₦airaland Forum

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) says Ademola Adeleke, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Osun state governorship election, sat for its examination in 1981.

The council confirmed Adeleke’s participation in an affidavit deposed at an FCT high court in Bwari, Abuja, on Wednesday.

Rasheed Olabayo and Oluwaseun Idowu, PDP members in Osun, had filed a suit to challenge his candidacy on the grounds that the senator “did not possess his primary school leaving certificate”.

The certificate is required for an elective position, according to section 177 (d) of the 1999 constitution.

The court asked WAEC to produce Adeleke’s result before Saturday’s election.

In the affidavit sworn to by Henry Sunday Adewunmi Osindeinde, deputy registrar, head of school examination department, WAEC confirmed Adeleke sat for the May/April 1981 at Ede Muslim High School in Osun state.

Mr Jimi Agbaje, the 2015 Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, on Wednesday ended speculations about his re-run bid, saying he was back in the race.

Agbaje made the confirmation via a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.

“It is true that initially I did not want to re-contest, but I had so many people urging me to run.

“I bought and submitted my nomination form shortly before it closed. I will be part of the PDP Lagos governorship primaries, billed for Friday, September 28th, “ he said.

Agbaje said that he was confident he would win the elections in Lagos state, if he picked the PDP guber ticket to run.

On the upcoming primaries, Agbaje said he was confident that the leadership would create a level playing ground for all the aspirants, as has been the norm of the party.

“Our primaries have always been open, fair and free for all.

“This is what we are known for, and that is the way I expect it to be,” he said.

Agbaje, who also contested for the National Chairmanship of the PDP in 2017, won by Uche Secondus, said that the recent defections from the party in the state would not affect him if he picked the ticket.

“It is the people of Lagos State that will decide. The issues in the party will not impact negatively on votes.

“Most Nigerians now vote for individuals rather than party,” he said.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/punchng.com/breaking-i-will-contest-lagos-gov-election-jimi-agbaje/amp/

From Saturday the 10th to Sunday the 11th of November, 2018, fashion enthusiasts all over the world will be treated to an unparalleled exposé of Africa’s finest in fashion at the 3rd edition of the GTBank Fashion Weekend. Holding in Lagos, one of Africa’s largest and most cosmopolitan cities, the two-day event will bring together renowned fashion personalities from around the world and budding small businesses in the local fashion industry to create the biggest fashion experience in Africa.

Now in its third year, the GTBank Fashion Weekend has become the premier consumer-focused event that places African fashion on the global stage and helps small businesses in the local fashion industry thrive. The first and second editions of the event, which held in November 2016 and 2017 respectively, brought together over 250,000 people to interact with some of the best minds in the global fashion space and directly patronize more than 200 indigenous small businesses in the local fashion industry.

The GTBank Fashion Weekend, which is free to attend, will feature fashion and entrepreneurial masterclasses facilitated by internationally renowned fashion experts as well as runway shows that will present the latest in fashion styles and design trends. With an overall vision of Promoting Enterprise, the Weekend will provide more than 130 small businesses with free stalls to showcase and sell the finest ensemble of apparels and fashion accessories. There will also be pop-up stands where budding indigenous designers will display their works and interact with some of Africa’s most passionate fashionistas.

Commenting on the 2018 GTBank Fashion Weekend, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank plc, Segun Agbaje, said “We are delighted to put together the largest showcase of the talents, innovation and enterprise that abound in Africa’s fashion space. This year, we are going further than before to transform this event into the critical meeting place for everyone involved in and passionate about African fashion in order to unlock greater growth opportunities for small businesses in the industry and build capacity across the entire fashion value chain.”

He further stated that “Beyond empowering small businesses with the expertise and networks that they need to thrive, the GTBank Fashion Weekend has become a major event in the social calendars of people across the continent and beyond, and as a bank that is passionate about enriching lives, we will continue to drive initiatives that add value to our communities and deliver amazing experiences for our customers.”

GTBank has consistently played a leading role in Africa’s banking industry. The Bank is regarded by industry watchers as one of the best run financial institutions across its subsidiary countries and serves as a role model within the financial service industry due to its bias for world class corporate governance standards, excellent service quality and innovation. The Bank is also going beyond the traditional understanding of Corporate Social Responsibility as corporate philanthropy by intervening in key economic sectors through non-profit consumer focused fairs and capacity building initiatives for small businesses operating in these sectors.

…Thanks Lagos State Government for partnering on previous editions

…Events to be hosted on November 21st



The African Union Commission, AUC has announced the Republic of Ghana as the official host country for the 5th All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, following receipt of the letter of intent to host AFRIMA dated April 18, 2018, addressed to the Commissioner of Social Affairs, African Union Commission, Mrs. Amira Elfadil and signed by the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ghana, Honourable Catherine Afeku.

The 5th AFRIMA host country unveiling was conducted at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Thursday, September 6, 2018 by the African Union’s Acting Director for Social Affairs, Mariama Cisse Mohamed; Head of Culture, African Union, Ms. Angela Martins, and President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada.

In her response letter dated September 13, 2018 with reference number DSA/CUL/16/341818 awarding host country right for the 5th edition of the annual continental awards event to the Republic of Ghana, Mrs. Amira Elfadil congratulated the West African country on overcoming the competition involved in hosting AFRIMA and winning the host country rights through a transparent process. The AU also thanked the Lagos State Government for partnering and supporting the successful hosting of previous editions of AFRIMA.

“We are counting on the Republic of Ghana to fulfill all requirements and efforts to make AFRIMA 2018 a huge success. The 2018 edition of AFRIMA is also the 5th edition of the continental awards and the 5th AFRIMA remains steadfast to the AUC’s values of promoting African unity and celebrating cultural uniqueness through the program of events on the AFRIMA calendar between May and November 2018. Music and Entertainment are key sectors of the African culture industry stimulating the sustainable social development and growth of Africa. It is in this light that the AUC is determined to support these sectors to continue to contribute significantly to Africa`s development and favorable economic advantage on the global stage,” the AU Commissioner stated further.

The awards holding on November 21-24, to be known as the 5th All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA –Ghana 2018 will have main awards program spanning four days of exhilarating activities.

Ghana is renowned as one of Africa’s fastest-growing region for music, entertainment, and commerce, with a thriving tourism industry, and a diverse and rich cultural heritage. Accra, the capital city, is also a globally recognized city that boasts of monuments in culture, arts, and craft, with vast growth in business and tourism.

The 2018 edition of AFRIMA is geared to increase the tourism and entertainment equity of the state as the country prepares to receive an influx of international and continental dignitaries, AFRIMA 2018 nominees, music stars and executives who are attending the program of activities. The AFRIMA program of events provides the opportunity for Ghana to showcase the unique artistic, tourism and economic potentials of her culturally dynamic and beautiful cities. The program goes further to offer benefits that would help in raising the continental and international profile of the Host Country, including an opportunity to tap into the millions of participants and followers of the growing African music.

Activities scheduled to precede the main awards ceremony include the AFRIMA Welcome Soiree; Africa Music Business Summit; AFRIMA Music Village; Media Interviews/Meet & Greet; and a tour of the historic Elmina Castle in Ghana.

In partnership with the African Union, the All Africa Music Awards is the biggest music event on the continent and the awards ceremony will be broadcast live to 84 countries across the globe.

The Peoples Democratic Party has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to immediately unfreeze the private bank accounts of its governorship candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, in the Osun State election, and those of his family members, including singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido.

The party described the freezing of the accounts as oppressive, tyrannical, provocative and a direct recipe for crisis in the state, given that the people of Osun are solidly behind Adeleke ahead of the election.

In addition, the PDP also directed its members, including state governors, officials at zonal and state chapters, national and states assembly members, all presidential and governorship aspirants as well as other stakeholders, particularly, in the south-West zone, to immediately commence movement into Osun State with their political machinery to campaign and support the PDP candidate.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement in Abuja on Saturday, said the freezing of the Adelekes’ accounts by an agency of the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government, a week to the governorship election, underscored the fact that the APC ” is mortally afraid of our candidate and has been seeking ways to undermine his electoral fortunes.”

He added: “Such savage attack on innocent citizens confirms the viciousness of the Buhari-led APC administration to use any means whatsoever to subjugate Nigerians and appropriate power to itself at all cost.

Ologbondiyan said that the people of Osun State are behind Senator Adeleke and will freely vote for him irrespective of the machinations of the Buhari-led APC.

He, therefore, called on the people of the state to collectively condemn what he called “wickedness meted out on their son and members of his family” and to ensure that they use their votes to make a statement “against the APC by voting en masse for their beloved son.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says Kemi Adeosun, former minister of finance, should be arrested and prosecuted following her resignation.

The party made the demand in a statement issued by Kola Ologbondiyan, its national publicity secretary, on Saturday.

Adeosun resigned as minister following a scandal over the forgery of her exemption certificate from the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.

The PDP spokesman alleged that the federal government plans to secretly move the former minister out of the country, saying the current administration is known for “shielding fraudulent and corrupt officials”.

The opposition party said its investigation revealed that the federal government had earlier made efforts to defend Adeosun.

The PDP said Adeosun could spill secrets regarding the “corruption” in the financial sector under the Buhari administration, hence the president’s “light treatment” of the issue which unravelled two months ago.

“Nigerians already know that the Buhari presidency is a citadel of iniquity with inherent proficiency in stealing, forgery and manipulation of processes,” the statement read.

“This perhaps explains why President Buhari has not relieved his Special Assistant on Prosecution and Chairman of the Special Investigative Panel for the Recovery of Public Property, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, of his appointment in spite of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) confirmation that he forged his Secondary School Certificate.

“Is it not clear to all that the Buhari administration’s so-called anti-corruption war and purported integrity are mere orchestrations to hoodwink Nigerians and the international community, while Mr. President oversees the most corrupt administration in the history of our nation?

“The party invites Nigerians to note that President Muhammadu Buhari, whose administration has become notorious for shielding its many fraudulent and corrupt officials, could not summon the rectitude to sack Mrs. Adeosun.

“She would have still been in office, if not for the sustained uproar by Nigerians and international creditors.

“The PDP therefore demands an immediate open inquest into the records of the Finance Ministry under Adeosun, to unravel all improprieties by the Buhari Presidency cabal, including alleged diversion of oil proceeds, fraudulent oil subsidy deals, leading to high fuel price; depletion of our foreign reserves, embezzling of funds returned by Switzerland and other huge sleazes in the ministry.”

Section 13 (subsection four) of the NYSC law prescribes a three-year jail term for anyone who gives false information or illegally obtains its certificate.

Controversy ridden Unity Bank Plc has been named as one of the financial institutions likely to be sanctioned by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

The financial institution is among a list of 28 companies which failed to meet post-listing requirements such as timely release of operational reports and financial statements.

A list of defaulting companies prepared by the NSE obtained recently showed three commercial banks, a microfinance bank, three mortgage bankers, five insurance companies, one investment management firm and 15 other firms in various non-financial sectors.

“The companies failed to submit their interim report and accounts for the period ended June 30, 2018,” the document was quoted to have said.

According to the NSE regulations, the default is marked out as a corporate governance failure, which attracts monetary fines, “naming and shaming” tag, suspension of shares from trading and delisting in incurable cases of default.

A source at the weekend confirmed that the Exchange “would apply relevant rules” in dealing with the defaulters.

