The naira has maintained its downward trend as scarcity of the dollar bites harder, findings by The PUNCH have revealed.
At the parallel market, naira commenced trading at 1,175/$ and closed at 1,190/$ on Friday.
Two weeks earlier, the naira had traded at 1,100/$ at the parallel market.
It, however, appreciated slightly on the Investor & Exporter forex window after it sold at 808.28/$ at the close of trading on Friday, from 810.05/$ on Thursday, according to figures obtained from the FMDQ.
Some Bureau de Change Operators who spoke to The PUNCH noted that the dollar was scarce as many did not have forex to sell to customers.
A BDC operator, Jubril Mutiu, said, “On Friday, the price was 1,175/$, but we don’t even have it. It is not available right now.”
Another BDC operator, Adamu Afeez, said, “We are looking for those to sell to us, but now, we don’t have the dollar to buy. If we don’t have one, we cannot sell.”
Another BDC operator, Ibrahim Abu, said, “We sold for 1,175/$ in the morning till afternoon on Friday. By 2 p.m., it was already selling for 1,190/$. It has been fluctuating. I don’t know what the rate will be on Monday.”
The naira had continued to maintain devaluation following the CBN’s order to the lending institutions to allow the free flow of the country’s exchange rate in June.
Before floating the naira, it traded at the official market on the FMDQ at 471.67/$ and at the parallel market at 765/$ in June.
The President, Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria, Dr Aminu Gwadabe, said achieving stable, strong and virile exchange rate in Nigeria would require full participation of BDCs in the retail segment of the forex exchange market.
He said the challenges confronting the nation’s forex market and depreciation of the naira required cooperation from all.
The BDCs, he said, were licensed to play at the retail end of the forex market and should be fully involved in providing lasting solutions to the ongoing volatility in the exchange rate.
Gwadabe said, “The continuous depreciation of the naira in official and parallel markets does not benefit the BDCs and the domestic economy. Hence, steps should be taken to reverse the trend and strengthen the local currency for maximum economic impact.”
He said several measures by the apex bank to bridge the exchange rate gaps showed genuine intentions of the regulator to entrench exchange rate stability, but getting the BDCs involved in the solution recipe would bring the desired results of a highly liquid market and stable rates.
Gwadabe said that, like every other market segment, the market’s illiquidity remained a significant concern to the BDC sector.
He said aside from illiquidity in the market, ABCON was unhappy with the unlicensed forex dealers who were at the centre of speculative activities and attracting a negative image to the sub-sector.
As the Supreme Court today hears the appeals challenging the electoral victory of President Bola Tinubu, the ruling All Progressives Congress has expressed confidence that the President will come out victorious.
Tinubu’s victory in the February 25 presidential poll is being challenged by the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party.
The opposition parties had earlier lost at the Presidential Election Petitions Court where they first challenged Tinubu’s victory.
Displeased with the verdict of the PEPC, both parties and their candidates, Atiku Abubakar (PDP) and Peter Obi (LP) proceeded to the Supreme Court, which has fixed today for hearing.
Speaking on Sunday ahead of today’s hearing, the APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, told The PUNCH the opposition would lose again.
He said, “We are expecting justice and I know the Supreme Court Justices are just. They are going to look at the cases on merit. So, we are optimistic that justice is going to be done just as was done earlier on (tribunal judgment).
“We are not expecting anything different from a just and fair ruling. Whatever may be the case, my confidence is in the judicial system of Nigeria. So, I am consoled that justice will be delivered and whoever wins or loses should take it in good faith.
“But as a party, the APC is confident the Supreme Court is going to be just.”
But the PDP expressed optimism that the Supreme Court will sack Tinubu and declare Atiku as winner.
The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in a statement on Sunday, said, “Nigerians and indeed the whole world look forward to the Supreme Court for justice in the hope that the court will apply the laws, including the express provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022 and INEC Guidelines and Regulations in delivering substantial justice in the matter.
“The earnest expectation of Nigerians and lovers of democracy across the world is that the Supreme Court will use this case to firmly validate the maxim that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man.
“Nigerians are, therefore, optimistic that the Supreme Court will dispense substantial justice according to the law and the facts in the appeal.”
Meanwhile, the Allied Peoples Movement also urged the Supreme Court to nullify the election of Tinubu, saying his running mate was not validly nominated.
