The United States Department of Justice has alleged that billions of naira stolen from the Presidential Amnesty Programme by a former head of the office, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, were transferred to bank accounts in the United States where they were laundered and used to purchase airplanes to start Air Peace as well as luxury homes and vehicles.
Kuku served as Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and was Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Office under President Goodluck Jonathan, who served from 2010-2015.
Air Peace, which was launched in 2013, is Nigeria’s largest carrier with a fleet size of about 23 airplanes. The revelation by the US DOJ clearly poses multiple challenges and risks for the airline if the US government successfully prosecutes the charges of money laundering in court.
THEWILL can report exclusively that the US DOJ which has been conducting a discreet investigation into Kuku and Air Peace, according to our sources with knowledge of development, formally wrote to the Nigerian government under the Treaty for Mutual Legal Assistance between both countries and asked for the transfer of the case files of investigations conducted on Mr. Kuku, who coincidentally was deported from the United States last year by the Department of Homeland Security over immigration fraud, Allen Onyema, the airlines’ CEO, Prince Chibudom Nwuche, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, who allegedly laundered at least $8m from the Amnesty programme and other individuals and companies linked to Onyema.
The United States government describes Mr. Onyema as Kuku’s business partner, who laundered at least $44m through US bank accounts.
The DOJ in another letter about three weeks ago asked Nigeria for bank account records of “Air Peace Limited, Ifechukwu Allen Athan Onyema, Tarere Vivenne Kuku alias Nnamani Chika Vivienne, All Times Peace Media, Every Child Limited, Foundation of Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria and Allen Onyema and Company, Global Spectrum Energy Services Plc” amongst others.
“Records should be for the period between April 1, 2010, and the present…” the DOJ said in the letter seen by THEWILL.
In November last year, the United States DOJ in a statement announced Mr. Onyema’s indictment and charge for bank fraud and money laundering for moving more than $20 million from Nigeria through United States bank accounts in a scheme involving false documents based on the purchase of airplanes.
It also said the airline’s Chief of Administration and Finance, Ejiroghene Eghagha, was charged with bank fraud and committing aggravated identity theft in connection with the scheme.
“Onyema allegedly leveraged his status as a prominent business leader and airline executive while using falsified documents to commit fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “We will diligently protect the integrity our banking system from being corrupted by criminals, even when they disguise themselves in a cloak of international business.”
Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division commented on the indictment, “Allen Onyema’s status as a wealthy businessman turned out to be a fraud. He corrupted the U.S. banking system, but his trail of deceit and trickery came to a skidding halt. DEA would like to thank the many law enforcement partners and the subsequent prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office who aided in making this investigation a success.”
“This case is a prime example of why IRS-CI seeks to partner and leverage its expertise in an effort to thwart those seeking to exploit our nation’s financial system,” said Thomas J. Holloman, IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Office.
“With the importance of our banking system to the movement of money around the world, those attempting to use intricate schemes to commit bank fraud through the use of falsified documents and other means should know that the odds are now heavily stacked against them as law enforcement is combining its talents to protect the sanctity and integrity of the nation’s financial system.”
“Onyema setup various innocent sounding multi-million dollar asset purchases which were nothing more than alleged fronts for his scam,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in Georgia and Alabama. “I’m proud to be part of a team of law enforcement agencies that come together to identify and attack criminals that attempt to profit from the exploitation of our nation’s financial systems.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the indictment, and other information presented in court: Onyema, is the founder and Chairman of several organizations that purport to promote peace across Nigeria, including the Foundation for Ethnic Harmony, International Center for Non-Violence and Peace Development, and All-Time Peace Media Communications Limited.
It said beginning in 2010, Onyema began travelling frequently to Atlanta, where he opened several personal and business bank accounts. Between 2010 and 2018, over $44.9 million was allegedly transferred into his Atlanta-based accounts from foreign sources.
In years following the founding of Air Peace, he traveled to the United States and purchased multiple airplanes for the airline. However, over $3 million of the funds used to purchase the aircraft allegedly came from bank accounts for Foundation for Ethnic Harmony, International Center for Non-Violence and Peace Development, All-Time Peace Media Communications Limited, and Every Child Limited.
Beginning in approximately May 2016, Onyema, together with Eghagha, allegedly used a series of export letters of credit to cause banks to transfer more than $20 million into Atlanta-based bank accounts controlled by Onyema. The letters of credit were purportedly to fund the purchase of five separate Boeing 737 passenger planes by Air Peace. The letters were supported by documents such as purchase agreements, bills of sale, and appraisals proving that Air Peace was purchasing the aircraft from Springfield Aviation Company LLC, a business registered in Georgia.
However, the supporting documents were fake — Springfield Aviation Company LLC, which is owned by Onyema and managed by a person with no connection to the aviation business, never owned the aircraft, and the company that allegedly drafted the appraisals did not exist. Eghagha allegedly participated in this scheme as well, directing the Springfield Aviation manager to sign and send false documents to banks and even using the manager’s identity to further the fraud. After Onyema received the money in the United States, he allegedly laundered over $16 million of the proceeds of the fraud by transferring it to other accounts, the DOJ said.
“Allen Ifechukwu Athan Onyema, 56, of Lagos, Nigeria, and Ejiroghene Eghagha, 37, of Lagos, Nigeria, were indicted on November 19, 2019, on one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, three counts of bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit credit application fraud, and three counts of credit application fraud. Additionally, Onyema was charged with 27 counts of money laundering, and Eghagha was charged with one count of aggravated identity theft.”
Amid the many shocks Nigerians have had to deal with in 2020, the recent increase in fuel price by the Federal Government is perhaps the bitterest pill to swallow.
Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC), issued a memo on Wednesday stating that effective immediately, the price of fuel would increase from N148 to N151.56k.
This is coming at a time the new electricity tariff regime is kicking off, having been postponed twice from April 1, 2020 to take full effect September 1, 2020. This, according to the government, is in the best interest of all. But how is an increase, any kind of increase, in the interest of Nigerians?
Recall that over the last couple of months, the government had increased the pump price from N121.50 to N138.60, N143.80 and N145 per litre at different times, on the advice of the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), after reviewing market fundamentals and operating costs.
Fuel price had started the year at N145 per litre, and only crashed down to N125 in March due to the global crisis which led to a fall in demand, and subsequently a fall in price. It was at this point that the government effectively removed fuel subsidy since the landing costs had dropped below the pump price, and there was no longer need to subsidise the price for Nigerians.
Before the crash
Prior to the global crash, the government paid the difference between the Expected Open Market Price (“EOMP”) and the approved retail price of petrol (known as fuel subsidy), in order to make the produce available to the populace at an affordable price, irrespective of the prevailing market forces.
For instance, where a pump price of N145 had been agreed on, and the landing cost of fuel is put at N143, the marketers cannot be able to sell at N145 per litre since they still have to factor in other costs of operations, and transporting the fuel to their stations. With the government bearing a part of the costs in the subsidy plan, the marketers can sell at the general agreed price, without running at a loss, while the consumers get to buy the product less than the actual costs.
With this system, a removal of subsidy would almost certainly result in an increase in fuel price except in situations like we saw in March where the landing price had already dropped below the pump price. We can see an example of this in the spike in fuel price which took place immediately former President Goodluck Jonathan removed fuel subsidy in January 2012.
Overnight, fuel price had gone from N65 to N141. After several protest marches across the country, the price was later brought down to N97 in a partial subsidy arrangement where the government could spend less on subsidy and free up funds to channel into other sectors of the economy.
This however, was not the case this year, as the government delayed the removal of subsidy until a time when the landing costs of fuel had fallen below the pump price. The result of this was that Nigerians enjoyed a reduction in fuel price immediately, with the price only increasing when the global oil market picked up and landing costs of fuel went up again.
Given the current trends in the global market, a reduced pump price will only be possible if we return to the years of subsidy regime, with the attached controversies, smuggling, fuel scarcity and the resulting long queues at petrol stations.
Thankfully, we are far from the era of queuing long hours to buy fuel. The President recently directed a nationwide mass metering programme for electricity consumers in the country and approved a one year waiver of import levy on electricity meters to speed up the process and reduce the cost of the metering for Nigerians.
The government is working with the Electricity Distribution Companies to ensure increased electricity supply and improved quality of service. This will protect Nigerians from arbitrary and estimated billings, while improving living standard and reducing costs of business operations for entrepreneurs.
