Yesterday, there were varying responses to the suggestions put forth by the Policy Advisory Council established by President Bola Tinubu. The recommendations included advocating for a state of emergency to be declared in the areas of revenue generation and national security.
An anonymous source has revealed that a council, allegedly established by Tinubu during his tenure as president-elect, has made a recommendation to merge three government agencies. These agencies include the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). Further investigation is required to confirm the authenticity of this claim.
In a recent report by the council, it has been revealed that three organisations are set to undergo a transformation into the Nigerian Revenue Service. The council, which is chaired by Senator Tokunbo Abiru and has Sumaila Zubairu, Dr. Doris Anite, and Dr. Yemi Cardoso as members, has made this announcement. Upon further investigation, it has been discovered that the document in question was created through a collaborative effort involving KPMG, a prominent consulting firm.
The council's recommendation to implement the Stephen Oransaye report on the rationalisation and restructuring of government ministries, agencies, and parastatals is worth investigating further.
An ambitious revenue target of $1 trillion has been set within a relatively short timeframe of eight years following the proposed merger of three agencies. The question remains: is this target achievable, and what factors have been taken into consideration to arrive at this figure? Further investigation is needed to determine the feasibility of this goal.
The government has been advised to take action in order to increase the manufacturing sector's contribution to the gross domestic product. This includes providing incentives and forming partnerships with strategic trading partners. The goal is to accelerate the growth of key sectors such as light electronics assembly, garments, fertiliser, refined sugar, oil palm, and automotive. The ultimate target is to generate an output of over $50 billion annually.
The document reveals some ambitious targets, including a plan to increase the current growth rate of 3.25 percent to an average annual growth rate of 7 percent. Additionally, the plan aims to lift 100 million people out of poverty and create an environment that will generate 50 million jobs. The ultimate goal is to achieve sustained inclusive growth.
According to a document, there is a recommendation for the passage of an Emergency Economic Reform Bill. This bill would grant the president special powers to drive the economic reform agenda. Further investigation is needed to determine the specifics of this bill and the potential implications of granting the president such powers.
A proposal has surfaced regarding the creation of a strategic coordination organ. This organ would serve to ensure that monetary and fiscal policies are in alignment. The proposed members of this organ include the president, vice president, minister of finance, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, minister of trade and investment, and chief economic adviser to the president.
In a recent development, the council has put forth a recommendation that has caught the attention of many. As per the council's suggestion, it is imperative to domesticate a minimum of 50 percent of the value chains of the three largest manufacturing sub-sectors, namely food and beverages, chemicals and petrochemicals, and textiles, apparel, and footwear. The total value of these sub-sectors is estimated to be a staggering $17 billion.
Investigative journalists have uncovered a proposal for a consumer credit scheme that includes housing and consumer goods such as automobiles and furniture. The scheme is said to be funded by either utilising 20 percent of the Cash Reserve Fund of N5 trillion in the CBN or leveraging pension funds of N9 trillion. The proposal aims to promote long-term mortgages and affordable consumer credit. Further investigation is needed to determine the feasibility and potential impact of this proposal.
According to Professor Nwokoma, the task at hand is expected to be arduous and difficult.
According to Ndubisi Nwokoma, a professor of economics, the proposed merger of three agencies appears to be a cause for concern. He believes that the merger could potentially create an excessive amount of bureaucracy, making the process more complicated than necessary.
The individual claimed that the integration of large-scale corporations may result in the formation of bottlenecks. Could this idea potentially have negative consequences? Further investigation is needed to determine the potential risks and drawbacks associated with this proposal. The purpose of this strategy appears to be aimed at enhancing the organization's operational capabilities by emphasising various revenue-generating aspects. Further investigation is needed to determine the specific methods and techniques being employed to achieve this goal. Could the consolidation of multiple organisations into one mega organisation potentially have negative consequences?
The director of the Centre for Economic Policy Analysis and Research (CEPAR) at the University of Lagos, Nwokoma, has brought attention to the foreign exchange policy. Nwokoma has recalled that during the tenures of Charles Soludo and Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as CBN governors, there were multiple rates in place. However, the margin between these rates was very narrow.
