The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has filed criminal charges against MTN Nigeria Communication and its Chief Executive Officer, Ferdi Moolman, over alleged copyright infringement.
The charge, with number ABJ/CR/379/2015, filed in the Federal High Court, Abuja, was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday.
In the two-count-charge signed by NCC Prosecutor and Copyright Inspector, Marypauline Olere-Luma, MTN and Moolman were alleged to have infringed on copies of the musical work of an Abuja based musician, Dovie Omenuwoma-Eniwo (aka Baba 2010).
Specifically, the defendants were alleged to have "distributed, sold or let for hire or for the purposes of trade or business, expose or offer for sale 3009 infringing copies of the musical work" of Baba 2010.
The musical works allegedly infringed upon by the defendants included 'Omotena, Gentleman, Christian and unity song’ by the musician.
The offences, according to the charge, are contrary to and punishable under Section 20 (2)(a) and 20 (2)(b) of the Copyright Act, Cap C28 Laws of the Federation 2004.
No date has been fixed for hearing of the case.
SOURCE: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Friday, 18 December 2015
Breaking: Dasuki, Four Others Granted Bail
Others standing trial over a 19-count charge preferred against them include, a former director of finance at the office of the NSA, Shuaibu Salisu, a former Group General Manager of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Aminu Baba Kusa and two firms, Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Reference Hospital.
Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf granted bail
to the accused persons on the sum of N250 Million on the condition that they produce a surety each who must be a serving or retired
civil servant not lower than the rank of a director.
The civil servant must also show possession of a property within the FCT worth the same amount, the judge ordered.
All the accused
were also asked to deposit copies of their international passports with the court registrar. They are to also notify the court of any travel arrangement outside the FCT.
Mr. Dasuki is accused of mis-spending about $2.1 billion meant for the purchase of weapons for the fight against extremist group, Boko Haram.
He denies any wrongdoing.
SOURCE: PREMIUM TIMES
NFF To Spend N5billion In 2016
This expenditure was contained in a budget summary of the NFF at their Annual General Assembly.
A further breakdown showed that Nigeria will feature at the 2016 CHAN in Rwanda, the U20 Women’s World Cup, the Rio Olympics, 2016 beach soccer competitions, U20 AFCON, U17 Women’s World Cup and the African Women’s Championship in Cameroon.
Next month’s CHAN will gulp the most money, which is put at about 1.5 billion Naira, while about 920 million Naira will be spent at the AWC.
Over 672 million will be spent on the female U20s,651 million on the female U17s,369 million on the Olympic team, 621 million on the U20 men’s team and 471 million on beach soccer team/
These expenditures will include overseas training tours, international friendly matches as well as the qualifiers and the championships proper.
SOURCE: VANGUARD
INEC Sets Date For Ijaw South LGA Supplementary Election
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has fixed January 9, 2016, for the conclusion of the governorship election in Bayelsa state.
INEC had declared the governorship election which held on December 5 as inconclusive after violence made it impossible to hold election in Southern Ijaw local government area.
The electoral body had already announced the results of seven out of the eight local governments with the incumbent governor and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Seriake Dickson, ahead of his main challenger, former governor Timipre Sylva of the APC.
The spokesperson for INEC, Nick Dazang, who confirmed the new date for election in Southern Ijaw local government said the commission had already issued a public notice on the date.
Mr. Dazang said all political parties with candidates in the election have already been notified.
INEC had declared the governorship election which held on December 5 as inconclusive after violence made it impossible to hold election in Southern Ijaw local government area.
The electoral body had already announced the results of seven out of the eight local governments with the incumbent governor and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Seriake Dickson, ahead of his main challenger, former governor Timipre Sylva of the APC.
The spokesperson for INEC, Nick Dazang, who confirmed the new date for election in Southern Ijaw local government said the commission had already issued a public notice on the date.
Mr. Dazang said all political parties with candidates in the election have already been notified.
Ben Murray-Bruce To Sponsor Twitter Follower's Masters Abroad
The Common sense advocate agreed to sponsor the project, noting that Tahir Ahmed is a young man contributing to Nigeria.
The profile of Tahir on Twitter reads, “I am a practising mineral exploration geologist …I have great concern in developing and standardizing the mineral & mines sector in Nigeria”.
The decision of Ben Bruce was well received by Tahir and other users of the micro-blogging site.
SOURCE: VANGUARD
Thursday, 17 December 2015
Ronaldo To Invest $40million In 'CR7' Hotels
Ronaldo unveiled his plans to link up with the Pestana Hotel Group, who like him are natives of Madeira, with 'CR7' hotels planned in three cities linked to his career - Funchal, Lisbon and Madrid and another in the pipeline for New York where he has been linked with Major League Soccer in the future.
"My world is that of football but life changes and I always wanted to own a hotel," the 30-year-old former Manchester United player told a press conference in Lisbon.
The triple Ballon d'Or winner joined Real Madrid from Man United in 2009 and has a contract which runs until 2018.
"It was impossible to throw myself alone into a project of this scale, to each his own area of competence. Pestana is the best Portuguese group in this business," he said
"The first project will be born in Madeira, where our roots and our families are," explained the 123-times capped international, adding that the hotel will be located close to the museum dedicated to his career that he financed at Funchal, the capital of the island.
"All investments are split on a 50-50 basis" between Ronaldo and the hotel group, for a total of sum of €75 million ($81m), explained Dionisio Pestana, owner and son of the founder of the hotel group.
The best paid footballer in the world with ?70 million ($76.6m) in earnings last year, Ronaldo already has a 'CR7' fashion line, and has lent his image to many other brands.
The first hotel is scheduled to open in summer 2016 in Madeira. It will be followed by Lisbon where Ronaldo moved as a youngster and played for Sporting Lisbon with a Madrid site planned for 2017.
Pestana, founded in Madeira in 1972, is the biggest hotel group in Portugal and is present in 16 countries across Europe, Africa and America with 87 hotels, six golf courses and two casinos, with an annual turnover of €222 million ($240m).
How 19-Year Old Boy Hacked Into Bank's Computer And Stole N850,000 In Lagos
A 19-year-old, Chukwudi Oludiniwa, on Thursday, appeared at the Tinubu Magistrates' Court in Lagos State for allegedly hacking into two accounts in a bank, stealing N850,000.
He is facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraud and stealing.
According to the prosecutor, Inspector Francisca Okere, the accused and one other at large committed the offences on December 15 at Stanbic-IBTC Bank, Ketu branch.
She said that the accused and his accomplice hacked into a United Bank of Africa (UBA) account with number 1013439509 and transferred N350,000 into Oludiniwa’s account.
The prosecutor said that the accused also stole the sum of N500,000 from one Mr Idahosa Agbeyi's UBA account number 1013428509.
Okere said that the accused was apprehended by the management of the bank when he wanted to withdraw some money.
She submitted that the offences contravene sections 409, 363, 285, 385 and 386 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.
Oludiniwa claimed that his accomplice, who was a former neighbour, requested for his bank details for a deposit which he (accused) would help him withdraw.
The Magistrate, Mr Lekan Owolabi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000, with two sureties in like sum.
He adjourned the case till February 3.
SOURCE: TRIBUNE
He is facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraud and stealing.
According to the prosecutor, Inspector Francisca Okere, the accused and one other at large committed the offences on December 15 at Stanbic-IBTC Bank, Ketu branch.
