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HOW LADOJA ‘DIVERTED’ PART OF OYO’S N4.7 BILLION THAT HE LOOTED - EFCC
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/how-ladoja-diverted-part-of-oyos-n47.html

The Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday heard how former Oyo State Governor Rasheed Ladoja diverted part of N4.7billion he allegedly looted from the state treasury.



The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) re-arraigned Ladoja for allegedly converting state funds to his personal use. He was first arraigned eight years ago.

He was charged along with Waheed Akanbi on eight counts of money laundering and unlawful conversion of public funds.

Ladoja’s Senior Special Executive Assistant, Mr. Adewale Atanda, while testifying for the prosecution, said the former governor gave directive that Oyo State’s shares be sold.

He said N634million, which was part of the commission and profit realised by stockbrokers handling the shares’ sale, was used as slush funds to prevent Ladoja’s impeachment.



The witness said the N634million was delivered to him by the stockbrokers.

He said he removed N180million from the sum which he had earlier borrowed and spent on Ladoja’s instructions during the heat of the impeachment saga.

Part of the N180million, he said, was the N80million he obtained from Wema Bank Plc which Ladoja used to purchase 22 vehicles for Oyo State lawmakers to prevent his impeachment.

Another was a loan of N80million which he (Atanda) obtained from Lagoon Savings and Loans to buy Ladoja a property at Quarters 361 which the Oyo State Government put up for sale.

He said there was also N13.8million which Ladoja used to buy two Land Cruisers for the state security personnel for his protection.

Atanda said having deducted the N180million which he borrowed on Ladoja’s behalf, he distributed the balance of the N634million, according to Ladoja’s instructions.

Among the beneficiaries, he said, was Bimpe to whom he delivered pounds in London in 2007 and Ladoja’s wife, Yinka, who also got N20million, N19.5million and $13,000 on different occasions.

Other beneficiaries, Atanda said, were lawyers who represented Ladoja in court.

Explaining the circumstances in which £600,000 was paid to Bimpe, Atanda said: “His Excellency wanted me to pay the money into his account, but I had difficulty doing it.

“I told him and he said he would ask his daughter to contact me. She did and I gave her the money.

“The money was mostly in £50 notes; I put it in small suitcases and handed it over to her in London. I think it was in 2007.”

Under cross-examination by Ladoja’s lawyer, Bolaji Onilenla, Atanda said neither Bimpe nor Ladoja gave him anything to acknowledge the payment of the £600,000 to Bimpe.

Ladoja was governor from May 29, 2003 to January 12, 2006 when he was impeached.

On November 1, 2006, the Appeal Court, Ibadan declared the impeachment null and illegal.

The Supreme Court upheld the decision on November 11, 2009 and Ladajo resumed office on December 12, 2006.

He, however, lost a re-election bid.

Justice Mohammed Idris adjourned until April 12 and 13.

KEMI OLUNLOYO GRANTED BAIL
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/kemi-olunloyo-granted-bail.html

A Magistrates’ court in Port Harcourt, today granted bail to popular blogger, Kemi Omolulu Olunloyo, and Samuel Walson, publisher of a local tabloid in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.


The two publishers are facing four count charges of publishing defamatory and malicious story against the General Overseer of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie.

Chief Magistrate, Alatuwo Elkanah Fubara, in his ruling granted the two accused media practitioners bail in the sum of two hundred thousand Naira with credible sureties who reside in Port Harcourt.

The court also struck out one of the charges on cyber crime against Kemi Omolulu Olunloyo for lack of jurisdiction to try the matter.

The matter has been adjourned to May 4 for hearing.

SUSPENSION OF SENATOR ALI NDUME ILLEGAL – FALANA
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/suspension-of-senator-ali-ndume-illegal.html

Human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana, has described the suspension of Senator Ali Ndume as the height of the serial illegality in the Senate and urged the senators to reverse what he called illegal decisions.
Citing the unreported case of Hon. Dino Melaye and Others vs House of Representatives, Falana said in a statement yesterday that the Federal High Court had declared the indefinite suspension of the plaintiffs illegal and unconstitutional on the grounds that a legislator could not be suspended for more than 14 days.
Falana also cited the case of House of Assembly vs Hon Danna, where the Court of Appeal held that a legislative house in Nigeria is not competent to suspend a member even for a single day as it is a violation of the democratic rights of members of his/her constituency.
The human rights lawyer also stated that it was in the atmosphere of impunity, which has enveloped the Senate that the chairman of the Presidential Advisory Council on Corruption, Professor Itse Sagay, had been ordered to appear before the Senate for having the temerity to criticise the senators.
But citing the case of El Rufai vs House of Representatives (2003) 46 WRN 12, Falana argued that the Court of Appeal held that the House lacked the power to summon the appellant over a defamatory statement made by him as the power of investigation conferred on legislators is not for personal aggrandisement.
“In view of the settled state of the law on summoning of critics by the National Assembly and suspension of legislators the Senate is advised to reverse its illegal decisions and quickly return to the path of constitutionalism in the interest of lasting democracy in the country. However, if the Senate remains intransigent, the executive branch of the government should adopt decisive measures to terminate the unending rein of impunity in the National Assembly,” Falana explained.
He also noted that pursuant to the powers conferred on it under section 3 (2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act, 2004, the Senate has refused to confirm the appointment of Mr. Ibrahim Magu as the substantive Chairman of the EFCC.
Falana added that President Muhammadu Buhari has decided to allow Magu to continue to head the EFCC in an acting capacity, stressing that the decision of the president cannot be faulted by virtue of section 171 (1) (d) of the constitution, which provides that the president is vested with the power to appoint the head of any extra ministerial department to hold office in an acting capacity.
According to him, such appointment does not require the confirmation of the Senate.
Falana noted that the Senate has decided not to confirm the 27 newly appointed Resident Electoral commissioners until Magu has been removed from office as EFCC chairman.
According to him, in asking for the removal of Magu, the Senate said the anti-graft czar has been terrorising the Senate.
“Should the Senate resort to such cheap blackmail because the embattled EFCC helmsman has refused to compromise the prosecution and investigation of about 15 senators alleged to have been involved in serious economic and financial crimes? Why should the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, not be terrorised for the alleged criminal diversion of N3.5 billion from the London/Paris Club loan refund? Before now, sharp disagreements between the National Assembly and the executive had been submitted to the courts for judicial resolution in line with the rule of law. During the twilight days of President Goodluck Jonathan administration the Attorney-General of the Federation challenged the purported amendment of the constitution at the Supreme Court.
Based on the interlocutory injunction granted by the Supreme Court, the National Assembly suspended further deliberations on the controversial amendment of the Constitution. Instead of following the path of rule law and constitutionalism, the Senate has completely thrown caution to the winds,” Falana noted.

Development Bank Of Nigeria Set To Begin Operation, Gets CBN Licence
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/development-bank-of-nigeria-set-to.html

The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) is set to begin operations as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued license to the bank.
The bank was established to support small-scale businesses, with loans of varying lengths at lower interest rates than currently available as the country contends with its first recession in 25 years.
According to the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, the DBN which is billed to kick off operations is being positioned to galvanise the Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSME) for the overall development of the nation’s economy.
The bank was conceived in 2014 by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
According to a statement by the director of Information in the ministry, Alh. Salisu Na’Inna, the approval was conveyed in a letter addressed to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of DBN, dated March 28, 2017.
The letter was signed by the deputy governor of the CBN in charge of Financial System Stability and the approval was subject to meeting the minimum capital requirement of N100 billion and the reconstitution of the Board of the Bank as well as reviewing its organogram.
Based on the licence of operation, the bank will now have access to N396.5 billion or $1.3bn that was jointly provided by the World Bank, German Development Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Agence Française de Development (French Development Agency).
Adeosun said the DBN will provide loans to all sectors of the economy, including manufacturing, services and other industries not currently served by existing development banks, thereby filling an important gap in the provision of finance to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
She said as a wholesale bank, the DBN will lend wholesale to Microfinance Banks which will lend medium to long-term loans to MSMEs.
The MSMEs contribute about 48.47 percent to the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of Nigeria but have access to only about 5 percent of lending from Deposit Money Banks (DMBs).
The ministry of finance had doused tension that the operations of the DBN will result in the elimination of the Bank of Industry (BOI), Bank of Agriculture (BOA) or any other existing development bank.
Instead, it said DBN will help to have positive impact on the economy through employment generation, wealth creation and economic growth as well as complement other development banks.
The federal government expects that the influx of additional capital from the DBN will lower borrowing rates and the longer tenure of the loans will provide the required flexibility in the management of cash flows, giving businesses the opportunity to make capital improvements and acquire equipment or supplies.
Meanwhile, Japanese companies have been invited to take advantage of the various business opportunities that will be presented by the Special Economic Zones being established in various parts of the country.
In a release signed by media adviser to the minister of budget, Mr. Akpandem James, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma told the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Sadanobu Kusaoke, who visited him in Abuja that the federal government will grant incentives to encourage investments in the priority sectors listed in the recently released Economic Recovery and Growth Plan of the federal government.