Are there underlying issues that are causing problems beyond just policies? Are policies truly effective? This is the question that begs to be answered. It is important to investigate whether policies have been successful in achieving their intended goals. Under whose leadership did things go haywire? The answer seems to point to Buhari. What exactly happened during his tenure that caused this? Could political interference be the reason behind the issue? Could it be that there are templates under Soludo and Sanusi that could be adopted?
As an investigative journalist, it appears that the individual is suggesting that the concept of obtaining an object from the moon is not a novel idea and therefore does not require a complete overhaul. The source suggested reverting to successful methods from previous experiences and implementing them.
The university don has made a bold statement regarding the employment target set by the government. According to the don, the target is not feasible and he has advised the government to address certain factors that contribute to job creation. Further investigation is needed to determine the specific factors the don is referring to and whether the government has taken any steps to address them.
Has the issue of security been adequately addressed? The question remains: has there been any progress made in addressing the issue of infrastructure? The issue of multiple taxes: has it been resolved? Investigative journalist version: The investigation should focus on growth-inducing factors as they have the potential to create jobs through increased production and expansion.
Manufacturers seem to be constantly complaining about the difficulty of getting rid of their products. Multiple agencies are reportedly involved in the clearance of goods. Further investigation is needed to determine the identities of these agencies and their roles in the clearance process. Is it possible that clearing goods from the port in Nigeria costs more than the actual transportation of the goods from China? Upon further investigation, it has been discovered that a multitude of factors require attention. Did Buhari make a promise about creating 3 million jobs? They are now talking about creating 50 million jobs. Did they manage to accomplish that goal?
Nigeria's future prospects appear to be precarious, with a high population growth rate and a decreasing gross domestic product per capita.
What are the specific high-impact initiatives that are needed to achieve a 7 percent average annual GDP growth rate and reach a $1 trillion GDP in the next eight years? Who is responsible for implementing these initiatives and what steps are being taken to ensure their success? What are the potential challenges and obstacles that could hinder the achievement of this goal? These are important questions that need to be answered in order to fully understand the feasibility and likelihood of achieving this ambitious economic target.
The former president of CITN endorses the proposed plan and emphasises the need for cautious integration.
Our correspondent had a chat with Adesina Adedayo, the former president of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), regarding the merger of three agencies. Adedayo expressed his opinion that the merger could be a wise decision, but he also stated that Nigeria may not have the necessary structure in place to support such a move.
As an investigative journalist, it is crucial to uncover the truth behind the issue of governance cost and duplication of duties. To gain a better understanding of this matter, it is essential to examine the directional flow of revenue sources. As an investigative journalist, it has been brought to my attention that in other developed countries, there are measures in place to monitor the importation of equipment into companies through customs. It is imperative to investigate whether such measures are present in our country and if not, why not. The lack of control over imported equipment could potentially lead to illegal activities and must be addressed.
Who exactly is responsible for overseeing the customs and revenue levels in Ghana? According to sources, it appears that the Ghana Revenue Service holds the technical authority in this matter. As an investigative journalist, it appears that there may be potential for optimising our revenue flow to maximise profits. Further investigation is necessary to determine the most effective strategies for achieving this goal. From an investigative journalist's perspective, it appears that the mergers in question may be a wise decision. Is there a deeper issue at play here? Are there measures in place to prevent conflicting objectives among the parties involved? The individual made a statement.
The individual stated that in the event of a merger, it is imperative that it is executed with precision. They emphasised the importance of ensuring that all parties involved are treated equally and that there is no hierarchy established.
Adedayo suggests that Nigeria should focus on its comparative advantage in manufacturing and invest in those areas to generate employment opportunities.
The individual in question has made a statement regarding job targets, emphasising the need for clear and specific information regarding the nature of the jobs that are intended to be generated. Are the 50 million jobs being referred to limited to those that require a college degree or do they also include positions in the lower ranks? The individual stated that there must be a sense of reasoning behind the sequence of events.