Why Unity Bank Plc missed the regulatory deadline of July 30 might not be far from a long running internal power tussle that has bedeviled the bank for a while.

In recent times, the bank has been taking three steps backward and one forward with the controversy of how it withdrew from a million Dollar investment still legendry.

Under the NSE’s rules, a late submission attracts a fine of N100,000 daily for the first 90 calendar days of non-compliance, another N200,000 per day for the next 90 calendar days and a fine of N400,000 per day thereafter until the date of submission.

With these, late submission under the first instance of 90 days could attract N9 million, the additional 90 days will attract N18 million while such delay beyond the first 180 days to the next 180 days could attract as much as N72 million, bringing fines payable by a defaulting company within a year to N99 million.

The list of sanctions shows fines ranging from a low of N0.1 million to as high as N51.4 million. Companies had been fined more than N400 million and N500 million in 2016 and 2017 respectively for failure to submit accounts within scheduled periods.

If Unity Bank Plc falls into this pit, there is no gain saying that the Tomi Somefun-led financial institution which has been slumbering might just be history.

Efforts to reach the corporate department of the bank as regards what could have made it fail to meet the NSE deadline was fruitless as at time of going to press.

Ayodele Fayose, governor of Ekiti state, says president Muhammadu Buhari will lose if the 2019 election is free and fair.

Fayose said this while responding to a statement by the president that he is seeking re-election to protect Nigerians.

He alleged that since the All Progressives Congress (APC) took over power in 2015, elections have not been free and fair.

“In free and fair elections, there is no way Buhari/APC can return to power. And talking about free and fair elections, a legacy handed down to Buhari/APC has been shamelessly ruined by them as our elections are no longer free and fair,” the governor said in a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Idowu Adelusi.

“Nothing is further from the truth, Buhari says he is seeking re-election to protect Nigerians? Tell him Nigerians need no spurious ‘protection’ from him. Nigerians from all walks of life have rejected this man and dismissed the many propaganda of Buhari’s APC government as lies from the pit of hell.

“Buhari and APC have only used the power they hold in trust for the people to suppress, oppress, intimidate, victimise, and destroy our people.

“Buhari says what he is expected to do; that is, to protect us, but which is actually not what he is doing. We are calling on him to protect us from killers and murderers but Buhari has failed to do that in four years. He has instead defended them again and again. What magic will he now perform if re-elected into office?”

Fayose added that should the president be “upright and honest” enough to draw a graph between 2015 and now, he would see how abysmally he has fallen as a result of his “dismal and abject performance in office”.

“The country itself is drifting as a result of Buhari’s mindless tribalism and nepotism, which have polarised Nigerians like never before,” he said.

“The Nigerian economy, which was the largest in Africa and one of the fastest-growing in the world, is now a shambles due to Buhari/APC’s pig-headed policies .

“Today under Buhari/APC, joblessness, hopelessness, depression, and despondency envelop the nation. Oppression, repression, suppression, and untold suffering have become the order of the day.

“It is political rascality and unbridled partisanship carried too far when Mr. President repeatedly declines to sign the Electoral Bill into law in an election in which he intends to be a participant. The fate of a whole nation, the efforts of our heroes past, and the progress of our nascent democracy thus hang in the balance on the altar of ego-tripping and cold-blooded calculations to despotically cling to power.”

The governor said there is little or nothing left of the goodwill that brought Buhari into office.

* No rift with Ambode over LTV, says Tinubu’s aide

* Ex-GM, disgruntled staff fingered in the campaign of calumny



By Mary Ajayi

The Lagos State Television has debunked the lies and wild allegations being circulated on social media about the purchase of an Outside Broadcasting Van and some camera equipment being the source of purported spat between Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and his political godfather, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

An obscure blog, lagosbusinnessnews, had first carried the fake news on Monday with false allegations that the OBVan was approved for supply by Ambode in spite of a counter order by Tinubu; and that while other camera equipment were delivered, the OBVan was never supplied and that a certain Lebanese supplier/contractor was told to disappear so as to cover the non-existent fraud.

But on Wednesday, LTV uploaded the photos of the OBVan on its social media pages with an announcement that the brand new van with state of the art live transmission equipment had arrived from the UK and that there will be “better times ahead for coverage and revenue generation.”

Investigations by our reporter revealed that unknown to the peddlers of the falsehood, the OBvan was already being assessed for payment and clearing at the Lagos port for delivery to the station this weekend at the time the fake news was being concocted.

Original and authentic documents sighted by our reporter showed that contrary to the lies being circulated that the Van costs an outrageous N1.5billion of which 50% deposit had been paid, it was discovered that 80% of the actual cost of barely 200m was what was paid according to government’s standard practice. Investigation also revealed that no Lebanese contractor was involved or asked to disappear as alarmingly alleged in the false publication. The supply was done by a fully indigenous Nigerian firm. Senior Ltv and government officials who do not wish to be named also confirmed that no agreement exists between the station and any overseas company.

“How can that be possible when our suppliers are also the technical partners who will supply the equipment, provide warranty and maintenance. What’s our business with a certain Excellence Transmission that only exists in the imagination of the fake news carriers? You can see the name on the Parking List and Bill of Laden. What type of OBVan costs N1.5bn when it is not an amored tank or a jet? a reliable insider told our reporter.

LTV’s clarifications came on a day that a one-time GM of the station, a male, provided useful information on his Facebook page as to why the story in circulation is what it is – pure lie. He also gave details of the massive upgrades of the station and top quality equipment that have been supplied which have been in use since Ambode’s tenure began in 2015.

Shockingly, however, multiple sources have fingered as the source of the deliberate falsehood being circulated an aggrieved former GM of the station, a female, who was relieved of her position allegedly for deviating from the governor’s vision for LTV; gross abuse of office and the scandal of an illicit office affair with a married younger male subordinate who has teamed up with a few other renegades who are defiantly opposed to the reforms being carried out in the station and are obviously inconsolable by the unceremonius exit of their former GM to perpetrate the unfounded rumour.

It was discovered that the same set of devilish cohorts had earlier this year attempted a similar campaign to smear the image of both Governor Ambode and Steve Ayorinde who was the Commissioner supervising the ministry at the time the equipment for the upgrade of the station was approved for purchase but had already been redeployed before the said GM was removed and sent to the parent ministry.

“The rehashed falsehood about the OBvan was evidently thrown out again this time after falsely dragging Tinubu’s name into it without any basis just to cash in on the rumoured rift between Ambode and his political mentor,” a top source at the government house revealed.

Another reliable source who is an aide to Asiwaju Tinubu but who spoke in confidence to our reporter says the “story is hoggwash, obviously hatched to create evil sensation and tarnish the image of their targets. How can the purchase of OBVan be of interest to Asiwaju? How can Ltv equipment be bought to serve TV Continental that has its own OBVan already? Is it not obvious that it is an unserious article to say Asiwaju approves every contract before Ambode can execute them? Nothing like that exists and you can see through the amateurish fairytale that it is nothing but a smear campaign on the Governor and the Commissioner.”

Further investigations revealed that although the upgrade of LTV was approved in phases largely from 2015 all through 2017 because Ambode was determined to raise the quality of the station, the choice of a brand new OBVan was preferred by the state government over spending a huge amount to fix an obsolete OBVan of which the sacked GM had sought approval to repair but was refused because it would amount to a waste.

Our reporter sighted documents that showed how the ex-GM had raised an outrageous memo in apparent collusion with a desperate contractor-repairer in their bid to repair the obsolete OBVan at an amount that is almost the cost of a brand new OBvan. A reliable source said that contrary to the lies being circulated, the Commissioner and his team actually stopped the attempted fraud by the sacked GM and what would have amounted to a collosal waste in using almost N150million to repair an obsolete equipment that the station has abandoned for many years.”

Our investigation shows that since 2015, a consistent upgrade of the station has been going on with Ambode commiting huge resources to making the station very competitive. But a few of the staff loyal to the sacked GM are just opposed to the reforms being introduced by the Governor for fear of losing out.

One source said “I can tell you for free that the said article is a pack of white lies. Go round and make your investigations. Cost of broadcast equipment is easily verifiable and you know all the memos have to originate from this station, not at the ministry. The Permanent Secretary and Commissioner only verify and recommend to the Governor for approval. All the records are intact.” Yet another source at the station volunteered ingormation. “This is actually the best time to work at LTV because the Governor has made this station a baby to be nurtured.

We were told the OBvan was delayed due to variation in the exchange rate. But while we were expecting it, the Governor approved the supply of top-range cameras, microphones and other gadgets that were lacking. He upgraded our studios and provided equipment that can transmit events live from six different locations simultaneously. No other TV station has such in Nigeria you can quote me. We have even used those equipment to transmit some events twice from London and from Ghana. The OBVan that is coming is just to complement them because the six back-pack live transmitters work with data and the signals can’t be as strong as a proper OBVan.”

Another senior staff also confided in our reporter that most staffers know the disgruntled elements in the station, always writing petitions and threatening people with the union. It was learnt that their grouse stemmed from their feeble resistance to Ambode’s order in 2016 to advertise crucial positions for news and technical departments so that new staff can be employed and for popular veterans to be invited on part-time basis.

“That is why you can now see top-notch professionals like Ruth Benamesia and Soni Irabor reading prime-time news on Ltv. That was how Siju Alabi came to join the station as Director of News and that is why you now see fresh and popular faces that are good professionals employed on the Governor’s order after the said advert in national papers and intense selection process. Other good ones were even poached from Tvc; Channels tv and Silverbird tv. Just last month, the governor approved overseas training for staff of the station in two batches as part of the overall repositioning of the station and this is a governor that gives huge bonuses to staff and approves wardrobe allowances and bought operational vehicles for the five bureaus across the state.

“The governor’s vision for LTV is clear and laudable but some of the entrenched staffers who are not sure of themselves panicked that they might lose out in the new order and became hostile to their new colleagues and especially the new GM. Worse still, they keep exhibiting resistance to the Governor’s great vision for the station. Sadly, the sacked GM too showed bias against the new staff and showed open resentment to clear instructions on the vision of the Governor. The lies about the OBvan are just their ill-thought out way of hitting back over her sack; thinking in collusion with a desperate contractor that dragging Tinubu’s name into it will give their lies mileage.”

However, the last may not have been heard on this matter as our reporter reliably learnt that a libel case is being prepared against the blog that was used in circulating the fake news before other social media platforms picked it and other elements using it for political gains.

Customers, shareholders express anxiety

As financial experts call for sack of GMD


These are not the best of times for the Tokunbo Abiru-led Skye Bank Plc as it has become a case of one trouble to many for the financial institution as it continue to swim in the sea of controversies. And as it stands, the bank is fast proving to be L’Enfant terrible in the Nigeria banking sector, as its name constantly props up in every underhand dealing as the lender is said to have be currently embroiled in a fresh crisis.

Unless something drastic happens to salvage the situation, Skye Bank may run into serious financial crises that may render it unable to meet its obligations as a deposit money bank.

Findings revealed that the struggling financial institution has again failed the statutory requirements to file its results and accounts for the period ended June 30, 2018 with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

A top management staff of the bank who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity lamented, “Of a truth, all is not well with the bank. It is really struggling to stay afloat and the new management is doing nothing about it. Though they met the problem on ground, one expects that by now things should have changed. People are resigning every day because of uncertainties showing up in every of its departments.”

