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Saturday, 8 October 2016
A new type of justice for Nigeria.
DSS Invading Homes Of Judges In Abuja
A contingent of officers from the Department of State Security (DSS) this evening surrounded the home of two Nigerian federal judges, Nnamdi Dimgba and Adebiyi Ademola.
The federal judges currently reside at 32 and 34 Samuel Ogbemudia Cresent in the Apo Legislative Quarters of Abuja.
The invading officers arrived and surrounded Justice Dimgba’s home around 9PM Nigerian time, according to sources speaking to SaharaReporters. Shortly after the siege, neighbors of the judge told SaharaReporters that the DSS agents began breaking into his compound with a sledgehammer.
Mr. Dimgba was reportedly not at home at the time of the invasion. However, a source said DSS had been uncomfortable with recent rulings by the judge and because of his vocal criticism of DSS for violating rights of persons detained at its facility.
Another source revealed that they believed Mr. Dimgba was being targeted unfairly by DSS as a form of punishment. On July 22nd, 2016 he berated DSS for not presenting Air Commodore Umar Mohammed to his court for a scheduled hearing.
Earlier today, DSS agents arrested Justice Muazu Pindiga, former Chairman of the Rivers State Governorship petition tribunal, for allegations of bribery and corruption.
www.saharareporters.com/2016/10/07/breaking-nigerian-secret-police-now-invading-homes-federal-judges-abuja
The federal judges currently reside at 32 and 34 Samuel Ogbemudia Cresent in the Apo Legislative Quarters of Abuja.
The invading officers arrived and surrounded Justice Dimgba’s home around 9PM Nigerian time, according to sources speaking to SaharaReporters. Shortly after the siege, neighbors of the judge told SaharaReporters that the DSS agents began breaking into his compound with a sledgehammer.
Mr. Dimgba was reportedly not at home at the time of the invasion. However, a source said DSS had been uncomfortable with recent rulings by the judge and because of his vocal criticism of DSS for violating rights of persons detained at its facility.
Another source revealed that they believed Mr. Dimgba was being targeted unfairly by DSS as a form of punishment. On July 22nd, 2016 he berated DSS for not presenting Air Commodore Umar Mohammed to his court for a scheduled hearing.
Earlier today, DSS agents arrested Justice Muazu Pindiga, former Chairman of the Rivers State Governorship petition tribunal, for allegations of bribery and corruption.
www.saharareporters.com/2016/10/07/breaking-nigerian-secret-police-now-invading-homes-federal-judges-abuja
Poultry Farm Owners Kidnapped In Lagos, Manager Killed After N22m Ransom.
On July 17, 2016, 15 men stormed two poultry farms located at Egan, Itoki area of Ikorodu, Lagos. They went with three AK47 and rifles, one pump-action rifle, nine magazines and 270 rounds of live ammunition.
As soon as the men, who arrived the area in three boats got to the farms, they grabbed the owners, – Alhaji Oyebanji Wasiu and Alhaji Isiaka Owolabi along with the manager of the two farms, 43-year-old Abiodun Adeniyi.
But this was no ordinary kidnap for ransom.
When three suspects in the case, who are now in police custody, narrated the event that led to the kidnapping, it became clear that there was a deep-seated vengeance involved.
The kidnappers’ inside man, 24-year-old Idowu Dauwujoh, who is also one of the suspects in custody, told our correspondent that when he got a job as a worker on the farms, he was employed along with three other friends, Kekeminiwei, Afro and Odesebra, all Ijaw young men.
Dauwujoh, who is also an Ijaw man, said few months after they were employed, Kekeminiwei, Afro and Odesebra were sacked.
He said, “The allegations were that they were stealing from the farms. Then, Afro was dating a lady who also worked on the farms. It became an issue between him and the manager of the farms (Adeniyi) and the man told him to leave.
“I was the only one remaining in the farms, but I was always in touch with the other boys. One day, they called me and said anytime the owners of the farms were around, I should let them know. They told me they were planning to kidnap them and that I should act as if I knew nothing.”
Few days before July 17, 2016, Dauwujoh, called his friends to inform them that his bosses would be around in a few days.
As soon as the owners (Wasiu and Owolabi) arrived their farms on Wednesday, July 17, Dauwujoh gave his friends the signal and they moved in.
Dauwujoh said when they kidnapped his bosses including the manager, he had no idea where they were taking them to. But he fled the farms to Delta State.
One of the suspects in custody, 26-year-old Priye Idoro, said he took part in the kidnapping and was actually the cook in the camp where they kept their victims.
Idoro said, “Before that day, I was not a kidnapper. All I was doing was bursting pipelines to steal crude oil at Igbo Olomu (a suburb of Ikorodu, Lagos, where militants sacked the entire community recently).
“One day, one of my bosses, who employed me as a pipeline vandal, informed me of the kidnap plan and I willingly went along.
“We arrived at the area before the kidnapping day and stayed in the forest for three days. As soon as we got the signal, we moved in and took the men.”
Saturday PUNCH learnt that the victims were taken deep into the creek where they were instructed to contact their families.
Their families later put together the sum of N22m as ransom which they dropped in a particular location as instructed by the kidnappers.
Idoro said, “The first day we brought the men to the creek, I was told to go and buy foodstuff by nightfall. I bought fish, soup ingredients and garri.
“I was feeding them eba most of the time. Cooking was all I was doing, my bosses were the ones doing the negotiation. When the ransom was paid, they told me it was N20m. They brought the money in a carton and two ‘Ghana-Must-Go’ bags.
“They gave me N500,000. I treated the men well. Before they released them, they were even praying for me that I would do something great with the money I got.
“One evening, I went to buy food and when I got back, they had released them. I asked about the manager too and one of the men said he had killed him because he was the one who sent him away from the farm, where he was working before. They did not tell me what they did with his body.”
The group dispersed and Idoro travelled to Sapele, Delta State, where he bought a boat with his own share. He said he wanted to use the boat for water transport.
He would later be arrested at Sapele.
The police tracked down Idoro and the other two suspects, after the murdered manager’s phone was tracked by the police and located at Delta State.
One of the kidnappers had given the phone as a gift to his brother, 27-year-old Daniel Jekene, who quickly helped in getting the other two arrested after the police nabbed him.
When Dauwujoh was arrested, it was learnt that the gang had given his N2.5m share to his elder brother to give to him. But the elder brother absconded with the money.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, said investigation was still ongoing to arrest other members of the gang.
He said the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations were complete.
Source
As soon as the men, who arrived the area in three boats got to the farms, they grabbed the owners, – Alhaji Oyebanji Wasiu and Alhaji Isiaka Owolabi along with the manager of the two farms, 43-year-old Abiodun Adeniyi.
But this was no ordinary kidnap for ransom.
When three suspects in the case, who are now in police custody, narrated the event that led to the kidnapping, it became clear that there was a deep-seated vengeance involved.
The kidnappers’ inside man, 24-year-old Idowu Dauwujoh, who is also one of the suspects in custody, told our correspondent that when he got a job as a worker on the farms, he was employed along with three other friends, Kekeminiwei, Afro and Odesebra, all Ijaw young men.
Dauwujoh, who is also an Ijaw man, said few months after they were employed, Kekeminiwei, Afro and Odesebra were sacked.
He said, “The allegations were that they were stealing from the farms. Then, Afro was dating a lady who also worked on the farms. It became an issue between him and the manager of the farms (Adeniyi) and the man told him to leave.
“I was the only one remaining in the farms, but I was always in touch with the other boys. One day, they called me and said anytime the owners of the farms were around, I should let them know. They told me they were planning to kidnap them and that I should act as if I knew nothing.”
Few days before July 17, 2016, Dauwujoh, called his friends to inform them that his bosses would be around in a few days.
As soon as the owners (Wasiu and Owolabi) arrived their farms on Wednesday, July 17, Dauwujoh gave his friends the signal and they moved in.
Dauwujoh said when they kidnapped his bosses including the manager, he had no idea where they were taking them to. But he fled the farms to Delta State.
One of the suspects in custody, 26-year-old Priye Idoro, said he took part in the kidnapping and was actually the cook in the camp where they kept their victims.
Idoro said, “Before that day, I was not a kidnapper. All I was doing was bursting pipelines to steal crude oil at Igbo Olomu (a suburb of Ikorodu, Lagos, where militants sacked the entire community recently).
“One day, one of my bosses, who employed me as a pipeline vandal, informed me of the kidnap plan and I willingly went along.
“We arrived at the area before the kidnapping day and stayed in the forest for three days. As soon as we got the signal, we moved in and took the men.”
Saturday PUNCH learnt that the victims were taken deep into the creek where they were instructed to contact their families.
Their families later put together the sum of N22m as ransom which they dropped in a particular location as instructed by the kidnappers.
Idoro said, “The first day we brought the men to the creek, I was told to go and buy foodstuff by nightfall. I bought fish, soup ingredients and garri.
“I was feeding them eba most of the time. Cooking was all I was doing, my bosses were the ones doing the negotiation. When the ransom was paid, they told me it was N20m. They brought the money in a carton and two ‘Ghana-Must-Go’ bags.
“They gave me N500,000. I treated the men well. Before they released them, they were even praying for me that I would do something great with the money I got.
“One evening, I went to buy food and when I got back, they had released them. I asked about the manager too and one of the men said he had killed him because he was the one who sent him away from the farm, where he was working before. They did not tell me what they did with his body.”
The group dispersed and Idoro travelled to Sapele, Delta State, where he bought a boat with his own share. He said he wanted to use the boat for water transport.
He would later be arrested at Sapele.
The police tracked down Idoro and the other two suspects, after the murdered manager’s phone was tracked by the police and located at Delta State.
One of the kidnappers had given the phone as a gift to his brother, 27-year-old Daniel Jekene, who quickly helped in getting the other two arrested after the police nabbed him.
When Dauwujoh was arrested, it was learnt that the gang had given his N2.5m share to his elder brother to give to him. But the elder brother absconded with the money.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, said investigation was still ongoing to arrest other members of the gang.
He said the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations were complete.
Source
Jonathan Didn’t Treat The Igbo Well – Ekwueme.
…Speaks on PDP, MASSOB and IPOB
By Onochie Anibeze, Emmanuel Aziken & Emeka Mamah
Jonathan: We conclude, today, the interview one time Vice President Dr Alex Ekwueme granted us to mark Nigeria’s Independence anniversary. Last week we published his views on the state of the nation. He said what we have today as Nigeria was not their dream that day of October 1, 1960 that Nigeria became an independent country. He would like Nigeria to be restructured in a way that will see the regions developing at their own pace rather than depending on the federal government for everything.
He advised President Buhari to dialogue with the Niger Delta to end the militancy in that area. Ekwueme revealed that the 1983 military coup was aimed at stopping him from becoming Nigeria’s President in 1987. He also gave reasons for declining President Olusegun Obasanjo’s offer to be Senate President.
Enjoy the last excerpts from the interview:
How do you think PDP can be revived?
There are a lot of… I won’t call them hooligans, characters who have taken control of PDP in various states of the federation, including my state and they are allowed to go away with it because the NWC in Wadata House is easy to compromise.
So you find these people dictating terms; they would arrange with them and be the ones to produce a list of delegates to vote at congress or convention. Until people like that are shunted out of the party nothing good will come out of the party. I have distanced myself from the activities of the party; I haven’t been to a Board of Trustees meeting in the last three years.
Haven’t they been inviting you?
Yes, I am a life member. I haven’t been to NEC meeting in the last three years because as I said there are a lot of characters there who shouldn’t be there.
Now people have suggested at one time that we should call a meeting of the original founding fathers who are still around and see how we can start afresh but I said that I am 83 going to 84, and that I cannot go through the same process I went through in 1998, that people younger should take it from there.
Some have, however, alleged that you had a hand in the problems of the party in Anambra in that you replaced ABC Nwosu who allegedly won the governorship primary in 1999 and replaced him with your former press secretary, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadiniju. Please, can you clear the air on this?
That is not true. I have challenged them for anybody to tell me where I said people should vote for Mbadiniju. None! The only person in all these years whom I have supported is Soludo.
Mabdiniju won the primary?
Yes.
So there was no issue of replacement or that ABC Nwosu won and was replaced with Mbadiniju?
First of all, ABC Nwosu should not have even contested because the agreement was that as secretary of the party he would not contest.