Nigeria Prices $500m Bond At 7.5% Yield
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/nigeria-prices-500m-bond-at-75-yield.html

The federal government yesterday announced that it has priced its offering of $500 million aggregate principal amount of notes at a yield of 7.5% under its $1.5 billion (increased from US$1 billion) Global Medium Term Note Programme, which will be consolidated and form a single series with the nation existing $1billion 7.875 per cent per annum.
It would be recalled that the Presidency recently got the approval of the National Assembly to raise additional $500 million Eurobond from the international capital market.
The bonds which were issued on 16 February 2017 will mature on 16 February 2032 and repayable by way of bullet repayment of the principal together with the original ones of $1 billion. The proceeds of the Notes would be used to fund capital expenditures in the 2016 budget, according to the ministry of finance.
The successful pricing, which is priced 37.5bps inside the original coupon rate, demonstrates continued strong market appetite for Nigerian securities, director of information in the ministry of finance of finance, Salisu Na’inna Dambatta.
Despite continued volatility in emerging and frontier markets and shows confidence by the international investment community in Nigeria’s economic reform agenda.
When issued, the Notes will be admitted alongside the Original Notes to the official list of the UK Listing Authority and to trading on the London Stock Exchange’s regulated market. Nigeria however have to apply for eligibility of the bond for trading or to be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and Financial Markets Dealers Quotations Over-the-Counter Securities Exchange.
Pricing of the Notes comes shortly after the federal government launched its National Economic Recovery and Growth Plan 2017-2020 on 7 March 2017, which focuses on policy objectives in five core areas: macroeconomic policy, economic diversification and growth drivers, competitiveness, social inclusion and jobs, and governance and other enablers. Key targets of the NERGP include reaching single-digit inflation, further growth in the agricultural sector, reducing unemployment, increasing operational energy capacity and domestic refining capacity, improving transportation infrastructure and stabilising the exchange rate, with an emphasis on implementation, monitoring and evaluation of these economic goals.
Commenting on the successful pricing, the Minister of Finance Mrs Kemi Adeosun said: “The proceeds from this additional note issuance will go towards funding capital projects in the 2016 budget. Infrastructure spending is at the heart of our National Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, which was released earlier this month and guides how we will deliver the urgent reform our economy needs between now and 2020. Resetting the Nigerian economy is essential in order for us to deliver sustainable long term growth.”
Director General, Debt Management Office Dr Abraham Nwankwo said, “Nigeria is delighted to have increased our 2017 Eurobond programme to US$1.5 billion and to have secured the additional US$500 million. Nigeria was keen to take advantage of favorable market conditions and investor appetite for Nigerian debt to complete our foreign borrowing programme for the 2016 budget and deliver further funds for vital capital projects.”
Citi, and Standard Chartered acted as Joint Lead Managers and Stanbic IBTC, as Financial Advisers on the issuance of the bond.

FOR RIDICULING SARAKI, MELAYE, SENATE SLAMS 6-MONTH SUSPENSION ON NDUME
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/for-ridiculing-saraki-melaye-senate.html

The Senate yesterday slammed a six-month suspension on former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, over what it described as his penchant for bringing the Red Chamber as an institution and his colleagues to unbearable disrepute.
For the second time, the hammer of the upper chamber fell on the lawmaker from Borno south for insisting that allegations of degree certificate forgery against Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi west) and importing of a bullet proof range rover jeep with fake documents involving Senate President Bukola Saraki should be investigated.
The first time was when he was removed as Senate Leader by the All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus in the Red Chamber, a development he claimed was as a result of his insistence that the Senate did not follow the proper procedure before rejecting the nomination of Ibrahim Magu as substantive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Ndume had told State House correspondents that going by Senate standard procedures and practice, Magu had not been rejected because there was no confirmation hearing for the nominee to defend claims made against him.
The Senate said yesyerday’s suspension of Ndume will serve as deterrence to those who are fond of raising allegations without due diligence, caution and patriotic zeal thereby bringing lawmakers and the Senate as an institution to disrepute.
He was suspended for six months with effect from yesterday till September 28, instead of one year originally recommended by the committee, which is contrary to Senate Rules that prescribe 14 legislative days of suspension for a senator with serious offence.
Rule 67(4) states that “when a senator is named by the President of the senate, if the offence is a minor one, the President of the Senate may order the Senator to withdraw for the rest of the Legislative Day, but if the matter appears to the President of the senate to be of a more serious nature, the President of the senate shall put the question on motion being made, no amendment, adjournment or debate being allowed, that such suspension being for any time stated in the motion not exceeding 14 legislative days”.
But Senator Yusuf Abubakar Yusuf (Taraba south) reminded the senate that the suspension of Ndume will run contrary to wishes and aspirations of the people of Borno south senatorial district who elected him.
“Whether he is of good or bad behaviour has nothing to do with his representation of his people in the Senate. Borno south people will not forgive the Senate if it goes ahead to suspend their only representative in the Senate. Moreover, he is a first offender, as he has not been found wanting in this chamber in the past”.
Yusuf who acknowledged, however, that Ndume had done “a wrong” to Messrs. Melaye and Saraki suggested that the former Senate Leader be suspended from committee activities, not plenaries, and that he should be asked to apologise to the duo who were his allies in the struggle to win the Senate leadership at the expense of Senator Ahmed Lawan who was backed by the All Progressives Congress.
Not satisfied with Yusuf’s explanation, the upper chamber insisted that Ndume failed to conduct due diligence by bringing the matter to the floor of the senate, adding that as a former Senate Leader and a ranking Senator, he was expected to have weighed the consequences of the allegation and carefully investigate it before presenting it.
Chairman of the ethics and privileges committee, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, while reading the recommendations of his committee before the plenary said, “That having failed to cross-check facts before presentation at plenary, he could not be said to be a patriotic representative of the senate, and should be penalized to serve as deterrent to others”.
‘’That the Senate do suspend Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume for bringing Senator Dino Melaye, his colleague, and the institution of the Senate to unbearable disrepute at this time of our National life when caution, patriotism, careful consideration and due diligence should be our watchwords”.
Anyanwu whose committee convened investigative hearing on the matter on Monday cleared Melaye of any breach, saying Melaye obtained a first degree in Geography from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
“That the name of the Senate President, Senator Dr. Bukola Saraki was not mentioned anywhere in the Bill of lading or any document whatsoever connected with the importation or purchase of the SUV Range Rover vehicle”, he submitted.
During the investigative hearing, Ndume had informed the committee that he did not make allegations or raise a petition against the duo of Melaye and Saraki but only raised the issues, having read them in the newspaper. He said the matters had made the Senate subject of public ridicule, thereby calling for probe.
Clearing Saraki and Melaye of any wrongdoing in the matters, Anyanwu said the car importer and dealer confirmed that Saraki or the Senate was not involved in the importation of the vehicle in 2015 and that the allegation against the senate president was made up.
Senator Peter Nwaoboshi justified Ndume’s suspension on the floor of the senate on the ground that the former senate leader was not a first offender.
He said, “Mr President, I am supporting this but I want to give reasons. I want to make this point that Senator Ndume is not just a first offender. We took a decision on the secretary to the federal government, he went outside and maligned the senate.
“We took the first decision when we came here in our executive session and I want the records to be put. When the report of the DSS was read, he rose here and started begging all of us that please we should send Magu back to the president for president to take a decision on him.
“He was begging everybody here and out of respect for him as Leader at that time, this senate obliged him. After that, he went out to malign the senate but he did not tell the public that he was the person who begged us, and he even went further and said we should invite him and tell him why we cannot. He is moving as a saint”.
Against the recommendation of the committee that Ndume should go on one year suspension, Senator Matthew Urhoghide moved for six-month suspension, which eventually became the resolution of the Senate.
Saraki who presided over Wednesday’s plenary yielded the seat to Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, when the proceedings progressed to the consideration of the probe committee’s report.

continue reading : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/for-ridiculing-saraki-melaye-senate.html

ABIA HEADMISTRESS DEMOTED FOR EMBARRASSING GOV’S WIFE
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/abia-headmistress-demoted-for.html

