₦airaland Forum

Stock Exchange: Market records N44bn loss as 25 stocks depreciate

A total of 25 stocks depreciated at the end of trading on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange on Wednesday. This resulted in the NSE market capitalisation dropping by N44bn.

The market capitalisation closed at N9.868tn from N9.911tn on Tuesday, while the NSE All-Share Index plunged to 28,730.42 basis points from 28,857.34 basis points.

An aggregate of 190.302 million shares valued at N2.342bn exchanged hands in 4,578 deals.

The market recorded a highest index point of 29,002.06 basis points in the course of trading, while its lowest and average index points were 28,730.42 and 28,851.66 basis points, respectively.

Skye Bank Plc, Forte Oil Plc, Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Plc, John Holt Plc and Eterna Plc emerged as the top five losers.

Skye Bank shares dropped by N0.06 (8.22 per cent) to close at N0.67 from N0.73, as Forte Oil also recorded a loss of N7.56 (4.63 per cent) to close at N155.75 from N163.31.

Similarly, GSK share price plunged by N0.77 (4.10 per cent) to close at N18.00 from N18.77, while John Holt shares saw a decline of N0.03 (3.85 per cent) to close at N0.75 from N0.78.

In the same vein, Eterna share price depreciated by N0.10 (3.85 per cent) to close at N2.50 from N2.60.

Other losers were Tiger Branded Consumer Goods Plc, Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated Plc, Oando Plc, Diamond Bank Plc, Wema Bank Plc, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc, Trans-national Express Plc, Guaranty Trust bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, United Capital Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, FBN Holdings Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Dangote Cement Plc, Conoil Plc, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, UACN Plc and Guinness Nigeria Plc.

A total of 15 firms recorded gains on their share prices led by Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc, Honeywell Flour Mill Plc, AxaMansard Insurance Plc, FCMB Group Plc and Nascon Allied Industries Plc.

Transcorp shares appreciated by N0.14 (9.52 per cent) to close at N1.61 from N1.47; while those of Honeywell closed at N1.47 from N1.35, gaining N0.12 (8.89 per cent).

AxaMansard also recorded a gain of N0.09 (4.37 per cent) to close at N2.15 from N2.06.

Other gainers were NPF Microfinance Bank Plc, Livestock Feeds Plc, Continental Reinsurance Plc, AIICO Insurance Plc, Flour Mills Nigeria Plc, Unity Bank Plc, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Total Nigeria Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc and Lafarge Africa Plc.


Tompolo: Women Protest Arrest of Innocent Youths

Hundreds of men and women from Gbaramatu community from Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State on Thursday staged a peaceful protest over the arrest and detention of some youths in the community by soldiers.

The women who wore black attires carried banners with inscriptions like: “Buhari BringbackOurBoys”, Our Boys Are School Children”, Our Boys Are Not Members of the Niger Delta Avengers”, “Buhari, Time Is Running Out.”

Some of the women rolled on the ground and wept, asking the soldiers to release their innocent children accused of bombing oil facilities.

The people of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State are kinsmen of wanted ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a. Tompolo.

The protesters also accused the military of detaining their children for more than 45 days and called on President Muhammadu Buhari to release their children to them.



Dangote to rebuild health facilities destroyed by Boko Haram


The Chairman of Dangote Foundation Alhaji Aliko Dangote has promised to partner with Yobe State Government to rebuild all the Health facilities that were destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents in Yobe State, particularly, the ones destroyed in the two local Governments of Gujba and Gulani Local Government.

Gujba and Gulani were the two local governments taken over by Boko Haram at the heat of the insurgency before they were liberated by the military.

Aliko Dangote who was speaking via a video link from Maimi in the United during a Mid-Year Review in line with the MoU signed with Yobe State Government, Bill & Malinda Foundation and Dangote Foundation in January on strengthening routine Immunization in Yobe State praised Yobe State Government for the progress made so far since the MoU was signed.

Dangote said,” I want to praised the effort of Yobe State governments for doing a fantastic job in making sure children are immunized in the state despite the security challenges. On the destroyed health facilities in the two local governments by Boko Haram, Dangote Foundation will partner with Yobe State to ensure that they are re-constructed. Dangote foundation may end up constructing all of them but I think we should have a partnership to ensure these facilities come back to functionality so that our children will with immediate effect begin to access the healthcare services.”

On his side, the Co-chair of Bill & Malinda Foundation, Mr. Bill Gates who also joined the event from Seattle, USA equally commended the State government for the stride made so far.

Mr. Gates noted with delight, the effective engagement and involvement of traditionally rulers in the campaign and other stakeholders by Yobe State Government, while calling on the speedy award of contracts enshrined in the MoU.

The Director National Primary Healthcare Agency, Dr. Ado Mohammed on behalf of The Federal Government donated the sum of $1.5 dollars to Yobe State Government as support to their commitment to the immunization drive in the state.

Yobe State Commissioner for Health Dr. Bello Kawuwa while presenting the report explained that 15 out of the 17 local government areas in the state were significantly covered except the remaining two-Gulani and Gujba which were occupied by Boko Haram insurgents before liberated by the military.

According to him, the good news is that the two local Governments are now accessible but the bad news is the destruction of nearly all the health facilities in the two localities.

Yobe State governor Ibrahim Gaidam in his comments told the partners that his administration is very committed to the MoU to ensure the total eradication of all the nine killer children’s diseases in the state.

He thank Dangote for offering to assist the state governments in the reconstruction of the destroyed health infrastructure in Gujba and Gulani, while also commending Mr. Gates and other partners for their unflinching commitment and support to children’s health across the world and Yobe particularly.

The Director Yobe State Primary Healthcare Agency, Dr. Hauwa Goni Fika explained that the whole idea of the MoU was to bridge the gaps in immunization coverage in the state which according to her include, security challenges, inaccessibility of some areas in the state, destruction of health facilities in the state, lack of cold storage facilities in some communities which makes it difficult of the movement of vaccines.



Natalie Evans appointed Leader of the Lords

Natalie Evans, 40, has been appointed to the role in succession to Baroness Stowell. Tina Stowell held the role for almost exactly two years.

In March 2008, Lady Evans was appointed deputy director of Policy Exchange. a centre-Right think tank set up by among others Michael Gove and Francis Maude.

Lady Evans stayed there until February 2011 when she became Chief Operating Officer at New Schools Network, a charity set up to help people and groups stetting up free schools.

She was ennobled in September 2014 and was a Government whip in 2015.



Collins Adeyemi, Former PMAN chairman , dies in Abuja

Former Chairman of the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria, PMAN, Abuja chapter, Mr. Collins Adeyemi has been reported dead.

It was gathered that the renowned Master of ceremonies cum actor, gave up the ghost on Wednesday in Abuja.

Adeyemi was last seen at the 6th Edition of the prestigious African Achievers Awards, which took place July 8, 2016, at the International Conference Centre, ICC, Abuja.

He was said to have slumped and died after a brief but yet-to-be ascertained ailment.

A close associate to the deceased, Nicki Nwadinobi said that the deceased had been on and off work but the sickness was not so serious.

