Ifeanyi Ubah, the lawmaker representing Anambra South Senatorial District has said that South-East leaders are planning to meet President Bola Tinubu for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
Kanu has been in detention for over 2 years which has fueled attacks in the Southeast.
According to Ubah, Kanu's release will help reduce insecurity in the South-East geopolitical zone.
“There is a resolution that we are going to meet with the president and we will tick his leniency and see if it is going to be possible to plead with him to have Nnamdi Kanu released,” Ubah said on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday.
“We have taken that position and for also some of us in the Senate, we have our caucus, we have also taken that position.”
The lawmaker noted that Kanu’s release is part of the discussion to put on table once they are able to get into talks with the President.
He maintained that there is a connection between releasing the IPOB leader and the state of security in the South-East.
Ubah also said that Kanu is not in support of sit-at-home, adding that he has said it publicly in one of his appearances in court.
Further speaking, the lawmaker divorced Kanu’s agitation from the sit-at-home, lamenting that the recent surge of the sit-at-home order is stunting the growth of the economy of the zone.
“The agitation is different, we are talking about sit-at-home which is really deteriorating the economy of the southeast region. The agitation is a political issue about the inequities in how an Igbo man is seen in Nigeria,” he said.
Ubah also said that the South-East leaders are as well considering engaging with the government of Finland to probe sit-at-home crusader, Simon Ekpa.
“We also need to look at the young man that is in Finland that is causing all this problem and see how we can diplomatically engage the government of Finland and show them that he is not really giving a good service. Even though we don’t know if he has taken the nationality of Finland,” he said.
Last week, the Senator had warned Ekpa to carry the sit-at-home crusade to his home state of Ebonyi and leave Anambra State alone.
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi has portrayed the sit-at-home directives in the south-east as the handiwork of a criminal enterprise.
This was contained in a statement posted on his official Twitter page on Thursday by the former Anambra governor, Peter Obi.
He said the sit-at-home orders are not issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), while calling on security agencies to take urgent steps to deal with the heightened insecurity and crime across the country.
Obi also commended south-eastern governors for their efforts in curbing criminal activities in the region, and called for more strategic and intelligence-driven approaches to reduce the suffering on citizens.
“The situation in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau state has raised a lot of anxiety because of the number of lives and properties lost with very little resistance from security operatives,” Obi said.
“Also disturbing is the continued disruption of business and social activities in the South East region over the Sit-at-Home directive purported to be coming from the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, when the body has publicly denied issuing such directive.
“What is going on in the South East therefore is essentially a criminal activity that must be nipped in the bud, with all hands being on deck, security agencies, and the people alike.
“The South East Governors are to be commended for their renewed efforts at curbing this menace but there is a need to be more strategic and intelligence-driven in our approach to reducing the suffering of innocent people.
“Security agencies should take necessary and quick steps to arrest the ugly incidents because the country cannot just be spilling the blood of innocent citizens.
“We as a people through our various governments should up our value for human lives in the way and manner we respond to issues that touch lives.
“The implications of an insecure environment for development are far-reaching because no investor will consider going to an area where their resources will not be safe and secured.”
Obi called on religious, traditional leaders and stakeholders to continue pushing for peace among their people, and called on governments at all levels to take urgent steps to address the widespread poverty and youth unemployment in the land.
“Therefore, I will like to urge critical stakeholders in these areas, traditional, Christian, and Muslim leaders to continue pushing for peace among their people in the way and manner they conduct themselves,” he said.
“The various governments at all levels should also take deliberate steps to address the issue of poverty and youth unemployment because the provision of stomach infrastructure is the surer way to tackle insecurity.
“Also, urgent steps should be taken consciously and intentionally to ameliorate the hardship of the people.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said 12m families will get N8, 000 over a period of six months to ameliorate the hardships faced by Nigerians as a result of subsidy removal.
In a letter to the House of Representatives read by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during plenary on Tuesday, Tinubu said it was support to enable poor and vulnerable Nigerians cope with the cost of meeting basic needs.
The letter was for approval of additional financing for the national social safety net programme scaled up by the National Assembly.
He said this would have a multiplier effect on about 60 million individuals.
In order to guarantee the credibility of the process, he said digital transfers would be made directly to beneficiaries accounts.
Recall that Tinubu requested for approval of a loan facility of $800million from the World Bank to finance the National Safety Net Programme of the Federal Government.
In the letter sent to the Senate, the President said the $800million loan facility is intended to be used to support poor Nigerians and will be disbursed to poor households across the country.
He said the facility is an extension of the unconditional cash transfer being implemented by the Federal Government.
