₦airaland Forum

Sanni Onogu, Abuja

No cause for alarm, says spokesman

Why confidence vote suffered setback

The alleged lopsided sharing of N100 billion constituency projects fund is causing disaffection in the Senate.

The fund is meant for projects in senators’ constituencies.

Some senators said some of their colleagues were “unduly favoured” in the distribution of the fund.

According to them, while some were allocated up to N500 million, others received less than N200 million for execution of projects in their constituencies.

It was leant that to nip the brewing disquiet in the bud, some senators hurriedly planned a vote of confidence motion in Senate President Ahmad Lawan.

The motion was aborted due to lack of quorum.

It was learnt that those who were “favoured” in the allocation of the fund, were behind the confidence vote.

Findings showed that some ranking senators whose names were on the list as sponsors of the confidence vote, disassociated themselves from it in the last minute “because they were not consulted before their names were included”.

A source noted that due to the sharp division among the sponsors of the confidence vote, the arrowheads called it off.

Another source who claimed to be part of the original initiators of the confidence vote, noted that the “talk about a possible crack in the upper chamber is real.”

He said: “Nobody is taking chances hence the need to pass a confidence vote in the leadership.”

Senator Kashim Shettima (Borno Central) on Tuesday sponsored the motion.

There were 36 other senators – 25 All Progressives Congress (APC) and 11 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as co-sponsors.

But the motion was abruptly stepped down “till another legislative day”.

The withdrawal of the motion fueled speculations that all is not totally well in spite of the seeming unity of purpose with which senators have operated.

The Ninth Senate has made tremendous landmark performance within a short time. It passed the 2020 budget in a record time to return the country to the January to December budget cycle.

It has also passed the Public Procurement Act amendment Bill, among others.

It has worked seamlessly with the House of Representatives and harmoniously with the Executive, which has received commendation from President Muhammadu Buhari.

But the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Godiya Akwashiki, said there was no cause for alarm.

Senator Akwashiki insisted that the loyalty of senators to the leadership of the Senate is total and complete.

Akwashiki said: “There is nothing to worry about in the vote of confidence in the leadership of the Senate which was stood down on Wednesday during plenary.

“It is a vote of confidence and not a vote of no confidence. A vote of confidence is moved when members of a group are in support or in total agreement with the leadership.

“I see no big deal in the motion being stood down. I want us to exercise patience and wait for the day that the motion would be mentioned on the floor of the Senate.

“I won’t speak further on it because it is a vote of confidence. I would speak more if it was a vote of no confidence and the Senate President decided to use his power as Presiding Officer to stand down the motion.

“Those who are moving the vote of confidence are in total support of the leadership. So, it is not a serious issue.

“On the 36 Senators comprising 25 APC and 11 PDP members listed as co-sponsors of the motion is a normal thing.

“All of us are in total agreement of the motion but we cannot all have our names in the motion.

“If all of us should put our names on the list, then it’s no longer a motion. Now that the motion has been brought before the Senate, every senator would have the opportunity to speak on it. The number of sponsors does not matter.

“The vote of confidence motion has nothing to do with any crisis in the Senate. There is no crisis. Our loyalty to the leadership is total and complete. It is even possible for two senators to move motion on vote of confidence.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/disquiet-in-senate-over-n100b-constituency-cash/

By John Owen Nwachukwu

Northern youths, on the aegis of the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, AYCF, has reacted to alleged humiliation of Northerners in Lagos by task force.

The AYCF in a statement signed and made available to DAILY POST on Monday by Alhaji Yerima Shettima, its National President, claimed that Northerners who are in the Southwest State to earn their living were being attacked and humiliated by the State’s taskforce.

DAILY POST reported earlier that there was pandemonium at Oshodi area of Lagos State as commercial motorcyclists known as Okada riders attacked officials of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Taskforce) on Thursday.

AYCF said it has reliably gathered that the Lagos Task Force officials have been invading homes of Northerners in Lagos in ungodly hours of the night and carting away motorcycles while forcefully abducting the occupants and hauling them into detention.

The statement added, “Our attention has been drawn to an ongoing brigandage in Lagos against innocent Northerners who are in Lagos to earn their living legitimately. We reliably gathered that using a Gestapo style the Lagos Task Force officials have been invading homes of Northerners in Lagos in ungodly hours of the night and carting away motorcycles while forcefully abducting the occupants and hauling them into detention.

“We dare say we have not seen this kind of Impunity against Northerners in recent years.

“It is even strange that this is coming from the Southwest, a region that expects the North to hand over the 2023 Presidency to its own.

“We have reason to now wonder if the Southwest truly expects the North to make it a successor in 2023.”

Consequently, the AYCF declares as follows:

“We find totally unacceptable the use of force to invade the homes of Northerners in the wee hours of the night and ‘arresting’ them for no legal or
constitutional reason.

“We are not aware of any law by Lagos State Government banning Okada, even though we know that restrictions have been imposed on Okada in selected Lagos communities.

“It is, therefore, imperative that the either the Lagos State Government or the Task Force explain the legal and Constitutional basis for this action.

“It was very touching when we saw the Task Force officials raiding homes with majority of Northerners in Oshodi area on the wee hours of the night.

“We demand immediate explanation for this humiliating operation, let either the Lagos State Government tell the world that it officially sanctioned this Gestapo operation or it was the instruction of Task Force boss that we are seeing this physical assault on our people.

“We are deeply disturbed by this rather uncivilized conduct in the 21st century, happening in a supposedly cosmopolitan city like Lagos.

“We gathered that the people in many Northern States are already tensed up by the news filtering out of Lagos since Thursday through Saturday.

“And we dare say this kind of tension in the North has very often been a precursor to revenge attacks. Something drastic must be done to avoid a recurrence of past security challenges caused by the humiliation of Northerners in Lagos.

“We call on President Buhari to take drastic steps in ensuring this Impunity by Lagos State Government or Task Force is halted immediately.

“We call on all security agencies to take immediate steps in averting a situation capable of destabilizing the country.

“Northerners, like other Nigerians, have every right to movement for trade anywhere in the country as guaranteed by the constitutional provision on freedom of movement.

“Most importantly, we call for the immediate release from prison all the innocent Northerners whose homes were raided in the ungodly hour by Task Force officials.

“This, in our candid view, will be the first step in ensuring justice for the innocent Northerners. Why haul them into detention, in defiance of well-known constitutional provisions or the Rule of Law in general?

“We wish to reiterate that any further attempt to humiliate innocent Northerners in any part of this country will be resisted by our group with all the available legal and constitutional weapons.

“In a balanced world, institutions are created for tackling problems but not in the manner Lagos State Government through the Task Force is currently doing to our own people.

“It is, therefore, a smear on decorum, disrespectful of human dignity and a brazen abuse of official powers. And this is totally unacceptable.

Whoever has ear, let him hear.

“Enough of this physical assault on innocent Northerners in Lagos, we so warn!”


https://dailypost.ng/2019/12/09/dont-expect-us-to-hand-over-to-you-in-2023-arewa-youths-tells-south-west/

Eniola Akinkuotu, Abuja

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, says dogs act more civilised than the operatives of the Department of State Services that stormed the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, to re-arrest the Publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore.

Soyinka said this in a statement titled, ‘Lessons from the African Wild Dog (Lycaeon Pictus)’ on Friday.

He said, “A few years ago, I watched the video of a pack of the famed African wild dogs hunt, eventually bring down, and proceed to devour a quarry.

“It was an impala, antelope family. The pack isolated the most vulnerable looking member of the herd – it was pregnant – pursued it, until it fled to a waterhole which, for such animals, is the nearest thing to a sanctuary.

