₦airaland Forum

The year 2021 has been a turbulent one for Kaduna state, the tenth largest economy in Nigeria by Gross Domestic Profit (GDP). The state had barely survived the protracted Southern Kaduna crisis with several peace talks last year and the state is supposed to be breathing a fresh air of peace. But how it suddenly became the nerve of banditry and kidnapping in the country in the wake of 2021 remains startling.

The security situation in the state has degenerated greatly but unlike it is seen at the federal level, the state government did not suffer in pretence despite being led by an APC Governor. For every of these malevolent acts, Governor Nasir El-rufai-led administration reminded the federal government of the need to embrace the idea of state policing, proper funding of the existing security agencies amongst other measures.

The government at the centre has failed to heed to these salient interventions and the security breakdown persists nationwide. Sixteen greenfield university students are still missing with promises of securing their release unhurt from both the state and federal governments. Days have run into weeks and no good news yet on the release of the undergraduates from their captors.

It is however unthinkable that the man who has found himself in this quagmire would marshal another revolutionary move in the history of civil service reform in Nigeria at the same time the state is battling gross insecurity. Only an all-rounder like El-Rufai can. He did not allow an aspect of governance to suffer because of another. This exemplary move has taught everyone that the travails of a man should not stop him from progressing.

It is a known fact that Nigeria has an over-bloated workforce. This has been emphasized in past committee reports but what do we get? White papers without implementation. These reports recommending a thorough pruning of the civil service only become useful for research or archival purposes. Now that we have found this excess baggage, shall we continue to ferry a boat knowing fully well that it leads nowhere? 

All over the country, only a few states have a clean sheet when it comes to prompt salary payment. When you mention Lagos and a few oil-rich states, all others are either grappling with salary payment or owing their older citizens’ pensions and gratuities like an irresponsible father. All these culminate to the poverty index that we rant about but Nigerians do not care to know. We found ourselves in this multidimensional poverty as a western newspaper describes it and we simply need a multidimensional approach to rescue ourselves. Therefore, we cannot continue to pretend and subject these issues to debate without actions.

No fewer than seven states in the country have yet to implement the N30,000 minimum wage approved over two years ago. Kano state, which had earlier gone ahead to start paying the approved benchmark later rescinded to the former N18,000 as part of its negotiations with the labour union when it proposed a mass sack.

But the Kaduna state government, which was one of the states to first implement the N30,000 minimum wage, has decided to take the bull by the horn. Rather than resort back to the paltry N18,000, it resolved to lay off redundant civil servants and political appointees.

The state has neither released the modalities for the planned action nor announced the date it will kick start the action when the labour unions began to cry foul. Although dismayed by the reaction of the union leaders, I'm consoled by Albert Einstein's position about the unpopularity of the right things.

The German-born theoretical physicist, widely acknowledged to be one of the greatest physicists of all time, says "What is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right."

The same labour unions that have derided the high cost of governance in Nigeria now wailing about the move to reduce. What an irony! How do you achieve development if a state spends over 80 percent of its revenue on salary payment? What happens to the healthcare system, infrastructure, education and other places in dire need of funds? Should these cogent sectors suffer the nemesis of maintaining an over-bloated workforce?

If these labour unions can objectively provide answers to these questions, they would be concerned about working the modalities out with the state government instead of the pressure being mounted through strike actions to thwart the implementation of the right-but-not-popular idea.

If El-Rufai can scale these hurdles– the brickbats from NLC and other sister unions, and implement this legendary reform, he would have successfully charted the way for other states to follow.

The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), as part of its first cohort of Tertiary Education Grants Scheme, has provided a N1billion grant to the University of Maiduguri towards the development of a Centre for Innovation and Product Development at the UNIMAID Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development (UM-CEED) Complex. This was announced during the presentation of the grant award by ASR Africa to the University management in Maiduguri.

Speaking at the presentation, Aliyu Idi Hong, representing the Chairman of ASR Africa and BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, said that the ASR Africa Initiative had already begun the disbursement of its tertiary education grants to the 6 universities in its first cohort with the University of Maiduguri being the third to benefit after Ahmadu Bello University, and University of Ibadan. He further disclosed that the project initiation process and development of mutual accountability frameworks to guide the grant usage for the University’s Centre for Innovation and Product Development will commence immediately.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, Professor Aliyu Shugaba praised the Founder of the Initiative, Abdul Samad Rabiu, for his consistent commitment to social good and philanthropy. The Vice-Chancellor also extolled the good works ASR Africa is doing in various communities across Africa and thanked the philanthropist for the grant. He furthermore reassured the representatives that the University Management, Staff and Students will be forever be grateful to ASR Africa for this gesture.

University of Maiduguri is one of the six Nigerian Universities in a first cohort that will benefit from a donation of One Billion Naira each from the ASR Africa Initiative as part of its Tertiary Education Grants Scheme.

ABOUT ASR AFRICA

The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative seeks to support sustainable development initiatives in the Health, Education and Social Development within Nigeria and the rest of Africa, every year. For more information visit asrafrica.org or email asrafrica[at]buagroup[dot]com

A group known as 'Stakeholders in Nigerian Ports' have petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to investigate suspended MD of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Hadiza Bala-Usman over her alleged involvement in N165 billion fraud.

Below is the full statement;

PETITION TO INVESTIGATE HADIZA BALA USMAN OF MASSIVE CORRUPTION FINANACIAL FRAUD MONEY LAUNDERING AND ABUSE OF OFFICE AS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF NIGERIAN PORTS AUTHORITY NPA

Friday, May 7th, 2021

Executive Chairman
EFCC
Abuja

"We the Stakeholders in the Nigerian Ports wish to forward to you for Investigation the many acts of Corruption Financial Fraud and Money Laundering sins of Hadiza Bala Usman, who was at the saddle at Nigerian Ports Authority for past 6 years,"

Alleged Corrupt Practices

*Awarding Cargo Surveys Contracts to Unqualified Companies and to self through her Brother Attahiru and acolytes for 10 years;

* Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects that are supposed to serve as Palliatives for communities impacted by port operations , she has turned into a jamboree and avenue for indiscriminate award of inflated contracts at all locations in Contravention of Procurement Laws and Extant Financial Rules and above her Financial Limits ,

* The Palliatives intended to assist Internally Displaced Persons turned into an avenue for contract awards at exhorbitant cost.

* PBT approved the purchase of Toyota Coaster staff buses but chinese made buses were supplied. Ditto for ambulances;

* Most contracts in NPA allegedly being awarded to her brother Alhaji Attahiru through many phony companies and other fronts;

* Generally, over invoicing and inflation of contracts and non compliance with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act and extant regulations on pricing.

*. There was a contract that was recently awarded for the supply of 200 torchlights for 8m.

MALADMINISTRATION

* Serving corps members were employed in NPA which is against the law and service rules;

* Fresh graduates were employed and promoted to one or two grade levels within two years in contravention of NPA Conditions of service and other civil service rules

* Misleading the Board into approving promotions for select officers over their seniors through improper placement and promotion in contravention of Federal Government circular referenced FC.6243/S.1/Vol.XV111/5 of 28th May, 2010 and the Presidential Directive conveyed vide letter referenced PRES/30-1 dated 20th September, 2004.
As clarified and reiterated by circular referenced FCSC/CHMN/CL/17/Vol.1/36 of 22nd October, 2013 which conveys the applicable policy as at today;

* Misleading the Board to approve the retention of officers who retired on contract without the fulfilment of the prerequisites for that kind of appointment under the conditions of service and extant Service rules.

HIGH HANDEDNESS

* Auditors have been transferred for simply questioning and querying supplies being made by contractors, particularly with regards to quantity, quality and conformity with the approved standards by the PTB as reflected in.

Investigation shows how spending under Hadiza Usman keeps rising even as the NPA flunks its audit.

The fraud which runs into billions of naira was uncovered by an ‘audit query’ of activities of the NPA between 2016 and 2018, Per Second News gathered.

The Auditor General’s Office concluded, however, that the NPA’s financial records were riddled with so many bookkeeping deficiencies, irregularities, and errors that a reliable audit was simply impossible.

The office of the Auditor General of the Federation also came hard on the NPA boss for gross “betrayal of public trust” as demonstrated by her flagrant abuse for due process in the way and manner she runs the agency, citing documents obtained by this newspaper.

Highlights of the damning report from the office of the Auditor General of the Federation include her refusal to remit VAT deductions running into billions of naira and in foreign currency denomination to the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

For instance, the query highlighted unremitted deduction to Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to include N3,667,750,470. $148,845,745.04, Euro 4,891,449.50 and £252,682.14.

The NPA under Hadiza Bala Usman was also accused of” excessive increase in administrative operational expenses” extra budgetary expenditures on hotel accommodation and under disclosure of expenditures on hotel expenses”, Corporate social Responsibility Projects, diversion of funds through the Nigerian Port Today, to the sponsorship of National Assembly Programmes, amongst other.

The queries which covered over 100 issues, also asked Hadiza Bala Usman to make various refunds to government, especially in instances where such expenditures could not be justified.

Investigation also uncovers that the Audit team reviewed NPA’s policy on implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility Projects/ Programmes and discovered that records relating to CSR fell short of the level of compliance with the Public procurement Act 2007.

In 2016, the NPA spent N286,412,628.00 on CSR while in 2017, the figure rose to N2,496,248,775.00 and N5billion in 2018. The Audit team found out that “beneficiary needs were not properly assessed or identified before the implementation of CSR projects/ programmes.

The Audit team observed to its chagrin that there was no evidence of compliance with public procurement Act and that most of the CSR projects/ programmes were inflated and accordingly ordered that the “sum of N5.18 billion should be recovered from the Managing Director of NPA, being the value of, inflated amount under her watch.