According to Babatunde Adeniji, an economic analyst, there seems to be a lot of merit in the idea of merging government agencies. This is due to the bloated nature of many government agencies, and the need to make the government more nimble and efficient.
The source suggested that the government could potentially generate additional employment opportunities, provided they possess the necessary political determination.
The National Population Commission (NPC) has reportedly disclosed that a whopping sum of N200 billion has been expended over the course of eight years in preparation for the census.
The Director of Public Affairs for the National Population Commission (NPC), Isiaka Yahaya, has refuted claims that the commission spent a large sum of money in recent years. Yahaya stated that the commission has been making preparations for the census since 2014, and therefore, the insinuation that the sum was spent in the last few years is inaccurate.
During a press conference held on Friday in Abuja, he made this statement.
The Daily Trust Saturday has reported that Nigeria's census, which was supposed to be conducted in accordance with United Nations guidelines since 2016, has been postponed for various reasons since its last occurrence in 2006.
Investigative report reveals that a whopping sum of N200bn has allegedly been expended on preparations for the 2023 Census. It has been discovered that the aforementioned fund was not utilised in recent weeks, months, or even years. Shockingly, it has been revealed that the fund has been in use since 2014, during the initial stages of preparation for the highly anticipated 2023 Census.
It has been revealed that a portion of the N200 billion was spent prior to the current commission's arrival. This commission was inaugurated twice between 2018 and 2020, and even before the Buhari Administration began. These findings raise questions about the allocation and management of funds prior to the current commission's tenure.
According to Yahaya, a significant amount of money was allocated towards various preparatory measures to guarantee the accuracy and legitimacy of the upcoming operation.
According to his statement, a significant portion of the spending was allocated towards the demarcation of the country into enumeration areas, which facilitated the clustering process and subsequently provided the country with valuable data on the number of houses present.
Following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's inauguration, his administration has made several noteworthy decisions that have garnered praise from Nigerians.
Since Tinubu's inauguration on May 29, 2023, there have been some surprising developments in the country. The President has made some unexpected decisions, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the suspension of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.
In a recent development, the Central Bank of Nigeria has received the attention of Tinubu. This comes after the suspension of Godwin Emefiele, who has been in charge of the country's monetary system for the past nine years. The reason for the suspension is said to be due to Emefiele's abysmal handling of the system.
Abdulrasheed Bawa, the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), has received a treatment similar to that of other high-profile individuals who have been accused of corruption. The allegations against Bawa are weighty and have prompted an investigation into his conduct.
Is the President truly conscious of the Nigerian situation? This is the question on the minds of many citizens who have been observing his speeches. Some are convinced that he speaks with assurance about the issues plaguing the country, not as an aspirant but as a sitting President. But is this really the case?
Could it be possible that decisions that were neglected or took years to be made during the past administration have been swiftly executed by the current administration in just a matter of hours or days? This is a view held by some Nigerians.
Could it be that Nigeria's success is a result of carefully calculated economic decisions?
The government has implemented several policies including the removal of fuel subsidy, signing of the Electricity Act 2023, Data Protection Act, Student Loan Act, unification of the foreign exchange market, and other measures.
Reports suggest that the President Bola Tinubu Policy Advisory Council may have made a recommendation regarding the merger of key Nigerian agencies. Specifically, the Nigerian Customs Service, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) are said to be the agencies in question.
Why did the council propose the merger? According to sources, the aim was to facilitate the streamlined collection of both direct and indirect taxes, as well as levies, on behalf of the federal government.
As the president's plans and direction remain shrouded in ambiguity, there is a growing sentiment among Nigerians that his rhetoric aligns with what one would anticipate from a conscientious leader committed to nation-building.
What are the potential ramifications of this on the cost of goods and services for the Nigerian populace? In his Democracy Day broadcast, Tinubu implored the public to persevere for a brief period.
Former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Adigun Agbaje, has commented on the impact of the student loan scheme. According to him, the bill has been received with open arms and is considered a positive development.
The individual claims that Nigeria is in dire need of a government that can effectively tackle the multifaceted challenges plaguing the education sector.