Recall that on July 4, 2016, the Central Bank of Nigeria intervened in the management of the bank by reconstituting the board of directors, shoring up the bank with N100bn capital injection, and accordingly, the apex bank gave the board a clear mandate to turn the institution around positively.

Ironically, two years after the CBN intervention into the affairs of the bank, the fortunes of the financial institution have continued to dwindle.

We gathered, is not unconnected with the poor results of the bank due to lack of trust customers now have with the lender triggered by the lack of administrative experience and expertise of the new management led by Mr. Tokunbo Abiru. More so, weak asset quality, rising funding costs and increased customers’ wariness about the safety of their deposits have conspired to squeeze out the bank’s balance sheet and tear profit figures of the lender.

The development became worrisome to shareholders and customers of the bank as the lender last filed its accounts to the NSE in 2014. In a statement to the NSE in March 2017, Skye Bank had attributed the failure to file its 2016 accounts to the CBN’s intervention. Consequently, the Exchange tagged the lender MFR (Missed Regulatory Fillings). This is in contravention of Rule 1.1.4 of The Exchange on Filing of Accounts and Treatment of Default Filing, Rulebook of The Exchange, which requires listed companies to file their AFS.

A visit to the lender’s headquarters located at 3, Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, will tell how its branches operate – in a low-key setting. The once-bubbling branches of the bank have now become a shadow of themselves as many depositors of the bank have started closing their accounts.

It would be recalled that prior to the sack of the Ayeni-led board, Skye Bank used to visit the discount window frequently.

With the current situation, the few depositors left are beginning to wonder if it is not back to square one for them, as they insist that the bank would have filed its account if there were indeed no problems.

A document obtained from the NSE unveiled Skye Bank as one of the financial institutions likely to be penalized by the NSE along with other organisations.

According to the document from the NSE, such default is marked out by the Exchange as a corporate governance failure, which attracts monetary fines, “naming and shaming” tag, suspension of shares from trading and delisting in incurable cases of default.

A source further confirmed that the Exchange “would apply relevant rules” in dealing with the defaulters.
The NSE regulatory deadline was on July 30. Under the rules, a late submission attracts a fine of N100,000 daily for the first 90 calendar days of non-compliance, another N200,000 per day for the next 90 calendar days and a fine of N400,000 per day thereafter until the date of submission.

Though, the CBN recently extended the tenure of Skye Bank directors for an additional two-year term, customers of the bank, financial experts have called for the sack of the bank chief to be replaced by a more competent and experienced hand to manage the financial institution.

A customer of the bank, one Mr. Richard, while speaking with our correspondent said: “I don’t know what exactly is happening to Skye Bank. I have been banking with them for the past 10 years and it has never been this bad. Most of their ATM machines are always out of service; even their USSD banking code *889# is nothing to write home about, the same service which I enjoy seamlessly on my accounts with other banks. Most times, when I try to transact with it, it always fails. It’s either it brings error or no response at all. I have been to their bank several times to complain but still, no way. Their services are now so poor,” he lamented.

A financial expert, Mr. Adebayo Faleti who spoke to our correspondent argued that if no drastic steps are taken by the CBN concerning the bank, the worse may still come.

All efforts to reach the Corporate Affairs Manager of the bank, Mr. Rasheed Bolarinwa for the lender’s angle proved futile as calls and text messages placed to his mobile number were not responded to as at press time.

Amina Mohammed, the deputy secretary-general of the United Nations (UN), says Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, two-time minister of finance, spent years to get Nigeria out of debt, but the country is now back to worrying levels of debt.

Speaking at the International Monetary (IMF) and the UN working together conversation on Tuesday, the former minister of environment in Nigeria, expressed her worry on the rising level of debt in Nigeria and the rest of Africa.

She said the UN and IMF must have better conversations on the demands of a growing economy, seeking ways to make growth better and inclusive.

“Public resources are always going to be important, and so is ODA and the private sector. But I think we still haven’t yet got quite the solution and I hope that the work that we do together will open up that space to think more on how to leverage that,” she said.

“As I was coming up from New York, some of the concerns that came up from the meeting we had in China just recently and reports that we have; the debt issues are really big, I mean, having experienced what it was for Ngozi (Okonjo-Iweala) to get debt relief.

“It took her a few years to convince people, and we are now back again in my country, with a level of debt that is worrying, but its happening all over. Africa, is that the way we want to go?

“I think we really need to sit down and have a better conversation about all the asks of a growing economy; that needs to be inclusive, it needs to succeed, because stability is needed more than ever today, across our countries and where we are working.”

In the conversation with Christine Lagarde, the managing director of the IMF, Mohammed had agreed with Lagarde that Okonjo-Iweala was very influential in the debt relief Nigeria secured in 2006.


Before 2005, Nigeria had an external debt stock of $36 billion, which had been carried over from the military years, dating back to 1985.

In October 2005, with Okonjo-Iweala as finance minister, Nigeria and the Paris Club announced a final agreement for debt relief worth $18 billion and an overall reduction of Nigeria’s external debt stock by $30 billion.

The deal was completed on April 21, 2006, when Nigeria made its final payment and its books were cleared of any Paris Club debt, bringing Nigeria’s external debt profile to just $3 billion while domestic debt was only about N1 trillion.

As at June 30, 2018, Nigeria’s total debt profile, according to the Debt Management Office (DMO) had risen to $73.21 billion or N22.38 trillion.

The mother of six also spoke about every of the 17 goals that make up the SDGs as her children, saying all were equally important for the future of the world.

She added that when she was appointed minister of environment in Nigeria, she was seen as the dustbin lady, because the people did not see the real value of her office.

“I have to tell you, when I went back to Nigeria as minister of environment, my state was saying, it was environment they gave you? that is the dustbin lady. They did not even get that environment was broader than just waste disposal,” she told Lagarde and a room full of development experts.

She said climate change is important, so is gender parity and inclusion for youths.

Mohammed stated that “the average age of entry into the United Nations is 45”, adding that the UN is working hard to change this, and include young people in its working process.

Fear has taken residence in the minds of depositors of the Tokunbo Abiru-led Skye Bank, as the financial institution failed to submit its interim report and accounts for the period ended June 30, 2018, with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

Depositor are presently asking if their money with the bank is safe, as they try to understand why it didn’t file its report and account.

The situation is not helped by the legacies of the financial institution whose Tunde Ayeni-led board was sacked by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Recall that prior to the sack of the Ayeni-led board the CBN noted that the financial institution frequently visited the discount window.

With the current situation, depositor are beginning to wonder if it is not back to square one for them, as they insist that the bank would have filed its account if there were indeed no problem.

A document obtained from the NSE, unveiled Skye Bank as one of the financial institutions among other organisation likely to be penalized by the NSE.

The list of defaulting companies prepared by the NSE also included a microfinance bank, three mortgage bankers, five insurance companies, one investment management firm and 15 other firms in various non-financial sectors.

According to the document from the NSE, such default is marked out by the Exchange as a corporate governance failure, which attracts monetary fines, “naming and shaming” tag, suspension of shares from trading and delisting in incurable cases of default.

A source at the weekend confirmed that the Exchange “would apply relevant rules” in dealing with the defaulters.

The NSE regulatory deadline was on July 30. Under the rules, a late submission attracts a fine of N100,000 daily for the first 90 calendar days of non-compliance, another N200,000 per day for the next 90 calendar days and a fine of N400,000 per day thereafter until the date of submission.

…Attends APC delegates’ election in Epe

…As party leaders, LG Chairmen, Women, Youths affirm support for governor’s second term bid



Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday totally played down speculation of rift with the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, saying reports to such effect were untrue.

Both the social and traditional media have been flooded with news of a major rift between Tinubu and Governor Ambode over alleged disagreement on the second term bid of the Governor.

Addressing party faithful in Epe during the election of delegates for the Presidential primary election and national convention of the party, Governor Ambode said the reports indicating a fight between him and Tinubu were out of place and that there was no fight anywhere.

“I want you to know that there is no fight anywhere. The National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and my good self we are not in any fight, we are not in any controversy.

“We are praying to God that the best is yet to come and the best will be what Lagos State deserves and I want you to just continue with your prayers that at this time, God will show His hand and make sure that everything that is of blessing to Lagos State and also blessing of Epe will come to pass,” Governor Ambode said.

He specifically commended all the leaders and party faithful who contributed to the success of the delegates’ election in Epe, saying APC remained the party to beat in Lagos and Nigeria.

“We have just concluded our Delegates’ Election in Epe Local Government and by consensus, we have picked our three delegates that will be going to the National Convention come October 6 for the Presidential direct primaries and the convention for all other people.

“I want to say a very big thank you to all our delegates that are present here; I want to say a big thank you to all our leaders that have also supported us to make sure that this event has come and is done very successfully.

“I want to reiterate once again that our party, All Progressives Congress (APC) remains the party to beat; we are the party at the national level and we are going to remain the party in the State,” the Governor said.

At the event which was held at APC’s Secretariat in Aiyetoro, Epe, Alhaji Shakiru Seriki (Bamu), Otunba Bode Alausa and Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, the State’ Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, were elected as national delegates from Epe division which comprises of one Local Government Area (Epe) and two Local Council Development Areas (Eredo and Ikosi-Ejirin).

The party leaders and faithful in the division also took turn to affirm their unalloyed support for the second term bid of the Governor.

They include the Chairman of Epe Local Government, Adedoyin Adesanya; Chairman of Eredo LCDA, Saliu Adeniyi; Chairman of Ikosi-Ejirin LCDA, Samson Onanuga: party chairman in Epe Local Government, Otunba Kehinde Adeniyi; State Welfare Officer, Alhaja Abiodun Bankole; former member of House of Representatives representing Epe, Hon Bola Gbabijo and member of Lagos State House of Assembly representing Epe Constituency II, Segun Olulade.

Others are APC Women leader in Epe, Mrs Iyabo Adegboyega; LGA party secretary, Alhaji S.A Owolomose; youth leader, Abdul Ibrahim; Otunba Bode Alausa, Akin Oladipupo, among others.

Youths in the division also staged a peaceful protest displaying placards of various inscriptions to affirm their support for the Governor’s second term bid.

…Appoints Lagos Gov Patron, Peace Ambassador



Commissioner of Lagos State Scout Council, Chief Jonathan Tawose on Wednesday conferred the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode as the Patron of Lagos State Council of Scout Association of Nigeria, saying the decision was based on his leadership qualities and being a good role model for the Nigerian youths.

Tawose, who spoke at the investiture of the Governor as Patron of the Scout Council, held at Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, said the Scout Association, as a non-religious and non-political international organization, has the vision to build the youths of today into responsible leaders of tomorrow, adding that it was gratifying to note that Governor Ambode’s activities align with the vision to give better tomorrow for young ones.

“We are aware of the Governor’s hardwork, dedication and above all total devotion to the emancipation of mankind. The Governor is a model to Nigerian youths with his show of exemplary leadership qualities.

“Once again, we congratulate you (Ambode) most warmly on all your achievements and we must say that the Governor is blessed with good administrators who are assisting him to ensure that Lagos State remains the number one State in Nigeria,” Tawose said.

Responding, Governor Ambode seized the occasion to unveil a strategic program to support voluntary youth associations and Non-governmental Organizations with the necessary empowerment to better perform their role to inculcate right virtues and discipline needed to prepare younger ones for leadership.

He said as the bedrock of societal development, it was important for adequate measures to be firmed up to properly train the youths which, according to him, would in turn have positive effect on the nation.