Also speaking with Adeyemi’s friend, co-founder of the African Achievers Award, Ambassador David James Egwu, he said Collin’s demise was really sad.

He said, “The death of Adeyemi calls for sober reflection. What really killed Adeyemi remains a mystery to me as we were both at the Award event together.

“Unfortunately, before his death, he told me he was not feeling too well and we did not even know he would make it to the event but he did; only for me to get a call early this morning that Adeyemi is gone.

“Death is so inevitable and sometimes I wonder why we are struggling. What’s all the struggle for?

“If someone as hardworking and persevering like Adeyemi can die untimely, then I wonder,” the event manager said.

The Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital,(EKSUTH), Ado Ekiti on Thursday raised the alarm over rising cases of abandoned corpses in its morgue.

It was reported that the Chief Medical Director,(CMD) of the hospital, Dr Kolawole Ogundipe, in a statement in Ado Ekiti said families of many of the corpses have refused to claim them for a very long time.

He said such unclaimed bodies were fast becoming something else to the hospital and had occupied virtually all the few available space in the mortuary.

The statement warned that affected relations and families should come forward without delay to remove their corpses.

It gave a one week ultimatum, within which such corpses must be removed to avoid impending mass burial.

Such mass burial, he explained would help decongest the mortuary and allow for sanity in the environment.

Nigeria Ranks 124 on Global Competitiveness Index – World Bank

According to a report released by World Bank yesterday, Nigeria recorded slight improvement in Global Competitiveness Index ranking, GCI, from 127 to 124.

Also, the report attributed 16th position of the bottom 20 economies in the Global Competitiveness Index, GCI, to sub-Saharan African.

The World Bank Group Governance Specialist and co-author, African Competitive report, Mr. Barak Hoffman, made this known at the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and World Bank workshop on Economic competitiveness in Nigeria in Lagos.

The report said, “Nigeria, as at 2005, was ranked 94; but further dropped to 124 out of the 140 countries in the Global Competitiveness Index, GCI, in 2015/2016, between Gambia and Zimbabwe.

“The country rose from 127 in 2014/ 2015, as Mauritius remains the region’s most competitive economy rated 46, while Côte d’Ivoire at 91 is the most improved country in Sub-Saharan Africa, followed by Ethiopia ranked 109.”

He listed institutions, policies, and factors of production to determine the level of productivity of a country.

He explained that Nigeria performed well on market size, macroeconomic environment, and labour market efficiency, but had challenges in health, primary education, higher education, training and infrastructure.

While speaking on the challenges, Hoffman said: “Poor infrastructure, corruption and access to financing are the most problematic factors for doing business in Nigeria. Tax rates and complexity, and crime are not very problematic, by contrast.”


Oil workers call off strike


The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENGW, and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, have called off their industrial action.

Both unions called off their strike after meeting with the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige.

Recall that the two unions recently embarked an industrial action due to some unresolved issues by the Federal Government relating to the welfare of oil workers among other things.


Edo Election: INEC Endorses Ize-Iyamu as PDP Guber Candidate


Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Edo Sept. 10 governorship election, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

Mr Nick Dazang, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Deputy Director for Voter Education and Publicity, disclosed this in an interview with NAN on Tuesday in Abuja.
Dazang said the decision to accept Ize-Iyamu as candidate of the PDP National Caretaker Committee was based on the court decision on the matter.
Dazang said “the commission collected the nomination from Makarfi-led faction because he has a court judgment that says INEC should accept his candidate.
“Secondly, you will recall that it is only his own faction of PDP primarily that the commission monitored.’’

The Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff faction of the PDP had earlier submitted the name of Matthew Iduoriyekwemwen as its candidate for the Sept. 10 polls.

Dazang said the commission had received nominations forms from 19 political parties including the All Progressives Congress (APC). He listed others as Action Alliance (AA), African Democratic Congress (ACD), Advance Congress of Democrats ( ACD), Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Citizens Popular Party (CPP), Independent Democrats ( ID) among others.

INEC had earlier said that it would await final outcome of court cases in deciding on PDP’s candidate for the governorship election in Edo.
The Makarfi’s group, supported by all organs of the party, including the Governors’ Forum and the Board of Trustees, conducted its primary on June 20 in Benin and elected Osagie Ize-Iyamu as candidate.

On June 29, in another primary also in Benin, but was not supervised by INEC as required by the Electoral Act, Sheriff’s faction picked Matthew Iduoriyekwemwen as the party’s candidate for the Sept. 10 election.

It will also be recall that a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt on July 4 held that the May 21 national convention that removed Sheriff as chairman and constituted the National Caretaker Committee was duly constituted.

The court also declared that the dissolution of the National Working Committee and the National Executive Committee by that convention was valid.
In the judgment, Justice Abdullahi Liman declared that the appointment of the caretaker committee to oversee the party’s affairs was legal and in line with the provisions of PDP Constitution.



FG Restates Commitment to Sustainable Power Supply


The minister of state for Works, Power and Housing, Mustapha Baba Shehuri tasked stakeholders in the sector to come up with the right energy mix among the volumes of energy resources in the country that will serve the best interest in delivering power to all Nigerians.

Addressing participants at the second edition of the National Council on Power organised by his ministry in Kaduna, Shehurisaid, the power industry is currently going through specific challenges and it is important the council deliberate on them especially as the industry is in transition.

Represented by Louis Edozien , permanent secretary, Power in the ministry, he said committees will be established and saddled with the specific issues that need attention , adding that all stakeholders need to be on board in moving the sector forward.

The minister said, “We are here to discuss gas to power and the current constraints that we have and the gas resources that we have and the prospect of better utilization of the resources, the key actors in the sector, international oil companies, NNPC, others and what they need to do to get a better result , the pricing issues , commercial issues and security which is at the centre of the challenges that we now face.

“How to align gas infrastructural development with the generation capabilities, how to use gas resources more creatively in terms of LPG, LNG and other ways of better utilising our rich gas resources.

“The first committee will be looking at issues like on the ideal energy mix for the country, yes we are abundantly blessed with gas. But we also have extensive hydro resources. Nigeria also has coal, we have wind, we have abundant solar, one committee is going to focus on how to effectively harness these energy resources and develop energy target and mix that will better serve the country.”

The Rivers state Police Command says it has recovered sixty million naira in cash abandoned by a bullion van driver in Port Harcourt.

Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of Administration in the Command, Uche Anozia stated this while displaying the wads of cash to newsmen in Port Harcourt.

DCP Anozia said the recovery of the cash was as a result of a complaint from the Bankers Warehouse that a bullion van conveying money from Aba to Port Harcourt had diverted.

The Police Chief disclosed that the incident happened between last week Friday and yesterday.

He further told newsmen that the two main suspects are on the run adding that investigations will continue until the suspects are apprehended.

He said, “A bullion van was rented by Zenith and Stanbic IBTC banks here in Port Harcourt. The bullion van was to go to Aba to the branches of these particular banks. To convey cash from Aba to Port Harcourt on behalf of these banks.

“The van was manned by a driver. While in Aba some soldiers were attached to accompany the bullion van. When the bullion van arrived in Port Harcourt, it went to Zenith Bank to deliver the aspect of money owned by the bank.