Tinubu’s letter of request for the $800million World Bank loan, reads in part: “Please note that the Federal Executive Council led by President Muhammadu Buhari approved an additional loan facility to the tune of $800 million to be secured from the World Bank for the National Social Safety Net programme. Copy of FEC’s extract attached.
“You may also wish to note that the purpose of the facility is to expand coverage of shock responsive safety net support among the poor and vulnerable Nigerians. This will assist them in coping with basic needs.
“You may further wish to note that under the conditional cash transfer window of the programme, the Federal Government of Nigeria will transfer the sum of N8,000 per month to 12 million poor and low income households for a period of six months, with a multiplier effect on about 60 million individuals.
“In order to guarantee the credibility of the process, digital transfers will be made directly to beneficiaries’ accounts and mobile wallets.
“It is expected that the programme, will stimulate economic activities in the informal sector, and improve nutrition, health, education, and human capital development of beneficiaries’ households.
“Given the above, I wish to invite the Senate to kindly grant approval for the additional loan facility of $800 million to be secured from World Bank for the National Social Safety Net Programme.
“While hoping that this submission will receive expeditious consideration by the Senate, please accept the assurances of my highest regards.”
The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Ibadan on Thursday dismissed the petition challenging Governor Seyi Makinde’s victory at the March 18 governorship election in Oyo State.
Naija News understands that the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) and its candidate had approached the court to challenge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for declaring Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner after polling 563,756 votes.
Respondents in the petition are the PDP and INEC.
Ruling on the petition on Thursday, the tribunal, in its unanimous ruling read by its Chairman, Justice Ejiron Emudainohwo, dismissed the petition and awarded N1 million each as cost in favour of Makinde and PDP against APM.
Emudainohwo described the petition as frivolous, adding that it was scandalous for the petition to be filed 46 days after the party was aware their candidate was not interested in it.
The Judge insists that the cost must be awarded against the petitioner for wasting the time and resources of the respondents in filling their processes and for wasting the time of the tribunal.
Emudainohwo added that being forced to settle the cost would serve as a deterrent for the petitioner.
Earlier, APM’s counsel, Mr Henry Bello, had informed the tribunal that he had applied for a withdrawal of the petition against Makinde.
Bello said the party’s candidate, Adeniran Oluwaseyi, who was supposed to be the beneficiary of the petition, had lost confidence in the petition and has gone on to congratulate Makinde.
He said the petitioner (the party) has nobody to occupy the position even if their petition had been upheld and urged the court to strike out the petition.
Bello said the reason for filing the petition was because the party’s votes were not recorded in many polling units during the March 18 governorship election in the state.
He urged the court not to award any cost against the petitioner because they have committed resources in filing and prosecuting the petition.
He said: “Withdrawing the petition is not because the petitioner is not willing to prosecute the matter, but it is as a result of the attitude of the party’s candidate who is not a party in the matter.”
Bello added that the conduct of the petitioner and its candidate was worthy of sympathy and commendation, urging the tribunal not to award any cost against the petitioner.
In his response, the INEC counsel, Mr Kizito Duru, said he was not opposed to the petition and would also not be asking for cost.
In his reaction, PDP’s counsel, Mr Isiaka Olagunju, said he was not opposed to the petition’s withdrawal and urged the tribunal to award a cost of N2 million against the petitioner.
Olagunju said his client was entitled to the cost because issues had been joined, pleadings completed, pre-hearing completed, and their intention was to commence hearing when they received the withdrawal application.
He urged the tribunal to award the cost against the petitioner for wasting the time of both the tribunal and the respondents.
On his part, Makinde’s counsel, Mr Kunle Kalejaye, said he also got the withdrawal application the day the matter was slated for hearing, but he was not opposed to it.
Kalejaye said the petition ought not to have been filed by the petitioner, who scored 303 votes in the election against his client, who polled 563,756 votes.
He urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition and award a punitive cost of N10 million against the petitioner to serve as a deterrent to others.
Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to charge or release the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele to court within one week.
Emefiele, who was suspended as CBN Governor on June 10, sued the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the DSS Director General and the DSS for unlawful arrest and detention while seeking N5 million as damages against the defendants.
In his originating motion on notice, Emefiele sought to enforce his right to liberty and freedom of movement, arguing there is no basis for his continuous detention.
When the case on the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the issues surrounding the arrest and detention of Emefiele came up for hearing on Thursday, Justice Muazu maintained that it is within the jurisdiction of a State High Court to entertain the charges brought against the former CBN Governor.