He said: “Let me use this opportunity to urge all our youths to take advantage of the efforts of the State Government and well meaning organizations creating safe spaces which promote discipline, moral and healthy competition to better their lives. We believe strongly that the youths are the bedrock of societal development and if a youth is educated, trained and empowered, he or she is built; and if you build the youths, you build a nation.

“On this note, the Government has decided to support the cause of Voluntary Youth Organisations (Uniformed and Non-Uniformed) registered with the State. We will make financial donations to these organisations including but not limited to the Boys Scouts, Girls Guide, Brigade – Boys and Girls, Sheriff Guard and the Red Cross.”

While explaining the need for the support, the Governor said it was important for a platform to be created for the youths of today to be better leaders of tomorrow, and such required proper training.

“We are supporting these voluntary organisations in order for us to promote what they stand for and use it to inculcate discipline and also mentoring for leadership to our younger ones. We would actively now participate in what is going on in all these organisations.

“It is time for us to create that old platform to redirect the energies of younger people to positive things and so we need to scale up the activities of voluntary organisations like the Scout Association so that we create an alternative for the younger ones and make them the real successors to whatever it is that we are doing, Governor Ambode said.

The Governor, who appreciated the Scout Council for honouring and identifying with the programmes of his administration toward the betterment of human lives in the State, said it was also instructive to note that the association ranked among the leading voluntary organizations established to inculcate virtues of discipline, leadership, patriotism and community service in the youths.

“Voluntary organizations such as Scout Association which comprise young people provide a strong platform to promote unity and mental co-existence which are critical to the survival, growth and development of our nation. Unfortunately, in the recent past, Voluntary Youth Organizations have not been as vibrant as they used to be.

“There is therefore an urgent need to do a self- appraisal of the current state of these organizations and develop strategies that will improve their relevance within the context of modern realities. I urge you to stay true to your highly encouraging vision statement which says that “By 2023 Scouting will be the world’s leading educational youth movement, enabling 100 million young people to be active citizens creating positive change in their communities and in the world based on shared values”.

The Governor, as part of the event, was also conferred with the award of Ambassador of Peace for the Scout Association of Nigeria, while the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule was also invested as the Grand Matron of Lagos State chapter of Nigerian Girls Guide.

A 25-year-old storekeeper, Abubakar Hussaini, who was on Tuesday sentenced to 12 months imprisonment by a Kubwa Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, said he burnt his boss’s credentials for his failure to increase his salary‎.

Hussaini said the complainant, Mr Jack Jiang, a Chinese, promised to increase his salary, but failed to do so.‎ Hussaini who pleaded guilty to charges of criminal trespass, mischief by fire and theft, begged the court for leniency.

The judge, Abdulwahab Mohammed, however, sentenced Hussaini to 12 months imprisonment but gave him N20,000 option of fine. He also warned Hussaini to be of good behaviour and to also desist from committing crime.

The prosecutor, John Okpa, had told the court that Jiang reported the matter at the Area Command, Life Camp, Abuja on Aug. 26.

He said that Hussaini criminally trespassed into the complainant’s house and stole a traveling bag containing five wrist watches, two bangles, four T -shirts and credentials. Okpa said that all the said items were valued at N1.5 million.

The prosecutor said that four wrist watches, two bangles, two T-shirts and the traveling bag were recovered from Hussaini during police investigations.

He further said that Hussaini burnt the complainant’s credentials, adding that the offences contravened Sections 348, 336 and 288 of the Penal Code.

Diamond Bank Plc has announced the launch of SMEZONE- a digital platform based business community for Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SME) in the country where they can easily access relevant, network and be mentored with & by other entrepreneurs, attend webinars, receive newsletters and participate in competitions that ultimately help position their business for greater success.

Commenting on the innovation, Head, Corporate Communications, Diamond Bank plc, Chioma Afe said: “The essence of developing this digital business platform is to give our esteemed SME customers an advantage in the competitive of business world that is accessible anywhere & anytime.

“It is vital that this integral sector of the economy gets all the support it needs to drive growth and development. Digital platforms are widely acknowledged as powerful tools for fully enhancing business possibilities as they open a world of opportunities to customers and vice versa irrespective or location”.

Chioma noted that Diamond Bank plc has been at the forefront of innovation within the SME space in Nigerian, adding that some of these include the introduction of financial advisory packages such as monthly Seminars, Workshops, Business Clinics and Trainings in partnership with reputable knowledge hub online platforms, educational institutions and SME business development consultants.

Diamond Bank plc is Nigeria’s lead driver in the financial industry, providing enhanced customer experience through innovation and technology. Regarded as supporter of Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises through SME lending, capacity building, business seminars and workshops.

Recently, the Bank recorded a landmark figure in the value of funds disbursement of over N1 billion to small business owners under the cash flow-based SME lending scheme in partnership with the Women’s World Banking (WWB), and this has earned the leading financial institution ranked among the first five SME customer bank in Nigeria in the KPMG customer service survey 2018.

The SMEZONE platform is open to Diamond and Non Diamond bank Customers. Please click HERE TO ACCESS SMEZONE

…says I’m undaunted, ready to achieve more for Lagosians

…thanks party leaders, residents



Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday officially declared his intention to seek re-election in 2019 on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), saying he remains undaunted and resolutely committed to achieve more for the State.

Addressing scores of residents and party faithful who defied the heavy downpour to witness the declaration ceremony in Alausa, Governor Ambode recalled how the journey began four years ago when he called on Lagosians to join him in a journey of selfless service to build a secure and prosperous State driven by a vibrant economy and supported by quality service, equity and justice, saying it was gratifying that the people believed in him and gave their support.

According to the Governor, “In the last three and a half years, I have fulfilled my promises to you to make Lagos work for all. With your support, we have made Lagos a better place and changed the face of our State. I did not do it alone; we did it together, because you believed.

“Our State has remained steadily prosperous because of your positive outlook. I urge you to always stay positive in your personal and communal lives and continue to aspire to great things,” he said.

While thanking all Lagosians for believing in his administration and for the support so far, Governor Ambode, who had earlier picked up his expression of interest and nomination form at the National Secretariat of the party in Abuja, specifically appreciated members of APC and political leaders in the State, especially the party’s National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, for giving him the platform to contribute to the further growth and development of the State.

The Governor said though a lot had been achieved, he was nonetheless not daunted or tired to achieve a lot more for the State, adding that such was the reason for humbly seeking the support of the people to achieve more for the State.

“In these three and a half years as your Governor, I have seen visible proof that we can achieve unbelievable things when we all come together with no more than our belief in our dreams.

“We achieved because you believed. But there is still a lot more to be done. But I am not daunted. I am not tired. And I am sure you feel the same way because we all envision a better Lagos, a Lagos of our dreams.

“So, I humbly call you again, to give me your support as I seek to continue with your mandate to steer the affairs of our State. I ask you to believe again and together, let’s achieve more,” Governor Ambode said.

Also speaking, Senator representing Lagos East senatorial district at the upper legislative chamber, Gbenga Ashafa said Governor Ambode had already been endorsed for a second term by Tinubu on account of his sterling performance in office.

According to him, “We are so proud to have Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as our Governor.

“As the Senator representing Lagos East senatorial district which produced him even though he is for the whole of Lagos State and Nigeria, we are saying we are very happy to endorse him (Governor Ambode) for a second term on the instruction of our leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Ashafa said.

Among scores of APC leaders and members present at the declaration include wife of the Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode; Deputy Governor, Dr. Mrs Idiat Adebule; Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello; Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Senator Ganiyu Solomon; members of the House of Assembly; members of the State Executive Council, all the 57 Local Government Chairmen, among others.

MTN Nigeria has filed a suit against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the attorney-general of the federation to seek a restraining order.

In a suit filed in Lagos on Monday, the telco is seeking an injunctive relief to protect its assets and shareholder rights.

In a statement by MTN, the company said it continues to “categorically and unequivocally” deny all charges related to investigations by the CBN and AGF into the company’s CCIs and unpaid taxes respectively.

The CBN has alleged improper dividend repatriations by MTN Nigeria and requested that $8.1 billion be returned to the coffers of the banking regulator.

The AGF said MTN had unpaid taxes on foreign payments and imports approximately $2.0 billion.

The company said it would continue to engage with the relevant authorities on issues.

Tobe Okigbo, MTN Nigeria corporate relations executive, said, according to the statement: “The allegations being made involve issues that appear to be complex and so are easily misunderstood and misinterpreted. They are made even more confusing when the relevant authorities send conflicting messages and instructions and act in a way that appears un-coordinated and at cross purposes.

The simple reality is that MTN Nigeria has never repatriated dividends on the CCIs referenced by the CBN and that MTN is fully compliant with Nigerian tax law.

With situations like this, it is vital for both the government, regulators and the company to have absolute clarity on the nature of both the allegations being made and the processes that are being followed. In the absence of this clarity, our only option is to seek judicial intervention and to ask the courts to act as adjudicator. This has been done today.”

Former Inspector-General of Police Suleiman Abba, a lawyer, has opened up on the actions he took to forestall the plan to scuttle the 2015 presidential election. In this interview with Sun newspaper in Abuja, he dismissed claims that he betrayed ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.



You have been off public view since you left office as Inspector General of Police in 2015. What happened?

Truly, I have been off public view, but it was for good reasons. I needed to rest after a meritorious service to Nigeria. You can recall that I left office few days after the 2015 general elections. However, I was extremely happy and glad that my retirement came at a time the police were being showered with accolades from local and international organizations for the great role in the 2015 elections. Police were praised for their neutrality at the 2015 polls. The international community confessed that it was the first time the police played a professional role in Nigerian elections. No one accused us of changing results neither were we accused of aiding or abetting electoral malpractices or violence. The height of it all was that envoys of foreign countries in Nigeria visited the Force headquarters one after another to congratulate and appreciate our efforts. The Peace Committee, which was made up of eminent and highly respected Nigerians also congratulated us for the good job we did. I was deeply proud and fulfilled then to have been part of Nigerian Police Force. Someone asked me few days after I left office, if I will still serve in the police in the next world, and I convincingly answered yes. My reason was that the police is a noble profession that had given me joy and peace of mind. I found peace, love, enormous blessings and responsibilities in the Nigerian Police. I am extremely grateful and happy that I served in the Force. However, there was several allegations by those who lost the elections that I betrayed them. But as a trained police officer, I kept my cool because I knew that nothing like that happened. I believed they would know the truth in time to come.

Your accusers have alleged that you worked secretly for the success of Muhammadu Buhari at the polls. They also accused you of flouting protocol by your going to the airport to receive a President-elect when you are still answerable to a sitting president. What is your reaction to these allegations?

There were many allegations, but they were false and baseless. I wish they could give me examples or instances that such things happened. Some of them alleged that I quickly switched loyalty after Jonathan lost the election. That was totally untrue. I will love them to tell me how and when I did that. They should also substantiate claims of hobnobbing with the then President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari. I am a gentleman to the core, a trained policeman who has given his best to the service of Nigeria. It is unfair for someone to make such allegation against me. They alleged that I went to the airport to welcome Buhari who was President-elect then. Remember that a sitting IGP doesn’t travel alone. He must go with orderlies, escorts and some close senior police officers. So, they should provide videos to justify their allegations. Besides I can’t be stupid or careless enough to go to the airport to welcome a President-elect when there is a sitting President. I have worked in the Presidential Villa for years and I have mastered presidential protocols and I also know and appreciate the powers in the office of the president. So, it will be unfair to say that someone like me that knows the truth and protocols will violate it. I was in charge of Mobile escort in the Presidential Villa for one year between 1994 and 1995. I was later appointed Aide de Camp (Police) to the then First Lady.

