₦airaland Forum

The APC campaign council, which accused Edo State government agents of destroying and removing the billboards of its candidates, said it had petitioned the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Johnson Kokumo, and INEC regarding what it called a “criminal act”. It said the billboards and campaign posters were located at strategic points in Benin City and beyond.


National Vice Chairman of the publicity committee of the campaign council, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, said at a press conference in Benin City, the Edo State capital, that the action was “unfortunate” and “criminal.” Obahiagbon stated that the “outdoor billboards and indeed other campaign materials were duly paid for, designed and erected in full compliance with all legal requirements.”

He said, “We are convinced that this act of intolerance, carried out with impunity, foreshadows what the Edo State government has in store for the Edo voters and our supporters in the September 19 election following the emergence of incontrovertible facts that Mr. Godwin Obaseki is on his way to an embarrassing defeat.

“This unfortunate and criminal action took flight on Thursday, the 16th of July, 2020, when the Edo State government allegedly expressly told one Mr. Dave Giwa Amu who is parading himself as the Managing Director of the Edo State Signage and Advertising Agency, to commence immediate removal and destruction of our billboards.”
The campaign council also stated, “The Edo State Signage and Advertising Agency, purportedly led by the so-called Mr. Dave Giwa Amu, an avowed supporter of the incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki, is an agency that is yet to receive the assent of the Edo State House of Assembly as the bill for its creation and operations is still being considered in the legislative chamber…

“This agency, as of today, is unknown to the laws of Edo State and is being weaponised by the state government, an interested party in the election, to give itself an illegal, unfair, unethical, fraudulent advantage as we approach the polls.

“This is an egregious and opprobrious escalation of other recorded acts of abuse of office and disregard for the law on the part of the Edo State government. It is a new low for a state government and a governor that has blurred and corrosively dimmed the lines on what is personal and official, reserves the interest of the state and that of the parochial interests of the man, who lead it.

“It is unfortunate that as the chief executive of the state, who is expected to commit to peace, rule of law and avoidance of rancour, Governor Godwin Obaseki has continued to heat up the polity with reckless and provocative comments, media blackmail and criminal actions of intolerance, including the mass destruction of opponent’s campaign materials.”

Obahiagbon stated that APC and its candidates remained confident that Edo people already knew where to place their thumbs on September 19 and would not be cowed by the “last kicks of a dying horse”.

The campaign council said, “We will, nonetheless, stop at nothing to ensure that the rule of law prevails in the state and that the governor is made to come to terms with the fact that all constitutional powers have limits and responsibilities and that as it has been said by scholars, nobility commands responsibility.”
But in a swift reaction, Osagie insisted that the Edo State government did not bring down APC candidates’ campaign billboards. In a statement, he said the allegations were ludicrous and unfounded.

He alleged in the statement, “Anyone who knows Ize-Iyamu very well knows that this is his approach to politics. He raises the alarm and cries wolf, when no one is chasing him. The state government has not removed any of his billboards. This is cheap blackmail to score lame political points.

“Ize-Iyamu is a politician that assumes relevance during every election cycle. This is what he does for a living and has no other job. It is not surprising to see these statements from him and his team. He should not be taken seriously, and his statements should be disregarded.

“He would go back to his cocoon after he has been defeated at the September 19, 2020 election and would most likely resurface after four years to repeat this cycle. So, we are used to his childish charades.”


https://www.inform.ng/post/apc-edo-govt-trade-words-over-campaign-billboard

17th July, 2020

*PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP)*
WADATA HOUSE,
ABUJA.

Distinguished Leaders,

*OPEN LETTER TO MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY ON 2023 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE NOMINATION OF THE PARTY.*

You may recall that at the formation of the Peoples Democratic Party in 1998, Dr Alexander Ekwueme PhD, former Vice president of Nigeria during the aborted Second Republic that lasted between October 1, 1979 and December 31, 1983, as leader of the group of 38 distinguished leaders of our great country that sacrificed their time and resources for the formation of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was seen as the frontline Presidential Aspirant penultimate to the National Convention of 1998.
You may also note that on the eve of the National Convention, some leaders across the country prevailed on the party to present someone from the Southwest geopolitical zone as candidate of PDP for the January 1999 presidential election, which the PDP won. The argument of these leaders was premised on compensating the Southwest geopolitical zone over the annulment of June 12, 1993 presidential election that was presumed to have be won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, of the now defunct Social Democratic Party, SDP. It was based on this that the ambition of Chief Ekwueme was sacrificed by the party in favour of retired general Olusegun Obasanjo, who got the nomination of the party despite the fact that he was never involved in the formation process at any level.

You may further recall that despite denial of Dr Ekweme, a native of Anambra state in the Southeast geopolitical zone, the PDP was still accepted in the zone across all level during that year’s general election.
Distinguished leaders, recall that penultimate to the expiration of the tenure of President Olusegun Obasanjo, the leadership of the party zoned the sole presidential ticket of the party for the 2007 general election to the Northern region, while the vice presidential slot that was zoned to the Southern region, was given to the SouthSouth geopolitical. Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’adua and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, then Executive Governors of Katsina and Bayelsa states respectively, were nominated as presidential and vice presidential candidates for the party.
Distinguished Leaders, at the expiration of the mandate of President Muhammadu Buhari in the year 2023, it is expected that power shifts to the Southern region in the interest of Justice, Equity and Fairness. This is because it will be unfair and highly unacceptable for a candidate from the North to emerge president to succeed President Buhari, a native of Katsina state in Northern Nigeria. The PDP, being a leading party in Nigeria is expected to show leadership and present a candidate from the South in compliance with the wish of patriotic Nigerians across all geopolitical zones.
While the Southwest and Southsouth zones have been given opportunity to fly the flags of the PDP in Presidential election on two occasions each, the Southeast zone, which has been the traditional stronghold of PDP has suffered victimization and extreme marginalization as a result from Federal government of the now ruling All Progressive Congress since 2015.
Considering the above, it is only fair to all sections of Nigeria irrespective of ethic nationality or political leaning, for the presidential nomination of PDP for the 2023 presidential election to be streamlined to a credible aspirant from the Southeast geopolitical zone.


Distinguished leaders, while we are not particular about any individual, may I assure you all that the Southeast geopolitical zone parades credible men and women that have made their marks over the years in both the public and private sectors, and would be willing to advance the interest of Nigeria and also implement the programs and manifesto of PDP for Nigeria.
Please be assured of our highest regards.
Thank you.

Yours truly,

Mazi Dickson Nnamdi-Iroegbu (DGN)
for: SOUTHEAST-2023 PRESIDENCY


https://www.inform.ng/post/group-writes-pdp-nec-urges-party-to-zone-2023-seat-to-southeast

The New York Times · 14 awa dem wey don passTyrese Haspil Is Charged With Grisly Murder of Tech C.E.O. Fahim Saleh

The personal assistant of a young tech entrepreneur who was found decapitated and dismembered in his Manhattan apartment this week was arrested early on Friday and is expected to be charged in the grisly killing, according to two officials briefed on the matter.

The entrepreneur, Fahim Saleh, 33, was discovered dead on Tuesday afternoon by his sister inside his $2.25 million condo in a luxury building on the Lower East Side, the police said. She had gone to check in on him after not hearing from him for about a day.

She found a gruesome scene: Mr. Saleh’s head and limbs had been removed, and parts of his body had been placed in large plastic bags. An electric saw was still plugged in nearby.

The personal assistant, Tyrese Devon Haspil, 21, was expected to be charged in a criminal complaint with second degree murder and other crimes.