Given that the government spent an estimate of N10trillion spent on Fuel subsidy between the 2006 and 2018, one can see that subsidy removal would indeed free up the much-needed funds to be channeled into critical sectors of the economy. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed serious gaps in the health sector, and there is no doubt that some additional funds would do wonders for the sector.
With the subsidy removed earlier this year, fuel price is now subject to the market forces of demand and supply which will allow all market players to operate on fair grounds. Eventually, competitive pricing will follow this realistic pricing system, and Nigerians will be better for it.
At the centre of Mr Buhari’s fight against corruption is a fine gentleman from the city of Kebbi, Northern Nigeria. A soft-spoken lawyer who rose to the pinnacle of Nigeria’s legal profession, the distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Mr Abubakar Malami is his name. On the pages of the newspapers and online mediums today he is not new to being talked about — most recently for his memo that indicted the Economic and Financial Crime Commission’s Boss, Ibrahim Magu for grave misadministration of resources entrusted with him. This event has only put Mr Malami at the fore of national discuss. Unearthing him to both criticism and accolades. But this should be no worry for a man who is responsible for fetching in billions of recovered funds, once looted, back to the coffers of the Nigerian purse, he will no doubt earn for himself unhappy enemies. And they will fight back, like Mr Magu says: “dog eat dog.”
Nigeria has lost billions of dollars to the hands of criminals who have put their hands into the purse of government and stolen recklessly. President Buhari, a man known and revered for his character of integrity and honesty, who no friend or foe can point to, and say “you stole this, or that” won his election, and even re-election, on the solid trust of the Nigerian people that he would not just recover funds stolen by the petty thieves who had left the oil-rich country dry and poor, but put those men in jail.
Years before his coming, the Nigerian government was a bazaar. Share this, share that. Zero accountability. And these fleecers had an alibi: a weak prosecuting and judicial system. No doubt, Mr Buhari, on coming to office nagged at a conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia that his biggest headache was the judiciary. It really has been. A strong Attorney General, who doubles as the Minister of Justice in Nigeria was needed to make the war against corruption and the battle for the soul of Nigeria victorious. Abubakar Malami, was billed for the task. He did not just bring a no-nonsense mien to the table, but also an understanding that to tackle the corruption problem that Nigeria faced, it needed to start with the root of our laws, our processes and our anti-corruption prosecutorial system.
This birthed the National Judicial Policy. Its mandate was to bring about a direction and coordination in Nigeria’s justice sector. This was made possible through continued engagement with the various stakeholders of the country’s justice system: from the Nigerian Bar Association, to the National Judicial Council among others. This has not just yielded a much more defined justice sector but this interaction has brought about the weeding of the bad eggs from the system.
Mr Malami SAN plays a critical role for the running of President Buhari’s government: he is the mind and brain behind the legality of each and every of the President’s decisions. Being the Attorney General, Mr Malami is consulted on any action the President must take. More recently was the opinion he gave on the status of who was indeed leading the All Progressives Congress — President Buhari’s ruling party. His decision led to the eventual dissolution of the party’s National Working Committee and the setting up of a National Caretaker Committee that has been more celebrated than frowned on, compared to its predecessor.
He has also been instrumental to critical bills that have become law under this President; especially those that have provided bulwark to President Buhari’s fight against corruption. The famous Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill, the Proceeds of Crime Bill, are a few to mention that have the ink of the Attorney General in their drafting.
The regulations and guidelines his office has introduced have made better the coordination of the country’s fight against corruption. The National Anti-Corruption Strategy document and its guideline for implementation are masterstrokes. The Asset Tracing, Recovery and Management Regulations make the process for recovering looted funds coherent and the outcome accountable.
This guideline has ensured that there is better coordination of inter-agency investigation and proper maintenance of the data of recovered loots and assets — things Nigeria did not have in its system before hand. At many occasions, supporters of President Buhari do not hide their joy in celebrating masterstroke decisions he makes. The depth and scope of these decisions are telling of a master-strategist. Behind the veil of these deft moves is an Attorney General who has brought structure, precision and orderliness to the way the government’s decisions are made.
Mr Malami may not be the darling of many, but when it comes to engineering fine technical decisions and preparing the needed legalese for the smooth sail of President Buhari’s work, he is no doubt the darling of his boss.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni, today, 28th August, 2020 received donation of medical equipment and clinical items from the Emeka Offor Foundation.
The medical equipment and clinical items comprising one 60KVA power-generating-set, 50 hospital bed set, mattresses, assorted medicines/medicaments and other accessories were handed over to the Police for use at the Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital, Garki, Abuja.
The founder, Emeka Offor Foundation, Sir (Dr) Emeka Offor during the presentation of the items on behalf of the Board of Governors of Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, stated that the presentation is in recognition of the contributions of the men of the Nigeria Police Force in nation building. He noted that the donation is their modest way of appreciating the Force for the great job its personnel are doing as frontline workers in the security of our dear nation.
The IGP, in his remarks, expressed his appreciation to Sir (Dr) Emeka Offor for the kind gesture towards the welfare and wellbeing of the personnel of the Force and humanity in general. He notes that gestures of this nature from well-meaning Nigerians will undoubtedly boost the morale of police personnel for better service delivery to the nation and its people.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo General Assembly Worldwide, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group in Nigeria, representing all Igbo communities in and outside Nigeria, rising from deep, due and diligent reflections on the socio-political and economic state of affairs in Nigeria, our country, avowedly, superlatively and supremely make this declaration at this point of the nation’s need, that we are the apex representatives of the Igbo ethnic group of Nigeria at home and in Diaspora without any contestation from any other group whether known or unknown, familiar or alien, in existence or nonexistence;
That we, in strong terms, condemn the nefarious acts, plans and movements of the proscribed Nnamdi Kanu-led Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) which has since formation ingloriously cast the Igbo people of Nigeria in bad light. Without mincing words, we have over the time observed the rude, repulsive and discourteous style with which IPOB has arranged and orchestrated its affairs in the name of Igbo ethnicity, something very foreign to known civilization as respectable people.
It is a well-known fact that Ndigbo being one of the advanced societies of Nigeria is gifted with tweaks of refinement against barbarism, good taste against acidity and morally admirable principles against vile and violence, therefore, the Igbo has always been looked upon as one of the most receiving societies of man’s society anthropologically
That with remorse and pang of guilt, we regret that Nnamdi Kanu and his IPOB have won the average Igbo man anywhere and everywhere, a national and international nest of enmity, hostility and aggression, visiting us with unfathomable, indefinable and bottomless abhorrence, the magnitude of what remains unseen in our entire history of consciousness.
As a people once united in love, we are today left on the speculation of our survival which now exists in uncertainty wherever we are found as Ndi Igbo.
To this end, we invite every “Nwafor-Igbo” to committedly join us in the total fight and condemnation of IPOB and accompanying violent acts in the name of Igbo which has brought our ethnicity down to nothing but unmitigated shame and infamy.
It is sad that we, the Ohaneze Ndigbo have fallen in deep loss as to why and when a coeval of educated, civil and enlightened Igbo suddenly passed away to give room to the generational gap of youths on which the present crop now exists, selling deaths and other forms of danger perceived and artificially manufactured enemies of Igbo.
Our race is now endangered by the wild and undomesticated influence of Nnamdi Kanu and his political supporters in the name of Igbo nationalism. Why able bodied youths and men who should be concerned about the success of themselves and their people will swing into destruction of lives of their people and properties in our sacrosanct Igbo name, is indeed a mystery and the harm already done us is growing in leaps and bounds.
Whereas Nnamdi Kanu recently directed his usual desperate overkill to our Anioma brothers in faraway Delta State, calling them fools over what he termed denials of their Igbo identity, he assumes the biggest reason for the near disintegration of the Igbo race and nationality that warrants the Anioma, Ikwerre, Onitsha and others to deny their Igboness, the pride of which is now becoming more corrosive in them.
As we, the Igbo ceaselessly count our losses in the hands of untamed Nnamdi Kanu and fellow instigated miscreants, we shall not fail to condemn the recent Enugu incident in which IPOB is alleged to have attacked and sent to early graves, several people including two DSS officers whose patrol team was on duty.