I held that post for four years. That gave me good exposure and knowledge of the Presidency. So, anyone that accused me of going to welcome the President-elect when there was a sitting president was being economical with the truth. However, I must confess that I was at the International Conference Center, Abuja, when the then President-elect was being presented with the Certificate of Return. I attended that event because it was the peak/climax of the 2015 electoral exercise. I was duly invited to that occasion. As a matter of fact, a seat was kept for me right from the point of collation of votes because Electoral Act only recognized the police as regards security. I was there to take charge in case of any kind of “Orubebe” incident. I didn’t have to wait for INEC Chairman to call me about any security breach. So, I took precaution and made myself and some of my senior officers available at the event because, at that point, I had lost trust in people around me. I must also confess that I visited the then President-elect to congratulate him on his victory at the polls. That was the first time I met him face to face. But I must tell you that it was a common agreement between me and other Service Chiefs. For some reasons, they went without me, so I had no option but to go on my own to congratulate him. I did no wrong in my own interpretation of the scenario.

You said few days ago that the former administration attacked you because you simply refused to do their bidding. What was their bidding that you declined to do?

The truth about the entire thing was that a certain political party won an election and another political party lost an election. We (the Service Chiefs and the IGP) had privileged information few hours after the election was concluded that the then President Jonathan had lost that election. Even Jonathan himself knew that he had lost the election. His Principal Secretary was in a meeting where the entire electoral process was being reviewed bit by bit. Immediately it was clear that Jonathan had lost the election, his loyalists began to plot how to disrupt the process. That was when I cautioned them to be careful so they don’t put Nigeria into flames. I suggested that they should allow the process to conclude to avoid crisis that would lead to the death of people. That was when they calmed down and began to accept defeat.

Were you able to meet with the then President to brief him about the situation of things?

I couldn’t. Remember that whenever things have gone wrong, the people in power choose who to see. Besides, they never believed in me. They were never satisfied with my approach to the elections. Shortly before the elections, I was queried by the Presidency for asking the State Commissioners of Police to be civil, impartial and non-partisan in their handling of the elections. I also received a communications from some senior government officials seeking to know why I asked the CPs to be impartial and non-partisan, instead of asking them to help their party win the elections. I was made the chairman of the election security committee and I knew the importance we attached to the election. However, I gave the directive at the regular meeting of police senior officers. But the government officials queried why I should give such directives. They suggested that I do it individually instead of collectively. Meeting and interaction of police officers are regular exercise in the police service whether during elections or not. It is always an opportunity to constantly remind the officers of the need to be professional in their conduct.

Many Nigerians thought you were on the side of the then president, particularly given the role you played in the plot to remove the then Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal. Why did you block the National Assembly if you were not working for the presidency?

I didn’t act alone in that saga. The then president gave us the assignment to withdraw the security details of the then Speaker. The assignment was not given to me alone. Myself and the Director General of the State Security Service (SSS) were given that assignment. I tried as much as I could to convince the president to, at least, allow me retain the ADC of the ex-Speaker, but I couldn’t succeed. Nigerians didn’t really understood what happened at that time and that was because the information available to the public was limited. My happiness was that I never allowed myself to be used by people in the corridors of power.

But did you ever regret allowing yourself to be used for that incident?

That doesn’t bother me. The fact of the matter was that I have more regret with the treatment given to police officers who were assigned to carry out specific duties as requested by the president.

People had the impression that you hobnobbed with the then President-elect so as to retain your office. Was this perception correct?
That was untrue. Besides, I don’t need to hobnob with the then President-elect to retain my office. You can ask yourself this question. Did he reappoint me as the IGP even when he has the power to do so? The answer is no. So, that argument holds no water at all. And in any case, the instances I met with him does not suggest that I became close to him.

Have you met the president since he was sworn in three years ago?
It is not about meeting him face to face, but the matter of supporting a legitimate government that enjoyed massive support from Nigerians. That is how I see it. Even in advanced democracies that we emulate, they give their best support to whoever emerged the leader irrespective of party affiliations, as long as the leader was elected or appointed legitimately. It is beyond whether I have met with the president face to face. It is about supporting a legitimate government and that is what I have done over the years.

Beyond what transpired during former President Jonathan administration, what other impression do you have about him?
There is no argument that Jonathan is a good man with a good heart. He never shouted at me as the President of Nigeria. I have never seen Jonathan drunk like people say. After he removed me from office, I made efforts to meet and thank him for the opportunity he gave me to serve. I never saw the president as a bad person at all. The only time his attitude towards me changed was after the presidential election, which he lost. And that I understood, I know it was because I refused to cooperate with him and his loyalists to disrupt the process.

What came to your mind when Jonathan’s aides recently issued a statement and called you unprintable names?
I wasn’t bothered because they never mentioned the things I said to you earlier. I expected them to have picked the issues I raised and dispute them one after another. But they didn’t do that. It might not make meaning to people who would read statements out of words. I challenged them to mention instances where I lied and I will feed them with the truth of what transpired with evidences. Let me correct this impression, I was never removed from office because of the Osun election. That was what the then government told Nigerians, but that was untrue. Others said I was removed because of indiscipline in the police. What they described as indiscipline was a case a serving minister who directed an Inspector to compromise the Osun electoral process and the Inspector refused. That was what they meant by indiscipline in the police. We must know that only INEC officials have the right to issue directives at polling units. However, before that election, a senior member of PDP asked me to aid their victory at the polls and I will be confirmed as quickly as possible. It made me wonder how a non-voter like me could deliver electoral victory to PDP. Before the election, I visited the state and as always, met and asked the officers to be impartial, civil and non-partisan. I informed them that double sanction awaits anyone that violates the Electoral Law or processes. INEC chairman and I were together at another meeting where I promised all stakeholders that level playing field would be provided for all and that was what we did and no regrets.

Why are you speaking out now on all that transpired few years ago?
I am speaking out now because I want some people to stay off my way. They called me betrayer after I was removed from office and I kept quiet because of my background as a trained and disciplined policeman. They called me unprintable names while I was away, but I kept quiet and accepted it with fate. But they have begun again to call my name in their meetings, perhaps, because the elections are around the corner. They have begun to re-strategize on how to regain or retain power. But I am being forced to ask if life is all about power and money. But the most important thing for me is for them to leave me alone and I hope they would do that.

Why do security agencies tend to pitch tent with incumbent administration at the detriment of Nigerians?
It has to do with nature of Nigerian society. In every aspect of the society, the issue of give and take, lawfully or unlawfully, is always there. Research I conducted in National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in 2009 about the conduct of policemen during elections gave me the opportunity to know so many things. I found out that the only way to know what happened is to deeply study the report of the local and international observers. Reports of previous observers had confirmed that the police have been conniving with the government in power to rig or better still change the outcome of the election. However, as regards the 2015 elections, we agreed that the officers should be sensitized so they could know their responsibilities and that greatly helped us to reduce bickering and malpractices at the polls.

Do you believe the proposed decentralization of the police is the way to go?
It is contrary to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. I choose to believe that government was talking about administrative decentralization. I also choose to keep my fingers crossed and watch them do what they think is right in that regard. However, there is need for more explanation, consultation and input from the stakeholders. The fact of the matter is that Nigerian Constitution gave recognition to one central police system. And it will be an effort in futility to do otherwise. The constitution must first be amended before anything of such could happen.



What do you think is the problem of the police?
The problem of the police is the police itself. What I mean by that is that the quality of manpower is poor. I took that position because each police officer ought to have the attribute of a police officer. And that was why if a police officer carries out illegal responsibility, whether directive came from superior officers or not, such officer must not go unpunished. I had the privilege of starting a reform in the system, but the attitude of the policemen posed a big challenge in that regard. That could also be described as indiscipline, and an undisciplined person will always find it difficult to achieve targets. An average police officer ought to have self-discipline training so he or she could imbibe those attributes that would distinguish him as disciplined and professional police officer. It helps him to get the acceptance and confidence of people he is serving. It would also make them to collaborate and support the police to succeed in preventive and investigative services. Change of attitude is critical and important for the success of the police service in Nigeria.

The current leadership of the police has faced so much criticisms by Nigerians. What could be responsible for that?
Sincerely speaking, it is not in my character to beat about the bush in my statements. It is also not in my character not to speak direct from my heart. I want to believe that people are complaining because Nigerian police has never been this divided. Impunity and injustice seem to be reigning. The division is obvious to the point that some officers have compromised. How do you explain a situation where some officers are promoted not based on qualification, competence and experience, but based on who you know. There are huge animosity, envy and anger among the officers. And it ought not be so.

Urges PDP to consider Saraki for victory

Popular seer, Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele of the Inri Evangelical Spiritual Church, has warned the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, to beware of some elements in the party, prophesying that the foremost politician would be used and dumped by the cabal allegedly holding the government of President Muhammadu Buhari by the jugular.

The cleric spoke with newsmen in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, on Saturday. Ayodele, who said the divine signals he received have shown that Buhari’s second term, if given by Nigerians, may bring chaos, urged delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to consider Senate President Bukola Saraki as the party’s presidential candidate, saying: “The Lord has revealed that Saraki would defeat Buhari if given PDP ticket for 2019 poll.”

Prophet Ayodele, who also urged President Buhari not to contest because he wouldn’t be able to tame the cabal that would ruin his second term, said: “I am talking as a prophet. I don’t want to know what anyone might say about this. APC government has gone in Nigeria, there is no fantastic thing about APC and this is why I say that Buhari should not contest in 2019. If he does there will be chaos.

“Tinubu will be used and dumped by the ruling party.

”Those defecting to APC have destroyed the party. Akpabio can’t deliver anything for APC. The celebration greeting his defection to APC won’t result into anything worthwhile.
Buhari isn’t corrupt but he isn’t fighting corruption, rather, it is corruption fighting back. There is no way they would do a presidential election with such huge amount of money that we won’t have corrupt practices. The money they have gone to borrow would not be properly utilized. We had warned against the president’s decision to borrow money from China and we are saying now that government will mismanage the money and it will all result into failure.

“People surrounding Buhari are desperate for his second term because they want to use the President to achieve their selfish desires. They will stab him in back as the party will have issues after its primary.
There will be mutiny in the army as junior officers would rise against their seniors.

“As for an alternative for Nigeria in 2019, I urge the delegates of the PDP, to consider Saraki and also urge the party leadership to ensure a free and fair primary. The Lord has assured that Saraki will defeat Buhari if given the PDP mandate. The presidential poll coming in 2019 will be a tough one, it won’t be easy for APC as it was in 2015.

“We had predicted that APC will implode much earlier. If care is not taken the party will soon lose other states. I have said that the only opposition in APC will be from the party itself . APC may lose Lagos if they don’t make Ambode its party flag bearer and ensure he gets a second term. I have said earlier in 2017 that Ambode would not get a second term on a platter of gold as he would face opposition within the party.

“Some people will still defect and this time it would be very surprising. If APC picks Victor Ochai in Delta State, the former Speaker of the state, the party will win. The party will have issues in Oyo ,Kogi, Niger, Nassarawa, Adamawa, Sokoto, Imo and Ogun states. Akeredolu should pray against legal whirlwind against him. His having a second term in Ondo will be difficult.