The headmistress of a primary school at Amaetiti Asaga Ohafia, in Ohafia Local Government Area, Abia State, Mrs. Maryleen Ezichi, has been reportedly demoted to a classroom teacher for allegedly embarrassing the wife of Abia State governor, Nkechi Ikpeazu.
It was gathered that Ezichi has been transferred to the Ukwa-East Local Government Area — about 140 kilometers from her former school — to serve as a deterrent for her ‘impunity and lack of respect for constituted authority’.
The headmistress, it was learnt had, during an interactive session with Ikpeazu’s wife after the inauguration of her free meal programme for primary school pupils in her school, complained that ‘teachers were being owed several months of salary arrears and allowances’.
Ezichi was quoted to have told the governor’s wife that teachers had been finding it difficult to meet their financial obligations like the payment of house rents, school fees for their wards, medical bills, transport fares and had pleaded with her to intercede on their behalf.
It was gathered that two days after, the embattled Ezichi was whisked away to Umuahia from the school, where she was handed a letter of deployment and instructed to proceed to the new station immediately.
While defending the headmistress, one of her colleagues, who spoke on condition of anonymity, queried the appropriateness of the government’s action, maintaining that if the government felt embarrassed by her appeal it should do the needful.
He said, “By the way, of what importance is the meal programme to the pupils in particular and the schools in general? What about other schools in the community? All we are saying is that the government should pay us our entitlements period.”
In January, the state’s wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers had embarked on an indefinite strike over their six-month salary arrears, non-payment of leave allowances and non-implementation of their promotions.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the state’s NUT, Chizobam Akparanta, stated that he was not aware of the incident, adding that if the teacher complained about it to the union, the NUT would look into it.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the state Ministry of Education, Chris Ogbuehi, denied any knowledge of the matter even as he insisted that he was not in the position to speak on such a sensitive matter without the permission of his boss.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Enyinnaya Appolos, said the information made available to him by the Commissioner for Education, Prof Ikechi Mgbeoji, had it that there was no such incident in the state.
He added that the state would investigate the allegation to ascertain what truly happened.

REPORT CORRUPT CUSTOMS OFFICERS TO ME, CG CHARGES CLEARING AGENTS
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/report-corrupt-customs-officers-to-me.html


The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and licensed Customs agents operating at the nation’s seaports and land borders across the country have agreed to work together in combating smuggling and corruption in the nation’s maritime sector.
This was disclosed when the Comptroller-General of the service, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) to the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) in Lagos.
The meetings, which were part of Col. Ali’s renewed strategic engagement with stakeholders culminated in the launching of an anti-smuggling sticker by ANLCA and assurances of support from NAGAFF.
Col. Ali said his office is ready to strengthen a synergy that will prevent smuggling and enhance government revenue while fighting corruption in the sector.
Ali who urged all stakeholders to be bold to report vices like corruption assured that there will be no hiding place for any customs officer found culpable.
‘‘We must be bold enough to fight corruption. If an officer insists you must give him money, let us know. We must be the one to ensure that all the bad elements among us are exposed.
‘‘It gladdens my heart that NAGAFF and ANLCA have form a synergy with us. That will give Nigeria Customs the encouragement to do better.
President of ANLCA, Prince Olayiwola Shittu condemned the multiplicity of customs functions and interference with other agencies like the police, which according to him disrupts trade. ANLCA also requested for a new clearance procedure that will eliminate frequent alerts and blocking of licenses

SENATE VS AGF: WHEN TO DRAW A LINE ON SEPARATION OF POWERS
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/senate-vs-agf-when-to-draw-line-on.html

Montesquieu, an 18th century French social and political philosopher coined the term “separation of powers” or “trias politica” in his book ‘’Spirit of the Laws (1750)’’. This gave birth to the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen; a fundamental document of the French Revolution was passed by France’s National Constituent Assembly in August 1789. It is also the corner stone of Constitution of the United States of America, to which the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended draws hands outs and lessons.
Under Montesquieu’s model, the political authority of the state is divided into legislative, executive and judicial powers. He asserted that, to most effectively promote liberty, these three powers must be separate and acting independently.
Separation of powers, therefore, refers to the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another. The intent is to prevent the concentration of power and provide for checks and balances
The Senate had on March 16, 2017 summoned Ali to appear before it on March 22, 2017 in Customs’ uniform bearing the designation of his office and rank to brief the lawmakers on the policy of payment of customs duty on vehicles.
An on March 22, 2017, briefing by the Comptroller General of Customs and Excise in line with Senate resolution was listed in Order Paper as one of the businesses of the day. The Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu presided over the senate’s plenary session as the Senate President; Bukola Saraki was before the Code of Conduct Tribunal for his trial over false declaration of his assets. Ekweremadu told the Senate after the closed session that a letter was received on Tuesday March 21, 2017 from the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami asking the Senate to stay action on Col. Hameed Ali’s invitation due to a court process on the subject matter of the invitation.
Malami stated in his captioned “Re: Suit Number FHC/ABJ/CS/207/2017. Mohammed Ibrahim (ESQ) Vs Col.Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd) & 4 Ors; that, “I wish to formally intimate you that I am in receipt of a letter dated 20th March 2017 wherein I have been served with an originating summons in respect of the above subject matter (copy attached).
“The originating summons is seeking among other declarations “whether the oversight functions of the National Assembly extends to compelling and/ or giving directive to the first defendant to wear uniform.”
“In line with the principles of rule of law, Court decisions or most importantly, the declarations sought have been deeply rooted in the constitutional provisions; I hold the view that this matter is sub-judice.
“In view of the above, it is in the interest of justice and rule of law to stay all actions in this case until the constitutional issues raised in the matters are resolved by the law courts. I wish to further intimate you that as a defendant in the said suit, I intend to file processes and pursue it to a logical conclusion.
“Accept my warm regards’’, Malami concluded.
Reacting to the letter, the senate collectively accused the AGF of trying to stop it from carrying out its legislative responsibilities as enshrined in the 1999 constitution, especially in section 4, 5 and 6 that define separation of powers.
It held that the action of AGF was against Sections 88 and 89 of the constitution which empowers the National Assembly to carry out investigation on any person or authority. Accordingly, the Senate resolved to condemn Malami for attempting to derail it from carrying out its constitutionally assigned duties; and also sending a strong-worded letter to the executive arm of government, with the resolution on Ali attached to serve as deterrent to others who may want to flout the same constitutional provisions.
Specifically, Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi West) said with the doctrine of separation of power, the senate cannot pass resolution directing the courts not to proceed with its constitutional duty. In the same vein, there is no way a court order can be procured to stop the senate from carrying out its constitutional assigned duties.
‘’I want to ask, can a court process be used to stop any arm of government from carrying out constitutional duties? AGF has no such power directing us on how to carry out our duties. What we have is not court injunction but court processes. Our independence is in question; it is being violated with AGF’s letter. Malami’s letter was an insult on the institution of the National Assembly particularly, the Senate’’, Melaye said.
But some senior lawyers, Ade Okeaya-Inneh (SAN) and Mr Alasa Ismail disagreed with the senate, saying its conclusions were mere expressions of political sentiments on the grounds that the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) is entitled by law to render such advice to the senate.
Okeaya-Inneh said, ‘’mind you, that’s the only ministry accorded a space in the 1999 Constitution as amended. The AGF is the chief law officer of the federation who is enjoined by the Constitution to give his opinion to the senate over a matter pending in the court so that they don’t run afoul of the laws too’’.
‘’If AGF can’t bring it to the notice of the lawmakers that the matter it wanted to investigate is subjudice, who else can do that under our constitutional democracy? You see, the senate’s reaction is either political or mere ego-trip. I think they have lawyers who should have advised them better’’, Alasa said.
It has been argued that while separation of powers is key to the workings of democratic government, no democratic system exists with an absolute separation of powers or an absolute lack of separation of powers. Governmental powers and responsibilities intentionally overlap; they are too complex and interrelated to be neatly compartmentalized. As a result, there is an inherent measure of competition and conflict among the branches of government. Since the advent of democratic rule in 1999 in Nigeria, there also has been an ebb and flow of preeminence among the governmental branches.
One would not forget easily the crisis that followed the commencement of investigative hearing on March 14, 2012 on the near collapse of the Nigerian Capital Market, when the chairman of the House committee on Capital Market and Institutions Rep. Herman Hembe (PDP, Benue) accused Oteh of fraud, gross misconduct and financial misappropriation, adding that documents available to the committee showed she used N850,000 for feeding on a day alone, and also spent N30 million on hotel bills. Of course, the next day, on March 15, Ms Oteh opened the Pandora’s Box when she accused Hembe of asking her for a bribe of N44 million.
Oteh insisted that her refusal to give the funds was behind the hostility of the committee to her during the hearing. Because of the allegations, Hembe stepped aside and an adhoc committee was empanelled by the House under Rep. Ibrahim Tukur El-Sudi (PDP, Taraba).
Ms Oteh, who the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua presented to the senate for confirmation in July 2009, but confirmed in January 2010, six months after ; for the reason that she did not have the requisite experience to head the regulatory authority of Nigeria’s capital market. According to them, a person for the position of DG of SEC must have a 15-year experience in the capital market
The SEC board on June 11, 2012 then chaired by Senator Udo Udomah, ordered Oteh to commence on a compulsory leave to pave way for the investigation of alleged graft in the SEC Project 50. The Board was investigating her for alleged questionable handling of the funds realised from Project 50, an event the commission organised in 2011.
> However, former President Goodluck Jonathan ordered for Oteh’s re-instatement 24 hours after a committee set up by the House submitted its report indicting Ms. Oteh of misconduct and fraud. According to a letter by Anyim Pius Anyim, the then Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Oteh was never indicted for fraud.
> “The purpose of this letter is to recall you from your leave and to caution that you must henceforth endeavour to diligently observe all extant rules and administrative procedures in the conduct of all transactions’’, Anyim wrote.
> A general assembly of the House upheld the recommendation of its ad-hoc committee, urging Ms. Oteh’s removal on account of incompetence, and her investigation on allegations of fraudulent conduct. Her appointment, the lawmakers said, contravenes sections 3, 38, and 31 of the Investment and Security Act, 2007, which requires the head of the SEC to put in 15-years’ experience in the Nigerian capital market before appointment.The House also directed that its decision be served on the executive arm, and be implemented by the Federal Government.
> The Senate also its weight behid the House and insisted that she must be relieved of her job, saying President Goodluck Jonathan is on his own by retaining Oteh. In a statement by its Committee on Capital Market, the Senate aligned with the resolution of the House of Representatives that the SEC chief be sacked.
The statement reads: “You will recall that the House, few months ago, set up an Ad-Hoc Committee, which investigated the near collapse of the Nigerian Capital Market. Consequently, the House passed a resolution based on the report that the President should sack the Director-General (SEC), Ms. Aruma Oteh. The House further resolved that should the President fail to comply with its resolution, the House would cease to accord any recognition to the SEC DG.
“You are also aware that instead of complying with that resolution, the SEC DG was reinstated in flagrant disregard of the resolution. Again, on resumption from recess last month, the House reaffirmed its earlier resolution and gave a 14-day ultimatum for compliance. Till date that ultimatum has been ignored. Consequently, the Senate Committee on Capital Market, at its meeting on September 26, 2012 considering this and other matters at the Commission, resolved to support the position of the House that Ms Oteh be removed forthwith’’, the senate said.
The Senate Committee said it would not have any dealings with Ms. Oteh, just as the House had resolved, and consequently both chambers refused to appropriate fund for the SEC. Yet, ex-President Jonathan kept to his point and left Oteh on her seat.
On Tuesday, August 13, 2002, the House of Representatives gave the President (Chief Olusegun Obasanjo) an ultimatum to either resign within two weeks or be impeached. Their grouse, as reported in the newspapers, was because of Obasanjo’s incompetence and abuse of office.
The near unanimous vote of no confidence against the president, as signified by the ultimatum was not just startling because the motion was moved by an opposition All People’s Party (APP) lawmaker, and most of the lawmakers from the then ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), including the Speaker of the House, Umar Ghali Na’abba endorsed and voted in favour of it.
On the other hand, the senate through Senator Udoma Udo Udoma on August 16, 2002 warned Obasanjo to stick to the letters of the 2002 Appropriation Act or face its wrath when it reconvenes on August 27, 2002. They also cautioned the presidency not to unilaterally amend the 2002 Appropriation Act or indeed any other law duly passed by it.
It is worthy of note that as previously said, separation of powers is not absolute in the Nigerian situation. There are inbuilt mechanisms to curb the excesses of a particular arm of government. For example, the executive is involved in the appointment and removal of judges as contained in Sections 292 & 231 of the 1999 Constitution as amended. Also pursuant to Section 58(3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, before a bill can be passed into law, it has to be assented to by the president.
The legislature on the other hand pursuant to Section 147 of the 1999 Constitution as amended performs executive functions by confirming appointees of ministerial positions. It is also the custodian of the revenue of the federation according to Sections 80 and 81 of the 1999 Constitution as amended. The judiciary, through the power of judicial review checks the activities of the other arms of government.