“A few minutes ago, almost as it was happening, I watched the video of a pack of the DSS bring down, and fight over their unarmed, totally defenceless quarry within the sanctuary of a court of law.

“I found little or no difference between the two scenarios, except that the former, the wild dogs, exhibited more civilised table manners than the DSS in court manners.”

The playwright said recalled that only on Thursday in his commentary on the ongoing Sowore saga, he pointed out the near perfect similarity between plain crude thuggery and the current rage of court disobedience.

“Little did I suspect that the state children of disobedience would aspire to the level of the African wild dogs on a pack hunt”, he said.
Soyinka apologised for underestimating the shameful depths the DSS could go.

He reminded the Muhammadu Buhari-led government that obedience to court orders was the cornerstone of democracy.

The Nobel Laureate said, “May I remind this government that disobedience calls to disobedience, and that disobedience of the orders of the constitutional repository of the moral authority of arbitration – the judiciary – can only lead eventually to a people’s disregard of the authority of other arms of civil society, a state of desperation that is known, recognised and accepted as – civil disobedience.

“It is so obvious – state disobedience leads eventually to civil disobedience, piecemeal or through a collective withdrawal of recognition of other structures of authority. That way leads to chaos but – who set it in motion? As is often the case, the state, unquestionably. Such a state bears full responsibility for the ensuing social condition known as anomie.”

In what seemed to be a final warning to the President, the octogenarian asked Buhari to control his dogs.

“It has become imperative and urgent to send this message to President-General Buhari: Rein in your wild dogs of disobedience. And for a start, get a trainer to teach them some basic court manners!” Soyinka said.

https://punchng.com/dogs-act-more-civilised-than-dss-soyinka/

…Says Umahi, Ikpeazu and Ugwuanyi are best Igbo Governors in 2019

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has on Thursday said that the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the last Presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the National leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu are the two best presidents Nigeria may never have.

Disclosing this in a statement sent to Vanguard by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, President General, and Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, Secretary General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo youth Council said:

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide observed that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is a great Nigerian leader par excellence, supporter of good governance and pillar of Democracy, as well as Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, an extraordinary personality with enormous potentials fit for laurels in Nigeria and Africa but like Atiku Abubakar both are proven kingmakers with deep war chest to build individuals into governance, but destined to be Kingmakers, as it’s unlikely that odds May favor any of them as President in 2023 as North and Old Eastern Region May have a rethink about Tinubu’s domineering role in President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime, and review his activities with all his successors, and for Atiku Abubakar Igbo may never Support him again when there’s huge expectations that he should firmly Support an Igbo presidency 2023 in reciprocating the support he got from Igbo on 2019 Presidential election, which is more feasible and restructuring anthem is not a key issue for 2023 election.

Atiku Abubakar and Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu have their relevance to play in Nigeria and and we advise them not to push their luck too far in 2023.

Igbo Youths had declared without fear of any contradiction that Governors Dave Umahi, Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi are the best performing Igbo Governors for the Year 2019 in the Igboland, it’s on record that Governor Dave Umahi emerged best Governor General in terms of infrastructural revolution in Ebonyi State.

His Agricultural policies had put Abakiliki Rice as one of the best in Nigeria and West Africa and the best way to encourage him is to applaud him as the best among others. Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is one of the best performing Igbo Governors based on his ability to put ABA again on the World’s Map, and back on track as the Japan of Africa through Promotion of Made in Nigeria (ABA) goods, revitalising and re-engineering the indomitable spirit of Enyimba through Wealth Creation which had attracted huge foreign investors through Ikpeazu’s Magic wand, Champion of SME businesses and Economic empowerment of resilient ABA traders and Artisans, Ikpeazu remained respected in Nigeria as the Sole Promoter Made in Nigeria(Aba) goods.

His security policies are the best in Nigeria which drastically reduced crime in Abia State, no single Bank Robbery case unlike in the previous regimes and kidnapping which painted Aba in bad light was drastically reduced, the vigorous attempt to realise The New Nigeria’s Dubai, Enyimba Economic City, attracted Federal Government to declare free trade zone around Enyimba Economic City, linking to Blue River with access to Atlantic Ocean, and creation of over 700,000 jobs by 2022, Ikpeazu is poised to activate and expand the commercial hub centre of Igbo through fruitful Economic policies.

Governor Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi is One Of The best Performing Igbo Governors in Igboland and a New toast to Ndigbo based on the ability to combine all political divide into one family through his charismatic personality and people’s oriented leadership, he contained the insecurity situation ravaging the state with 1700 forest guards.

His Youth empowerment and developmental projects are second to none , Ugwuanyi remains the best thing that happened to Enugu state, There will be no official award ceremony where plaques will be presented to all the Best Igbo performing Governors, but these Best Igbo performing Governors will be decorated with investitures into the Prestigious Great Igbo hall of Fame meant for Greatest igbo of all time alongside with other greatest Sons like Great Zik of Africa Nnamdi Azikiwe,Oluada Equiano, Mbaonu Ojike, Alvan ikokwo,Jaja Wachuku,Pa Onyenso Nwachukwu, Justice Ezebuilo Ozobu,Dim Chukwuemeka Odiegwu Ojukwu,Sir Francis Akanu ibiam, Francis Ellah,Col Joe Ajuzie etc where they’ll be placed for the future generations of Igbos to extol them…

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council worldwide is unrelentingly pursuing for a Nigerian President of Igbo stock and warn Igbo politicians to be mindful of their utterances as it will attract heavy sanctions, especially Igbo senators angling for Senate Presidency and Some Governors eyeing Vice Presidential slot, Igbos will never condole any further Political rascality and individual accolades at the expense of the Collective bargaining of igbo in 2023.”

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/12/2023-tinubu-atiku-best-presidents-nigeria-may-never-have-ohanaeze-youths-council/

The Federal Government has accused the Republic of Benin of being recalcitrant in its importation of prohibited goods for ultimate dumping in to Nigeria’s market in spite the partial border closure order.

Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, made the allegation when he featured on a ‘TV Continental’ live programme,

“Regrettably, the signs out there are not positive in the sense that in the last few weeks, the amounts of seizures that have been made do not show that our neighbours are in a hurry to comply with Nigeria.

“As we speak today, there are three ships heading toward Benin Republic laden with about 105,000 metric tons of rice. This is a country of about 12 million people. That rice is meant for ultimate consumption of Nigerians.

“In addition, Benin Republic just negotiated with Japan to receive rice worth $30 million. It is clear that the ultimate destination of the rice will be Nigeria and that is why we are appealing to our neighbours.

“First preservation is the first law of survival, we are doing this to preserve our economy and the security of our country,” he said.

The minister, who disclosed that the border drill would be in place as long as necessary, noted that Nigeria could no longer continue to play the big brother at the expense of its economy and national security.

“The facts at our disposal reveal that 10,000 vehicles are imported every month into the Cotonou seaport.

“For a population of about 12 million people to be importing 120,000 vehicles in a year means that the vehicles are going to Nigeria with sufficient market.

“As I have said, there is no gain without pain, there will be discomfort at the beginning ultimately we believe it is going to be to the ultimate interest of Nigeria,” he said.

The minister reiterated that both Benin Republic and Niger Republic were hurting Nigeria’s economy and security because of their non compliance with the ECOWAS Protocol on Transit Goods and State of Origin.


https://www.independent.ng/border-closure-benin-republic-unrepentant-fg/

By Saawua Terzungwe

The presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 23, 2019 poll, Atiku Abubakar, has returned to Nigeria after spending about seven months in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Credible sources close to Atiku confirmed to our correspondent that Atiku returned in the early hours of Monday.