“I urge INEC and the security not to support politicians to rig 2019 poll. Politicians will use money to buy votes, this is why the Lord has said that no government will be able to fight corruption unless there is no vote buying during elections. God will judge many corrupt politicians who have ruined the nation with harvest of death and sicknesses.”

Ayodele also spoke about the corporate world, saying : “Glo, MTN will have troubles. 9 mobile will still change its name. Let us pray against sicknesses among the gurus in the telecommunication sector.”

The man of God, who had prophesied the victory of U.S President Donald and his many challenges, warned that Trump will have issues with his second term bid as even his party will be against him.

He said: “Trump will have issues with investors in America. There will be natural disasters in the country leading to death and many becoming homeless.”

On sports and other sectors, Ayodele said: “the tenure of Amodu Pinnick is over in the NFF. A lot of money will be missing in NNPC and Senator Daji should be considered by APC in Imo State. PENGASSAN , NUPENG will still have industrial crisis that would lead to strike which will result into scarcity of petroleum,” he said.

The cleric, who predicted Fayemi’s victory two years ago, urged the Governor-elect in Ekiti State not to underrate any litigation and declared that he will have challenges in his government during the second term.

https://www.google.com.ng/amp/dailypost.ng/2018/09/08/2019-beware-apc-will-use-dump-primate-ayodele-warns-tinubu-urges-pdp-consider-saraki-victory/amp/

Senate President Bukola Saraki says Nigerians must “change” President Muhammadu Buhari with a man who has capacity.

Saraki said this on Friday at a meeting with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in Owerri, Imo state.

The nation’s number three citizen, who is a presidential aspirant of the PDP, said there is need for a president who would ensure the country’s prosperity.

“We must change Buhari with a man that has capacity, integrity and vision in order to realise our potential. I believe in restructuring that would give states opportunities to realise their potentials,” he said.

“I promoted made-in-Aba products. As president, I will support local businesses. We need to have a president that will ensure prosperity; nobody wants a handout.”

Saraki said he would continue to fight for the masses, outlining his vision for the south-east.

“I will continue to fight for the masses. We have to change the leadership. We need a leadership that would ensure justice and fair distribution of national appointments,” he said.

“As a president, I will ensure everybody has food on the table. I will restore global reputation. Countries are built by hard work and vision.

“The south-east people are hardworking and their entrepreneurial spirit is wonderful. As a president, I will partner south-east to emerge the next tiger of business in Africa.

“You don’t build what you don’t have. I therefore appeal to the delegates to vote wisely. By the grace of God, I will emerge the PDP presidential candidate. My desire is not just an ambition.

“Nigeria has never been this divided. People are afraid to be called Nigerians. Ethnicity and religion have taken over. There is no inclusion anymore, no fairness, no federal character, no job and businesses are dying. Survival of businesses is survival of the country. Poverty is everywhere.”

Governors across party lines are presently battle ready with federal government over an alleged secret payment of N16.67 billion, said to be the last tranche of Paris Club refund payment to Osun state government, The Sun has reported.

The state government was in December 2017 paid along other states by the federal government the third tranche of the refund, amounting to N6.3 billion.

Paris Club refund is a partial settlement of long-standing claims by state governments relating to over-deductions from their Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) payments for external debt service between 1995 and 2002.

Three tranches had been released earlier to all the states, with the last released alongside the December 2017 federal allocations to enable most of the states owing months of staff salaries offset the backlog.

According to a report by The Sun Newspaper, at least three state governors from both the ruling APC and opposition PDP who spoke to Saturday Sun on the latest payment yesterday expressed anger over the secret manner the payment was made to only Osun.

They argued that the refund was made to empower the state government successfully prosecute the September 22 governorship election in which the APC candidate, Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola is facing a strong challenge from the candidates of at least three other parties; PDP, ADP and SDP.

“All states and governors need money at this critical time to pay workers salaries and provide basic infrastructure needed by our people but instead of the federal government treating us equally, they have chosen to pay only Osun state this huge sum at the expense of the rest of us who are equally in dire need of whatever refund we have left”, one of the state governors disclosed.

Another governor who also sounded unhappy about the development said “the secret payment was all geared towards mobilizing for APC in the coming governorship election in Osun and certainly not for the state workers. Otherwise, it should have been a general and open payment to all the states.”

The third governor who also said he got wind of the payment vowed that he was going to mobilise his colleagues to pressure the federal government to release whatever is due to other states without further delay. “What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander”, he stressed.

The Federal Government had in March, 2018 claimed that it had so far shared N1.9 trillion among states as support from the Paris Club refund. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo made this known in his address at the fourth edition of the Ogun Investors’ Forum in Abeokuta.

Osinbajo said that the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration had continued to extend equal and unbiased support to states of the federation regardless of party affiliations. He said it would be difficult to point to any government that had been more supportive in the development of the ambitions of states as the present administration.

The Vice President had recalled that no fewer than 26 of the 36 states in Nigeria could not pay the salaries of their workers when the present administration assumed power in 2015.

Osinbajo explained that the federal government, however, came to their rescue by extending funds to them.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation, Africa’s leading entrepreneurship-focused philanthropy, has announced a call for entries for the 2018 TEF Entrepreneurship Forum Travel Fellowship for African journalists.

The Travel Fellowship will provide financial aid to journalists and photojournalists affiliated with African national or global media houses to attend the 2018 Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Forum happening on the 25th of October 2018 in Lagos, Nigeria. The Travel Fellowship covers travel and accommodation, while affording journalists the opportunity to interact with participants, guests, key public and private representatives, and leading speakers at the TEF Entrepreneurship Forum.

The TEF Entrepreneurship Forum 2018 is the largest gathering of African entrepreneurs and the broader entrepreneurship ecosystem. It will unite over 5,000 entrepreneurs, global investors, leaders from the African public and private sectors and development organisations, presenting the unique opportunity to generate ideas, forge networks and bring policymakers and the private sector together, in a spirit of robust debate and interaction. The 2018 cohort from the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme, as well as mentors and partners, will be present, as the culmination of their intensive twelve-week induction.

This year’s Forum will include an interactive session with President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya and President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, moderated by TEF Founder, Tony O. Elumelu.

It will also feature the launch of TEFConnect, the world’s largest digital platform for African entrepreneurs, dedicated to connecting African entrepreneurs and the entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Interested journalists are encouraged to apply HERE.

Eligibility

Working Journalists affiliated with African national or global media houses
• Documented support provided from Supervisor/media outlet
Deadline: Midnight, September 12, 2018.

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has reiterated its commitment to champion and execute initiatives that would boost the growth and performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) through increased lending, capacity building, advisory and value-added offerings that would fast-track overall national development.

The Bank gave the assurance during the third in its series of free capacity building programmes, tagged “Business Enterprises and Sustainability Training (BEST)” organised for existing and start-up SMEs in Abuja on September 1, 2018. This followed the success of the first and second editions of the training in Lagos.

The initiative, led by FCMB Training Academy, the Bank’s Business Banking Group and seasoned facilitators, focused on business and skills development, marketing, finance and accounting for SMEs. It covered various topical areas such as identifying business opportunities, improving productivity, raising capital, optimising sales, cost and revenue management among others.

Speaking on the BEST initiative, the Executive Director, Business Development of FCMB, Mrs. Bukola Smith, said the Bank recognises the increasing role and impact of SMEs on the lives of people and the society.

According to her, “the BEST initiative is one of the innovative ways we support the growth of our SME customers because without effective training and exposure, it can be a challenge to succeed. In FCMB, we are passionate about helping our customers thrive in a sustainable manner. We believe that this comprehensive training programme will go a long way to impact positively on the operators of SMEs and propel them to further develop themselves. This will also help them take their respective businesses to the next level and compete favourably within and outside the Nigerian market. We therefore, urge participants to take advantage of the unique opportunities provided by FCMB’’.

Also commenting, the Head, Training Academy of FCMB, Mr. Sola Oyegbade, stated that, “BEST initiative is a proof of our commitment to the growth and sustainability of the SMEs. We focus on helping and getting these businesses sustained beyond just focusing on what value they add to our own Business on the immediate, and then overlook the critical need to develop the nation’s growing economy. A number of our SME partners who have participated in earlier versions of this training, are much better off today.’’

The participants at the capacity training expressed gratitude to FCMB for living up to its value as a simple, reliable and helpful Bank that creates opportunities and values. A beneficiary, who is also the Chief Executive of Tatafo Naija Blog, Mr. Belema Hart, said, “brands in Nigeria are beginning to understand value creation, not just offering services. I was surprised to get an email from my Bank, FCMB, inviting me to this business empowerment and sustainability training, free of any charge. This was a pleasant surprise. The training was very impactful’’.

According to another beneficiary and the Managing Director of Stylemark Mall Enterprises, Mrs. Blessing Asimegbe, “it is really commendable to see how FCMB supports SMEs and goes all out to promote the growth of businesses. The entire aspect of the training was highly impactful. The facilitators were vast and really took time to break down all the areas they spoke on. The beautiful part of it was that certificates were issued to all participants for an event that was free. That is highly commendable and kudos to FCMB for being a partner in progress’’.

All Progressives Congress (APC) leading gubernatorial aspirant in Kwara State, Alhaji Lukman Olayiwola Mustapha has described the attempts to link him with the embattle senate president, Dr. Bukola Saraki as baseless, unfounded and malicious, stressing that it is nothing but a calculated attempt to soil his hard earned integrity.

Lukman Mustapha who was addressing newsmen in Ilorin, bemoaned the developmental pattern Kwara’s electioneering process is taking, emphasising that while aspirants in other regions are sectorally dissecting societal ills and proffering solutions, we’re engrossed with politics of blackmail and mudslinging, stressing that we need to redirect our focus to how to attain a viable and competitive state through massive investment in small and medium scale enterprises, massive investment in infrastructure, youth education and engagement among others.

He said: “My hereafter determines my actions and inactions on every seconds, if I will govern Kwara and loss my Jannah, then may I not get there.

“My journey to rebirth Kwara started during my undergraduate days, I have always believed Kwara and Kwarans deserves better.

“I have been fighting to get better deal for Kwara and Kwarans even before the present dramatis personae ever knew about politicking in the state.

“I have never benefited a kobo in cash or patronage from any government in Kwara since my adulthood till date, it’s an insult to insinuate I am a front for those that are responsible for our present predicament.

“It is an insult on my person, achievements, career attainment and exposure to be termed a stooge and tool in the hands of our collective tormentors. I will be an ingrate to my creator after all unmerited blessings God has showered me with to now serve as a destabilizing factor towards the attainment of a Kwara we all can be proud of. My offspring will never forgive me if I do such condemnable, barbaric and animalistic act.

“When I threw my hat into the gubernatorial race last year, I was warned about the kind of attacks and blackmail that’ll trail my person, I however, waved it aside knowing that nothing is too big a sacrifice including personal comfort towards changing the sardonic narratives of Kwara and Kwarans. No sacrifice is too much to ensure we leave Kwara better than we met it,” he stressed.

He, however, enjoined the rumour mongers to endeavour to engage in productive and developmental discuss, adding that no amount of blackmail or name calling will make him jettison the fight to get a better deal for Kwara and Kwarans.

The All Progressives Congress, (APC) in Delta State, has come in defence of the immediate past governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan over a statement ascribed to him that the “APC will wrest power from the PDP in 2019” which has come under attack by the ruling party, Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP).