Detectives believe that the motive for the killing stemmed from Mr. Saleh having discovered that the assistant had stolen tens of thousands of dollars from him, despite the fact that Mr. Saleh had not reported the man and had set up what amounted to a repayment plan for him to return the money, one of the officials said.

The police were expected to announce the arrest at a news conference later Friday.

Investigators have also concluded that Mr. Saleh was killed on Monday, the day before his body was found, and that the killer returned the next day to Mr. Saleh’s apartment on East Houston Street to dismember the body and clean up the crime scene.

Detectives believe that the killer, dressed in a black three-piece suit, white shirt and tie, wearing a black mask and carrying a duffle bag, followed Mr. Saleh off an elevator in his building and into his apartment, a law enforcement official said. He used a Taser to immobilize Mr. Saleh and then stabbed him to death.

Security video taken from inside the elevator shows the killer later using a battery-operated portable vacuum cleaner in an apparent effort to remove any traces of his presence, the official said.

New York City’s medical examiner announced on Thursday that Mr. Saleh had died from multiple stab wounds to his neck and torso. Initially, a law enforcement official had described the killing as a “hit” and said it looked “like a professional job.”

Detectives investigating the murder believe the killer’s work dismembering the body was interrupted when Mr. Saleh’s sister buzzed from the building’s lobby, another official said, prompting him to flee through the apartment’s back door and into a stairwell before the sister arrived.

Mr. Saleh’s family said in a statement on Wednesday that the gruesome killing was so shocking it was unfathomable.

“Fahim is more than what you are reading,” the family said. “He is so much more. His brilliant and innovative mind took everyone who was a part of his world on a journey and he made sure never to leave anyone behind.”

Mr. Saleh was born in Saudi Arabia to Bangladeshi parents who eventually settled near Poughkeepsie, N.Y., a small city on the Hudson River.

After graduating from Bentley University in Waltham, Mass., in 2009, he built an app called PrankDial that allowed users to send prerecorded prank calls. Mr. Saleh said he eventually built PrankDial into a $10 million business.

Mr. Saleh went on to found Pathao, a motorcycle ride-sharing start-up in Bangladesh. He left that company in 2018 to begin a similar venture in Nigeria, an app known as Gokada.

At the time of his death, Mr. Saleh was the chief executive of Gokada and oversaw a shift in its business during a turbulent time. In February, Nigerian officials began enforcing a ban on motorcycle taxis in major commercial and residential parts of the country’s largest city, Lagos.

Gokada was forced to halt its ride-hailing business and laid workers off, but Mr. Saleh pivoted the company to focus on food and parcel delivery and business logistics.

“Fahim’s passion for Nigeria and its youth was immeasurable,” Gokada said in a statement. “He believed young Nigerians were extremely bright and talented individuals who would flourish if just given the right opportunity.”

Mr. Saleh was also the founding partner in a Manhattan-based venture capital fund, Adventure Capital, that invested in similar transit start-ups in Colombia and Bangladesh.

https://www.inform.ng/post/police-to-prosecute-pa-to-gokoada-boss-for-murder-of-tech-entrepreneur

The Federal Government has inaugurated a Campaign Strategy Team for Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who is vying for the post of the Director-General of World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Mr Adeniyi Adebayo, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, while inaugurating the team on Thursday in Abuja, said it was key to the success in ensuring that the Nigerian candidate emerged as WTO Director-General for 2021 – 2025 term.

Adebayo, in a statement by Mrs Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa, Assistant Director, Press Unit of the ministry, said President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to nominate Okonjo–Iweala as Nigeria’s candidate for the position of WTO Director-General was in good faith.

He said the decision was given the overriding consideration of the need to host Africa’s chance and for the promotion of gender mainstreaming at the world’s top trade post.

He expressed optimism that the Nigerian candidate would emerge as the next Director-General of WTO, based on her capabilities and wealth of experience at the highest level of World Bank, as a Development Economist, Diplomat and one of the Africa’s most trusted technocrats.

“An eminently qualified candidate in the position of Okonjo-Iweala with proven leadership, bold reformer, skillful negotiator with abilities to broker numerous agreements that would promote fair trade should be selected for Director-General of the WTO.

“I am confident that she possesses the qualities to lead the most important global multilateral body,” the minister said.

He, therefore, charged the team to develop winning strategy for the candidate and also called on stakeholders, media, public, private and trading partners to give necessary support that she required to emerge as WTO Director-General.

The Minister of State, Amb. Mariam Yalwaji Katagum, who is the Team Leader of the Campaign Strategy team, pledged the full commitment of members of the team to deliver on its mandate.

“We must all get to work as a team in the most strategic and professional manner to deliver on this important assignment in line with the Terms of Reference,” she stated.

Katagum also expressed confidence that Okonjo–Iweala would emerge as the next WTO Director-General considering her pedigree and commitment in ensuring sustainable development and economic growth, not only for Africa but the world at large.

The Campaign Strategy team comprises officials of the ministry, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; representatives of the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President and Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The team also include officials from the Ministry of Finance, Nigerian Ambassador to ECOWAS and African Union as well as Geneva–based officials.

Source: NAN

https://www.mediaorchid.com.ng/2020/07/wto-fg-inaugurates-campaign-strategy.html?m=1

Spokesman of  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, says that the boast by suspended acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, that he would be cleared and reinstated despite the allegations against him, is a huge affront on the integrity of the ongoing inquest by the Justice Ayo Salami-led Presidential Investigative Panel on the activities of the EFCC.

The party said Nigerians were shocked when counsel to suspended EFCC acting Chairman, Wahab Shittu, boastfully declared that he has Magu’s instruction to inform the public that “he will be reinstated back to office”.

Nigerians are unease that such assertive statement by Magu’s lawyer holds more than meet the eyes and portrays the Presidential Panel as well as the Buhari Presidency as having compromised the probe.

Our party hopes that this is not a case of corruption fighting back in a frantic effort to shield accused persons from prosecution.

Already, the statement by Magu’s counsel has heightened public concerns that the probe have become a sham and that the allegations against Magu will eventually be swept under the carpet despite demands by Nigerians to prosecute the suspended EFCC boss in a court of competent jurisdiction.

The PDP wonders if Magu’s counsel is now informing Nigerians that the activities of the Presidential Panel, as well as the indicting memo by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, are all drama to facilitate Magu’s clearance at the Senate.

The party notes that the details of the allegations by the Attorney General of the Federation against Magu are in the public domain, including alleged discrepancy in the financial records of the EFCC funds, alleged stealing of funds recovered by the commission, alleged sale of property recovered by the EFCC, details of alleged acts of insubordination, among others.

This is in addition to issues of alleged violation of rules, abuse of investigation processes, manipulation of court procedures by the EFCC under Magu, which has allegedly become a partisan vehicle for persecution, harassment and extortion against innocent Nigerians.

There are also allegations that the EFCC under Magu was more interested in securing conviction and not justice; for which innocent citizens were harassed with trumped-up charges, denied bail, allegedly made to make statement in custody without the services of their lawyers and convicted on media trial even before being allowed to defend themselves in court.

Moreover, there are also insinuations in the public space that the EFCC under Magu was harassing certain judges to get conviction in cases, in addition to the manifest selective persecution in which no member of the current administration, including those who have been openly indicted for corruption, have been prosecuted by the EFCC.

The statement by Magu, through his counsel, is therefore a direct slap on the integrity of our justice system and the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

What Nigerians and indeed the global community expect is for the Federal Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari, the African Union (AU) Anti-Corruption Champion, to take immediate steps to arraign the suspended EFCC Chairman before a court of competent jurisdiction to defend and clear his name over the very weighty allegations that have been brought against him.