Atiku, a former Vice President, who jetted out of the country since April, remained in the UAE over alleged plot by the current government “to give him the Abiola kind of treatment.”

Details later…

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/breaking-atiku-returns-to-nigeria-after-spending-7-months-in-uae.html

Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation and Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has waded into the $44.9 million wire fraud and money laundering case against Air Peace Chief Executive Allen Ifechukwu Athan Onyema hours after his indictment in the United States (US).

The EFCC, it was learnt, on Saturday raised what sources referred to as a ”special panel” to investigate the matter shortly after receiving the charges against Onyema.

Onyema was indicted along with his finance officer, Ejiroghene Eghagha, by the US Department of Justice (DoJ).

They were accused of “moving more than $20 million from Nigeria through some United States banks in a scheme involving false documents based on the purchase of airplanes.”

Eghagha, who is the international airline’s Chief of Administration and Finance, was also accused of bank fraud and committing aggravated identity theft in connection with the scheme.

The EFCC is also investigating two Nigerian banks for allegedly facilitating the transfer of the money to the US and processing letters of credit to buy planes for Air Peace.

The probe, The Nation gathered, would cover the activities and inflows into the accounts of four non-governmental organisations (NGOs) /non-profit groups sponsored by Onyema.

They are Foundation for Ethnic Harmony, International Centre for Non-Violence and Peace Development, All-Time Peace Media Communications Limited and Every Child Limited.

Onyema has since denied the allegations against him and stated his readiness to travel to the US to defend himself.

His lawyer, A. O. Alegeh, said in a statement in Lagos, at the weekend, that Onyema “strongly denies and will vigorously defend himself against the allegations made against him by the US Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia in relation to the purchase of aircraft, aircraft spares and aircraft maintenance”.

The US government is seeking the forfeiture of $14,246,536.6million left in some accounts linked with Onyema in the US and Canada.

The funds comprise $4,017,852.51 in JP Morgan Chase Bank in the US and $4,593,842.05 and $5,634,842.04 in the Bank of Montreal, Canada.

One of the legs of the EFCC probe is to ascertain whether Onyema is fronting for some politically exposed persons in the country.

A source said: “Upon the receipt of the charges, the EFCC chairman raised a team to probe the allegations against Onyema Eghagha, who were prominently mentioned in the indictment charges by the United States Government.

“The EFCC team is working on what I may term the ‘Nigerian components’ of the indictment including suspicious huge transfer of funds abroad, alleged abuse of letters of credit and money laundering.

“In fact, the Acting EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu directed the team members to work round the clock at the weekend because it is a case we must work on with speed.

“We are also interested in the roles played by two banks in the country including one that has been on our radar for a while for money laundering. This same bank was implicated in the $115million poll bribery scam in 2015 for which former Minister of Petroleum Resources Diezani Alison-Madueke is wanted for trial.

“We need to act because in the indictment, the US indicated its plans to freeze some funds linked with Onyema in some accounts within and outside its jurisdiction. It is standard practice to have collaboration with sister organisations all over the world. We cannot wait till the last minutes before playing our roles.”

Responding to a question, the source added: “Certainly, our crack team will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the activities and remittances into the accounts of the four non-governmental organisations (NGOs) /non-profit groups of Onyema.

“Our immediate suspicion is that these four groups are likely to be tools for money laundering. The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), tax bodies and other agencies will assist on the status of these organisations.

“We have directed our detectives to ascertain or otherwise if Onyema is allegedly serving as a front for some politically exposed persons (PEPs).”

The source added: “The EFCC may also investigate other persons or groups that have assisted Onyema in one way or the other on the allegations against him. The indictment spoke of known and unknown persons.”

In the charges against Onyema and Eghagha, they were accused of using the money to buy luxury cars, including a Rolls Royce for $180,000 and Mercedes for $88, 500 among others.

Onyema was also said to have spent thousands of dollars on personal purchases at Atlanta Georgia locations of Prada, Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Louis Vuitton, the Apple Store and various airlines.

It was alleged that the total amount Onyema spent on aircraft acquisition for his airline exceeded $3million.

Onyema: I’m not dubious

Airline magnate Alex Onyema yesterday said it is not in his character to be dubious, describing the fraud allegations against him as false.

In a statement in Lagos, he said: ”Thank you for reaching out to me. I can confirm to you that all allegations are false and are in no way in line with my character as a person and as a business man whose only aim has been to build Nigeria and improve wellbeing.

”As the press statement clearly stated, these are indictment that only contains charges. I am innocent of all charges and the US government will find NO dirt on me because I have never conducted business with any illegalities.

”Be rest assured that I also have my lawyers on this and these mere allegations will be refuted. I never laundered money in my life, neither have I committed bank fraud anywhere in the world. Every Kobo I transferred to the US for aircraft purchase went through the Central Bank of Nigeria Letter of Credit regime and all were used for the same purpose. The American companies that received the funds are still in business. I never took a penny from any US bank or Nigerian bank. I am willing to defend my innocence in the US courts”.

Allegations unfounded, strange, says lawyer

Embattled Air Peace Chief Alex Onyema yesterday denied the fraud allegations against him.

His lawyer, A. O. Alegeh in a statement in Lagos said: “On behalf of Allen Onyema, we hereby state that he strongly denies and will vigorously defend himself against the allegations made against him by the US Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia in relation to purchase of Aircraft, Aircraft spares and Aircraft maintenance. None of the allegations involve any third party funds but relate to his funds utilised in the Airline business. There is no allegation that any Bank [in the United States, Nigeria or elsewhere], company or individual suffered any financial or any loss whatsoever.

“The allegations are unfounded and strange to him. Allen Onyema has a track record built on honesty and integrity and will take all necessary steps to clear his good name and hard earned reputation. He looks forward to an opportunity to rebut these allegations in Court.”

Airline’s finance chief refutes allegations

Air Peace Executive Director Mrs. Ejiro Eghagha yesterday denied allegations of money laundering levelled against her in the United States.

In a statement, her lawyer A.O Alegeh said: “On behalf of Mrs Ejiro Eghagha, we hereby state that she strongly denies and will vigorously defend herself against the allegations made against her by the US Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia in relation to purchase of aircraft, aircraft spares and aircraft maintenance for her employer.

None of the allegations involve any third party funds but relate to funds belonging to her employer and utilized in the airline business. There is no allegation that any Bank [in the United States, Nigeria or elsewhere], Company or individual suffered any financial or any loss whatsoever.

“The allegations are unfounded and strange to her. Mrs Ejiro Eghagha has built her reputation as a seasoned, honest and responsible person and will take all necessary steps to clear her good name and hard earned reputation. She looks forward to an opportunity to rebut these allegations in Court.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/44-9m-wire-deals-efcc-special-panel-to-investigate-air-peace-boss-onyema/

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared incumbent Governor Yahaya Bello winner of the 2019 governorship election in Kogi state.

Bello won majority votes in 12 of the 21 local government areas in the state, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Candidate, Engr. Musa Wada won majority votes in 9 local government areas.

Bello polled a total of 406,222 votes to defeat Wada who scored 189,704 votes.

http://community.thenationonlineng.net/xn/detail/

Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

Kinsmen of former President Goodluck Jonathan in Kolo, Ogbia Local Government Area trooped out to celebrate the defeat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ward 9.

They took over the road leading to Ogbia Town immediately the results of the 13 units in Ward 9 were announced by electoral officials and APC was declared the winner of the ward.

Some of them flew the flag of APC while others used their brooms to sweep the road saying they had suffered under the current PDP government.

Some of them said they were given as much as N10,000 but that they rejected the money because they were United and determined to vote out PDP.