In a statement signed by its Secretary, Comrade Okonji Chidi, on Tuesday, entitled “Okowa and PDP: Eat the humble pie and bury your head in shame” and made available to our correspondent, the party berated the Okowa administration, saying that “every discerning mind in Delta State knows that the PDP government is a total sham”.

Read full statement below:

“The All Progressives Congress, (APC) in Delta State read with pity the hogwash put together by the Delta State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, dismissing the assertion by former governor of the state and revered chieftain of the APC, His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan that the APC will wrest power from the PDP in 2019.

Every discerning mind in Delta State knows that the Okowa administration is a total sham, an administration that have failed in all sectors. The assertion is actually the reality on ground. The PDP which the governor claimed is “still strong and formidable” has been decimated long before now, right from 2015 when those who knew Okowa very well as an ethnic bigot and a very vindictive fellow decided to dump him. It was not the making of His Excellency, Emmanuel Uduaghan that respected chieftain like former Speaker, Rt. Hon (Barr) Victor Ochei who also know Okowa in and out dumped him and his shattered PDP.

The defection of Dr. Uduaghan to the APC which is currently shaking the political landscape and causing the PDP and Governor Okowa high fever is just the icing on the cake when they will eventually loss the 2019 governorship elections and many House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate seats to the All Progressives Congress, (APC).

Now that Deltans know that Okowa is a failure, will it not be better for him to eat his humble pie and start preparing his hand over note? Because if Okowa and his drowning party, PDP actually know what has befall them, they would not be jumping here and there thinking the former governor, Uduaghan is their problem. Okowa’s ouster has been in the drawing board since well-meaning and respected Deltans who were ready to work with him realized he was a deceitful fellow.

It is foolhardy for Dr. Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza State Publicity Secretary of PDP to say “when it comes to politics and elections in Delta State, Dr. Uduaghan should realise that he is less than a featherweight”. This are assertion of a party in self-pity. A former governor in capacity of Dr. Uduaghan, remains a heavyweight political figure in Delta politics in and out of government that’s why the PDP and Okowa would continue to break their head over the devastating blow and impending defeat awaiting them in 2019.

For their information, when the defection of Dr. Uduaghan who Governor Okowa de-marketed and tried to discredit became imminent, APC catch on it and started wooing him because we know the value-added advantage he will bring to our party and our avowed determination to send incumbent governor packing in 2019.

“Governor Okowa thinks he is “smart”, he thinks he can outsmart every Deltan that’s why he is always coming out with policies that are anti-people like his fraudulent “Contributory Health Insurance Scheme” which has been adjudged in the media as scam and fraud”.

There is a saying that; “he that the gods want to destroy, they first make mad”. Governor Okowa and PDP are behaving like mad dogs already in everything they are doing, including press releases they have been issuing over what Dr. Uduaghan did to them and we as a party, have the antidote that would silent them forever in Delta State.

Imagine, Osuozu giving away information that Deltans know are exactly what Governor Okowa represents. According to Osuosu, “Out of sheer arrogance and vaulting ambition, he estranged many PDP members with his bad leadership style and worked hard to frustrate and impoverish many of them” which he dashed out while trying to denigrate Dr. Uduaghan but every discerning Deltan is aware that the aforementioned were the exact style of leadership laced with fraud that Okowa has given to Deltans since his assumption of office.

Okowa that we know is an arrogant person, he is treacherous, hot tempered, vindictive, pretentious and a bigot in the highest order. But we want to also thank God and commend all those who saw all this ahead of us in faraway 2014 and decided to dump the PDP and leave Okowa to continue his clannish tendencies that would finally exile him in 2019″.

Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, the immediate past governor of Delta State and 2019 Delta South APC senatorial hopeful has once again warned that Delta State must not be in the opposition camp after the 2019 general elections.

Dr. Uduaghan gave the warning at Olomoro, Isoko South, where he paid a condolence visit to Chief Lucy Esigie, a chieftain of the APC in company of the APC state Chairman, Prophet Jones Erue, House of Representative hopeful, Mr. Joel Onowhakpo Thomas and other chieftains of the party. The deceased, Mrs Alice Ogri was a sister to Chief Lucy Esigie, the leader of APC in Isoko South.

Scores of supporters of the new APC leader gate-crashed the venue on hearing that the former governor was on their soil, being his first public appearance since his defection to APC.

The Delta South Senatorial hopeful, humbled by the eagerness of the growing crowd to hear from him, decided to address the crowd.

Dr. Uduaghan told the crowd that people from the opposition have not gotten over the shock that hit them since his defection last week.

“They have been trying to deconstruct the meaning of John the Baptist that I used in my defection statement.

“They are breaking their heads over it and wondering who and who will Uduaghan take to the APC.

“Well, my new role as John the Baptist would be to mobilise virtually every PDP member, not just in Delta State but also in the Niger Delta to the progressives’ fold.

“There are some people that we will not allow to cross over. They know themselves,” Uduaghan averred.

Dr. Uduaghan queried if the dividends of governance are reflective of the wealth Delta State produces since playing opposition three years after he left government and the people chorused a thunderous ‘No!’.

Continuing, the former governor said: “Moses grew up in the palace where everything was comfortable for him but the Lord told him that his people were suffering.

“He charged Moses to leave the palace so as to liberate them.

“I have answered the call to return to active politics to liberate and unite our people who have been deeply polarised by the leadership of the PDP.

“I have come for APC to take over and I am leading the Take Over Squad,” he opined, adding that he has pitched his tent with APC to liberate the state from the jaws of the PDP.

He charged the Delta State APC leadership present at the occasion, the people of Isoko and the entire state to get ready because the battle would not be an easy one, but victory was sure for the party if everyone played their parts well.

He specifically warned the youths present to stop fighting for crumbs that the PDP would throw at them, assuring that if they were hard working and purposeful, he would lead them to where they would be empowered for life.

JUBRIL NAIYEJU

It is a safe bet that most Nigerians would want prices of goods and services fixed for years and forever, even. An exception would be members of the moneyed class, who cannot be bothered whether or not prices stay the same and actually view paying eye-watering sums for products and services as a reflection of their status. The other exception will be providers of goods/services, who would suffer multiple convulsions on account of rising production/purchase, operational and other less classifiable costs imposed by local economic dynamics.

Truth, however, is that prices cannot stay the same for a variety of reasons. Even assuming, without conceding, that prices can be fixed, the agency responsible for that task can only be validly perceived as having performed its task if it successfully freezes prices of all products and services. There can and should be no exception. That is not what I have seen with what the Consumer Protection Council (CPC), which poses as the defender of consumers in the country, is doing of late. The CPC or its Director-General, Babatunde Irukera, is obviously persuaded that it has powers to instruct a private business when to adjust prices for its services.

It is equally persuaded that if consumers have grown used to a product or service and they suddenly encounter price adjustments, they should not seek cheaper alternatives. Rather, it appears to want the consumers, who incidentally include providers of goods and services for which price adjustments are as natural as breathing, to join its plainly illegal attempt to legislate prices in a free market economy.

I concede that the CPC is getting plenty of applause and seems thrilled by such, following a Federal High Court injunction restraining MultiChoice from implementing its new prices, which took effect on 1 August. The suit was filed by the CPC, which claimed MultiChoice reneged on a proposed consent order not to adjust prices for two years because it is under investigation over a series of subscriber complaints. These, according to the Council, include “failure to receive signal after subscription paid, subscription disconnection before the expiration of billing cycle with no credit applied for paid time lost, arbitrary charges, block on some channels subscribed, poor signal quality with excessive and uncompensated downtime during both inclement and clear weather conditions”.

The salad of alleged transgressions also contains “failure to adopt a Pay-As-You-Go billing system”, which the CPC is convinced amounts to “disparities and disparate treatment in cost and treatment of consumers in other countries, where MultiChoice operates”.

When it was pointed out that it lacks the powers to direct a private business how much it could charge for its services, the agency responded with the hollow claim that it “respects the fidelity in the operation of free market forces in arriving at prices of goods and services”, adding that it has gone against MultiChoice over issues that “are better articulated in the context of a Competition or Anti-trust legislation and regime, which Nigeria does not have”.

It is hard to argue against the fact that the CPC is one-eyed in its assessment of the situation and its apparent goal is to determine prices, perhaps in favour an existing or potential competitor. Why do I think so? MultiChoice, I remember, increased prices in April 2015, the first time in two years. The same month, StarTimes, I vividly recall, increased its tariff by between 20 per cent and 35 per cent. Price of its Basic bouquet moved by N200 to N1, 200, while that of its Classic bouquet moved from N2, 000 to N2, 400.

Five months later, it announced another tariff increase via text and email messages to subscribers. The second hike, which took effect on 1 October 2015, affected subscribers on its Unique Bouquet and raised the price to N4, 800 from N3, 600.
StarTimes explained that the upward review was as a result of the introduction of additional sporting content, notably the German Bundesliga and Italian Serie A. It recently lost broadcast rights to the latter to MultiChoice’s SuperSport. StarTimes called on subscribers to make bulk subscription payments to have some respite from the new rates it was introducing. The company, in an apparent bid to mute subscriber discontent, did not display information on the price hikes on its website.

For reasons that eluded me at the time, the CPC, of which Irukera was counsel, remained in snooze mode. It could not rouse itself to speak against two price hikes within five months. It also did not think the monthly billing system operated by StarTimes should dissolve into the mythical Pay-As-You-Go model to redress the “disparate treatment in cost and treatment of consumers in other countries where MultiChoice operates”. Up to now, StarTimes does not operate as “Pay-As-You-Go” billing system. What it has is pay-per-day, pay-per-week and pay-per-month billing models, none of which is the a la carte model the CPC is so desperate to see instituted.

That same year StarTimes raised tariff twice, the previously impotent CPC, plied with a cocktail of aphrodisiacs supplied by the National Assembly, was on heat as it launched an investigation into MultiChoice operations. That investigation took in a raid of MultiChoice offices in Lagos, an exercise led by Emmanuel Ataguba, identified as the Council’s Director of Legal Services. The investigation was concluded in 2016, after which the Council and MultiChoice jointly addressed a press conference in Lagos at which the then CPC Director-General, Mrs. Dupe Atoki, commended MultiChoice’s level of compliance with the demands of the CPC.

One year later, with Mrs. Atoki out of office and replaced by Irukera, the Council began the current round of investigation, citing the same subscriber complaints. I am aware that StarTimes’ operations have provoked the same complaints. The company’s Facebook page is infested with subscriber gripes. A subscriber, Abayomi Owa, on 11 October 2017, wrote: “I can hardly watch any of my favorite channels again due to ‘no network or no service’. Pls, improve your service. What happen to AMC Movie on Basic boutique?”

Another subscriber, Moseri Benjamin, on 23 February 2018, wrote: “I recharged my StartTimes decoder with 1300 naira and it lasted only 10 days. What is the problem? In spite of all this, I can’t even find a single channel that shows wrestling. Pls, add a channel that shows wrestling or i throw away my StartTimes decoder. Smart card No: 01831548999.”

Also on 9 August 2018, a subscriber, Gloria Okafor wrote: “I was on Basic bouquet, but I have just paid N2, 600 this night for Classic bouquet. Yet I find myself on Nova bouquet. Kindly update my package to classic bouquet monthly. Thank you.”