The August 23, 2020 unprovoked violent attacks on the DSS personnel in Emene, Enugu State is not only disturbing to us as members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo but clearly demonstrates further signs of bad times ahead for every legitimate Igbo son and daughter in and outside the country since IPOB wrongly goes in the name of Igbo.
Additionally, we raise the alarm that if IPOB is not stopped, a time will come when Igbo patriotism will completely corrode and our people will begin to jettison their Igbo surnames to feel free from viral bad image. We sound this alarm to our Igbo community especially our particular people who have had to keep clapping for the already outlawed Group, to understand that the implication of the acts of IPOB are rife with unexpected implications.
With melee and gunfire from IPOB filling the air and flowing blood every now and then, the time is coming when we may be forced to flee from our ancestral homeland by the violent IPOB.
Politically, we are worried that unless we come together to address the present IPOB situation, election into the exalted Presidential position of the nation may elude us yet again. As 2023 draws near, we stand on the age-long international relations mantra that seeks to illuminate that power is taken, not handed. This requires us to open our arms to others within and outside the country; and to also submit ourselves to a good relationship and connection with other nationalities in the larger Nigeria.
Consequently, we, the members of Ohaneze Ndigbo General Assembly Worldwide, urge the nation’s security outfit to carry out a full-scale investigation into the incident and also put all measures in place to ensure that the killers of the DSS personnel and others who lost their lives in the dastardly act are speedily brought to book.
We pray for the repose of the souls of the military personnel and others who died in the incident and also condole with their families.
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq has approved the payment of stipends to the exiting N-Power beneficiaries under one of its National Social Investment Programmes.
The Honourable Minister stated on Monday, 24th August 20 that approval has been given for the payment of the outstanding stipends for the exited N-Power Batches A and B beneficiaries. The approval for payments for up to the month of June 2020 for the two (2) Batches has already been forwarded to the office of the Accountant General of the Federation (AGFs) for final checks and payments. The only outstanding approval waiting to be forwarded to Accountant-General’s Office is for the payment of July Stipends for batch B beneficiaries.
The Ministry, however, noted that about 14000 beneficiaries that were omitted by the AGF’s Office during the payment from March to June 2020 could be among those rejected by the GIPMIS payment platform due to discrepancies identified with their accounts as conveyed to the ministry by the AGF’s office. According to the report from the AGF’s office, any beneficiary receiving payment from other government payment platforms will be rejected by the Government Integrated Financial Management System (GIPMIS). Hence their payment will be withheld.
The FMHADMSD has requested for details of those affected and the reasons for their rejection from AGF’s Office and has promised to communicate that to the affected beneficiaries. However, if the rejection was done in error, those affected should be rest assured that they will be paid all that is due to them as soon as the error is rectified by the AGF’s office.
The Minister also explained that the Batches A & B N-Power beneficiaries knew from the beginning as they were informed that the programme is for 24 months.
Furthermore, the non-dis-engagement of Batch A beneficiaries after 24 months was done out of exigencies of the time. Therefore, exiting Batches, A & B after 40 and 24 months respectively is in line with the conditions stipulated at the time of their enrolment. This is corroborated by the fact that when the N-Power programme was transferred to the ministry late last year, there was no plan for either automatic employment into public service or private sector or for transition to entrepreneurship put in place for them before the take over by the Ministry.
Despite this, the exited beneficiaries are advised to exercise more patience and await the result of the efforts being made by the Honorable Minister who is currently engaging various MDAs including the CBN and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to ensure that the eligible exited beneficiaries are transited to government progammes or even employment where available.
In this regard, “we have directed Focal Persons of NSIPs in all the states to submit an updated list and details of the exited N-Power beneficiaries that are interested in participating in the transition plans of the ministry” the Honourable Minister stated.
While continuing, the Honourable Minister added that the incoming Batch C beneficiaries will clearly know the details of their terms of enrollment and exit at the time of entry into the programme to avoid what happened in the case of Batches A & B. Furthermore, an adequate plan will be made well ahead of their time of exiting the program to avoid what happened presently.
The Honourable Minister concluded that the candidates seeking enrollment into batch C will be scrutinized and selected on merit. “The ministry will follow a transparent process for selecting the qualified beneficiaries out of the 5,000,000 (five million) who applied”.
The N-power programme is designed to assist young Nigerians between the ages of 18 to 35 to acquire and develop life-long skills for becoming change makers in their communities and players in the domestic and global markets and given a stipend of N30,000 monthly.
For the Nigerian Petroleum Industry to move forward in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Group Managing Director, Mallam Mele Kyari, Tuesday, urged the Industry stakeholders to evolve innovative ways to reposition the Sector for sustainability.
The NNPC GMD, speaking at the opening ceremony of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Energy Industry Transformation Summit (NEITS) 2020, said Industry players needed to train their eyes on a strategy that focuses on people, partnerships, profit and posterity, a release by the NNPC’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru, has stated.
Mallam Kyari explained that the new normal era brought about by the Coronavirus pandemic has, more than ever, reinforced the need to upskill the human capacity within the Industry for the next phase, and develop the capacity to attract, train and retain people in the Sector.
He spoke on the theme: “Changing Global Energy Landscape: Repositioning for Industry Sustainability” at the occasion.
“There must be collaboration across different dimensions; government, industry, academia and, particularly, with the communities where we carry out our operations. The social license to operate is critical to the Industry’s long term survival. Also, partnership among Industry peers to chart new ways of resolving Industry challenges and preparing for tomorrow cannot be overemphasized. I am delighted the SPE provides such veritable platform,” the GMD submitted.
He disclosed that for sustainability, Industry players must learn to manage cost, improve efficiency and deliver required cashflow (margins) for reinvestment and expansion, stressing that without creating profit today, “we wouldn’t be in a position to take advantage of the opportunities that keep us viable and ready for tomorrow”.
Another key to reposition the Industry for sustainability, according to the GMD, is for Industry players to always act and take decisions with posterity in mind.
“We must bequeath to the next generation a world worthy to live in. Our operations must, therefore, be carried out in a safe manner without adversely impacting the environment. As you know, most discussions around energy substitution or green economy stem from looking at the Industry as ‘dirty’ and ‘unconscionable’. It must be reiterated that our Industry remains the bedrock of modern human existence. We must, therefore, work to create a positive view if we are to remain relevant in the long run,” he declared.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, said the proposed Petroleum Industry Bill would ensure that the abundant natural gas resources is used to promote national development. He added that in collaboration with stakeholders, the Ministry, under his watch, would promote domestic utilization of gas resources so as to create job opportunities for Nigerians.
Delivering the keynote address, the President, SPE International, Shauna Noonan, clarified that the concept of energy transition was not to wipe out fossil fuel but rather an aspiration for cleaner energy.
She said the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Nigeria Council, has a great role to play in reducing energy poverty, noting that energy transition was important for greater value in the global oil and gas industry.
Earlier in his welcome remark, the Chairman, SPE Nigeria Council, Mr Joseph Nwakwue, said the society was ready to offer professional services and work with all stakeholders to move the industry forward.
He informed that part of the society was focused on capacity building to develop the required skill set for the oil and industry operations, stressing that it was what informed the choice of the theme of the conference.
During my tour of the South and after a long and successful press conference in Calabar, Cross Rivers state, a journalist put up his hand for the last question and said,
"Well we do not know who is bankrolling you".
This is not a question but an assertion and an insult..
And if this insulting ASSERTION were made before Trump or OBJ I know how they would have reacted. Above is my response & I have no apology to offer for it. The young man apologised to me during the press conference & sent his apologies to me after the conference..
..I have accepted his apologies & moved on. I have always had respect for journalists & always will. Those of them that know me or worked with or for me over the last 30 years can attest to that. However there is a distinction between asking a question & offering an insult.
...This is all the more so when it is clear that the assertion was sponsored and engineered by my political enemies who wanted to use the young man to insult and embarrass me and question my integrity. Well they got more than they bargained for.
.I repeat this was not a question but an assertion and an gratutious insult and I will not accept that from any man born of woman. Thank you.
Permit me to add the following. I have taken note of the report by Daily Trust on the incident. The content is false. I didn't send any of my security men to threaten their reporter. I only reprimanded him for a premeditated plan to embarrass me & he apologised..
thereafter. That was all.