She said that the accused and his accomplice hacked into a United Bank of Africa (UBA) account with number 1013439509 and transferred N350,000 into Oludiniwa’s account.
The prosecutor said that the accused also stole the sum of N500,000 from one Mr Idahosa Agbeyi's UBA account number 1013428509.
Okere said that the accused was apprehended by the management of the bank when he wanted to withdraw some money.
She submitted that the offences contravene sections 409, 363, 285, 385 and 386 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.
Oludiniwa claimed that his accomplice, who was a former neighbour, requested for his bank details for a deposit which he (accused) would help him withdraw.
The Magistrate, Mr Lekan Owolabi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000, with two sureties in like sum.
He adjourned the case till February 3.
SOURCE: TRIBUNE
Breaking: Chelsea Sack Jose Mourinho
According to widespread reports, Jose Mourinho has been sacked by Chelsea following the club's latest defeat, a 2-1 loss to Leicester City on Monday, capping off a poor start to the season that leaves the reigning Premier League champions 16th in the Premier League.
The Blues boss has been under increasing pressure in recent weeks as the club have slumped to nine defeats in sixteen league games, following a 2015-16 campaign in which the Blues swept to the title.
After the latest defeat, to Claudio Ranieri's Leicester, the Portuguese manager publicly criticised his players, suggesting that members of the playing squad had "betrayed" him and indicating his belief that last season's form was due to excellent managerial performances, raising the players above their natural level.
Following those comments, Mourinho's relationship with the Chelsea boardroom and Roman Abramovich came under increasing strain and now the club have acted to remove their league-winning manager.
SOURCE: GOAL
Wednesday, 16 December 2015
Breaking: Appeal Court Upholds Nullification Of Wike's Election
The Court of Appeal, Abuja, on Wednesday, affirmed the nullification of the election of Nyesom Wike as the governor of Rivers State.
The court upheld the judgment of the election petition tribunal which nullified the election of the governor.
SOURCE: TRIBUNE
The court upheld the judgment of the election petition tribunal which nullified the election of the governor.
SOURCE: TRIBUNE
Breaking: Court Frees IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu
After holding that the government had dropped the charges against Kanu, the judge ruled: “The accused person is hereby discharged and the case struck out.”
The government through its agent, the Department of State Services (DSS), had elected to withdraw the case at the lower court for a higher court, which has jurisdiction to entertain charges bordering on terrorism, to take over.
Usman was scheduled to deliver judgment on the application of the DSS on December 1, but he put it off until December 16.
The DSS has held Kanu for at least 90 days despite an order of the magistrate court granting him bail in October.
After the lower court granted him bail, the secret police got an order of the federal high court, Abuja, to keep the leader of IPOB in detention.
But his lawyer, Vincent Obetta, filed a counter application, seeking bail for the accused person.
Adeniyi Ademola, justice of the federal high court, Abuja, is expected to rule on the bail application on Thursday.
SOURCE: THE CABLE
Sunday, 13 December 2015
20 Feared Dead As Nigerian Soldiers Arrest Shite Leader El-Zakzaky
A credible source in the sect’s hierarchy also told PREMIUM TIMES that a top leader of the movement, Muhammadu Turi, and the head of the medical team of the sect, Mustapha Saidu, and several others were killed during the siege.
The Nigerian Army and members of the sect have accused each other of instigating attacks that led to the death of members of the movement on Saturday.
While the Army accused the Shiite followers of attempting to assassinate Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, the Islamic movement said soldiers simply decided to attack “defenseless people”.
It was gathered that the Nigerian troops sustained a crackdown on the members of the sect throughout the night as heavy shootings and sounds of explosions were heard in Gellesu and Sokoto Road, where Hussainiyya – the spiritual centre of the sect – is located.
Residents of the area told our reporter that they saw armoured tanks demolishing the Hussainiyya shrine and the residence of the leader of the sect.
A source at the military hospital in Chindit Barracks Depot of the Nigerian Army, Zaria, told PREMIUM TIMES that they received 19 bodies of people killed in the encounter.
SOURCE: PREMIUM TIMES
Saturday, 12 December 2015
Heavy Gunfire In Zaria As Soldiers Surround El-Zakzaky's House
LEADERSHIP Sunday gathered that following an alleged assassination attempt on the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Burutai at about noon on Saturday, when his convoy was attacked by the Shiite members, the troops returned to El-Zakzaky’s residence in Gyallesu area of Zaria, at about 11pm.
It was gathered that moves by the troops to arrest the leader of the movement were resisted by his members.
Residents said heavy gunfire accompanied with chants by members of the movement were heard in the area for over two hours.
There were unconfirmed casualties in the late night attack.
A resident who confirmed the development over the phone said sounds of gunshots were heard around Hussainiyya area of Zaria around midnight yesterday.
Another resident also said Shiite members were seen carrying out solidarity protests around Zango road in Kaduna.
Trouble started about noon on Saturday after several persons were reported killed by soldiers in the clash which occurred at the headquarters of the movement in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Yesterday was the second time the COAS came close to death since his appointment this year.
LEADERSHIP Sunday recalls that in August, Buratai escaped Boko Haram ambush when he visited troops at the battle ground in Borno State. The advance team of his convoy ran into the ambush and lost one soldier in the attack while five of the terrorists were killed by the advance team in the gun fire exchange.
Yesterday, members of the Islamic movement were said to have attacked the soldiers attached to the convoy of Burutai, who was in Zaria for a passing out parade ceremony at the Nigeria Army Depot.
Though there were conflicting reports as to what caused the clash, a witness told LEADERSHIP Sunday that the passing out parade coincided with the same date members of the Shiite movement were to hold the annual Maulud at Hussaimiyya in Zaria and changing of their flag.
“As early as 12pm, the members of Shiite barricaded the road where the COAS was to pass to the depot.
“The security details attached to the Chief of Army staff came down from the vehicle to plead with the congregation. From the distance, we could hear gunshots,” the witness said.
The source said following the gunshots, the soldiers made way for the COAS’ convoy to pass.
He said immediately the COAS left, some soldiers in trucks came to the scene and that was when pandemonium broke out, after which several persons were left dead.
Another resident who also claimed to have witnessed the incident told LEADERSHIP Sunday that a truck load of soldiers came to the headquarters of the Islamic Movement along Sokoto Road, Zaria and surrounded it and “all of a sudden we heard gunshots and many people died.”
“The soldiers have killed many people here, possibly up to 20,” he said.
“The leader of the sect, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky is leaving his home to where the soldiers are. He is saying he does not care if he is killed too,” said the witness.
Army reacts
Explaining what happened, the Army spokesman, Colonel SK Usman, disclosed that the COAS had gone to the Emir’s palace to pay homage on the royal father and as the convoy was moving towards to military depot, the COAS vehicle was attacked by members of Shiite.
“In fact the COAS escaped assassination attempt. We were in Zaria to attend the passing out parade and to pay homage on the Emir of Zazzau and some members of Shiite blocked the road and attacked the convoy.
“Luckily enough, the Army Chief escaped unhurt. But we have taken the matter to the appropriate authorities for necessary legal action because we cannot allow such unlawful acts to continue,” he stated.
But, the leader of the movement, Zakzaky, denied the claim, saying “it was soldiers who opened fire on his members for no just cause.”
“They lied to have said we attacked them, nobody attacked them, they were the ones that first stormed our headquarters with truck full of soldiers, sealed off our headquarters on a day we were supposed to change our flag and started shooting and killing our people.”