“We are happy because we won the PDP in all the units” one of them, who failed to mention his name out of excitement said.

Also in Eppie-Atissa in Yenagoa, residents took over the road jubilating over the defeat of the PDP in the area.

https://thenationonlineng.net/jonathans-kinsmen-celebrate-pdps-defeat/

Ade Adesomoju, Abuja

Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday gave the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission until March 2020 to have a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, extradited to Nigeria.

The commission had in November 2018 filed 13 counts of money laundering against the ex-minister accusing her of unlawfully taking into her possession $39.7m and N3.32bn with which she allegedly bought choice properties in Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt in Rivers State, while she was in office.

When the matter came up before her on Tuesday, the judge threatened to strike out the money laundering case should the anti-corruption agency fail to produce the defendant in court by March 2020.

The prosecuting counsel, Mr Faruk Abdullah, had earlier on Tuesday pleaded with the judge to adjourn the case sine die (indefinitely), on the grounds that the EFCC was facing challenges in its bid to extradite the defendant from the United Kingdom.

Diezani had been in the United Kingdom facing corruption investigations since 2015 when she left office as minister.

Abdullah told Justice Ojukwu on Tuesday that given the circumstances, it would be better for the case to be adjourned indefinitely so that it would not continue to “clog” the court’s docket.

But the judge said, “My docket is not going to be a waiting room for the prosecution. I will give you one more adjournment. If nothing happens on the next date, I will strike it out.”

In her ruling, the judge adjourned the matter till March 10 “for report or striking out.”

The prosecution on November 11, 2018, filed the 13 counts of money laundering accusing Diezani of unlawfully taking into her possession $39.7m and N3.32bn when she reasonably ought to have known that the money formed part of the proceeds of unlawful activities.

She was said to have purchased choice landed assets with the money using different fronts as the owners.

In September 2013, she allegedly used the name of Rusimpex Limited to acquire a property named Block B3 comprising of six penthouses and 18 flats at Zone N Federal Government Layout, also known as Bella Vista Estate, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos, with $37.5m.

On June 4, 2012, she was said to have used the name of Azinga Meados Limited to buy 13 three-bedroom terrace houses with one room maids’ quarters at Mabushi Gardens Estate, Abuja, with N650m.

In May 2012, she allegedly used the name of Chapel Properties to buy eight four-bedroom terrace houses, two three-bedroom penthouses, six three-bedroom apartments, two three-bedroom Mansionette , two two-bedroom apartments, one four-bedroom apartment at No. 4/6 Thorbun Avenue, and No 5 Raymond Street, Yaba, Lagos, with N937m.

She was also said to have in May 2012, purchased in the name of Blue Nile Estate Limited, 16 four-bedroom terrace houses, at Plot 2C, Omerelu Street Diobu GRA, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with N928m.

She was also said to have in January 2011 bought in the name of Vista Point Company Limited, six flats of three-bedrooms with one boy’s quarters each, lawn tennis court, gym, garden and appurtenances, at 135 Awolowo Road/Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi, Lagos State, with N805m.

The ex-minister was also said to have in December 2011, bought in the name of Sequoyah Properties Limited a property at 12, Forces Avenue, Old GRA, Port Harcourt, measuring 4,890 square metres with $2.2m.

Her alleged offences which she was said to have committed between November 20, 2011 and September 2013 were said to be contrary to section 15(2), (d) of the Money Laundering Act, 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under section 15(3) of the same Act.

https://punchng.com/judge-gives-efcc-ultimatum-to-extradite-diezani-from-uk-2/

A bill, National Commission for the Prohibition of Hate Speeches has passed first reading on Tuesday in the Senate.

The bill was sponsored by the senator representing Niger North, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, who is the Senate Deputy Chief Whip.

Amongst other bills that passed first reading were National Religious Equity Commission, Constituency Development Fund, National Agency for Technology Incubation.

Details coming…


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/11/just-in-hate-speech-bill-passes-first-reading/

By Nsikak Nseyen

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said that the mandate given to him by the people of the state on March 9, 2019 remains intact.

Gov Makinde said this while reacting to the court of Appeal judgement on Monday.

DAILY POST recalls that Appeal Court court sitting in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital on Monday set aside the tribunal judgement that nullified the petition brought to the court by Adelabu against Makinde of the PDP.

The Appeal Court had on Monday found out that the judgement of the tribunal dismissing Adelabu’s petition was perverse.

The Court, however, did not make any further order concerning the election of Makinde.

It added that status quo as the time of filing the petition by Adelabu remains.

Reacting, Makinde, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Taiwo Adisa, declared that the mandate could not be taken away from him through the backdoor.

The statement read: “There is no ambiguity as to the state of things in our pacesetter state as far as the election of March 9, 2019 is concerned.

“Our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), won the election. The victory was reaffirmed by the judgment of the Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Ibadan.

“On Monday, the Court of Appeal, also sitting in Ibadan, delivered its judgment on the appeal by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adebayo Adelabu.

“In its judgment, the Appeal Court refused to grant any of the three key reliefs sought by the APC candidate.

“The court refused to nullify the election; it also refused to order a fresh election or the retrial of the petition.

“With the above being the reality of the outcome of the Appeal Court judgment, the election of Seyi Makinde as the Governor of Oyo State has just been reaffirmed.

“There is nothing in the Appeal Court’s judgment that affects the returns made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and there is nothing that tampers with the mandate freely given to Seyi Makinde by the people of Oyo State.

“Gov. Makinde hereby urges the good people of the state to remain calm and refuse to be provoked by agents of disruption who are seeking to upturn the truth, which remains constant, against all odds.

“We also wish to enjoin the people of Oyo state to ignore the doctored reports in some media outlets, which are merely quoting the judgment of the Court of Appeal out of context,” NAN quoted him as saying.

Makinde, further, assured the people of the state that he would not be deterred from taking the state to greater heights through the implementation of his four-point agenda.

https://dailypost.ng/2019/11/11/i-remain-governor-of-oyo-state-makinde-reacts-to-appeal-courts-judgement/

Eniola Akinkuotu, Abuja

The Christian Association of Nigeria has criticised the National Youth Service Corps for expelling two corps members who refused to wear trousers or shorts for religious reasons.

Two female corps members – Okafor Love Obianuju, with call-up number EB/19C/0523; and Odji Oritsetsolaye, with call-up number EB/19C/0530 – were expelled from the 2019 Batch C Stream 1 in Ebonyi camp over the weekend.

Speaking with The PUNCH on Sunday, however, the Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the CAN President, Rev. Adebayo Oladeji, said the two ladies should not be victimised for holding on to their faith.

Oladeji noted that the Nigerian Law School denied Firdausa Al Jannah Amasa from being called to Bar in 2017 because she refused to remove her hijab, but the institution had since retraced its steps.

He said the NYSC also ought to be more tolerant.

The cleric said, “The fundamental rights of the people as regards religion must be respected.

“And that is why, a few months ago, when some Muslim women were protesting over the wearing of hijab at the Law School, we refused to speak against it because it is their right and thank God, they won it.

“We are appealing to the leadership of the NYSC to revisit the matter.

“In this country, religious right is an inalienable right that must be respected. They must allow the people to practise their religion.

“If our government agencies have no regard for the way people worship God, then it means they are satanic. Any system that does not respect religion is satanic.”

The CAN spokesman advised the affected corps members to go to court, citing the way the Muslims sued the Nigerian Law School over the hijab controversy.

“We advise the victims of that injustice to go to court and challenge their expulsion by the NYSC,” he added.

https://punchng.com/can-faults-nysc-for-expelling-corpers-who-refused-to-wear-shorts-trousers/

BY HAMED SHOBIYE

The Department of State Services (DSS), said on Saturday that no person has turned up to take delivery of the Co-covener of the #RevolutionNow protest, Mr. Omoyele Sowore since a court order was received for his release.