This is not a battle between me and the esteemed Nigerian journalists who respect the ethics of the noble profession. I have always been and will always be a friend to journalists and a champion of freedom of speech. What I will not accept are..
..brazen insults from an individual in the name of journalism. The assertion or assumption that I am being bankrolled by anyone is deeply insulting. Finally to the NUJ I say u have got me completely wrong. It would have been better if you had heard my own side of the story..
...and established who was behind this whole incident and attempt to embarrass me, who paid for it and how much they paid before going to press. Nevertheless I still hold you in high esteem.
During my tour of the South and after a long and successful press conference in Calabar, Cross Rivers state, a journalist put up his hand for the last question and said,
Members of the Indigenous people of Biafra, IPOB reportedly attacked a patrol team of the Department of State Security Services, DSS on Sunday in Emene, Enugu state.
According to a statement made available to POLITICS NIGERIA by the service, signed by its PRO, Dr. Peter Afunanya, Two DSS officials were killed in the attack. The statement read;
"The DSS wishes to inform the public that its patrol team was, today, 23rd August 2020, attacked in Emene, Enugu State by members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)."
"The Service lost two personnel in what was clearly an unprovoked violent attack launched by IPOB on the team. The Service hereby condoles with families of the departed officers and also prays for the repose of their souls."
"However, all measures have been put in place to ensure that their killers and everyone involved in this dastardly act are promptly apprehended and brought to justice. Consequently, a full-scale investigation will be carried out with regard to the incident."
"Once again, the Service reaffirms its commitment to assiduously work with other security agencies to maintain public safety and order. It, therefore, urges law-abiding citizens and residents to go about their normal businesses without fear."
Nigeria's leading foods and manufacturing conglomerate, BUA has today sealed an agreement with Milleral of Turkey to build its newest flour milling plants in Nigeria with a total milling capacity of 2,400tons per day (3 x 800tpd). Upon completion in 2021, this will bring BUA’s total installed flour milling capacity to 4000tons per day. BUA currently operates an installed flour milling capacity of 1,600 tons per day and 5 lines of pasta of 720 tons per day.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Executive Chairman, BUA Group said, "We are excited about this partnership with Milleral to develop our new state-of-the-art flour milling plants in Nigeria with a total milling capacity of 2,400tons per day bringing BUA’s total installed capacity to 4,000tons per day upon completion in 2021. This will further deepen our involvement in the foods processing sector as well as help enhance food security in Nigeria and the West African region."
In his comments, Mustafa Ozdemir, Chairman, Milleral said, "Milleral intends to bring its experience installing machinery and turnkey plants across the world to bear in building an efficient, advanced and world class facility for BUA."
Upon completion, this new plant will position BUA as one of the leading players in Flour Milling in West Africa.
BUA Foods is the agribusiness and foods processing division of BUA Group with diverse investments in the agricultural value chain in Sugar, Rice, Edible Oils, Flour Milling and Pasta. BUA currently operates an installed flour milling capacity of 1,600 tons per day and 5 lines of pasta of 720 tons per day.
About Milleral:
Milleral is a giant successful brand that has been manufacturing and installing machinery and turnkey plants for milling grains like wheat, corn, rye, oat to get flour and semolina for 27 years.
Milleral offers products, plants and services that can appeal the necessities in all parts of the world; from Middle East to South East Asia, from South America to Africa and always continues to work with team spirit by developing innovative technologies needed by the global economy and manufactures its products perfectly according to customer demands.
The Department of State Security Services, DSS has issued another statement alerting the general public to a sinister plot to destabilize Nigeria.
The security agency, in a statement sent to POLITICS NIGERIA on Friday morning, disclosed that there are "desperate efforts by some notable personalities to use their exalted positions; take advantage of developments in the country and cause a total breakdown of law and order". The statement read;
"On 27th July 2020, the Department of State Services (DSS) alerted the nation about desperate efforts by some notable personalities to use their exalted positions; take advantage of developments in the country and cause a total breakdown of law and order. It also revealed that part of the orchestrations was to engage in divisive acts as well as use inciting statements to pit one group against another."
"With latest occurrences in the country, Nigerians may have no reason to doubt the Service’s earlier pronouncement. Dr Obadiah Mailafiya’s recent outburst aimed at playing to the gallery and creating unnecessary tension is a confirmation of his group’s desperation to breach the peace."
"Mailafiya, as a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and currently, a Directing Staff at Nigeria’s foremost Policy Research Institute, the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, has unhindered access to government platforms. It is expected that he should be conversant with official information management protocols."
"But regrettably, he chose to cross the lines of decorum and conduct expected of a personality of his status. It is disappointing that he never took advantage of these to reach any of the security or related agencies to share the so-called information at his disposal. This, he has agreed to be a grievous error on his part. It, however, suggests his mischief and determination to use the fake news he spewed to incite the people under his control."
"It is even more condemnable that Mailafiya, who had profusely apologized during his visit to the Service’s Plateau State Command for his ignoble statement, would, afterwards, announce to the world that he stood by his misguided eruption."
"Similarly, the Service also wishes to warn others, who in the guise of political mobilization and supposed pursuit of group interests, engage in hostile and subversive activities, to desist forthwith from advancing their inimical and parochial causes."
"The Service will not stand idly and watch disgruntled and aggrieved elements take laws into their hands and cause mayhem in the polity. In line with its mandate of detecting and preventing threats and crimes against the internal security of Nigeria, the Service hereby reiterates its previous warning that it will henceforth not condone unruly conducts of persons and groups that ought to know better."
"In this regard, it will not hesitate to, within the confines of the law, decisively deal with such persons and/or groups, no matter how highly placed, that may wish to test its resolve. It will, nonetheless, continue to support participatory democracy in the country and therefore urges all players to abide by the rules of the game."
"On the other hand, the Service implores law-abiding citizens to go about their normal businesses without fear. It assures them of protection and pledges to strengthen existing measures designed to achieve this objective."
Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe has reacted to his removal by the Governing council of the institution.
On Wednesday, Ogundipe was removed by the council over allegations of Corruption. Below is a statement made available to POLITICS NIGERIA, signed by him;
“The attention of the University of Lagos (Unilag) management has been drawn to the ‘Notice to the General Public on the Removal of the Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos’; dated August 12, 2020 and signed by Oladejo Azeez, Esq, Registrar anhttps://www.nairaland.com/6050103/breaking-unilag-vc-toyin-ogundiped Secretary to Council, stating that the current Vice Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin T. Ogundipe, FAS has been removed from office with immediate effect.”
“This is untrue and a figment of his imagination. Therefore, stakeholders of Unilag and the general public are advised to disregard this mischievous disinformation about the sitting Vice Chancellor of Unilag, contained in that notice.
“Professor Ogundipe still remains Unilag’s Vice Chancellor.”
Two Senate representatives in the Governing Council of the University of Lagos, UNILAG have criticized the Pro-Chancellor of the University, Wale Babalakin over his role in the sack of the Vice-Chancellor, Oluwatoyin Ogundipe.
Professor Olukemi Odukoya and Bola Oboh, in different statements, pointed fingers at Babalakin adding that Ogundipe was not given an opportunity to defend himself against accusations of corruption.
The statement from Professor Odukoya, addressed to University Senate members, read;
"It is with great regret that I announce to you that the Pro-Chancellor has had his way in actualising his machinery to remove the Vice Chancellor."
"At today's 12th August 2020, Emergency Meeting of Council in Abuja, Dr Babalakin asked the VC and DVC (DS) to leave the meeting and by vote of 6 to 4, announced that the Vice Chancellor has been removed. Members arise, this is unacceptable. We must defend the Management of the University."
Oboh's statement also read;
"Dear Senate members, the University of Lagos regulation has been stepped on and ridiculed. Babawale Babalakin, the Pro-Chancellor waited for the tenure of Prof. Chukwu and Prof. Familoni to end, to call an Emergency Council meeting."
"Based on the Dagari report, without allowing the VC defend himself, the ProChancellor called for a vote for the removal of the VC. I (Prof. Oboh), Prof. Odukoya, Prof. Leshi and John Momoh voted against the removal of the VC. Six persons (excluding Babalakin) voted for. Babalakin then went ahead to announce the removal of the VC."
"Dear Senate members, the procedure for removal of persons in office is clear and this was pointed out to Babalakin several times but he turned deaf ears. He said he will announce the Ag. Vice-Chancellor at 5 pm. I have excused myself that I need to report to Senate members the shameful act currently ongoing. Please let us arise to fight this."