According to the party, the placeholder nominated by the President, Ibrahim Masari, was not replaced within the 14 days stipulated by Section 33 of the Electoral Act.
The APM also said the tribunal was wrong to have held that the nomination and sponsorship of Tinubu and Kashim Shettima were APC internal affairs.
Over the past two weeks, the volume of imports at Nigeria’s seaports has significantly declined, falling to 65%. According to reliable sources, this downturn is attributed to the instability of the foreign exchange rate and the devaluation of the Naira.
The Tin-Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported a notable reduction in cargo throughput at the nation’s seaports, which has posed challenges in achieving targeted revenue.
The exchange rate has been a major concern, with the black market seeing a dollar valued at N1,200, while the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) rate stands at N848. The Naira’s depreciation against the US dollar has been a consistent trend across various market segments, notably since the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) lifted the ban on 43 items that were previously restricted from accessing foreign exchange through the Investors’ and Exporters’ (I&E) window, now known as NAFEM.
Seaport reports indicate that berths at Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports are largely vacant, especially in bulk cargo terminals. Truckers have also voiced concerns about a reduction in cargo haulage, particularly at these two busiest ports in the country.
Yusuf Liadi, a truck owner, expressed the difficulties faced in recent weeks, mentioning that the movement of cargo-laden containers had reached an all-time low. He stated, “The last four weeks have been challenging for truck owners. For instance, I have not moved cargoes out of the port in the last two weeks.”
In an exclusive conversation with LEADERSHIP, Dr. Kayode Farinto, the former acting president of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), noted that importation had dwindled to 65%. He attributed this decrease to the exchange rate’s volatility. However, he believed that removing restrictions on the 43 items by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) would stimulate imports.
Farinto emphasized that this policy change would encourage importers to adhere to proper procedures, curbing false declarations, corruption, and the additional costs associated with cargo clearance. He anticipated that the full impact of this change would not be felt until the middle of December 2023 or the first quarter of 2024.
Lucky Amiwero, the president of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), echoed the sentiment of a significant drop in imports at the country’s seaports. He emphasized that the current exchange rate, exceeding N1,000 to a dollar, deterred importers from engaging in international trade.
Amiwero explained that the fluctuating exchange rate created uncertainties and added financial burdens to importers who had to pay more if there were changes in the exchange rate before cargo clearance. He emphasized the critical role of foreign exchange in a country heavily reliant on imports like Nigeria.
Amiwero called for confidence-building measures to stabilize the forex market, noting that the current economic dynamics required a consistent, predictable, and transparent exchange rate. He also stressed the need to address issues affecting exports, removing impediments, and introducing subsidies to encourage a balance between imports and exports.
In conclusion, he highlighted the increasing poverty rate and declining purchasing power in Nigeria, which demanded immediate attention and practical solutions from the government to halt the free fall of the Naira.
The facility of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Geidam, Yobe State was targeted in an attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorists. However, the NCS successfully repelled the attack with timely reinforcement from the Nigerian Army.
In a statement released on Sunday, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer of Customs, confirmed the loss of an officer during the encounter.
The statement highlighted the brave response of the NCS and the Nigerian Army in facing the suspected Boko Haram insurgents, emphasizing their unwavering courage and resilience in defending the state against its enemies.
Tragically, Assistant Superintendent of Customs II Ahmed Usman, born on April 2, 1983, and a dedicated member of the NCS since February 24, 2009, sacrificed his life in the incident.
The statement expressed the appreciation of Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi for the cooperation of sister security agencies and offered condolences to the family of the fallen officer. It also reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to ensuring robust security at the country’s borders.
The deceased officer, who hailed from Pindiga Town, Akko Local Government Area in Gombe State, is survived by his wife and five children, consisting of three boys and two girls.
On Sunday, the Governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello, alleged an assassination attempt on him, but the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) denies that its officers are responsible for the attack.
According to a statement by the state Commissioner for information, Kingsley Fanwo, the attackers, dressed in military uniforms, ambushed the governor’s convoy and opened fire on his vehicle and other vehicles in the convoy.
However, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, the Director, Defence Information, Defence Headquarters, clarifies that the governor’s attackers were criminals wearing fake military uniforms. He emphasizes the need for the police to investigate the incident and bring the culprits to justice. He also emphasizes that military personnel would never attack the governor.