The Public Relations Officer of the Service, Dr. Peter Afunanya, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.

He said the clarification was necessary for reasons of accountability, adding that the service had received the court order for his release.

According to him, the court has been properly briefed on the development and steps are being taken to ensure compliance with the order.

He said the service was not a lawless organisation and would never obstruct justice or disobey court orders.

Afunanya pledged the commitment of the service to do the needful upon completion of the appropriate processes for Sowore’s release.

Sowore was arrested on August 3 for allegedly leading a group known as RevolutionNow on a protest in the country. (NAN)

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/11/no-surety-has-come-forward-to-take-sowore-from-custody-dss/

By Nwafor Sunday

Presidency has on Friday reacted to canards making rounds that vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s powers were whittled down by President Muhammadu Buhari, following the sack of the former’s 35 aides.

In a riposte signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Garba Shehu, obtained by Vanguard, Presidency denied rift between Buhari and Osinbajo, as being propagated by some Nigerians, stressing that the relationship between the two leaders remains excellent and trusting.

Moving further, Shehu reiterated the powers and functions of the President, noting that no one is too powerful for President Muhammadu Buahri to control in Nigeria.

The statement reads thus:

BUHARI, OSINBAJO WILL, TOGETHER, SCRIPT A GLORIOUS FUTURE FOR NIGERIA

The Presidency wishes to confirm that there is, on-going, an unprecedented overhaul of the nation’s seat of government, arising from which a number of political appointments have either been revoked or not renewed in the Second Term.

The exercise, which has been ordered by the President, is to streamline decision-making, cut down multiple authorities and reduce the cost of administration.

It is also an appropriate response to the general perception that the Presidency has an oversized and bloated workforce which acts as a drag on efficiency.

As may have been noticed by discerning members of the public, a number of political appointees among the few that served in the office of the President were not returned for the Second Term.

The office of the Vice President, His Excellency Yemi Osinbajo has, in compliance with the directive of the President, equally been shed of a number of such appointees.

In carrying out these exercises, the overriding objective is to save taxpayer money and deliver needed service to the public. As far as the President is concerned, there is no scope for an excuse for administration after getting a huge mandate to run the country for four more years.

In the light of this, the Presidency wishes to strongly deny rumours of a rift between President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. The relationship between the two leaders remains excellent and trusting. Together, they will script a glorious future for the nation.

The media reports of a soured relationship are originating from the minds and mouths of mischief makers, who are desperate for entertaining stories from the Aso Rock Villa with which to titillate the public. This ulterior motive is the basis of the wrong interpretation given to the recent exercise in the Presidency.

There has been a streamlining of staff going on for a while. The President has always had fewer staff than the Vice President, and there were always plans to reduce the number of staff at the Villa.

The streamlining was not personal or targeted to undermine the Vice President’s office, as the so-called insider sources quoted by the media appear to make it seem.

The President is in absolute control of his government. The media should stop attributing non-existent powers to some people. There cannot be anyone too powerful for President Buhari to control.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/11/sack-of-osinbajos-35-aides-no-one-is-too-powerful-for-president-buhari-to-control-presidency/

The federal government, through the Nigeria Customs Service, has directed that petroleum products should not be supplied to fuel stations within 20km of the borders.

Hameed Ali, Customs comptroller general, issued the directive in a memo dated November 6 and seen by TheCable on Thursday.


https://www.thecable.ng/breaking-fg-suspends-products-supply-fuel-stations-20km-borders/amp

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos state governor, has announced his decision to drop the title of ‘Your Excellency’.

The governor conveyed his decision in a statement he signed and issued on Wednesday.

He said he came to the conclusion that to change the narrative of governance, ”executive arrogance” has to be struck down.

”In the last five months that I have been privileged to exercise the mandate freely given to me by the great and hardworking people of Lagos State, it has come to my consciousness to review certain features of citizen-government relations which impede the genuine expression of the democratic spirit of our society and the meaningful exercise of the sovereignty of our people,” he said.

”The office of the Governor has been celebrated as the paragon of excellence, a temple of perfection and a throne of purity. This demi-god mystique spreads over the entire machinery of the executive arm of the government, symbolising an authoritarian disposition on the governed. It has deformed the orientation of elected and appointed persons who are paid from the taxes of the people to see themselves as oppressors who can do no wrong and must be served, rather than serve the people.

”Whatever might have been the reason for this myth, let us be honest, the office is occupied by a mortal who has been called upon to serve the electorate with humility – and sincerity. The office of Governor is a public trust that calls for sacrifice, modesty and willingness to add value to the lives of the people.

”Fellow Lagosians, I have come to the conclusion that for us to change the narrative of governance, we have to strike down this seeming symbol of executive arrogance that commands popular obeisance and undermines the democratic role of citizens as the masters of those they have elected and appointed to serve. It is a conviction that I believe will send the right signals to all politicians and civil servants that service to the people has brought us here. It is the duty we are obliged to do. It is the responsibility that we bear wherever we find ourselves; whenever we are called to serve.”

Sanwo-Olu said only God, ”the Almighty, the Creator, the Protector” is the most excellent, and that no man can share His eternal qualities.

”Thenceforth, I wish to be addressed simply as Mr. Governor, a title that will constantly remind me that I have been chosen out of so many fellow compatriots to lead a collective salvage of our political economy. A salutation that sanitises the paraphernalia of office and reminds us all of our imperfections and mortality. To give official effect to this announcement, I shall issue tomorrow an executive order that will formally ensure full compliance with this new policy,” he said.

At a church service last Sunday, the governor said he would issue an executive order against the title, ‘Your Excellency’. He said only public officers who have performed well on their job deserve to be addressed by the title.


https://www.thecable.ng/breaking-sanwo-olu-drops-your-excellency-title/

Sanni Onogu, Abuja

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole on Tuesday said that President Muhammadu Buhari can work from anywhere in the world.

Oshiomhole spoke when he led members of the National Working Committee of the APC on a courtesy call on the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and the principal officers of the Senate.

The Chairman of the APC has commended the commitment of the Senate in passing the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contract Act (amendment) Bill, which was recently signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari.


He said that assenting to the Bill at the Nigerian House in London, shows that the President is on duty and can work from anywhere.

Oshiomhole said: “I was also excited to see Mr. President sign into law that Act in London. Again a couple of implication on this.

“That like you the President recognized that if you can manage it as quickly as you did and come out with such fundamental amendment that has such enormous impact on our national revenue, he as President also has to do the needful.

“I think by signing into law at the Nigerian House in London, it shows that the wherever the President is, he is Presiding over Nigeria and with the benefit of modern technology we have passed the Mongo Park era.

“So signing it in London for me has also made several statements. Namely, that where ever national interest is involved, the President is on duty and wherever he is he is presiding.

“I also salute his assenting to the Bill as fast as he did and even at the Nigerian House in London.”

He added that it was necessary to speak to the quick passage of the PSC law, because even though every Nigerian knows the problems of the country, “what is missing that level of integrity you require to subordinate your personal interest when the forces are unleashed and submit to national interest. It is this difference that I believe the National Assembly under your leadership across party divide has brought to bear. Nigerians ought to celebrate you.

“We are as party, we celebrate you, we celebrate the Senate, we celebrate our APC members.

“We celebrate the PDP members because we monitored the debate and there is no evidence that is any party divide.

“National interest was at play. We have have come to appreciate you and under your leadership the Senate would be a formidable national pillar that Nigerians can rely on in our journey to take the nation to the next level.”

