion, adding that the man of God often left her with Sh5 for cooking oil on grounds that she was a villager.

However, Pastor Kiarie denied the accusation and instead accused Marion of destroying their marriage through her weird behaviour, offensive words, attempt to assault him in front of friends and blood relations and accusing him of infidelity.

"Actually, that was the third time I chased her and it has now been successful. She wanted to control me but that is not African. I said we rather separate than have one of us dead," he explains.

Marion felt offended that Kiarie rarely funded her salon makeover sessions, while Kiarie says that:
"She even said I never bought her underwear. I don’t consider her sober and I want her sanity checked. I believe nobody can stay with her unless she changes."

The short-lived marriage has been the talk of the village in Gaturi, Murang’a County and in Kayole. Kiarie says events that followed the wedding left him broke and unable to cater for her and their unborn baby.

"I did not want to send her away. I have never assaulted her, but being a pastor, everybody thinks I am the problem. A wife means a lot to a man, but Marion is not worth living with. She will harm me,"claims Kiarie.

While Marion claims the pastor was pressurised by his parents and siblings to dump her, Kiarie says she was spoilt by her parents who failed to reach out to the other side and mend differences.

Both admitted that the four months they courted was too short to really know each other.
"We had not shared a house or bed before we wedded,” says Kiarie.

Marion’s father, Gabriel Chege says he overlooked Kikuyu traditions by allowing the wedding to take place before Kiarie had paid bride price.

The House of Representatives Committee on Ethics and Privileges on Friday commenced its investigative hearing into the allegations levelled against the former Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Abdulmumin Jibrin.

The Chairman of the Committee, Nicholas Ossai, is presiding over the session, but Jibrin is not present at the hearing.

This comes barely 48 hours after the House mandated the Ethics committee to probe allegations of misconduct against the former Appropriations Committee chairman.

Details later......

The Benue State Universal Basic Education Board, under the chairmanship of Dr. Philip Tachin, has allegedly awarded contracts worth N7bn without due process.

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the board chairman, in conjunction with key officials of the board, had awarded the multi-million naira contracts to cronies and friends without going through tenders and due process.

It was also gathered that in the last three months, they hurriedly awarded contracts worth the amount mainly to politicians, their friends and associates without going through the necessary processes.

According to investigations, it was alleged that in the awards of these contracts, 70 per cent was paid upfront while 30 per cent was for kick-back after the projects had been inflated above the norm.

“Though they are doing everything possible to cover the illegal and shady deal but many people who are aware of what is going on are not happy with the whole deal. This is despite the zero tolerance of Governor Ortom-led administration for corruption”, a source said.

Another source said the whole thing was being covered. He said, “They are doing everything secretly so that the governor may not know because if he knows, they are in big trouble.”

Meanwhile, two cashiers of the SUBEB, Paul Mella (Cashier 2) and Jacob Agera (Cashier 1) have been arrested by the Special Fraud Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, Abuja, for hoarding financial information concerning the board.

When contacted, the SUBEB Chairman, Tachin, said the two financial officers of the board were actually arrested and taken to Abuja for questioning.

He said, “The police officers from Abuja came and requested for the documents to be made available and then they left. I told the cashiers to go to the bank and get the statement of account but they told me that the account is dormant. For the umpteenth time, I instructed them to make the documents available and they failed to co-operate. So, yesterday (on Tuesday), some police officers stormed the board and arrested them. For me, I do not have anything to hide. I will not shield anyone who is involved in any fraudulent act.’’

According to him, the award of contracts for renovation of over 700 primary schools in the state was done based on due process. He debunked insinuations that it was awarded for political patronage, insisting that it followed due process.

However, there were allegations that close to 732 contract jobs for the renovation of schools, supply of furniture, books and the building of new school structures under the SUBEB were hurriedly handed over to certain well placed and faceless persons, especially politicians without due process.

A source disclosed to our correspondent that “members of the board got between five and seven per cent of jobs while other jobs were shared among cronies and political associates.”

At the SUBEB state office in Makurdi, not many persons and highly placed officials were willing to volunteer information.

However, one source who claimed to have secured one of the jobs countered the allegation, insisting instead that “due process was followed to the latter and Certificates of No Objection was issued by the Due Process Department.