Gusau states, “The attack is unfortunate and we are not happy with what happened. However, the governor did not say it was the military that attacked him. Military personnel will never attack the governor. He said his attackers were in military uniforms. His attackers are criminals. We urged the police to investigate the matter and unravel the circumstances and those involved in the attack.”a
Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, dismissed reports of assassination attempt on his life.
Kingsley Fanwo, Information Commissioner, had raised the alarm that the governor’s convoy was attacked en route to Abuja, on Sunday evening.
But addressing reporters in Abuja, the governor said there was a minor convoy involving his convoy.
He clarified that there was a minor fracas between men of the Nigerian Police Force attached to his convoy and those of a military unit manning the highways; it was in the course of both units performing their lawful security duties that the incident happened.
The Governor commended the security agencies for their joint contributions to the improved security of lives and property, which he claimed has benefited the citizens of Kogi State immensely,
However, he called on the high command of the agencies involved to investigate overzealousness or unprofessional conduct by any of their men involved in the incident and apply the necessary sanctions”.
The Governor therefore urged the citizens of Kogi State to ignore any attempt by political profiteers to use the incident to unsettle the polity as the state’s 2023 governorship elections slated for November 11 draw nearer”.
He assured the state of both his safety and the adequacy of security arrangements to ensure that the elections are peaceful, free and fair.
In the heat-up to the November 11 gubernatorial election in Kogi State, an alarming piece of news has just hit the stable of Daily Independent on an assassination attempt on Governor Yahaya Bello.
A swift press release signed by Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications reads:
The Kogi State Government wishes to inform the general public that there was an assasination attempt on the Governor of the state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, a few kilometres away from Abuja, on his way to an official engagement from Lokoja.The attack occurred at about 4pm on Sunday, October 22, 2023.
The attackers who were dressed in military uniforms waylaid the Governor’s convoy and started shooting sporadically at his vehicle and other vehicles in the convoy. It took the swift intervention of the security personnel attached to the Governor to foil the satanic plans of the unknown soldiers.
The attacks were at three different points, the last barricade being around Kwali Federal Capital Territory at about 4.20pm.
The report of these strange attacks has been properly documented at security offices in the state and at the national level for prompt and thorough investigations to avert future occurrences.
We are not oblivious of the fact that certain elements are bent on painting Kogi unsafe ahead of the Governorship Poll slated for November 11, 2023. As an administration, we will spare nothing to ensure our citizens are not subjected to security threats by desperate politicians sponsoring violence and terrorism.
We call on the citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements in the domain to relevant security agencies. It is the responsibility of the Government to ensure security and we want to assure you that the peace we have enjoyed as a state in the last eight years won’t be lost on the altar of violent politics.
Details later...
[DailyIndependent]
THE Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has asked the Federal High Court in Lagos State to stop the House of Representatives from procuring and taking delivery of 360 sports utility vehicles amounting to the sum of N57.6 billion for its members, “pending the hearing and determination of the applications for injunction filed by the organisation.”
According to SERAP, its applications for “interim and interlocutory injunction” followed reports that the lawmakers are set to procure and take delivery of the SUVs.
The organisation stated that according to reports, “each of the SUVs would cost taxpayers at least N160 million.”
This was made known by the organisation’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, in a correspondence.
The statement stated, “In the applications filed last week, SERAP is seeking “an order of interim injunction restraining the National Assembly from procuring, taking delivery and distributing the SUVs to their members, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for an order of interlocutory injunction filed simultaneously in this suit.”
SERAP is also seeking “such further order(s) that the honourable court may deem fit to make in the circumstance of this suit.”
It stated, “It would be recalled that SERAP in August filed the suit number FHC/L/CS/1606/2023 before the Federal High Court challenging “the legality of the spending of billions of naira by the National Assembly to purchase exotic and bulletproof cars for members and principal officials.”
Oluwadaresaid the organisation sent an open letter to President Bola Tinubu urging him to “put pressure on the leadership of the House of Representatives” and stop its members from taking delivery of 360 SUVs, pending the court application for interim injunction.
He said, “In the letter dated 21 October 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation also urged the president to “put pressure on the leadership of the Senate and stop members from taking delivery of the planned procurement of bulletproof SUVs, pending the hearing and determination of the application for interim injunction filed before the Federal High Court.”