This is even as he called for calm among members of the movement.
SOURCE: LEADERSHIP SUNDAY
Chief Of Army Staff Buratai Escapes Assassination In Zaria
“Shiites attempt to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff in Zaria”, Nigerian Army said in a tweet.
Shiites attempt to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff in Zaria
4:01 PM - 12 Dec 2015
270 15
Nigerian Army
@HQNigerianArmy
Shiites is a group now known as Sunnis chose Abu Bakr, the prophet’s adviser, to become the first successor, or caliph, to lead the Muslim state.
Population Commission To Recruit Over One Million Officials In 2017
The National Population Commission (NPC), has disclosed its plan to recruit over one million officers to enable it cover the country effectively in the proposed 2017 Population Census.
Chairman of the Commission, Chief EzeDuruiheoma, made the disclosure at a Media Luncheon in Abuja.
He said “to effectively cover the country, a total of 1.1million enumerators, 50,5000 supervisors and 5,050 field coordinators will be recruited and trained for the actual census”.
The Chairman who was represented by the Commissioner representing Enugu, Festus Uzor, also stated that a strategy and implementation plan for the 2017 population census which outlined the methodology to be adopted, activities to be implemented and timeliness have been developed.
He said that the Commission has been carrying out some of the pre-census activities as well as acquire some of the vital imageries needed for the proposed biometric census.
“We have acquired High Resolution Imageries, required for the Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) for the census.
“ We have demarcated and produced Satellite Image Enumeration areas maps for Akoko South-East LGA in Ondo State in December 2014, as a pilot exercise for the EAD project. The first phase of the EAD covering seven LGAs in each of the six geo political zones and the FCT is currently ongoing and training for the second phase of the EAD is ongoing in 29 LGAs in 29 states among others” he stated.
Chairman of the Commission, Chief EzeDuruiheoma, made the disclosure at a Media Luncheon in Abuja.
He said “to effectively cover the country, a total of 1.1million enumerators, 50,5000 supervisors and 5,050 field coordinators will be recruited and trained for the actual census”.
The Chairman who was represented by the Commissioner representing Enugu, Festus Uzor, also stated that a strategy and implementation plan for the 2017 population census which outlined the methodology to be adopted, activities to be implemented and timeliness have been developed.
He said that the Commission has been carrying out some of the pre-census activities as well as acquire some of the vital imageries needed for the proposed biometric census.
“We have acquired High Resolution Imageries, required for the Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) for the census.
“ We have demarcated and produced Satellite Image Enumeration areas maps for Akoko South-East LGA in Ondo State in December 2014, as a pilot exercise for the EAD project. The first phase of the EAD covering seven LGAs in each of the six geo political zones and the FCT is currently ongoing and training for the second phase of the EAD is ongoing in 29 LGAs in 29 states among others” he stated.
Federal High Court Freezes Kanu Nwankwo's Bank Accounts
The Asset Management Corporation Of Nigeria (AMCON) filed the suit against the defendants, Also affected by the order of the court is a Director of Hardley Apartment, Ayoola Gam-Ikon.
In an affidavit sworn to by a Credit officer in the Directorate of AMCON Mr Victor Igabor, filed and argued by Barrister Niyi Olopade, the deponent averred that sometime between May, 2008 and January 10, 2011 Skye bank offered The Hardley Apartments engaged in business of Hospitality located at Plot 46 Waziri Ibrahim Crescent, Victoria island, Lagos a loan of N520,457,000. The loan was secured by a mortgage on the company’s three blocks of 40 accommodation units estimated in open market value of N395million as well as unconditional personal, joint and several guarantee of Ayoola Gam-Ikon and Nwankwo Kanu.
The defendants failed to repay the loan with the accrued interest despite repeated demands, consequent upon which Skye bank Plc assigned the defendants indebtedness in the sum of N558,313,905.37 as at 1st April, 2011 to the AMCON as a toxic bank asset in line with the establishment objective of the said AMCON.
Mr Igabor averred further that, this development was communicated to the defendants by Skye bank who admitted their indebtedness but praying that the assignment to AMCON be revoked. The defendants’ indebtedness as at the 15th October 2015 stood at N924,788,754.56 representing principal and interest while interest is still running.
Consequently, Igabor contended that The Hardley Apartments is in imminent of being dissipated, therefore if the application is not granted, Ayoola Gam-Ikon and Nawankwo Kanu could dissipate the assets of the company therefore urged the court to issue interim order of possessing of all movable and immovable properties known as Plot 46 Waziri Ibrahim Crescent, Victoria Island.
An order attaching the debt due from Hardley Apartments as well as debts accurring from the defendants jointly and severally and freezing all accounts belonging to the defendants jointly and severally in any bank or financial institution in Nigeria.
The presiding judge, Okon Abang while acceding to the request of AMCON, ordered that, AMCON shall in the interim possess all the movable and immovable properties known as Plot 46 Waziri Ibrahim Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos.
That in the interim the debt due or accruing from the Hardley Apartments as well as the debts accruing from the defendants jointly and severally and freezing all accounts belonging to the defendants jointly and severally anywhere and in any bank and any financial institution in Nigeria are hereby attached pending the hearing of this suit.
The matter has been adjourned for hearing.
SOURCE: INFORMATION NIGERIA
Yaya Toure Wins 2015 BBC African Footballer Of The Year
The 32-year-old Ivory Coast midfielder becomes only the third player, after Nigerians Nwankwo Kanu and Jay-Jay Okocha, to receive the honour twice.
Football fans voted for Manchester City's Toure, who first won in 2013, ahead of Yacine Brahimi, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Andre Ayew and Sadio Mane.
"I am very proud. To receive this dedication from the fans is unbelievable," Toure told BBC Sport.
"Also I want to pay tribute to the other nominees. African football is growing up, becoming much better and we have fantastic young players coming through now."
Toure described all five nominees as "champions".
He added: "I am delighted and very happy. And as an African player, I want to lead all my younger brothers to be successful in the future.
"When I was a kid I was always dreaming of being an important player. I have sacrificed a lot.
"I will continue to try to win a trophy every year, I will fight to win a personal trophy."
Friday, 11 December 2015
Alao-Akala Set To Defect To APC
Alao-Akala spoke of his decision to join the APC at a meeting he held in his Ibadan residence with his supporters on the Destiny Group platform.
In attendance at the meeting were Hon Tajudeen Abisodun, Dr. Gbola Adetunji, Sen Brimo Yusuf, Dr Kola Balogun, Alhaji Omilabu Ghandi, among other politicians in the state.
According to Alao-Akala, the decision to leave Labour Party had become expedient considering that the different political parties were set to commence their congresses, as well as the fact that “APC offered the best political platform” at the moment.
The former governor hinted that a date for a formal declaration for the APC would be made public as soon as he finished consultation with the leadership of the APC.
He called on his supporters to join him in the APC but advised that lawmakers elected on the platform of Labour Party from the state should continue on that platform in the meantime.
Shedding light on the development, the erstwhile Director of Alao Akala Campaign Organisation, Dr Kola Balogun, who the ex-governor asked to speak on his behalf, described Alao Akala’s decision as “a response to the yearnings of supporters who wondered what their next step was on the political scene”.