Anything short of this will only signpost a huge compromise in the matter.

https://www.inform.ng/post/nigerians-shocked-over-magus-boast-of-return-to-efcc-pdp

President Muhammadu Buhari has suspended no fewer than 11 senior officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, as the probe of the shenanigans under the stewardship of disgraced Ibrahim Magu deepened.




 

Authoritative Presidency sources told Inform NG on Tuesday night that EFCC executive Secretary Olanipekun Olukoyede was among the senior officials suspended.

According to the source, ‘they were suspended for various alleged criminal and corrupt infractions”.




The suspension of the officials was also to allow for unfettered investigation of the commission.

“All the top officials in the agency have been suspended, their offices locked, to prevent any tampering with files at the commission”, the source added.

President Buhari suspended Ibrahim Magu, the former acting chairman of the agency last week and appointed the director of operations, Mohammed Umar Abba, to hold forte.

The source said Umar Abba survived the temporary purge, as he was found not to be a part of the suspected underhand dealings in the agency.

Olukoyede became the Secretary to the EFCC in November 2018 following confirmation by the Senate.

The Ikere-Ekiti born senior lawyer was a former chief of staff to Magu. He replaced Emmanuel Aremo, whose five-year tenure expired in July 2018.

The former acting chairman of the agency is facing for the second week, grilling by the presidential panel headed by Justice Ayo Salami, over financial allegations and improprieties, including money laundering.

He is facing tough questioning over allegations that he re-looted funds recovered by the commission. And that he accepted bribes to pervert cases of graft.

He is also accused of mismanagement of recovered assets by the EFCC.

Among the issues Magu is helping the panel to resolve are wide discrepancies in figures of recovered monies published by the agency.

The panel has also asked him to react to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit(NFIU) report accusing him of siphoning money from the EFCC.

NFIU report showed that a particular Bureau de Change, owned by Ahmed Ibrahim Shanono linked to the Acting Chairman based in Kaduna has more than 158 accounts and has been receiving huge sums of funds.

The report also accused Magu of laundering money through Pastor Emmanuel Omale of Hand of God Prophetic Ministry.

Omale was alleged to have bought a landed property on behalf of Magu worth N573 million in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

“Another individual who is helping in laundering funds for the Acting Chairman and who has been referred to in several petitions is one Pastor Emmanuel Omale (Hand of God Prophetic Ministry).

“He is reported to have traveled to Dubai with Mr. Magu and his name was used in purchasing property in Dubai for Mr Magu.

“As an unknown pastor, the NFIU’s report showed huge movement of funds ranging from N573,228,040.41,’’ the report said.

Omale has denied laundering money for Magu.

Magu has also been accused of allegedly failing to give proper account of missing 332 out of the 836 recovered real estate property as of March, 2018.

https://www.inform.ng/post/more-trouble-as-buhari-suspends-efcc-secretary-10-others

Ah evil stepmother

Contrary to the rumour going round that Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, has been disqualified from contesting the primary election under the All Progressive Congress party, he has confirmed on his Facebook page that he wasn’t disqualified.

Akeredolu who posted his ongoing meeting with the Union leaders at the government House Akure, to resolve all the lingering issues with the workers, said he wished the disqualified APC Aspirant who was to meet the Appeal committee in Abuja today the best.




His words: “Currently in Akure meeting with Labour union leaders concerning their demands. I trust we shall all reach a compromise that is beneficial to all parties.

“I’d also like to wish my fellow aspirant meeting the APC Gubernatorial appeals committee today in Abuja all the best”.


https://www.inform.ng/post/i-wish-disqualified-ondo-apc-aspirant-the-best-akeredolu

The Vice President of Ivory Coast, Daniel Kablan Duncan has resigned from his position.

The Presidency confirmed Duncan’s resignation on Monday.



A statement by President Alassane Ouattara’s Secretary-General, Patrick Achi said Duncan resigned on personal grounds.

According to Achi: “The President of the Republic proceeded on Wednesday, July 8, to the signing of a decree terminating the functions of Daniel Kablan Duncan as vice president of the Republic.

“After several talks, the last of which took place on Tuesday, July 7, President Alassane Ouattara took note of this resignation and proceeded to sign the decree terminating Daniel Kablan Duncan.”

Duncan had previously served as Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire from 1993-1999 under Henri Konan Bedié and again from 2012-2017 under the current president, Ouattara.


https://www.inform.ng/post/breaking-presidency-accepts-vice-presidents-resignation

Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has alleged that nobody is more corrupt than Ibrahim Magu, the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Kanu alleged that Magu helped Abba Kyari, the late Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari hide money he looted.



Speaking on Radio Biafra, the IPOB leader said: “Abba Kyari died on the 2nd day of April, we announced it, they were busy running around to get a mask for Abba Kyari instead of telling the people the truth.

“Abba Kyari embezzled #13.5 billion naira meant for Aso Rock Clinic. Himself and his family took over NNPC as their family business.

“There is nobody more corrupt than Magu the EFCC Chairman. He keeps money for Abba Kyari”.

A presidential panel headed by Justice Ayo Salami is currently investigating the activities of Magu as Czar of EFCC.

The ongoing probe followed allegations of insubordination and corruption levelled against Magu by the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

In view of the ongoing probe, Magu was suspended by the presidency and Mohammed Umar was picked to head the commission, pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.

https://www.inform.ng/post/nnamdi-kanu-backs-agf-malami-says-magu-is-highly-corrupt

Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki has opened up an a virtual meeting he had with President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday.

The President and Obaseki had a virtual private meeting where they discussed about several issues related to Edo state. This is the first meeting Obaseki is having with the President since he officially defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.



Speaking on the meeting, Obaseki disclosed; “My relationship with President Muhammadu Buhari is that of a father and son.”

I was on a zoom meeting with the President, during which we engaged on development issues affecting Edo people and Nigerians. We also discussed measures to manage the spread of #COVID19.”

Photos below;



https://www.inform.ng/post/buhari-is-like-a-father-to-me-obaseki

Prophet Omale, who is also the General Overseer of Divine Hand of God Prophetic Ministries International, Abuja, said this in a pre-litigation letter addressed to the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday.

In the letter which was signed by his lawyer, Chief Gordy Uche (SAN), the cleric said he indeed met Magu in Dubai earlier in the year but it was not for the purpose of purchasing a property.



He said the suspended EFCC boss had travelled to Dubai for medical reasons and he only prayed with him.

Omale, however, admitted that indeed Magu attends his church.

The letter read in part:

“We, however, wish to make the following clarifications to put the public records straight: That our client is the General Overseer of an Inter-denominational/Multi-religious Prayer Ministry, which Mr. Ibrahim Magu attends.

“That our client, only visited Mr. Ibrahim Magu in a hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, sometime in March 2020.

“That our client never laundered any funds whatsoever for Mr. Ibrahim Magu or for anybody whatsoever. Our client does not own any foreign bank account anywhere in the world.

“That there are no funds whatsoever traceable from Mr. Ibrahim Magu to our client’s bank accounts whatsoever neither has our client received any funds whatsoever from Mr. Ibrahim Magu. Our client has never received any funds whatsoever from anybody on behalf of Mr. Ibrahim Magu.

“That our client does not own any property in Dubai. His name was never used to purchase any property whatsoever in Dubai, United Arab Emirates or anywhere else in any part of the world, neither has he purchased any property nor properties for Mr. Ibrahim Magu in any part of the world whatsoever.”

He subsequently asked the Federal Government-owned news agency to retract the publication which had severely injured his reputation, character and calling.”