"This initiative is a step in the right direction." It’s a meaningful step, and it tells the story that perhaps this government is going to take on critical issues from the previous government and make advances in terms of moving the country forward.
"It is a welcome development; there will always be challenges, but they will be tackled as they come." This is a step in the right direction, but it can only make more impact when we begin to address the majority of the leakages in our economy," he said on Arise TV.
Here is how some Nigerians reacted to Tinubu’s economic decisions on social media:
@AyoBankole, "I must commend President Tinubu for quick decision-making. I mean, you can critique his decisions and policy thrusts and the eventual implications of them, but at least you can’t criticise him for his initial inaction, especially compared to the sleepy retiree we had with Bubu."
@Obi_Nwosu, "When President Tinubu said he would hit the ground running, he was not lying."
@Ogenidipo, "Subsidy, gone. Multiple exchange rates are gone. Education loan bill signed. The Data Protection Bill was signed. A labour strike was averted via dialogue.
"Bola Ahmed Tinubu has started on a good footing. Long may progressive actions in the interest of the people continue."
@Akin Oyebode, "Subsidy and the exchange rate peg will be gone in two weeks. PBAT’s economic agenda is well and truly on. It’ll be a bumpy ride for a few months for sure, but two necessary actions for long-term macro and fiscal recovery are done."
@GoziconC, "With barely 11 days in office, President Tinubu is already working like he’s been in Aso Rock for 4 years.
"President Tinubu has met with governors from 36 states; he has met with the oil marketers; he has sworn in the SGF; his aides are up and running.
"The Nigerian GDP is rapidly growing; our economy is gaining ground again. I swear we made the right choice."
The Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates, will on Monday meet President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.
Dangote disclosed this after a closed-door session with Tinubu at the Aso Rock Presidential Vila on Friday.
“I did not come to do much. I only came to inform the President about our visit with Microsoft co-founder and my friend Bill Gates. We will both see the President on Monday when we come together,” he told State House correspondents.
Although Dangote did not reveal the purpose of Monday’s visit, it is believed to be part of ongoing consultations Tinubu is having with key leaders within the local and global business community.
Your claims ‘spurious’, name military officers involved in oil theft, Navy tells Asari Dokubo
In his inaugural speech on May 29, Tinubu promised local and foreign investors that he will “review all their complaints about multiple taxation and various anti-investment inhibitions.”
“We shall ensure that investors and foreign businesses repatriate their hard-earned dividends and profits home,” he added.
The President also promised to pursue industrial policies that will “utilise the full range of fiscal measures to promote domestic manufacturing and lessen import dependency.”
While targeting a higher GDP growth and lower unemployment rates, he said “We intend to accomplish this by taking the following steps; first, budgetary reform stimulating the economy without engendering inflation will be instituted.
“Second, industrial policy will utilise the full range of fiscal measures to promote domestic manufacturing and lessen import dependency. Third, electricity will become more accessible and affordable to businesses and homes alike.
“Power generation should nearly double and transmission and distribution networks improved. We will encourage states to develop local sources as well.”
A former deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olabode George, says he’s too old to be jostling for appointment under any government.
This is as he refuted claims that he is looking for appointment under President Bola Tinubu.
He, however, stated that he will be willing to nominate competent hands from his party if approached for such purpose.
George made this known in an interview with Punch on Friday.
George, who had been a vociferous critic of Tinubu, disclosed that he ended his feud with the President, not because he wanted to be in his good graces or seek favour, but for peace to reign, and as a sign of respect to those who intervened in the matter, at on behalf of Tinubu.
He stressed that after some senior indigenes of Lagos State and a delegation from the All Progressives Congress visited him to end the longstanding rift and sought his support for the Tinubu government, noting that he could never have desired anything more at his age.
He stated, “On this, people are only talking rubbish and they need to shut up. This man (Tinubu) is just starting and we said my party was still in court. They said we should let bygones be bygones. In the Bible, it is very clear that vengeance is only with God Almighty and you don’t continue fighting when everybody has persuaded you that it’s enough.