He said, “The party members had been asking Alao Akala what our next step would be considering our not-too-good experience with the Labour Party and with the PDP. Alao Akala had said that at the right time, he would call a meeting where we would jointly decide after looking at all options available. We looked at the available options which are PDP, Labour, Accord, APC. Accord is not an option, Labour is not an option at all.
“For APC, we have never had any dealings with them. We have only been interacting with the APC and they are waiting for us to help strengthen the structure of the party. The APC knows our worth politically, we also know their worth. We think if we come together, we can solidify the structure of the APC. APC will be a mega party.
“And, the majority of members have made up their mind and advised him to join the APC. The final decision therefore is that all supporters of Alao Akala will join APC. We will inform the general public on when we will make a formal declaration after meeting with the leadership of the APC.”
Jonathan To Be Honoured By Diplomatic Circles In Geneva Next Year
Jonathan has been selected for honour for his democratic credentials and upholding human rights in Africa and will be recognized at the group’s annual dinner in Geneva to become the first African leader to be so honoured by the revered group of diplomats.
Jonathan will also deliver a keynote address at the gala night.
A public policy organisation on African affairs, the Africa Political and Economic Strategic Center, had earlier in the year recommended the ex-president for the Nobel Peace Prize. According to the group, the peaceful way Jonathan conceded defeat to President Muhammadu Buhari in the general election deserves the attention of the Nobel Peace Prize committee.
“He may have not promoted fraternity between nations but he surely promotes fraternal peace among Nigerians by conceding power,” the group noted.
SOURCE: INFORMATION NIGERIA
Tension In Adamawa Over Possible Return Of Nyako To Power
The former governor has in the wake of his impeachment by the Ahmadu Umaru’s led house of assembly filed a suit to reclaim his mandate.
In the suit, Nyako had claimed that he was wrongly impeached as the process was flawed.
Speculations are rife in the state that having been dissatisfied with the conduct of the incumbent governor of the state Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla in the last 7 months of his stewardship, some Adamawa politicians based in Abuja were lending Nyako unassailable support to reclaim his mandate.
Sources close to the Abuja politicians from the state noted that they were miffed by Governor Jibrilla’s lack of focus and political will to turn the state around.
They noted that the governor has shown unwillingness to transform the state through purposeful leadership.
Investigations have also shown that, some aggrieved party stalwarts in the ruling APC in the state are also working in cahoots with the Abuja politicians to get the governor out of the way due to his failure to make positive impact in the state.
An APC stalwart in the state who preferred anonymity noted with regret that the lacklustre performance of the governor has completely eroded public confidence in his administration.
“If elections were to be conducted today in Adamawa state, APC will be trounced woefully as the people are completely dischenchanted with the leadership style of governor Jibrilla.
“I am a grassroot politician and I know the mood of the people of the state following the dismal performance of the government.
“Many people in the state have been openly expressing regret for voting the governor into office.”he noted.
The APC chieftain further noted that the governor’s attitude to general administration in the state is in sharp contrast with the spirit of change mantra which President Muhammadu Buhari is pursuing vigorously.
He maintained that “In view of the massive corruption been rooted by the administration, a member of the state house of assembly from the governor’s constituency (Mubi South) has been challenging him over sundry financial shenanigans and disrespect for the rule of law” he stated.
Boko Haram Beheads Residents, Sets Village Ablaze
The attack happened at about 8:00 pm (19:00 GMT) on Thursday in the village of Kamuya in Borno State near where the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has a home.
The Islamist gunmen arrived on foot and by bicycle, witnesses said.
Ibrahim Babagana, who lives in Kamuya, said he and other locals fled the attack to the town of Biu, some 30 kilometres (18.5 miles) away, as Boko Haram fighters set fire to the village.
He initially gave a death toll of nine but later told AFP: "This morning (Friday), some of us went back to the village. We found 14 bodies. Some of them were decapitated and their heads placed on their torso.
"Seven others were shot dead. They have all been buried. The entire village has been razed."
Mustapha Karimbe, a member of a civilian militia involved in fighting Boko Haram, gave a similar account and said half-a-dozen people were injured.
"The six injured victims are receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Biu," he added.
Kamuya is the hometown of Buratai's mother and was previously attacked in a similar raid in July. Nearby Buratai village, 10 kilometres away, was also hit.
Residents of Kamuya had returned to cultivate their farms after the July attacks.
Sahara Reporters Apologise For Misleading Nigerians
The Appeal Court Upheld the election of Senator Godswill Akpabio earlier today.
Jonathan To Replace Clinton As Keynote Speaker
The programme is scheduled to hold in the second week of January in Atlanta, United States.
President Bill Clinton performed a role similar to that of Jonathan at the 2015 event which gathered over 3, 000 leaders from 40 countries.
The letter of invitation was jointly signed by Andrew Young, Operation Hope global spokesman, Kasim Reed, mayor of Atlanta and John Hope Bryant, Operation Hope chief executive.
They urged the former president to lend his support to an entrepreneurship mentoring programme, by sharing his experience in office with a wider global audience.
“As some one recognised for his leadership and vision in Nigeria and abroad, we are personally requesting your attendance. It is important for us that your influential voice and perspective be included as we drive a global conversation,” the letter read.
“We invite you to join Fortune 500 CEO’s, private investors, financial leaders and government officials to connect and collaborate on this vision.
“With the theme ‘Reimagining the Global Economy: Inclusive Economics’, the annual meeting is set against the backdrop of the Martin Luther King Holiday weekend and gathers leaders from government, community and the private sector to outline a vision for the modern global; economy.
“A vision where the undeserved, working poor and struggling middle class are viewed as untapped assets for economic growth, entrepreneurship and job creation.
“The powerful history of Atlanta as the ‘Cradle of the Civil Rights Movement’ serves as a catalyst for our gathering, highlighting the unfinished work of economic self-reliance launched by Dr. King prior to his death. We will honour that legacy with a series of activities for our guests, including ‘white glove’ viewing of Dr. King’s papers.”
Among the guests expected to attend the programme are: Tim Cook, Apple chief executive; Jack Lew, US treasury secretary; Robert Rubin, former treasury secretar and Clinton Foundation vice-chair Chelsea Clinton.
The Hope Global Forum is an annual event that convenes thousands of thought leaders, business professionals and public policy officials from many countries to brainstorm on ways of advancing the social and economic well-being of all people around the world.
Man Cries In Court As Wife Files For Divorce
There was mild drama yesterday at the Agboyi/Ketu Customary Court when a respondent, Mr Bayo Bankole broke down in tears and started pleading with his estranged wife, Ejiro Bankole not to break their almost five-year -old marriage.
Bankole, who was sued by his wife over allegations of being diabolical, constant beating, which caused miscarriage and inflicting of injuries on her body, told the court that it was his mother and family members that are responsible for the maltreatment of his wife, pleaded with her to forgive him and not go ahead with the divorce processes.
Meanwhile, Ejiro said that the cry came a bit late as the harm he did to her cannot be erased with his tears.
She told the court that her husband had on several occasions inflicted injuries on her, stressing that the problem started when she told her husband to bring his mother so that they can take better care of her.
“I told my husband to bring his mum to live with us so that we can take better care of her not knowing that I was putting myself in a big trouble. As soon as my mother in-law came to live with us, the rest of the family members, who even have their own houses came in, knowing fully well that my husband dose not have a job, that am the one taking care of everything in the house from house rent to feeding and we have a daughter.