The report which had been submitted to the President, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), accused Magu of being unable to account for the interest generated from cash recoveries of over N500bn.

In the report, Magu was accused of buying a property in Dubai through Prophet Omale.
.
https://www.inform.ng/post/i-have-never-purchased-any-property-for-myself-or-on-behalf-of-anyone-outside-nigeria-pastor-accused-of-laundering-for-magu

The National Parents Teachers’ Association of Nigeria has said it is confused about the proclamation by the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, that schoolchildren nationwide would not be allowed to sit the West African Senior School Certificate Examination slated for August 4 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  


The NAPTAN National President, Alhaji Haruna Danjuma, in an interview with our correspondent on Thursday, said the association had resolved to meet Adamu by Monday to seek an amicable solution.

NAPTAN had in the last week of May called on the government to reopen schools nationwide “to pupils who will be sitting external examinations of the West African Examinations Council and the National Examinations Council.”




The association said parents had resolved to work together with schools to put measures in place such as the provision of face masks, handwashing containers and hand sanitisers to minimise the risks of virus contraction by the pupils.

Reacting to Adamu’s directive that pupils would not be able to sit the WASSCE this year, Danjuma said parents were confused and that they would seek an audience with the government on the matter.

He said, “Surprisingly, we heard from the Federal Ministry of Education that the government has suspended the reopening of schools. This is very confusing; we don’t know what to do. We are waiting for whatever will come after this.

“On our side at NAPTAN, we are planning to go to the ministry and meet with the minister or his representatives to hear from them. It should be on Monday.”

The Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, had during the press briefing by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 last Monday announced that the 2020 WASSCE conducted by WAEC would hold between August 4 and September 5.

But Adamu said on Wednesday that all federal schools would remain closed until it was safe to reopen them. He also urged state governments that had announced school resumption plans to rescind such.

https://www.inform.ng/post/wassce-parents-counters-minister-want-schools-reopened

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) on Saturday denied buying a N300 million house for his newly wedded son, Abdulazeez, in Abuja.

Malami, in a statement issued by his media aide, Umar Gwandu, also dismissed as untrue claims in a social media report that COVID-19 guidelines were flouted during Abdulazeez’s wedding fatiha held in Kano yesterday.



He daubed the report mischievous, deceitful, perfidious and “a clear violation of ethical journalism practices on verification of facts and authentication of claims.”

He challenged his accusers to name the vendor of the purported house and its location and to publish the title documents.

“God knows that I did not purchase any house for him in Abuja. Not even a rented house was secured for my son in Abuja, because he has no plan to live in Abuja,” Malami was quoted as saying.

The statement added: “The allegation of hiring private jets for the marriage was preposterous.

“It is common knowledge that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice had neither a father nor mother anywhere in Nigeria to be conveyed to Kano for the wedding.

“Who then is the Attorney-General using the chartered flight to convey? Which jets are chartered? Who paid for the charter? Through which means was the money paid?”

He said the wedding fatiha took place “under strict observance of the protocols and guidelines of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19.”

“It is important to note that the wedding fatiha took place in Kano on Saturday 11th July, 2020 in the morning.

“Any other activity before or after the wedding fatiha is not connected with the marriage and we therefore disassociate ourselves from it in its entirety.”

https://www.inform.ng/post/i-didnt-buy-n300m-house-for-my-son-malami

A staff of Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kano State, who converted to Islam could not control his emotions after the school donated a 3- Bedroom flat to him.

Abubakar Miller, a non academic staff of the school, accepted Islam on Thursday July 2, 2020.

Provost of the college, Yahaya Isa Bunkure, who handed over the keys of the house at Wailari Na’ibawa , Kano to Miller said the gift was to strengthen the Islamic brotherhood.

The provost described Miller as a hardworking and dedicated staff who has done a lot to the development of the College and urged him to maintain the tempo.

Miller who could not hide his joy after receiving the keys said“Islam is the religion of love, gratitude, and peace”, saying the past recent days have been very inspiring for him. 

He said he was overwhelmed by the love, care, and brotherhood shown to him since he became a Muslim.

He pledged to be more dedicated to his duties and prayed to Allah to grant his mercy to the college community.

https://www.inform.ng/post/college-of-education-rewards-staff-for-accepting-islam

Lawyer to the suspended Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, on Friday pleaded with the Presidential Investigation Committee to grant him bail.

He said Magu needed the bail because the print and electronic media had taken undue advantage of his detention to launch a campaign of calumny against him.

“It is unfortunate I am now being paraded like a common criminal. Please intervene and facilitate my release from the FCID detention,” Magu said.

He made six other demands including making the terms of reference of the committee available to Magu and giving him opportunity to know the allegations against him

He said witnesses were being called and examined by the committee behind Magu’s back and at the same time disallowing him and his counsel from participating in the proceedings involving such witnesses.

Magu’s counsel, Mr. Wahab Shittu made the demands in a July 10, 2020 letter of plea to the panel.

He said: “We act as counsel of choice to Mr. Ibrahim Mustapha Magu, the Ag. Chairman of the EFCC hereinafter referred to as “our Client” and on whose behalf and specific instructions we write as follows:

“Our client has briefed and drawn our attention to the letter dated 6th of July, 2020 ref No. PIC/AR/VOL.1/01 wherein he was informed as follows:

“The above-mentioned panel is investigating above listed offences in which you feature prominently, and the need to obtain clarification from you has become necessary.

“You are therefore directed to with immediate effect accompany the Assistant Commissioner of Police ACP Gabriel Elaigwu and team to report to the Chairman and members of the Committee today 6th July 2020.

“Ensure compliance and receipt of my warmest regards please.”

Counsel said that Magu, on receiving the said letter “followed the ACP Gabriel Elaigwu and team to the Banquet Hall, State House Abuja and has since then been in custody and appearing before your esteemed Committee.”

Shittu said since his appearance before the panel, he had not been served petitions against him.

He added:” Mr. Chairman, since the 6th of July, 2020 when our Client honored your invitation, he has been consistently applying to the Committee to be given the petitions containing the allegations of Conspiracy, Corrupt Enrichment, Abuse of Office/Power which request has not been honored or obliged till date.

“Our client has also informed us that he remains unaware of the terms of reference of this distinguished Committee.

“Sir, our client has also drawn our attention to the following:

” That he has been in detention and kept at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) of the Nigerian Police Force, Area 10 Abuja since the 6th of July till date without being informed of the allegations leveled against him and the deserved opportunity to timeously study and respond to same.

“That witnesses are called and examined by the committee behind his back and without allowing him and Counsel of his choice to participate in the proceedings involving these witnesses.”

He said Magu was being maligned in the media including alleged keeping of secret accounts, acquisition of properties in Dubai and giving N4billion to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

He added: “That both print and electronic media have taken undue advantage of the detention of our client to launch a campaign of calumny against him spreading in the process consistently highly prejudicial, damaging and untrue allegations on a daily basis.

“These unfounded allegations which never featured in the proceedings of the committee thus far include the allegation that our client gave the Vice President, Pro. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, the sum of N4billion and that our client maintains secret accounts, procured cronies to front for him and that he acquired properties in Dubai.

“These campaigns of calumny have greatly affected the moral of our client and damaged his hard-earned reputation and that of the Commission. That our Client as a result of this campaign of calumny has been paraded like a common criminal and subjected to all manner of insults and embarrassment just for serving his nation diligently and efficiently as the arrowhead of the anti-corruption agenda of this Administration. “This unfortunate development happening before the determination of the petitions by Honourable Committee with prejudicial consequences.”

The counsel made seven demands from Salami panel.