“All those saying I want an appointment don’t know what they are saying. What exactly do they want to happen to the young ones coming up? I said I have forgiven him. We had an issue and people settled it for us and I have forgotten about it.”
Asked whether or not he would accept an appointment from the government if offered, he stated, “I will give him people that have the knowledge from the party having been a manager of the party for years. If he says he wants me to help him get someone, there are millions of young people who still have all the energy to run around and not me.
“It is not for me, because I am not looking for a job. But if he calls me, we will discuss it before the party leaders, put heads together and nominate from our side somebody who is still young, agile, has the knowledge and can add value to this country.”
He said he could not congratulate or visit Tinubu at the villa while his party, the PDP, was still in court challenging the outcome of the presidential election. This, he said, would amount to betrayal of his party
The federal high court in Gusau ordered all vehicles confiscated from the two mansions of the former governor, Bello Matawalle, in the Gusau and Maradun Local Government areas. The Zamfara State Police command claims that it has followed with the court order.
On June 6, security personnel entered two homes owned by Bello Matawalle, the recently-retired governor of Zamfara State, on the basis of a court order, and removed some vehicles.
According to the Zamfara state Government’s spokesperson Suleiman Idris, forty vehicles were seized from the two former governor’s mansions a few hours after the operation.
But, on Thursday,15th June, a federal high court sitting in Gusau again ordered all parties involved in seizure of the vehicles to return all and other items taken from the ex – Governor Matawalle’s Houses to the court premises within forty eight hours
Yazid Abubakar, the Zamfara state Police Command’s spokesperson, claims that the command has followed with the directive and has begun bringing the vehicles back to the Federal High Court’s grounds while waiting for the court’s decision.
The Inspector General of Police, the Nigeria Police, the Commissioner of Police in Zamfara State, the Department of State Services, and the NSCDC were listed as respondents. The court issued an order of interim injunction prohibiting them from acting in any way related to the case while the motion is heard and decided.
On Friday, the Lagos condition Government’s Building Control Agency, LASBCA, identified at least 17 buildings in Alaba International Market, Ojo Local Government Area, as being in an advanced condition of distress and in need of immediate removal.
Gbolahan Oki, the LASBCA’s General Manager, said this after agency representatives marked the buildings for ultimate demolition on Friday.
The state administration responded quickly, stating that the identified buildings would be removed soon in order to prevent them from collapsing on inhabitants and reduce the number of damaged structures throughout the city.
Indications emerged that the state government had earlier concluded plans to demolish the buildings before Monday, June 19.
Some of the shopping plazas marked for demolition by LASBCA include; G80 Alaba Rago Road, Good Season Shopping Complex, the building on 840 Ojo Igbede and the structure behind Oba Oseni Plaza, among others.
According to Oki, the buildings were identified and marked for demolition several days after the state government identified locations of over 340 distressed buildings across the metropolis to be demolished in order to prevent loss of lives and property in the state.
Former Chief of Staff to the Imo State government, Uche Nwosu has said that the allegation of tribal sentiment surrounding the recent appointments of aides by President Bola Tinubu is unwarranted.
He insisted that the appointments were based on competence, and to prevent political distractions.
He noted that the appointees may have been so appointed to draw up a blueprint for the lifetime of the administration.
Speaking on the need for a job safety net to absorb beneficiaries of the new education loan scheme signed into law by the president, Nwosu urged for increased education of Nigerians, warning that “it is more dangerous not to go to school.”
He said, “It is good to go to school and come out and start looking for jobs. The boys that are being recruited by Boko Haram, it is because they didn’t go to school. And somebody can easily psych their brains. And before you know it, they take guns and join Boko Haram.
“An educated man who has gone through the walls of a university, it is difficult for someone to convince him to take guns and enter the bush and start shooting.
“But it is easier to convince someone who has never seen education at all. For me, let’s educate as many as we can, and let it be that we’re now looking for a job for them.
“Education remains the best thing that could happen to this country. It is more frustrating not to go school, and be pushing wheelbarrows or be a Bus conductor.”
Chief Olabode George, a former deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, has refuted allegations of seeking an appointment under President Bola Tinubu. He has stated that he is too advanced in age to be considered for such a position.