“According to the complainant, the soldiers disembarked and left after discharging cash at Zenith bank. Now, it remained the money for Stanbic IBTC bank and the driver alone. Consequently, the driver absconded with the vehicle and the money.

“On July the 11th useful intelligence was received by me that a Ford Explorer was parked at the premises of a supermarket, Everyday Supermaket in GRA. The vehicle was opened and the amount recovered is sixty million, two hundred and fifty thousand naira only (N60,250,000).

“The driver of the bullion van and complainant are on the run. I can assure you that investigations are still on and we are making efforts to get them.”

Governor Rochas Okorocha read the riot act yesterday when the Imo State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, played host to him at the Press Centre, Owerri. “The judiciary workers in the state have been on strike for several weeks now. I want to warn them immediately that this administration will now adopt the policy of no work, no pay for as long as they fail to return to work.
Okorocha said “I will use their salaries for the development of the state”.

Addressing the protests engineered by the demolition of people’s homes and business outfits in and around Owerri municipality, Okorocha vowed to continue with what his administration was doing. “I am looking ahead for the state. I am not deterred by the protests or what people say or write in the papers about this administration. People can say what they like, while I will continue to do what I think best for the state,” the governor warned. Answering a question on the proposed relocation of the Owerri Main Market, Governor Okorocha said he would not go back on the plan. “That market will be relocated to Egbeada. I know Vanguard will not like this proposal but it is a programme that must be accomplished,” Okorocha said.

The Chief Whip of the house and Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee investigating housing projects in the state, Mr. Chike Ogiji gave the warning yesterday in Abakaliki.

According to him, if the companies and contractors including Nkwegu who is the CEO of Edon Nig. Ltd to appear before the committee on Thursday they be arrested.

Also risking possible arrest is the former Commissioner for Education, Chibueze Agbo and his Father Eze Chibueze Agbo, Traditional Ruler of Mgbo Community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area as their company Eze Chibueze Agbo and sons was also listed as possible defaulters.

The contractors include; JMK Construction company Ltd, Costain W.A, Aguiyi Nig. Ltd, Phinotech Nig. Lt, and Angele Standard Ltd, Zim Engineering Ltd, Eze Chibueze Agbo and son, Namik construction Commerce Ltd, Fred Technical Ltd.

Others includes; CAT Construction Group, Danesworth International Ltd, WATA Construction Ltd andTonimann Integrated Ltd.

He said the need for the warrant was to fulfil the constitutional powers of the House of Assembly to conduct investigations into the conduct of affairs of any person, authority, ministry or government departments as reflected in section 128 subsection 1Bof the 1999 constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria as Amended.

Ogiji further cited section 129 subsection 1B which stipulated that “an issue of warrant to compel the attendance of any person, who after having been summoned to attend, fail, refuses or neglects to do so and does not excuse such failure, refusal or neglect to the satisfaction of the House of Assembly or committees, and order him to pay all costs which may have been occasioned in compelling his attendance or by any reason of his failure, refusal or neglect to obey the summons shall be recoverable in the same manner as a fine imposed by a court of law”.

He noted that the House of Assembly will do everything within its ambit of powers to compel the companies to respect and obey the rule of law and at the same time be accountable for their stewardship to the state during the time of their enlistment.

Reacting, Mr Agbo said the Company has always sent representatives to the house anytime the company was summoned.

He said:”We are partners in progress with government and hence cannot refuse to appear. Anytime they call on us we will appear”.

“The House is doing its lawful duties and we don’t have any problem with them. We will appear on the said date”, he added.

Efforts to reach Mr Edward Nkwegu were not successful as he did not take repeated calls to his phone.

Klopp: I told Balotelli he must leave Liverpool


Jurgen Klopp has told Mario Balotelli he needs to leave Liverpool, but hopes to help him rediscover his best form beforehand.

Balotelli joined Liverpool from AC Milan in 2014 but, after scoring just one Premier League goal in 16 appearances in his first season at the club, he was sent back to San Siro on loan the following year.

The 25-year-old managed just to find the net just once in Serie A last term, though he missed more than three months with a groin injury, and Klopp does not see a future for him at Anfield.

However, the German hopes to help build Balotelli’s confidence back up before sending him to a club where he can be a leading figure.

“Since he has been back here, he’s been a good guy and I can’t say anything different than that,” said Klopp.

“Everything’s been good, it’s all okay. And now he’s here, we will do everything we can to get him fit.

“We want Mario to become the player he was before his injury. The talent is still there – no doubt about it

“When we have done the crossing, heading and stuff, he’s been world class. But this is not a situation where he should be battling with other players like this for one position so it’s clear we need a solution.

“There will be a club around who would be happy to have a new Mario Balotelli, if you like. I have spoken clearly to the player about that.

“It’s now time to make decisions and I try to help Mario to get in the best shape he can be in and we will see what happens.”

Balotelli, who made 16 league appearances for Liverpool in the 2014-15 campaign before being sent on loan last term, is contracted to the club until June 2018.


Willian signs new four-year Chelsea contract


Chelsea midfielder Willian has signed a new four-year contract, extending his stay at Stamford Bridge until 2020.

The Blues have already signed Michy Batshuayi this summer but the Brazilian’s new deal is Antonio Conte’s first major act since he formally took charge on Monday following Italy’s elimination from Euro 2016.

Willian was Chelsea’s standout performer during an otherwise underwhelming 2015-16 season for the dethroned Premier League champions and received the club’s Player and Players’ Player of the Year awards.

I’m very happy to sign a new contract with Chelsea,” he told the club’s official website. “It’s a dream to continue with this club and over the next four years I will try to help the team win more trophies.

“It’s been an amazing time for me since I joined the club three years ago, I’ve won titles and last season I was named Chelsea Player of the Year.

“I hope to be able to stay at that level during the coming seasons and achieve more success.”


Neymar: I was afraid when I first saw Messi & Barca’s stars


Neymar has admitted he was slightly overwhelmed by the presence of Lionel Messi and his teammates ahead of his Barcelona debut.

The Brazil international joined Barca from Santos in June 2013 and has since developed into one of the Catalans’ undisputed stars.

But Neymar needed some time to adapt to his new surroundings, with compatriot Dani Alves in particular helping him feel at home in Spain.

“I was afraid when I saw Messi and the others before my first Barcelona game,” Neymar told TV Globo.

“I got into the dressing room and Messi, Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta, [Gerard] Pique and Dani Alves were all there. These guys were my idols.

“It was almost as if I was playing on the Playstation. It was very difficult in the beginning.

“Dani Alves was fundamental for me when I came to Barcelona to help me adapt and become what I am now.

“I have a lot of time for him and for what he did for me at Barcelona.”


Sissoko unhappy with Newcastle asking price


Moussa Sissoko is unhappy with Newcastle United’s reluctance to allow him to leave the club ahead of the 2016-17 campaign, according to his representative.

The France international impressed at Euro 2016 and has been linked with a number of clubs following the Magpies’ relegation to the Championship.