He said: “In view of our observations above, may we humbly request from your Lordship, the Chairman of the Committee and other distinguished members:

i) That our client will appreciate if afforded the privilege of the terms of reference of this distinguished Committee.

ii) That the petitions containing the allegations be given to our client to afford him the opportunity of knowing the allegations against him, study same and prepare a robust defence.

iii) That our client will appreciate the intervention of the Committee in ordering the release of our client from custody to enable him defend himself adequately and attend to his deteriorating health in custody.

iv) That our client be given adequate time to respond to the allegations against him including providing necessary materials and evidence before this Honourable Committee.

v) That our client be afforded the opportunity to confront the petitioners with his own defence.

vi) That witnesses be examined in his presence and that of his counsel.

vii) That our client be guaranteed his right to fair hearing including his right to liberty in the course of the proceedings of this distinguished Committee.

“My Lord, the Chairman of the Committee and Honourable Members, our client will appreciate your taking timeous steps in addressing the fundamental concerns of our client raised in this letter.

“Whilst awaiting your urgent intervention on the issues raised herein please be assured my lord of our best wishes and professional regards.”

https://www.inform.ng/post/magu-is-subjected-to-media-trial-lawyer-of-embattled-efcc-boss-writes-panel

Ibrahim Magu, suspended acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has applied to Mohammed Adamu, inspector general of police, to be released on bail.

In a letter dated July 10, 2020, Oluwatosin Ojaomo, Magu’s legal representative, asked the IGP to grant bail to his client on “self recognisance”

Magu was arrested on Monday and whisked to the presidential villa in Abuja where he was grilled by the panel headed by Ayo Salami, a retired president of the appeal court.

He was later moved to area 10 force criminal investigation department (FCID) of the police in Abuja where he has spent the night since Monday.

Magu’s travails followed a memo by Abubakar Malami accusing him of grave malfeasance.

He was alleged to have mishandled the recovered loot and sold seized assets to associates.

He was also alleged to have refused to subject himself to the supervision of the office of the attorney-general.

In a statement on Friday, Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, media aide to Malami, said President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the suspension of Magu as acting chairman of the anti-graft agency.

Meanwhile, the presidential panel probing the activities of the commission on Thursday grilled the so-called “Magu Boys” — a group of operatives believed to be favoured by Magu.

The boys have been accused of committing several atrocities — including blackmailing and extorting suspects, appropriating exhibits to themselves and selling off forfeited or seized assets without remitting the proceeds to government coffers.

https://www.inform.ng/post/magu-writes-igp-adamu-begs-for-bail

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has written a petition to the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, demanding the probe of a blogger, Jackson Ude, who is also the publisher of an online medium, Point Blank News.

The petition dated July 8, 2020, is titled, ‘Criminal Defamation of the Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), GCON by Jackson Ude’.

In the petition written on his behalf by his lawyer, Bayo Osipitan, the Vice-President said Jackson authored a story in which it was alleged that the suspended acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu, who is facing a Presidential probe, told the investigative panel that he gave N4bn to Osinbajo.

 

The Vice-President said Ude was in the habit of publishing malicious articles against his person. He subsequently attached printed copies of some of the blogger’s reports to the petition.

Osinbajo said the articles were defamatory and capable of bringing him to ridicule before members of the public.

He called on the IG to probe the blogger with a view to prosecuting him for criminal defamation.

 

Osinbajo said Ude also likened him to alleged international fraudster, Ramon Abbas aka Hushpuppi, by calling him ‘Hush-bajo’.

https://www.inform.ng/post/n4bn-osinbajo-petitions-igp-seeks-probe-of-blogger-over-defamation

As the investigation into the corruption allegations levelled against the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, entered its fourth day on Thursday, the Secretary of the anti-graft body, Olanipekun Olukoyede and some of its directors have appeared before the panel. Tribune Online learnt that they were questioned by the Justice Ayo Salami led presidential panel.

As the investigation into the corruption allegations levelled against the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, entered its fourth day on Thursday, the Secretary of the anti-graft body, Olanipekun Olukoyede and some of its directors have appeared before the panel.




 

INFORM NG learnt that they were questioned by the Justice Ayo Salami-led panel on what they know about the 21-point allegations raised by the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

The EFCC officials were said to have shed light into the investigation to enable the panel to reach a conclusion and necessary recommendations to President Muhammadu Buhari.




As the panel continued its activity on Thursday at the presidential villa, the commission has been left without a clear administrative head as the presidency is yet to formally request any of its senior officials to act in that capacity.

However, Magu, who has continued to be held in detention while his residences have been searched, is said to be faced with the prospect of being removed from the post.

https://www.inform.ng/post/efcc-secretary-directors-appear-before-panel-over-magu

Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, has clarified that the arraignment plastic surgeon, Dr Adepoju Anuoluwapo and her clinic, Med Contour, before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos for allegedly obstructing an investigation into the death of one of her patient, Mrs Nneka Onwuzuligbo, followed a complaint the commission received, and not a vendetta, as suggested in a paid write-up.

FCCPC in a five-count charge brought against Anuoluwapo and her cosmetic surgery firm MedContour Ltd alleged that the defendants shunned its investigation into the case and declined to produce documents required by the commission.

On insinuation of lack of jurisdiction to take up the matter, the commission noted that though the matter is before a competent court, the commission has powers to handle a complaint from any part of the country, as provided by the Act setting it up, just like other federal agencies.

The commission called on Anuoluwapo to concentrate on defending herself in court, rather than employing paid writers to malign the commission and the court, noting that it would not allow itself to be drawn it further reacting to paid write-ups, but will lead evidence to prove its case against the defendants in court.

It will be recalled that the commission had in a statement on April 14, 2020, by Babatunde Irukera, its Chief Executive Officer, Pursuant to Sections 17(s),(t),(x),(y); 18; 32; 123, 123-125; 127-130, said that it became aware of complaints and dissatisfaction with respect to certain elective/cosmetic surgical procedures carried out by MedContour services. Essentially, the allegations are that MedContour engages in conduct that is considered otherwise unprofessional, misleading and potentially injurious, including resulting in possible fatalities.”

The statement added: “The Commission’s initial review indicates that there is sufficient probable cause to inquire into the consumer protection aspects of the representations and services of MedContour, and its operatives. As such, the commission has opened an active investigation into the practices and processes of MedContour, its promoter, associates and employees.
This is not a professional/licencing or disciplinary inquiry. However, the issues of authorization of the business and or its promoters, associates or employees to conduct the subject surgical procedures; representations made to customers about their skills, generally expected outcomes for similar procedures, and assurances of specific outcomes in relevant cases; responsiveness during follow-up or post-procedure complaints; and transparency to consumers and applicable regulatory authorities, are implicated under FCCPA.

Sections 17(s),(t),(x),(y) and 130 prohibit obnoxious practices, require services to be safe and for the Commission to act to reduce risk of injury to consumers, as well as ensure services comply with applicable standards of care. Sections 123, 124 and 125 prohibit making misleading statements, issuing guarantees or statements about the efficacy skills or probable outcomes with respect to services that are untested or scientifically unproven, and Sections 127, 128 and 129 prohibit unfair or unreasonable contract terms, exclusion, or waiver of legitimate liability for prevailing standards of care.

“In furtherance of this investigation, the Commission is keen to gather additional information from consumers with previous experiences with MedContour or its operatives, whether the experiences were satisfactory or otherwise, and from persons who have any such relevant information, including about the experiences of others.

“The Commission, therefore, requests credible information in this regard in the form of a concise narrative of facts including the identity of the MedContour operatives the interactions occurred with,” the statement added.
https://www.inform.ng/post/prosecution-of-dr-anu-not-a-witch-hunt-fccpc

Many laws guiding the Federal Republic of Nigeria, despite the country’s complex demographic composition, are unambiguous.