Sir, what is the way out of the economic recession?
Long term I have already addressed. Build up our capacity and Nigeria will be better off. In the short term, I am surprised at the government’s stance. The price of crude oil is less than one-third of what it used to be at its peak, and production level was 2.2 million barrels per day and right now we are producing about 900,000 barrels which is much less than half of the production and selling at less than one-third of the price of the former selling price. So you can see what the impact could be on an economy like ours that is mono culture and dependent on one product.
The Niger Delta Avengers and collaborators are responsible for the drop in production; they are not responsible for the price.
Yar‘adua, when he had a similar problem was able to start the amnesty programme and at that time, our production had also dropped to 800,000, and we had been overtaken by Angola in Africa. But once Yar‘adua settled with the restive youths through the Amnesty Programme, production went back to 2.2 million barrels.
Now with all that information at the disposal of the present government they did not see that the best course of action would be to negotiate with these boys and reach some understanding; instead they want to use the force of arms and even with all that, they are still blowing up facilities.
I read a few days ago that they said that they killed 23 militants, and it is not something to brag about. You kill 23 of the boys, and you are bragging about it; it is not a very good thing to hear.
There is no short cut of getting out of recession which is mostly caused by the lack of foreign exchange to run factories, to even import goods and services…there is no shortcut than to increase production.
Instead of facing it squarely we are still battling with the force of arms to try and subdue. I am not a soldier, maybe soldiers always think of force, force as a means of solving problems, but I don’t see a quick end to the recession without solving the problem of low oil production.
The Igbo question. Do you feel they lack of leadership in Igbo land?
It depends on what you mean by leadership. We have about five governors in Igbo land, we have a deputy president of the Senate, we have a lot of ministers, we have a lot of political leaders.
President Jonathan when he was campaigning did a lot of things for the North and West, and it is alleged he even mobilised the traditional rulers in the North and West, but the Southeast backed him without negotiating even with its bad roads.
As I said in an interview in the past, Jonathan didn’t treat us very well for the support he got in 2011; which he confessed to me himself was more than what he got from his people in the South-South.
He gave an example, that the people who were running against him tried to get a running mate from the Southeast, but none of them succeeded in getting a running mate from the Southeast to run against him; but even in his own South-South, Oyegun was a running mate to somebody; and when the election was over the Youth Corps members who were brutalised in Bauchi were people from the Southeast, not people from the South-South.
He told me this himself. So, he had every reason to be fair-minded and equitable in his distribution of resources. But we could not go from Enugu to Onitsha on a federal road, you couldn’t go from Enugu to Port-Harcourt on a federal road, we couldn’t go from Aba to Okigwe on a federal road; you couldn’t go from Owerri on the federal road. None of the federal roads in the Southeast was motorable.
So, would you support the actions of MASSOB and IPOB for self-determination?
I am 83 years old going to 84 next month, my attitude to life cannot be that with those who are in their twenties or in their thirties. But there is something the emir of Kano said about the young Igbo people, that those who are in MASSOB or IPOB never knew Nzeogwu or Ojukwu and they may think that instead of living like slaves in their country that it may be better for them to wage war and lose, if they lose they may get a more honourable peace than the one that their parents got at the end of the 30 months civil war.
SOURCE
By Onochie Anibeze, Emmanuel Aziken & Emeka Mamah
Jonathan: We conclude, today, the interview one time Vice President Dr Alex Ekwueme granted us to mark Nigeria’s Independence anniversary. Last week we published his views on the state of the nation. He said what we have today as Nigeria was not their dream that day of October 1, 1960 that Nigeria became an independent country. He would like Nigeria to be restructured in a way that will see the regions developing at their own pace rather than depending on the federal government for everything.
He advised President Buhari to dialogue with the Niger Delta to end the militancy in that area. Ekwueme revealed that the 1983 military coup was aimed at stopping him from becoming Nigeria’s President in 1987. He also gave reasons for declining President Olusegun Obasanjo’s offer to be Senate President.
Enjoy the last excerpts from the interview:
How do you think PDP can be revived?
There are a lot of… I won’t call them hooligans, characters who have taken control of PDP in various states of the federation, including my state and they are allowed to go away with it because the NWC in Wadata House is easy to compromise.
So you find these people dictating terms; they would arrange with them and be the ones to produce a list of delegates to vote at congress or convention. Until people like that are shunted out of the party nothing good will come out of the party. I have distanced myself from the activities of the party; I haven’t been to a Board of Trustees meeting in the last three years.
Haven’t they been inviting you?
Yes, I am a life member. I haven’t been to NEC meeting in the last three years because as I said there are a lot of characters there who shouldn’t be there.
Now people have suggested at one time that we should call a meeting of the original founding fathers who are still around and see how we can start afresh but I said that I am 83 going to 84, and that I cannot go through the same process I went through in 1998, that people younger should take it from there.
Some have, however, alleged that you had a hand in the problems of the party in Anambra in that you replaced ABC Nwosu who allegedly won the governorship primary in 1999 and replaced him with your former press secretary, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadiniju. Please, can you clear the air on this?
That is not true. I have challenged them for anybody to tell me where I said people should vote for Mbadiniju. None! The only person in all these years whom I have supported is Soludo.
Mabdiniju won the primary?
Yes.
So there was no issue of replacement or that ABC Nwosu won and was replaced with Mbadiniju?
First of all, ABC Nwosu should not have even contested because the agreement was that as secretary of the party he would not contest.
Sir, what is the way out of the economic recession?
Long term I have already addressed. Build up our capacity and Nigeria will be better off. In the short term, I am surprised at the government’s stance. The price of crude oil is less than one-third of what it used to be at its peak, and production level was 2.2 million barrels per day and right now we are producing about 900,000 barrels which is much less than half of the production and selling at less than one-third of the price of the former selling price. So you can see what the impact could be on an economy like ours that is mono culture and dependent on one product.
The Niger Delta Avengers and collaborators are responsible for the drop in production; they are not responsible for the price.
Yar‘adua, when he had a similar problem was able to start the amnesty programme and at that time, our production had also dropped to 800,000, and we had been overtaken by Angola in Africa. But once Yar‘adua settled with the restive youths through the Amnesty Programme, production went back to 2.2 million barrels.
Now with all that information at the disposal of the present government they did not see that the best course of action would be to negotiate with these boys and reach some understanding; instead they want to use the force of arms and even with all that, they are still blowing up facilities.
I read a few days ago that they said that they killed 23 militants, and it is not something to brag about. You kill 23 of the boys, and you are bragging about it; it is not a very good thing to hear.
There is no short cut of getting out of recession which is mostly caused by the lack of foreign exchange to run factories, to even import goods and services…there is no shortcut than to increase production.
Instead of facing it squarely we are still battling with the force of arms to try and subdue. I am not a soldier, maybe soldiers always think of force, force as a means of solving problems, but I don’t see a quick end to the recession without solving the problem of low oil production.
The Igbo question. Do you feel they lack of leadership in Igbo land?
It depends on what you mean by leadership. We have about five governors in Igbo land, we have a deputy president of the Senate, we have a lot of ministers, we have a lot of political leaders.
President Jonathan when he was campaigning did a lot of things for the North and West, and it is alleged he even mobilised the traditional rulers in the North and West, but the Southeast backed him without negotiating even with its bad roads.
As I said in an interview in the past, Jonathan didn’t treat us very well for the support he got in 2011; which he confessed to me himself was more than what he got from his people in the South-South.
He gave an example, that the people who were running against him tried to get a running mate from the Southeast, but none of them succeeded in getting a running mate from the Southeast to run against him; but even in his own South-South, Oyegun was a running mate to somebody; and when the election was over the Youth Corps members who were brutalised in Bauchi were people from the Southeast, not people from the South-South.
He told me this himself. So, he had every reason to be fair-minded and equitable in his distribution of resources. But we could not go from Enugu to Onitsha on a federal road, you couldn’t go from Enugu to Port-Harcourt on a federal road, we couldn’t go from Aba to Okigwe on a federal road; you couldn’t go from Owerri on the federal road. None of the federal roads in the Southeast was motorable.
So, would you support the actions of MASSOB and IPOB for self-determination?
I am 83 years old going to 84 next month, my attitude to life cannot be that with those who are in their twenties or in their thirties. But there is something the emir of Kano said about the young Igbo people, that those who are in MASSOB or IPOB never knew Nzeogwu or Ojukwu and they may think that instead of living like slaves in their country that it may be better for them to wage war and lose, if they lose they may get a more honourable peace than the one that their parents got at the end of the 30 months civil war.
SOURCE
The Face Behind Lailasblog As She Is Nominated For An Award In Dubai
Laila Ijeoma Obiagwu (Nigerian) makes a career and life out of breaking the biggest stories from Nigeria on her blog www.LailasBlog.com and helping people.
The happily married mother of three boys is also a banker, trained academically as a Chemical engineer from a top Federal University of Technology in Nigeria.
Laila started blogging out of passion in 2012 but founded www.Lailasblog.com in 2013. This is 2016, her blog enjoys over 95 million pageviews with readership cutting across international borders.
With a passion to make impact in her generation, Laila sees Oprah Winfrey as her role model in human achievement and drive.
In 2014, she was nominated for the Best Entertainment Blog at the Nigerian Blog Awards and Blogger of the Year at the Nigerian Writers Award in 2015.
The spread of the young intelligent blogger's views has attracted accolades for her as her platform has made Africa better and not bitter.
It is commendable that this noble lady is being listed for this prestigious award - Pan African HUMANITARIAN Award in far away Dubai in partnership with ECOWAS and Dubai HUMANITARIAN hub on November 12th 2016.
Laila Ijeoma Obiagwu is 32 years old, born 12th of August, 1984.
SOURCE
The happily married mother of three boys is also a banker, trained academically as a Chemical engineer from a top Federal University of Technology in Nigeria.
Laila started blogging out of passion in 2012 but founded www.Lailasblog.com in 2013. This is 2016, her blog enjoys over 95 million pageviews with readership cutting across international borders.
With a passion to make impact in her generation, Laila sees Oprah Winfrey as her role model in human achievement and drive.
In 2014, she was nominated for the Best Entertainment Blog at the Nigerian Blog Awards and Blogger of the Year at the Nigerian Writers Award in 2015.
The spread of the young intelligent blogger's views has attracted accolades for her as her platform has made Africa better and not bitter.
It is commendable that this noble lady is being listed for this prestigious award - Pan African HUMANITARIAN Award in far away Dubai in partnership with ECOWAS and Dubai HUMANITARIAN hub on November 12th 2016.
Laila Ijeoma Obiagwu is 32 years old, born 12th of August, 1984.
SOURCE
FFK: "Buhari Received N24.6Billion And N19Billion In Cash From Ex Governor".
If I had been invited by President Muhamnadu Buhari or Professor Paden to the book launch I would have mounted the podium and said as much. Sadly I was not.
Permit me to end this contribution by making a suggestion to Paden. Since he wrote about Jonathan's campaign funds and alleged all manner of corruption concerning their source and application, in his next book on President Buhari I would suggest that he sheds more light on how his subjects own 2015 presidential campaign funds were sourced.
For a start he should tell us who provided the 10 million USD that was paid as consultancy fees to the company of Mr. David Axelrod, President Barack Obama's erstwhile campaign manager.
He should also tell us the source of funds and how Buhari and his team managed the 19 billion naira that was given to him in cash by the then sitting Governor of the leading and largest state in the south west and the 24.6 billion naira that was given to him in cash and in one day (which was recorded on video before being handed over) by another leading south western politician.
In addition to that he should tell us precisely how much the then Governors of Rivers and Kano states and the present Governors of Ogun and Kwara states amongst many others contributed to Buhari's campaign and where they got the money from.
Since everyone is claiming to be holy and righteous in this matter let us all get there and publicly exchange notes. After all the Nigerian public, and indeed the entire world, has a right to know.
If Paden fails to ask those questions and declines to provide the answers then he, his accursed books and his questionable and dubious "white-washing" mission of President Muhammadu Buhari shall undoubtedly remain damned forever.
Whether he does so or not other governments that will come to power in the future in this country will not only get the necessary answers but they will also do the appropriate thing and bring them to justice. It is only a matter of time.