Newcastle have no intention of letting him go on the cheap, though, and have reportedly set an asking price in the region of £35 million for the 26-year-old, despite an earlier promise that Sissoko could leave for about half that fee.

We do not understand Newcastle. We agreed last year that Moussa would stay for one more year to help the team. He has given his all for the club,” the midfielder’s representative told Foot Mercato.

“We never even talked about a higher asking price. The club always said they would allow Moussa to leave for a fee between €18 million and €25m.

“We hope Rafa Benitez and Newcastle will be more reasonable again so we can resolve Moussa’s future. He has always been loyal and respectful toward the club.

here are clubs that have approached us and Newcastle. We hope everything goes well.”

A final year student of the University of Ilorin, John Paul Usman accidentally drowned over the weekend at Virginia’s Cascade Falls in the United States.

The youth achiever and president of the UNESCO Clubs in Nigeria will be missed by many friends and colleagues who are still in shock over his sudden demise.

Tributes and messages of condolence have flooded his Facebook and Twitter pages.

The 23 year-old was selected for the 2016 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, a flagship programme of President Obama, among a thousand young Africans who have established records of accomplishment in promoting innovation and positive change in their organisations, institutions, communities, and countries.

He joined 25 other fellows from 21 countries early this month in the United States by the Virginia Polytechnic University for a six-week intensive civic leadership training course at the university’s Language and Culture Institute.

According to local media reports: “On Saturday, John Paul Usman went on a hike among 18 fellows accompanied by two university staff members towards the 66-foot waterfall near the university.

“He fell into the water and after he was retrieved, bystanders performed CPR on him for about 30 minutes before his death.”

Don Back, the director of the Institute where Usman was studying said in a statement released by the University: “Our thoughts are with John Paul’s family in this difficult time. We are devastated by this tragic event.”

The United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria as well as the fellowship programme released statements mourning his death and extending condolences to his family.

The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders said on their Facebook page: “John Paul is remembered fondly by the other Mandela Washington Fellows from his native Nigeria and at Virginia Tech, and he leaves behind a legacy of servant leadership and a strong commitment to community service.”

Justice W. Abali of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, NICN, sitting in Awka will on October 25, 2016, deliver ruling as to whether the 235 workers laid off without sack letters, were engaged by oil and gas major, Chevron Nigeria Limited or four of the company’s contracting firms: JOCECO Nigeria Limited, PatOnosen Nigeria Enterprises Limited, Sanco Calaya JV Nigeria Limited and Hensteel Engr & Construction Services Limited.

The NICN arrived at the date after entertaining arguments from the counsel to Chevron, Akpomudje Albert, SAN and lawyer to the 235 aggrieved workers, Chief V. Otomiewo.

While lawyer to Chevron contended that the claimants’ case against Chevron was weak for the reason that working in Chevron yard does not make them (235 workers) Chevron staff, lawyer to the sacked workers insisted that the argument of Chevron lacks merit, noting that correspondences/agreements authenticating the workers’ engagements between the 1st to 4th defendants (the contracting firms) were with Chevron.

The claimants’ lawyer further argued that the entitlements of the 235 workers were in Chevron’s possession and urged the court to order Chevron to release their financial entitlements totaling N100 million.

The sacked workers, who had put up claims that Chevron recruited them and sublet them to the contractors to pay them, had gone to court in 2015 asking the judge to award a total sum to the tune of N100 million as compensation/damages for an alleged breach of contract.

The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu has directed all tertiary institutions that charged a levy before conducting post-UTME examinations to immediately refund money taken from affected candidates.

Malam Adamu also declared that post-UTME examinations already taken are null and void; threatening that any institution caught still conducting the examination under any guise would be sanctioned.

The Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, Ben Bem Goong, issued a statement yesterday on behalf of the minister, noting from the ministry's position that post-UTME examinations have been cancelled with immediate effect and no institution should conduct such examinations.

“It said that once the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has certified a candidate worthy of admission into any of the tertiary institutions, that candidate must be deemed fit by the institution,” Goong explained.

The statement reads: “Students, who had already been offered admission by JAMB, may be screened by the institutions but this must not involve the conduct of any other entry examination. The candidates can be screened by verifying their certificates but not through the conduct of examinations.”

“It is unnecessary to subject students to further examinations when they have been offered examinations by JAMB since they will still have to go through such between eight or 12 semester examinations throughout their four to six years study in the institutions.”

Therefore, the minister directed the National Universities Commission (NUC) and appropriate departments in the ministry to communicate the directive to relevant agencies and institutions to ensure strict compliance.

“Those who have already advertised for the conduct of the post-UTME under any guise should stop the exercise immediately as any university caught conducting post-UTME will face appropriate sanctions. If any tertiary institution has already conducted post-UTME, such an exercise stands annulled and money taken from such candidates must be refunded immediately.”

The Court of Appeal in Lagos on Tuesday struck out the three pending appeals filed by Ecobank, against the ruling of a Federal High Court in Lagos, over alleged indebtedness of Honeywell Plc to the bank.

The Appeal Court had in a judgement delivered on March 30, set aside the ex parte orders by the Federal High Court in favour of Ecobank and described it as injudicious.

However, Ecobank filed a motion for injunctions pending appeal with a view to preventing Honeywell from taking full advantage of the judgement delivered in its (Honeywell’s) favour by the Appeal Court.

Honeywell also filed a counter affidavit in response to the motions for injunctions filed by Ecobank.

At the hearing of the appeal yesterday, Ecobank lawyer Mr O O Kushimo informed the court of a notice of withdrawal filed by the bank.

Also, lawyer to Honeywell Bode Olanipekun did not object to the withdrawal.

Consequently, the appellate court presided over by Justice Sidi Bage struck out Ecobank’s motion for injunction pending appeal in suit no: CA/L/1247/2015, dated March 31, 2016, Ecobank’s motion for stay of proceedings in suit no: CA/L/1270/2015, dated April 1, 2016; and Ecobank’s motion for stay of proceedings in suit no: CA/L/65/2016, also dated April 1, 2016, respectively.

But the decision of the Court of Appeal to strike out all Ecobank’s applications is to the effect that Ecobank cannot restrict Honeywell’s related businesses.

It will be recalled that the Federal High Court of Lagos, through a judgement by Justice Jude Dagat, delivered yesterday 27th June 2016, also struck out Ecobank’s petitions against Honeywell and its sister companies in a related matter.

Justice Dagat noted that a court faced with winding up application must first determine if the petition was brought in good faith.

The judge stated that Ecobank was aware that Honeywell had challenged the alleged debt and instituted a suit before a sister court presided over by Justice Mohammed Idris, who ruled that parties should maintain status quo antenna bellum.

The court held that despite these orders, Ecobank started its forum shopping by filing winding up petitions against Honeywell.

Justice Dagat stated that since the matter pending before Justice Idris is premised on the same facts as in the petition filed by the bank, there is an established abuse of the orders of Justice Idris regarding maintenance of status quo ante bellum.

Former Nigerian Ambassador to Canada, Chief Ojo Madueke passed on in Abuja Wednesday evening after he collapsed at the Abuja Airport on his way from the United States of America.