The committee also observed that delivery of CSR items were not accompanied with delivery letters and that in most cases, there was no evidence of actual items delivered and who signed for them.

Per Second News gathered that the NPA boss and accountants have been perpetrating a gigantic, unconstitutional accounting fraud, deliberately cooking the books to mislead the government and drive the NPA’s budgets ever higher, regardless of port necessity.

The NPA has literally been making up numbers in its annual financial reports to the National Assembly—representing billions of dollars’ worth of seemingly nonexistent transactions—knowing that the National Assembly would rely on those misleading reports when deciding how much money to give the Authority.

The fraud works like this, for instance while a contract with Ref. HQ/GM/PROC/CON/C.11/PBT/16/322 dated 16/10/17 was awarded in favour of Messrs Ecomaxx Engineering Projects Ltd for the supply of items to the old people’s Home Yaba, Lagos to the tune of N19,760,460.00 which was paid vide invoice no HQ/CS/0711 dated 01/06/17 there was no documentary evidence that the items were indeed delivered to the Home. In the same vein, the contract for supply of items to Yaba children’s orphanage followed the same pattern.

For instance, whilst a contract awarded in favour of Trans-secure Ltd was N19,467,000.00 the survey conducted by the audit team found out that N6,520,500.00 was the actual market price. This NPA expenditure fraud is déjà vu all over again for Spinney, prompting the office of the AGuF to demand an explanation from Hadiza Bala Usman reasons for the sharp excessive increase in the Authority’s expenditure profile between 2016 and 2018. “It was observed that total expenditure by the Authority increased astronomically by 128% from N87.47 billion in 2016 to N198.98 billion in 2017. Of particular concern was the administrative expenses which increased by 72% from N26.126 billion in 2016 to N44.93 billion in 2017.

Among the laundering tactics uncovered by the Audit Query revealed that whereas in 2016 N22.16 billion was expended on revenue monitoring, the amount rose to a whopping N1.06 billion in 2017, an increase of over 4,689%. Similarly, overseas training rose from N20.48 million in 2016 to N470 million, an increase of over 2194%.

Also, whereas N15.31 million was spent on vessels / craft in 2016, the amount rose to N117.4 million in 2017, an increase of 666%.

The excessive expenditure of pollution control also attracted the scrutiny of the auditors who insisted that Hadiza Bala Usman must tell Nigerians why and how N4.2 billion was spent in 2017 as against N29 million in 2016, an increase of 14,310 %. Other over bloated increase in expenditure include local and foreign medical expenses, legal fees, Corporate souvenirs and expenditure on other government agencies which rose from N50.29 million in 2016 to N338.59 million in 2017, a 573 per cent rise.

The Audit also raised its yellow flag on an alleged “diversion of N369.71 million through the Nigerian Ports Today” the official in-house magazine of the NPA. “Payments to Nigerian Ports Today were reviewed to confirm whether they were properly initiated, authorised processed, documented and paid in line with the Public procurement Act 2007,”the report said.

However “findings revealed the sum of N369,718,130.82 was paid to Nigerian Ports Today, a Limited liability company that is fully owned and controlled by NPA during the period under review. There was no evidence of contractual relationship in the form of award of contract to the company nor was there anything to show the company rendered services to the Authority to justify these payments and concludes that the Authority paid the company without a contract and thereby contravening the Public procurement Act 2007, and that this was viewed as a means to divert public funds,” the report alleged.

The Audit query also took serious exceptions to various expenditure incurred by the NPA on behalf of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi for which a whopping $604,598.95 was paid without supporting documents .

Hadiza Bala Usman was asked to refund the said sum into government treasury. Usually dependable source at the office of the Audit General of the Federation told Shipping World that the Audit queries cuts across all units and departments of the agency and that massive over invoicing and flagrant disregard for due process were uncovered.

In all, at least a mind-boggling N20 billion of NPA’s financial transactions between 2016 and 2018 could not be traced, documented, or explained.

This is submitted for urgent Investigation in National Interest

Best Regards

Comrade Olayiwole Oke

Comrade Charles Dike

Comrade Musa Yola

Cc. Muhammadu Buhari President FRN
Cc. Transparency International TI
Cc. Chairman ICPC
Cc. IGP of Police Force
Cc. US Embassy
Cc. British High Commission
Cc. EU
Cc. UAE Embassy
Cc. Interpol

Cc Nigerian and International Media houses

In 1998, the NNPC entered into a 20-year PSC (Production Sharing Contract) in respect of certain oil mining leases (OMLs) with Addax Petroleum, a company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). The PSC was subsequently extended for a further four years, until 2022. The assets were OMLs 123, 124, 126 and 137.

Under the PSC, Addax fully funded and operated the development of the OMLs, with profit shared between Addax and NNPC. From 1998 until 2009, Addax increased production in these OMLs to about 130,000 bopd. In 2009, Sinopec (a Chinese state-owned company) purchased Addax Petroleum. As a result, Sinopec obtained the rights to these assets.

No payments were made to the Federal Government during the purchase by either party. However, in recent years, there have been no new investments in the assets, and by 2021, production had declined to 25,000 bopd. This led to a significant reduction in revenue accruing to Government. In addition, large gas resources in the assets remain undeveloped, and excess gas has been continuously flared to the atmosphere, contrary to FGN policy and best-practice and international environmental practice.

Since 2017, Sinopec has attempted, by a private sales process, to divest its rights in the PSCs (which are due to expire in July 2022) to a third party of Sinopec’s choice. In March 2021, Mr. President via DPR announced the revocation of the PSC rights to Sinopec, and an assignment of the rights to an indigenous consortium of Kaztec Engineering Limited and Salvic Petroleum Resources.

As part of the assignment, the new consortium are required to:

a. Operate the OMLs under a PSC with NNPC

b. Pay a Good and Valuable Consideration (GVC) of US$ 340 m at the commencement of the PSC

c. Develop the significant oil resources which have been lying fallow, and ramp up production

d. Commence development of the large gas resources within 24 months both for the domestic market and for export, in line with the Government’s aspirations for the gas industry

e. Ramp up investment in the OMLs so that production revenues, royalties and taxes to the Government are exponentially increased, in addition to the upfront payment of GVC.

The new operating consortium has been carefully chosen by Government for their familiarity with the assets. Kaztec, one of the leading indigenous EPIC-M companies with vast experience in offshore and onshore petroleum E&P, has collaborated with the previous operator on the assets for many years. The essence therefore is to ensure a seamless transition of operations with no disruptions in production or loss of revenue to the Government.

The choice of consortium is also in the accordance with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (Local Content) Act which was enacted in 2010 to promote indigenous operation of Nigeria’s oil and gas assets. Under the Act, seasoned Nigerian independent operators like Kaztec and Salvic are to be given first consideration in the award of oil blocks and oil field licenses.

The consortium intends to maximise the potential of the assets to ensure that the Government and people of Nigeria reap their full benefits against the backdrop of the ongoing Energy Transition. In addition to optimizing production, the Consortium intends to deepen relationships with local communities, boost local content in all its ramifications and increase the employment and training of Nigerians, directly and indirectly.

At the urging of DPR, the Consortium has engaged with the previous operator, to ensure a smooth and amicable transition of operations at the assets. The DPR also directed that Addax and the new Consortium engage in an amicable resolution of all issues including a commercial settlement if needed. These discussions between the new Consortium and Addax commenced in April 2021.

The DPR should be commended for proactively taking concrete steps to boost the revenue accruing to the Government from these underperforming assets. Nigeria and China continue to enjoy cordial economic, political and social ties, and will cooperate to ensure the mutual development of their countries.

Nigerian Philanthropist and Industrialist, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has donated N200million to Sokoto State University towards the construction of an ICT Faculty Building for the University.

This donation will support the University’s quest to become one of Nigeria’s best universities producing talent in the ICT space.

According to Rabiu, Sokoto State is host to 3 of BUA Cement’s factories and over the years, the State had played a huge role in the growth and success of the company, therefore it is also of critical importance that BUA supports the development of talent in future-proof industries for the state such as ICT, research and education.

This donation was announced during the University’s 2021 Convocation ceremony in Sokoto where Rabiu alongside 2 others - His Highness, The Emir of Dutse, Alhaji (Dr.) Nuhu Muhammad Sanusi and the Late Alhaji Umaru Ali Shinkafi were conferred with Honorary Doctorate Degrees for their contributions towards the development of Sokoto State and Nigeria in various fields.

In his comments whilst responding to the donation, the Governor of Sokoto State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, thanked the Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, for the donation of the N200million ICT Faculty building and his commitment towards philanthropy.

He also commended BUA’s contributions towards the socio-economic development of the state and urged others in the same position to emulate him.

Tambuwal further added that the State would continue to create an enabling environment for businesses like BUA to thrive and enjoined other corporates to come and invest in the state. According to him, BUA had built an endearing partnership with the people and government of the state from creating employment opportunities to creating social impact projects, and this donation was very much in line with that.

Wazobia FM official has died of apparent suicide two days after losing his job, colleagues told Peoples Gazette on Sunday.

Hillary Okechukwu was a sales executive with the Lagos-based broadcaster until November 18 when he was asked to resign after being accused of misappropriating company funds.

Mr. Okechukwu, whom colleagues said had been with Wazobia FM for at least 10 years, suffered cardiac arrest from drug overdose on Friday, colleagues said.

The station’s management held an urgent meeting on Saturday night to discuss the matter, but officials largely used the meeting to clear themselves of any wrongdoing in the circumstances that led to Mr. Okechukwu’s exit and his eventual death, sources told the Gazette under anonymity to prevent official reprimand or worse.

A management official at Wazobia FM did not immediately return a request seeking comments.