RECESSION: WORKERS AWAIT REVIEW OF MINIMUM WAGE
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/recession-workers-await-review-of.html


With current economic hardship, there is no doubt that Nigerian workers are not finding things easy
Nigerian workers are anxiously waiting for the Federal Government to implement the proposed N45% increase in minimum wage requested by the organised labour. Their demands have been justified in different quarters.
Many have reasoned that with escalating prices of food stuff, gas, rent and others, the current N18, 000 minimum wage is no longer sustainable
Last week, minister of labour and employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, hinted that the Technical Committee on Minimum Wage and Palliatives may be submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari this week.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had earlier in the year given a deadline of May 1, 2017 for the government to implement the new minimum wage of face breach of industrial peace in the country.
To the average worker on the street, he is unconcerned with the price of crude in the international market, what is paramount to him is food in the table. Sadly, with the current economic challenge, that seems to be becoming a herculean task.
It will be recalled that on June 3, 2016 a joint technical committee of the Federal Government and organised labour was inaugurated on palliatives and minimum wage.
Close to a year, the tripartite committee expected to commence negotiations on the new minimum wage is yet to be inaugurated. Most workers say that they are already losing patience.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) recently accused the Federal Government of engaging in unnecessary delay in constituting a tripartite committee to negotiate the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
“The current administration is dragging its feet in constituting a tripartite committee to negotiate a new minimum wage.
“Against the background of the harsh economic times and the impact on the working people, we cannot wait indefinitely for government to respond at its own time.
“Though, we have been told by the administration that the panel will be constituted, we enjoin the government to urgently sort out whatever is the constraint it is facing.
“Federal Government must act on the matter before we are forced to take actions that may be unpleasant,” NLC president, Ayuba Wabba, said at the 4th NLC National Gender Conference and Election of the Leadership of National Women Commission in Abuja.
Speaking on the challenges being faced by workers, Wabba said, “In the last 12 or more months, the inflationary trend in the economy has gone over the roof, and the mass of our people, the salaried and the teeming millions of the unemployed are facing very difficult times.
“Amidst these difficulties , we have contended with a number of state governments that have misplaced priorities and have regularly refused to pay workers in the state pay roll, their salaries as and when due.
“Similarly, pensions of retried public servants have gone unpaid for several months, and in some cases years .
“We have over the last 15 months fought these state governments to pay up these outstanding wages and pension liabilities they owe workers.
“We will continue to do this till all salaries and pensions across the country are fully paid up.’’
More Nigerians are beginning to join the campaign for minimum wage increment.
Recently, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu said that if corruption must be nipped in the bud, it has become imperative for the abolition of security votes presently being enjoyed by State governors and the executive, just as he called for the need to peg the minimum wage at N50,000.
He said, “When a man who earns N18,000, cannot buy a bag of rice, how then can such a person take care of his family? Does it make sense to him if you tell him not to find alternative means of catering to the needs of his family?

lol

Expel students with less than 0.5CGPA’- Pres. Buhari instructs VCs
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/expel-students-with-less-than-05cgpa.html

While speaking at the 31st convocation of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) yesterday, Pres. Buhari gave vice chancellors an order to expel students with less than 0.5 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) from next academic session.
Such students, he said, are unserious elements that should not be accommodated any longer in higher institutions. Read his speech below.


“We must stop to continue housing adventurers, who have no business remaining in the universities beyond the time specified for their studies in the universities.
In that wise, it is being proposed that at the end of this academic year, any student with less than 0.5 CGPA should cease to be a student of the university and should be shown the way out.
The universities must continue to have people who are serious in what they have come to do. If you have less than 0.5 in your CGPA, you are out. You are out for good so that the space will be left for those who have come to do serious business.”


Why in the world will a student be getting such grade sef….

I ASKED DAVIDO TO WEAR CONDOM BUT HE REFUSED –ALLEGED BABY MAMA
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/i-asked-davido-to-wear-condom-but-he.html

IN A CHAT WITH SATURDAY BEATS, LAST WEEK, MOTHER OF ONE, AYOMIDE LABINJO, HAD ALLEGED THAT POP SINGER, DAVIDO, IS THE FATHER OF HER THREE-YEAR-OLD CHILD, ANUOLUWAPO.

IN ANOTHER INTERVIEW WITH SATURDAY BEATS, AYOMIDE SAID THEY WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN IN THIS PATERNITY MESS, “IF ONLY DAVIDO HAD LISTENED TO ME AND WORN A CONDOM.” .

WHEN ASKED WHY SHE WOULD ALLOW ANYBODY TO HAVE UNPROTECTED SEX WITH HER, AYOMIDE ALLEGED THAT THE SINGER WAS NOT A FAN OF WEARING CONDOMS DURING SEX.