Odukoya and Oboh voted against Ogundipe's removal.
Professor Olawatoyin Ogundipe, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos has been sacked by the governing council of the institution.
POLITICS NIGERIA learned that his removal was announced on Wednesday during a meeting of the Governing Council of the institution which held at the National Universities Commission (NUC) building in Abuja. The meeting was presided over by Pro-Chancellor Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN).
Seven members voted for the removal of Ogundipe (UNILAG Vice-Chancellor) while four voted against it. One member voted that he should be suspended.
A former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Obadiah Mailafiya has revealed that a northern governor is the commander of dreaded terror sect, Boko Haram.
Mailafiya, who was interviewed on Radio station, Nigerian Info, made the disclosure while speaking on the current crisis rocking Southern Kaduna.
He stated that the information was gotten from former high commanders of the group who have repented. When asked if the government was unwilling or unable to protect the people of Kaduna, Mailafiya said;
"In fact, its is not only unable, it is unwilling and we have good reason to feel that they are part and parcel of the killers let me make some revelations to you"
"How will a government just say it is revenge killings and so on, then you leave it there because it is revenge killings and so on. The body language of this administration, the body language of the state government shows clearly that they have a hand in the killings, no doubt about it."
Let me make some revelations because some of us also have our own intelligence networks, have met with some of the bandits, we have met with some of their high commanders, one or two who have repented, they have sat down with us, not once, not twice. They told us one of the Northern governors is the Commander of Boko Haram in Nigeria".
"Boko Haram and the bandits are one and the same thing. They have a sophisticated network. During the lockdown, their planes were moving up and down as if there was no lockdown."
In its bid to meet the target of revving up production to 3million barrels per day and unlock gas revenues to the tune of about $225 million in the short term and $510 in the long run for the Federation, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has reached an accord with its partners, China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) and South Atlantic Petroleum (SAPETROL), to settle all outstanding issues surrounding the development of Oil Mining Lease, (OML) 130.
Speaking at the signing of Head of Terms (HoT) agreement with the partners Thursday at the NNPC Towers, Abuja, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, said the deal was part of the Corporation’s PSC Dispute Resolution and Renewal Strategy of 2017 aimed at securing out of court settlement of all disputes around the 1993 Production Sharing Contracts (PSC) and agreeing on terms for their renewal.
A press release by the Corporation’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr Kennie Obateru, explains that the dispute arose from recognition of certain cost and discordant interpretation of the fiscal terms of the PSC by NNPC and the Contractor parties.
With the resolution and signing of the Head of Terms (HoT) document which sets out the terms agreed in principle between parties in the course of negotiations, apart from unlocking over $225 million of gas revenues, it will also enable settlement of renewal fees and create an environment conducive to further development of OML 130 with associated benefits to the Federation.
“We are doing this with every other partner in the PSC dispute, we believe that we can close this engagement and conversation with all of you. The HoT will clearly enable us to proceed and have a full settlement, and this will benefit all of us,” Mallam Kyari stated.
He commended CNOOC and SAPETROL for their understanding while expressing delight that the HoT will facilitate the conclusion of all renewal issues.
In his response, the Managing Director of CNOOC, Mr Xie Vincent Wensheng, said the agreement has opened a new chapter in his company’s relationship with NNPC, stressing that it has provided a win-win situation for all parties.
On his part, Managing Director of SAPETROL, Mr Toyin Adenuga, said the resolution of the dispute was a very important step towards further development of OML 130 and other new fields as the terms are now clearly spelt out.
The execution of the HoT signals the resolution of a tax dispute that arose from the $2.3bn acquisition of a 45% stake in OML 130 by CNNOC from SAPETRO in 2006.The OML 130 consists of the Akpo and Egina fields which have been producing since 2009 and 2018 respectively.
It is operated by Total Upstream Nigeria Ltd which holds 24% stake, while Petrobras Oil and Gas BV and SAPETRO hold 16% and 15% stakes respectively.
The Nigerian Police Force has arrested music star, Azeez Fashola, Popularly known as Naira Marley for contravening guidelines set by Federal Government to reduce the spread of Coronavirus in the country.
POLITICS NIGERIA exclusively gathered that Marley was arrested in Lagos today and is currently in Custody. It will be recalled that Marley was airlifted to Abuja by a charter and aircraft maintenance firm, Executive Jet Services, for the concert amidst a ban put in place against flight operation in the country.
The development contravened the government's directives and measures put in place to mitigate the spread of the deadly virus in the country.
One of Africa’s largest cement producers, BUA Cement, has announced an impressive 2020 half-year results declaring revenues of N101.3billion and a Profit After Tax of N34.82billion representing an increase of 12.7% and 13.74% respectively from the corresponding period in 2019. This was contained in a filing to the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
Speaking on the results, Yusuf Binji, Managing Director of BUA Cement said that the continued impressive performance in 2020 despite the challenging operating environment occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, was a pointer to the value and strength of the BUA Cement brand and product offerings as well as a nod to the excellent implementation of the company’s Business Continuity Plan which ensured that BUA Cement was able to withstand the impact of the pandemic in the period under review.
“Our resilient performance continues to showcase the value and strength in our product offering alongside our strategic business model. Our revenues increased by 12.7% to N101.3 billion from the corresponding period in 2019 whilst Operating profits increased by 7.0%, from N38.1 billion in H1’2019 to N40.8 billion in H1’2020. Equally, EBITDA margin improved in this quarter to 48.1% - an improvement from 45.6% in Q1, 2020.”
“In a bid to further drive cost efficiencies and sustainability, we entered into strategic alliances for the supply of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) at the Kalambaina, Sokoto State and the management of our mining operations. Given these deliberate and strategic choices amongst other cost management efforts, we continue to combine development and innovation into our offerings and activities.”, Binji added.
On the impact of the pandemic on the business, Binji noted that, “despite the prevailing economic conditions, we are quite optimistic about the future because it affords us not only with the opportunity to further evolve our business model but also provides an opportunity for accelerated development. We will continue to push to new markets aided by a focused distribution strategy”
It should be noted that BUA Cement has also been actively involved in alleviating the impact of the virus on the most vulnerable in society while also supporting the government’s efforts by providing foodstuff, PPEs and medical equipment to host communities amongst others.
I. Financial Highlights
Revenue increases by 12.7% from N89.9 billion in H1’2019 to N101.3 billion, as at H1’2020
EBITDA increases by 5.8% from N44.8 billion in H1’2019 to N47.4 billion, as at H1’2020 (Quarter-on Quarter (q/q), EBITDA margin increases from 45.6% in Q1’2020 to 48.1%, as at Q2’2020)
Operating profit up 7.0%, from N38.1 billion in H1’2019 to N40.8 billion in H1’2020
Profit before Tax (PBT) increases by 9.8% from N35.7 billion, as at H1’2019 to N39.2 billion, as at H1’2020.
Profit after Tax (PAT) up by 13.7%, from N30.61 billion in H1’2019 to N34.8 billion, as at H1’2020,
Earnings Per Share (EPS) increases by 14.4% from N0.90 kobo in H1’2019 to N1.03 Kobo, as at H1’2020
II. Operational Highlights
Cement volume dispatched up 7.9% from 2,282 kt in H1’2019 to 2,463 kt, as at H1’2020; underpinned by growing market acceptance, our COVID business continuity plan and particularly, a business environment not inundated by the Coronavirus pandemic To boost energy efficiency and reduce energy costs, we entered into strategic alliances for the supply of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) for the Kalambaina operations and management of our mining operations
Continued push to ‘new markets’ aided by a focused distribution strategy
Conference call details
BUA Cement Plc will hold a conference call for analysts and investors on 06 August 2020 at 14:00hrs Lagos (09:00hrs New York, 14:00hrs London, 15:00hrs Johannesburg). To pre-register, please click on this Registration link to receive the dial-in details, which includes the passcode.
A copy of the presentation will be made available before the call and can also be downloaded from the Company’s website at http://www.buacement.com/presentations/
About BUA Cement Plc
BUA Cement Plc is Nigeria’s second largest cement company and the largest producer in its North-West, South-South and South-East regions; with a combined installed capacity of 8 mmtpa and with plans underway to increase existing capacity to 11 mmtpa, through the commissioning of a new 3 mmtpa plant by the first half of 2021 in Sokoto State, Nigeria. BUA Cement operates strategically from Okpella, Edo State and Kalambaina, Sokoto State.