Madueke, who arrived Nigeria after attending the graduation ceremony of a relation, was billed to celebrate his wife's 70th birthday on Friday July 1.

The Senator representing Abia South, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, confirmed that Madueke collapsed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja having arrived from the US and that he was rushed to the Turkish Hospital in Abuja where he gave up the ghost.

He was, in April, appointed the Secretary of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Chairman of PDP's BoT, Senator Walid Jibril, expresed shock and disbelief at the news adding that he had not been officially informed of the development. He said he was currently in Saudi Arabia to observe Hadj.

Madueke had served as Nigeria's Minister of Transport under former President Olusegun Obasanjo and later as National Secretary of the POD before being posted to Canada as Nigeria's Ambassador.

One of Africa’s finest novelists, poets and dramatists, Captain Elechi Amadi died Wednesday at the Good Heart hospital in Port Harcourt at the age of 82.

The late Captain Elechi Amadi was among the first generation of African writers and novelists to emerge from Nigeria. Some of his works include The Concubine, The Great Ponds, Isiburu, Sunset in Biafra, Dance of Johannesburg, Peppersoup, The Road to Ibadan, The Slave , Estrangement and the Woman of Calabar.

He celebrated his 80th birthday in Port Harcourt, in 2014 releasing a souvenir edition of one of his plays, Isiburu to mark his 80th birthday.

Elechi Amadi was born on May 12, 1934 in Aluu community, Ikwerre local government area. He attended Government College, Umuahia and went to the University College, Ibadan (now University of Ibadan), where he bagged a BSc degree in Physics and Mathematics. He served in the 3rd Marine Commandos of the Nigerian Army.

He was first Commissioner for Education in the old Rivers state and also served as Commissioner for Lands and Housing He had several honours to his credit. He was Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Education and a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

According to an exclusive report by SaharaReporters, self-proclaimed common-sense Senator, Ben Murray-Bruce may have illegally diverted a loan he obtained from Union Bank to purchase a posh property in Beverly Hills, California in 2007.

The investigative report further revealed that several banking sources in Nigeria disclosed that the N11 billion-loan Ben Bruce took out from Union Bank around 2007 was supposed to be used to construct the Abuja Entertainment Centre.

According to the sources, instead of using the loan to fund his Nigerian business operations, the senator diverted it to purchase an opulent property in the Beverly Hills area of Los Angeles and London.

The publication further disclosed that the Los Angeles County Property Assessor’s Office, the Real Estate Records office, and the Special Investigation unit confirmed that the Nigerian senator from Bayelsa State purchased a property on August 6th, 2007 and remains the owner.

The address is 605 North Camden Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.

A public records search, also confirmed by municipal employees in Los Angeles County, assessed the value of Senator Murray-Bruce’s land at $3.1 million. The value of the mansion and other structures at the property was estimated at no less than $795,000.

The senator’s Beverly Hills swanky property has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a swimming pool and is estimated to be at least 2,777 square feet. Assessments of real estate platforms show that the property is worth $5 million as of today.

A bond receipt document that confirmed Ben Bruce’s ties to the property has been obtained.

The document also listed Stella Albright as having a connection to the property. A public records search of Mrs. Albright found that she was a board member of a company, Dream Magic Studios LLC, alongside Ben Bruce.

Recall that the outspoken Bayelsa Senator has been in the spotlight lately after the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) on June 23, 2016 seized several of his Silverbird media companies for failing to make payments on billions of naira in loans.



Credit: Sahara Reporters

The trial of Azibaola Robert, a cousin to the former President, Goodluck Jonathan began on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, presenting its first witness, PW1, Ibrahim Mahe who gave account of how he transferred $40million to ‘One Plus Holdings Nig Ltd’, a company allegedly owned by Robert.

Robert and his wife, Stella Robert are standing trial on a 7-count charge before Justice Nnamdi O. Dimgba of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja for money laundering, criminal breach of trust and corruption.

Mahe, a retired permanent secretary, special services, in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, while being led in evidence by counsel to EFCC, Sylvanus Tahir, told the court that he did not know the first and second defendants (Robert and Stella), but got to know the third defendant, One Plus Company through a transaction.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi might never play for Argentina again, after Sunday night's Copa America final loss to Chile.

Argentina lost 4-2 on penalties to Chile after a 0-0 draw in MetLife Stadium, on Sunday, June 26 and an emotional Messi said after the match, about his career with the national team, "My thinking right now and thinking about it in the locker room, I'm done playing with the national team," he told a group of reporters.

Asked if he were retiring, the 29-year old said, "I tried my hardest. It's been four finals, and I was not able to win. I tried everything possible. It hurts me more than anyone, but it is evident that this is not for me. I want more than anyone to win a title with the national team, but unfortunately, it did not happen."

Messi, who lost the 2014 World Cup final and three Copa America finals while playing for Argentina, was then asked if he would wear his country's shirt again.

"I don't think so," he said. "I've thought about it. Like I said earlier, I tried everything possible to win. And that's it. It's four finals lost."

Now that Messi has gone on record with his intention to end his international career, several of his long-time international colleagues could follow.

Messi, who made his senior international debut in 2005, is his country's all-time top scorer, with 55 goals from 113 appearances. He rocked his teammates with the news, with goalkeeper Sergio Romero saying the No. 10 might have made a hasty decision.

"I think that Leo spoke in the heat of the moment because a good opportunity passed us by," Romero said. "I can't imagine the national team without Messi."

The news comes off the back of Messi's criticising the Argentine football federation (AFA) ahead of the final and revealing in a news conference on Friday that he had a backlog of complaints with the AFA.

Argentina manager Gerardo Martino, who had not heard about Messi's retirement when he spoke to the press after the match, urged his entire squad to continue playing for the Albiceleste despite their frustrations with the AFA.

"My impression is that they don't have any reason not to continue," Martino said. "We're in the middle of a very difficult World Cup qualification, which will continue in September. Besides, they've done well. They don't have too much to scold themselves over.

"Regarding the political situation, there's not much to say. It's the same situation that's been going on for the last six months. The result doesn't change our view of these past six months or the problems that may have arisen."

"There is a political matter here that has to do with those in charge of the destiny of Argentine football at the moment and those who aspire to do so," Martino continued. "None of this has had any impact on us or can be used as an excuse, because we reached the final, and we should've won it.

"Messi is the way any footballer must be when he gets to the final and then loses. Certainly, to lose again is too painful to assume a posture that's any different than that, either on the field or in the dressing room."

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, to vacate office immediately for submitting false information to his party, the Peoples’ Democratic Party, for the party’s governorship primary in December 2014.

Justice Okon Abang in a judgment on Monday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to immediately issue a certificate of return to the plaintiff, Uche Ogah, who polled the second highest number of votes in the primary.

Except for any last minute change, the striking resident doctors are expected back to their duty posts today.

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) took a decision to suspended its on-going nationwide indefinite strike and is poised to resume work Monday, June 27, 2016.

According to a communique made available at the end of an extraordinary national executive council meeting which was held at the trauma centre of the National Hospital, Abuja , the association's president, Dr. Muhammad Adamu Askira, explained that the decision was to enable the government to implement the agreements reached within the agreed time frame.