Colleagues said Mr. Okechuwuku did not appear to suffer from any mental health crises before the incident.

Suicide prevention centres are rare in the country, which could have contributed to Mr. Okechukwu’s inability to get help before it was too late.

Some colleagues told the Gazette that the development had left them demoralised, hoping it would nudge the station’s management to start prioritising personnel welfare.

Fresh facts have emerged that the embargo placed on the bank accounts of some leading supporters of the #ENDSARS protests was the result of an instruction from the Department of State Services (DSS).

THEWILL gathered authoritatively that it was the DSS which ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to freeze the bank accounts of 19 persons and a firm found to be backing the protests.

The security service was also said to have directed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to stop several promoters of the protests from leaving or entering the country based on intelligence information that they were being used with or without their knowledge by both international and local conspirators to forcefully remove President Muhammadu Buhari from office.

Multiple sources familiar with knowledge of the development told THEWILL that DSS Director-General, Yusuf Bichi Magaji, who had been covertly monitoring the #ENDSARS protests advised the Presidency to immediate accede to the demands of the protesters because it got real-time intelligence that some unidentified persons had infiltrated them and wanted to use the protests to instigate the removal of the president from office.

THEWILL further gathered that in the heat of the riots and tension that rocked the country, the DSS invoked national security concerns and asked the Central Bank to freeze the bank accounts linked to some promoters of the protests because it believed they were being used to funnel cash to keep the protests going in order to sabotage the federal government.

The accounts frozen are domiciled in First Bank Nigeria, Zenith Bank Plc., Guaranty Trust Bank Plc., United Bank for Africa Plc. and Fidelity Bank Plc.

The DSS, according to our sources, also directed the Immigration Service to prevent some persons linked to the protests from leaving or entering the country without clearance from the agency as part of its investigations.

The directives as expected have been greeted with uproar by Nigeria’s often restive youths, who make up the bulk of the #ENDSARS protest.

“The freezing of the bank accounts of some persons with ties to the ENDSARS movement and their inability to travel is beyond the CBN and NIS. They were given direct orders by the Presidency in the name of national security and they must comply with such others. They cannot even debate such or ask questions over such. It is now beyond them and purely for the Intelligence agencies,” an intelligence source told THEWILL, on condition of anonymity.

The source added: “Let me also add that the CBN and the NIS cannot unilaterally lift these blockades even if they want to. They have no such discretion or powers. It is now way beyond them. I read the CBN went to court to secure an order to give it further legal backing and to probably protect the commercial banks from liabilities but the truth is that they do not even have to do that really.

“The Presidency has sweeping powers under National Security and any person or group that feels their rights have been infringed upon can go to court to seek redress. In most cases, the rulings by the court are based on evidence presented by the government.”

At least two persons who have been affected by the directive have sued. Bassey Israel, a Port Harcourt based pharmacist, who received donations for medical supplies through his Access Bank account has sued the bank, while Modupe Odele, who mobilized legal services for detained protesters, and had her international travel passport seized when she wanted to travel a few days ago, says she has sued the government.

Former Ekiti state Governor and Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ayodele Fayose, has advised the Yoruba nation to stand against those plotting the downfall of the National leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a video interview, Mr. Fayose spoke on several attempts to malign the pro-democracy activist by sons of Yorubas who he mentored. Although the former Ekiti Governor did not mention any name, there are reports that some Governors have decided to make themselves available to be used against Mr Tinubu.

Unconfirmed reports have it that a certain Governor in the Southwest has actively been demarketing and working against the lagos politician. He, alongside some other ranking politicians from Northern Nigeria are keen on ousting the former Lagos Governor from the party.

This was one of the factors responsible for the party’s loss in the Edo state governorship election, POLITICS NIGERIA reliably gathered.

Speaking in the footage, Mr Fayose described sinister plots to bring Mr Tinubu down as dead on arrival.

“I’m not defending, I am saying the obvious. I’m making it clear that if you trace our history, our leaders have been given away by men they brought up, by traitors within their camps. If somebody gives you a platform you never expected in life and the only option is to take that person for you to rise. That would never work!”

“The former Governor of Lagos state and a prominent figure, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a major figure in the Yoruba nation and it will be fool-hardy of anyone denying this fact. I want to say it expressly. If anything happens to Tinubu, we are consumed. He sends all the signals. If this thing is happening to men like that every other person will ordinarily have been consumed.”

Also, in the 2-minute clip, Mr fayose reiterated the contributions of the APC chieftain to the region and how he remains a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian polity.

“So, for me, I am not defending Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I am defending the Yoruba nation. I am establishing the fact that he remains a major key leader that nobody can ignore. I may not be in APC. I have said it several times before. I have never been in APC and I will never be in APC. But if you want to sacrifice Tinubu because of these political opportunists, it is not going to work. All these things will only work for a period of time.

In due course, water will find its source. I want to say it expressly. He has made his mark. Rubbishing him will not be an option for those doing that. And may I say it without Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there would not have been a Buhari. And I am sure that in his heart he too will know that something is wrong somewhere. It must be a miscalculation. But we cannot question God.”

Drawing a cue from historical precedents, the former Ekiti Governor warned against the betrayal of Tinubu just like it happened in the case of Moshood Abiola, the winner of the 1993 Presidential election and Obafemi Awolowo, former premier of the South West region.

“I won’t be part of the people who want him down. We are not good friends. We have been in opposing camps but that is not enough. If you remember the story of Abiola, he was brought down by his own men, if you remember the story of Awolowo, he was brought down by his own men. The same thing is happening to this man. But God forbid that Tinubu will be brought down. God will intervene.”

Pro-democracy activist and leader

Born in the 1950s, Mr Tinubu has remained relevant in the Nigerian politics since 1992 when he joined the Social Democratic Party where he was a member of the Peoples Front faction led by Shehu Musa Yar'Adua.

In fact when the results of the 12 June 1993 presidential elections were annulled, the former Lagos Governor became one of the founders of National Democratic Coalition, the pro-democracy group which canvassed support for the restoration of democracy and the acceptance of the late Abiola as winner of the June 12 election.

During the days of the military juntas, Mr Tinubu suffered a great deal for his advocacy. After returning from exile in 1998, he contested the Lagos state Governorship election under the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and won.

Asides his contribution to the development of Lagos state even with the meagre resources occasioned by the denial of the state federal allocation by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo, Mr Tinubu built political structures and individuals. Tinubu is responsible for raising several top ranking Politicians in the South West today, Some of whom have failed to meet expectation and are actively working to undermine him.

Also, in his fight for the sustenance of democracy, Mr Tinubu remains one of the detribalised politicians that have included people of different ethnic backgrounds in his structure. This has helped increase his influence and grip of the APC.

Lagos House Speaker Mudashiru Obasa has been conducting private and lucrative businesses since he was elected to the post in 2015, Peoples Gazette can report, in yet apparent disregard of extant code of conduct regulations for public officials that barred him from running commercial ventures as a top lawmaker.

Financial records of Mr. Obasa’s recently obtained by the Gazette showed how the politician executed a laundry of suspicious transactions using several companies linked to him.

On October 30, 2018, Mr. Obasa received exactly N51,680,672.91 each into his company De Kingrun Multipurpose Limited account in a string of eleven transactions on exactly the same day, bank documents seen by the Gazette showed.

The transactions, totalling N568,487,402.01, were the only activities that reflected on the account throughout that year, indicating that they were proceeds of an unexplained deal executed by the Speaker. The suspicious funds were received through De Kingrun’s account number 1017424021 with UBA, which did not return a request seeking comments about the transactions.

Sahara Reporters had published a series of corruption claims against the Speaker since March, and the EFCC has called him in for questioning as part of its investigation into the charges. De Kingrun was amongst several companies Sahara Reporters linked to Mr. Obasa, but bank transaction details relating to the politician and his firms are just being uncovered by the Gazette.

Records also showed that Mr. Obasa’s De Kingrun firm has been receiving inflow from the Lagos State government accounts. Mr. Obasa’s telephone number 08033014094 is connected to the account and the Gazette has established through bank sources that he was directly responsible for the transactions.

In 2016, Mr. Obasa received four transactions each from the ministry of environment and Universal Basic Education in Lagos. Each of the four transactions from the environment office was N56,332,500.00 — all paid on April 21 and totalled N225,330,000. Barely a week later on April 28, the Universal Basic Education paid N33,013,665.27 each in four transactions to De Kingrun, totalling N132,054,661.08.

It was unclear the nature of contracts that Mr. Obasa’s firm carried out for Lagos to justify N357,384,661.08 in eight transactions within seven days.

Mr. Obasa, his media aide and a Lagos government spokesman declined comments for this story. But the Speaker had pushed back against Sahara Reporters earlier in the year.

Although he admitted ownership of De Kingrun as an enduring family business, he rejected reports that the company received contracts from Lagos agencies, demanding through his legal representatives evidence of transactions between his company and Lagos.

On Thursday, the Gazette published bank records of six imprest accounts run by the Lagos State House of Assembly, which showed how Mr. Obasa supervised suspicious disbursements of N9.7 billion in 2019 alone.

Mr. Obasa was elected into the Lagos House in 2007, and has been Speaker since 2015. He should have been handicapped by the code of conduct rules that forbid elected and senior government officials from conducting private businesses, except subsistence agriculture, while in office.

But the regulations have rarely been enforced, despite widespread abuse by politicians and senior bureaucrats. In 2011, Bola Tinubu was arraigned over claims he violated code of conduct rules by operating foreign bank accounts as governor, but the case was summarily dismissed for irregular prosecution.