BUA Cement Plc is is the third most capitalised company on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
BUA Cement is committed to quality - a differentiating attribute, driven by its people, innovation and technology; and positioned to solving Nigeria and Africa’s challenges while driving economic growth and development.
A civil society network, Coalition for Good Governance and Accountability (CGGA), has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to look into issues surrounding the removal and purported trial of the former chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, saying that its findings indicate a predetermined agenda of some highly placed people to manipulatively get rid of him at all cost.
This is just as the coalition described the role of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in the removal of Obono-Obla as ignoble, stressing that the anti-graft commission was used by some interests to launch an unprecedented media trial against the former anti-graft boss.
Addressing a press conference on Sunday in Abuja, the leadership of the coalition led by its chairman, Comrade Habib Olaniyan, and secretary, Comrade Biwom Bassey, said it is mind-boggling that since the purported suspension of Obono-Obla was announced in the media last year, the embattled ex-presidential panel chair has not, till date, received a copy of the letter of suspension.
According to the coalition, the biasness employed by the ICPC and its collaborators to persecute and smear the image of Obono-Obla is a negative indicator to the treatment of current and future public officials, adding that President Buhari should look into the circumstances that led to his suspension.
The statement read: “Chief Okoi Obono-Obla was suspended through media report on or about 11th August, 2019, as the Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property. Till date he has not received a copy of the letter of suspension.
“Chief Obla was accused of being mindlessly corrupt, fraudulent, etc and directed to report to ICPC through the media. ICPC never served a letter of invitation. A purported letter of invitation was taken to his wife’s law office and served to a stranger found there on the 16th of September 2019.
“After one year of investigation the ICPC rather than turning its report to Mr President has filed spurious charges against Chief Obla in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja . The charges have no relevance to the activities of Chief Obla as Chairman of the Panel. This has confirmed our fear of the predetermined agenda of some highly placed people in government to manipulate the ICPC against Chief Obla because of his determined stance as then Chairman of the Panel.
“The ICPC has always shown bias against Chief Obla by mounting unprecedented media onslaught against him to bedevil him in the eyes of right thinking members of the public. Otherwise why would the icpc release to the media the charges filed against Chief Obla when the said charges had not first been served on him?”
The coalition noted further that, “One of the charges concerns an alleged misappropriation of 19 million. However, this is a red herring. It is clear that Chief Obla has no connection with the purported misappropriation of 19 million in any way. It has not been shown that Chief Obla has any link with the alleged offence or he personally benefited financially or otherwise. In criminal law there is no vacarious liability. Chief Obla therefore cannot be held liable for the sins of his purported aide.
“If this is what ICPC can come out with after one year of investigation of Chief Obla, then it is clear that truly the allegations, suspension and investigation of Chief Obla is politically motivated, a persecution and witch hunt. It is sad that law enforcement agencies are being used to hound innocent people to settle scores. This is immoral and against the letter and spirit of the rule of law.
“The offence committed by Chief Obla was that he did his job with gusto, uncanny patriotism, integrity and fearlessness that did not go down with some fifth columnists. Chief Obla attempted to investigate some corruption cases including the oil block brought by Mobil Oil Producing Unlimited for 2.5 billion dollars (but paid only 650 million dollars) and the seven billion dollars bailout given to commercial banks in the country in 2006 (but controversially written off by the board of directors of Central Bank of Nigeria). This is the price he is paying.
“We urged President Buhari to urgently demand a second look into the circumstances that led to the suspension and subsequent removal of Obono-Obla because an injustice to one is an injustice to all.”
As the Muslim world celebrates the Eid-el-Kabir today, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has joined the rest of the country to felicitate with Muslims nationwide.
In the spirit of the festivities and further to earlier palliative measures rolled out by the Service in support of the Nigerian taxpayers against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the FIRS has extended the deadline for filing of returns in a number of tax categories.
A public notice signed by the Executive Chairman, FIRS, Mr Muhammad Nami, reads: “the Management of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) wishes to felicitate with Nigerians on this occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration. We thank the Almighty God for sparing our lives to witness yet another Sallah festival especially in this year that has been very difficult for individuals and businesses. Nonetheless, the Service will continue to identify with the challenges of the times, which the taxpayers are going through.
“In furtherance of this, and, in addition to a number of COVID-19 palliatives already in place, as well as in the spirit of this Eid celebration, we hereby grant a further one-week extension from the 31st July 2020 deadline for Companies with December accounting year-end to file their Year 2020 annual Income Tax Returns”.
The notice added: “For the purpose of clarity, companies that fall within this category will not be penalised for late submission, if they file their Year 2020 Income Tax Returns within the grace period, that is, 1st August 2020 to 7th August 2020 as herein granted.
“In a similar vein, the one-week grace period is extended to regular monthly obligations that become due at the end of July 2020, for example, Petroleum Profits Tax instalment Payment, Withholding Tax and Value Added Tax Returns.
“FIRS will continue to respond proactively to the realities of these times, towards easing the burden of our esteemed taxpayers. Happy Eid -el-Kabir.”
The diligence of the Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC in collaboration with officials of the Federal Government has saved Nigeria from losing a whooping sum of $125,000,000: 00 (One Hundred and Twenty-Five Million United States Dollars) to an alleged international crime syndicate led by Messrs. Ramirez and Mr Jose Salazar Tinajero and their company Samano Sa De Cv.
POLITICS NIGERIA gathered that SAMANO had contacted officials of the Federal Government of Nigeria sometime in 2015 with information in respect of 48 Million Barrels of Nigerian Bonny Light Crude Oil allegedly stolen from Nigeria and stored in various ports and terminals in the People’s Republic of China. SAMANO offered to purchase the alleged stolen crude upon its recovery.
Even though its claim was difficult to believe given the stern procedures underpinning crude oil handling and export operations, the Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) set out to verify these claims and requested for evidence to that effect, which was never provided by SOMANO.
Notwithstanding the failure to provide evidence to support its claims, relevant officials of the Government were mandated to proceed to China to verify the claims of the existence of the said stolen Nigerian Crude Oil. The said delegation discovered that the SAMANO’s claim was false and baseless. Consequently, the Government severed communications with the syndicate.
Miffed by this, Messrs. Ramirez and Mr Jose Salazar Tinajero, acting as agents of SAMANO, resorted to the blackmail and intimidation of key officials of the Government and the NNPC threatening to make public the fact that the said 48 million barrels of stolen Nigerian Crude Oil in China had been recovered, sold and the proceeds therefrom looted by some government officials and the NNPC when it was aware that this was untrue. They also demanded $125,000,000:00 (One Hundred and Twenty-Five Million Dollars) from said government officials, which was conveniently and rightfully ignored.
Thereafter, NNPC reported this case of attempted blackmail to the Department of State Security and the Nigeria Police Force. They, upon investigation, discovered that SAMANO and its agents were international fraudsters. Mr Ramirez, for instance, was indicted by the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Texas as the mastermind of a scheme leading to the loss of several millions of dollars through various mail and wire frauds between 2010 and 2013.In fact, there is a warrant for Mr Ramirez’s arrest and extradition to the United States to face criminal justice on account of the said fraud schemes. Mr. Jose Salazar Tinajero, a co-conspirator, has been in and out of jail in South America due to the involvement of SAMANO in elaborate smuggling and money laundering scams. Mr Ramirez is also facing two separate and unconnected criminal charges at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in Charge No: FCT/HC/CR/147/2016 and the Federal High Court, Lagos in Charge No: ID/2763/2016. Both charges were preferred against Mr Ramirez by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for economic and financial crimes.
The said Mr. Ramirez and his cohorts have since been charged to several courts in Nigeria for criminal offences ranging from fraud, forgery, extortion, blackmail, conspiracy, etc. The charge which relates to the attempt to fleece the Federal Government and NNPC is Charge No.: FCT/HC/BU/CR/134/2019 between the Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Marco Antonio Ramirez & 4 Others pending before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja.