The letter, read in part: “Allowing the National Assembly to go ahead and purchase and take delivery of the SUVs would prejudice the outcome of the suit pending in court and make a mockery of the rule of law.
“Unless you exercise your executive powers and discharge your constitutional oath of office act as recommended, the lawmakers would go ahead to procure and take delivery of the N57.6 billion vehicles, and thereby present the court with a fait accompli.
“It would invariably hamstring the ability of the court to do justice in the pending suit and applications for an injunction.”
It stated further that stopping the leadership of the HOR from procuring and taking delivery of the SUVs pending the court order “would be entirely consistent with the notions of the rule of law, judicial independence and integrity and the public interest.”
[NaijaTimes]
Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, has boldly expressed his lack of concern regarding the vocal outbursts of Sheikh Ahmad Gumi against the government.
This disclosure was unveiled through an audiotape that he chose to release on his official Facebook page, capturing the attention of the public on a consequential Sunday.
the former minister has made public an audiotape following a highly contentious sermon delivered by Gumi. During this sermon, Gumi referred to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, as a "satanic person." The remarks were made in connection to alleged plans for a collaborative effort between Wike and Israel, aimed at enhancing the security of the federal capital territory.
In a recent statement, Gumi expressed concern over potential repercussions for the Muslim community in the event of collabcoration between the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Israel. In a notable statement, the individual in question emphasised the potential risks associated with assigning Nigeria's national security responsibilities solely to individuals of Christian faith and Southern origin.
Fani-Kayode dismissed the significance of the criticisms levelled against the government by referring to the individual in question as a "little monkey." He expressed his lack of concern, highlighting the presence of government officials whose responsibility it is to address such matters. He emphasised his own position outside of the government, implying that he is not directly involved in the response to these criticisms.
“However, I am concerned about his rantings against the Christian community and against what I believe to be southerners generally, both Christian and Muslim.”
Media
- Two fleeing robbers shot dead, vehicles recovered
- Alia fumes, vows gunmen will be arrested; IGP says perpetrators have murdered sleep.
Benue State Police Command confirmed yesterday that two suspected members of the robbery gang that raided some commercial banks in Otukpo, Benue State on Friday have been killed.
The suspects, according to a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Kate Aneene, a Superintendent of police (SP), were shot dead during a gun duel with a police team on Otukpo-Taraku Road in the state yesterday.
Aneene said the robbery suspects were trying to escape with their loot through the road when nemesis caught up with them.
She said a team of policemen engaged them in an exchange of gunfire, killing the two instantly while other members of the gang abandoned their vehicles and escaped into the forest.
Also confirming the death of a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and three other policemen during the raid, Aneene said they were confirmed dead in the hospital.
Other persons who sustained injuries in the bank, she said, have since been moved to the hospital for treatment while investigation continues on the matter.
Aneene identified the banks raided by the robbers to include Access Bank, First Bank, Zenith International Bank, UBA and Stanbic Bank.
She said: “On 20/10/2023 at about 1615hrs, armed robbers invaded Access, First, Zenith, UBA and Stanbic bank Otukpo simultaneously.
“The Otukpo Divisional Police Officer, CSP John Adikwu and other police teams in the area engaged them in a gun duel but were unable to prevent the attacks on the banks.
“More police teams in collaboration with other security agents have been deployed to Otukpo to assist in stabilising the area and prevent these robbers from escaping.
“The robbers who were inter cepted along Otukpo-Taraku Road engaged officers in a gun duel and two of the robbers died in the process.
“Other gang members abandoned their vehicles and escaped into the forest area and are being chased by the police.
“The DPO who sustained a gunshot injury on his stomach and three other police officers have been confirmed dead at the hospital.
“Other persons who sustained injuries in the bank have been moved to the hospital for treatment.”
The casualties of the attacks include DPO John Adikwu of Otukpo Divisional Headquarters; Emmanuella Ankyov, a female police officer; Emmanuel Uche who concluded his mandatory National Youth Service scheme (NYSC) early in the year and recently secured a job with UBA and two others identified simply as Uloko and Desmond.
Benue State governor, Hyacinth Alia, yesterday condemned the attacks on some commercial banks in Otukpo town.