Permit me to end this contribution by making a suggestion to Paden. Since he wrote about Jonathan's campaign funds and alleged all manner of corruption concerning their source and application, in his next book on President Buhari I would suggest that he sheds more light on how his subjects own 2015 presidential campaign funds were sourced.
For a start he should tell us who provided the 10 million USD that was paid as consultancy fees to the company of Mr. David Axelrod, President Barack Obama's erstwhile campaign manager.
He should also tell us the source of funds and how Buhari and his team managed the 19 billion naira that was given to him in cash by the then sitting Governor of the leading and largest state in the south west and the 24.6 billion naira that was given to him in cash and in one day (which was recorded on video before being handed over) by another leading south western politician.
In addition to that he should tell us precisely how much the then Governors of Rivers and Kano states and the present Governors of Ogun and Kwara states amongst many others contributed to Buhari's campaign and where they got the money from.
Since everyone is claiming to be holy and righteous in this matter let us all get there and publicly exchange notes. After all the Nigerian public, and indeed the entire world, has a right to know.
If Paden fails to ask those questions and declines to provide the answers then he, his accursed books and his questionable and dubious "white-washing" mission of President Muhammadu Buhari shall undoubtedly remain damned forever.
Whether he does so or not other governments that will come to power in the future in this country will not only get the necessary answers but they will also do the appropriate thing and bring them to justice. It is only a matter of time.
Wedding Of Orobosa Igbinedion & Umar Mantu In Abuja (Photos).
The fourth wedding ceremony between Umar Mantu and Orobosa, daughter of Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion and his Jamaican-born wife Lady Cherry, was held yesterday in Abuja. The bride took our breath away in Ralph and Russo 2016 unparalleled Haute Couture dress .. flanked by her lovely bridesmaids Tania Omotayo and Nenesi Ibru.
SOURCE
SOURCE
Friday, 7 October 2016
BREAKINGNEWS: Desmond Tutu wants assisted death
South African retired Anglican archbishop and anti-apartheid icon Desmond Tutu celebrated his 85th birthday on Friday saying he would like to be allowed the option of dignified assisted death.
“Today, I myself am even closer to the departures hall than arrivals, so to speak, and my thoughts turn to how I would like to be treated when the time comes,” Tutu wrote in an op-ed published in The Washington Post.
“I have prepared for my death and have made it clear that I do not wish to be kept alive at all costs,” said Tutu, who was discharged from hospital late last month.
“I hope I am treated with compassion and allowed to pass on to the next phase of life’s journey in the manner of my choice,” he wrote.
Tutu, who is fondly referred to as the Arch, has spent time in hospital on several occasions since last year for a nagging infection.
One reason for his hospitalisation has been an infection resulting from the prostate cancer treatment he has been receiving for nearly 20 years.
“Now more than ever, I feel compelled to lend my voice to this cause,” he said.
“For those suffering unbearably and coming to the end of their lives, merely knowing that an assisted death is open to them can provide immeasurable comfort.”
Medically-assisted suicide or voluntary euthanasia is illegal in South Africa, but in recent years there have been growing calls for it to be legalised.
National treasure
Early on Friday, Tutu presided over eucharist at his home church in Cape Town, an AFP photographer witnessed.
He paid a moving tribute to St George’s Cathedral before laying his head on the communion table and briefly wept.
“I have indicated that when the time comes I would like to rest here, permanently, with you,” he told the worshippers.
Tutu, who became the first black Anglican archbishop of Cape Town in 1986, had a cup of tea with worshippers after the Friday morning service.
President Jacob Zuma and the last apartheid leader F.W. de Klerk led tributes to Tutu.
In a statement Zuma said Tutu “has contributed immensely to the freedom and democratic dispensation” of South Africa.
“He continues to inspire the nation and the world in the promotion of human rights, justice and the wellbeing of all especially the poor,” said Zuma.
De Klerk and his foundation wished Tutu “the best of health in the year ahead,” and acknowledged “his valuable role as a peacemaker, as well as his contribution towards goodwill between all South Africans, and towards South Africa’s constitutional democracy.”
Ordained at the age of 30 and appointed archbishop in 1986, Tutu used his position to advocate for international sanctions against white-minority rule in South Africa, and later to lobby for rights globally.
He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984.
PUNCH
“Today, I myself am even closer to the departures hall than arrivals, so to speak, and my thoughts turn to how I would like to be treated when the time comes,” Tutu wrote in an op-ed published in The Washington Post.
“I have prepared for my death and have made it clear that I do not wish to be kept alive at all costs,” said Tutu, who was discharged from hospital late last month.
“I hope I am treated with compassion and allowed to pass on to the next phase of life’s journey in the manner of my choice,” he wrote.
Tutu, who is fondly referred to as the Arch, has spent time in hospital on several occasions since last year for a nagging infection.
One reason for his hospitalisation has been an infection resulting from the prostate cancer treatment he has been receiving for nearly 20 years.
“Now more than ever, I feel compelled to lend my voice to this cause,” he said.
“For those suffering unbearably and coming to the end of their lives, merely knowing that an assisted death is open to them can provide immeasurable comfort.”
Medically-assisted suicide or voluntary euthanasia is illegal in South Africa, but in recent years there have been growing calls for it to be legalised.
National treasure
Early on Friday, Tutu presided over eucharist at his home church in Cape Town, an AFP photographer witnessed.
He paid a moving tribute to St George’s Cathedral before laying his head on the communion table and briefly wept.
“I have indicated that when the time comes I would like to rest here, permanently, with you,” he told the worshippers.
Tutu, who became the first black Anglican archbishop of Cape Town in 1986, had a cup of tea with worshippers after the Friday morning service.
President Jacob Zuma and the last apartheid leader F.W. de Klerk led tributes to Tutu.
In a statement Zuma said Tutu “has contributed immensely to the freedom and democratic dispensation” of South Africa.
“He continues to inspire the nation and the world in the promotion of human rights, justice and the wellbeing of all especially the poor,” said Zuma.
De Klerk and his foundation wished Tutu “the best of health in the year ahead,” and acknowledged “his valuable role as a peacemaker, as well as his contribution towards goodwill between all South Africans, and towards South Africa’s constitutional democracy.”
Ordained at the age of 30 and appointed archbishop in 1986, Tutu used his position to advocate for international sanctions against white-minority rule in South Africa, and later to lobby for rights globally.
He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984.
PUNCH
PHOTOS: Saraki, Ekweremadu celebrate withdrawal of forgery charges.
The Federal Government on Friday withdrew the forgery charges it instituted against the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, and two others.
Why forgery charges against Saraki, Ekweremadu were withdrawn – FG
After the charges were dropped, both lawmakers stepped out of the court to cheers from supporters.
See photos below:
SOURCE
Why forgery charges against Saraki, Ekweremadu were withdrawn – FG
After the charges were dropped, both lawmakers stepped out of the court to cheers from supporters.
See photos below:
SOURCE
Court Orders AMCON To Pay Ifeanyi Ubah's Capital Oil N26 Bn.
The court presided over by Justice Abdul Kafarati in his judgement held that the court has powers to enforce its judgment or the verdict of any lower court in the country.
Justice Kafarati also restrained AMCON from exercising any powers over Capital Oil and Gas Limited and its assets and from processing any assignment and transfer among others.
He further advised to live up to its statutory responsibility of reviving the nation's economy through positive supports for businesses to thrive.
The court went further to grant all the reliefs of the plaintiff and made the following orders:
"An order compelling the defendant (AMCON) to comply with obligations to restructure the plaintiff's debt and to provide Trade Finance Facility in the sum of 16 Billion Naira for revamping of the plaintiff's business and to pay the plaintiff's trade creditors.
"An order compelling the defendant to comply with the consent judgment and to make the additional sum of N10, 590, 000, 000 Billion naira available to the plaintiff for the payment of sundry creditors who continue to threaten the plaintiff's business.
"An order of injunction restraining the defendant from exercising any powers over the plaintiff and its assets and from processing any assignment, transfer or other demise whatsoever or requesting for statutory consent or other approvals for the transfer or other demise of any rights in the assets of the plaintiff," Justice Kafarati said.
In his reaction shortly to the judgment, counsel to the plaintiff, Ajibola Oluyede, described the verdict as a "landmerk decision" that is rooted in the vision of the founding fathers of AMCON, urging AMCON to adhere to the position of the court by living up to its statutory billing in providing the needed support for businesses to flourish with the ultimate goal of creating jobs for the citizenry.
It would be recalled that a Federal High Court, Lagos Division, had on May 6th struck out the suit commenced by AMCON against Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited on the grounds that the suit was premature and seeks to circumvent existing suits in different courts on issues relating to the alleged indebtedness of Capital Oil and Gas which is currently under dispute.
This was the basis of an order by the judge, Justice Idris, striking out a petition filed in the court by AMCON for the freezing of Capital Oil and Gas’ accounts and winding up of Capital Oil and Gas Ltd for its alleged inability to pay the disputed debt.
In the ruling delivered on 6th May 2016 in Suit No. FHC/L/CP/506/2016, the judge upheld the contention of Capital Oil and Gas’ counsel, Ajibola Oluyede, represented by Michael Damiari, that the winding up proceedings filed by AMCON against Capital Oil and Gas was intended to circumvent the existing actions in suits FHC/ABJ/CS/430/15; FHC/ABJ/CS/514/15 and FHC/L/CS/1529/15 where-in live issues pertaining to the consent judgment in FHC/ABJ/CS/714/2012 which is the subject matter of the winding up petition are pending.
According to the court “until the issues raised in those suits are determined, it will be premature to say the judgment debt has crystalized as provided in clause 2.4 of the consent judgment”.
Specifically, the Federal High Court, Lagos Division,had struck out the suit commenced by AMCON against Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited on the ground that the suit is premature and seeks to circumvent existing suits in different courts on issues relating to the alleged indebtedness of Capital Oil and Gas which is currently under dispute.
This was the basis of an or-der by the judge, Justice Idris, striking out a petition filed in the court by AMCON for the freezing of Capital Oil and Gas’ accounts and winding up of Capital Oil and Gas Ltd. for alleged inability to pay the disputed debt.
In the ruling delivered on Friday 6th May 2016 in Suit No. FHC/L/CP/506/2016, the judge upheld the contention of Capital Oil and Gas’ counsel, Ajibola Oluyede, represented by Michael Damiari, that the winding up proceedings filed by AMCON against Capital Oil and Gas was intended to circumvent the existing actions in suits FHC/ABJ/CS/430/15; FHC/ABJ/CS/514/15 and FHC/L/CS/1529/15 where-in live issues pertaining to the consent judgment in FHC/ABJ/CS/714/2012 which is the subject matter of the winding up petition are pending. According to the court “until the issues raised in those suits are determined, it will be premature to say the judgment debt has crystalized as provided in clause 2.4 of the consent judgment”.
In defence, Capital Oil and Gas, in its Respondent’s Counter Affidavit of 91 paragraphs deposed to by Nsikan Usoro in opposition to AMCON’s petition, had contended that AMCON grossly violated the terms of the consent judgment entered between the two parties. It was argued that AMCON failed, refused and/or neglected to inject the requisite funds into Capital Oil and Gas as agreed and contained in the terms of the consent judgment despite Capital Oil and Gas fulfilling all its obligation of transferring assets valued at over N150 billion to AMCON. It was also contended that Capital Oil and Gas, which is a going concern and also a company of strategic national importance responsible for a great percentage of petroleum products distributed nationwide, is not insolvent, not indebted to AMCON, neither was it unable to pay its debt as the company has assets worth over N300 billion, far in excess of any alleged debt to AMCON or any other creditor.
It was further argued that AMCON is indebted to Capital Oil and Gas to the tune of over N150 billion, arising from economic losses and damages inflicted on Capital Oil and Gas by AMCON, through the gross mismanagement of Capital Oil and Gas’ prime facilities and business interests during the two years of AMCON’s ill management of Capital Oil and Gas, which is the subject matter of suit no. FHC/ABJ/CS/430/2015 and in other various claims pending before different courts.
The court agreed with the argument of Capital Oil and Gas in its preliminary objection and struck out the petition. The court also set aside all the interim orders made by the court therein.