In protecting the rights of Nigerian consumers, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 represents a threshold that must be respected by all businesses. It spells out the rights of consuners and sanctions for the violation of those rights.

The FCCPA also created the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) with the mandate to, among others, protect and promote the interest of consumers as well as promote and maintain competitive markets in the Nigerian economy.

In the light of the above, the FCCPC must be allowed to function without any form of underlying hindrances. Thankfully, the current leadership of the Commission has been proactive and diligent in ensuring that its mandate is achieved. Unfortunately, that has earned the FCCPC the latest media attacks, seemingly by acolytes of Dr. Anu Adepoju of Med Contour Services Ltd.

On 3rd July, 2020, FCCPC arraigned Dr. Adepoju and her plastic surgery clinic, Med Contour Services Ltd, at the Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged evasion from investigation into a failed plastic surgery.

The said investigation followed complaints received by the FCCPC regarding failed elective cosmetic surgical procedures allegedly performed by Dr. Adepoju and her colleagues at Med Contour. Incidentally, the refusal of Dr. Adepoju to honour a summon to attend the Commission’s investigation and present relevant documents is the subject of her ongoing prosecution by the FCCPC.

One wonders why such an important matter, bordering on the safety and well being of citizens can be considered as a coordinated attack on Dr. Anu Adepoju, who allegedly conducted surgeries on her clients leading to all sorts, including death.

Vivian Onwuzuligbo, a family member of Nnneka Onwuzuligbo (a deceased client of Dr. Adepoju) reportedly made allegations to the effect that her sister died as a result of a failed cosmetic surgery carried out by the medical doctor. Other accusations in that respect litter the media space in the country.

FCCPC continues to insist that its investigation of Dr. Adepoju and Med Contour is about consumer protection and the services they are providing, and not an attempt to regulate the medical profession.




However, Dr. Adepoju’s cheerleaders are making frantic efforts to whip up sentiment and make Nigerians believe that she is being persecuted by an agency that allegedly has no powers to deal with issues bordering on the safety and welfare of her clients, in otherwords consumers of body enhancement services.

Now that the matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction, It is expected that Dr. Adepoju would harness her facts and evidence and proceed to defend herself and her clinic, instead of the futile media assault against the FCCPC. She should have no problem with going to clear her name of any wrongdoing in Court. Seeking public sympathy in a matter of grave consumer dissatisfaction with the services she renders should never be.

Nigerians have not lost hope in Nigeria to the extent that alleged infractions of extant laws and possible violation of consumer rights could just be swept under the carpet.

Good enough, the Commission does not appear distracted, and we urge its leadership to handle the Dr. Adepoju and Med Contour issue with utmost professionalism and arrive at a verifiable outcome that can satisfy public interest in a matter that has attracted high level outrage and condemnation.

The Senate on Tuesday received a formal request for the confirmation of 11 nominees as Judges of the Federal High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The request was contained in a letter read on the floor during plenary by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan.

The letter reads: “In accordance to Section 256(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, I have the honour to forward for confirmation by the Senate, the under-listed names of eleven (11) nominees as Judges of the High Court of the FCT, Abuja.

The nominees are: Abubakar Husseini Musa (Adamawa State); Edward Okpe (Benue State); Babashani Abubakar (Borno State); Emuesiri Francis (Delta State); Jude Ogho (Delta State); Josephine Enobi (Edo State); Christopher Opeyemi Oba (Ekiti State); Mohammed Idris (Kano State); Hassan Maryam Aliyu (Kebbi State); Fashola Akeem Adebowale (Lagos State); and Hamza Muazu (Niger State).

The Minority Whip, Senator Philip Aduda, while relying on Order 43 of the Senate Standing Rules objected to the absence of a nominee from the FCT.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC – Ekiti Central), while coming under the same point of order, explained to the contrary that the FCT already has Judges on the bench of the FCT High Court.

“What is being done by the National Judicial Council at the moment is to fill existing vacancies on the bench of the FCT Judiciary.

“What will become an issue is if you take list of the over 40 Judges of the FCT and any particular state is missing, that is when it becomes an issue.

“A major criterion is to ensure that states that do not have anybody on the bench are given priority. I just wanted to clarify that FCT has Judges on the bench of the FCT”, the lawmaker explained.

In a related development, the President also requested the upper chamber to confirm the appointment of three members of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

“In compliance with the provision of Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), and pursuant to Section 1(2) and (3) of the Code of Conduct Bureau Act LFN 2004, I write to request for confirmation by the Senate, the following three nominees for appointment as members of the Code of Conduct Bureau. The curriculum vitae of the nominees are attached herewith.

They are: Barr. Ben Umeano (Anambra State – South East); Hon. Johnson Abonaema (Edo State – South South); Olayinka Babatunde Balogun (Ogun State – South West).

Also to be confirmed is the appointment of Umar Garba Danbatta, as Executive Vice Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for a second term of five (5) years.

According to President Buhari, the nominee’s appointment is In accordance with the provision of Section 8(1) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

Meanwhile, the confirmation of the nomination of Idahagbon Williams Omoregie for appointment as Commissioner of the Federal Civil Service Commission was referred by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, to the Committee on Establishment and Public Service.

The Senate President also referred the nominations of Usman Mahmud Hassan as Commissioner of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission to the Committee on National Planning and Economic matters; Tella Adeniran Rahmon as Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission to the Committee on INEC; Suleiman Sani as Career Ambassador; and the appointment of 41 Non-Career Ambassadors to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The Committees are expected to submit their reports to the Senate in two weeks.

https://www.inform.ng/post/senate-receives-buharis-request-to-confirm-11-judges-for-fct-high-court-others

Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu, has been suspended by the Presidency.

Magu was arrested on Monday by a combined team of Department of State Services personnel and policemen at the Wuse II office of the EFCC to face an interagency committee investigating corruption allegations against him.

He was detained at the FCID in Area 10, Abuja, on Monday night on the orders of the committee that also questioned him on Tuesday morning.
https://www.inform.ng/post/breaking-buhari-suspends-magu-as-efcc-boss

14 members of Ondo State House of Assembly signed the impeachment notice of Agboola Ajayi, the deputy governor of Ondo state 

See their names and signatures below: 

https://www.inform.ng/post/14-legislators-okays-ondo-deputy-governor-impeachment

FILE: Ondo State House of Assembly complex

Members of the Ondo State House of Assembly have commenced the process of removing the deputy governor, Mr Agboola Ajayi.

The members of the Assembly are currently deliberating in the Assembly on the allegation of gross misconduct against Ajayi.

On the premises of the Assembly, scores of armed policemen and the men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps are present to maintained law and order.




Details later.

https://www.inform.ng/post/ondo-legislators-commence-impeachment-proceedings-on-deputy-governor

Stern looking security operatives on Tuesday morning took over the complex of the Ondo State House of Assembly.

With about 10 vans belonging to the men of the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, the security operatives mounted strategic locations within and outside the Assembly.

Meanwhile, journalists who were at the complex to monitor the day’s proceedings were turned back by the security personnel.




One of the security operatives told  Inform Nigeria exclusively that the directive was given by the leadership of the house.

He added that only three journalists from government-owned medium will be allowed to cover the proceedings.

The sitting might not be unconnected with the plan to begin impeachment proceeding against the embattled deputy governor of the state, Agboola Ajayi.

https://www.inform.ng/post/impeachment-scare-as-loads-of-policemen-storm-ondo-assembly

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Rev Yakubu Pam as the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), according to a statement by Presidenial spokesman Garba Shehu. 