SHE SAID, “THE DAY WE MET AT THE CLUB, EBEVANDE, DAVIDO WAS WITH B. RED. I GREETED BOTH OF THEM, B. RED DID NOT RESPOND BUT DAVID DID AND WE TALKED. WE WENT TO THE GENESIS HOTEL. WHEN WE GOT TO THE ROOM, WE TALKED FOR A LONG WHILE BEFORE WE HAD SEX.

HE IS A VERY JOVIAL PERSON AND HE LOVES TALKING. HE MADE ME LAUGH A LOT AND WE TALKED AT LENGTH. I INSISTED THAT HE SHOULD PROTECT HIMSELF BY WEARING A CONDOM BEFORE SEX BUT HE REFUSED. HE SAID THAT HE DOES HIV TEST EVERY TWO WEEKS. .

THEN I ASKED HIM HOW SURE HE WAS THAT I DID NOT HAVE ANY DISEASE BUT HE SAID HE WAS VERY SURE I DID NOT HAVE A DISEASE. THAT NIGHT, HE HAD SEX WITH ME TWICE. HE HAS A BIG MANHOOD AND IT HURT ME A LITTLE."

LABINJO TOLD SATURDAY BEATS THAT SHE WAS SHOCKED THAT DAVIDO SAID HE GAVE HER MONEY AS SHE CLAIMED SHE HAD NEVER RECEIVED A DIME FROM THE SINGER SINCE THEY MET.

IN HER WORDS, SHE DESCRIBED THE SELF-ACCLAIMED OMO BABA OLOWO AS “A VERY STINGY PERSON.” “IF THEY SAID THEY HAVE GIVEN ME MONEY, THERE WOULD BE A RECORD OR EVIDENCE AND THEY SHOULD BRING IT OUT. .

EVEN WHEN WE HAD SEX, HE NEVER GAVE ME MONEY FOR TRANSPORT. DAVID IS A VERY STINGY PERSON AND I WOULD NOT BE THE FIRST PERSON SAYING THIS. I HAVE HEARD IT FROM DIFFERENT GIRLS, DAVID IS VERY STINGY,” SHE SAID. .

SHE CLAIMED AS OF THE TIME THEY MET, SHE DID NOT HAVE A BOYFRIEND AND SHE IS NOT ONE TO JUMP FROM ONE BED TO ANOTHER. SHE WAS QUICK TO ADD THAT ALL SHE WANTED WAS FOR THE SINGER TO STEP FORWARD FOR ANOTHER DNA TEST. THE MOTHER OF ONE ALSO HINTED THAT THE MATTER MAY SOON BE TAKEN TO COURT.

UTI NWANCHUKWU, MELVIN ODUAH, YOMI CASUAL AND OTHER CELEBRITIES SET TO STORM FACE OF AMBER NIGERIA
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/uti-nwanchukwu-melvin-oduah-yomi-casual.html

Meet our guest
Lagos is about to experience a pageant fashion show like never before
Meet me faceofamber Nigeria
season two grand finale
Date : Sunday April 9th 2017
Red carpet starts : 5pm
Main event : 6pm
Host : Melvin0duah and vjpambriggs
Also Featuring top fashion custodians and entertainment personalities
Venue : The Bespoke Center
Lekki 4th Roundabout, Off Lagos-Epe Express
Rd, Lagos

PDP CRISIS: THERE IS NO POLITICAL SOLUTION YET– MAKARFI
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/pdp-crisis-there-is-no-political.html

The National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Sen Ahmed Makarfi, yesterday declared that there is no political solution yet to the leadership crisis rocking the party.
Makarfi, who said the party was working hard with the Governor SeriakeN Dickson-led reconciliation committee, and other organs of the party to reach a political solution, however reiterated that the effort is without prejudice to the Appeal before the Supreme Court of Nigeria against the Court of Appeal Judgment of February 17, 2017.
Spokesman, PDP National Caretaker Committee, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, stated this yesterday while reacting to what he said was some publication in the news media misinforming the public that the parties have reached a political solution.
Sheriff and Makarfi camps signed a cease fire agreement on Thursday which was brokered by Dickson’s committee.
But Adeyeye said yesterday “This is not true and we wish to state that The agreement signed yesterday before the Governor Dickson’s Reconciliation Committee was only to stop further media attacks on officers, elders and other stakeholders of the PDP across the internal political divide.
“For the record, the agreement was not a Political Solution but rather an understanding reached urging representative of “the key actors” from both groups not to dissipate energy amongst themselves but to focus on how to unite as a formidable force capable of re-gaining power from the failed All Progressive Congress (APC) led government in the 2019.

NJC SHUTS BAYELSA COURTS FOR SIX MONTHS
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/njc-shuts-bayelsa-courts-for-six-months.html

About 10,000 cases are pending at different Federal High Courts in Yenagoa, Bayless State, following the closure of the courts by the National Judicial Council (NJC).



The state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Kemasuode Wodu and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Yenagoa and Sagbama lamented that federal courts including the National Industrial Court (NIC) had been shut for six months.

Speaking in Yenagoa on Friday, Kemasuode described the situation as worrisome, saying the two courts were closed down because the presiding judges, Justice Hajiya Nganjiwa of the Federal High Court, and Justice Terseer Agbadu-Fishim of NIC were being investigated by the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged corruption.

Wodu said the legal practitioners and the government were worried that the courts were not sitting, adding that the courts had only one judge each.

He noted that government sent a delegation to the relevant judicial authorities including the Chief Justice of the Federation, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the NBA on the matter without any success.

According to him over 10,000 cases were pending in the courts following unavailability of judges.

He said apart from the Lagos, Abuja and Port-Hacourt divisions, Yenagoa was the next in terms of pending cases.

He said: “As a government, we are seriously bothered about the non- sitting of the two courts. We hear that the two judges of the Federal High Court and the National Industrial Court are being investigated by security agencies.

“Unfortunately for us, the two courts have only one judge each hence the courts are not sitting. Apart from the Lagos, Abuja and Port-Harcourt Divisions of the Federal High Court, Yenagoa is next in terms of cases. These courts even require more than one judge each.”

YOU HAVE LOST GRIP OF YOUR GOVT – FAYOSE TELLS BUHARI
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/you-have-lost-grip-of-your-govt-fayose.html

Gov. Ayo Fayose of Ekiti state has made a passionate appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene forcefully to restrain Presidency officials and other appointees endangering our democracy and making a mockery of the nation.
Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, the governor decried the incessant acts of impunity by Presidency officials, which he said have become alarming, and the pettiness that attend serious matters of state, which he said has become ludicrous.
“Governance has been reduced to a theatre of the absurd. These appointees of yours are needlessly and embarrassingly flexing muscles and are heating up the polity; they appear to be having fun and regaling themselves at the expense of the nation. The economy has collapsed and the people are suffering. There is hunger and anger never before witnessed in the land.
“Yet, Presidential appointees are preoccupied with trivialities and inanities. Wearing of uniform has suddenly become a Supreme Court matter. Why a man who will not wear uniform went to take a uniformed job beggars belief. How someone who has so little respect and scanty regard for an organisation like the Nigeria Customs Service should be made to head the same organisation must baffle right-thinking Nigerians.
“In other societies where people have a sense of decency and decorum, people with such irreconcilable differences would honourably resign their position.
“And where a government finds itself unable to effectively govern, as we appear to have here on our hands, it behoves the head of that government to do the needful.
“Mr. President, let it not be said that you have lost grip of your government. Nigerians are beginning to believe, as a statement of fact, your wife’s allegation that a cabal has taken over your government. Your defence that your wife belongs to “the other room” now rings hollow in the ears of Nigerians.
“The saying is that he who appoints can also disappoint. Your appointees are your creation and it is an aberration when they become greater and more powerful than you. Mr. President, the tail is wagging the dog right now. You must take effective and firm action to reverse this ugly and unwholesome trend.
“I am also the head of a government and I know how it works. The ‘consortium of presidents’ around you, as Nigerians now derisively refer to those ‘powerful’ and larger-than-life appointees of yours who take delight in riding roughshod over the polity and desecrating the hallowed chambers of justice, must be cut to size. If you need help, Nigerians are ready to queue behind you on this issue to put an end to your appointees’ shenanigans.
“Mr. President, I, Ayo Fayose, volunteer to help you in this regard. As a state governor, I cannot brook a tenth of what you are taking from your appointees. None of my appointees can disrespect and disparage the Ekiti State House of Assembly like your appointees are doing to the National Assembly.
“Did you listen to what a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic said this week on the floor of the red chamber; that for the 59 days that you were away on medical leave in London, your appointees were gentle and behaved themselves and there were no killings in any part of the country by rampaging herdsmen; but now you are back and the troubles are back with us again? We all prayed for your quick recovery and swift return to office. Must we now regret doing so?
Fayose then warned the President to note that Nigerians are discerning and the wool cannot be pulled over their eyes any longer. Their patience, he added, is fast running out.