‘’Only qualified contractors with reputable track records and with the lowest bids were selected and I want to tell you that some contractors have already been mobilised to site”, the source said.

But another contractor, who bid for a contract job and was not given, said, ‘’What this man is saying is not true. As for me, I met all the conditions stipulated by the board and I bid, yet I was not selected and those who did not bid for any job at all were awarded jobs. So, I don’t know the criteria the chairman and his board used.”

Our correspondent was however told that at the SUBEB office, 90 per cent of those who finally ‘got’ the jobs did not bid for it.

But Tachin told our correspondent that “over 200 contractors applied for the contract and the board’s Due Process Committee scrutinised them thoroughly before they were given the contracts.”

He said that very competent companies were awarded up to three or five projects, based on their tract records.

He said, “So, it is not fraud when a single company gets more than two jobs at a time.”

Meanwhile, a group of individuals in Benue State under the aegis of ‘Democracy Watchers’ have called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission to urgently carry out investigation into the shoddy manner the Chairman, SUBEB, Dr. Philip Tachin, awarded contracts worth over N7bn for the construction/renovation of over seven hundred primary schools in the state.

The Spokesperson for the group, Dr. Omale Odanchi, in a press conference in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Wednesday alleged lack of transparency and due process in the contract’s deal. He said that majority of the jobs were donated to party cronies in bulk, who in turn were selling the jobs to business men “on highest bidding ratio.”

From across the Niger, the first wife of Michael Ibru, (patriarch of the Ibru dynasty), Muriel, had a son, Nnaemeka, for Nigeria’s first president, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. She was then the secretary of African Continental Bank (ACB), which Zik founded in the 1955. Nnaemeka, through the Ibru connection (maternal) set up Emene Motors Ltd, which is an offshoot of Rutam Motors, owned by the Ibrus

Are you aware that Mohammed Ibrahim, former director—general of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Dr. Mahmud Tukur, a one-time vice chancellor of Bayero University, Kano and Minister of Commerce during General Muhammadu Buhari’s administration; and Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar (Mairago), Executive Secretary of Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) are married to the sisters of Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar, former military governor of Kaduna State? Equally, the other wife of Dr. Mahmud Tukur is the elder sister of Nuhu Ribadu, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Mairago's other wife is the daughter of the late Hamza Zayyad, chairman of the Technical Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation (TCPC). Dr. Mahmud Tukur’s daughter is married to her cousin, the son of Bamanga Tukur, Awwal.

The daughter of Senator Isaiah Balat is married to the son of AVM Ishaya Shekari, former military administrator of old Kano State. Likewise, do you know that the wives of General Domkat Bali, Nigeria’s former defence minister and Solomon Daushep Lar, former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are sisters? Senator Aliyu Zego Aziz (Wazirin Jaba) and Air Commodore David Jonah Jang, former military governor of defunct Gongola State are also married to sisters.

Unknown to many also, is the fact that the wives of Mamman Daura, chairman of Kaduna Furniture and Carpets Company (KFCC), Abubakar Alhaji, former minister of finance and current Sardaunan Sokoto, General Aliyu Mohammed, National Security Adviser (NSA) and Munnir Ja’afaru, former director—general of Nigerian Maritime Authority (NMA) are the daughters of Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki.