It was further contended that AMCON is indebted to Capital Oil and Gas to the tune of over N150 billion, arising from economic losses and damages inflicted on Capital Oil and Gas by AMCON, through the gross mismanagement of Capital Oil and Gas’ prime facilities and business interests during the two years of AMCON’s ill management of Capital Oil and Gas, which is the subject matter of suit no. FHC/ABJ/CS/430/2015 and in other various claims pending before different courts.
The court agreed with the argument of Capital Oil and Gas in its preliminary objection and struck out the petition. The court also set aside all the interim orders made by the court therein.
SOURCE
Abductors contact families of Lagos School Children.
Olaleye Aluko.
The gunmen who abducted four pupils, teacher and vice-principal of Lagos Junior Model College, Igbonla, Epe, have contacted their families to demand ransoms.
Our correspondent learnt that local vigilance group members have also started combing the bush in the Igbonla area to try their luck in finding the victims.
Indications emerged from a top police source on Friday that the gunmen are believed to still be within the town, as the police and navy have blocked all possible waterways of escape.
It had been reported that the attackers, comprising five men and a woman, at about 8am on Thursday, stormed the school.
The pupils, who were reportedly holding the morning assembly in a hall, were thrown into confusion as the abductors shot sporadically into the air.
In the ensuing confusion, four pupils, namely Isaac Adebisi, Okonkwo Emmanuel, Abu and Jeremiah, were taken away by the assailants.
The English/Civic Education teacher, Lukman Oyerinde, and the Vice Principal, A.O. Oyesola, were also taken away.
PUNCH
The gunmen who abducted four pupils, teacher and vice-principal of Lagos Junior Model College, Igbonla, Epe, have contacted their families to demand ransoms.
Our correspondent learnt that local vigilance group members have also started combing the bush in the Igbonla area to try their luck in finding the victims.
Indications emerged from a top police source on Friday that the gunmen are believed to still be within the town, as the police and navy have blocked all possible waterways of escape.
It had been reported that the attackers, comprising five men and a woman, at about 8am on Thursday, stormed the school.
The pupils, who were reportedly holding the morning assembly in a hall, were thrown into confusion as the abductors shot sporadically into the air.
In the ensuing confusion, four pupils, namely Isaac Adebisi, Okonkwo Emmanuel, Abu and Jeremiah, were taken away by the assailants.
The English/Civic Education teacher, Lukman Oyerinde, and the Vice Principal, A.O. Oyesola, were also taken away.
PUNCH
Travelex begins sale of $15,000 to BDCs today.
Oyetunji Abioye.
Travelex, a global foreign exchange dealer, will on Friday (today) disburse the sum of $15,000 to each of the 3,000 registered Bureaux De Change operators in the country.
The President, Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria, Aminu Gwadabe, said this in a statement on Thursday.
He said with each of the 3,000 BDC operators getting $15,000 each, $45m will flow into the system.
He commended the Central Bank of Nigeria for giving approval to Travelex to commence the disbursement of forex to the firms.
The dollar inflow, being disbursed by Travelex, is part of the country’s Diaspora remittances estimated at $21bn annually.
He said the development, which was an improvement over the initially approved $10,000 weekly, would deepen dollar liquidity in the system and strengthen the naira against the dollar.
Gwadabe said the experience and integrity of Travelex would be key in getting the dollars to the BDC operators.
He urged all ABCON members and other BDC operators to visit the CBN branches in their respective zones for biometric data capturing by Travelex.
Gwadabe said the biometric data capturing would enable the BDC operators to access the International Money Transfer Operators /Travelex dollars window, which would start very soon.
He said, “Remittances have direct positive and significant impact on consumption, investment, and demand in the country as it can be used to address short-run output shocks, and even long-run growth. Remittances tend to be stable and to increase during periods of economic downturns and natural disasters.
“We want to commend the CBN for reaffirming the country’s commitment to building an enabling environment and a level-playing field for international money transfer services to Nigeria. By increasing the number of the IMTOs from three to 14, the CBN under its Governor, Godwin Emefiele, will set the economy on the path of development in the medium to long term and restore integrity in the international money transfer business.”
PUNCH.
Travelex, a global foreign exchange dealer, will on Friday (today) disburse the sum of $15,000 to each of the 3,000 registered Bureaux De Change operators in the country.
The President, Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria, Aminu Gwadabe, said this in a statement on Thursday.
He said with each of the 3,000 BDC operators getting $15,000 each, $45m will flow into the system.
He commended the Central Bank of Nigeria for giving approval to Travelex to commence the disbursement of forex to the firms.
The dollar inflow, being disbursed by Travelex, is part of the country’s Diaspora remittances estimated at $21bn annually.
He said the development, which was an improvement over the initially approved $10,000 weekly, would deepen dollar liquidity in the system and strengthen the naira against the dollar.
Gwadabe said the experience and integrity of Travelex would be key in getting the dollars to the BDC operators.
He urged all ABCON members and other BDC operators to visit the CBN branches in their respective zones for biometric data capturing by Travelex.
Gwadabe said the biometric data capturing would enable the BDC operators to access the International Money Transfer Operators /Travelex dollars window, which would start very soon.
He said, “Remittances have direct positive and significant impact on consumption, investment, and demand in the country as it can be used to address short-run output shocks, and even long-run growth. Remittances tend to be stable and to increase during periods of economic downturns and natural disasters.
“We want to commend the CBN for reaffirming the country’s commitment to building an enabling environment and a level-playing field for international money transfer services to Nigeria. By increasing the number of the IMTOs from three to 14, the CBN under its Governor, Godwin Emefiele, will set the economy on the path of development in the medium to long term and restore integrity in the international money transfer business.”
PUNCH.
Breaking: Buhari fulfills promise, begins payment of N5,000 (Photos)
Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme with biometric capture and account opening commenced in Borno camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP).
The programme is a part of the scheme under the ‘Social Investment Programmes’ of the government of Muhammadu Buhari. According to this initiative, one million extremely poor Nigerians would receive 5,000 naira monthly in 2016.
Laolu Akande, the special assistant to the vice president Yemi Osinbajo, clarified that for the Conditional Cash Transfer the money would be paid directly to the recipients through a payment system that was being worked out.
Osinbajo’s aide said World Bank and the Bill Gates Foundation were also cooperating with the federal government to develop an efficient payment system.
“All together, about 60 billion naira has been estimated to be paid out to extremely poor Nigerians,” Akande said in a statement.
In a related development, Governor Fayose of Ekiti state has recently announced the beginning of the implementation of its social welfare scheme for the needy, aged and unemployed.
During the presidential campaign Buhari and his party, the All Progressives Congress, vowed to pay 5,000 naira a month to the unemployed and the poorest youths in the country.
NAIJ.com
The programme is a part of the scheme under the ‘Social Investment Programmes’ of the government of Muhammadu Buhari. According to this initiative, one million extremely poor Nigerians would receive 5,000 naira monthly in 2016.
Laolu Akande, the special assistant to the vice president Yemi Osinbajo, clarified that for the Conditional Cash Transfer the money would be paid directly to the recipients through a payment system that was being worked out.
Osinbajo’s aide said World Bank and the Bill Gates Foundation were also cooperating with the federal government to develop an efficient payment system.
“All together, about 60 billion naira has been estimated to be paid out to extremely poor Nigerians,” Akande said in a statement.
In a related development, Governor Fayose of Ekiti state has recently announced the beginning of the implementation of its social welfare scheme for the needy, aged and unemployed.
During the presidential campaign Buhari and his party, the All Progressives Congress, vowed to pay 5,000 naira a month to the unemployed and the poorest youths in the country.
NAIJ.com
Chris Jeyibo of Koga Studios is dead.
Recent reports reaching Naij.com this moment confirms that owner of popular multipurpose studios and entertainment outfit, Chris Jeyibo otherwise known as Chris Koga is dead.
The CEO of the multi-million Naira outfit died in a ghastly automobile crash at about 1:00am this morning. Chris who was on his way from an event in his white Range Rover Evogue crashed into a parked truck around Magodo, Lagos.
NAIJ.com
The CEO of the multi-million Naira outfit died in a ghastly automobile crash at about 1:00am this morning. Chris who was on his way from an event in his white Range Rover Evogue crashed into a parked truck around Magodo, Lagos.
NAIJ.com
Colombian president, Juan Santos, wins Nobel Peace Prize.
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Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos
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The award came despite voters’ shock rejection of the terms of a historic deal he reached last month with FARC chief Rodrigo Londono, alias Timoleon “Timochenko” Jimenez, after nearly four years of talks.
“The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize for 2016 to Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos for his resolute efforts to bring the country’s more than 50-year-long civil war to an end,” said committee chairwoman Kaci Kullmann Five.
“There is a real danger that the peace process will come to a halt and that civil war will flare up again. This makes it even more important that the parties, headed by President Santos and FARC guerrilla leader Rodrigo Londono, continue to respect the ceasefire,” she said.
The Colombian peace process had been seen as a possible winner of the prestigious prize, but experts had suggested that its chances went up in smoke after voters’ rejection of the peace deal.
“The fact that a majority of the voters said ‘no’ to the peace accord does not necessarily mean that the peace process is dead. The referendum was not a vote for or against peace. What the “No” side rejected was not the desire for peace, but a specific peace agreement,” Five said.
“The Norwegian Nobel Committee emphasises the importance of the fact that President Santos is now inviting all parties to participate in a broad-based national dialogue aimed at advancing the peace process.”
Santos takes home the eight million Swedish kronor (around $924,000 or 831,000 euros) prize sum.
Swedish inventor and scholar Alfred Nobel created the prizes in his 1895 testament, stipulating that his fortune was to be placed in a fund destined to honour “those who, during the preceding year, shall have conferred the greatest benefit on mankind”.
The peace prize should go “to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses,” his will said.
The peace prize is the only one of the six awards announced in Norway. Nobel wanted to include Norway in his initiative, since Norway and Sweden were joined in a union at the time.
PUNCH/AFP
We didn’t torture Baba Suwe — NDLEA.
Chux Ohai
The National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency has said that its operatives did not subject popular actor, Babatunde Omidina, to physical torture during the period he was incarcerated by the agency for allegedly being in possession of hard drugs
The Head, Public Affairs of the NDLEA, Mr, Mitchell Ofoyeju, in an interview with our correspondent on Thursday, reacted to an allegation by Nollywood actor, Yomi Fabiyi, that Baba Suwe’s health had deteriorated due to torture at the agency.
Fabiyi had, in a statement posted on Instagram on Wednesday, claimed that Baba Suwe told him that he could no longer walk properly because a pipe was inserted in his anus during the period that he was detained by the NDLEA.
“He told me that he could no longer feel comfortable since that episode. Baba Suwe can hardly walk properly as I speak, let alone go to film. How will he feed and take care of the children that Aunty Moladun left behind?
“He told me when I visited him that he was innocent and a long pipe was inserted in his anus. He was detained for too long, among other things, just because he was randomly suspected like every normal person.
“Torture is criminal and sinful. If this accusation is found to be true by independent investigators, it shouldn’t go unpunished,” he had said.
But Ofoyeju dismissed the actor’s claims as false, saying, “The NDLEA did not torture Baba Suwe. If he was tortured, he would have said it himself. This is just an unfounded rumour on the social media and it should be disregarded.
“As a matter of fact, Baba Suwe was given the best treatment. We treated him with due regard to the requirement of fundamental human rights globally. He was talking to his relatives and lawyer. He was never kept in a prison for the period that he stayed here because he was virtually under our observation.”
Also, regarding Fabiyi’s claim that the NDLEA failed to obey a court order to pay Baba Suwe the sum of N25m in damages, the spokesman said that the agency was not obliged to obey the order since a substantive ruling by the Court of Appeal had directed it not to pay the actor.
“If Baba Suwe had gone to the Supreme Court, perhaps his case would have been upheld. But he did not do so,” Ofoyeju said.
When contacted, Baba Suwe told our correspondent on telephone that he was not disposed to speaking on the issue.
PUNCH
The National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency has said that its operatives did not subject popular actor, Babatunde Omidina, to physical torture during the period he was incarcerated by the agency for allegedly being in possession of hard drugs
The Head, Public Affairs of the NDLEA, Mr, Mitchell Ofoyeju, in an interview with our correspondent on Thursday, reacted to an allegation by Nollywood actor, Yomi Fabiyi, that Baba Suwe’s health had deteriorated due to torture at the agency.