Download De Kingrun’s bank transaction records here https://files.peoplesgazette.com/Speaker-Obasa-company-accounts.pdf

Events of the past few weeks have been tumultuous. Unfortunate things have happened. Lives have been lost. Property damaged. Essential institutions such as the police force and army are under justifiable scrutiny. Protests call for needed reform. Taking advantage of the situation, less noble actors have pressed forward, either to steal the hard-earned property of others or to prosecute selfish political objectives not germane to the protests at hand.

Even with many people taking undue license to press cases that would otherwise be tossed from the court of public opinion, one would think certain people would keep their mouths shut and hide their pens even during this period. Bode George is one such person. In commenting on the protests and trying to fault Bola Tinubu for every human imperfection ranging from the original sin in the Garden of Eden to the cost of tomatoes in the local market, George is either one of the world’s most bulbous hypocrites or the victim of the worst bout of amnesia ever recorded in the journals of medical science. In that this gruff, indelicate man well remembers the sound of his own name and responds to the ruffle of fresh naira with the pounce of a hungry jackal, one may fairly assume that his particular diathesis points more to the former moral decrepitude than to any medical infirmity that might affect his memory.

In his recent article published by NEW DAWN entitled “Lagos State THE Anger, The Rage”, Bode George huffs and puffs in contrived indignation at recent events in Lagos. He misrepresents himself as a storm for change and justice. He is nothing of the sort. For all of his blowing and the grand noise he thinks himself to make, he barely manufactures an audible moment. He is but a rickety, broken tea kettle trying futilely with all its waning might to bring a tiny pot of water to boil.

Try as it might, the rickety kettle is unstable and cannot hold itself upright. In the end, the only noteworthy sound it can muster is the sound of its falling to the floor after toppling from the counter top.

Inept as he is loquacious, the former naval commander, once again, has proven that he cannot successfully navigate a toy boat from one end of a bathtub to the other. He would make a wreck of even this simple assignment. Everything he has touched ends up being worse off, if not in complete ruins, than when he first happened upon it. His coming into a room is a cause for sorrow and his exit a cue for celebration. The man is an albatross around his own neck.

Yet, he had the audacity to write that all conscientious men must stand with the righteous at this hour and the he had “chosen to identify with the voiceless...” It seems that George discovered morality a bit late in the game of life and over a decade after the time when even a fiber of morality on his part would have amounted to something. George squeals about the deaths and destruction that have occurred in Lagos and then lays the trouble at the foot of one man who happens to be his political nemesis. Such as assignment of guilt by George is based on political convenience and con games rather than fact. George says Tinubu has questions to answer about the incident at Lekki but he offers no proof as to why Tinubu should be on the spot.

If George were really interested in justice, how come he did not jump at his master Obasanjo when the latter was commander in chief? As commander in chief, Obasanjo presided over the slaughter of several hundreds and perhaps thousands of unarmed innocent men, women and children in separate incidents in Zaki Biam and Odi. In each case, people were burned alive in their homes or dragged away and butchered. George voiced no indignation at these large massacres although they cost a hundred fold more lives than even all the precious lives lost everywhere in Lagos, not just Lekki during this period. Unjust death anywhere is a tragedy and must be condemned. But George’s background tells us that he is not crying because he cares about those who died or were wounded during events in Lagos but because the moment conveniently serves his political interest.

If he had morality, he would have chastised Obasanjo for killing innocent women and children and ransacking whole towns. Instead, George kept publicly quiet while in private endorsing the carnage set down by his boss who would eventually reveal himself to be a turncoat friend and master who would shuffled George off to prison. George talks of people being brought before the ICC in the Hague for what has happened in Lagos. His lawyer should advise him to be circumspect. Should some diligent human rights attorney take a good look at his role in the Obasanjo government and his endorsement of the confirmed large-scale massacres at Zaki Biam and Odi, that lawyer might take a very keen interest in Mr. George. George would surely quake in his boots upon finding on his doorstep one morning a mysterious brochure saying that he just won an all-expenses paid holiday to the Hague.

George is infamous for his meanness of personality and mercenary outlook toward policy – give him an official position and he will do any number of ugly things to keep it. In his writing, he called himself a elder statesman. However, one cannot award that title to oneself. It must be earned not unilaterally expropriated lest it be taken away by those who can rightly bestow it. George is no more a statesman than a mosquito is an eagle.

George claims Lagos to be an awful place yet he still lives here even after vowing to move away forever should the APC win the 2019 election. George will not move because, deep in his heart, he knows Lagos is the best that Nigeria has. It is the best not because of anything George did. It is the best despite George for he tried to thwart every major constructive initiative the state’s progressive governors have attempted since 1999.

George has the nerve to lament about the poor state of infrastructure and blame Tinubu and others. George drips with a double dose of highly toxic hypocrisy here. George well knows he encouraged Obasanjo to illegally withhold Lagos state funds when Tinubu was governor. George did this because he was afraid Tinubu would gain political support if allowed access to those funds to do projects in the state. Thus, George cared nothing that his antics might hurt Lagosians. He is captained by the perverse logic that rules all people who crave public office but are inherently unfit for the roles they seek. He believes the best way for him to gain the support of the people is to make them suffer. This is the way his mind worked then and the manner it malfunctions now. He is more interested in inveigling support than in duly enhancing the public welfare.

As governor, Tinubu brought power generator barges to Lagos to provide 300MW of power to the state and give residents and businesses more, cheaper power. What did George do? He did not applaud the initiative as a boon for Lagosians. He connived with Obasanjo to stop this. Again, he decided that he would rather see Lagosians suffer than Tinubu succeed at doing something new and needed for the people

Like he did in the past, George today is happy about the events that have befallen Lagos. He only feigns concern. He now is possessed of that cruel happiness that specially effects the mean at heart. They are only truly happy when misfortune comes to others. George now gloats the evildoer’s gloat and dances the wicked man’s dance. He is in this deformed way because he knows he cannot gain political traction by outperforming anyone. He cannot win by doing something positive because there is essentially noting positive in him. He is a bundle of negative impulses and actions. Thus, his only avenue of political pleasure and success is to tear down that which others have built. George is a breaker not maker of things.

His career has been monstrous. As military governor in Ondo, he was known to be corrupt to the utmost. He plundered the state’s treasury describing himself, by way of explanation, as a ‘Lagos Boy' – giving the state a bad name. There was no part of the state treasure his sticky hand did not explore. As NPA chairman, he allowed the port to deteriorate. He is thus partly responsible for the economic bottleneck that is the port and all the harm and higher costs it brings to us. Worse, he was caught artificially segmenting large contracts into smaller ones so as to bypass procurement requirements and oversight. In this manner, he bilked the nation much like he did Ondo state as its governor. If nothing else, one can say that as a thief he has shown remarkable consistency if a coarseness of approach that always seems to get him caught.

As an operative of the PDP in Lagos and the SW, he has been the APC’s best friend for the division and antipathy he foments within his own party makes him one of the APC’s top recruiters.

Last, there is not a truly original thought that ever came from him. Toward the end of his piece, he asserts that the Lekki toll gate should be closed. George is a day late like most plagiarizers are. Tinubu made a similar recommendation the day before. George would not have made his copycat gesture but for having read Tinubu's earlier statement.

Like the thief he is, George steals someone’s idea then foments hate against the other man for having had the idea first.

George is not a leader, a statesman or a visionary. His is a criminal mind and a cold hearted and an amoral personality. Bode, don’t forget there are still people old enough to remember where you are truly from.

At the end of the statement, George signs off “CON.” For most people that would mean Commander of the Niger. Yet, to get the perfect description of him, one must simply use this word before writing the word “artist” who can’t even identify the grave of his father in Ogun State… WHAT A “LAGOSIAN”.

Tobi S. Johnson is a social, cultural and political affairs analyst based in Lagos

The absence of President Muhammadu Buhari in some situations coupled with his silence on salient issues have continued to fuel claims that he is 'dead' and has been replaced with a look-alike impostor from Sudan. Mr Buhari was terribly sick in 2017 till the point of spending three months medical leave in London. Members of the opposition and fake news peddlers rumoured that he died in London.

Some conspiracy theories were concocted to support the claims. Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of a secessionist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been at the forefront of pushing the narrative of cloning.

Comparing pictures and videos of Mr Buhari before and after the controversial medical leave, Mr Kanu pointed out some physical features of the President that have changed, suggesting a stronger backing of the cloning story. Several fact-checks done by Africa Check, Dubawa and AFP in the past have debunked these photos and had discredited the narrative propagated by the secessionist leader.

Meanwhile, in the build-up of the 2019 General election, President Buhari denied claims that he had died and was replaced by a Sudanese impostor. “It’s the real me, I assure you. I will soon celebrate my 76th birthday and I will still go strong,” Buhari told Nigerians in a town hall session in Poland, where he was attending a conference.

While everyone expected that his response had laid all controversies to rest, the claim resurfaced again, however in a new form.

How controversial claim resurfaced

During the heat of the #EndSARS protests that saw to the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit of the Nigerian police, notorious for brutality, the already-laid-to-rest claim surfaced online.

It however went viral when some unarmed protesters were shot by soldiers at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos state. Many were reported dead and scores sustained injuries. Prominent figures across the globe including the former US secretary of state, Hillary Clinton and Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, condemned the shooting.

However, it took President Buhari more than 24 hours to address this burning issue. In fact, in his eventual address, the President kept mum on the shooting of the unarmed protesters. In respect to this, many criticised his silence and chided the Presidency for being insensitive to the plight of the people.

Alongside the criticism was a viral video insinuating that Mr Buhari is 'dead' and African leaders paid a tribute by declaring a one-minute silence to mourn his demise.

According to the video, the leaders under the auspices of the African Union (AU) did this at its 28th ordinary session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999).