NDLEA arrests drug barons, IDPs in Borno
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/ndlea-arrests-drug-barons-idps-in-borno.html

The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it arrested 10 drug barons and 60 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) for alleged drug abuse and sale in IDP camps.
The Commandant of the agency in Borno, Mr Ona Ogilegwu, on Wednesday in Maiduguri said that the 10 barons were nabbed while attempting to enter the camps to distribute the hard drugs for sale.
Ogilegwu also explained that the suspects were nabbed during a joint operation, tagged “Operation Clean the Cobwebs”, conducted by the military and the command at five IDP camps in the state capital.
“In Bakassi camp we arrested 18 IDPs in MOGOLIS camp; we also nabbed 18, while in Dalori we nabbed 16 of them. We also nabbed some at Teachers Village and Dikwa IDP camps. I am not too sure of the number.
“It will interest you to note that we have about 84 persons in our detention facilities that were arrested with various quantities of illicit drugs between January and March, this year.

Senate declares Hammed Ali unfit to hold public office
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/senate-declares-hammed-ali-unfit-to.html

The Senate on Wednesday declared the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Colonel Hameed Ali (retd), unfit to hold public office in the country.
The upper chamber also called for the resignation of Ali as the CG with immediate effect.
The Senate resolution was sequel to the letter written to it by the Attorney General of Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, on why the Customs CG cannot appear before the Senate in uniform.
Malami had in the letter written to the Senate said the Customs CG cannot appear before the Senate in uniform because the matter is in court.
The letter written by the AGF infuriated the senators as those who spoke lambasted Malami for interfering in a matter that concerns the National Assembly.
Speaking, Senator Dino Melaye said no court process can stop lawmakers from performing their functions, adding that the letter is an insult to the National Assembly.

SOUTHERN KADUNA: DON’T DRAG US INTO ANY PROPAGANDA – ARMY TELLS HERDSMEN

source:http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/southern-kaduna-dont-drag-us-into-any.html
The Nigerian Army has denied the allegation that soldiers killed 17 cattle breeders in southern Kaduna, warning herdsmen from dragging it into any propaganda
Haruna Usman, chairman of the Kaduna state chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), had alleged that the attack happened in Daile Alkariyo village in Jama’a local government area of Kaduna state, on Monday.
He had said while many herdsmen sustained injuries and some were arrested, while 47 houses belonging to them were destroyed by soldiers.
“A farmer was attacked in the community and they invited soldiers to settle the situation,” he told reporters on Tuesday.
“When the security personnel arrived, they started to kill our people. As I speak to you now, about 17 of our members have been killed and 47 houses burnt.
“The military men burnt their homes and killed them. In fact one old man, almost 75 years old, was shot on the leg, he has only one leg, but they shot the other leg.But the army spokesman said the allegations were untrue.
“The allegation is most unfortunate and it is not true. It is most uncharitable and irresponsible of anyone to say so,” he said in response to inquiries.
“Our soldiers have been selfless, professional and impartial in the discharge of their duties. The extent of our sacrifice and determination to bring peace and security is unquestionable.
“They should not in any way drag us into their propaganda. The unfortunate incident would be investigated and the whole world will know the truth.”
Sani Usman said this hours after Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff, told state house correspondents that President Muhammadu Buhari is happy with the army.
“The president is happy with the Nigerian army and the military,” Buratai had said.
“We will continue to do our work as enshrined in the constitution and we equally assured him of our absolute loyalty to ensure that we discharge our constitutional responsibility accordingly.’”

5 YEARS AFTER, COURT GIVES JUDGMENT ON OSOKOGU’S MURDER TOMORROW
source:http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/5-years-after-court-gives-judgment-on.html


Over four years after the murder of postgraduate student, Cynthia Osokogu, in a hotel in FESTAC Town, a Lagos High Court will tomorrow give judgement in the trial of four accused over the incident.
Justice Olabisi Akinlade of a Lagos High Court, Igbosere, had on January 12, during the adoption of the final written addresses by all the counsels in the case, fixed the date to deliver judgement.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Osokogu was allegedly lured to Lagos by her Facebook lover and murdered on July 22, 2012, at Cosmilla Hotel, Lakeview Estate, Festac Town.
The four accused charged with the murder of the postgraduate student are: Okwumo Nwabufo, 33; Olisaeloka Ezike, 23; Orji Osita, 33, and Ezike Nonso, 25.
They were arraigned on a six-count charge of conspiracy, murder, stealing, recklessness, negligence and possession of stolen goods, to which they all pleaded not guilty. During the proceedings, 10 witnesses gave evidence.
The court initially foreclosed the right of the second accused, Olisa eloka Ezike, to file his address.
The judge made the order due to the delay by his counsel to file his final written address.
According to the judge, there were several adjournments by the court to enable the second accused file his address but the counsel chose to sleep on the right of his client.
However, after the excuse of ill-health and change of counsel were given as reasons for the delay, the judge allowed the address to be regularised.

CBN RETAINS LENDING RATE AT 14% AS FAAC SHARES N429BN
source:http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/cbn-retains-lending-rate-at-14-as-faac.html
For the fifth time in nine months, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has maintained official interbank interest rate at 14 per cent, citing recent economic indicators are supporting variables behind the decision.
Rising from its 2-day meeting yesterday, Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the apex bank also retained the CRR at 22.5 per cent and Liquidity Ratio at 30.00 per cent. The committee also retained the Asymmetric corridor at +200 and -500 basis points around the MPR.
‘‘The committee in consideration of the headwinds in the domestic economy and the uncertainties in the global environment, decided by 9 out of 10 members to retain the MPR at 14.0 per cent alongside all other policy parameters,’’ the CBN governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele said yesterday while addressing reporters at the end of the meeting in Abuja. One member voted to reduce the MPR.
The MPC increased the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 200 basis – points from 12 to 14 in July last year and has refused to reduce it since then.
Giving reasons for the retention, the MPC pointed to the fact that headline inflation (year-on-year), declined for the first time in 15 months, dropping by 0.94 percentage point to 17.78 per cent in February, from the 18.72 per cent recorded in January 2017, and 18.55 per cent in December, 2016 seemingly reversing the monthly upward momentum recorded since January, 2016 within the same period the bank retained the MPR at 14 per cent.
He said the moderation in headline inflation in February, 2017 reflected base effect as well as decline in the core component, which fell by 1.90 percentage points from 17.90 per cent in January to 16.0 per cent in February, 2017.
Calling for speedy implementation of the federal government’s economic recovery and growth plan, Emefiele said the Committee remains of the conviction that fiscal policy remained the most potent panacea to most of the key negative undercurrents i.e. stunted economic activity, heightened unemployment and high inflation bedeviling the economy.
“The Committee expressed satisfaction on the release of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, and urged its speedy implementation with clear timelines and deliverables. On the strength of these developments, the Committee felt inclined to maintain a hold on all policy parameters,” Emefiele said.
“The Committee expects that the implementation of this plan, the new foreign exchange policy as well as the current effort by the Federal Government to restore peace in the Niger Delta region would help revive economic growth and stabilize prices,” he added.
The governor was vehement that available data and forecasts of key economic variables as well as the newly released Federal Government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) combine to indicate prospects of output recovery in 2017.
In the communiqué that was issued at the end of the meeting, the Committee expressed optimism that the adopted policy stance and other ancillary measures directed at improving the agricultural and other relevant sectors of the economy would combine to restart growth and drive down prices in the short to medium-term.
Meanwhile, commenting on the MPC decision yesterday, analysts said if the decline in inflation rate continues and the economy improves in coming months, the monetary policy will have to adopt an accommodative policy.
The Minister of Finance had earlier in the year, just before the first MPC meeting or the year expressed a desire for the committee to cut rates I order to make credit cheaper for real sector operators who had since last year been calling for a cut in benchmark interest rate.
According to the managing director and chief executive of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane, the CBN’s capacity to reduce interest rates in the near future will hinge on several factors including the GDP growth figures for the first quarter of 2017, headline inflation in March and April, crude oil production and the exchange rate.
Inflation had fallen in February this year for the first time in 15 months dropping to 17.78 per cent from 18.72 per cent in January and is anticipated to further decline in coming months. The value of the naira at the interbank market had weakened slightly to N307 to the dollar but had been gathering strength at the parallel market rising from an all-time low of N500 to the dollar to N430 yesterday.
Bismarck noted further that the implementation of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), alongside increased borrowing, will likely stimulate economic activity and be complemented by an accommodative stance on the part of the monetary policy makers.
On his part, an analyst with FXTM, Lukman Otunuga said the fact that the CBN “decided to keep monetary policy unchanged should be no surprise especially when factoring how the nation is in the process of a critical structural transformation.
“Although the lingering fears decelerating economic growth and concerns over surging prices have partially attributed to the Central Bank’s passive stance, the overall sentiment towards the nation continues to display early signs of improvement.
Some optimism exists over the nation’s recovery, with Nigeria’s inflation declining for the first time in 15 months in February and the noticeable increase in Dollar sales for importers bolstering the Naira on the black market exchange. If economic data continues to follow a positive path in the long term and inflation cools then there is a possibility of the Central Bank cutting interest rates to stimulate growth” he stated.