Fabiyi had, in a statement posted on Instagram on Wednesday, claimed that Baba Suwe told him that he could no longer walk properly because a pipe was inserted in his anus during the period that he was detained by the NDLEA.
“He told me that he could no longer feel comfortable since that episode. Baba Suwe can hardly walk properly as I speak, let alone go to film. How will he feed and take care of the children that Aunty Moladun left behind?
“He told me when I visited him that he was innocent and a long pipe was inserted in his anus. He was detained for too long, among other things, just because he was randomly suspected like every normal person.
“Torture is criminal and sinful. If this accusation is found to be true by independent investigators, it shouldn’t go unpunished,” he had said.
But Ofoyeju dismissed the actor’s claims as false, saying, “The NDLEA did not torture Baba Suwe. If he was tortured, he would have said it himself. This is just an unfounded rumour on the social media and it should be disregarded.
“As a matter of fact, Baba Suwe was given the best treatment. We treated him with due regard to the requirement of fundamental human rights globally. He was talking to his relatives and lawyer. He was never kept in a prison for the period that he stayed here because he was virtually under our observation.”
Also, regarding Fabiyi’s claim that the NDLEA failed to obey a court order to pay Baba Suwe the sum of N25m in damages, the spokesman said that the agency was not obliged to obey the order since a substantive ruling by the Court of Appeal had directed it not to pay the actor.
“If Baba Suwe had gone to the Supreme Court, perhaps his case would have been upheld. But he did not do so,” Ofoyeju said.
When contacted, Baba Suwe told our correspondent on telephone that he was not disposed to speaking on the issue.
PUNCH
Gboyega Aribisogan Suspended In Ekiti State For Not Supporting Fayose.
Ekiti Assembly Suspends Hon. Gboyega Aribisogan For Not Supporting Fayose : The Ekiti state House of Assembly has suspended former Chairman, House Committee on Information, Hon Gboyega Aribisogan, for 180 legislative sittings for working against the government of Ayodele Fayose.
He was also asked to submit all house documents in his possession to the Clerk of the house and should not be seen within the radius of one kilometre to the house.
He was alleged of holding secret meetings with those considered as enemies of the government with a view to bringing the government of Governor Ayodele Fayose down.
He was also asked to submit all house documents in his possession to the Clerk of the house and should not be seen within the radius of one kilometre to the house.
He was alleged of holding secret meetings with those considered as enemies of the government with a view to bringing the government of Governor Ayodele Fayose down.
How Tinubu nominated Osinbajo.
Tunji Bello
Nothing strengthens deceit more than silence. And on an occasion like this, one often wonders why some people twist events and history in order to legitimise a mission. While ruminating over why this should be, it is not impossible to embark on introspection by thinking out so many possibilities that politics is replete with. This line of thought is informed by laughable events of the last few days.
The news media have become agog with false story as to how Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo came to be. During the launch of a book, “Muhammadu Buhari: The Challenges of leadership in Nigeria,” a biography on President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on Monday, October 3, 2016, Nigerians were fed with half-truths by the author, Prof. John Paden, on how Osinbajo became the Vice-President of the country. I don’t know how the author came about his story, but he totally got it wrong because what he wrote basically is based on falsehood that reeks of deliberate misinformation and mischief.
I know how Asiwaju Bola Tinubu picked Osinbajo because I was part of the process that midwifed his nomination. In mid-December 2014, it was a Saturday morning after President Muhammadu Buhari had been picked by the All Progressives Congress, at the party’s presidential primaries at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos. I received a phone call from Asiwaju to see him that morning. On my way to his house, I discovered that a car at a reasonable distance was that of a former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dele Alake, who was, ostensibly, heading towards Asiwaju’s house in Ikoyi. Asiwaju must have called him too for that task that could be explained underneath.
As soon as we arrived, Asiwaju quickly asked us to join him in his car as we headed for a Guest House. At the Guest House, the former APC Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, Osinbajo and one renowned Pastor joined us.
At the meeting, Asiwaju related to us the urgent need to pick a vice-presidential candidate for the APC. He advised that we immediately discard the idea of his being nominated for the vice-presidential slot as it was no longer possible to pick a Muslim-Muslim ticket. This he reasoned made sense if indeed we were to be realistic in our bid to defeat President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 election. He reasoned that what was important and imperative at that time was to look for a good Christian nominee to complement Buhari.
I remember Baba Akande responded to his aversions that he would still have preferred that Asiwaju should be the running mate since it had been done before. Baba Akande was obviously referring to the MKO Abiola/Babagana Kingibe nomination in 1993. Asiwaju responded by distinguishing the political equation then from what was before us at that point in time. He foreclosed that scenario as no longer possible. We all voiced our opinions, and at the end of the day, it was resolved that we had to get a Christian candidate.
It was at this point that Asiwaju reminded us to be fast in coming up with an option because he felt other geographical zones were also jostling for the same position reiterating the need for the South-West to get it as a must. Asiwaju audaciously told us that left for him, and if he were to pick anyone, he would suggest Osinbajo. That Osinbajo, apart from being a brilliant legal luminary, is also a committed progressive, and democrat. And having been married to the late Obafemi Awolowo’s grand-daughter, it would not be a problem selling him to the old political establishment of the South-West for acceptance. He asserted that Alake and myself having served in his cabinet could attest to the great works he did as the Attorney General during his administration as Governor of Lagos State. He also reasoned that the second major factor in favour of Osinbajo was the fact that he was a strong Christian and one that he was already a Pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
In the long run, Osinbajo’s nomination was well-received by all of us at that meeting and Osinbajo was asked to start detailing with us, further strategy sessions to which he brought out his laptop and we all commenced a brainstorming session. The rest of the discussion was to strategise on how to contain other likely opponents from the South-West zone before proceeding to Abuja to battle other zones in the coming nomination.
The meeting did not finish until about 9.00pm when we returned to Asiwaju’s residence in Bourdillon. By the time we returned to his house, there were about six serving governors already waiting to see him from different parts of Nigeria.
What is particularly sad now is that the book launch of the President was deployed to create a make-believe story that puts the society at a disadvantage of history. One would have thought that now that the progressives, through an uncommon alliance in 2015, created an upset by defeating, for the first time in the country’s history, the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party, it might be taken as given that the role of all active participants in the exercise would be correctly recorded. But surprisingly painful, such an avenue was used to create an historical distortion of facts, more so, coming from an unexpected quarters at this early stage of progressive politics.
If a political adversary had done that, one would not have been disturbed.
It becomes more of a matter of concern when a renowned intellectual writes a book and begins to redefine events in his own way by abashedly evading facts that are bellowing in the public space in order to recreate a world of make-believe for his audience. Sincerely, such an act understandably becomes a matter to ponder seriously.
Let us stop here. It is not all clothes that can be dried in the sun.
Bello is the Secretary to the Lagos State Government.
PUNCH
Nothing strengthens deceit more than silence. And on an occasion like this, one often wonders why some people twist events and history in order to legitimise a mission. While ruminating over why this should be, it is not impossible to embark on introspection by thinking out so many possibilities that politics is replete with. This line of thought is informed by laughable events of the last few days.
The news media have become agog with false story as to how Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo came to be. During the launch of a book, “Muhammadu Buhari: The Challenges of leadership in Nigeria,” a biography on President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on Monday, October 3, 2016, Nigerians were fed with half-truths by the author, Prof. John Paden, on how Osinbajo became the Vice-President of the country. I don’t know how the author came about his story, but he totally got it wrong because what he wrote basically is based on falsehood that reeks of deliberate misinformation and mischief.
I know how Asiwaju Bola Tinubu picked Osinbajo because I was part of the process that midwifed his nomination. In mid-December 2014, it was a Saturday morning after President Muhammadu Buhari had been picked by the All Progressives Congress, at the party’s presidential primaries at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos. I received a phone call from Asiwaju to see him that morning. On my way to his house, I discovered that a car at a reasonable distance was that of a former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dele Alake, who was, ostensibly, heading towards Asiwaju’s house in Ikoyi. Asiwaju must have called him too for that task that could be explained underneath.
As soon as we arrived, Asiwaju quickly asked us to join him in his car as we headed for a Guest House. At the Guest House, the former APC Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, Osinbajo and one renowned Pastor joined us.
At the meeting, Asiwaju related to us the urgent need to pick a vice-presidential candidate for the APC. He advised that we immediately discard the idea of his being nominated for the vice-presidential slot as it was no longer possible to pick a Muslim-Muslim ticket. This he reasoned made sense if indeed we were to be realistic in our bid to defeat President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 election. He reasoned that what was important and imperative at that time was to look for a good Christian nominee to complement Buhari.
I remember Baba Akande responded to his aversions that he would still have preferred that Asiwaju should be the running mate since it had been done before. Baba Akande was obviously referring to the MKO Abiola/Babagana Kingibe nomination in 1993. Asiwaju responded by distinguishing the political equation then from what was before us at that point in time. He foreclosed that scenario as no longer possible. We all voiced our opinions, and at the end of the day, it was resolved that we had to get a Christian candidate.
It was at this point that Asiwaju reminded us to be fast in coming up with an option because he felt other geographical zones were also jostling for the same position reiterating the need for the South-West to get it as a must. Asiwaju audaciously told us that left for him, and if he were to pick anyone, he would suggest Osinbajo. That Osinbajo, apart from being a brilliant legal luminary, is also a committed progressive, and democrat. And having been married to the late Obafemi Awolowo’s grand-daughter, it would not be a problem selling him to the old political establishment of the South-West for acceptance. He asserted that Alake and myself having served in his cabinet could attest to the great works he did as the Attorney General during his administration as Governor of Lagos State. He also reasoned that the second major factor in favour of Osinbajo was the fact that he was a strong Christian and one that he was already a Pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
In the long run, Osinbajo’s nomination was well-received by all of us at that meeting and Osinbajo was asked to start detailing with us, further strategy sessions to which he brought out his laptop and we all commenced a brainstorming session. The rest of the discussion was to strategise on how to contain other likely opponents from the South-West zone before proceeding to Abuja to battle other zones in the coming nomination.
The meeting did not finish until about 9.00pm when we returned to Asiwaju’s residence in Bourdillon. By the time we returned to his house, there were about six serving governors already waiting to see him from different parts of Nigeria.
What is particularly sad now is that the book launch of the President was deployed to create a make-believe story that puts the society at a disadvantage of history. One would have thought that now that the progressives, through an uncommon alliance in 2015, created an upset by defeating, for the first time in the country’s history, the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party, it might be taken as given that the role of all active participants in the exercise would be correctly recorded. But surprisingly painful, such an avenue was used to create an historical distortion of facts, more so, coming from an unexpected quarters at this early stage of progressive politics.
If a political adversary had done that, one would not have been disturbed.
It becomes more of a matter of concern when a renowned intellectual writes a book and begins to redefine events in his own way by abashedly evading facts that are bellowing in the public space in order to recreate a world of make-believe for his audience. Sincerely, such an act understandably becomes a matter to ponder seriously.
Let us stop here. It is not all clothes that can be dried in the sun.
Bello is the Secretary to the Lagos State Government.
PUNCH
APGA Suspends Victor Ike Oye As National Chairman For Gross Misconduct.
APGA Suspends National Chairman for Gross Misconduct
The National Working Committee of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Thursday suspended its national Chairman, Mr. Victor Ike Oye for gross misconduct.
Rising from its monthly meeting in Abuja, the NWC told the media that the suspension of the national Chairman was in line with the provisions of the party’s constitution, following what it called immense constitutional breaches and inordinate practices of the chairman and other national officers.
Speaking on behalf of the NWC, the deputy national secretary of the party, Chief Jerry Obasi said the suspension was necessary in order to save the party from impending destruction and reposition it to greatness, given the circumstances surrounding the party under the leadership of the suspended chairman.
Among those also suspended by the NWC include: the deputy national chairman (North), Alh. Abubakar Adamu and deputy national chairman (South), Chief Uchenna Okogbuo, who were also indicted for several constitutional breaches.
Some of the allegation levelled against them include: not involving NWC in making electoral regulations to given nomination/selection of candidates and not involving NWC in day to day running of the party, which violates article 12 (3) of the party’s constitution among others.
SOURCE
The National Working Committee of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Thursday suspended its national Chairman, Mr. Victor Ike Oye for gross misconduct.