He also noted that the DSS acted within the law and its mandate to arrest, detain and investigate for the prevention of breach of national security.
While the court noted that there was evidence before it to show that there was an order from an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court that permitted the security agency to detain Emefiele for 14 days to enable it to conclude its investigations, the judge nonetheless stressed that Emefiele’s fundamental human rights should not be breached under any guise.
Saying that DSS’ power to arrest must be guided by the provisions of the law that stipulated the conditions under which a Nigerian citizen must be held and for how long, Justice Muazu ordered the DSS to charge Emefiele to court within one or have him released.
While stating that though the applicant has not shown that his arrest and detention are unlawful, the presiding judge however emphasised that the charges brought against Emefiele are bailable, in addition to having rights to a fair hearing.
He said: “Though I am in sympathy with the Applicant but my sentiment will not go far to deliver judgment by granting all the reliefs sought by the Applicant.
“The Applicant has not shown that his arrest, detention and investigation were unlawful.
“However, I am concerned that the application is not without merit. The Applicant is entitled to a fair hearing.
“At this point, the continued detention of the Applicant cannot be justified in the absence of any charge against him.
“At the very least, justice demands that Applicant should be released on administrative bail.
“Consequently, I hereby male an order, directing the Respondents to within one week, charge the Applicant to court or release him on administrative bail,”
Speaking with journalists after the court session, Emefiele’s counsel, Dawodu (SAN) expressed optimism that the government would respect the pronouncement of the court.
He said the process for Emefiele to regain his freedom would commence immediately.
“I think the judiciary is on the right track. Seven days have been given to the DSS to either charge him to court or release him on administrative bail.
“We are expecting him to be released on administrative bail today, as we speak, expecting him to be released today in obedience to the court order.
“I do not think that the President who is a newly minted president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will like to start his administration with the organizations under him disobeying court orders.
“He was at the forefront as a NADECO man to chastise military governments for disobeying court orders, now power is in his hand, we’ll see whether he, himself will obey court orders..”
Gov Hyacinth Alia on Thursday declared that no amount of propaganda would stop the ongoing recovery of Benue property stolen by officials of the immediate past administration.
The stolen assets are being recovered by the Assets Recovery Committee set up by the state government.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula, quoted Alia as saying that no amount of propaganda by the People’s Democratic Party would stop the committee from doing its job.
“My administration will use every lawful means to recover all assets belonging to the State.
“What Ortom and his media men must know is that government is focused and determined to use every lawful means in recovering stolen assets.
“Benue people are solidly behind the government and its mission to recover the assets.
“The Assets Recovery Committee is on course and no amount of media facts-twisting and lie-peddling will stop it from carrying out its mandate.”
The statement said that Alia entered into a covenant with Benue people to deliver good governance and was committed to doing so.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the committee on Tuesday raided a private automobile workshop in Makurdi and recovered 20 cars suspected to belong to the state.
(NAN)
The House of Representatives on Thursday approved the request of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for an amendment to the 2022 appropriation act to allow the Federal Government take N500 billion for palliatives to Nigerians to cushion the pains of subsidy removal.
The House at the Committee of supply approved the President’s request after contributions by members of the House who called for proper utilisation of the funds for the purpose it was meant for.
Members took turns to commend the President for taking a bold step to remove fuel subsidy and showing to Nigerians that he was a listening President.
House Leader, Julius Ihonvbare who presented the request to members for debate said the country has a President who listens to the yearning of the people.
Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda however said the proper yardstick to measure a government is whether it is responsible and responsive.
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday asked the Senate to amend the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act and approve a request for obtaining a loan facility of $800million from the World Bank to finance the National Safety Net Programme of the Federal Government.
The President’s request was contained in a letter read by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, at the plenary session.
In the letter sent to the Senate, the President said the $800million loan facility is intended to be used to support poor Nigerians and will be disbursed to poor households across the country.
He said the facility is an extension of the unconditional cash transfer being implemented by the Federal Government.
Also on Thursday, the President urged the Senate to approve a request of N500billion to provide palliatives to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians.
Tinubu’s letter of request for the $800million World Bank loan, reads in part: “Please note that the Federal Executive Council led by President Muhammadu Buhari approved an additional loan facility to the tune of $800 million to be secured from the World Bank for the National Social Safety Net programme. Copy of FEC’s extract attached.
“You may also wish to note that the purpose of the facility is to expand coverage of shock responsive safety net support among the poor and vulnerable Nigerians. This will assist them in coping with basic needs.