But for the due diligence of the management of the NNPC, the Federal Government would have lost a whopping sum of $125,000,000:00 (One Hundred and Twenty-Five Million United States Dollars) to this international crime syndicate. The NNPC is currently consulting its lawyers Afe Babalola & Co. in a bid to take corresponding legal action(s) against the said syndicate for damages done to its reputation and its officials as a result of the false publications by the syndicate.
Below is a legal document from Afe Babalola & Co, made available to POLITICS NIGERIA;
The Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Muhammad Nami, has assured tenants across the country that the Service is working on a stamp duty palliative package for them in view of the current economic realities occasioned by COVID-19.
Mr. Nami dropped this hint on Monday during a live appearance on the popular morning show, “Your View”, on TV Continental (TVC) via video link, according to a statement by Director, Communications and Liaison Department, FIRS, Abdullahi Ismaila Ahmad.
As part of the palliatives, the Executive Chairman hinted that stamp duty will not be collected in arrears from tenants, even as he told his interviewers that “there is never a time when taxation is convenient for everybody to pay” and enjoined Nigerians to embrace tax payment “as a patriotic duty to our dear country, Nigeria.”
The Executive Chairman stated that the FIRS was aware that many taxable Nigerians and businesses in the country were going through difficulties imposed on all of us by COVID-19, hence the FIRS has consistently rolled out tax-related palliatives to relieve them of their tax liabilities since the pandemic shut down the Nigerian and global economy.
Mr. Nami stressed that contrary to some false claims in certain quarters, stamp duty was not a creation of the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari or the current leadership of the FIRS.
He said: “Stamp Duty dates back to colonial times in Nigeria. It has been a form of tax in Nigeria as far back as 1939 when you and I were not yet born. It was codified in our laws in 1953, that is before independence. It was consolidated in 2002, published in 2006 and further reworked into the Stamp Duty Act 2004.”
He continued: “The Joint Tax Board (JTB) where states are represented consider it necessary to bring the stamp duty act to the attention of Nigerians following the recent launch of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Audit and Recovery of Back Years Stamp Duties where the new FIRS Adhesive Stamp Duty was unveiled. As chairman of the JTB, the FIRS was mandated to enlighten Nigerians on stamp duty. That’s why the FIRS published a clarification notice on the stamp duty and we shall continue to educate the public on it.
“Again, for purpose of clarity, the 6% stamp duty rate is not chargeable across board. It is only chargeable on rent or lease agreement of above 21 years. If your rent or lease is between 7 and 21 years, the stamp duty rate is 3%. And if you pay your rent monthly or yearly, that is less than 7 years, your stamp duty rate is 0.78%. The 0.78% is the rate for most tenants like you and I who live in Suleja or Minna. If your rent is N100,000 like you said, you only pay 0.78%, which is marginal. Of course those who live in Maitama who pay N10 million as rent will pay more at the same 0.78% because their rent is higher than our own in other parts of Abuja.”
Mr. Nami allayed the fear that stamp duty would lead to rent increase, saying: “Stamp duty should not make any landlord to increase his or her rent because it is not paid by the landlord. Landlords are not our collecting agents. It is the responsibility of the tenant to pay stamp duty and you don’t have to give it to your landlord. As a tenant, calculate 0.78% of your rent and pay that fraction at the FIRS office nearer to you or at your bank. You should then fix the stamp duty imprimatur on the tenancy agreement before you sign it with your landlord. It is as simple as that.”
Recall that at the weekend, Coordinating Director, Tax Operations Group, FIRS, Mr Femi Oluwaniyi, stated that “the FIRS stamp duty on rent or lease only applies to new agreements and not to renewals. If a new agreement is drawn up at renewal, that document should be stamped, just like initial agreement. If, however, the renewal terms are already in the initial agreement such that no new document is prepared but just payment of the rent for renewal, then no stamping is required.”
The national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a condolence message over the demise of Popular Businessman and Ally to President Buhari, Ismaila Isa Funtua.
Below is a statement sent to POLITICS NIGERIA on Tuesday signed by Tinubu's Spokesman, Tunde Rahman;
"The passing of elder-statesman, nationalist newspaper publisher and prominent businessman, Mallam Ismaila Isa Funtua, is a saddening national loss. He was a rare individual of immense talents, abilities and generosity."
"We spoke but two days before, as we often do. He spoke vibrantly, with his trademark logic and deep knowledge. We ended our conversation agreeing to resume soon again. There was no indication that this would be our last talk. I had the distinct honour of knowing this man for many years. Mallam Funtua loved our nation with uncompromising passion having served Nigeria with dedication and commitment at different times in many important capacities."
"He wanted the best for the country and its people and worked diligently in his private capacity to advance the course of Nigeria."
"As a long-time friend, associate and in-law of President Muhammadu Buhari, he served as a strong buttress of support for the president and for his progressive administration."
"I commiserate with President Buhari at this time for we have suffered the loss of another person of great intellect and extraordinary character. Our national family mourns deeply because of this unexpected departure, May Allah give our President the added strength and grace to overcome this loss. I mourn with the immediate and extended Funtua family who have lost a father, patriarch and much more."
"My condolences to Governor Aminu Bello Waziri of Katsina State and the Funtua Community. We have lost too many outstanding Nigerians in such a short time. We cannot question why for the will of Almighty Allah is sovereign and supreme."
"Yet, we must dedicate ourselves to continue and to finish the work started by these excellent souls. We must carry on so that we lend even greater meaning to the lives they lived. I ask Almighty Allah to accept the soul of Mallam Funtua and admit him to Aljanna Firdaus. May Allah in His munificence also grant his family and all those he left behind the inner fortitude, peace and dedication to continue after him."
Nigeria's President, Muhammadu Buhari has finally commented on the ongoing probe into the activities of former acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu.
POLITICS NIGERIA earlier reported that Magu is being investigated by an inter-agency panel appoin by Buhari to look into allegations of Fraud and Misconduct levelled against the ex-EFCC chair. Magu is still in detention.
Below are 7 things the president disclosed in a statement issued by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, on Saturday;
1. "A series of documented allegations were made against the Ag. Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Following a preliminary review of the allegations levelled against the Ag. Chairman and several other members of his staff, there were grounds for a detailed investigation to be conducted."
2. "An investigative panel was constituted in compliance with the extant laws governing the convening of such a body. As is the proper procedure, when allegations are made against the Chief Executive of an institution, and in this case an institution that ought to be seen as beyond reproach, the Chief Executive has to step down from his post and allow for a transparent and unhindered investigation."
3. "The EFCC does not revolve around the personality of an individual, and as such cannot be seen through the prism of any individual."
4. "The suspension of Mr Ibrahim Magu, allows the institution to continue carrying out its mandate without the cloud of investigation hanging over its head."
5. "Mr Magu is being availed the opportunity to defend himself and answer the allegations against him. This is how it should be, as is the fact that under the Laws of Nigeria every citizen is presumed and remains innocent until proven guilty."
6. "Those who see Mr Magu’s investigation, as a signal that the fight against corruption is failing, have, unfortunately, missed the boat. There is no better indication that the fight is real and active than the will to investigate allegations in an open and transparent manner against those who have been charged to be custodians of this very system."
7. "There are no sacred cows, and for those who think they have a halo over their heads, their days are also numbered. Mr Magu was not immune – and regardless of the obvious embarrassment that potential acts of wrongdoing by him, given the office he held, may appear for the government."
President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has said that the allegations of financial recklessness and misappropriation of funds levelled against the Interim Management Committee of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) are unacceptable hence the decision by the Senate to investigate the activities of the Commission.
Lawan stated this in a speech delivered on Thursday to declare open an investigative public hearing by the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on the Investigation of the Alleged Financial Recklessness in the Niger Delta Development Commission. The NDDC is under the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs headed by a former governor of Akwa-Ibom state, Godswill Akpabio.
The Senate President who underscored the need for the prudent application of public funds by Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government (MDAs), emphasised that same had become imperative in view of scarce income at the disposal of the Federal Government.
“Financial recklessness is not an attribute that anyone can afford, whether rich or poor. It is even worse with the poor, or for the organisation or a country with limited resources.
“This is the reason we have always highlighted the need for prudence in the application of public resources. The time when public resources is seen as nobody’s resources is long gone. We are in trying times, when we all have to be concerned about judicious use of scarce incomes.