Born on 20th February, 1960 in Gyel, Jos South LGA of Plateau State, Rev Pam holds a first degree in Christian Education.

As an ordained Minister, Rev Pam brings to the position more than 30 years of leadership experience in the Christian community, coupled with a deep understanding of promoting inter-religious harmony and conflict resolution in the northern parts of the country.

The cleric has held many leadership positions in the Church, including Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) of Northern Nigeria (which includes the 19 Northern States and Abuja) from 2016 to date, Vice President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, 2013 to date and District Superintendent, Jos mainland Assemblies of Nigeria, 2010 to date.

He also served as Chairman, Plateau State Inter-Religious Council; and Chairman, Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Committee, Plateau State.

His appointment took effect from 26th June, 2020 for a period of five years.

President Buhari urges the Executive Secretary NCPC to sustain his reconciliatory pre-disposition in his new position.

https://www.inform.ng/post/president-buhari-appoints-rev-yakubu-pam-executive-secretary-ncpc

THE WIKE THAT I KNOW

By Paulinus Nsirim

Several comments, interpretations, narratives and theories have greeted the recent letter written by Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike of Rivers State to President Muhammadu Buhari, expressing the sincere appreciation of the Rivers State Government and people to Mr. President, for approving the sum of N78.9 billion to the state, as refund of monies expended by the State on federal projects in the state.

Most of these responses have either been mischievous, absurd, totally misleading and some even trying to conjure and configure fabulist narratives, celebrating the mystique and magical influence of the power of money on the human psyche.

But the most remarkable of these is the one written by Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, titled: WIKE VINDICATES BUHARISTS.

To be sure, Femi Adesina's opinion on any topic immediately attracts considerable attention and commands tremendous weight, not just for the fact that he has been a seasoned journalist over the years, but indeed in recognition of his status as the Special Adviser to Mr. President Buhari on Media and Publicity; which makes him one of the recognized spokespersons of our President, whose views unequivocally represents the opinion of the Presidency in all matters.

It is therefore, in due cognizance of this latter responsibility and authority of his portfolio, that one must appreciate and commend Femi Adesina for his endorsement of Governor Nyesom Wike's decision to thank President Buhari for approving the refund of N78.9 billion to Rivers State, and also the quite remarkable request for the President to oblige Rivers State with a State visit.

Of course, Femi Adesina's admiration of Governor Nyesom Wike and his bold Thank You letter are embedded copiously in his article, though couched in the unerring profiling of the Rivers Governor in some lyrical passages and in some truculent, pro-Buhari obsessiveness in others.

The point needs to be made unambiguously, that the Rivers State Government, by way of emphasizing what Governor Wike rightly stated in the letter, appreciates the magnanimity of President Buhari,with profound gratitude and deep sincerity.

It was Aesop, the legendary Greek fabulist and writer of fables, who said that "Gratitude is the sign of noble souls." There is certainly no doubt that one man who stands tall and proud, courageous and fearless with great nobility in today's political space, is definitely Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.

For instance, what Femi Adesina describes as "crying wolf" and "pontificating" is nothing more than the ability to say and do things which other people are too frightened or lily livered to say or do; what we refer to in Nigeria as "dying in silence. "

What Mr. Adesina surely knows is that one virtue that Governor Wike possesses is courage. He has never hesitated to call anybody out including the President, his own party members and even multi-nationals operating in Rivers State, whenever the need arises and Adesina himself, has already agreed, by confessing to responding to some of these wolf cries in his write up, that these calls were necessary at the time they were made.

If Governor Wike's courage to speak up when others are silent and cowering in fear, leads to the approval of the refund of the N78.9 billion which the Federal Government owes Rivers State, then the expression of gratitude that recognizes and appreciates such appropriate magnanimity is the highest form of nobility.

Like Mr. Femi Adesina rightly pointed out in his essay, the Federal Executive Council (FEC), chaired by President Buhari, approved the REFUND of N148 billion to five states in the country for repair of Federal roads, for which Rivers State got N78.9 billion. But that is not even half the story.

For the avoidance of doubt and to set the records straight, it will be germane at this juncture to tell the true story of the refund and set the records straight, as presented by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, once and for all.

Giving a background to the reimbursement, Lai Mohammed had explained that the decision was sequel to a huge bill sent to the federal government by the entire 36 states of the federation in 2016, seeking a refund of funds they expended on the repair of some federal roads in their respective states.

He said: “You will recall that in 2016, 36 states of the federation sent a very huge bill to the federal government, asking for compensation for money that they have expended on federal roads. This prompted Mr. President to set up a committee to go and verify the claims of these 36 states, whether indeed, these projects were actually constructed. Were they completed in line with the federal government standards?

“At the end of that exercise by an inter-ministerial committee, chaired by the Minister of Works and Housing which also had ministers of education, transportation (and immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi), minister of finance, minister of state for works, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and permanent secretary, cabinet office as members, the committee recommended that the federal government should refund N550,364,297.31 billion to 31 of the 36 states, after they were convinced that, yes, indeed, the projects were completed and they were federal government roads.

“But the claims of five other states – Cross River, Rivers, Ondo, Bayelsa and Osun – failed on the grounds that they did not do proper documentation and the committee felt they needed proper documentation. So, the committee went back with new terms of reference to ensure that the claims of the five states were in order. That is why the BPP is on the committee.

“So, at the end of the exercise, the committee now reported that the five states – Cross River with 20 roads and one bridge will get a refund of N18,394,737,608.85; Ondo with six roads to get a refund of N7,822,147,577.08, and Osun with two roads and one bridge to get a refund of N2,468,938,876.78.

“Others are Bayelsa with five roads and one bridge to get a refund of N38,040,564,783.40 and Rivers with three roads and three flyover bridges is to get a refund of N78,953,067,518.29.”

From the above therefore, three important points stand out for particular interest and reference, viz:
1. The money is neither a generous loan gift or a desperate bailout package as people like Femi Adesina are shaping the narrative to sound, but a REFUND of monies already spent by Rivers State on Federal projects.
2. Rivers State was initially denied the refund until proper documentation was provided; a situation which many Rivers watchers will recall, prompted the Minister of Works, Babatunde Raji Fashola, to visit Rivers State in March this year.

3. Rivers State got the approval for the amount of refund simply because Rivers State did the most comprehensive, qualitative and enduring projects.

For record purposes, let us state clearly that President Buhari has the authority to visit any state he wants to in Nigeria, whether he is Invited or not. He is the father of the nation and Rivers State enjoys a candid, honest and robust relationship with the present Federal Government, especially the presidency.

On August 19, 2017, Governor Wike was among the dignitaries that welcomed President Buhari after 103 days in London where he received medical treatment for an undisclosed illness.

While naysayers were busy misinterpreting the gesture, Governor Wike explained that no sane person would not be happy that his sick President was back home.

Recall alsonthat Governor Wike was the first PDP Governor to congratulate President Buhari after his second term election victory was upheld by the Supreme Court in September last year. Indeed, the warm, cordial, respectful relationship between President Buhari and Governor Wike, captured in several widely circulated photographs, of the President's visit to Rivers State to commission the international wing of the Port Harcourt international airport speaks volumes.

We need not also remind Mr. Adesina that as far back as February 2017, when Governor Wike was not even up to two years in Office, he had already been christened "Mr. Projects" by none other than the Vice President himself, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who not only affirmed that Rivers State was an important state to Nigeria and the Federal Government, but has since endeared himself to Rivers State and Governor Wike.