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has, in recent months, raised its debt recovery drive. Its Head of Corporate Communications, Jude Nwauzor speaks on the corporation’s rising commitment to recover delinquent loans and the criticisms they are generating, writes COLLINS NWEZE.
The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has said it has recorded significant progress in debt recovery since it published its top 100 delinquent debtors earlier in the year.
Speaking in Lagos, AMCON Head of Corporate Communications, Jude Nwauzor said although the corporation is yet to publish new list of debtors, there has been positive developments in the areas of takeovers of assets, recoveries and resolutions. He said the corporation is in court with a good number of these obligors and could not reel out names.
On hindrances to debt recovery, he said: “There are a lot of factors. For example, we are in court with a good number of obligors and you know the wheel of justice in Nigeria grinds slowly, which presents some kind of temporary or extended cover for these debtors.
“If it is possible for the courts to give accelerated hearing to AMCON-related cases, recoveries would be a lot easier. Secondly, the harsh economic realities pose significant challenge. Nobody will shy away from the fact that the country has slipped into recession, which makes it even more difficult for both businesses and individuals.”
Continuing, he said: “If that is the situation now, then you can imagine how difficult it has become for AMCON to recover or even dispose assets. But in the face of all these challenges, AMCON is undaunted because my MD/CEO reminds every member of staff in the Corporation that AMCON’s job remains a national assignment because the success of the corporation has direct effect on the success of the Nigerian economy.”
AMCON MD’s first one year in office
Assessing AMCON Managing Director/CEO, Ahmed Kuru’s first year in office, he said:
“I believe he has achieved a lot because he sort of hit the ground running, as it were, when he assumed office on August 18, last year. He has been engaging obligors in finding permanent resolution to their debts and I can tell you that a good measure of progress has been recorded. Do not forget he is dealing with debts that were hard-core with the commercial banks in the first instance before they arrived AMCON.”
Speaking further, he said: “Aside that, he has seriously sharpened the business processes in the corporation in addition to sound corporate governance. His administration in AMCON adopted aggressive recovery strategies that have led to increased repayment from hitherto recalcitrant obligors. He has also introduced some value enhanced exit plans through partnerships with investors to revive failing companies in AMCON’s portfolio, which will attract the much sort after foreign investors to the country.”
“Part of his strategy was the introduction of Asset Management Partners (AMPs) to assist the corporation in recoveries. The AMPs are consortiums with specialist skills required to ensure recovery and debt resolution; banking, legal, valuation and accounting. The move will make it possible for AMCON to resolve over 6,000 accounts with loan balances of N100 million and below,” he said.
Nwauzor explained that within the period, AMCON has successfully divested from other intervened banks outside of the bridged banks; intervened in Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN), a leading automobile manufacturer in the country, which saved a lot of jobs and guaranteed business continuity; repaid coupon on Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Note totaling N241.7 billion ($1.2 billion); repaid interest on CBN Debenture totaling N15 billion ($76.3 million) as well as working to stabilise the aviation sector through key strategic interventions in some of them that are experiencing distress due to the current economic situation in the country”.
“Without sounding immodest, I am very sure President Mohammadu Buhari must be impressed with his choice of Ahmed Kuru to steer the ship of AMCON at this challenging time in the history of the country. I say that because following a request from my boss, Mr. President, a few months back, inaugurated what he called Presidential Inter-Agency Committee on recovery of loans owed Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria. The committee is chaired by no other person than the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami,” he added.
Forces against AMCON’s operations
Speaking on why some people are against AMCON and its activities despite its achievements in the industry, the AMCON spokesman said: “I would like you to take a critical look at the crop of individuals that are against AMCON; they fall within the category of die-hard debtors, who contributed in destabilising the Nigerian economy. Well-meaning Nigerians are happy with AMCON activities except a few that are heavily indebted, but trying hard to circumvent the law.”
Furthermore, he said: “Again, mention one disgruntled person that is not on the list of AMCON debtors. Those assets AMCON took over, which sparked off the spate of so-called attacks on AMCON, were done after we have explored all avenues and channels of peaceful resolutions; having fulfilled due judicial procedures. But unfortunately for them, sponsoring media articles against AMCON or hiring the ‘so-called industry experts’ will not erase the huge debt they owe the corporation and I am sure you know that such campaigns of calumny only strengthens our MD because he is not deterred and will never be deterred by such distractions.”

On whether AMCON will takeover more businesses
Speaking on the likelihood of the corporation taking over more businesses in the last quarter of this financial year, Nwauzor said: “It all depends on a number of legal and business dynamics. What I know is that AMCON will continue to take careful steps in discharging its assignments within the ambit of the law. In a subtle manner, the corporation will aggressively and decisively coerce all delinquent debtors to the path of resolution, especially now that we are in an era where sacred cows are no longer recognised or celebrated in Nigeria. Remember that Kuru proved himself as a change agent and a turn-around expert before arriving AMCON. He will replicate the same feat in AMCON.
“AMCON, more than ever before, has sharpened its resolution mechanism. However, obligors are given the opportunity to come forward; otherwise the full extent of the AMCON Act would be applied without favours.”

To the casual observer, the events that shape and continue to configure what happens on Nigeria’s socio-political and economic firmament are either coincidental, mere happenstance or outright accidental.

Far from it, as Leadership Confidential can authoritatively confirm that many developments were/are carefully conceptualised, planned and implemented by the country’s elites, who are intricately entwined by either fraternity, business interests, blood relationships or marriage linkages.