The former Governor of Edo state however commended the Senate for operating a bipartisan legislature, party affiliations notwithstanding.

He singled out the Peoples Democratic Party and Young Progressive Party Senators for their commitment to national interest in the 9th Senate.

Oshiomhole said: “Usually when things don’t go well, people are loudest in criticizing, when they go well they take it for granted but we thought that this one is worth acknowledging.

“But perhaps most outstanding is the way the National Assembly under your leadership has passed into law the amendment to the Deep Offshore inland basin Production Sharing Contract that promises to increase the revenue of Nigeria substantially.

“Many of us are aware even while I was still in the Nigeria Labour Congress completely non-partisan, we know that there have been attempt to amend this law but the lobby group as represented by the IOCs, have appeared to be so strong that they have overwhelmed the National Assembly over the years.

“And I think it is in your credit Mr. Senate President that you resisted all those temptations.

“On a lighter note, I will say that when the oil companies come lobbying, the entire environment can be quite oily and you know to walk firm on oily platforms is a statement of courage, integrity, commitment to national interest and your will to ensure that you put Nigeria’s interest first before any other consideration. Including even individual temptation.

“And even on this issue, we also want to extend the same compliment to the PDP members in the National Assembly because we didn’t hear a discordant on this, including YPP – all the opposition parties.

“Where you have a clear Senate leadership that has the capacity to engage across party divide, issues are properly articulated that people can see that what is at stake is not partisan interest but national interest, it is possible to find common ground to carry everybody along.

“So that you passed that law under five months or so, under your leadership is a laud statement about what Nigerians are to expect and what you are already doing in the interest of our great nation.

“It is prayer that God will continue to give you courage, wisdom, and the skill to whip everybody into line to ensure that national interest take precedent over and above any other consideration and that you are able to resist the temptations arising from the powers that have denied this country the passage of this law over the years.”

On his part, Lawan said that the 9th Senate is working for Nigeria and will continue to work for the country.

He said that after the passage of the budget, the National Assembly will also prioritize the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill to block leakages in the system and ensure that Nigerians benefit maximally from the country’s natural endowment.

Lawan said: “We have a Senate today that is primed right from the start to deliver to Nigerians. We campaigned and said that we want a Senate that will work for Nigerian.

“This Senate works for Nigeria indeed. And this is just the beginning of what we intend to achieve.

“We expect that we pass the budget at the end of this year, before the year runs out but next year going forward, we have other very compelling and important and significant legislations – the Petroleum Industry Bill, we have a lot of revenue issues.

“We intend to look into legislations on the revenue generating agencies, the scopes of their mandates – we want to deal with these decisively and expeditiously because we believe that the Petroleum industry in Nigeria needs to have proper legislative framework to ensure that we maintain the businesses that have decided to come to our country.”

He said that the International Oil Companies (IOCs) have nothing to fear as the National Assembly would ensure a level playing field that would take their concerns and suggestions into consideration.

“They (IOCs) will have their day to suggest what they think it should be like but one thing is that we must ensure that Nigeria receives the appropriate revenue and rewards from its endowments.”

He said that the PSC Act when operational would earn the country $1.5billion at the prevailing oil price at $55 per barrel and that Nigeria would rake in $2billion if oil price rises to $60 per barrel.

“We passed the amendments to this Deep Offshore and inland Basin Production Sharing Contract.

“It may interest you to know that Nigeria receives $268million only before this amendment. After the amendment when the bill will start to operate, at $55 to a barrel, Nigeria will receive about $1.5billion.

“Going up to $60 (per barrel) it be close to $2billion. That is a monumental quantum leap actually,” Lawan said.

https://thenationonlineng.net/buhari-can-preside-from-anywhere-says-oshiomhole/

Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it did not produce or issue a number plate bearing ‘CHIP WHIP’ used by the chief whip of Kano state house of assembly.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Bisi Kazeem, the corps public education officer, said the number plate “did not originate from any of the FRSC number plate production centres, neither was it issued by the Corps”.

He said the agency could not have made such a grammatical error owing to its rigorous quality-assurance procedure in producing and issuing licences.

“For the avoidance of doubt, FRSC with its international quality management certification (ISO 9001: 2008) has rigorous quality procedures for producing and issuing any of its security documents which makes the possibility of such obvious grammatical errors on any of its licences an impossibility,” Kazeem said.

“We are therefore making it abundantly clear to members of the public that FRSC as the lead agency in road traffic management and safety administration in the country has nothing to do with the said number plate as some people are insinuating on some social media platforms.”

He said Boboye Oyeyemi, the corps marshal, asked the sector commander of Kano to investigate the origin of the purported number plate and punish the perpetrators.

Oyeyemi was also said to have asked all field commands across the country to be vigilant and clampdown on producers and issuers of fake number plates.

https://www.thecable.ng/frsc-disowns-chip-whip-number-plate-of-kano-lawmaker/

By Godwin Aliuna

The Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu, Enugu State, has finally sacked the member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Lazarus Nweru Ogbee.

The embattled ex-lawmaker was was elected for the second term under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ogbee before his sack on Friday was the Chairman, House Committee on Reformatory Institutions (Prisons).

The appellate court reaffirmed the judgment of the Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Abakaliki which had earlier ruled that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Chinedu Ogah, was the one that actually won the election and not Ogbee.

Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Sika Henry had ruled that from evidences presented before the tribunal to back up his claim, Ogah scored 36,238 votes in the election, while Ogbee got 33,263.
However, dissatisfied with the Tribunal judgement, Ogbee approached the Appellate Court to set aside the ruling of the lower Court but the Appellate Court ruled in favour of the APC candidate.

The Appeal court judges in their ruling upheld the judgement of the Election Tribunal and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediate issue Chinedu Ogah of the APC certificate of return, having scored the highest number of valid votes cast in the election.

In his reaction, Ogbee commended God and the entire people of the Federal Constituency for their support and mandate to serve.

Ogbee said: “I want thank the people of Ezza south and Ikwo Federal constituency for all the support they have given to me. I want to appreciate the Governor of our state, Chief David Umahi. I want to thank the Divine Mandate and PDP families.

“I want to specially appreciate my people, the people of Amazekwe for giving me their support and I want to appeal to them to accept the verdicts of the court in good fate.

“By the special Grace of God, I shall bounce back next time. I want to thank and appreciate my party, the PDP from my ward, local government, State to the national level. I thank them for giving me all the opportunities all these while to serve.

“I thank them for all the various capacities I have served. In chronicling my journey in political positions, I want to sincerely appreciate God. God is a faithful God. I as Laz Ogbee cannot actually equate the love God has bestowed on me as an individual. From being a supervisory councillor in a military era from 1998-1999; I became a local government party chairman from PDP to ANPP. I came in again as supervisory councillor for education for Ezza East Development Center from 2005-2006,” he noted.

Also responding, the winner comrade Chinedu Ogah, said that he was amazed with the ruling, noting that the court had justified that it is the hope of the common man in the society.

“This has shown that the judiciary is really the last hope of the common man. They are the kind of people that can stand not to collect bribe. They are the kind of people that believe on what is right. They saw what the people of my constituency have done by electing me in the last election to represent them in the House of Representatives.

“Judiciary has restored the hope of the masses today, especially my constituency. I assure you that as soon I’m sworn in, you will see greater change in the state,” he noted.

https://dailypost.ng/2019/11/01/appeal-court-sacks-pdp-reps-member-in-ebonyi/

By Precious Igbonwelundu

The Police in Lagos Thursday evening uncovered an illegal healing centre where about 15 persons were chained.