A statement issued by his spokesman, Tersoo Kula, described the robbery incident as an affront on the state, especially that it took place at the exact time the Security Council meeting was in progress at the Government House in Makurdi.
The governor sympathised with the families of those who were gruesomely murdered by the robbers during the robbery.
He said: “It is an unfortunate development that people who were on duty, especially police officers, were shot and killed in cold blood by those mindless robbers.
“But they cannot get away with this. Already, security agencies are on their trail and must apprehend and bring them to justice.”
Alia called on the people of the state to be vigilant and always endeavour to report suspicious movements around them all the time.
The Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, condemned the robbery attacks in strong terms, describing it as an assault on the principles of peace, security, and justice which he said the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies work tirelessly to uphold.
A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the IGP extended his “heartfelt condolences” to the families and loved ones of the victims who were affected by “this senseless act of violence”.
He confirmed that two of the suspects were gunned down by operatives while attempting to escape, adding that the assailants “who orchestrated this brazen act of criminality have indeed murdered sleep”.
The statement added: “The IGP ordered the deployment of additional operational and investigative assets and resources to Otukpo, the Benue State Command and sur rounding states to assist in the swift apprehension of the other fleeing criminals responsible for this atrocity, as a follow-up to the gunning down of two of the armed robbers after a hot chase on Friday.
“In the same vein, going by this incident, the IGP has put all Commands and Formations on red alert to avert any further deadly attacks on our institutions and innocent citizens of Nigeria, more so that the Otukpo attack was an early warning sign of the Ember Month challenges which is often characterised by bank robbery and other related crimes.
“We therefore call upon the public to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities by providing any information that may aid in the investigation and pursuit of the suspects. Your assistance is invaluable in our mission to restore safety and security in the affected area and across the length and breadth of Nigeria.
“In the wake of this tragedy, the IGP reiterates the NPF’s commitment to the safety and security of the Nigerian people, standing united against acts of violence and criminality and vowing to work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible for this reprehensible act are brought to justice.
[Nation]
More...
Russian missile strikes have killed at least six postal workers while 17 others sustained injury on Saturday when they hit a mail depot in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region, officials said.
President Volodymyr Zelensky shared a video on social media of what appeared to be a heavily damaged warehouse surrounded by rubble and a container with the logo of the Ukrainian postal operator Nova Poshta.
The six killed in the attack were all workers at the Nova Poshta depot, located in the village of Korotych on the outskirts of Kharkiv city, regional governor Oleg Sinegubov said.
“The victims, aged between 19 and 42, received shrapnel wounds and blast injuries,” he said.
Sinegubov said of the injured being treated in the hospital, seven were in serious condition, adding that “Doctors are fighting for their lives”.
The regional prosecutor’s office later updated the number of injured to 17.
Sergiy Nozhka, who works for Nova Poshta, described the condition of some of his colleagues as “mild to moderate severity”, adding that “there are some people in a very serious condition”.
He said that a rocket “flew into the neighbouring depot, but at ours too — the windows and shutters flew out. This is not the first time”.
According to the prosecutor’s office, Russian forces in the Belgorod region north of Kharkiv fired S-300 missiles, two of which hit the warehouse.
“Debris analysis continues at the site in order to establish the exact number of injured and dead,” office spokesman Dmytro Chubenko told Ukraine’s state broadcaster Suspilne.
Separate Russian attacks on villages near the war-battered Ukrainian city of Bakhmut killed at least two people on Sunday, officials said.
Both Kyiv and Moscow are preparing for a gruelling winter ahead, as Ukraine warns of renewed strikes on its energy infrastructure and Russia contends with a Ukrainian counteroffensive to regain territory.
AFP
The Nigerian Senate is set to amend the 2022 Electoral Act.
The new amendment will make electronic transmission of results mandatory, allow uploading of polling unit-level results and result sheets used at different levels of result collation and allow for diaspora voting, at least for presidential elections.
This was contained in a communiqué issued by the upper legislative chamber at the end of its retreat in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa-Ibom State.
The Senate noted that it was necessary for the Independent National Electoral Commission to be unbundled to improve its efficiency and effectiveness in the preparation and conduct of elections.
The communiqué stated, “Relating to the use of technology in elections, remove the ambiguity evident in Section 64 of the EA22.