Such marriages cut across ethno—religious boundaries and had pre—dated 1914, when the British colonialists through Lord Lugard amalgamated the Northern and Southern Protectorates into the present day Nigeria.

For example, do you know that Governor Ali Modu Sheriff of Borno State, Yobe State Governor, Bukar Abba Ibrahim, former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Ibrahim Bunu and former Nigerian ambassador to the US, Senator Jibril Aminu are all married to the sisters of Ammuna Lawal, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources and Nigeria’s Country Governor at OPEC? Ammuna is the wife of former managing director of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Ibrahim Ali, who is the brother of former Governor Mala Kachalla of Borno State.

Similarly, Abba, son of the late General Murtala Mohammed, Nigeria’s former head of state is married to Ammuna’s daughter. You may also not be aware, but it is true that Umaru Mutallab, an accomplished banker is married to the elder sister of Mouftah Baba-Ahmed, former chairman of NAL Bank and director of NEPA, who in turn is married to the daughter of Mutallab from his other wife.

Leadership Confidential can also authoritatively inform you that former military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, his former Director of Military Intelligence (DMI), Brigadier-General Halilu Akilu, and Dr. Abdulsalam Mustapha, proprietor of Mustapha Clinics in Minna, Niger State are married to siblings.

From across the Niger, the first wife of Michael Ibru, (patriarch of the Ibru dynasty), Muriel, had a son, Nnaemeka, for Nigeria’s first president, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. She was then the secretary of African Continental Bank (ACB), which Zik founded in the 1955. Nnaemeka, through the Ibru connection (maternal) set up Emene Motors Ltd, which is an offshoot of Rutam Motors, owned by the Ibrus

Are you aware that Mohammed Ibrahim, former director—general of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Dr. Mahmud Tukur, a one-time vice chancellor of Bayero University, Kano and Minister of Commerce during General Muhammadu Buhari’s administration; and Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar (Mairago), Executive Secretary of Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) are married to the sisters of Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar, former military governor of Kaduna State? Equally, the other wife of Dr. Mahmud Tukur is the elder sister of Nuhu Ribadu, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Mairago's other wife is the daughter of the late Hamza Zayyad, chairman of the Technical Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation (TCPC). Dr. Mahmud Tukur’s daughter is married to her cousin, the son of Bamanga Tukur, Awwal.

The daughter of Senator Isaiah Balat is married to the son of AVM Ishaya Shekari, former military administrator of old Kano State. Likewise, do you know that the wives of General Domkat Bali, Nigeria’s former defence minister and Solomon Daushep Lar, former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are sisters? Senator Aliyu Zego Aziz (Wazirin Jaba) and Air Commodore David Jonah Jang, former military governor of defunct Gongola State are also married to sisters.

Unknown to many also, is the fact that the wives of Mamman Daura, chairman of Kaduna Furniture and Carpets Company (KFCC), Abubakar Alhaji, former minister of finance and current Sardaunan Sokoto, General Aliyu Mohammed, National Security Adviser (NSA) and Munnir Ja’afaru, former director—general of Nigerian Maritime Authority (NMA) are the daughters of Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki.

Examples of marriages that cross the ethnic barrier include that of Ebitu Ukiwe, former number two to General Ibrahim Babangida, who married Amina, the daughter of Ahmed Talib, foremost Northern Nigerian leader and General Mamman Remawa’s daughter, Fati, is married to the son of Ambassador Tunji Olagunju, Nigeria’s ambassador to South Africa.

Leadership Confidential can also affirm that, the son of consummate politician, the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Murtala, is married to the daughter of Dr. Sadiq Wali, physician to five past Nigerian leaders. It is also true that General John Temlong and General Jerry Useni, former minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, are in—laws.

It is also authoritative that one-time General Officer Commanding (GOC), General Joshua Dogonyaro married the daughter of elder statesman Ali Monguno, Fatima, and they have five children. Also, the late General Joe Garba, former Nigeria’s External Affairs Minister was married to the sister of one—time Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Coomassie, with whom they sired a daughter, Fatima, who got married to Omar Ado Ibrahim’s son. Ibrahim is the Attah of Ibirra.