“The NDDC is an important statutory agency that is supposed to improve the lot of the Niger Delta community. It is therefore unacceptable to hear about inappropriate use of resources, or outright financial recklessness,” Lawan said.
According to the Senate President, the weighty allegations of misappropriation of public funds to the tune of N80 billion by the Interim Management Committee of the NDDC prompted the upper chamber to investigate the Commission.
While urging stakeholders present at the hearing to cooperate with the Ad-Hoc Committee, Lawan assured the public of the Senate’s commitment to fairness and transparency in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility.
“This Senate is a responsive Senate, and it was partly the reason we made up this all-important committee in our sitting on Tuesday, 5th May 2020 to investigate the Alleged Financial Recklessness at the NDDC.
“I am happy the ad hoc committee has made excellent progress by requesting and receiving vital information from identified stakeholders.
“This public hearing should further help the committee get more information, to enable them to come to a pleasant conclusion on the facts on ground, before reporting back to the Senate.
“I have trust in the ability of this committee to do the right thing, but I add that you all have to cooperate with them and be open-minded and frank with your submissions.
“The Senate will be fair to all. Our aim is to get all evidence, to make excellent decisions, to benefit the citizens. Your cooperation is therefore very important”, the Senate President added.
Chairman of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee investigating financial recklessness in the NDDC, Senator Olubunmi Adetumbi (APC – Ekiti North), in his welcome address said the panel in line with its mandate, seeks “to holistically investigate all financially related allegations, mismanagement and misappropriation and the breach of the extant procurement processes as enshrined in the public procurement Act 2007.”
The lawmaker added that, “the exercise is not aimed at witch-hunting any individual, groups, persons or institutions, but to rather get at the root of the matter, that will aid in repositioning the NDDC to effectively deliver on the mandate on which it was established, to block leakages of financial mismanagement as well as promote the effective utilization of its resources for the overall development of the people of the Niger Delta region.”
Mr Tosin Ojaomo, a lawyer to the former acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, has said that his client has not been suspended as widely reported.
POLITICS NIGERIA recalls that Magu was arrested on Monday afternoon by security operatives and hauled to the Presidential Villa to face an interagency panel investigating him over allegations of corruption and misconduct. He is still in police custody.
Speaking on the development, Ojaomo told journalists on Wednesday that his client has not been suspended. In his words;
"The truth will soon be out. I was there today (Wednesday) but I couldn’t see him. They said I should come early in the morning so I will be there to apply for his bail.
"The news that someone has been appointed to replace him or that he is under suspension is not true. There is no letter of suspension. You will be shocked how this will end,".
He disclosed that he will be filing for a bail application for his client on Thursday adding that he was yet to see "any court order permitting his detention his detention for more than 48 hours".
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has reported an explosion incident which occurred at Gbetiokun, OML 40, operated by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), on behalf of the NPDC/Elcrest Joint Venture.
POLITICS NIGERIA learned that the incident, which occurred on Tuesday during the installation of a ladder on a platform (Benin River Valve Station) for access during discharging of Gbetiokun production, unfortunately, caused 7 fatalities. This was also contained in a statement by NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru.
The statement revealed that a detailed investigation of the cause of the explosion has commenced, while the Department of Petroleum Resources has been duly notified and Form 41 was being prepared for the Industry regulator as required in circumstances of this nature.
The bodies of casualties have been deposited in a morgue in Sapele, while families of the personnel involved are being contacted by their employers: Weld Affairs and Flow Impact, which are consultants to NPDC.
The release stated that all personnel onboard the platform had been fully accounted for. NNPC Group Managing Director, Mallam Mele Kyari, in the statement commiserated with the families of the bereaved, praying that God grants them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of their loved ones.
Prosecution witness and victim in the alleged $25,000 (Twenty-Five Thousand Dollar) fraud, involving Senator Shehu Sani, Alhaji Sani Dauda, on Tuesday, July 7, 2020, continued his testimony before Justice I.E Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, revealing how the Senator who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District, knelt and begged him to alter his statement with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on how he duped him.
In a statement sent to POLITICS NIGERIA, the commission disclosed that Sani is facing prosecution on two-count criminal charge, bordering on name-dropping, influence-peddling and obtaining the sum of USD$25,000.00 (Twenty-Five Thousand United States Dollars) from Dauda, under a false pretence that he would use the sum to bribe the Acting Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, in order to shield the plaintiff from investigation and prosecution and to prompt the Commission to arrest and prosecute the plaintiff’s estranged son-in-law, one Abubakar Musa.
Dauda, in his testimony before the court, said that Sani, after allegedly defrauding him of $25,000, came to his office, knelt, held his legs and begged him to change the statement he gave to the EFCC, concerning the fraud.
According to him, Sani made the entreaties in the presence of his brother, Dr. Ibrahim, who came along with him to his Kaduna residence. Continuing, Dauda quoted Sani as saying: “You are like a father to me, my mom and dad knew you for more than 20 years, and you’re also my godfather”. He said the Senator pleaded that he needed him ( Dauda) to change the statement because of his political career.
According to Dauda, “I then told him I cannot change my statement because I was the one who took the case to them (EFCC). Then his brother, Ibrahim told me that he knew one Permanent Secretary, named Shinkafi who is Magu’s friend and he will inform him about the situation and that he will get back to me on Sunday”. Dauda also said that, Sani assured him not to worry about what would be Magu’s reaction, claiming that the EFCC boss was his friend and that he would just call and talk to him.
“I was in my farm that fateful Sunday when Shehu Sani came and told me that Shinkafi said I should write a letter of withdrawal to EFCC, I then told him I can’t. Since that day, I never saw him again. He switched off his phones as I could not reach him. I then texted(sic) him three times but no response”.
Narrating how he later confirmed that Sani defrauded him, Dauda said that, “I contacted one of my friends, Murtala who knew the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and he confirmed to me that the CJN didn’t know anything about the matter, then I realized he has duped me.”
Dauda also told the court that when he was coming back from the lesser hajj, aboard Emirate Airline, en route Dubai, that he met Magu and told him about the issue, and that Magu said he knew nothing about the issue. It was at this point, according to him, that Magu advised him to meet his Secretary and write a Petition on the issue.
Justice Ekwo discharged the witness from the dock and adjourned the matter till July 8, 2020, for continuation of trial.
The FCTA taskforce on COVID-19 has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Guaranty Trust Bank for violating COVID-19 Health Protocols.
The Taskforce led by Mr Ikharo Attah stormed a branch of the Bank recently over a violation of the social distance protocol as customers were seen clustered together as they battled to gain entrance to the banking hall.
Attah met with officials of GTB and issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the bank to set up canopies and chairs for customers in order to enforce the social distance directive.
The embattled chairman of the Economic and Financial crimes commission, Ibrahim Magu has been suspended by the Nigerian Presidency, POLITICS NIGERIA can authoritatively report.
Magu's suspension comes a day after he was grilled by an inter-agency presidential panel on allegations of Corruption.
The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi is facing impeachment proceedings in the Ondo state House of Assembly today.
According to an Impeachment notice seen by POLITICS NIGERIA, 7 allegations were levelled against Agboola as grounds for his removal. Read them below;
1. Gross Misconduct
2. Abuse of office with actions likely to bring down Ondo State Government
3. Financial Recklessness
4. Abandonment of office, official duty and other Assignments
5. Actions on Sunday 21st June 2020 likely to cause breach of peace in reference to 1983 political crisis with the intent to incite the citizens against the government of Ondo State in a video clip at Government house-ground before the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State.
6. Publications dated Tuesday 23" June 2020 on new media and prints media by his sacked aide Babatope Okeowo credited to his person and office by Sahara Reporters, Sunrisebulletin.com and others maligning the credibility of the legislative arm of Government with false allegations of cash inducement.
7. Petition from All Progressive Congress (APC) Ondo Chapter on his alleged movement to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) having sworn-in as the Deputy Governor on the Party's Ticket with Mr Governor for a 4 years term.
POLITICS NIGERIA has been furnished with a copy of an impeachment notice against the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi.
The impeachment process which is currently ongoing in the Statehouse of assembly seeks to remove Agboola over several allegations of insubordination and misconduct. 14 members have already signed the impeachment notice.
Politics › US DOJ Says Kingsley Kuku Used Stolen Billions From Amnesty To Fund Air Peace by stephanie11(op): 7:00pm On Sep 07, 2020