The individual in question made it clear that while he has not been approached for any political position, he would only consider assisting in the nomination of qualified candidates from his party.
In a recent telephone interview with our correspondent, George, a former critic of Tinubu, revealed that he has put an end to their rift. He clarified that his decision was not based on any appointment but rather to promote peace and out of respect for those who intervened in the matter at the request of Tinubu.
The octogenarian expressed satisfaction after a group of prominent Lagosians and a delegation from the ruling All Progressives Congress paid him a visit to resolve a longstanding conflict and seek his endorsement of the Tinubu administration. He deemed this development as a desirable outcome, given his advanced age.
The individual made a statement indicating that the current discourse on the matter is nonsensical and those engaging in it should refrain from doing so. The individual in question, Tinubu, appears to be in the early stages of his political career. Meanwhile, it should be noted that the party in question is currently involved in legal proceedings. The call to let bygones be bygones was made. The user's statement highlights a biblical perspective on the concept of vengeance, emphasising that it is solely within the purview of God. The user also suggests that once a resolution has been reached, it is important to refrain from further conflict, even if others may encourage it.
The individual in question has made a statement regarding those who have expressed a desire for an appointment. They appear to be dismissing such requests and suggesting that those who make them are misguided in their intentions. What are their proposed policies regarding the future generation? The individual in question has reportedly been granted forgiveness, according to sources close to the matter. The individual in question has seemingly dismissed a previous matter, attributing its resolution to the actions of others.
When questioned about the possibility of accepting a government appointment, the individual in question responded by indicating a preference for recommending individuals with extensive experience managing the party and possessing a deep understanding of its inner workings. The individual in question has expressed a desire for my assistance in securing a target. However, it is worth noting that there exists a vast population of youthful individuals who possess the requisite vigour to engage in such pursuits, as opposed to myself.
The statement suggests that the speaker is not interested in seeking employment. In a statement, the individual expressed their willingness to engage in discussions with party leaders regarding the nomination of a young, knowledgeable, and capable candidate who can contribute to the betterment of the nation. They emphasised the importance of collaboration and consultation in the decision-making process.
The individual in question has declined to extend congratulations or pay a visit to Tinubu at the villa, citing the ongoing legal challenge mounted by his party, the PDP, against the results of the presidential election. According to the source, the individual in question stated that such an action would be considered a disloyalty to their political affiliation.
Nigerian chef, Damilola Adeparusi, popularly known as Chef Dammy, has revealed plans to displace Hilda Baci as the world record holder for the longest cooking marathon by an individual.
Chef Dammy, who spoke to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, said the concluded 120-hour cook was not registered with the Guinness World Record (GWR).
She, however, said after completing the 120-hour cook-a-thon, she is ready to apply for the Guinness World Records.
Vanguard correspondent confirmed that she plans to cook for 150 hours in the new challenge set to take place next month.
“I know the question that has been surrounding the minds of many people online and offline is what is next for Chef Dammy after the 120-hour cook-a-thon? What will become of Chef Dammy after the world has known her and she has been put in the spotlight? Well, Chef Dammy is open to exploration! I am open to new opportunities and new experiences in life. Now that the world knows what I am capable of doing. I think it’s high time everyone started giving me a chance to explore in diverse ways and capabilities.
“Finally, I know there have been many speculations about me not registering this just-concluded cooking, but my team and I have decided to embark on this new challenge next month.
“After the support I have received from fans, well-wishers, and many highly notable individuals in the society. I, Adeparusi Damilola popularly known as Chef Dammy and my team have decided to hold another cook-a-thon programme next month.
“This time, it will be held for a 150-hour, and it will be duly registered with Guinness World Records. Chef Dammy is coming back!
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has detained the Receiver Manager appointed by the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria for Arik Nigeria Limited, Mr Kamilu Omokide, over alleged misappropriation and diversion of about N120bn, According to PUNCH report.
EFCC detained Omokide alongside one Captain Samuel Caulcrick in connection with alleged illegal sale and tearing down of a $41m CRJ 1000 aircraft, which was operated by Arik Air.