The 55 seconds video clip captioned "AU leaders observe a minute silence for late President Muhammadu Buhari" was first posted on November 18, 2018, via Biafra Today, a YouTube channel linked to IPOB.

The video has so far garnered over 143,000 views and has generated varying reactions from viewers.

Also, several social media and blogs have published the same claim, referencing the Biafra Today video.

Verification

POLITICS NIGERIA in its support for accuracy and accountability in the media fact-checked the video. The footage is an edited motion graphics video containing still images and texts. While the picture might show an ongoing AU meeting, there was no evidence as to what was going on when the images were captured.

Also, the meeting of the Assembly in January 2017 was the 28th Ordinary session that was scheduled to run from January 22-31, 2017.

According to page 2 of the Guide for the 28th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, which highlighted the programme of events, the Ordinary Session of the Assembly was held at the Nelson Mandela Hall from January 30 – 31 and not in February, as contained in the video.

Moreover, in the minute of the summit published on its official website, Mr Buhari’s name was never mentioned.

"Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 30 January 2017- The 28th Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU), officially opened today at the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with a strong call for unity to uphold the maintenance of peace and stability in the continent."

"The Nelson Mandela plenary hall was full to capacity with delegates and special invitees coming to witness the important event. They heard from distinguished speakers who took their turn on the podium to enlighten the world on the progress made so far in the continent and some of the challenges that Africa faces, as well as proposals for the way forward."

"The event this year is held under the AU theme: “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investments in the Youth”, " the minute read.

While Mr Buhari could not attend the summit because of ill-health, every other summit after the January 2017 edition was graced by Mr. Buhari.

In fact, it should be recalled that, on July 4, 2017, six months after the January summit, during the 29th Session of the AU, African leaders unanimously endorsed President Buhari to champion the fight against corruption on the continent.

Again, earlier this year, President Buhari was present at the 33rd Ordinary Session of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU).

VERDICT

Politics Nigeria concludes that for want of evidence, veracity of previous fact checks and President Buhari's consistent denial of being replaced by an existing Sudanese impostor, the CLAIM is FALSE.

The Governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-olu has admitted that Nigerian Military officers ordered the shooting of unarmed #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate last week Tuesday.

Sanwoolu, during a live interview on CNN, disclosed that according to CCTV footage gotten from the scene of the shooting, officers of the Nigerian Army were responsible for the attack.

POLITICS NIGERIA earlier reported that the Lekki shooting generated a massive outcry from human rights organisations and the international community, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the incident.

When asked about who ordered the shooting and which security branch carried out the order, Sanwoolu said;

"From the footage that we can see, there are cameras at that facility. It seems to me that there were men in military uniform, should be Nigerian Army."

The Interviewer pressed further,"So you're saying that it was Military officers who ordered peaceful protesters to be shot in lekki?"

Sanwoolu replied; "Yes, they were there. That's what it shows".

When asked if anyone will be held accountable, Sanwoolu said; "They certainly would....I mean, we'll do everything to ensure that they are held accountable"

"I'm not the C-in-C, I'm Governor of the state."

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has since the EndSARS demonstrations started, held several meetings to address the underlying concerns and members have aligned themselves with the call for justice leading to the setting up of judicial panels in the States of the Federation against Police brutality. The NGF regrets the loss of lives and property occasioned by the violent protests that erupted, and calls for calm.

A lot of the information circulating the social media needs to be fact checked. The NGF pleads with members of the public to desist from spreading rumours which further creates panic and stampede.

For example, some of the properties stolen and vandalized, include palliatives set aside for vulnerable members of society.

The NGF reemphasizes and corrects the impression that palliatives found in warehouses that were broken into in Lagos and some other States were kept in storage for members of the society especially our vulnerable citizens.

The erroneous impression in the public domain that these palliatives were hoarded is not just inaccurate, entirely erroneous and untrue but also mischievous, to say the least.

For the avoidance of doubt, some of the palliatives had the CACOVID stamp embossed on them, meaning that their source is unambiguous.

As we know, CACOVID operations are mainly domiciled in Lagos, being the headquarters of most of the public-spirited organisations, corporate bodies and individuals that came together to form the Coalition Against COVID-19; CACOVID.

Until mid-October, when the NGF had its last meeting, up to ten States had not participated in the flag-off ceremonies for the distribution of palliatives in their States. This was because the items meant for distribution in these states had not been completely received from CACOVID.

Some other States that still had palliatives in their warehouses chose to keep a strategic reserve ahead of a projected second wave of Covid-19.

Furthermore, as of a couple of weeks ago, some States were still receiving palliatives from the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

The NGF wishes to state categorically that no State has been involved in or has hoarded any palliatives.

The NGF also assures all contributors to the palliatives that prior to the looting of these ware houses, States had kept full accounts of all the items received and distributed.

NGF calls on members of the public to check their facts. While we all recognize the need for improved governance, we should be careful not to damage ourselves by pushing the wrong narrative.

The State Governors are doing their very best under the circumstances to ameliorate the needs of the teeming population

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum stands for justice, improved governance and a progressive Nigeria.

The National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in a public appearance on Saturday, confirmed that he never travelled to France as rumoured earlier this week.

POLITICS NIGERIA, in its support for media accountability, checked the veracity of the videos being circulated on social media platforms, claiming the former Lagos Governor had travelled to the French country. However, this paper, after a forensic examination of the three major video footages, concluded that the claim was false.

Meanwhile, during a courtesy visit to the residence of the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-olu, Mr Tinubu also addressed the rumours when questioned by a journalist.

"I didn't go nowhere. I'm a Lagosian and I still hold the title of the Asiwaju of Lagos and I'm still the Jagaban," the APC Chieftain said.

"They said Seyi, my son, kidnapped, here he is," he added, pointing at Seyi Tinubu, the owner of Loatsad Promomedia Limited, an advert company based in Lagos.

It should be noted that Many Nigerians have accused Mr Tinubu of being a major player in the shooting of unarmed protesters by soldiers at the Lekki toll Plaza on Tuesday night. Not less than 16 lives were lost to the incident according to Amnesty International, a global human rights organisation.

Although the Lagos State Government and Mr Tinubu had denied knowledge of the killings and promised to investigate, several persons questioned the removal of the CCTV cameras and putting off streetlights before the shooting started. Speaking to journalists on the shooting, Mr Tinubu said casualties of Lekki Shootings have some questions to answer too.

"How are they there? How long were they there? What kind of characters are they?" he asked on Saturday.

POLITICS NIGERIA had reported how prominent people including Presidents and citizens of other countries have continued to condemn the attack on the unarmed protesters.

The website of the Nigeria Police Force is still offline, a week after a group of Internet activists compromised its security in solidarity with the #EndSARS protest.

"This Account has been suspended. Contact your hosting provider for more information," the website, npf.gov.ng displayed when POLITICS NIGERIA checked at about 4:30 am on October 24.

Asides being a major channel for dissemination of press releases and updates on its activities, the website is the data warehouse of the force, containing bank details, bio-data information and other sensitive data of Police operatives across the country. This newspaper had previously reported how the group codenamed 'Anonymous' shut down the police website and released sensitive data of some police officers under the notorious Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) on October 14.

The police unit, although dissolved in the heat of the protest and replaced with Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) squad, is notorious for the use of excessive force, harassment and extra-judicial killings.

According to a statement from a member-account, the hacktivist group announced its decision to attack federal government agencies’ websites in solidarity with the protesters campaigning for a total overhaul of the Nigerian police and an end to police brutality.

Ever since the group hacked into the Police database, it has launched similar cyber attacks on the official websites of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other government-owned websites.

Also, the hackers hijacked the official twitter account of the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), littering its timeline with #EndSARS protest campaign contents.

This prompted the security information passed by Galaxy Backbone, an information technology and shared services provider of the Federal Government, advising those in control of MDAs and FG-owned twitter accounts to activate the two-factor authentication feature.

It should be noted that the group has carried out similar coordinated attacks in the United States, Israel, Tunisia, Uganda and some other countries. Its motto is simply "we are anonymous", referring to its large number of members.

Budgetary allocation

Checks into the allocation to the federal ministry of police affairs revealed that a total of 205.6 million naira has been expended on Information Technology in the 2020 budget. Recall that the Federal ministry of police affairs was reintroduced in 2019, taking over control of the force from the ministry of interior.

Although there was no specific allocation for the website in the 2020 budget, the ministry budgeted 12,871,168 million naira for information and technology consulting.

Also, a sum of 158 million naira was allocated for the Installation and deployment of crime database while the digitisation of the Nigeria Police personnel record database was allocated 34.8 million Naira.

Meanwhile, in the proposed 2021 budget submitted to the National Assembly two weeks ago, 9.6 million Naira was budgeted for information technology consulting while the sum of 5.63 million Naira was proposed for the development of the force's website.

Speaking to POLITICS NIGERIA, an I.T expert and computer engineer, Olalekan Ajisafe, cited multiple reasons why a website on a hosting network can be suspended which includes hackers accessing the hosting panel.

"Intellectual property theft is where the owner of the suspended website copied or cloned contents from another website. This action can cause suspension of a website from the web if reported."

"Also, building web pages has been made easier with the use of pre-designed templates, however, these templates don't come free they're been paid for. Failure to renew payment or stealing of template from someone who paid for it can lead to account suspension from the web," Mr Ajisafe said.

Meanwhile, he stated that in the case of the police website, there is a high chance that the hackers got remote access to the hosting panel. "After hackers gain remote access to the hosting cpanel, they can act as admins and perform just any task possible. Ranging from changing access to removal of the website from the world wide web."

Recovering from the hack takes a remarkable amount of time as the original website owner needs to make a case and provide substantial evidence before the hosting platform can start taking actions to recover it, the I.T expert explained.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the force, Frank Mba, has refused to respond to enquiries on the website sent by our reporter. He neither responded to multiple telephone calls put across or text messages sent.