“I thought that they will not stay long, but to my surprise they had no plans to leave and I was thinking my husband would take the initiative and tell his family to leave the house but he didn’t,” she said.
The President of the court, Mr. O.T. Williams, after listening to both parties adjourned the case to January 13, 2016, for further hearing.
SOURCE: VANGUARD NIGERIA
Bankole, who was sued by his wife over allegations of being diabolical, constant beating, which caused miscarriage and inflicting of injuries on her body, told the court that it was his mother and family members that are responsible for the maltreatment of his wife, pleaded with her to forgive him and not go ahead with the divorce processes.
Meanwhile, Ejiro said that the cry came a bit late as the harm he did to her cannot be erased with his tears.
She told the court that her husband had on several occasions inflicted injuries on her, stressing that the problem started when she told her husband to bring his mother so that they can take better care of her.
“I told my husband to bring his mum to live with us so that we can take better care of her not knowing that I was putting myself in a big trouble. As soon as my mother in-law came to live with us, the rest of the family members, who even have their own houses came in, knowing fully well that my husband dose not have a job, that am the one taking care of everything in the house from house rent to feeding and we have a daughter.
“I thought that they will not stay long, but to my surprise they had no plans to leave and I was thinking my husband would take the initiative and tell his family to leave the house but he didn’t,” she said.
The President of the court, Mr. O.T. Williams, after listening to both parties adjourned the case to January 13, 2016, for further hearing.
SOURCE: VANGUARD NIGERIA
Jonathan Bags Yet Another Award
A letter conveying the nomination to Jonathan, signed by Ifeyinwa Omowole, the national president of the association, said that former President Jonathan was considered for the award because of the love shown to the womenfolk by his administration.
It said, “It is on record that Jonathan’s government enforced and even exceeded the Beijing recommendation regarding affirmative action on the empowerment of women in government many years after the Beijing conference”.
Extolling the virtues of Jonathan and his government, the association added, “Your administration, more than any other, changed the fortunes of Nigerians, especially the womenfolk which the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) represents”.
In a letter of acceptance from the office of former President Goodluck Jonathan, signed by Thierry H. Ngoufan, his chief of staff, Jonathan appreciated the gesture and thanked the association.
The letter extended Jonathan’s best wishes and extreme gratitude to the association for the kind words of praise, and also prayed for the success of all endeavours of the association
SOURCE: LEADERSHIP
Thursday, 10 December 2015
NFF Condoles Keshi Over Wife's Death
NFF President Amaju Pinnick spoke at length with Keshi over the phone on Thursday afternoon, as news of the tragic incident filtered into the public space.
Keshi with his late wife Kate.
Keshi with his late wife Kate.
Sources said that Kate, 54, died on Wednesday night in far away United States of America, after a brief illness.
“This is devastating. To lose a spouse is the equivalent of a tragedy. I pray that Almighty God will give you and the children the fortitude to bear this huge loss,” Pinnick told Keshi over the phone.
The ‘Big Boss,’ who captained Nigeria for over 10 years, in the process winning the Africa Cup of Nations gold, silver and bronze, coached the squad to a third African title in South Africa early 2013.
He was in charge of the Super Eagles between November 2011 and June 2015, during which he also led the team to the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil.
SOURCE: VANGUARD NIGERIA
EFCC Invites Tompolo For Questioning
In a letter from the EFCC, the Commission says it is investigating Tompolo for unclear dealings involving the sale of parcels of land worth about 13 billion naira to the federal government under the last administration.
He is expected to appear at the EFCC training room on Thursday, December 17.
A similar invitation was extended to Tompolo in November by the Head of Operations at the EFCC, Iliasu Kwabai but he failed to appear and no correspondence was received from him.
Ado Bayero's Son Drags Emir Of Kano To Court
The plaintiffs, Usman Ado Bayero and Sadiq Yahaya and Hamza Madaki Cigari are praying the court to sack the Emir with immediate effect.
They alleged that a number of irregularities trailed the selection process which produced Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the Emir of Kano.”
According to their counsel, Lady Rose Mbata Esq, an Appeal Court sitting in Kaduna state had restrained one of the kingmakers, Alhaji Bello Abubakar Tuta from parading himself as the Sarkin Dawaki Mai Tuta at the time, yet he participated in the selection process that produced the emir.
He argued that Alhaji Tuta’s participation in the selection process was amounted to contempt of the court, hence his action was null, void and of no value whatsoever.
The plaintiffs prayed to court to nullify the selection of Sanusi as the Emir of Kano as well as declare all appointments, dethronement and other actions he had taken as invalid since his selection did not follow due process.
However, counsel to the respondents, Barrister Sunusi Ali faulted the arguments of the plaintiffs describing the issue before the court as a mere waste of time.
Meanwhile, after listening to arguments from both sides, the presiding Judge, Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu fixed Tuesday, December 22 for continuation of the case and ordered that all parties to the case be served with all relevant papers.
Breaking: Akpabio Sacked From Senate
The Court of Appeal ordered a rerun election in Akwa Ibom State in 90 days.
SOURCE: SAHARA REPORTERS
Breaking: Stephen Keshi's Wife Is Dead
The Big Boss, as Keshi is fondly referred to, revealed that his wife had been sick for a while but he never expect that the sickness will lead to her death.
“She (Keshi’s wife) has been ill for a while now but the death is coming as a big shock to us,” a close friend of the former Togo and Mali coach told PREMIUM TIMES.
“Keshi is very downcast at the moment because we know how dearly he loves his wife,” the source added.
A report on completesportsnigeria.com quoted Keshi as saying that the burial rites for the late wife would soon be made public.
When PREMIUM TIMES put a call through to Emmanuel Ardo, Keshi’s close friend and representative, the lawyer was sobbing as he confirmed the sad news but begged to be left alone for now as he was not emotionally stable to make any comment at the moment
“It’s true, but I can’t talk now,” Ardo said.
SOURCE: PREMIUM TIMES
Court Of Appeal Sack Seven APC Lawmakers
The Court of Appeal of Appeal, Ibadan, has sacked seven APC lawmakers from the Ogun State House of Assembly.
Those declared duly elected are: Ojo Adebowale of PDP wins, Felicia Towakenu of APC who had won at Tribunal lost Ipokia /Idiroko state constituency the appeal.
Wale Alausa of PDP retains his seat as he defeats Tola Banjo of APC for Ijebu Ode state constituency.
Bola Badejo of APC lost to Oyenuga Adejuwon of PDP for Ijebu East constituency. Olujinmi James of PDP floors Fasunwa Abayomi Johnson of APC for Ijebu North East.
Bayo Adekoya of APC lost to Bowale Solaja of PDP at Ijebu North 1 state constituency.
Also, Soyebo Mojeed of PDP defeats Solarin Samuel of APC for Sagamu 2 state constituency.
Falola Gabriel Ayinde of APC lost to Oduntan Atanda of PDP in Egbado north 2.
Hon Segun Adekoya of PDP representing Ogun state at National Assembly defeated Biyi Ismael of APC at the appeal court.
Those declared duly elected are: Ojo Adebowale of PDP wins, Felicia Towakenu of APC who had won at Tribunal lost Ipokia /Idiroko state constituency the appeal.
Wale Alausa of PDP retains his seat as he defeats Tola Banjo of APC for Ijebu Ode state constituency.