Former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Murtala Nyako is married to Justice Binta, who is General Remawa’s very close niece. Engineer Nura Khalil, ANPP Katsina State gubernatorial candidate in the 2003 elections, Waziri Mohammed, chairman Nigerian Railways Corporation (NRC) and Ladan Lema Jibrilu are married to the daughters of wealthy Dantata family of Kano.

Edo State born Christopher Abebe, former chairman/CEO of United African Company (UAC) is the father of Stella, wife of President Olusegun Obasanjo, while the Lamido of Adamawa, Dr. Aliyu Mustapha, sired one of the four wives of Vice President Atiku Abubakar. General Buba Marwa’s first wife, Zainab, with whom he has all his grown up children (all lawyers), is the elder sister of Phil Agbassi, currently Vice President Atiku’s special assistant, who was married to Sonia. Chiikwuemeka Chikelu’s elder sister. Chikelu is the current Nigerian minister of information.

Chikelu himself is married to the daughter of Adamawa State born General Anthony Hananiya, Corps Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).

Former Minister for Special Duties, Yomi Edu, is married to the daughter of Alfa Wali of Kano State, one-time Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence.

Governor Ibrahim Saminu Turaki of Jigawa State is married to the daughters of Dr. Awwal Ibrahim, Emir of Suleja and the late Mukhtari Bello, former managing director of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC). Likewise, businessman, Lawal Idris is married to the daughter of Justice Mamman Nasir.

Unknown to many also is the fact that Umaru Shinkafi, Marafan Sokoto, former head of the Nigerian Security Organisation (NSO); Shehu Malami, one-time Nigeria’s ambassador to South Africa and Mamman Bashar, Emir of Daura are in—laws to the late Sardauna of Sokoto and Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello.

Mohammed Haruna, and the late Kere Ahmed, director of the NTA are in-laws, while the son of the late Mahmoud Attah, Bello, is married to the daughter of General T.Y. Danjuma, Gloria The daughter of one-time executive governor of Kano State, Dr. Mohammed Abubakar Rimi is married to the son of businessman, Isyaku Rabiu.

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission on Tuesday said that Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas and other federation assets should not be sold to meet the country’s financial obligations.

The commission’s Acting Chairman, Alhaji Shettima Abba-Gana, was reacting to Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s suggestion that the country`s assets be sold off to augment the current revenue shortfall being experienced by the nation following the economic recession.

Abba-Gana, in a statement, said it would be unwise for the Federal Government to dispose of its crown jewels which were generating revenues and keeping the Federation Account healthy over a long term.

He cited the NEITI 2013 Audit and Financial Report of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, adding that 12.9 billion dollars was received by the NNPC from NLNG over an eight-year period.



He added that the NNPC, however, did not remit the amount to the Federation Account, saying that the audit showed that NLNG paid 1.2 billion dollars as dividends for 2013.

He said, “It is the considered view of the commission that Nigeria’s assets like NLNG and other strategic national resources should not be sold to meet short-term financial obligation.”

He said that the amount needed from the sale of the assets could be borrowed from the International Monetary Fund.

He added that revenue from the assets could be used to amortize the loans over an agreed period.

He further said that after the amortisation of the loans, the assets would still be owned by the federation in addition to their regular dividends and revenue.

Abba-Gana, therefore, advised that instead of selling off such vital assets, wealthy Nigerians should be encouraged to set up their own LNG projects.

Nigeria is ranked seventh in the world and first in Africa with natural gas reserves base totaling 188 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) as at May 1, 2015.

Nigeria’s natural gas is regarded as one of the best in the world with low hydrogen sulphide (H2S) or carbon dioxide (CO2) impurity levels.

NAN

The police in Enugu State have arraigned a herdsman, Ibrahim Adamu, before an Enugu East Magistrates’ Court for allegedly being in possession of an AK-47 rifle.

The spokesperson of the police in the state, Mr Ebere Amaraizu, said that Adamu was arraigned on Sept. 16 and had been remanded in prison custody by Chief Magistrate Denis Ekoh.

Adamu was arrested on Aug. 29 at Affa in Udi Local Government Area.

He was arraigned on a three-count charge of illegally possessing and having under his control AK 47 rifle with 24 rounds of live ammunition in contravention of the Firearms Act.
The statement said that the offence was punishable under the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act Cap. R11 vol. 14, laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.