Askira added that the association will review the progress of the intervention, at the July NEC scheduled for July 25-30.

According to him, “In view of the genuine intervention of the Hon. Speaker and other key stakeholders, NARD hereby suspends the on-going nationwide indefinite strike action so as to enable the government to implement the agreements reached within the agreed time frame on or before 14th July 2016.

“Work will resume from Monday 27th June 2016 at 8:am."

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has frozen the five bank accounts linked to the former deputy governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, together with the two sons of the former minister of state of defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro.

It was learnt that the anti-graft agency blocked the accounts as part of investigations into the N4.7bn allegedly diverted from the impress account of the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA when Sambo Dasuki held sway.

The seized accounts are; Sylvan McNamara with Diamond Bank; Sawanara Limited with First Bank; Fimex Gilt Limited with the United Bank for Africa; and Metropolitan Consortium with First Bank.

It was also learnt that Sylvan McNamara, a company which Obanikoro’s two sons, Gbolahan, and Babajide were directors, allegedly received N4.7bn from the ONSA in 2014, while about N1.3bn was said to have been transferred to Omisore.

According to the anti-graft agency, “On July 9, 2014, N150m was paid into the account of Sawanara Limited with First Bank. On August 1, 2014, N300m was paid to Sawanara Limited.

“On August 8, 2014, about N160m was paid into the account of Fimex Gilt Limited domiciled with UBA. On the day of the election, August 9, 2014, N350m was paid into the First Bank account of Metropolitan Consortium. All the accounts were linked to Omisore ahead of the August 2014 governorship election in Osun State.”

Omisore has since refuted the allegation and had equally filed a defamation suit against the EFCC.

The multi-talented Nigerian singer, 2Baba, Innocent Idibia joins the league of music legends whose works will be showcased today, June 24, 2016, at the prestigious Grammy Award Museum in New York.

The Black Entertainment Television launched the Sounds of Africa exhibition with the Grammy museum, and is featuring works by African artistes for the first time.

Grammy Museum was launched in 2008 during the 50th Grammy Awards’ anniversary, and is devoted to educating the public on the history of Grammy winners. Their exhibition features collection of works by featured artistes, hand-written lyrics, records, and audio/video recordings.

Some of the stars whose works had previously been exhibited include Rihanna, Bob Marley, Whitney Houston and more.

The ‘Sounds of Africa’ exhibition includes works of 2Baba and other veterans like Angelique Kidjo, Salif Keita, Mafikizolo.

This exhibition is also dedicated to only Africans who have previously won the BET or Grammy Awards for their “creative process as well as the art/technology of their recording process.”

Ekiti State governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, begged Zenith Bank Plc to save him when he discovered that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was closing in on him.

The EFCC, on Monday, froze two personal accounts of the governor and one belonging to his company, Spotless Investments, in the course of its investigations into N4.7billion Fayose allegedly received from the Office of the National Security Adviser during his election campaign in 2014.

Fayose has since denied receiving any money, claiming it was Zenith Bank that majorly funded his campaign.

Justice Osagie Obaseki of the Lagos division of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, NICN, has ordered a trial on the suit filed by a former staff of Newswatch Times Limited (formerly known as Newswatch Newspapers Limited), Iwuchukwu Francis, against the media organisation.

The judge also directed that service of hearing notice and originating summons be served on Newswatch Times Limited.

The court took the decision after it discovered that the media outfit refused to file its defence on the matter, and having confirmed that the media outfit owned by the self-acclaimed billionaire businessman, Jimoh Ibrahim was properly served.

Justice Obaseki consequently fixed December 1, 2016, for trial to commence on the suit.

The claimant had dragged Newswatch Times Limited to the court over the failure of the media outfit to pay his seven (7) months’ salary.

The suit dated March 22, 2016, is designated NICN/LA/200/2016, and filed by his lawyer, A.O Omodele.

In his Statement of Fact before the court, Francis claimed that he was employed through a letter of appointment dated October 1, 2012, by the defendant.

The claimant added that "The defendant trickily did not issue a letter of confirmation of appointment to the claimant after being qualified for same despite constant demands for it.

"All he was told at the registry of the defendant is you have been employed, carry on with your work.

"That upon noticing the lackadaisical attitude of the management of the defendant particularly none payment of outstanding salaries and other issues connected thereto, the claimant, in line with employment law tendered its letter of resignation dated 28/05/2015.

"That despite the constant visit and demand for the outstanding salaries of the claimant from the defendant, the latter refused and/or neglected to pay same which prompted the claimant counsel, Yemi Omodele (Esq) to write a letter dated 17/08/2015 to the defendant demanding for the payment of all outstanding salaries of the claimant.

"That the defendant claimed that it deducted some money and remit it to Lead way Pensure Limited, which it did not do. The claimant visited the office of the Leadway Pensure Limited wherein retirement savings account statement was printed and given to him showing that the defendant did not pay a kobo to the said company.

"That the defendant's action is fraudulent and an intention to dupe the claimant herein.

"That the claimant suffered a lot of loss due to none payment of his outstanding salaries by the defendant."

The former Newswatch staff is consequently asking the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, to issue, "A declaration that the claimant is entitled to be paid salaries for the months of October, November, December 2014; January, February, March and April 2015 by the defendant.

"A declaration that the none payment of the October, November, December 2014; January, February, March and April 2015 salaries by the defendant to the claimant amounts to a breach of trust and intention to dupe the claimant.

"An order of this honourable court directing the defendant, its servants, agents and/or privies to pay forthwith the sum of N700, 000.00 (Seven Hundred Thousand Naira) only to the claimant being salaries for the months of October, November, December 2014; January, February, March and April, 2015 owed the defendant.

"An order of this honourable court directing the defendant, its servants, agents and/or privies to pay 21 percent interest on the sum of N700, 000.00 (Seven Hundred Thousand Naira) only to the claimant from May 1, 2015, till judgement is delivered and executed."

According to reports, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea has promoted his son Teodorin Nguema Obiang to the position of Vice President.

This was announced on Wednesday via the state television news platform; it says: “In accordance with the Basic Law of Equatorial Guinea, I appoint his Excellency Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue Vice President of the Republic.”

Foremost faith and prosperity preachers Kenneth and Gloria Copeland have accepted an invitation by the presumotive nominee of the Republican Party, Donald Trump to join The Faith & Culture National Advisory Board he is forming.

This was released in a statement on Thursday by the Copelands’ on the ministry’s website.

According to the statement the acceptance to the Advisory board should not be considered as a “political endorsement” for Donald Trump but as an opportunity to “speak intelligently” on issues with “strong biblical perspectives”.

“Kenneth and Gloria Copeland have accepted an invitation to be a part of The Faith & Culture National Advisory Board that presidential candidate Donald Trump is forming.

“By accepting this invitation, the Copelands have the opportunity to be valuable contributors to conversations surrounding important issues relating to faith and culture that could shape the future of our nation.

“With a solid Christian worldview from almost 50 years of teaching the Word of God, the Copelands will speak intelligently into the issues at hand and present strong Biblical perspectives.