Mockery

While the website remains inaccessible, Many Nigerians have made a mockery of the Nigerian police, particularly on social media.

"The Nigerian Police Force will be harassing the tech boys that should have helped them secure their website. See how they are hacking everything. Una go get sense by force," Toyosi Godwin, a twitter user posted.

Another user, Osita_chidoka, questioned the effectiveness of the police if it cannot successfully protect its website.

" Can a Police that can't protect its data protect our country? I expect resignations for this serious breach. Police is dire need of modernisation. A new generation is required," he wrote.

@TayeOO7, another twitter user posted: "Over 3 days Nigerian police website has been hacked, a police force that are arresting yahoo boys and fighting cyber crime, they can't collect their website from hackers after 3 days of being hacked."

"You ask for speech, you got the speech, and now, you are speechless,” Shehu Sani, a former Senator representing Kaduna Central tweeted on Thursday evening after President Muhammadu Buhari eventually addressed Nigerians on #EndSARS protests.

Commenting on the controversial speech, Fisayo Soyombo, an investigative reporter said; "My lesson from the broadcast: Stop begging people who don't want to talk to you to talk to you. It will end in tears. They may talk at some point but they will end up saying nothing."

The above among others were the conclusion of many Nigerians after the number one citizen eventually spoke. For him and his cabinet members, he has addressed Nigerians but for most Nigerians, the president's speech 'was not good enough' and lacked empathy.

According to many, Mr Buhari's speech was as good as nothing, recalling a book written by the late Chinua Achebe that indeed, "there was a country". Analysts told POLITICS NIGERIA that the failure of President Muhammadu Buhari to address the brutal Lekki toll gate killings was a 'big slap' on the nation.

The President failed to condemn the attack on citizens neither did he speak on investigating the crisis. While it was evident that protesters and police officers were killed in the violence, the president only pitied the families of security operatives. Unfortunately, Mr Buhari did not even take responsibility despite pressure from notable Nigerians like Afe Babalola, former president Olusegun Obasanjo, former vice-president, Atiku Abubakar, Wole Soyinka, monarchs, religious leaders, and the Senate.

POLITICS NIGERIA, however, looked at two previous instances that Nigerians have pressured the president to speak on burning issues in 2020.

COVID-19 Pandemic

Many countries across the world tried as much as possible to rescue as many citizens as they could at the peak of the Coronavirus pandemic but President Buhari kept mum. While many Nigerians called on the president to address the nation on uncertainties, to rebuild the hope of Nigerians, he never said a word.

Then, the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed gave an excuse. He told Nigerians that the COVID-19 pandemic was not mature enough for the president to address then. For Femi Adesina, it was a matter of "style", so he said on a Channels Television interview in response to the complaints from Nigerians.

“If you go back to school, you will remember in stylistic class we were told that is idiosyncratic, which means it differs from person to person".

“The style that A adopts may not be the one that B adopts. There is no style we can call the style for everybody. Everybody is at liberty to adopt a style that suits him", the Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity said.

Furious Nigerians attacked Mr Adesina online but that could not change anything. The president would not speak until a month after.

Abule-Ado blast

After Nigerians survived President Muhammadu Buhari's long silence on COVID-19, the president was nowhere to be seen again during the Abule-Ado blast incident that killed over 20 people, destroying property worth millions of Naira.

Upon his visit to the place on the same day, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the atmosphere looked like a “war zone” and “a situation never seen before.”

An investigation by BBC later showed that the incident was caused by a leaky fuel facility of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). While a delegation of governors visited the scene, President Muhammadu Buhari never left the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

In fact, rather than the president addressing the nation, it was Mr Sanwo-Olu that traveled to Abuja to show the president photos of the damages. Still, President Buhari did not say a word. Rather, Femi Adesina took the responsibility of condoling the victims in a statement much more later.

The need to do better

Taiwo Ibojo, a conflict analyst, told POLITICS NIGERIA that President Buhari needs to step up his approach to national issues.

"We cannot have a president that handles national issues with levity and you will expect citizens to be happy. He needs to be up and doing. He is not the best for Nigeria at this point. I think he needs those that can really put him on his toes".

"Nigerians voted for him in 2015 because they felt he was the alternative candidate at that point. But today, people are unhappy with the development happenings and 2023 is still far. The best is to charge him to do better", he said.

President Muhammadu Buhari finally addressed the nation on Thursday night about the ongoing #EndSARS protests all over the country.

Below are 15 things the President said tonight;

1. HIJACKING OF #ENDSARS PROTESTS

The president said; "It has become necessary for me to address you having heard from many concerned Nigerians and having concluded a meeting with all the Security Chiefs."

"I must warn those who have hijacked and misdirected the initial, genuine and well - intended protest of some of our youths in parts of the country, against the excesses of some members of the now disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS)."

2. PROTESTS ARE A FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHT

President Buhari said; "On Monday 12th October, I acknowledged the genuine concerns and agitations of members of the public regarding the excessive use of force by some members of SARS."

"The choice to demonstrate peacefully is a fundamental right of citizens as enshrined in Section 40 of our Constitution and other enactments; but this right to protest also imposes on the demonstrators the responsibility to respect the rights of other citizens, and the necessity to operate within the law."

3. #EndSARS PROTESTERS DEMANDS

The President disclosed: "As a democratic government, we listened to, and carefully evaluated the five-point demands of the protesters. And, having accepted them, we immediately scrapped SARS, and put measures in place to address the other demands of our youth."

""On approving the termination of SARS, I already made it clear that it was in line with our commitment to the implementation of extensive Police reforms."

4. CRIMES COMMITTED IN THE NAME OF #EndSARS

President Buhari said: "Sadly, the promptness with which we have acted seemed to have been misconstrued as a sign of weakness and twisted by some for their selfish unpatriotic interests."

"The result of this is clear to all observers: human lives have been lost; acts of sexual violence have been reported; two major correctional facilities were attacked and convicts freed; public and private properties completely destroyed or vandalised; the sanctity of the Palace of a Peace Maker, the Oba of Lagos has been violated. So-called protesters have invaded an International Airport and in the process disrupted the travel plans of fellow Nigerians and our visitors."

"All these executed in the name of the ENDSARS protests. I am indeed deeply pained that innocent lives have been lost. These tragedies are uncalled for and unnecessary. Certainly, there is no way whatsoever to connect these bad acts to legitimate expression of grievance of the youth of our country."

5. FAKE NEWS

The President lamented: "The spreading of deliberate falsehood and misinformation through the social media in particular, that this government is oblivious to the pains and plight of its citizens is a ploy to mislead the unwary within and outside Nigeria into unfair judgement and disruptive behaviour."

"On the contrary, both our deeds and words have shown how committed this administration has been to the wellbeing and welfare of citizens, even with the steadily dwindling revenues, and the added responsibilities and restrictions due to the Coronavirus pandemic."

6. GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES FOR YOUTHS

The President said: "Government has put in place measures and initiatives principally targeted at youths, women and the most vulnerable groups in our society. These included our broad plan to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years; the creation of N75 billion National Youth Investment Fund to provide opportunities for the youths and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Survival Fund, through which government is:

a. paying three months salaries of the staff of 100,000 micro, small - and medium - enterprises,

b. paying for the registration of 250,000 businesses at the Corporate Affairs Commission,

c. giving a grant of N30,000 to 100,000 artisans; and

d. guaranteeing market for the products of traders.

"These are in addition to many other initiatives such as;

a. Farmermoni,

b. Tradermoni,

c. Marketmoni,

d. N-Power,

e. N-Tech and

f. N-Agro.

"No Nigerian Government in the past has methodically and seriously approached poverty-alleviation like we have done."

7. POLICE WELFARE/REFORM

Speaking on Police reform, President Buhari said: "With regard to the welfare of police personnel, the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission has been directed to expedite action on the finalization of the new salary structure of members of the Nigeria Police Force. The emoluments of other paramilitary services are also being reviewed upwards."

"In order to underscore the importance of education in preparing youths for the future, this administration has come up with a new salary structure and other incentives for our teachers."

8. COMMITMENT TO NIGERIA'S UNITY

President Buhari said; "Let me at this point reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to preserving the unity of this country. We will continue to improve good governance and our democratic process, including through sustained engagement."

"We shall continue to ensure that liberty and freedom, as well as the fundamental rights of all citizens are protected."

9. INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

The President said: "To our neighbours in particular, and members of the international community, many of whom have expressed concern about the ongoing development in Nigeria, we thank you and urge you all to seek to know all the facts available before taking a position or rushing to judgment and making hasty pronouncements."

"In the circumstances, I would like to appeal to protesters to note and take advantage of the various well-thought-out initiatives of this administration designed to make their lives better and more meaningful, and resist the temptation of being used by some subversive elements to cause chaos with the aim of truncating our nascent democracy."

10. END THE PROTESTS

The president said: "I therefore call on our youths to discontinue the street protests and constructively engage government in finding solutions. Your voice has been heard loud and clear and we are responding."

"And I call on all Nigerians to go about their normal businesses, and enjoin security agencies to protect lives and properties of all law abiding citizens without doing harm to those they are meant to protect. Let me pay tribute to officers of the Nigeria Police Force who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty."

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has announced the postponement of bye-elections scheduled for October 31st, 2020.

The commission met today, 22nd October, 2020 with 37 Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to review preparations for the 15 bye-elections in 11 States of the Federation.

On Wednesday 21st October 2020, the Commission notified the nation that having taken cognisance of the current security situation in parts of the country, a meeting with the 37 RECs will be held to evaluate the situation in the States and Constituencies where bye-elections have been scheduled.