Bola Badejo of APC lost to Oyenuga Adejuwon of PDP for Ijebu East constituency. Olujinmi James of PDP floors Fasunwa Abayomi Johnson of APC for Ijebu North East.
Bayo Adekoya of APC lost to Bowale Solaja of PDP at Ijebu North 1 state constituency.
Also, Soyebo Mojeed of PDP defeats Solarin Samuel of APC for Sagamu 2 state constituency.
Falola Gabriel Ayinde of APC lost to Oduntan Atanda of PDP in Egbado north 2.
Hon Segun Adekoya of PDP representing Ogun state at National Assembly defeated Biyi Ismael of APC at the appeal court.
Breaking: Kogi Assembly Impeach Speaker, Deputy Speaker And Minority Leader
Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Momoh Jimoh-Lawal was Thursday impeached.
Although, speaker’s camp deny that he has not been impeached.The Deputy Speaker and the minority leader have also been impeached according to TVC.
Although, speaker’s camp deny that he has not been impeached.The Deputy Speaker and the minority leader have also been impeached according to TVC.
Boko Haram Abducts Family Of 6 In Borno
Suspected insurgents attacked Bam-Buratai, near the home of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai in Biu local government, killing some residents in the incident. Reports also claimed scores of girls were kidnapped by the insurgents who invaded the community at about 10 p.m., shooting sporadically.
However, the Borno State Government, in quick reaction constituted a 7-member fact-finding committee to unearth the abduction claim as widely reported in the media within three days.
The committee, led by member representing Biu State Constituency in Borno House of Assembly, Aliyu Kachalla, said it ascertained that an investigation launched by the state government discovered that family members of one of the villagers, named Pidigum Mohammed Pindar were those abducted. “They include Mrs. Gambo Pidigum and Mrs. Hamsatu Pidigum, the first and second wives respectively,” the committee said in a report obtained by newsmen in Maiduguri.
Those discovered to have been abducted, according to the committee, were children of the Pidigum family.
They are: Hauwa’u Pidigum, “an 8 years old Primary 3 schoolgirl, Abdullahi Pidigum, 2 years 6 months old boy, Ummi Pidigum, a year and 6 months old girl and Rabi Pidigum, a 6-month-old girl.
“There is no information about the whereabouts of the abducted members as at the time of compiling the report.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the military for reducing terrorism acts and other insecurity challenges in Nigeria, adding that insecurity threat will soon be a thing of the past.
President Buhari, who was represented by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin made the statement at the opening ceremony of 2015 Chief of Army Staff annual conference (COAS) held at Dutse the Jigawa State capital.
Buhari also said the Army must intensify its current efforts and develop new strategies that would address the current security challenges facing the country and ensure total eradication of insurgents in the country.
SOURCE:SUN NEWS
PDP Broke, Abandon Construction Of N11.5billion New Secretariat
The new secretariat is situated at the Central Business District, Abuja.
It was gathered that the project was billed to cost N11.5bn when it was awarded some years ago.
However, recent checks at the building site lately show that there was no visibly work going on there. Grasses have overtaken the site, just as contractors have abandoned the job half-way.
The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh, told Punch that the claims in some quarters that members of the National Working Committee of the party got a huge sum of money from the fund realised for its Presidential campaign early in the year were untrue.
He said, “During our sale of forms, we had planned to use substantial part of the money to complete the secretariat.
“We also had a fund-raising dinner where money was raised and we were told that about N21bn was raised and that some of it would be given to us for the completion of the secretariat, but we didn’t see the money.”
SOURCE: DAILY POST
Lagos State Seals Off 53 Churches,Mosques And Hotels For Noise Pollution
General Manager of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, Engr. Adebola Shabi in an interview after sealing the religious houses and the hotels, said that the premises were shut following complaints from the residents.
He lamented that the premises shut were approved for residential but after few years, they were converted worship centers, saying “It has been constituting nuisance to other neighbours.”
Shabi explained that some of the affected facilities had been served abatement notices before the eventual closure, adding that the growing rate of worship centres calls for serious regulations, especially in the areas of noise generated across the state.
He noted that the worship centres that often disturb the people were usually makeshift structures, adding that the hotels were shut for failing to conduct and submit Environmental Impact Assessment report.
Shabi also said that the state government would not condone improper dispose of sewage, saying that the state government would not condone usage of old latrines.
SOURCE: VANGUARD
Wednesday, 9 December 2015
TSA: Remita Returns N8billion Earlier Collected
The refunded N8billion represents monies accrued from the one per cent TSA remittance charge collected by SystemSpecs, participating commercial banks and the CBN from federal government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).
Obaro said this during a public hearing on the “Abuse and Mismanagement of Treasury Single Account (TSA) Regime” organised by the Senate Joint Committee on Finance, Banking, Insurance, and other Financial Institutions and Public Accounts.
The Senate had in early November blown the whistle on the one per cent charge on the reported N2.5 trillion moved to the TSA – translating to N25 billion. The Senate consequently ordered a probe.
Obaro told the Senate joint committee that although SystemSpecs was not averse to price renegotiation in view of “emerging realities”, the one per cent fee was discussed by all stakeholders, set by CBN and Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) and communicated to all MDAs by the CBN.
New remita-ad-conceptz250x250“We did not charge above the agreed rates,” he insisted. “On September 14, 2015, the OAGF had expressed concern at a project review meeting about the fees considering the enlarged scope of the project. SystemSpecs was not averse to price renegotiation. We wrote to the CBN that we are open to renegotiation and that an all stakeholders’ meeting be convened.
“Three weeks later, on October 7, we wrote again that an all stakeholders’ meeting should be convened to review processing fees.
“Two weeks later, on October 27, we were instructed by the CBN to refund all fees that had accrued to us in accordance with the contract. We strategically chose to comply within 24 hours of receipt of their letter as we did not want to allow the issue of fees in the heat of the moment to becloud the work we had done in the delivery of TSA for Nigeria. While refunding our own portion of the fees as demanded by the CBN, however, we accompanied the refund with a fairly worded letter stating why the fees legitimately earned in line with our contract should be refunded to us.
“On November 11, two weeks after refunding all fees and operating zero fees at the risk of a legal battle with other stakeholders, without hearing our own side of the story, we were erroneously accused of fraud, abuse and mismanagement of the TSA on the hallowed chambers of this highly respected Senate.”
Obaro further said that the firm felt unfairly treated in the whole episode.
“To say the least sir, we feel used, abused, unappreciated and abandoned by the country for which we stuck out our necks and faith to deliver the platform that made the TSA possible, which in other climes, all citizens would be proud of, acclaimed, encouraged and motivated to further the frontiers of greater technological breakthroughs and innovation,” he said, just as he wondered how enforcing the terms of a validly signed and subsisting contract amounted to fraud.
In what Obaro described as an “unfortunate syndicated attempt” to discredit Remita, he said the Senate was misled into believing that N25 billion was paid out to SystemSpecs in one day for doing nothing. Nothing can be further from the truth and, by now, it is obvious to the world that the Senate was misled.”
According to him, the objective of the detractors was to paint Remita black in order to achieve a set goal – to disrupt the technology platform and force government to abandon the TSA policy.
“Our consolation is that despite this barrage of syndicated attacks, many Nigerians and international observers believe that this TSA way is the way to go. We are proud that our indigenous Remita kick-started this project at a time when CBN had written to OAGF in 2011 to delay the commencement of the project because the technology was not yet in place.”