46 killed in Ile-Ife clash – Police
source:http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/46-killed-in-ile-ife-clash-police.html
The police on Monday said 46 people were killed in recent week clash in some parts of Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The police also paraded 20 suspects who were directly or indirectly involved in the killing and destruction of property during the fracas.
The Force, while displaying several gory pictures of some of the casualties in the clash, noted that knives and axes were used to kill some of the victims.
The Force Spokesman, CSP Jimoh Moshood, while briefing journalists on Monday, said at least 96 people were taken to Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital for treatment.
“81 people were treated and discharged while 15 are still on admission and receiving treatment,” Moshood stated.
Those paraded by the police are – Eluwole Akeem, Eluwole Kuburat, Ayoola Abimbola, Bello Wahab, Prophet Taiwo Fakuwajo, Oba Ademola Ademiluyu, Elufisan Akintoye, Peter Omisope, Adefisan Isaac and Adelekan Kehinde.
Others are – Elufisan Akintoye, Omisanmi Isaac, Olarewaju Daniel, Seyi Akinyombo, Adejube Monday, Olarewaju Adebayo, Akanbi Adeyinka, Obimakinde Samuel, Alhaji Zakariyau Abdulyekini, Bamidele Elusanmi, Jimoh Sakiru, Clement Kehinde, and Clement Kehinde.
Exhibits recovered from the suspects included knives and axes.
The Force spokesman added: ” The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, deployed Police Special Intervention Force, comprising five units of the Police Mobile Force, five Cells of Counter Terrorism Unit, Conventional Policemen, Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Intelligence Response Team, Technical Intelligence Unit, SIB, detachment of EOD and Police K9 (Sniffer Dogs Section), with their Headquarters in Ile-Ife, led by the Commissioner of Police in charge of PMF, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
“The operation covered the entire Ile-Ife and environs, and other flash/trouble spots in Osun State, and was successfully executed leading to the arrest, detention and investigation of 38 suspects out of which 20 suspects were found culpable for direct and indirect participation in the killing of innocent people, maiming and destruction of properties of the victims worth millions of naira. They will be prosecuted on completion of investigation,
“The remaining 18 suspects have been released unconditionally for lack of prima facie evidence against them.”

HOUSING SCHEME: FG PLEDGES EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL NIGERIANS
source:http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/housing-scheme-fg-pledges-equal.html

The federal government has pledged that the housing units to be built under the Federal Housing Scheme (FHS), will be allocated to all Nigerians, irrespective of their states’ of origin and economic status in society.
Minister Of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola made the pledge yesterday in Maiduguri while speaking to newsmen shortly after inspecting some federal projects in Borno state.
He said qualified residents in every state will be given equal opportunities to own a decent house, regardless of their tribe or state of origin.

“The ultimate beneficiaries of these houses under the Federal Housing Scheme; will be the residents of the states, where the houses are being built to meet the national housing needs of all people residing in the 36 states of the federation.
“I prefer to use the word residents to indicate people who live or work in the states where the houses are built rather than those who are indigenous to the state.
“Houses built in Bauchi, for example, were for the residents of Bauchi in Bauchi state.That is the workers in Bauchi, both from public and private sector, who qualified based on whatever premises used to decide allocation of the houses,” he said.
Fashola explained that the objective of the scheme was to deliver affordable houses to workers based on the National Housing Policy.
He noted that there is a national housing policy in place aimed at providing affordable housing but there has been no programme in place to deliver the houses.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/03/federal-housing-scheme-nigerians-fashola/

PDP BERATES AREGBESOLA FOR PLUNGING OSUN INTO HUGE DEBT
source:http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/pdp-berates-aregbesola-for-plunging.html


The Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State has berated Governor Rauf Aregbesola for plunging the state into what it described as a huge debt which will take it many years to settle.
The Chairman of the PDP in Osun State, Mr. Soji Adagunodo, said this in a statement made available to our correspondent in Osogbo on Sunday.
Adagunodo spoke in a reaction to the report of the Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative which listed Osun State with a debt profile of N165.91 billion as the third most indebted state in Nigeria.
The NEITI which listed Lagos State with a debt of N605.23 billion and Delta State N331.95 said that the debt burden of Osun, Delta and Cross River States raised major concern because their borrowings were found to be more than double the total revenue accruing to them.
However, the PDP chairman, who said the NEITI did not have the total figure of the debt which Osun State was owing, added the money borrowed from some commercial banks. Was not part of the figure given.
The opposition party stated that the administration did not have commensurate things to show for the huge money it borrowed, saying the fund was spent on frivolities.
The PDP statement read, “The governor had rebuffed all attempts to make him come clean on the the state of indebtedness of Osun state at different fora in the past. The record of NEITI which puts the debt of Osun state at 165.91 billion Naira is scandalous, frightening and portends danger for the fragile economy of the state.
“We have it on good authority that the figures provided by NEITI did not take into account several other loans sourced from commercial banks in the state especially in the past three year“We wonder why Osun which is always on the lowest rung of FAAC allocations and a weak Internally Generated Revenue will be classified on the topmost debtors list alongside Lagos, Akwa Ibom and Delta who are all some of the highest revenue earners in Nigeria.
“This in effect shows that Mr. Aregbesola has run the economy of the state aground by deliberate acts of wastages, frivolities and lack of transparency in the management of its resources but has rather created a huge financial burden for generations yet unborn.”
The party stated that the House of Assembly which ought to check the alleged excesses of the governor had become a lapdog and an ineffective organ of government.
Adagunodo called on founding fathers of the state to avail themselves of the report of the NEITI to know the center of economic damage the current administration had done to the state.
But the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in the state, Mr. Gboyega Famoodun, said the PDP spoke just be heard and not because their statement made any sense.
He said, “Even the blind can see that this administration is working. There is nowhere in the state that this government has not touched. But we have to concentrate on the state capital in order to attract investors and to boost the economy.
“Apart from the International Breweries Plc and the newly renovated Cocoa Processing Industry in Ede, there is no company that employs more than 100 workers. This is what the governor is trying to correct.
“The PDP chairman should open wide his eyes to see the good works of the administration. But I pity him because he must be saying something to remain in the news because the PDP is fast going into extinction.”

FANTA, SPRITE SAFE FOR CONSUMPTION, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HEALTH CERTIFIES
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/fanta-sprite-safe-for-consumption.html