“Also, make electronic transmission of results mandatory from the next general elections in 2027, including the uploading of polling unit-level results and result sheets used at different levels of result collation.
“Introduce diaspora voting, at least for presidential elections, to enable citizens to vote, especially those on essential service abroad, such as military, paramilitary, and other security personnel abroad, Embassy staff, and other citizens.
“Relating to political parties; stipulate sanctions for failure to submit the register of party members not later than 30 days before the date of party primaries, congresses, or conventions in relation to Section 77(3) EA22, which the political parties have observed in the breach in the 2023 elections without penalty.”
The 10th Senate further noted that it was time to develop and enact a comprehensive national security strategy that outlines the nation’s security objectives, threats, and policy priorities.
The Red Chamber added that such a strategy could serve as a guiding framework for legislative action in the security sector.
[DailyPost]
Olukoyede lists focus, says commission must deliver on mandate
•Go after looters not only yahoo boys, senior lawyers tell anti-graft chief
The new Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, will inherit no fewer than 25 high-profile corruption cases involving former governors, ministers and senators, Sunday PUNCH can report.
Some of the cases, especially those against some ex-governors, have lasted several years. While some are still under investigation, some have spent years in court with no conclusive end to the trials.
Olukoyede was confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday barely four months after the former chairman of the commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, was suspended.
Based on Sunday PUNCH findings, the amount at stake in the high-profile cases is not less than N772.2bn and another $2.2bn, alleged to have gone missing through money laundering, fund diversion and misappropriation.
Some of the former governors who have been invited by the commission for probe include the immediate past governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi; his predecessor, Ayo Fayose; former governor of Zamfara State and incumbent Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and a former governor of Enugu State, Chimaroke Nnamani, among others.
Other lingering cases involving the commission include the former National Security Adviser under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Col Sambo Dasuki (retd.), former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, among others.
On June, Fayemi was invited by the commission over allegations of N4bn misappropriation during his tenure as governor. Fayemi’s media aide, Ahmad Sajoh, had said in a statement the following day that the former governor was invited “regarding a money laundering petition against him”, adding that the petition was filed by a faceless group.
In May, the EFCC said the former Zamfara State governor was being investigated for the alleged diversion of N70bn from the state treasury. While the former governor accused Bawa of demanding $2m bribe, the EFCC in turn said Matawalle was under probe for N70bn fraud. As of the time of filing this report, the status of the bribery allegation and fraud claims could not be ascertained.
Also, Nnamani was charged to court by the EFCC over an alleged N5.3bn fraud but the case was struck out in 2018. The agency however said in February of the same year that it had the intention of filing fresh charges against Nnamani and his former aide, Sunday Anyaogu. As of the time of filing this report, it could not be ascertained if the EFCC filed the fresh charges as it promised, and the status of the case.
Similarly, a former governor of Nasarawa State and immediate past chairman of the All Progressives Congress Senator Abdullahi Adamu, was in 2010 accused by the agency of N15bn fraud when he served as the governor between 1999 and 2007. The commission filed a 149-count charge against Adamu and 18 others.
Even though Adamu argued the case against him had been struck out by the court, a claim the EFCC (the plaintiff) has yet to affirm or deny, the commission in 2018 arraigned Adamu’s son for N92m fraud. The status of the two separate cases had remained unknown.
Similarly, in 2021, the former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who was the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party in the 2023 election, was interrogated by the EFCC over alleged non-remittance of N10bn pension fund. The outcome of the investigation was however not known why the EFCC had yet to state if the fund had been found.
The probe launched by the EFCC into the finances of Rivers State under former Governor Peter Odili has yet to see the light of day. The EFCC had said it was investigating Odili, the husband of a retired justice of the Supreme Court, for N100bn fraud in 2012. Although there was a perpetual court injunction restraining the Federal Government and its agencies, including the EFCC, from probing, arresting or prosecuting him, the former acting chairman of the agency, Ibrahim Magu, in 2020 said the case would be reopened.
It could not be ascertained if the commission had eventually reopened the case. Odili left office since 2007.
A former governor of Abia State, Theodore Orji, and his sons, Chinedu and Ogbonna, were also under the EFCC’s probe in 2021 for alleged misappropriation of public funds and money laundering to the tune of N551bn. In 2018, the former governor was also accused by the commission of mismanaging N27bn disbursed to the state by the Central Bank of Nigeria for Small and Medium Enterprise during his tenure as governor.