Documents obtained by our correspondent on Friday revealed that the detention of the two top executives was sequel to a petition written by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), who is a solicitor to Arik Nigeria Limited.
The petition detailed how there had been alleged financial fraud and sales of assets worth over N120bn.
The petition, addressed to the EFCC Chairman, and dated April 27, read, “We are solicitors to Arik Nigeria Limited (hereinafter referred to as “our client”), on whose behalf and specific instructions we write you. Our client operates an airline in the aviation industry by offering air transportation services for passengers and cargo in Nigeria and has been in business since 2006.
“In compliance with an ex parte order of the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria appointed a receiver manager to manage our client’s assets due to its financial obligation to some banks.
“Pursuant to the said ex parte order, the said receiver manager has been overseeing the affairs of our client’s assets pursuant from 2017 to date. In the course of running the airline business the receiver has engaged in financial mismanagement, diversion of monies, sales of assets and misappropriation of funds belonging to Arik Airline.
The petition listed the details of the alleged diversion of money, sale of assets and misappropriation of funds.
AIT Broadcaster Ijeoma Osamor Testifies For Peter Obi
The Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPC, sitting in Abuja, has admitted in evidence, additional video evidence that was tendered by candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr. Peter Obi.
The video recording, which was played in the open court on Friday, after it was admitted as an exhibit, was brought on the strength of a subpoena that the Justice Haruna Tsammani-led five-member panel issued on Africa Independent Television, AIT.
It was tendered in a flash drive, through the anchor of the Democracy Today program on AIT, Ijeoma Osamor.
In the video, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, during a press conference, assured that results of the 2023 general elections would be electronically transmitted, using Bimodal Voter Accreditation, BVAS, devices.
Meanwhile, after the video recording was admitted in evidence, the court, gave the lawyers that represented INEC, President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC, who are Respondents in the matter, the nod to cross examine the witness.
Under cross examination, Osamor, told the court that contrary to positions of both President Tinubu and the APC, the INEC Chairman did not at any time before the elections, declared that the results would no longer be uploaded.
However, counsel for the APC, Mr. Abiodun Owonikoko, SAN, insisted that there was a newspaper publication to back the claim of the party that the INEC Chairman had before the elections, adduced reasons why the Commission could not transmit the results.
However, the witness, told the court that as a reporter covering the INEC beat, she attended all press briefings by the Commission and never heard such announcement by Prof. Yakubu.
She told the court that the said publication that President Tinubu and the APC relied on, which was dated February 23, was probably a personal interview between the INEC Chairman and Tribune Newspaper.
Meanwhile, all the Respondents challenged the admissibility of the video recording from AIT in evidence, saying they would adduce reasons behind their objections in their final written address.
Earlier in the proceedings, a Professor of Mathematics at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Eric Ofoedu, told the court that he analysed some of the results of the presidential election that INEC uploaded on its IReV portal.
Under cross examination, Prof. Ofoedu told the court that he embarked on the analysis, as an academic exercise that would benefit his students.
He told the court that he was not paid for the job, adding that he had to be subpoenaed to tender the outcome of his analysis in evidence, since his original aim was not to use the report for any election litigation.
Nevertheless, the witness, maintained his ground that over 18,088 result sheets that INEC uploaded in relation to the presidential contest, were blurred.
The court adjourned further hearing on the matter till Monday.
Obi, who is claiming that he won the presidential election, is among other things, praying the court to nullify Tinubu’s victory and withdraw the Certificate of Return that was issued to him by INEC.
The Peoples Democratic Party on Friday fielded Senator Dino Melaye as one of its star witnesses before the Presidential Election Petitions Court sitting in Abuja.
Melaye testified against the Independent National Electoral Commission, President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP and Atiku Abubakar’s lead counsel, Chris Uche SAN announced his portfolio as National Collation Agent for the party, businessman and politician.
Adopting his statement on oath, Melaye said the final results declared by INEC Chairman, Yakubu Mahmood, was wrongly computed and announced at the National Collation Centre, Abuja, adding that he refused to endorse the results.