Rising from its monthly meeting in Abuja, the NWC told the media that the suspension of the national Chairman was in line with the provisions of the party’s constitution, following what it called immense constitutional breaches and inordinate practices of the chairman and other national officers.
Speaking on behalf of the NWC, the deputy national secretary of the party, Chief Jerry Obasi said the suspension was necessary in order to save the party from impending destruction and reposition it to greatness, given the circumstances surrounding the party under the leadership of the suspended chairman.
Among those also suspended by the NWC include: the deputy national chairman (North), Alh. Abubakar Adamu and deputy national chairman (South), Chief Uchenna Okogbuo, who were also indicted for several constitutional breaches.
Some of the allegation levelled against them include: not involving NWC in making electoral regulations to given nomination/selection of candidates and not involving NWC in day to day running of the party, which violates article 12 (3) of the party’s constitution among others.
SOURCE
Protect Edo poll ballot papers, group tells INEC.
Tola Odusina
the Centre for Good Governance has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission in Edo State to maintain the integrity of the recent governorship election in the state by protecting the ballot papers and other sensitive materials used during the September 28, 2016 poll.
In a statement on Thursday by its Executive Director, Mr. Clement Osahon, the CGG alleged that one of the parties that contested the election had been “covertly making overtures to the INEC workers at the local governments’ level to mutilate, destroy and burn the ballot papers in order to strengthen its proposed petition at the Election Petitions Tribunal.”
The statement read in part, “We call on INEC to be alive to its responsibility to maintain the credibility of the recent election.
“We are reliably informed of the attempts by desperate politicians to bribe INEC workers to either release used and unused ballot papers to them or to help them destroy papers. This, they believe in their imagination, will make their lost case easy for them at the election tribunal.
“The question is if this party actually won the election as its candidate is falsely claiming, why will their leaders be planning to destroy ballot papers, ahead of filing their case at the tribunal?”
I used to brush without toothpaste — Sam Adeyemi.
As a child, Sam Adeyemi did not enjoy a life of luxury, unlike other children of the affluent. But he certainly experienced modest comfort at a time.
When his father was a civil servant, he had the kind of fun that children of the middle class have. Later when the old man became a contractor, things turned better for the family and life turned rosier for the young Adeyemi.
Unfortunately, life showed the family another card. Old Adeyemi’s business encountered trouble and finally collapsed. Without invitation, poverty stepped in. That is how the proverbial mouth that used to eat beef began to run after bones.
“I tasted poverty and real hardship,” Adeyemi (Sam) says. “I used to brush my teeth without toothpaste.”
According to the pastor, motivational speaker and financial teacher, that singular experience eventually shaped everything he has become in life.
“The experience gave me the capacity for compassion. I cannot forget where I am coming from,” he adds.
He notes that after he accepted Jesus Christ — when he was still an engineering student in a polytechnic — he got a kind of vision in which God situated him in a context where he was teaching a group of people. This happened in the course of a prayer. He found the idea funny initially, as he did not believe he was cut out for teaching. But his decision to heed the signals has transformed his life and the church that he eventually founded — although he found it tough in the first three years of its existence.
Noting that he is sometimes amazed at the progress Daystar has made, he says what hinders the progress of many people and organisations is what he calls the culture of ‘big-mannism’. This is bossing around when one is supposed to be a leader — a leader whose armours ought to be compassion, humility and the urge to develop the potentialities of other people.
Adeyemi says this factor accounts for why Daystar focuses on raising role models.
He adds, “Practically everything we do in our church is about grooming people. We build talents to meet societal needs. We encourage the development of skills and the development of excellence, all targeted towards service.
“There is the need for one to be pure in intent. Life is vanity. It is the things you invest in life that matter. It is the capacity you build in others that counts. No man has any intrinsic value than any other man. Nobody is more important than any other person.”
Adeyemi stepped up the drive a few years ago when he established Daystar Leadership Academy. He is disturbed that although the dearth of quality leadership is the bane of Africa, the value is not included in the curriculum of regular schools. He says the impact that the academy has made in various sectors of the economy has been good, with amazing testimonies.
His main target now, however, is the annual leadership congress the centre is holding this November. He says the centre has assembled notable personalities to speak at the conference themed ‘Maximising your Influence’. Among such are entrepreneurs/managers, such as Folorunso Alakija, Bill Hybela, Julian Kyula, Agu Irukwu, Bimbo Olashore, Mo Abudu; and Chude Jideonwo.
Adeyemi says, “Discussion has moved from ‘leader’ or ‘boss’ to leadership. Leadership is about influence. It is the ability to move someone from here to there. So, we want them to inspire new leaders, share their stories to the younger generation.”
Adeyemi argues that the true mark of a leader is service. But he laments that true leadership is lacking in vital spaces in Nigeria.
He notes, “I was born in Niger State. I spent my first 10 years there — in a village called Ndayako, near Mokwa. I would never have imagined that I would become somebody that would pastor thousands of people and exert influence in other areas. I was shy. I didn’t think I was a leadership material.
“It was an elderly man in our church then that called me one day, as a teenager, and said, ‘You are a leader’. He gave me a book. It was in the book I first found out that everybody has the quality of a leader. The remaining part you may lack, you cultivate along the line. The principle advanced in the book worked.”
Adeyemi regrets that, although he has cause to relate with people in top positions even in political offices, it is extremely difficult to change many of them.
“The best time to change the President is before he becomes the president. While it is practically too late to teach someone what to do when he already has leadership value defined in his own way, Nigeria is practically a crisis in motion. So, it is impossible for them to listen to you. Of course, many people in government mean well, but they are seriously resisted by the system that has evolved over time.”
SOURCE
‘Nobody Can Force Oyegun Out Of Office As APC National Chairman’ - Inegbeniki.
By Lucky Oji
A chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo State, Chief Francis Inegbeniki, has warned that no amount of calls by some leaders of the party can remove Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, from office.
Inegbeniki, in a statement, yesterday in Warri, on behalf of “APC Disciples in Edo,” said, “It is unfortunate that our national leader, whom we all respect so much and Timi Frank, have asked Oyegun to resign from office, without disclosing the offence that he committed to warrant his resignation.
“Our national leader’s anger against Oyegun is related to the just concluded Ondo State APC governorship primaries, while Timi Frank’s an National Chairman APC, anger is the unfortunate crisis rocking the National Assembly.
Oyegun is not the cause of the crisis in the National Assembly and cannot take decision alone without other members of the National Working Committee.
“Oyegun was not an aspirant in the Ondo APC primaries, so, it is unnecessary for anyone to direct his anger at Oyegun. It is not fair to put all the blames on him. Nobody should use Oyegun as the sacrificial lamb.
“We are therefore, calling on the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and members of the National Working Committee to call Timi Frank to order.”
SOURCE
A chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo State, Chief Francis Inegbeniki, has warned that no amount of calls by some leaders of the party can remove Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, from office.
Inegbeniki, in a statement, yesterday in Warri, on behalf of “APC Disciples in Edo,” said, “It is unfortunate that our national leader, whom we all respect so much and Timi Frank, have asked Oyegun to resign from office, without disclosing the offence that he committed to warrant his resignation.
“Our national leader’s anger against Oyegun is related to the just concluded Ondo State APC governorship primaries, while Timi Frank’s an National Chairman APC, anger is the unfortunate crisis rocking the National Assembly.
Oyegun is not the cause of the crisis in the National Assembly and cannot take decision alone without other members of the National Working Committee.
“Oyegun was not an aspirant in the Ondo APC primaries, so, it is unnecessary for anyone to direct his anger at Oyegun. It is not fair to put all the blames on him. Nobody should use Oyegun as the sacrificial lamb.
“We are therefore, calling on the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and members of the National Working Committee to call Timi Frank to order.”
SOURCE
Why we withheld WASSCE results in 13 states –WAEC.
Folashade Adebayo.
The West African Examinations Council has said that it will continue to hold on to the 2016 West African Senior School Certificate Examination results of candidates in 13 states until the backlog of WASSCE fees owed by the affected state governments is paid.
The council has also expressed dismay at what it described as the nonchalant attitude of the state governments to honour the agreement reached by both parties in the wake of the examination, saying that it signalled a ‘symptom of bigger problems.’
The Public Relations Officer of the council, Mr. Demianus Ojijeogu, said this on Wednesday in a telephone interview with our correspondent.
The official, who declined to name the debtor states said that the total sum of money owed WAEC amounts to more than N2bn, with one state owing N500m. He added that eight of the debtor states were from the north, while three and two states were from the South-South and South-West geo- political zones of the country, respectively.
Alleging that some states owed the council since 2014, Ojijeogu noted that an agreement was reached early this year for the debtor states to pay 40 per cent of the total cost of the 2016 examination as a requirement for their pupils to sit for the examination.
“They reneged on the agreement we had during registration. We agreed that they should pay 40 per cent of the registration cost and pay the rest later. We used the payment to offset the backlog because some of them have owed us since 2014.
“We even told them to give us Advance Payment Guaranty from reputable banks, but one of the states brought a document from a branch of a commercial bank, not even from the headquarters of the bank. We were lenient last year and we released the results. But, if you leave it to some of them, they will not pay for five or 10 years. We will not do that this year. That is our leverage and we cannot go bankrupt because of them,’’ he said.
SOURCE
The West African Examinations Council has said that it will continue to hold on to the 2016 West African Senior School Certificate Examination results of candidates in 13 states until the backlog of WASSCE fees owed by the affected state governments is paid.
The council has also expressed dismay at what it described as the nonchalant attitude of the state governments to honour the agreement reached by both parties in the wake of the examination, saying that it signalled a ‘symptom of bigger problems.’
The Public Relations Officer of the council, Mr. Demianus Ojijeogu, said this on Wednesday in a telephone interview with our correspondent.
The official, who declined to name the debtor states said that the total sum of money owed WAEC amounts to more than N2bn, with one state owing N500m. He added that eight of the debtor states were from the north, while three and two states were from the South-South and South-West geo- political zones of the country, respectively.
Alleging that some states owed the council since 2014, Ojijeogu noted that an agreement was reached early this year for the debtor states to pay 40 per cent of the total cost of the 2016 examination as a requirement for their pupils to sit for the examination.
“They reneged on the agreement we had during registration. We agreed that they should pay 40 per cent of the registration cost and pay the rest later. We used the payment to offset the backlog because some of them have owed us since 2014.
“We even told them to give us Advance Payment Guaranty from reputable banks, but one of the states brought a document from a branch of a commercial bank, not even from the headquarters of the bank. We were lenient last year and we released the results. But, if you leave it to some of them, they will not pay for five or 10 years. We will not do that this year. That is our leverage and we cannot go bankrupt because of them,’’ he said.
SOURCE
Recession: Dangote Threatens To Stop Tomato Paste Production.
From Magnus Eze and Adanna Nnamani, Abuja.
Few days after Erisco Foods Limited threatened to shut down its tomato factory, Dangote Industries Limited yesterday disclosed plans to stop tomato paste production because of the harsh operating environment that gives advantage to imported production.
Group Vice President of Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Sani Dangote disclosed that the group recently stopped tomato paste production because of the harsh operating environment that gives advantage to imported products.
He also said the company would not be able to pay farmers from whom they get the raw materials unless government did something urgently.
Although, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said it would not give dollars, Dangote noted that countries like China give their people huge support and waivers that allow them access to finance that they do not really feel the forex crunch being faced by their Nigerian competitors.
Dangote who spoke at the 2nd group meeting of the Zero Hunger Committee in Abuja, expressed dissatisfaction over the delay on the part of the ministries and agencies involved to address the issue of tomato importation. The Chairman of Nigerian AgricBusiness Group (NABG) insisted that the only way out was for government to put in place a clear cut policy on tomato importation and local production, stressing: “We have bee n talking for the past one year and up till now there is no clear cut direction where the government is heading.”
He further said that the forex policy being implemented by the CBN has not stopped importers from making profit from importation instead it is the local industries that are recording losses.
According to him, forex was not the problem but establishing a policy that would restrict the importation of tomato.
“We are not looking for forex. We are only saying that government should put up a policy where we are producing tomato concentrate to those industries that are into packaging; we are not into retail packaging,” he said.
So, that about 30 of those retail companies in Nigeria that are importing would stop and buy from us and repackage into smaller sachets, tins and so on.