Also, former Governor of Gombe State, Danjuma Goje, was arraigned in 2011 shortly after the end of his eight-year tenure over fraud to the tune of N5bn. The agency however withdrew from the case and handed it over to the office of the Attorney-General for continuation of prosecution. The AGF thereafter entered Nolle prosequi in the matter shortly after the former governor stepped down for Ahmad Lawan, the candidate of the party, to emerge as the Senate President of the ninth National Assembly.
The governor of Sokoto State between 2007 and 2015, Aliyu Wammako, was accused by the EFCC of allegedly diverting N15bn. While the EFCC said the former governor would be invited for interaction, he had yet to be charged to court till date. The former governor had dared the commission that he was ready for legitimate trial.
Also, the anti-graft agency alleged that a former Bayelsa State Governor and immediate past Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, alongside some other persons conspired and used three companies; Marlin Maritime Limited, Eat Catering Services Limited, and Halloween-Blue Construction and Logistics Limited to launder about N19.2bn.
A court case was instituted on the matter in 2012 when the EFCC through a motion sought for an interim order for the forfeiture of 48 houses allegedly belonging to Sylva, which was granted by Justice Mohammed. It also pursued a separate N6bn fraud case against Sylva before Justice Evoh Chukwu of the Federal High Court.
The case was also struck out over the inability of the EFCC to serve Sylva’s co-defendants had caused a setback in upturning the 2015 judgment. The case has been pending before the appellate court since December 22, 2015, and about 48 houses allegedly seized from the former governor have since been returned to him.
A former governor of Enugu State, Sullivan Chime, was also accused by the EFCC of mismanaging the resources of the state and receiving part of the N23bn allegedly shared by a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke for Jonathan’s re-election campaign in 2015.
It was reported that although many persons involved in the N23bn Diezani fund have been charged, there has been no update on Chime’s case. The EFCC said in 2017 that Chime was still under investigation.
A former governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, was arrested in June 2015 for alleged embezzlement of public funds during his eight years as governor of. He was however granted bail. The EFCC said in February 2016 that the former governor was still under probe. His administration was said to have received over N300bn from the federation account between 2003 and 2011, an amount the EFCC alleged was mismanaged. As of press time, there was no update on the investigations.
A former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, who was governor of the state from 2007 to 2015 is currently standing trial with two of his sons – Aminu and Mustapha – before a Federal High Court in Abuja for alleged N1.35bn fraud.
While Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu adjourned the matter till February 18, 19 and 20, 2020, for continuation of trial, not much has been heard about the case in recent times.
Also, a former governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, who served from 2007 until his impeachment in 2014, was accused alongside eight others by the agency of money laundering to the tune of N29bn. The Court of Appeal in January 2022 ordered that the case be returned to the Federal High Court for trial, after Nyako entered a no-case submission.
Former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, was also accused by the EFCC of N6.9bn fraud. The case is ongoing in court, a matter the current leadership is expected to follow to its logical conclusion.
Also, a former Governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang, is facing trial for alleged fraud to the tune of N6.3bn. The EFCC slammed 12 counts bordering on misappropriation of funds. The court acquitted him of the charges, but the commission planned to appeal the case. To public knowledge, the appeal has yet to be filed.
In the same vein, a former Niger State governor, Babangida Aliyu, and two others were accused of diverting N2bn ecological fund. The EFCC has closed its case in the matter, but not much has been of the case since then.
A former governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, was also under investigation for alleged N3.1bn money laundering charges. The trial court, the Federal High Court Abuja has until May 2023 adjourned the case. Hence, the new leadership is expected to follow-up on the case.
The former governor was first arraigned in 2015 before Justice Ahmed Mohammed in the same Abuja division of the court but Justice Mohammed withdrew from the case in July 2019 following a Sahara Reporter’s story accusing him of unethical practices in respect of the case.
Suswam and his ex-commissioner were subsequently re-arraigned before Justice Okon Abang on September 30, 2019.
Also, a former Governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim, had been accused and was being prosecuted by the agency for $2.2m fraud. The matter had been in court but has yet to be concluded based on our correspondents’ findings.