This brings us nicely to the part of the letter where Governor Wike unequivocally appeals to President Buhari to honour Rivers State with a Presidential state visit and we ask Mr. Femi Adesina: 'what is wrong with the Rivers State Governor inviting the President for a state visit. Is he not the Father of the nation again. Is Governor Wike not one of his children?

Considering the fact that the approval for the refund was also made for monies expended by Rivers State for Federal Projects, isn't it equally apt that Governor Nyesom Wike should invite Mr. President to come and at least see the work for which the refund was made? Indeed, it will also provide Mr. President the grand opportunity to see first hand, the amazing and fantastic infrastructural wonders which Governor Wike is delivering in Rivers State. This is absolutely the right thing to do by a grateful recepient.

Governor Wike has aptly pointed out that the decision to thank Mr. President and the appeal to invite him for a state visit was not a personal one, but a collective decision taken by the State Executive Council, to assure Mr. President that all is well with Rivers State and Rivers people are quite happy with him for approving the refund.

Like Femi Adesina correctly noted in his article, the N78.9 billion cannot be the reason for Governor Wike's thank you letter and invitation to Mr. President. According to him: "I don’t think so. Rivers is by no means a poor state. The amount is handsome, no doubt, but the state is oil rich, and can hold her own when it comes to finances. I don't agree less with Adesina because Governor Wike does not speak from both sides of his mouth and does not play to the gallery. His moral upbringing makes him to speak the truth at all times not minding whose ox is gored.

Finally, it is important to commend Mr. Adesina for articulating and justifying the decision of Governor
Wike to thank Mr. President and invite him to Rivers State. There is absolutely no doubt, as he so succinctly pointed out, that millions of Buharists would have actually advised the President not to approve the refund to Rivers State, and while many of them are still wailing and bellyaching at the President's magnanimity, the icing on the refund cake is the chagrin and consternation, which even Adesina admits, has greeted Governor Nyesom Wike's letter in their camp.

While Rivers people will not complain that the money was actually reduced from the original amount and that it even took so long for President Buhari's fairness and justice to touch Rivers State, while he has been fair and just to other states, we are all still very happy and grateful that this approval for refund has been made, finally.

Attempts by people like Adesina to make political capital out of the genuine stance of a statesman will not be bought by well-meaning Nigerians.

What makes Adesina's grandstanding more worrisome is that he will never comment or let the world know how much the South-West States received as refund for federal projects executed in that part of the country.

Governor Wike's letter of appreciation and appeal for a presidential state visit is thus a clear indication that what the people thought was lost has now been recovered. All is well that ends well and Rivers people are happy.

For the avoidance of doubt, the letter to Mr. President was delivered to Aso Rock, three weeks before it was published.

Governor Wike is not like Adesina who knows how to speak from both sides of his mouth. In 2008, he said this about the Chief of Staff to the President: "Gambari enslaved himself to please his paymasters. Now 13 years after, the shackles are still tied around his neck, threatening to asphyxiate him. What an eternal lesson for fawning bootlicking grovellers to learn. Old sins indeed have long shadows."

Now that Gambari is Chief of Staff to the President, people have been asking if Adesina still sees Gambari's sins' shadows or he(Adesina) has turned to a bootlicking groveller?

There is no doubt that he is currently savouring the office of Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity as a compensation, having used his positions as former Editor-In-Chief of The Sun Newspapers and President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors to feather his own nest.

Adesina should be told that no amount of political mischief will turn Governor Wike from a hero to a villain in this matter.

The Wike that I know cannot be swayed by pecuniary interests. He will always stand for the truth and defend the interests of Rivers people.

Nsirim is the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Rivers State

https://www.inform.ng/post/the-wike-that-i-know-by-paulinus-nsirim

The brickbats over the propriety or otherwise of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu handing over to his estranged deputy, Agboola Ajayi, continued on Saturday as the latter insisted on taking over the reins of government as acting governor.

Governor Akeredolu on Tuesday, personally disclosed he had tested positive for COVID-19 but allayed the fears of the people of the state, especially his supporters he was fit to work from self-isolation.



Following this development, some supporters of the deputy governor have commenced a social media pressure on Governor Akeredolu to hand over to Ajayi.

Ajayi two weeks ago, defected to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to run for the governorship ticket of the party even as he insisted he will not resign his position as deputy governor.

But the State Government over the weekend made a formal declaration foreclosing the consideration of handing over governance to Ajayi.

The Commissioner Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, said aside from the loss of trust and alleged treachery on the part of the Deputy Governor, governance was not grounded as Akeredolu remained active in the line of duty.

Ojogo’s position notwithstanding, the deputy Governor insists Governor Akeredolu remained partially incapacitated and had no choice than to hand over the reins of governance to him. Ajayi gave the Governor a 21-day ultimatum to effect the process.

In a statement issued and signed by his media adviser, Allen Sowore, the deputy governor took a swipe at the governor for not living up to his exalted legal profession as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

Curiously, Sowore’s statement, in what looks like a u-turn, came less than ten hours after Tope Okeowo, Ajayi’s press secretary issued one giving indications that he(Ajayi) was not prepared to step in for Governor Akeredolu since he was not incapacitated.

Sowore’s said in the statement: “Ordinarily, one expects Mr Governor to bring to bear on governance his background as a lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN). But it is rather surprising and worrisome that the Governor has chosen the part of perversion of justice, by allowing his close aides to go astray in a matter of constitutionality.

“Section 190(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) is apposite in the prevailing constitutional aberration in Ondo State. On our part, we will continue to pray fervently for Mr Governor’s quickest recovery.

“However, it should be noted, that Mr Governor is at liberty to handover or not within 21 days after which the constitution becomes operational.

“Ostensibly, the refusal and failure of Mr Governor to handover the running of government to his deputy, while he is temporarily incapacitated in self- isolation, underscore his absolute disregard for our nation’s supreme document, 1999 Constitution (as amended) as well as the tenets of rule of law.

“The Governor’s position is a spite on the Ondo State people and a direct assault on the provisions of the constitution which he swore to uphold.

“Governor Akeredolu’s deliberate mounting of obstacles to smooth running of government machinery while he’s in self-isolation as a result of the fact that he has been tested positive for the COVID-19 privileges the hypocritical nature of Ondo State government’s war against the ravaging pandemic”, the deputy Governor’s aide said in the statement.
https://www.inform.ng/post/covid-19-agboola-gives-akeredolu-21-days-ultimatum-to-handover-to-him

The PDP national working committee has appointed the Governor of Rivers State, H. E. Chief Nyesom Wike as the Chairman of Edo State Governorship Election National Campaign Council.

The deputy chairman is Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Fintiri.

Details Later....

https://www.inform.ng/post/pdp-appoints-wike-as-chairman-of-edo-state-governorship-campaign

France Prime Minister, Edouard Philippe, and his entire government have submitted their resignation letter to President Emmanuel Macron.

France Prime Minister, Entire Government Resign
France Prime Minister, Entire Government Resign
In a statement, Macron’s office said Philippe had handed in the resignation of the government, but that the current cabinet would remain in charge of governmental affairs until a new team was put in place.



In France, the president — the main political figure — selects the prime minister, who then forms the government.

As such, the resignation paves the way for a cabinet reshuffle.

Al Jazeera reports that No reason was given in the short statement issued on Friday, but a cabinet shuffle had been widely expected after Macron promised to chart a new course for the last two years of his term.

In French government reshuffles, the prime minister tenders his or her resignation before cabinet appointments but can still be renamed to the position.

It was not immediately clear whether Philippe would be called upon to form the new government.

https://www.inform.ng/post/french-pm-cabinet-resign