Obaro reminded the federal government of the importance of contract sanctity.
SOURCE: LEADERSHIP
INEC To Probe REC,Others Over Bayelsa Gov Poll Fallout
The INEC, as part of its investigation, has ordered the Collation officers and Returning officers in the existing eight local government areas, particularly those involved in the disputed rescheduled governorship election in Southern Ijaw Local Government area of the state to submit their reports to the commission within 24 hours.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the INEC will be investigating cases of compromise and alleged acceptance of gratification from some political parties to frustrate the smooth conduct of the election.
It was also gathered that the directive may not be unconnected with the petition submitted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) before the commission, alleging bias, bribery and corruption against some officials of the state office of INEC and the illegality of the cancellation of the poll in the Southern Ijaw Local Government area of the state.
The flag bearer of the APC,Chief Timipre Sylva, had while reacting to the announcement by the INEC on the cancellation of the election in Southern Ijaw Local Government area of the state, alleged that the processes leading the cancellation of the contentious poll in Southern Ijaw was marred with financial inducements and manipulations by officials of INEC by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
We’re Still Consulting -INEC
Three days after the poll was declared inconclusive, INEC is yet to fix a date for the supplementary election in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.
INEC’s director, Voter Education and Publicity (VEP), Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, said the commission was still consulting over the matter.
SOURCE: LEADERSHIP
FG Makes N407billion Subsidy Payment
The massive subsidy includes a payment for arrears accrued during the 2014 fiscal year, as well as payments for 2015. In her statement Minister Adeosun explained that the approval was granted after President Muhammadu Buhari issued a directive that the oil marketers be paid immediately in order to end the fuel scarcity within the country.
The fuel scarcity crisis began roughly one month ago and has inflicted severe hardships upon the Nigerian people. The decision to provide the fuel subsidy comes after the World Bank reportedly advised the Buhari Administration to remove the subsidy entirely. The international financial institution argued that the fuel subsidy provides “modest benefits” to the citizenry, but the costs of the subsidy are “quite high”.
This subsidy comes after increasing criticism of President Buhari's leadership in Nigeria as many Nigerians face hardship because of the high cost of fuel. President Buhari has sent clear signals to the Nigerian public that he would take a personal interest in reforming the oil and petroleum sector in Nigeria.
SOURCE: SAHARA REPORTERS
Kogi: APC Will Replace Faleke - APC Chairman Oyegun
Odigie-Oyegun said this in Abuja on Wednesday in an interaction with newsmen.
Faleke, who was running mate to late Abubakar Audu in the Nov. 21 gubernatorial elections in Kogi, rejected the same position after the party replaced Audu with Alhaji Yayaha Bello, who was runner-up in the party’s primaries.
Faleke demanded that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should declare him governor-elect, and chose Audu’s son, Mohammed, as his running mate. He threatened to court of INEC failed to do so, and had since gone to court.
Odigie-Oyegun said: “On the Faleke issue, it is rather a straightforward and easy issue; we have replaced a governorship candidate.
“If the need arises and subject to what the law says, we will also get a deputy governorship candidate but we will cross those bridges as they arise but they have not arisen yet.’’
On Falake’s statement not to be available for swearing-in on Jan. 27, 2016, he said, “as a political party, we simply understand the frustration that emanated from the death of Abubakar Audu.
“However, it is normal for us to accommodate the immediate reactions coming from the people involved.
“They were at the gate of victory but the gate was shut in their faces because of the unfortunate death of their mentor, Abubakar Audu, who would have been our governor in the state.
“So, a lot of things which normally we would not have accepted happened but we have to accept them so long that everybody will simmer down as time pass by.
“Wielding the big stick in a situation like this might not be appropriate but there will be a timeline to it, enough will be enough at a certain time.’’
According to the chairman, issues in the state have been resolved in favour of the APC even as the entire polity had to be original to finding solutions to problems which were not detailed in the Constitution.
“In the next few weeks depending on who goes to court or who doesn’t, we will know the boundaries of the law in respect of these issues.
“As at now we are very glad with the results that we have got and I’m very sure that they would be upheld virtually in every tribunal whatsoever, because we have adopted simple commonsense solution, legally defendable,’’ he said.
He said that the party was not disturbed by the cases in court on the Kogi situation, stating that it was still evolving.
‘’We cross every bridge as we get to it; we’ll wait and see who does what and work out answers that meet each situation
“We have thought the process through and we have won the election in Kogi; those we feel aggrieved, it is for them to call to question whatever they feel aggrieved about and we are going to meet them on those grounds.
“For us in APC, Kogi is a settled issue; if you want to go to the tribunal, we’ll meet you there. If you want to go to court, we’ll meet you there,’’ he said.
SOURCE: VANGUARD NIGERIA
Dokpesi Arraigned In Court For Money Laundering
Shortly after he took his plea, Justice Gabriel Kolawole ordered that he be remanded in EFCC custody pending the hearing of his bail application by 12:30pm on Thursday.
The prosecution led by Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), accused the defendants of receiving, N2.1bn from the office of the National Security Adviser between October 2014 and March 19, 2015 for the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential media campaign in breach of provisions of the Public Procurement Act, Money laundering Act and the EFCC Act.
Justice Kolawole has fixed trial for February 17, 18 and March 2 and 3.
FG Deploys 5000 NSCDC Officers To The North East
The Minister of Interior, Gen Abdulrahman Dambazzau, said yesterday that the deployment of the NSCDC officers is part of government’s move to stop insurgency in the region as well as help reclaim territories and secure the northeast.
This is as he advised the leadership of the Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS) to emulate the cost cutting strategy of the NSCDC, whom he said has matched allocated budgetary funds with results.
Dambazzau, who described the corps as an active and leading contributor to peace and security on the national stage made the revelation at the permanent site of the corps in Sauka, Abuja.
He said the officers drafted to the region will not only help stabilise the region but help secure areas that have been liberated by the Nigerian army.
The minister expressed optimism that the Corps has the capacity needed to undertake crisis management operations in the country as its promotes democratic value.
He said, “You have come a long way and a lot is expected of you. This is the time that the country needs you, especially in the areas of peace building in the North- East, to stabilise the areas that have been freed by the NIgerian army.
“You must rededicate yourself to training so as to perfect your responsibilities. I have no doubt that you are capable. Aside providing adequate security in the region, the officers will secure places of worship and critical government assets”.
Earlier, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Abdullahi Gana Muhammed, told the minister that the Corps has already deployed about 3,800 men at the instance of the Nigerian army, he promised that the remaining 1,200 officers will join them in no distance time to meet up with the number requested by the Nigerian army.
SOURCE: LEADERSHIP
Text Message Earns Undergraduate PhD Scholarship
An undergraduate of Geology, University of Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Paul Chidozie,26, last Sunday, bagged a PhD scholarship following a text message he sent to the Leader, Enugu State House of Assembly, Mr. Ikechukwu Ezugwu. In the last three years, Ezugwu had marked his birthday on November 24, with award of scholarships to indigent students of various tertiary institutions in the country.
Hon. Ezugwu, Enugu House Leader disbursing a cheque during the exercise
Hon. Ezugwu, Enugu House Leader disbursing a cheque during the exercise
It was like the Biblical lesson where Jesus Christ treated 10 leprosy patients but only one person went back to thank him. South East Voice watched as tears of joy rolled down freely on the House Leader’s chicks with nostalgia, that out of 20 persons who benefitted from the yearly scholarship scheme, only Chiedozie deemed it fit to come back to show appreciation and wish him many happy returns on his birthday.