On November 12, 2021, a former Edo State governor, Lucky Igbinedion, was charged for N1.6bn fraud. He was taken into custody by the operatives of the EFCC. The matter has yet to be concluded as of press time.
A former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah, was also charged for alleged N5bn fraud. The matter has continued to drag in the court, a development the current leadership is expected to see to its logical end.
Meanwhile, the cases involving Dasuki and Alison-Madueke have yet to be concluded. For Dasuki, the EFCC accused him of diverting $2.1bn arms fund, while Alison-Madueke had said ir traced N47.2bn, $487.5m to the ex-minister.
Some lawyers who spoke to Sunday PUNCH charged the EFCC to reopen the pending and follow-up on the cases involving the former governors.
Olukoyede vows action
The new chairman, who assumed office on Thursday, has vowed to reposition and refocus the commission for optimal effectiveness.
A statement by the commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, quoted him as saying, “We are going to drive professionalism in discharging our duties in line with the rule of law. The rule of law is going to be our guiding light. We are going to drive EFCC to a place that when you see EFCC personnel, you will see a touch of professionalism. We are also going to be involved more in prevention, because it is better to save money for the government than to spend money in prosecution”.
Senior lawyers reacts
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Victor Okpara, said the country’s image had been dented, adding that just as the issue of yahoo yahoo had brought the country’s name into disrepute, there were some high-profiling individuals who were alleged to have committed economic and financial crimes. He charged the commission to be bold.
He added, “You can’t leave the real thieves that have run this country down and be pursuing pickpockets. I’m not saying those ones should be left alone but honestly you must deal with the real problem and not pursue shadow. Any person that has committed a financial crime or economic crime should be made to face the law no matter your status and that is what the law says.”
Supporting Okpara’s view, Mutalubi Adebayo (SAN) urged the EFCC to prosecute past governors including current ministers involved in alleged financial crimes.
He stated, “The people with immunity are not much, so those former governors who are ministers and the EFCC has a case against them, they should go after them because they have lost their immunity since May 29. If they are found guilty, the President will also know that he had made a wrong appointment.
“The new EFCC chairman should bring onboard his wealth of experience so that before you arrest, you have a case against the person.”
However, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olatunde, expressed concern that the agency needed to do better in prosecuting high-profile cases, saying some politicians failed to appear before it when invited and nothing was done about them.
Also, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof Samson Erugo, said the lack of political will to prosecute the former governors and other politicians made the immediate past leadership of the commission to concentrate more on the ‘Yahoo-yahoo’ boys.
Another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Afam Osigwe, urged the anti-graft agency to discharge its duties regardless of who was involved.
“They should be able to discharge their duties without the fear of favour,” he added.
Another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Babatunde Ajibade, said the EFCC should go after every offender without discrimination. He added, “Whether Yahoo boys or ex-governors or others, they should go after all of them. I think they should go after everybody. Both the yahoo and ex-governors should be held responsible for their offences, they should not discriminate.”
[Punch]
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, pleaded Saturday for a “humanitarian ceasefire” in the war between Israel and Gaza’s Hamas, demanding global “action to end this godawful nightmare”.
Addressing a peace summit in Cairo as the war raged into its third week, Guterres said the tiny Palestinian enclave of 2.4 million people was living through “a humanitarian catastrophe” with thousands dead and more than a million people displaced.
His remarks came just hours after a first contingent of aid trucks rumbled into southern Gaza, which Guterres said needed to be rapidly scaled up, with “much more” help sent through.
The Palestinians need “a continuous delivery of aid to Gaza at the scale that is needed”, he told the Cairo “Summit for Peace” which was attended by many Arab leaders.
The current bloodshed began on October 7 when Hamas militants stormed across the Gaza border into Israel, launching an attack that has killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians, in the deadliest attack on Israeli soil since the state was founded in 1948.
Israel has hit back with a relentless bombing campaign, killing more than 4,100 Palestinians, mainly civilians, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
Although diplomatic efforts to end the violence have made little headway, Cairo — historically a key mediator between Hamas and Israel — announced plans to hold the summit a week into the war, urging “restraint” and calling for a return to peace talks, which have been frozen for years.
Diplomatic efforts have so far focused on getting humanitarian aid into the war-torn enclave where Israel has imposed a total siege, cutting off supplies of water, electricity, fuel and food.
AFP