In addition, this is an occasion for them to share their faith with Mr. Trump and influential members of the board.

“This presents a wonderful opportunity to further the Christian faith in our political process, and Kenneth and Gloria Copeland are honoured to be included.

“Advising a presidential candidate, or even a sitting president, is not a political endorsement; therefore, the Copelands’ participation on this board should not be considered an endorsement of Mr. Trump for president.

“Please join Kenneth, Gloria and the entire Kenneth Copeland Ministries staff in praying according to 1 Timothy 2: 1-4:

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

“And remember…Jesus is Lord!”

The Nigerian Army has said that it will investigate and track down those behind insinuations that some of its officers had approached members of a Niger Delta militant group for support to carry out a coup against the government.

The spokesman of the Army, Colonel Sani Usman denied the ploy in a statement released on Thursday saying the allegation was “baseless and unfortunate” and a “dangerous” speculation.

“The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to another campaign of calumny and distraction by faceless criminal gang of economic saboteurs that hide under the aegis of Joint Niger Delta Liberation Force (JNDLF) alleging that some officers of the Nigerian Army approached them for support to overthrow our duly elected present democratic government.

“This is baseless and most unfortunate allegation that existed in the warped minds of the originators of such weighty allegation. The Nigerian Army wish to state that this is not true and hereby distanced itself from this weighty allegation.

“We also see this speculation as a dangerous distraction to our effort in fighting insurgency and other criminal elements in the country.

“The Nigerian Army would like to send a strong and an unequivocal warning to those speculating a coup by the Nigerian Army (NA) against the Government to desist forthwith. We would like state in clear terms that that we are a product of democracy and a focused professional institution and would have nothing to do with such abomination and heinous crime.

“We wish to state further that the NA is the greatest beneficiary of democracy and therefore cannot ever contemplate any anti-democratic misadventure, certainly not under the command of the present Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai. Rather, we see this type of dangerous speculation as a declaration of war to destabilise the present government by these unscrupulous elements.

“The Nigerian Army is investigating those behind the dangerous insinuation in order to unravel the real motive behind it.

“We would like to reiterate our unalloyed loyalty to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and defence of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We would also like to reaffirm our unconditional support and obedience to civil authority.

“We wish to further assure Nigerians and indeed all peace loving people that the Nigerian Army and indeed its personnel will never be involved in such terrible misadventure.

“We wish to further add that no matter how long it takes, we would track and find out those behind these insinuations and bring them to justice.”

The nation has witnessed nine different coups and attempted coups since it became politically independent in 1960.

The last successful coup occurred in November 1993 when the late Gen. Sani Abacha toppled Chief Ernest Shonekan’s transitional government in a bloodless takeover.

Mr Ayodele Fayose, the governor of Ogun state has revealed how his election was funded two years ago by the Zenith Bank Plc, fund raising, donations from friends and associates, as well as, sales of campaign souvenirs.

Fayose disclosed: “I have no financial transaction whatsoever with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) under Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd) and former minister of state for defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro either by cash, cheque or electronic transfer.”

The governor challenged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC in a statement released on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 and signed by his chief press secretary, Idowu Adelusi, to publish statements made by Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, his son or any other person associated with money from the NSA office where they claimed they gave him money for the election.

“EFCC is only acting a movie scripted, produced and directed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) government of President Muhammadu Buhari just to silence me being a major opposition voice in the country,” the governor said.

He asserts: “The management of Zenith Bank, which majorly funded my election, called me to a meeting where I was assured that fund will be provided for my election. I was asked to nominate a trusted ally to be related with and I nominated Mr Abiodun Agbele.

“All the payments into Abiodun Agbele’s account domiciled in Zenith Bank were directly from Zenith Bank. In actual fact, the account was opened by Zenith Bank hurriedly at that time and Abiodun Agbele’s identity card which ought to have been collected before the account was opened was only collected last week in the bank’s desperation to perfect the account obviously after submitting to the intimidation and harassment of the EFCC.

“Most of the funds posted into Agbele’s account were through the Ibadan, Akure, and Lagos branches of the Zenith Bank and sometimes; they brought cash.

“Assuming but not conceding that cash moved from Lagos to Akure as being claimed by the EFCC in its usual manner of media trial, was meant for my election in Ekiti, why was the cash not moved to Ado Ekiti branch of Zenith Bank or the cash handed to me directly?

“Why was it deposited into Zenith Bank, Akure and did the bank make any report on the transaction to the appropriate authorities? Why did the bank send its bullion van to move the money from Akure Airport to their Akure branch if it was illegal money?

“I must say it categorically that I don’t have any link financially with Obanikoro and I know as a fact that he (Obanikoro) has not; and cannot mention my name, as beneficiary of whatever money any company in which he has interest in could have gotten from the ONSA if truly Obanikoro collected money from the ONSA as being claimed by the EFCC.

“Therefore, bringing Obanikoro and his son’s narrative or that the Zenith Bank is telling different stories, having been blackmailed and coerced into submission by the EFCC is a joke that will not fly.

“I wish to state further that if it becomes evidently clear that those who willingly provided money for my election can no longer stand by what did, may be because of threat from the EFCC, I will not hesitate to name names.”

Fayose equally challenged the EFCC to also beam its searchlights on the funding of APC elections, especially that of President Buhari. “Since we are now in the era in which financial assistance from Nigerians to fund elections is being criminalised, the international community, especially those funding EFCC must insist that the commission probes the funding of APC elections before further funds are released to the commission,” Fayose maintained.

“Most importantly, Nigerians are interested in the $60 million allegedly donated to the APC campaign by Sahara Energy, on which EFCC has been forced to suspend investigation.

“What they are doing now is part of their grand plots to intimidate and harass me into submission but I am not someone that can be cowed by threats of incarceration and death.

“I advise that they should keep their gun pounder dry and wait till the end of my tenure in 2018 and I want to assure them that I will be available to answer any of their questions, no matter how unreasonable.

“Furthermore, Nigerians should know that I have been persecuted by the EFCC before, using phantom N1.2 billion poultry scam and I came out victorious. I was not only acquitted, I got N10 million judgment against the EFCC and my impeachment that was orchestrated by the EFCC was quashed by the Supreme Court.

“Nigerians should recall that it was part of this plot to get back at me because of my critical stance on Buhari’s government that the Ekiti State House of Assembly was invaded by men of the Department of State Service (DSS), placement of travel ban on me and lately, illegal frozen of my account by the EFCC.

“I therefore make bold to state that in the overall interest of democracy and well-being of Nigerians, I will continue to speak my mind on issues bordering on governance in Nigeria. I will not be intimidated!”

Ooni of Ife, yesterday, caused major panic at the Smithsonian Museum of African Art, this was due to the traditional rites being performed in his honour; but mistaken for a fire outbreak.

The Ooni who is on a tour of the USA, has had different ceremonies performed in his honour at every city he visited. However, no accidents occurred at the ceremony as the thunder god, Sango, spit fire which alerted fire fighters to the venue.

A Federal Capital Territory High Court today officially served the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and the Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu with charges of criminal conspiracy and forgery. Mr Saraki and Mr Ekweremadu are accused of forging the Senate Standing Rules 2015.