How has StarTimes avoided CPC’s gun-sights? I hazard three guesses. One, the CPC considers these complaints as songs of praise. Two, StarTimes and providers of other services (electricity distribution companies, telecommunications and data service providers et al) have a licence to do as they wish-providing squalid services and billing as they like. Three, MultiChoice is the child of a lesser god.

Brewing companies and distilleries, big and small, increase prices of their products when they think it is necessary. The CPC never goes to court to challenge them. A couple of years ago, UAC Foods, for valid business reasons, decided that Gala, at N50, had to undergo a drastic weight loss. It provided an option, a much bulkier one at N70. The CPC, I suspect, knew it was a business decision. I have a good number of dissolute friends, who use hotels by the hour (AKA short rest) and they tell me that they have to go in with their own condoms, which cost as low as N100, or risk buying the same brand from the hotel at N500.

I invite the CPC to look into this exploitative conduct. I bet there are more Nigerians who use condoms than Pay TV. A 2017 report published by The Punch quoted the NGO, Society for Family Health, as saying Nigerians use 400 million condoms annually, a figure it said could be higher because there are still many involved in unprotected sex.

A quarter of this figure is likely made up of people who have been exploited by hotels and deserve recompense. It may sound base, but it is the truth. Why is it only MultiChoice that get the CPC’s goat? Why are other service providers left to do what they like? Consumers of other services, notably banking- Commission on Turnover (COT) and call centre charges, cinemas-power cuts- and transport -vehicle breakdowns- suffer inconveniences and they do not attract the CPC’s attention. Why? I await answers.

Naiyeju writes from Lokoja

Top executives of BGL Group and its subsidiaries will on Wednesday know their fate, as the Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja has fixed September 5 for ruling on various applications brought before it over alleged capital market fraud.

BGL Group, along with BGL Securities Limited and BGL Asset Management Limited, filed four different applications against the trial of their Group Managing Director, Albert Okumagba; his deputy, Chibundu Edozie; and three other top officials over alleged criminal conspiracy, breach of trust and cheating through their activities in the capital market.

They were arraigned in September 2017 following a petition against them to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by some investors, namely Mahmoud Usman, Ann Orsule, Sylvanus Ghasarah, Eno Efanga, UN Staff Thrift Credit Cooperative Society of Anambra State (Abuja office) and Adejoke Atte.

The petitioners had complained that Mr Okumagba and other top officials of the company failed, refused and/or neglected to liquidate their investments in both the Guaranteed Consolidated dated notes and Guaranteed Premium Notes, among others.

The SEC said the matter was brought before its Administrative Proceedings Committee (APC) in a bid to obtain justice for the complainants and grant all parties fair hearing.

In exercising its regulatory responsibility as enshrined in the Investment and Securities Act (ISA), SEC, through its APC said Messrs Okumagba, Edozie and other respondents engaged in acts capable of adversely affecting investors’ confidence in the capital market.

Consequently, in May 2016 the commission cancelled the registration of BGL Securities and BGL Assets Management, while Messrs Okumagba and Edozien were banned from capital market operations for a period of 20 years.

Also, the capital market regulator ordered Mr Okumagba’s companies to refund to investors over N2 billion for market infractions contrary to Sections 96, 312, 322 and 323 of the Penal Code Law, Chapter 89.

The companies were equally ordered to refund N24.03 million to the National Open University Staff Cooperative Multipurpose Society.

SEC stated further that the two companies would pay additional fine of N25 million for breaching Rule 1(iii) of the Code of Conduct for capital market operators.

However, following the ban, BGL Group and its subsidiaries filed the applications which centred on the First Information Report (FIR) before the court and jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter.
Following a plea by counsel to the accused, K. B. Asunogie, Chief Magistrate, Chinyere Nwecheonwu, adjourned as the matter was pending in another court challenging Mr. Edozie’s arraignment.

Mr Asunogie said when an applicant was challenging the charge, Mr Edozie’s appearance on the dock should be suspended until the preliminary objection was determined.

However, the prosecuting counsel, Moshood Adeyemi, who said he was not aware of any preliminary objection served on him, asked the court to adjourn to enable him regularise his papers and produce Mr Okumagba, who was declared at large, to face justice with others.

The magistrate, Mrs Nweoachenu, had adjourned to August 13 for ruling on these applications after arguments by the parties at the last court sitting in July 2018.

However, since the court did not sit on the adjourned date, it was subsequently adjourned to September 5 for ruling.

Finally, September is here and all the political permutations are in top gear, nearly reaching fever pitch. Like elsewhere, the situation is not different in Lagos where the dust is finally settling on the candidates to be fielded for the crucial posts. Save for the Lagos West (where Musiliu Obanikoro and Senator Olamilekan Yayi are slugging it out) and Lagos East (where Hon. Oshinowo Pepper is trying to snatch the ticket from Senator Gbenga Ashafa), the governorship ticket is apparently settled for incumbent Akinwunmi Ambode’s unopposed return, after the usual intense politicking and horse trading.
However, the grey and contentious area now remains Ambode’s running mate.
Although she is seen to have performed creditably well as the current deputy governor and supervising Commissioner for Education, the chances of Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule returning with Ambode appears shaky as certain power blocs are hell bent on replacing her with another current member of the Lagos State cabinet and a flighty politician from the West Senatorial zone, Alhaja Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf.
But the self-acclaimed Pharmacist Akinbile-Yusuf is a curious choice that might dent the image of the government and bring the exalted office of the Deputy Governor to an all-time low if the proposal to replace Adebule with her flies.
Hush tone mumurings are growing into loud whispers in the Lagos political circle with the desperation with which a certain cabal in the Alimosho caucus of Lagos West Senatorial district is scheming to push Akinbile-Yusuf.
The plan reached an advance stage during the sallah celebrations when powerful forces from Alimosho led the Ijebu-Ile Ife born Uzamat to the home of National Leader, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, ostensibly to get his blessing for the plan.
But the Aworis in Lagos and the strong caucus from Ojo, Oriade and Badagry axis of Lagos West where Dr. Adebule comes from are up in arms against dropping their daughter for “one Usamotu who still carries about her Osun title of Moremi”. Like many watchers of the Lagos politics, the Awori bloc says Commissioner Uzamat is a mere decorative member of cabinet whose performance first in the ministry of Youths and Social Development and currently in the ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment has been abysmally low.
To keen watchers, her qualifications are a suspect; she could hardly string a clean sentence in English together; and if she is a pharmacist at all, they say it must be a carry-over of her ability to dispense local herbs to ill and infected locals in Osun State where she was raised and schooled but merely later sought to validate her “eleweomo” prowess with a procured certificate in Pharmacy.
Compared to Adebisi Sosan and Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire who deputised for Babatunde Raji Fashola at different times and the current Ranti Adebule who holds a doctorate degree and had served as the Secretary to the State Government before her correct position, Uzamat does not measure up at all in political experience; educational qualifications; spoken English and social etiquette and more importantly in moral uprightness. Analysts wonder how tidy it would be to install as Deputy Governor of the Centre of Excellence a woman that hybernates with a boyfriend who practically feeds off her after leaving her Akinbile husband in curious circumstances a few years ago. Strangely, Uzamat has now added Shehu Yusuf’s name to her former (now late) husband’s name without formal wedlock even as the current man-about-town boyfriend has two other wives at home.
“This is the type of munafik woman that Alimosho has gone to present to the Leader as Deputy Governor in 2019 just because she’s an in-law to a notorious political goon, Abdulahi Enilolobo and shares birthday with her godfather and “close” ally Governor Rauf Aregbesola,” a reliable source disclosed.
Lagos State has always adopted the style of choosing a qualified and presentable female deputy to a sitting male governor since the period of Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu in 1991 and even Mrs. Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele who was Asiwaju’s first deputy in 1999.
But political watchers say even if the powers that be would not allow Adebule break the jinx of allowing a deputy governor to serve two terms, only time will tell if the ideal replacement should be a low substance candidate who will be a hard sell to Islamic clerics; who will shy away from debates and media interviews and one who has even always struggled through prepared speeches thereby shelving most of her responsibilities to her Permanent Secretary.
Or, as an honourable member in the House of Assembly who is in the know observes, maybe her choice is to checkmate Ambode with “roforofo” tactics and more importantly to appease the power brokers in ‘Tinubu’s Country of Alimosho’ who are desperately striving to hold on to every strand of power.
“Forget about the dribbles and funny projections. They know what the score is on who will be APC’s flagbearer in Lagos State. But they seem to have resigned to the reality that if the Governor must return for a second term as it appears so, the choice of his running mate will be one of the key negotiations that the Alimosho blocs will insist on.”

Diamond Bank in partnership with Facebook has commenced the first phase of targeted training for Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SME) owners to enhance their businesses through online marketing platforms.

The training exercise, which commenced in Calabar, Cross River State on Thursday, 30 August 2018 with over 120 SME owners in attendance, is aimed at scaling up the skills of small businesses to cater to millions of Facebook users in Nigeria and beyond.

Head, Regional Businesses -South, Diamond Bank Plc, Nkem Okoro, told newsmen at the event that the training is in collaboration with SheLeads Africa, a representative of Facebook.

“As one of the fastest growing retail banks in the country, Diamond Bank is always at the forefront of leveraging technology to drive SME businesses. The idea behind the training is to give our SME customers an opportunity to merge their personal and business Facebook accounts. There are over two billion people on Facebook and with that, our customers will be able to showcase their products to this large population as well as get leads that will take their businesses forward. We have over 120 SME customers that are participating in today’s event and we intend to actualise our promise to provide them financial and non-financial services. We provide such non-financial services knowing that when our customers succeed it will trickle down to us,” commented Okoro.

Head, Emerging Businesses, Diamond Bank Plc, Ayodele Olojede, said the Bank recognised that access to market was a limiting factor in doing business, adding that, “We also recognise the contributing factor of women in the growth of GDP. It is therefore important to continue to support them to scale up and improve their productivity.

What we are doing today is to teach them how to create and monetise their online visibility. Just by being on Facebook, you can increase your sales by over 33 per cent and a lot of women are not aware of this. Facebook is already a market for 26 million Nigerians and yet business owners are unaware. That is the reason for this training- to support businesses to grow. This is one of the first series across the country and we are planning to reach between 10, 000 and 20, 000 customers nationwide.”

One of the participants, Ruth Ntekim, owner of a luxury perfume store in Calabar, said: “I have learnt how to market products online by locating my audience and giving them direct information. Sometimes when you go on Facebook, you do not give the specific details to be able to attract the required audience, I have learnt how to restructure and how to create the right profile.”

Pastor Peace Ogar, also a business woman, said she runs a boutique in Calabar which has presence online. “I am here to learn and of course you can’t get tired of learning. There is no knowledge that is useless, so I am here to learn. I have learnt how to give my business social media presence, and how to reach out to my audience, how to create content for my business, and have a target audience. To be honest with you, I have been on Facebook just posting pictures, relating with people, and I have never thought of how to reach out to people businesswise. But today I have learnt how to reach out to people businesswise, how to use insight, and how to get people to relate to you. Today, I have learnt that you can reach out to people, and then get feedback from them,” Ogar said.

Diamond Bank Plc is Nigeria’s lead driver in the financial industry, providing enhanced customer experience through innovation and technology. Regarded as supporter of Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises through SME lending, capacity building, business seminars and workshops. Its mobile banking app, “Diamond Mobile”, currently has over three million active subscribers on its platform.