It was gathered that some of the victims had been chained since 2014 at the place called Blessings of Godness Healing Church in Isheri Osun, Egbe Idimu.

It was gathered that some of the victims had suffered certain health challenges which their families termed spiritual and dumped them at the facility for divine healing.

At the time of this report, 12 of the victims had been rescued while efforts were on to evacuate the rest.

It was gathered that some of the victims could barely walk and were assisted out first.

This discovery is coming in the wake of police raid of various religious places where many people have been held captive for several years.

Police spokesman Bala Elkana confirmed the rescue.

Details shortly….


https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-police-rescue-12-persons-chained-in-lagos-church/

…Say they will pay according to Capacity of
States

…Admits that FG has commenced monthly deductions of N614 billion bailout funds from Accounts of States

By Henry Umoru

STRONG indications emerged Monday that the controversy surrounding the payment of new national minimum wage of N30,000 will not end as the thirty- six State Governors, under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF Monday resolved that its implementation and consequential increments should be paid depending on the capacity of the states.

Rising from a meeting that lasted five hours yesterday in Abuja, the governors who noted that they can only pay the said wage based on how financially sound and buoyant a state is, said however that they would not be bounded by the federal government’s template on the payment of the new national minimum wage.

Against this backdrop, any state that is able to pay the new minimum wage can do so and it also implies that states that cannot implement it would not be compelled to do so.

Addressing Journalists after the meeting, Chairman of the Forum and Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi explained that the governors took the position based on the fact that states have different number of workers with varied trade unions.

It would be recalled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had last week directed the National Income and Wages Commission to forward the approved federal government template to state and local governments on advisory basis as, according to it, the new minimum wage law is a federal law.

According to Fayemi, the payment of the consequential increase will depend on the capacity of each state.

When asked to reconcile NGF’s position with that of the federal government, the NGF Chairman said: “The FEC does not determine what happens in the states; states have their own state executive council and that is the highest decision making body at the state level.

“The forum as the representative body of the states keenly followed what happened in the negotiations that transpired that led to that (federal government) template.

“As far as we concerned, the best the forum can do is to stick to with what has been agreed with the states.

“States are part of the tripartite negotiations. States agreed to that N30, 000 minimum wage increase. States also know that there will be consequential adjustment, but that will be determined on what happened on the state-by-state basis because there are different number of workers at state level, there are different issues at the state level.

“Every state has its own trade union joint negotiating committee and they will hold discussions with their state governments.

“You know that the day after this agreement was reached with labour, I was on record and I made the position of the governors clear, that for us, this was a national minimum wage increase, not a general minimum wage review.

“Yes, that may necessitate consequential increment. We have no doubt about that, but that is a matter for the states to discuss with their workers.”

On the N614 billion bailout deductions by the federal government, Fayemi who confirmed that the Federal government has commenced monthly removal of the money from accounts of various states, said, “On the N614 billion bailout deductions, the money is being deducted from states accounts.

The NGF boss who noted that state governors have no problem with the deductions, said, “It has been deducted as far as Iam aware, from state accounts.”

The governors had earlier refused to accept the deductions and insisted that the states were being owed by the federal government on rehabilitation of roads.

It was however gathered at the meeting said the governors during the meeting were bent on not accepting the bailout deductions by the federal government till debts owed states would be settled.

Reading a communique issued at the end of the meeting, Fayemi also said that following a health update by the NGF Secretariat, the forum commended the rapid response of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to nip the August 2019 yellow fever outbreak which broke out across p of the country.

According to him, members pledged to commit counterpart resources to strengthen mass vaccination campaigns in their respective States.

Fayemi also disclosed that members commended the progress made by state governments through their Social Health Insurance authorities to enroll and provide health insurance cover for citizens across the country. In the last one year.

He revealed that state governments have registered over two million people compared to the five million Nigerians registered under the National Health Insurance Scheme over the last 14 years.

The Forum remembered Dr. Stella Adedavoh, the physician who attended to ‘Patient 0’ during the Ebola Outbreak in 2014 in Lagos State.

“Dr. Adedavoh died from Ebola virus on 21 st October 2014, but her memory lives on with the dream of ‘Healtheare for all Nigerians,” Fayemi said.

On the Governor Nasir el-Rufai ad hoc committee on excess crude account and other special accounts, Fayemi who explained that it is a National Economic Council (NEC) affair, said that the committee should submit its report to the council today, Tuesday.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/10/minimum-wage-consequential-increase-fec-cant-dictate-to-states-governors/

The embattled relationship between Chris and Anita Oyakhilome has finally come to an end.

Anita has finally remarried and changed name to Anita Ebhodaghe Schafer.

More details shortly…

https://www.independent.ng/breaking-pastor-chris-oyakhilomes-ex-wife-remarries/

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) says it will soon introduce various categories of visas for the country as part of its visa reform.

The Comptroller General of Immigration (CGI) Muhammad Babandede disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin.

Babandede said that the visa categories being considered were those for tourists, for retirees outside the country who wish to retire in Nigeria and for incentive/investors.

According to him, “If you have money, genuine money, we are encouraging visitors who have intellectual capacity to assist in building capacity in Nigeria.

“If the visa is not going to break National security, good economy, we would encourage it to be delivered in a transparent way to cut corruption.
“We will ensure that Nigerians realises that there is reforms based on the anti-corruption strategy of Mr President.”

The CGI told NAN that the 2019 Comptroller General of Immigration annual conference did a lot of group work towards achieving the various reforms in the Service within the shortest possible time.

He added that there were some quick wins that could be done immediately, noting that one of such was in the area of passport.

“As a quick win, we promised to make the prices of passport available to the public to see and read the price and pay for it.

“One of the quick wins we have done is to standardise the operations of the passport, we want Nigerians to know the process of getting passport and visa on the passport.

“So its not just the reforms, but what is in the reforms is for greater service delivery.

“The important thing is that in each reform we do, we consider national security,” he said.

Babandede said that the current “Operation Swift Response” under the supervision of the office of the national security officer was intended to tackle border insecurity.

He said that the present borders’ closure has helped the nation to curtail not just the people who enter, but also Nigerians who take the bush paths to travel without passports.

He disclosed that a month ago, the NIS records showed that not fewer than 11,000 persons have been prevented from travelling out through illegal means.

https://dailypost.ng/2019/10/27/nis-to-introduce-categories-of-visas/

…says 92% depends on federal allocation

By Gabriel Ewepu – Abuja

A new report released Wednesday, by a budget tracking Civil Society Organisation, Budget, indicated that only four states in Nigeria are viable.

The report titled ‘State of States’ said Lagos State tops the table followed by Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Kano.

The report which was presented had Governors of Kaduna and Ekiti States, who were represented by the Chief of Staff to Governor of Kaduna State, Mohammed Sani, and Special Adviser, Investment, Trade & Innovations to Ekiti State Governor, Akintunde Oyebode respectively.

The report which was presented by Research and Policy Analysis Lead, BudgIT, Ojiugo Uche, pointed out weak economies of states mostly tied to informal trade and skeletal industrial output with exception of Lagos, Rivers, Delta, Ogun and Akwa Ibom.

The report reads in part, “Of a truth most Nigerian states have still not figured out how to harness their collective strengths and establish a single focus on investment products, thereby becoming a fulcrum of productivity and not just FAAC distribution centres.

“In the 2019 report, we made mild changes to our methodology, thereby using actual expenditure for the state, reducing the probability of the unreality of inflated budgeted figures especially for expenditure items. BudgIT worked with state government on accessing the audited t\reports for the 36 states in Nigeria. We are working to ensure that our fiscal index is more governed by reality than budget figures by states.