The charges were pasted on the notice boards of the two presiding officers of the Senate at the National Assembly on Tuesday by a court bailiff.

Lionel Messi became Argentina's all-time record goal-scorer as the two-time world champions outclassed USA 4-0 to reach the Copa America Centenario final.

Messi achieved the feat as he curled in a magnificent 32nd-minute free-kick to take his total to 55 goals.

The five-time world player of the year has now scored five goals in this Copa America as he aims to lead Argentina to their first major title in 23 years.

The Barcelona forward was also the chief architect as he created Argentina's opening goal for Ezequiel Lavezzi and was involved in the build-up for their third, scored by Gonzalo Higuain in the 50th minute. Messi then assisted for Higuain's second four minutes from time.

"We've been playing well from day one and we deserve to be in the final," Messi said.

Messi, who has now surpassed Gabriel Batistuta's 54 goals, added: "I'm happy to have the record, and I'm happy to play with the teammates that have made it possible. I owe it to them."

Argentina will now face either Chile or Colombia in Sunday's final at East Rutherford, New Jersey - their third major final in three years after reaching the finals of the 2015 Copa America and 2014 World Cup.

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed an Assistant Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Kpotun Idris, from Niger State, as the new acting Inspector General, the News Agency of Nigeria has reported.

Mr. Idris’ appointment follows the retirement of Mr Solomon Arase who attains the compulsory retirement age of 60.

Mr Idris was the AIG in charge of operations at the force headquarters, Abuja.

The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Sunday raised the alarm over alleged plots by the President Muhammadu Buhari's led presidency to muzzle the legislature and force leadership change in the National Assembly.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, who raised the alarm said, “Our democracy is in danger and that the attempt by the Executive Arm of the Federal Government to muzzle the legislature and criminalise legislative processes in order to cause leadership change in the National Assembly is a return to the era of impunity and lack of respect for due process which we all fought to abolish.

"The plot is clearly a coup against the legislature with the ignoble aim to undermine its independence and subject the law making institution to the whims and caprices of the executive. It is a plan to return Nigeria to the dictatorial era which we have, as a nation, voted to reject."

The statement read:

Forgery Case, An Unconstitutional Violation of the Principles of Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances.

After reading in the national newspapers and online platforms of the planned charges of forgery and conspiracy preferred against the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, his Deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, immediate past Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa and the Clerk of the Senate, Mr. Ben Efeturi and reviewing the circumstances leading to the filing of these charges, we are compelled to alert the good people of Nigeria and the international community, that our democracy is in danger and that the attempt by the Executive Arm of the Federal Government to muzzle the legislature and criminalise legislative processes in order to cause leadership change in the National Assembly is a return to the era of impunity and lack of respect for due process which we all fought to abolish.

We urge President Muhammadu Buhari to please call his Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, to order. The Senate of the Federal Republic voted freely to elect its leadership into office and continuing attempts to change that leadership through the wanton abuse of judicial processes cannot stand in the eyes of the world.

It is clear that the Attorney General and party leaders behind this action either lack the understanding of the underlining principles of constitutional democracy, the concept of Separation of Powers, checks and balances and parliamentary convention or they just simply do not care if the present democracy in the country survives or collapses in their blinded determination to get Saraki and Ekweremadu by all means necessary, including abuse of office and sacking the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Nigerian people have enough economic hardship at this time requiring the full attention and cooperation of the three arms of government, instead of these attempts to distract and politicise governance.

We are in a state of economic emergency such that what the National Assembly needs at this time are executive bills and proposals aimed at resolving the crises of unemployment, currency depreciation, inflation, crime, and insecurity.

What the National Assembly needs now are executive bills to build and strengthen institutions to earn revenues, fight corruption and eliminate waste.

Instead, we are getting hostile actions aimed at destabilizing the National Assembly, distracting Senators from their oversight functions and ensuring good and accountable governance.

We must make it clear here to the individuals in the Executive arm and party leadership behind these plots not to mistake the maturity and hand of cooperation being extended to the Presidency by the legislature as a sign of weakness.

The National Assembly bent backward to accommodate various infractions and inefficiencies in pursuit of inter-arms co-operation and national interest. We did not follow up the various infractions because we believe there are bigger issues which the government has to attend to in order to ensure that every Nigerian have food on his table and live comfortably in a secure environment.

We know that the country is actually in a state of economic emergency and all hands must be on deck. This latest plot is directed at forcing a change of leadership in the Senate or, in the extreme case, ground the Red Chamber of the National Assembly. Or how do one interpret a move in which the two presiding officers are being set up to be remanded in Kuje Prison or incapacitated from sitting at plenary through a day-to-day trial on a matter that is purely an internal affair of the Senate?

This obviously is a dangerous case of violation of the independence of the legislature, undue and unnecessary interference in the internal affairs of the Senate and blatant abuse of the judicial process. The matter now being criminalised was brought to the plenary of the Senate in session, over a year ago. And because it had no support, it was overruled and roundly defeated in chambers.

To now take a matter that was resolved on the floor of the Senate to the police and then makes it form the subject of a criminal prosecution of freely elected legislators beats all imagination of free thinking men all over the world.

The implication is that any matter that fails on the floor of the National Assembly will now be taken to the Police, thereby endangering every Senator and House member. This current move clearly runs contrary to the Doctrine of Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances which are fundamental to the successful operation of the Presidential System of government.

It runs counter to the principle outlined by the Supreme Court in the Adesanya Vs Senate case where it was held that nobody should seek to use the courts to achieve what he or she has failed to push through on the floor of the National Assembly.

These present efforts, therefore, is clearly a coup against the legislature with the ignoble aim to undermine its independence and subject the law making institution to the whims and caprices of the executive. It is a plan to return Nigeria to the dictatorial era which we have, as a nation, voted to reject.

It is a dangerous trend with grave implications for the survival of our democracy and the integrity of the component institutions. This rule of men as against the rule of law is also the reason why the War Against Corruption, one of the cardinal objectives of the present administration, is losing credibility because people perceive it to be selective and, in most cases, aimed at settling political or partisan scores.

The Rules of the Senate and how the institution elects its leadership are internal affairs. The Rules of a new Senate are provided by the National Assembly bureaucracy.

It has always been so since 1999. After the inauguration of the Senate, if Senators have objections to any part of the Rules, they can follow the procedure for changing it.

Senators of the Eighth Senate have no control on the rules applied in the elections of June 9, 2015, because until after their inauguration, they were only Senators-elect, and therefore mere bystanders in the affairs of the Senate. We, therefore, urge all Nigerians and the International Community to rise up and condemn this blatant attempt to subject the legislature to the control, whims and caprices of the executive.

If the Legislative branch falls, democracy fails as there will be no other institution empowered by the Constitution to check and balance the enormous powers of the Executive branch.

We also call on the judiciary as the last hope to save our constitutional democracy and stand up for the rule of law, by doing that which is right in this case.

President Muhammadu Buahri on Monday resumed work at his office in the presidential villa.

The president was seen having a hearty moment with his Vice, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

Buhari had been on a 10-day vacation to London to treat an ear infection.