“If we are talking about importers and we are talking about local producers; there is no way we can have a common ground because they are looking at 100 per cent import and we are looking at 100 per cent local production.
Dangote, who stated that “some companies have opened industries in Ghana and other free zones under the disguise of ECOWAS and are importing”, was however, optimistic that President Muhammadu Buhari would key into the issue and find a lasting solution.
Recall that Erisco Foods Limited had indicated plans to shut down its tomato paste processing business in Nigeria owing to unfavourable operating climate which will lead to loss of about 1,500 jobs.
Few days after Erisco Foods Limited threatened to shut down its tomato factory, Dangote Industries Limited yesterday disclosed plans to stop tomato paste production because of the harsh operating environment that gives advantage to imported production.
Group Vice President of Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Sani Dangote disclosed that the group recently stopped tomato paste production because of the harsh operating environment that gives advantage to imported products.
He also said the company would not be able to pay farmers from whom they get the raw materials unless government did something urgently.
Although, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said it would not give dollars, Dangote noted that countries like China give their people huge support and waivers that allow them access to finance that they do not really feel the forex crunch being faced by their Nigerian competitors.
Dangote who spoke at the 2nd group meeting of the Zero Hunger Committee in Abuja, expressed dissatisfaction over the delay on the part of the ministries and agencies involved to address the issue of tomato importation. The Chairman of Nigerian AgricBusiness Group (NABG) insisted that the only way out was for government to put in place a clear cut policy on tomato importation and local production, stressing: “We have bee n talking for the past one year and up till now there is no clear cut direction where the government is heading.”
He further said that the forex policy being implemented by the CBN has not stopped importers from making profit from importation instead it is the local industries that are recording losses.
According to him, forex was not the problem but establishing a policy that would restrict the importation of tomato.
“We are not looking for forex. We are only saying that government should put up a policy where we are producing tomato concentrate to those industries that are into packaging; we are not into retail packaging,” he said.
So, that about 30 of those retail companies in Nigeria that are importing would stop and buy from us and repackage into smaller sachets, tins and so on.
“If we are talking about importers and we are talking about local producers; there is no way we can have a common ground because they are looking at 100 per cent import and we are looking at 100 per cent local production.
Dangote, who stated that “some companies have opened industries in Ghana and other free zones under the disguise of ECOWAS and are importing”, was however, optimistic that President Muhammadu Buhari would key into the issue and find a lasting solution.
Recall that Erisco Foods Limited had indicated plans to shut down its tomato paste processing business in Nigeria owing to unfavourable operating climate which will lead to loss of about 1,500 jobs.
Buhari: We Disappointed Prophets Of Doom In 2015.
President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday reminisced about the conduct of the 2015 general elections, saying it marked a watershed in the nation’s political history.
Speaking in Abuja at the Leadership Annual Awards, Buhari said he and other actors in the elections were led by the higher ideal of the future of Nigeria and the well-being of the citizens rather than the mere desire to win elections.
He said it was the commitment to this ideal, the patriotic zeal of former President Jonathan, the impartiality of the electoral umpire and exemplary conduct of the political parties, foreign pressure and other actors “that we collectively disappointed the prophets of doom who had predicted the disintegration of the country after the 2015 general elections.”
Buhari said the nation’s democracy had been strengthened by the outcome of the 2015 elections as Nigerians now have more faith in the electoral system in the sense that their votes would count when choosing political leaders at various levels.
He said the political class should build on the experience of the 2015 elections to nurture democracy.
Buhari, who co-won the Leadership Person Award of the Year with his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan and former INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega, said the honour was another public acknowledgement of their various roles and contributions towards the national rebirth and development of democracy in Nigeria.
The president said they were humbled by the honour which, according to him, would inspire them to redouble their commitment to the progress of democracy and development of the country.
He expressed hope that the awards would encourage all those recognised to remain committed to good behaviour in their various endeavours to justify the recognition and serve as inspiration to others.
SOURCE
Speaking in Abuja at the Leadership Annual Awards, Buhari said he and other actors in the elections were led by the higher ideal of the future of Nigeria and the well-being of the citizens rather than the mere desire to win elections.
He said it was the commitment to this ideal, the patriotic zeal of former President Jonathan, the impartiality of the electoral umpire and exemplary conduct of the political parties, foreign pressure and other actors “that we collectively disappointed the prophets of doom who had predicted the disintegration of the country after the 2015 general elections.”
Buhari said the nation’s democracy had been strengthened by the outcome of the 2015 elections as Nigerians now have more faith in the electoral system in the sense that their votes would count when choosing political leaders at various levels.
He said the political class should build on the experience of the 2015 elections to nurture democracy.
Buhari, who co-won the Leadership Person Award of the Year with his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan and former INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega, said the honour was another public acknowledgement of their various roles and contributions towards the national rebirth and development of democracy in Nigeria.
The president said they were humbled by the honour which, according to him, would inspire them to redouble their commitment to the progress of democracy and development of the country.
He expressed hope that the awards would encourage all those recognised to remain committed to good behaviour in their various endeavours to justify the recognition and serve as inspiration to others.
SOURCE
Budget Padding: Jibrin Forwards Names Of First 50 Reps To EFCC, See List
ABDULMUMIN Jibrin, the suspended lawmaker had last week gave his colleagues in the House of Representatives three days to return all questionable allowances they paid themselves.
Mr. Jibrin accused his colleagues of raking in millions in illegal allowances, and after he indicted himself as having received N650 million illegally.
To return their loot, Mr. Jibrin advised his colleagues to individually approach the appropriate authority and make arrangement on how to pay everything back into the federal purse.
Mr. Jibrin said any lawmaker who fails to heed his call should be prepared for the backlash that would follow when he publishes details of how such official perpetrated the fraud.
Mr. Jibrin’s statement came a day after he was suspended by the House for 180 legislative days —approximately a full calendar year as the House sits three times a week— after being found guilty of violating House ethics and lawmakers’ privileges.
“I have written to the Clerk of the National Assembly to stand by in anticipation."
“In the face of the revenue challenges and biting hardship the country is currently facing, there is no better time the country needs such money than now,” he said in a statement last week.
Mr. Jibrin said he resolved to take this action after receiving numerous enquiries from different corners on the need for him to back his allegations against the House leadership and other lawmakers with evidence.
“I have come under intense public scrutiny and pressure to prove that there exists systemic corruption in the House,” Mr. Jibrin said.
Mr. Jibrin said he was specifically demanding the return of a N10 million illegal allowances his colleagues allocated to themselves while the poor were struggling to make ends meet.
Hon. Jibrin via his Twitter handle yesterday said, "as I promised and gave a 72-hours ultimatum to the Principal Officers and one week to other members, I have forwarded to the Anti-graft agencies first batch of 50 members of the House that are involved in running cost allowances fraud."
He said for the Job to be easier for the EFCC, he will be releasing the names in batches - of 50 members each - until the list is exhausted.
The first batch includes Speaker Dogara, Deputy Lasun, Whip Alhassan Doguwa, Minority Leader Leo Ogor, Hon Herma Hembe, Hon Jagaba Adams Hon Timothy Golu, Hon Yunusa Abubakar, Hon Mukaila O Kazzim, Hon Lynda Ikpeazu, Hon Abdulrazak Namdas, Hon Osai Nicolas among others.
He said after the EFCC might have concluded their investigation the world will know whether he lied or told the truth on systemic corruption in the House of Representatives.
As an insider, he urged Nigerians to be vigilant, adding that he knows how the House usually respond to issues.
“As you have started noticing, many investigative hearings and ad hoc committees are springing up like mushrooms.
“The investigative hearings are intended to blackmail the executive arm and coax them not to act on the allegations and the ad hoc committees are used to settle aggrieved members as it provides avenues to collect bribes.
“You will also see irrational grandstanding over approval of MTEF/FSP and the budget or correspondence from the President," he said.
Revealing further, Jibrin alleged that "these are legislative antics employed by the House to use the institution of the House to shield corrupt members.
“This is exactly what Speaker Yakubu Dogara and his corrupt cabal are executing presently in the House.
“The EFCC and the Police has severally been victims of this kind of tactics by the House in the past to frustrate corruption investigation.
“Nigerians and the Executive arm of Govt must stand up against any blackmail from the House of Reps as they are all antics to evade justice.
"The Senate and the Executive arm of government can rely on doctrine of necessity to bypass the House in the face of such grievous allegations which has been described as the biggest corruption scandal in the history of the parliaments in Africa and the world.
"Finally, I wish to call on the Federal Govt to make me face the harshest penalty prescribed by our laws if my allegations are found to be false."
SOURCE
Recession: IMF offers Nigeria, others zero-interest loans.
Akinpelu Dada, Washington DC
The International Monetary Fund is prepared to lend money to Nigeria and other countries facing economic crisis at zero interest rate in order to stimulate their recovery.
The Managing Director, IMF, Christine Largade, said this on Thursday in Washington DC, United States, at the ongoing annual meetings of the World Bank/IMF.
“If we want to improve the inequality issue, we must have a strong international safety net. In this context, I am pleased to reveal that our board recently approved the extension of the zero interest rate on all concessional facilities from 2016 to 2018, and thereafter, if there is a need for an extension,” she said.
Our correspondent, however, gathered from top Nigerian officials attending the meetings that the country was not favourably disposed to taking the IMF offer.
An official, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said, “The IMF people have been talking to us for some time, asking us to come and take loans, but their facilities come with too many unfavourable conditions.
“For instance, they told us to remove fuel subsidy and devalue the naira, which we did. If we take their fresh offer, they may ask us to raise the price of fuel and further devalue the currency, but these will create unrest in the country because the people are already suffering and we are aware of this.
“We will rather take a facility from the World Bank. The IMF facility comes with too many conditions; though we need a lot of funds to come into our economy now, we have to be wary of some of the tough conditions attached to them.”
Giving further details about the facility, the IMF boss said, “That is really important for low-income countries to be able to actually absorb the shocks without necessarily going to the international markets or relying on bilateral lending capacity of close to $1tn by extending access to bilateral borrowing agreements. The new agreements that are being signed this week will run at least through the end of 2019, and will continue to serve as a third line of defence.
“As you know, the first line of defence is quota; the second line is a new arrangement to borrow; and the third line of defence will be those bilateral loans.
“We have so far received pledges of $344bn from 26 members. We look forward to others joining the effort. We will provide more details shortly; and there will be some signing sessions organised in the course of the next two days.”
Lagarde also said that the outlook for advanced economies remained subdued, while that for the developing economies provided some guarded optimism with great diversities within the various economies.
She added, “Prospects for low income economies may be more challenging with varied outlook. We see growth as too low, too long and benefitting few. By exploiting synergies in policies, we can overcome these challenges. We also believe that each country has something to offer. My hope is that at the end of these meetings, each finance minister, each governor of central bank will go back home thinking of what to fuel growth.
“For example, when monetary policy has been overstretched, fiscal policy can step up. This will also put in place the structural reforms that are much needed, which have been sorted out in some countries, but which are still lacking in other places.”
PUNCH
The International Monetary Fund is prepared to lend money to Nigeria and other countries facing economic crisis at zero interest rate in order to stimulate their recovery.
The Managing Director, IMF, Christine Largade, said this on Thursday in Washington DC, United States, at the ongoing annual meetings of the World Bank/IMF.
“If we want to improve the inequality issue, we must have a strong international safety net. In this context, I am pleased to reveal that our board recently approved the extension of the zero interest rate on all concessional facilities from 2016 to 2018, and thereafter, if there is a need for an extension,” she said.
Our correspondent, however, gathered from top Nigerian officials attending the meetings that the country was not favourably disposed to taking the IMF offer.
An official, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said, “The IMF people have been talking to us for some time, asking us to come and take loans, but their facilities come with too many unfavourable conditions.
“For instance, they told us to remove fuel subsidy and devalue the naira, which we did. If we take their fresh offer, they may ask us to raise the price of fuel and further devalue the currency, but these will create unrest in the country because the people are already suffering and we are aware of this.
“We will rather take a facility from the World Bank. The IMF facility comes with too many conditions; though we need a lot of funds to come into our economy now, we have to be wary of some of the tough conditions attached to them.”
Giving further details about the facility, the IMF boss said, “That is really important for low-income countries to be able to actually absorb the shocks without necessarily going to the international markets or relying on bilateral lending capacity of close to $1tn by extending access to bilateral borrowing agreements. The new agreements that are being signed this week will run at least through the end of 2019, and will continue to serve as a third line of defence.