“In this report, Lagos leads the fiscal sustainability index, followed by Rivers, Akwa Ibom and the Kano States. Access to audited statements brought out some facts on the true state of recurrent expenditure in focus states. We discovered states, such as Delta, running huge recurrent expenditure reaching N200 billion.

Bayelsa, despite its size and population, has a high recurrent bill as N137 billion, compared with Ebonyi with recurrent bill of N30 billion, Sokoto (N38 billion), Jigawa (N43 billion), Yobe (N35 billion), etc. It is a recurring theme to see states in South-South Nigeria running high recurrent bills, mainly driven by the high revenues earned due to the 13 per cent derivation.

“In our analysis, it was also interesting to see states like Cross River with a bogus budget of N1.04 trillion spend less than N93 billion on an annual basis which brings them up the rank as well as Imo with its recurrent spending of N43 billion. However, we notice that Kogi lag behind due to its huge recurrent bill as of 2017, when it was still paying salaries for workers and also had repayment bills for loans.

“While we would have liked to use the 2018 audited statements for the report, less than 15 states have published the document making largely unrepresentative for the states. We are not unmindful that the 2017 audited statement might include huge recurrent bills due to the payment of backlog of salaries sourced from the Paris Club refund. However, this is a trend that we intend to observe as we continue the issuance of the State of States Report.”

Meanwhile, the Principal Lead, BudgIT, Gabriel Okeowo, disclosed that 92 per cent of states heavily depend on monthly federal allocation, hence are not viable as no investments so far on critical sectors to develop human capacity and for citizens’ welfare.

Okeowo said if the policy of fiscal federalism is applied most states’ economies will crash, but what should be of concern now is to encourage them to explore areas that would first boost their Internally Generated Revenue and plowed into critical sectors of health, education and skill acquisition.

He also said the report recommended that states should look at what is going into recurrent expenditure because the cost of governance is very high and in such a way that investment is not been done, and States should possibly bring down the cost of governance.

“What we have done is to analyse the capacity of all the 36 States to generate revenue vis a vis what they are spending on recurrent expenditure and putting that together to assess their capacity to meet their recurrent expenditure is more of the sustainability index and we do this on annual basis. This year we added two components to look at data accessibility that is states’ financial data on their websites. We then invested on health care in each state.

“23 other states have a heavy reliance on federal allocation, but it is determined by oil prices and if anything happens it affects them and even three sustainable states which are Lagos, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers are depending on 13 per cent oil derivation.

“Even with what we have now with federal government’s support they are still not able to meet up and invest properly and that is secondary to fiscal federalism. There are 92 per cent of states that still depend on federal allocation which does not have hope to survive if the shocks are removed that the federal government is giving to them”, Okeowo stated.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/10/2020-budget-only-4-states-are-viable-in-nigeria-report/

A federal high court sitting in Lagos has ordered the temporary forfeiture of two properties of Bukola Saraki, former senate president, in the Ikoyi area of Lagos state.

Nnaemeka Omewa, a counsel of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC) had approached the court, seeking an order of interim forfeiture of the properties located at 17A McDonald Road, Ikoyi, Eti Osa local government area of Lagos.

He had told the court that they were acquired through “proceeds of unlawful activities”.

Part of the reliefs sought by the EFCC included “An order of this honourable Court forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria landed property with appurtenances situate, lying and known as No. 17A McDonald Road, Ikoyi, Eti Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State found and recovered from the respondent which property is reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activity”.

More to follow…


https://www.thecable.ng/breaking-court-orders-seizure-of-sarakis-houses-in-ikoyi/

By Agency Reporter

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday departed Abuja for Sochi, Russia to attend a three-day Russia-Africa Summit holding from Oct. 23 to Oct. 25.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that before leaving the presidential villa for onward journey to Sochi, Buhari carried out some official engagements where he was briefed by some cabinet ministers.

NAN reports that the presidential aircraft conveying the president and some members of his entourage took off from the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (NAIA) at about 2.15 p.m.

The presidential aircraft is expected to arrive Sochi International Airport at about 22.30 p.m. (Local Time) with the temperature out at 22 degrees centigrade.

An earlier statement by the President’s spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Sunday said the summit would focus on exploring and expanding opportunities in security, trade and investment, science and technology, and gas production.


During the summit, according to the statement, Buhari will meet with President Vladimir Putin of Russia to further strengthen relations between Nigeria and Russia.

Shehu said that the two leaders would hold bilateral talks on security, trade and investment, and building partnership that would enhance Nigeria’s huge gas potential following Russia’s remarkable success in gas exportation.

“The summit, which will be attended by African Heads of State will bring fresh perspectives on some global issues and challenges like nuclear technology, energy development, digital transformation, environment, technical security, mining and steel, education, agriculture, infrastructure and development strategies.

“An African Business Forum, which will bring together African and Russian business leaders will be held during the event to enhance Russian investments in Africa and promote African business interest in the host country,’’ he said.

Those on the president’s entourage included governors Muhammad Yahaya of Gombe, Bello Matawalle of Zamfara and Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state.

Others also on the trip are ministers of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite and Minister of State, Petroleum, Timipre Sylva.

(NAN)

https://thenationonlineng.net/buhari-departs-abuja-for-sochi-participates-in-russia-nigeria-summit/

First Lady, Aisha Buhari, has expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for the approval of six aides to her office.
Mrs. Buhari expressed her feelings on Wednesday when she received wives of governors who visited her at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Those appointed are Dr. Mairo Al-Makura, Special Assistant on African First Ladies Peace Mission; and Mr. Muhammed Albishir as Special Assistant on Organisation of African First Ladies for Development.

Also appointed are Mr. Wole Aboderin, Special Assistant on Non-Governmental Organisations; and Mr. Aliyu Abdullahi as Special Assistant on Media and Publicity.
Others are Zainab Kazeem, Special Assistant on Domestic and Social Events; and Funke Adesiyan, Personal Assistant on Domestic and Social Events in the office of the First Lady.

The appointments take immediate effect.
(NAN)

http://community.thenationonlineng.net/forum/thank-you-my-husband-for-giving-me-new-aides-aisha-tells-buhari?

President Muhammadu Buhari has requested the Senate to approve the payment of N10.069billion as settlement of promissory note to the Kogi State Government.

In acceding to their request, the presiding Judge, Justice Obiozor while adjourning till 5th of December, 2019 for trial to commence ordered the defendants to continue on their former bail.

The charges preferred against the defendants is stated below:

Count one

“That you UYIEKPEN GlWA-OSAGIE and ERHUNSE GlWA-OSAGIE, sometimes in February, 2019 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired to commit an offence to wit: making cash payment of the sum of $2,000,000.00 (Two Million United State Dollars) without going through financial institution which sum exceeded the amount authorized by law and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) and 1(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under Section 16(2)(b) of the same Act.”

Count two

“That you UYIEKPEN GIWA-OSAGIE on or before the 12th day of February, 2019 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, procured ERHUNSE GIWA-OSAGIE to make cash payment of the sum of $2,000,000.00 (Two Million United State Dollars) without going through financial institution, which sum exceeded the amount authorized by law and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(c) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under Section 16 (2) (b) of the same Act.”

Count three

“That you ERHUNSE GlWA-OSAGIE. sometimes in February, 2019 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court made cash payment of the sum of $2,000,000.00 (Two Million United State Dollars) without going through financial institution, which sum exceeded the amount authorized by law and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Sections 1(a) and 16(1) (d) of the Money Laundering(Prohibition) Act, 2011 (As Amended) and Punishable under section 16 (2) of the Same Act.”

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/10/breaking-efcc-re-arraigns-atikus-lawyer-over-2m-money-laundering/