Accordingly, the Commission decided to postpone the bye-elections in the 6 Senatorial Districts and 9 State Constituencies. The decision is in compliance with Section 26 (2) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), which gives the Commission the power to postpone an election if there is reason to believe that a serious breach of the peace is likely to occur if the election is proceeded with on that date, or that it is impossible to conduct the elections as a result of natural disasters or other emergencies.

INEC disclosed that it will continue to monitor the situation in all the States and Constituencies, consult with relevant Stakeholders and meet again in two weeks to eview the situation and decide on a feasible date for the elections.

The Commission appealed for calm and understanding of the stakeholders and voters in the States where elections were scheduled.

Following the sporadic shooting at protesters on Tuesday night, videos and captions posted on social media platforms insinuate that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu may have jetted out of the country to France. The former Lagos state Governor and the National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is accused of complicity in the shootings on #EndSARS protesters, which claimed scores of lives.

According to data from Amnesty International, a global human rights group, not less than 38 persons were killed on Tuesday. Meanwhile, hours after the incident, there are multiple social media reports and news articles suggesting that Mr Tinubu had travelled out of the country to avoid embarrassment and invasion of angry protesters.

These various reports referenced three videos, which POLITICS NIGERIA, in its support for accuracy and accountability in the media, has conducted verification on.

How the protest began...

Many Nigerians have on several occasions shared their unpalatable experiences in the hands of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigerian Police but things got heated up a fortnight ago.The operatives of the police unit, established in 1984 to combat a rise in armed robbery, have been found culpable in cases of extortion, bribery, harassment, extrajudicial killings in the recent months.

The recent case that generated the furore was that of a man, a suspect arrested by the police in Ughelli, Delta State, who allegedly fell off from a moving police vehicle and allegedly died afterwards. Although the report of the death was later dispelled by the state minister of labour and employment, Festus Keyamo, it did not pacify the people.

This sparked agitations on social media and led to street protests in the oil-rich state. The social media campaign calling for the disbandment of the SARS became fully blown days after. It started with protest walks to Alausa, where the Lagos State Government House is located. Protesters besieged its premises on October 8.

The protesters led by celebrities including the popular Instagram comedian, Debo Adebayo (Mr Macaroni) and singer, Paul Okoye, passed the night in front of the Lagos government house. From Lagos, the protest became a marathon exercise that spilled to Ibadan, Osogbo, Portharcourt, Ilorin and other major cities in the country.

In reaction to the demands of the protesters, Inspector General of Police, Mohammad Adamu, announced the dissolution of SARS and move by the government to reform the police. A day after he disclosed the establishment of a new Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team to replace the disbanded SARS.

This development however did not placate the protesters who rejected all attempts to recycle operatives of the disbanded SARS unit. They demanded an urgent prosecution of all killer-cops and a complete overhaul of the Nigerian Police.

As events unfolded, the protesters began to raise questions of accountability, questioning the salary structures of lawmakers in comparison with that of civil servants.

Tuesday night

Stakeholders including Mr Tinubu called for calm on Tuesday, begging protesters to stop the agitations. At this time, hoodlums posing as #EndSARS protesters had seized an opportunity to break into the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) facilities in Benin, resulting in the escape of several inmates.

There are reports of thugs burning down police stations across the country and perpetrating other heinous crimes in guise of being protesters.These pockets of violence resulted in the declaration of curfew by the Governments of Edo, Lagos, Osun amongst others.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday evening, soldiers stormed the Lekki Toll gate and opened fire on the protesters. Graphic evidence showed that the shooters were men of the Nigerian Army. Prior to this incident, the CCTV cameras positioned at the Toll Gate were removed and the lights put out by its operators.

Although the Lagos State Government and the Nigerian Army have denied their involvement in the massacre of Tuesday, evidence obtained by POLITICS NIGERIA have proved contrary. In retaliation, angry mobs have started destroying properties linked to the Governor, Sanwoolu and Tinubu.

POLITICS NIGERIA had earlier reported how Television Continental and The Nation newspaper offices in Lagos were burnt on Wednesday.

Where is Tinubu?

In a video posted on Twitter at exactly 6:17pm on Wednesday, a user @Xpsilver1 wrote "Nigerians in France just surrounded the hotel TINUBU (Thiefnibu) lodged. They're demanding for his release to them."

"#EndSARS Now this is what I talked about. Thank y'all for listening and retweeting."

The user attached a 27 seconds video of a dark-skinned man attempting to hide from an angry mob shouting " Ole Ole..." which means thief in the Yoruba parlance.

A video posted by another user, TheLastLazyMan, at exactly 11:35pm on Wednesday was captioned "No peace for the wicked! Tinubu caught in France (Video)".

The video seen by over ten thousand persons has been shared 336 times.

The third of the viral video clip, posted by another twitter user, Bola_Chi, has been streamed 245 times and shared ten times.

She captioned the video; "See baba Tinubu, the wicked we not know peace. He was sent back from france."

It should be noted that the three video footages have been circulated on WhatsApp and other social media websites.

VERIFICATION

Checks by POLITICS NIGERIA showed that the first video was not shot in France. The plate number code is that of the United Kingdom.

The number plate code in UK versus the number plate code in France

Also, while we could not ascertain who the person the people booed is, the picture of the man did not show Tinubu or his resemblance.

The man in the clip does not share a resemblance with Tinubu

Findings also revealed that the second clip was shot in the Nigerian Embassy in Dublin, the Capital of the Republic of Ireland, not in France.

The video was first posted on the internet at exactly 8:26 pm by Seun Badejo, a Nigerian living in Ireland.

According to Mr Badejo, they were in front of the Nigerian embassy in Dublin, in solidarity with the protesters in Nigeria, calling for the ambassador to address the citizens.

More so, Google reverse image searches conducted showed that the place was the Embassy in Dublin and not France as being rumoured. Popular Nigerians including Deji Adeyanju, who had circulated the videos initially, have however deleted it after Mr Badejo debunked posts linking the events in the Video to Tinubu.

In the third clip, the person allegedly running at the airport, was Obasanjo and the video is dated as far back as 2019.

When POLITICS NIGERIA contacted Tunde Rahman, the spokesperson of the former Governor, he denied reports of his principal travelling abroad.

"Asiwaju is in Nigeria. In fact, he has not travelled since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out," he said.

VERDICT: Since the videos have not proven that Mr Tinubu has travelled to France coupled with a statement from his spokesman, the CLAIM is FALSE.

The United Kingdom has shut down its embassies in Nigeria following the recent #EndSARS Protests holding in several states across the country.

The protests seeking an end to Police brutality and Bad Governance degenerated into crisis leading to the loss of lives and property. The state is currently in chaos following the Tuesday night shooting on #EndSARS protesters at Lekki toll gate by Security agents.

The development generated a nationwide outrage causing hoodlums to launch attacks in several locations of the state on Wednesday.

The UK, in a statement  made available to POLITICS NIGERIA highlighted that the closure of its offices is to ensure the safety of staff and visa applicants.

"Due to the ongoing protest in Nigeria and for the safety of both staff and applicants, our Nigeria centres will be closed for 48 hours at a minimum,"

"For applicants with booked appointments within this period, please you will need to reschedule your appointment for next week, from 26th October 2020."

VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA – STATEMENT BY VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN

I urge President Buhari and the Nigerian military to cease the violent crackdown on protesters in Nigeria, which has already resulted in several deaths. My heart goes out to all those who have lost a loved one in the violence.

The United States must stand with Nigerians who are peacefully demonstrating for police reform and seeking an end to corruption in their democracy.

I encourage the government to engage in a good-faith dialogue with civil society to address these long-standing grievances and work together for a more just and inclusive Nigeria.

Buhari it’s game over step down

@MBuhari @jidesanwoolu @AsiwajuTinubu
how can u even sleep God help us

🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬 @MBuhari @jidesanwoolu @AsiwajuTinubu how can u even sleep God help us pic.twitter.com/t8tpgTUexs

— Davido (@davido) October 20, 2020

Biggest mistake of our generation #PRAYFORNIGERIA

International Criminal Court: Petition for President Buhari to be charged before the ICC for crimes against humanity. - Sign the Petition! http://chng.it/ZpmsQTVc via
@Change

Please where is the hospital that most of the patients have been taken too?? Have they been treated for free ? Is there a bill that needs to be paid ? I need answers

The naira should be floated to find its exchange rate value on the market if Nigeria’s economy is to become productive, instead of relying on oil revenues, a dependency that has plunged our country and our citizens deeper and deeper into fiscal bankruptcy and individual poverty. Ending the elusive quest for a “strong” currency when the economic fundamentals do not support it will be painful in the short run (we have already undergone several years of devaluations forced by these fundamentals, so what’s new?) but will be beneficial in the longer term.

The notion of an artificially strong currency remains attractive for three fundamental reasons: 1. We are fundamentally an import economy, and imports are priced in dollars and other “reserve” currencies in international trade.

2. There is a lack of economic knowledge both in policy-making governance circles and in the wider population.

3. Based on the two factors earlier cited, politicians want to remain “popular” and lack the political will to do what is required to set the economy on a truly productive path. Some “technocrats”, for self-serving reasons, sing and clap along instead of providing the necessary advice and guidance.

In taking this approach, as well as others such as subsidies on consumption instead of on production, structural poverty has been entrenched in Nigeria and the Nigerian economy has remained uncompetitive in a global context, for far too long.

To measure the naira only relative to the dollar and other foreign currencies is to miss a fine point – that it matters as well to differentiate what the naira equivalent of one dollar can buy in Nigeria from what one dollar can buy in America-what economists call “purchasing power parity” – what your currency can purchase for you in your national market as a way to measure GDP and GDP per capita. This approach to measuring economies arose because sometimes currencies are manipulated, and so measuring against such currencies may not yield a fully accurate picture. As someone so brilliantly put it on a WHatsapp post I read, “in the US, a dollar may not buy you more than a bottle of water, while N500 will buy you a pack of 12 of the same bottles of water in Nigeria!”