“As you know, the first line of defence is quota; the second line is a new arrangement to borrow; and the third line of defence will be those bilateral loans.
“We have so far received pledges of $344bn from 26 members. We look forward to others joining the effort. We will provide more details shortly; and there will be some signing sessions organised in the course of the next two days.”
Lagarde also said that the outlook for advanced economies remained subdued, while that for the developing economies provided some guarded optimism with great diversities within the various economies.
She added, “Prospects for low income economies may be more challenging with varied outlook. We see growth as too low, too long and benefitting few. By exploiting synergies in policies, we can overcome these challenges. We also believe that each country has something to offer. My hope is that at the end of these meetings, each finance minister, each governor of central bank will go back home thinking of what to fuel growth.
“For example, when monetary policy has been overstretched, fiscal policy can step up. This will also put in place the structural reforms that are much needed, which have been sorted out in some countries, but which are still lacking in other places.”
PUNCH
3 Female Suicide Bombers Killed In Gwoza.
As the Nigerian military continue to consolidate on recovered territories hitherto occupied by Boko Haram terrorists, three women who are suicide bombers for the group were killed Thursday before they could carry out their devilish act.
A statement from Army headquarters Thursday night said the women attempted to force their way into troops location but were exposed by vigilantes who suspected their dressing and the nature of the hijab they were wearing which contained IEDS.
The statement signed by Col Sani Usman said, “Today, Thursday 6th October 2016, at about 12.25pm, 3 female suicide bombers attempted to attack a military location at Gwoza, Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State.
“The suicide bombers who came through Pulka axis were sighted by members of vigilante from a distance and alerted the troops about the impending catastrophe.
“The very observant vigilante also noted that the women looked suspicious; walking awkwardly with bulging hijab and distinct from other female farmers.
“When the suicide bombers noticed that they were being observed, they hurriedly ran towards troops aiming to detonate it on them.
The troops neutralized 2 of the female suicide bombers, while the other ran back into the bush but was pursued.
“Unfortunately, a soldier sustained injuries due to the impact of the explosion.
He said “The wounded soldier is currently receiving treatment at a military medical centre and he is in stable condition.”
SOURCE
A statement from Army headquarters Thursday night said the women attempted to force their way into troops location but were exposed by vigilantes who suspected their dressing and the nature of the hijab they were wearing which contained IEDS.
The statement signed by Col Sani Usman said, “Today, Thursday 6th October 2016, at about 12.25pm, 3 female suicide bombers attempted to attack a military location at Gwoza, Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State.
“The suicide bombers who came through Pulka axis were sighted by members of vigilante from a distance and alerted the troops about the impending catastrophe.
“The very observant vigilante also noted that the women looked suspicious; walking awkwardly with bulging hijab and distinct from other female farmers.
“When the suicide bombers noticed that they were being observed, they hurriedly ran towards troops aiming to detonate it on them.
The troops neutralized 2 of the female suicide bombers, while the other ran back into the bush but was pursued.
“Unfortunately, a soldier sustained injuries due to the impact of the explosion.
He said “The wounded soldier is currently receiving treatment at a military medical centre and he is in stable condition.”
SOURCE
Dino Melaye's New Car Is A Replica Of N180 Million Rolls Royce - Sahara Reporter.
Dino Melaye Masquerades Cheap Replica As N180 Million Rolls Royce
PHOTONEWS: Dino Melaye Caught Pretending His Latest Cheap Car Is A Rolls Royce
SaharaReporters investigation into the latest ‘luxury’ car purchased by embattled Senator Dino Melaye has found that he is masquerading a cheap MG-TD replica car as an expensive Rolls Royce car purportedly worth N180 million. SaharaReporters confirmed that Mr. Melaye is pandering his cheap replica as a Rolls Royce after consulting several experts with deep knowledge of both Rolls Royce and MG-TD cars.
SaharaReporters learned that an associate of Mr. Melaye has been circulating a press release claiming that he “bought a classic Rolls Royce estimated at $400,000 (N180 million).” The same statement continued saying, “that the Rolls Royce is a rare collectible item that is not only scarce but very expensive.”
The press statement, now known to be totally misleading, erroneously claimed that “the Rolls Royce which is a 1923 model is 93 years old, and is used by only a few persons in a special grade.”
SaharaReporters contacted three antique car experts located in the United States to confirm details surrounding Mr. Melaye’s alleged luxury car. All three experts categorically stated that the car in the photos circulated by Mr. Melaye’s associate is not a Rolls Royce. All three experts also said that the car in the photographs is a British-made MG-TD, two of whom said it was a replica with parts from a Volkswagen Beetle.
One expert speaking to SaharaReporters, George Medynski, the owner of Tuxedo Moto Sport, formally M&G Vintage Auto, who has been specializing in maintenance and restoration of British vehicles for decades, viewed photos of Mr. Melaye’s vehicle and described it in precise detail.
He told SaharaReporters that Mr. Melaye’s car “was one of the worst replica MGs” he had seen. He observed that “you couldn’t get any cheaper, crappier and it is probably worth nowhere near $10,000 and probably cost between $4,000-$6,000.”
Mr. Medynski then added, “I am offered these lepers all the time.”
“It’s not a Rolls Royce and it’s not even a real MG-TD,” he stated emphatically. He also said that it was most certainly a replica of a 1953 MG-TD, totally different than the 1924 Rolls Royce make Mr. Melaye’s associate was stating.
Providing specific details of the car, he said, “look at the front-end picture. On the inside of both wheels you can see that’s a Volkswagen suspension from the old Beetles.”
He also said, during his evaluation of the images, “it’s absolutely worthless. The body is made of fiberglass, the gauges don’t look right, the gas tank, everything” is wrong compared to the original MG-TD.
These kinds of cars, just like the one Mr. Melaye is masquerading as a Rolls Royce, “were popular in the early 1970s [in the US] when you can take a Volkswagen Beetle and make it whatever you wanted,” whether it was a dune buggy or some other inexpensive car.
Mr. Medynski, who has been working on MG-TDs and other British cars for decades, described the British MG-TD as “having a coach built body [made from wood with metal folded around it]. It was probably the last kind of car to come out of England coach built.”
“They stopped making [MG] coach built cars in 1955 and MG went out of business in 1980,” he continued. “They made 30,000 MG-TDs and out of that 30,000 in the world a real nice one is probably worth $45,000-$60,000, the replica is worthless.”
It has also been noted that the hood ornament on Mr. Melaye’s fake car looks nothing like the ‘flying lady’ ornament indicative of Rolls Royce cars, including the 1924 make he is pandering.
SaharaReporters also consulted Hemmings, the leading online car collector marketplace where luxury and antique vehicles are regularly posted for sale, to assess prices for the MG-TD vehicles.
The most expensive MG-TD car available on Hemmings website was priced at $39,500. The average price for this year and make of car was under $10,000, according to a SaharaReporters query of the site.
A source speaking to SaharaReporters on the condition of anonymity, who has intimate knowledge of Mr. Melaye’s assets, disclosed that the car circulated by Mr. Melaye’s associate is new to his fleet and has not been in his possession since 2014, as alleged in the statement.
This same source said they believed Mr. Melaye wants to mislead the Nigerian public, and especially his NASS colleagues, because he is an insecure man wanting to appear to be a more powerful than he is.
“Apart from the attention he wants from the public he also wants to attract women,” because of some of his insecurities, this source elaborated on why he would pretend his car is more opulent than it really is.
It will be recalled that Mr. Melaye has had longstanding problems with women, including his ex-wives, some of whom he physically abused, and threatened to impregnate Senator Remi Tinubu during a Senate meeting earlier this year.
SaharaReporters reached out to Mr. Melaye for comment on his supposed luxurious purchase but he did not respond to our correspondent's queries.
SOURCE
PHOTONEWS: Dino Melaye Caught Pretending His Latest Cheap Car Is A Rolls Royce
SaharaReporters investigation into the latest ‘luxury’ car purchased by embattled Senator Dino Melaye has found that he is masquerading a cheap MG-TD replica car as an expensive Rolls Royce car purportedly worth N180 million. SaharaReporters confirmed that Mr. Melaye is pandering his cheap replica as a Rolls Royce after consulting several experts with deep knowledge of both Rolls Royce and MG-TD cars.
SaharaReporters learned that an associate of Mr. Melaye has been circulating a press release claiming that he “bought a classic Rolls Royce estimated at $400,000 (N180 million).” The same statement continued saying, “that the Rolls Royce is a rare collectible item that is not only scarce but very expensive.”
The press statement, now known to be totally misleading, erroneously claimed that “the Rolls Royce which is a 1923 model is 93 years old, and is used by only a few persons in a special grade.”
SaharaReporters contacted three antique car experts located in the United States to confirm details surrounding Mr. Melaye’s alleged luxury car. All three experts categorically stated that the car in the photos circulated by Mr. Melaye’s associate is not a Rolls Royce. All three experts also said that the car in the photographs is a British-made MG-TD, two of whom said it was a replica with parts from a Volkswagen Beetle.
One expert speaking to SaharaReporters, George Medynski, the owner of Tuxedo Moto Sport, formally M&G Vintage Auto, who has been specializing in maintenance and restoration of British vehicles for decades, viewed photos of Mr. Melaye’s vehicle and described it in precise detail.
He told SaharaReporters that Mr. Melaye’s car “was one of the worst replica MGs” he had seen. He observed that “you couldn’t get any cheaper, crappier and it is probably worth nowhere near $10,000 and probably cost between $4,000-$6,000.”
Mr. Medynski then added, “I am offered these lepers all the time.”
“It’s not a Rolls Royce and it’s not even a real MG-TD,” he stated emphatically. He also said that it was most certainly a replica of a 1953 MG-TD, totally different than the 1924 Rolls Royce make Mr. Melaye’s associate was stating.
Providing specific details of the car, he said, “look at the front-end picture. On the inside of both wheels you can see that’s a Volkswagen suspension from the old Beetles.”
He also said, during his evaluation of the images, “it’s absolutely worthless. The body is made of fiberglass, the gauges don’t look right, the gas tank, everything” is wrong compared to the original MG-TD.
These kinds of cars, just like the one Mr. Melaye is masquerading as a Rolls Royce, “were popular in the early 1970s [in the US] when you can take a Volkswagen Beetle and make it whatever you wanted,” whether it was a dune buggy or some other inexpensive car.
Mr. Medynski, who has been working on MG-TDs and other British cars for decades, described the British MG-TD as “having a coach built body [made from wood with metal folded around it]. It was probably the last kind of car to come out of England coach built.”
“They stopped making [MG] coach built cars in 1955 and MG went out of business in 1980,” he continued. “They made 30,000 MG-TDs and out of that 30,000 in the world a real nice one is probably worth $45,000-$60,000, the replica is worthless.”
It has also been noted that the hood ornament on Mr. Melaye’s fake car looks nothing like the ‘flying lady’ ornament indicative of Rolls Royce cars, including the 1924 make he is pandering.
SaharaReporters also consulted Hemmings, the leading online car collector marketplace where luxury and antique vehicles are regularly posted for sale, to assess prices for the MG-TD vehicles.
The most expensive MG-TD car available on Hemmings website was priced at $39,500. The average price for this year and make of car was under $10,000, according to a SaharaReporters query of the site.
A source speaking to SaharaReporters on the condition of anonymity, who has intimate knowledge of Mr. Melaye’s assets, disclosed that the car circulated by Mr. Melaye’s associate is new to his fleet and has not been in his possession since 2014, as alleged in the statement.
This same source said they believed Mr. Melaye wants to mislead the Nigerian public, and especially his NASS colleagues, because he is an insecure man wanting to appear to be a more powerful than he is.
“Apart from the attention he wants from the public he also wants to attract women,” because of some of his insecurities, this source elaborated on why he would pretend his car is more opulent than it really is.
It will be recalled that Mr. Melaye has had longstanding problems with women, including his ex-wives, some of whom he physically abused, and threatened to impregnate Senator Remi Tinubu during a Senate meeting earlier this year.
SaharaReporters reached out to Mr. Melaye for comment on his supposed luxurious purchase but he did not respond to our correspondent's queries.
SOURCE
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