Ezugwu told South-East Voice that in the last three years, he had marked his birthday by reaching out to the less privileged.
“I decided to celebrate my birthday annually by selecting two undergraduates from 10 wards in Udenu Local Government Area on merit for the award of scholarships. This is the third year into this scheme and I am bent on expanding, so that more people would benefit.
“Usually, November 24 is my birthday which I have decided to be marking with giving of awards. Out of the undergraduates that have been receiving this, Chiedozie was the only one who remembered to wish me well on my birthday. I was so touched emotionally and that singular gesture has earned him a full scholarship to PhD level.
“Even if am not alive (God forbid) the machinery to ensure that he studied to PhD level has been put in place. My prayer is that at some point in life, the beneficiaries will do unto others, that which has been done unto them. I urge them to prudently utilize the funds to advance the course of their academic pursuit. Shun vices that will detract them from giving their career utmost attention.
The package
The 20 benefiting students received N50,000 each bringing the total amount to about N2 million doled out in this year’s scholarship scheme alone.
Beneficiaries elated
Celestine Odo, from Obollo-Eke ward and a student of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN, who was visibly elated prayed Almighty God to expand and refill the pocket of the House Leader even as he assured of prudent deployment of funds. Also, Paul Chiedozie, who was the major beneficiary revealed that with the gesture from Hon Ezugwu,a jinx has been broken in his family where none of the members is, so far, a graduate.
“In my family, we do not have any graduate both from my maternal side. Look at me now, I am in third year in Geology Department and already have scholarship to study to PhD level. I want to assure my benefactor that I will not disappoint him. I will not be distracted in the campus.”
SOURCE: VANGUARD NIGERIA
EFCC Files 6-Count Charge Against Dokpesi Accuse Him Of Money Laundering
The federal government yesterday filed charges against businessman and media proprietor, Raymond Dokpesi, before the Federal high Court in Abuja in relation to his alleged receipt of about N2.1billion from the last administration from funds meant for the purchase of arms.
The charges marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/380/2015 and filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) indicated that Dokpesi is charged along with his company – Daar Holding and Investment Limited.
They are accused of violating the Money Laundering Act, the EFCC Act and the Public Procurement Act. The charge is yet to be assigned to any judge for hearing.
Dokpesi is the second person to be charge among some highly placed Nigerians accused of involvement in the mismanagement funds meant for the purchase of military wares in the President Goodluck Jonathan administration.
Already, a former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Mohammed Dasuki, is being tried before the Federal High Court, Abuja for illegal possession of firearms and money laundering.
Dokpesi, who is currently on bail from the EFCC, was last Friday ordered to be produced by Justice Gabriel Kolawole also of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The order followed an ex-parte application by Dokpesi, who claimed to have been unlawfully detained beyond 48 hours by the EFCC.
The judge, who heard Dokpesi’s lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), in chambers, ordered the EFCC to produce Dokpesi before his court on the next hearing date of December 14.
SOURCE: THISDAY
Tuesday, 8 December 2015
Fayose Allocates N100million To Stomach Infrastructure In N67bn 2016 Budget
The Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, on Tuesday presented a budget proposal of N67billion to the State House of Assembly for the 2016 fiscal year.
Presenting the budget, Mr. Fayose said the figure represents a 17 percent reduction in the 2015 appropriation, which was N80billion.
According to him, the cut was informed by his government’s decision to live within its means and avoid proposing unrealizable projects.
The governor clarified that he decided to involve the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to monitor the implementation in order to prevent “political petitioners” from peddling lies against his government.
The governor appropriated N100 million to his “stomach infrastructure” programme, and also restored the scrapped Social Security Scheme for the indigent, which was initiated by the Kayode Fayemi-led government.
Mr. Fayose said 10,000 persons would continue to receive the sum of N5, 000 monthly from January, 2016.
Giving the details of the budget tagged Budget of Purposeful and Strategic Transformation, Mr. Fayose said N24billion and N44billion were earmarked for capital and recurrent expenditures respectively.
Under the capital expenditure, Mr. Fayose said the proposed airport, Oja Oba Market and the Flyover would become realities in 2016, being part of his efforts to give Ekiti a befitting facelift.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the huge recurrent figure of N43 billion, saying it was to enable him cater for workers’ welfare, which is a priority of his government.
He reiterated his position against the plan by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to either retrench or cut the N18, 000 minimum wage, saying his government won’t associate with any anti-people policy.
Mr. Fayose said he recorded a 70 per cent budget performance in 2015, despite the dwindling revenues caused by slump in oil prices in the international market.
SOURCE: PREMIUM TIMES
Fashola To Re-Introduce Toll Gates On Nigerian Federal Roads
Mr. Fashola said this on Tuesday in Abuja during his first news conference tagged “Setting the Agenda for Delivering Change”.
He said that adequate funding of the nation’s road infrastructure would generate job opportunities and reduce unemployment in the country.
“Maintenance would be our watchword. We are setting up a robust maintenance regime to keep our highways in good shape.
“This shows that tolling is necessary to support government funding. So, it will not be too much if we ask every road user to pay little to augment government funding for road maintenance.
“It is eminent commonsense for us to find that money. We will use technology; so if we don’t pay cash, you will pay by tokens or tickets and the money is accountable and it will go to the right place.
“We will manage that fund properly and we will hold those who we put there to account,” the minister said.
Tolling was scrapped by former President Olusegun Obasanjo after his administration imposed fuel tax. Since then, attempts to restart the policy failed.
Mr. Fashola said as a short-term strategy, the ministry would start with quick completion of ongoing inter-state roads in order to facilitate connectivity, before working on those that bear heavy traffic.
“We commit all our skills, energies, and collective integrity unreservedly to playing our part, but how much success we deliver is dependent also on the citizens’ commitment to their own part,’’ he said.
The minister observed that lack of funding had caused many construction companies to retrench their workers due to the huge debts owed them by the various tiers of government.
He said that with adequate budgetary allocations, the three ministries have an enormous role to play in repositioning the economy and creating jobs.
“Clearly, good roads will help reposition and grow our economy, reduce travel time, cost of transportation of goods and services, and restore jobs that have been lost to transport-dependent services.
“Some of the numbers from only four construction companies that were sampled, suggest that at least 5,150 workers have been laid off as at March 11, 2015.
“If each contractor has only 100 employees at each of the 200 contract sites, it means at least that 20,000 people who lost their jobs can return to work. If the right budget is put in place and funded for contractors to get paid.
“The possibility to return those who have just lost their jobs back to work is the kind of change that we expect to see by this short-term strategy.”
Mr. Fashola further said that the ministry would soon embark on enforcement of the right of way by dismantling all illegal structures infringing on the highways.
He advised persons infringing on the right of way to voluntarily dismantle the inappropriate structures before the government commenced the demolition of such structures.
“In order to make the roads safer, we intend to re-claim the full width of all Federal roads, representing 16 per cent and about 36,000km of Nigeria’s road network.
“We are immediately now asking all those who are infringing on our highways, whether by parking, trading, or erection of any inappropriate structure to immediately remove, relocate or dismantle such things voluntarily.
“This will be the biggest contribution that citizens can offer our country as proof that we all want things to change for the better,” the minister said.
SOURCE: PREMIUM TIMES
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