Because we are an import economy, we want to maintain an artificially strong naira/dollar exchange rate, to subsidize the import habit of our elite, or our ability to pay school fees of our wards abroad – understandable, given the decline of education in Nigeria, but not the solution to a problem that needs to be fixed.

We produce and export nothing that is value-added. Over 90% of our forex comes from oil. When an economy lacks “complexity” (value-added manufacturing as a ratio of GDP) but depends on exports of natural commodities or minerals, the exchange rate value of its currency is determined almost exclusively by the level of its foreign reserves, which accrues mainly from income from such commodity or resource exports. These reserves determine how many months of imports such a country can pay for.

So when oil prices are high for a long period, the reserves swell, and the (say) naira value relative to foreign currencies rises. When the oil price crashes, our reserves are depleted. When reserve levels indicate that a country’s ability to pay for up to six imports is threatened, market forces weaken the strength of the currency (naira in this instance). The value of the currency crashes, because that value is not underpinned by diversified exports that earn revenues as is the case with mature economies. If oil were $100 per barrel for a long period, for example, and our reserves rose to $80 billion, the naira value relative to the dollar will go up. But we have little control over the vagaries of the oil price.

Commodity dependence therefore exposes a country to currency instability except the country builds up huge reserves (eg Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries which long ago invested heavily in oil refining AND have huge sovereign wealth funds (we arrived at the sovereign wealth party about 40 years late!) in addition to exporting crude. It is OBVIOUS in such cases that there is backing for that legal tender in terms that are relevant internationally. The naira is not so fortunate because our economy is “naked” and globally uncompetitive.

What all this means is that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s efforts to “defend” the naira are like Sisyphus rolling the proverbial huge boulder up the hill, only for it to surely come rolling back down, economically speaking. It weakens the very value of the naira it is defending because the dollar supplies come from the external reserves, but is politically “expedient” because it creates an impression of patriotic nationalism. By the end of the first quarter of 2020, for example, the Bank is reported to have spent approximately $4 billion on naira Defence in the forex market by supplying the market with dollars.

But it’s all just populism. Foreign investors have exited, and forex is not coming in as investments aren’t at a level that can create confidence.

So the only way to reposition our economy is to shift it from an import-oriented one to one that is export-oriented. For as long as CBN continues to subsidize the value of the naira this will not happen, because they are creating incentives for an import orientation.

Forex “ban” makes the matter worse. Local productivity often is not enough to meet the gap in demand for the previously imported products. Smuggling booms. Meanwhile, in a frontier economy, “cabals” have reportedly had access to the naira at CBN rates, so they obtain huge amounts of subsidized dollars, and turn around to sell the dollars at the street market rates with huge profits. Arbitrage reigns. The black market booms.

But if CBN devalues the naira decisively rather than tentatively, or allows it find its value in the market, this will create an incentive to manufacture locally and EXPORT in order to earn forex. Because imports become more expensive.

But other policies must accompany this approach. The absence of those policies is why series of devaluations have not solved the problems, but only import inflation. This is death by a thousand cuts.

The necessary accompanying policy thrust is trade policy. Instead of forex bans, anyone should be able to import (yes, they will need forex to do so)but slap high tariffs (revenues for the government!) on imports deemed luxury items. Policy support should be provided to enable local production of such goods to be cheaper than foreign imports. That way, rich people can buy expensive imported goods, poorer people can buy cheaper “local-made”. More exports, more forex, and eventually the value of the naira stabilizes. The “cheap” exchange rate of the naira (from the perspective of foreign trade partners) will lead to greater orders of Nigerian manufactures, which = more forex earnings. Foreign investors seeking profit will also flood the country that is seen as a large and profitable market with dollars because the market is “open” and trade transparent. This will also help stabilize the naira.

But this is difficult when Nigeria is being mortgaged to a country like China. If our government treats China as a financial lifeline, can we slap the appropriate tariffs on imports from China which are so cheaply produced that it makes production in Nigeria uncompetitive? This is part of a broader problem of the absence of a worldview that includes a strategy to rise in the world, including economically.

Ideally, citizens should be well prepared, communicated to and educated about these kinds of necessary reforms. And we know that vested interests will often seek to short-circuit such reforms to still game the system. It’s like highway robbery on an unsafe road. You may be OK in the early part of the journey, but could (God forbid) run into robbers in the last mile. The role of vested-interest rent-seeking in Nigeria’s economy has been a dominant one for far too long. The phenomenon is not unique to Nigeria, but that’s no excuse. Our concern is about our country and our people and creating an enabling environment for real development. Getting right the balance betweeen the role of the state and that of markets is one of the most important factors in development. I hope that, as President Muhammadu Buhari pursues the Vision 2050, we can get these fundamentals right.

Mrs. Wantor Akwaza, wife of murdered militia leader, Terwase Akwaza popularly known as 'Gana' has demanded compensation from the Nigerian Government over the killing of her husband by the Military.

It will be recalled that Gana was shot dead by Soldiers shortly after he surrendered to the Benue state government under its Amnesty Program. POLITICS NIGERIA gathered that soldiers snatched Gana from a government convoy of repentant militants in Gboko.

An emotional Mrs. Wantor, who is Gana's second wife, further disclosed that her husband was betrayed by Politicians. In her words;

"I was in Makurdi when they called to inform me of the incident. Senator Gabriel Suswam went to meet him on Saturday because when they went for him on the second amnesty issue, he said if he did not see Suswam, he was not going to come out. That until Suswam comes around, he will not believe that the amnesty is true. This is because he said that when he first came out for the first amnesty, the government betrayed him, so until he sees Suswam, he wouldn’t come out."

"So Suswam went there to meet him and assured him that he was part of it and that he has arranged everything, that he spoke to the federal security agencies and they had given him (Agwaza) amnesty and that nothing will happen to him. So, they went to Akume Atongo Stadium in Katsina Ala to meet with the chiefs and then surrender their weapons. After addressing them, they were going to Makurdi to finalize the amnesty at Government House. But on his way, the soldiers came and snatched him and killed him."

She also stated that her husband was not a 'wicked man'.

"After the Initial amnesty he went back into the bush. When the second amnesty programme started, he was briefing me about the development. I spoke with him on Saturday and he told me that he was going for the amnesty and that he is tired of the life he was living. That if the amnesty is genuine, he want to surrender his life to God and work for Him."

"My husband was not a wicked person."

She called on the Federal Government to conduct a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding her husband's death. She also demanded a compensation of N5 billion.

A Former Governor of Abia state, Orji Uzor Kalu has said that he can convince the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu to come back to Nigeria and end the agitation for Biafra.

Kalu, in a statement made available to the press in Abuja on Tuesday, said he that Kanu will listen to him.

"If the Federal Government permits me, I will go to the United Kingdom and negotiate with Nnamdi Kanu to return to Nigeria."

"I will convince him to drop the agitation for Biafra because our people don’t need it," Kalu said.

The Senate Chief Whip maintained that he is a believer in 'One Nigeria', adding that people of Nigeria are entangled with each other. He stated that Nigerians need to focus on is taking advantage of the country’s population to build a stronger economy.

As part of its ongoing reforms to align the nation’s tax system with global standards, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has launched a new Automatic Exchange of Information-Common Reporting Standard (AEOI-CRS) system for the use of financial institutions in the country.

Executive Chairman, FIRS, Mr. Muhammad Nami, announced the deployment of the AEOI-CRS) in a notice calling on reporting financial institutions under the Income Tax (Common Reporting Standard) Regulations 2019 to enroll on the portal.

According to Mr. Nami, “the Automatic Exchange of Information-Common Reporting Standard (AEOI-CRS) system portal is currently live, open and active. Consequently, all Reporting Financial Institutions (Commercial Banks, Merchant Banks, Discount Houses, Mortgage and Development Banks, Insurance and Life Assurance Companies, Investment Advisers, Trustees, Asset Management Companies, Issuing Houses, Brokers/Dealers, etc.) are invited to enroll on the AEOI-CRS portal.”

Explaining the simple process of enrolment, the FIRS Executive Chairman stated that “each Reporting Financial Institution (FI) is required to designate an appropriate officer as Primary User (PU). The PU is the custodian of the FI’s login details on the portal. A letter signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the FI introducing the PU to the FIRS is required as part of the enrolment process.

“In order to enroll as a PU of an FI and have access to related AEOI-CRS documents, please visit the FIRS website at www.firs.gov.ng and navigate the menu tab on Automatic Exchange of Information. Please do this only if relevant contact details have been forwarded to the FIRS. FIs are to further take notice that CRS reports for 2019 are due not later than 30th September 2020. For further information, send enquiries to aeoi.enquiries@firs.gov.ng or sanya.gbonjubola@firs.gov.ng”

The former acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu has called on the Presidential Panel investigating him for fraud and abuse of office to also summon the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.

The suspended Ex-EFCC chair wrote to the Presidential Panel to subpoena Malami.

In the letter signed by his lawyer, Wahab Shittu, Magu stated that Malami should appear to give evidence and tender relevant documents on his memo to the president accusing him of abuse of office.

POLITICS NIGERIA learned that the letter read in part: "The acting chairman of EFCC is not acting in the overall best interest of the country and the policies of this administration due to its mismanagement and lack of transparency in managing recovered assets; diversion of recovered assets for personal enrichment; neglecting to investigate the P&ID case as directed by the President; flagrant disobedience to directives and to court orders due to the following."