The Federal Ministry of Health yesterday clarified the position of Fanta and Sprite, certifying both drinks as safe for consumers.
This development arises from the recent court judgement on a case filed by Fijabi Holdings versus Nigeria Bottling Company (NBC) and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), both joined as a nominal party.
The court had ordered NAFDAC to order NBC to issue a mandatory warning on its Fanta and Sprite products, stating that the contents should not be taken with Vitamin C in order to avoid poisoning
According to the statement signed by Akinola Boade, Director of Media and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health, the findings of the Ministry’s investigation revealed that both Benzoic acid and Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) are ingredients approved by International Food Safety regulators and used in many food and beverage products around the world.
On whether the levels of additives introduced as preservatives are within specification or not, the statement revealed: “Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is the organ established by Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) to set internationally recognised standards, codes of practice, guidelines relating to foods, food production, and food safety.
“In the case of Benzoic acid, the standard set by Codex was 600mg/kg until recently reviewed to 250mg/kg and adopted in 2016 (CODEX STAN 192–1995 revised 2015 and 2016); with reference to the Codex standard and other relevant documents, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) as the standard setting body in Nigeria in consultation with technical experts and relevant stakeholders elaborated the standard of benzoic acid in soft drinks to be at 250mg/kg based on the national climatic and storage conditions – this standard has been in existence since 1997 and revised in 2008 (NIS 217:2008)
“The levels of benzoic acid in Fanta (1 batch) and Sprite (2 batches) presented by the claimant in the court are 188.64mg/kg, 201.06mg/kg and 161.5mg/kg respectively; these levels are in compliance with both the Codex and Nigeria Industrial Standards.”
The statement also clarifies that the Coca-Cola products manufactured in Nigeria are safe for consumption in view of the following reasons: “Risk assessment was conducted to ascertain maximum limits of food additives acceptable in foods; this takes into consideration the environmental, storage and distribution conditions as well as the shelf life of food products; NAFDAC and SON regularly monitor the manufacturing practices of food industries and conduct laboratory analysis to ascertain continuous compliance with required national standards; there was a routine inspection conducted at Nigeria Bottling Company by NAFDAC officers in December 2016 which was satisfactory.”
There has been widespread public fear that Fanta and Sprite produced by NBC Nigeria failed the UK benzoic test and therefore harmful to consumers. But the statement from the health ministry also clarified the difference between the standard of Fanta and Sprite in Nigeria and United Kingdom.
According to the statement, “with reference to the Codex standards, each country or region is permitted to adapt a standard/limit based on country-specific scientific evidence such as environmental, storage and distribution conditions; benzoic acid as a preservative prevents the growth of microorganisms which thrive more at higher climatic temperatures like in Nigeria
“Due to the different environmental conditions obtainable in the UK, the standard for benzoic acid was set at a lower limit of 150mg/kg while in Nigeria it was set at 250mg/kg even below that of Codex (as at time of production of that batch; Codex limit was 600mgkg); and Food products being imported into a country must comply with the relevant standards of the destination country.”
The statement also revealed that NAFDAC has processes in place to ensure products imported into the country are evaluated to ascertain compliance with required Nigeria Industrial Standards. “The claimant did not obtain NAFDAC certification before export, otherwise, he would have been advised on the required standard of the destination country,” said the ministry in the statement.
“In view of the above, we would like to advise all Nigerians to take medicines with potable water. This would help to prevent unexpected drug-food interactions. For the benefit of the health of all Nigerians, all bottling companies are encouraged to insert advisory warnings on all products as necessary,” the Federal Ministry of Health advised.
The Honourable Minister of Health had summoned a meeting of the Department of Food and Drug Services, Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to address the issues raised by the judgement.

AIRTEL IN TROUBLE AS SAGE MEDIA SET TO SUE ARTIST BEEMZY AND AIRTEL
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/press-release-sage-media-vs-beemzy.html


Popular artiste manager and CEO of Sage Media @sagemedia1 Dipo David has accused his artiste Beemzy ( Akinbode Bimbo Yinka ) @AkinbodeBY for breaching the media contract deal between the artiste and his media company.
In a statement issued today, Sage as fondly called accused Beemzy of collecting Millions of naira from Airtel ng for the use of the sound track (No be joke) on the new Airtel TV commercial without informing the management company.
According to reports, the Management company is ready to take the case to court and sue the said artiste for breach of contract.
Confirming this report from the CEO himself, he said " It's time artiste start respecting contracts and the law that backs them. Actions like this must be dealt with by the law and this will stand as a warning to other upcoming acts who feels they can throw contracts into the thrash can without given a damn. Am ready to take this to any length and Beemzy must pay what is due to the management company"
As at the time of this report, we haven't heard from the accused artiste.

watch the video below:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riQlJq0EJ5M

COURT SENTENCES FOUR TO DEATH FOR STEALING N10,000 PHONE
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/court-sentences-four-to-death-for.html

Justice Rayo Taiwo of an Oyo State High Court sitting at Iyaganku, Ibadan on Friday sentenced four people to death for stealing a cell phone valued at N10,000.
The four – Alaba Akinola, 30, Sarafa Babalola 25, Sola Kolawole, 27, and Ibrahim Gbedeogun 28 – were accused of armed robbery.
The state counsel, Mr I. O Mojoyinola, said the defendants committed the crime on July 19, 2011, at Ayekale, Ibadan.
Mojoyinola said the defendants robbed their victim of a cell phone valued at N10,000 on Oct. 16, 2011, at Gangansi at about 4.30 a.m. with guns and cutlasses.
The offence contravened section 1 (2) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act, Cap. RII Vol.14 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004.
The court also sentenced one Asumo Garuba, 30, to death for the murder of one Rasaki Ayomo on Sept. 12, 2012.
Justice Taiwo sentenced Garuba to death after being found guilty of hacking Ayomo to death.
Principal state counsel, Mr O. S. Tella had told the court that Garuba killed Ayomo when he was about to buy bean cake at about 8.30p.m. at Oke-Are, Ijaye Moniya, Ibadan.
“Garuba suddenly appeared and hacked Ayomo with a cutlass, leading to his death three days later at the hospital due to injuries sustained in the incident.’’

OBASANJO NOT CLEAN ENOUGH TO SPEAK ON CORRUPTION – FAYOSE
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/obasanjo-not-clean-enough-to-speak-on.html

The Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has told former President Olusegun Obasanjo to stop deceiving the world with his anti-corruption posture.
Fayose said “The former president is the father of corruption in Nigeria, who sits on stolen wealth. He lacks moral rights to accuse anyone of corruption and I challenge him to explain to Nigerians the source of his stupendous wealth.”
Fayose said this in reaction to comments credited to Obasanjo that African leaders should ensure that treasury looters are exposed and his warning to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, to stop mentioning his name in the controversial $1.09 billion Malabu Oil deal.
Fayose said the former president should rather explain to Nigerians the source of his stupendous wealth.
In a release issued on Thursday by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose said it smacked of the highest level of hypocrisy for someone like Obasanjo to be sermonising about corruption, having superintended over a corrupt government himself.
He said the former president must come out clean on his roles in the controversial $1.09 billion Malabu Oil deal, instead of warning Adoke to stop mentioning his name in the deal, adding: “It is on record that the out-of-court settlement on the controversial Malabu Oil Block was initiated in 2006 during Obasanjo’s administration.”
Governor Fayose, who maintained that Obasanjo’s accusing anyone of corruption was like “Oyenusi accusing Shina Rambo of armed robbery”, challenged the former president to explain to Nigerians the source of his stupendous wealth, saying: “We saw how Obasanjo was when he became president and the magnitude of both direct and indirect investments that he has now. Can he in all honesty tell Nigerians that he acquired his wealth through legitimate means?”
Describing Obasanjo as the father of corruption in the present day Nigeria, Governor Fayose said: “Even the National Assembly affirmed him (Obasanjo) as the grandfather of corruption in Nigeria and it is on record that it was this same Obasanjo, who is always claiming holier than thou that introduced politics of ghana-must-go bags to the National Assembly.
“Has Obasanjo forgotten how many billions of naira was deployed to lobby National Assembly members to support his third term agenda?
“Has he forgotten so soon that it was during his tenure that sacks of money were displayed on the floor of the House of Representatives, as bribe money given to some Reps members to impeach the then Speaker, Ghali N’abba?”
While reiterating his demand that the former President should refund with interest, the N10 million that he was forced alongside other governors to donate to Obasanjo’s Presidential Library project, Governor Fayose said: “Someone like Obasanjo, who used his position as President to extort money from governors, businessmen and contractors to build his presidential library lacked more rights to accuse anyone of corruption.
“Other Nigerians who left offices as President are still relevant to their people, but can the same be said about Obasanjo? Was he useful to the Yoruba race as President and now as former President? The bad state that he left major roads linking the Southwest to other zones in Nigeria, especially the Lagos-Ibadan expressway remains a pointer to this. Yet, he goes about postulating as if he is the only honest Nigerians who can make things right in the country.”

SARAKI, GOJE, OTHERS NOT QUALIFIED TO SCREEN MAGU – FALANA
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2017/03/saraki-goje-others-not-qualified-to.html

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), on Wednesday disclosed that Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Senator Danjuma Goje, Senator Godswill Akpabio and other senators who are under the investigation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission are not eligible to screen the Acting Chairman of anti-graft agency, Ibrahim Magu.
This was contained in a statement issued by Falana on Wednesday after the rejection of Manu’s nomination as the substantive chairman of the EFCC by the Senate.
Although Falana did not mention the names of the senators in the statement, he said ‎senators facing corruption charges are not eligible to screen Magu.
According to him: “The participation of many senators who are either under investigation or being prosecuted by the EFCC has vitiated the entire proceedings of the Senate on ground of conflict of interest.”
Saraki is currently facing trial before the Code of Conduct Tribunal in a case being handled by the EFCC.
Likewise, Goje is in court for corruption allegation.
The statement by Falana reads: “The rejection of the nomination of Mr Ibrahim Magu as the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) this afternoon by the senate on the basis of a security report compiled by the State Security Service is the height of official ridicule of the office of the president.
“It is high time the State Security Service was restrained by President Buhari from sabotaging the fight against corruption by the federal government.‎
“With respect to the senate the confirmation hearing hurriedly conducted today is illegal in every material particular. The participation of many senators who are either under investigation or being prosecuted by the EFCC has vitiated the entire proceedings of the senate on ground of conflict of interest.
“It is also a contravention of the rules of the senate which stipulates that matters which are sub judice shall not be discussed by the senate.”