Under cross-examination by INEC’s lawyer, A.B, Mahmoud SAN, he said most of the PDP agents did not sign the polling unit Form EC8As across the country.
Mahmoud asked him to tell the court all he knows about electoral procedure of the 2023 presidential election.
Melaye said he knows the electoral procedure based on the fact that he was one of the lawmakers who put together the Electoral Act at the National Assembly.
He noted that the sequence of 2023 election involves sorting, collating and announcement of results after which it is uploaded to the INEC Results Viewing Portal, IREV, before the presiding officer can proceed to the Ward collation centre.
“You stormed out of the National Collation Centre Abuja before the end of the collation process,” Mahmoud asked him.
“In protest of the fraudulent activities at the National Collation Centre, I left,” Melaye responded.
Tinubu and Shettima’s lawyer, Akin Olujimi SAN, asked the senator if the failure to transmit results to IREV can change the results already recorded on Form EC8A, to which, he said, “It will not, in an ideal situation.”
Melaye admitted that he did not state what he found to be the actual scores of Atiku in his statement on oath, saying he briefed the party’s statisticians.
“Which law designates IREV as a collation centre?,” Olujimi asked him.
The senator replied saying IREV is not a collation centre but it is part of the process for the conduct of the 2023 election.
He was asked by the legal team of APC if he mentioned the areas in Kano, Borno and Lagos states where he claimed in his statement that there was alleged malpractice and violence.
The senator, however, said he did not mention the places categorically.
The senator was eventually discharged from the witness box by the five-man panel of the court led by Justice Haruna Tsammani.
After that, the PDP lawyer, Uche, disclosed that he received some electoral documents from the INEC Chairman following a subpoena against him.
Some of them were Form EC8As in respect of Nasarawa state(13 LGAs).
The Federal High Court in Awka has set aside its sack order on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Usman Alkali Baba.
The court upheld the right of Alkali to fair hearing as enshrined in Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution which was not guaranteed by the plaintiff in his application.
It said it was convinced by the depositions of the court bailiff that the IGP was not served the originating summons.
Justice Fatun Riman reversed the court’s earlier judgment following an application by IGP’s counsel, Abdullahi Abdulhakeem Ago against a previous ruling in favour of a plaintiff, Okechukwu Nwafor
The Federal High Court in Awka on May 19, 2023 declared that the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, is an illegal occupant of the office of IGP.
Justice Riman, who gave the order, insisted that Baba’s continued stay in office was against the clear provisions of the Police Act, 2020, saying it is “unlawful and unconstitutional”.
The court made the order in its judgment in a suit marked FHC/AKW/CS/58/2023, filed by Okechukwu Nwafor, who claimed to be a taxpayer.
But IGP asked the court to set aside the judgment because the subject matter had been determined by another Federal High Court presided over by Justice J.K. Omotosho in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/31/2023.
The police chief also alleged that the court should quash its judgment due to non-service of the originating processes on him.
The court upheld the arguments of the Inspector-General of Police in a 17-page ruling on June 15, 2023.
Justice Riman said a court can reverse its judgment where there was a fundamental error.
The judge said: “The law is settled that any Court of record including the Supreme Court has the inherent jurisdiction to set aside its own Judgment given in any proceeding in which there must have been a fundamental defect such as one which goes to the issue of jurisdiction and competence of the Court
“Such a judgment is a nullity. A person affected by it, is therefore, entitled ex-debito justicae to have it set aside. The court can set it aside suo motu and the person affected may apply by motion and not necessarily by way of Appeal.
A judgment or order which is a nullity owing to failure to comply with an essential provision such as service of process can be set aside by the court which gave it or made the order.
“The law is trite that the necessity for the requirement of service of originating processes, whether personal or by substituted means to bring to the notice of the defendant in action knowledge of the pending of a suit against him to enable such defendant prepare himself and defend the action appropriately
“I find merit in this application. Accordingly, the judgment of this court delivered on 19th day of May 2023 is hereby set aside for non- service of the originating processes on the 2nd Defendant (the Inspector-General of Police). This is the ruling of this court.”