“You may further wish to note that under the conditional cash transfer window of the programme, the Federal Government of Nigeria will transfer the sum of N8,000 per month to 12 million poor and low income households for a period of six months, with a multiplier effect on about 60 million individuals.
“In order to guarantee the credibility of the process, digital transfers will be made directly to beneficiaries’ accounts and mobile wallets.
“It is expected that the programme, will stimulate economic activities in the informal sector, and improve nutrition, health, education, and human capital development of beneficiaries’ households.
“Given the above, I wish to invite the Senate to kindly grant approval for the additional loan facility of $800 million to be secured from World Bank for the National Social Safety Net Programme.
“While hoping that this submission will receive expeditious consideration by the Senate, please accept the assurances of my highest regards.”
[PRESS RELEASE] Winners emerge in the 2023 Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Essay competition
Admin*Akoki Aaron Mojolaoluwa, Grand Prize Winner; Olugbenga Dominion Mojolaoluwa, (1st Runner-Up); Ezima Chinasa Margaret, (2nd Runner-Up)
The Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) is pleased to announce the winners of the2023 Essay Competition, which is the 14th edition of the annual youth mentoring and mental capacity development initiative.
The 2023 edition of the competition focused on Nation Building, Good Governance, and National Development. Students from different schools were required to explore Wole Soyinka’s Humanism, Artistry, and Nationalism in their thought process and writing.
The announcement of the Essay winners coincides with the 89th birthday anniversary (July 13) of the Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, the eminent literary artist, teacher, and rights activist, whose exemplary life and career as a global culture icon and humanist, inspired the project.
Since its launch in 2010, the competition has served as a platform to mentor the youths to imbibe the culture of participating I socio-cultural and political discourses in their environment. It enables the young ones to engage in healthy dialogue about national and international issues, testing the creativity and intelligence of the participants, and building their self-esteem.
A record number of one hundred and eleven (111) entries were received from fifty (50) schools from which 89 finalists were selected through a rigorous process of adjudication by a panel of literary workers and social workers.
After the exercise Akoki Aaron Mojolaoluwa, a Senior Secondary school (SS) 2 student of Adedokun International School, Ifo, Ogun State, emerged as the Grand Prize winner of the WSICE 2023 Essay Writing Competition.
The WSICE also wishes to congratulate the following students:
First Runner-up: Olugbenga Dominion Mojolaoluwa - Salawu Abiola Comprehensive School (SNR)
Second Runner-up: Ezima Chinasa Margaret, Anglican Girls Grammar School (SNR)
We thank all schools and students for their participation and remain committed to our goal of fostering unity, bolstering integrity, and instilling qualities of good leadership as values, stated Dr Teju Kareem, the Executive Producer of the annual WSICE.
Below are the WS 89 finalist names and schools in no particular order:
WS 89 FINALIST
|
S/N |
SCHOOL |
NAME |
|
1 |
The Ambassador College, Ota |
Seth-Osahahumen Deborah |
|
2 |
Victory Model College |
Kazeem Sofiat Dolapo |
|
3 |
Dayon College |
Ariyo Aanuoluwapo Peace |
|
4 |
Ijebu Ode Grammar School |
Tope-Ige Joseph. Ayokunnumi |
|
5 |
Braford Schools |
Badejo Temiloluwa |
|
6 |
Salawu Abiola Comprehensive High School |
Olugbenga Dominion Mojolaoluwa |
|
7 |
Peartree International College, Olomore,ABK |
Umar Peter Olamilekan |
|
8 |
Adeola Odutola College (Private) |
Adebisi Oluwamayoma |
|
9 |
Apt Scholars Universal College Iyana-Iyesi |
Otiono Onyeka |
|
10 |
Mulusi College Ijebu Igbo |
Moshood Dhikraa Titilayo |
|
11 |
Ijebu Anglican Diocesan College, Igan Ipabi |
Johnson Jesutofunmi Janet |
|
12 |
Ode Remo High School (SNR) |
Popoola Josephine Adunmide |
|
13 |
Anglican Girls Grammar School Senior private |
Ezima chinasa Margaret |
|
14 |
Abigi Community Grammar School, Abigi |
Abdulrasaq Aishat Omoyemi |
|
15 |
Saapade Grammar School |
Olajide Emmanuel |
|
16 |
Isara Secondary School |
Ogunyemi Samson |
|
17 |
Saint Peters College (Senior) |
Ochola Ngbede Blessed |
|
18 |
Adedokun International School, Gasline |
Adegbayibi Elizabeth |
|
19 |
Salawu Abiola Comprehensive High School |
Adebayo Taiwo Isreal |
|
20 |
Golden Choice College |
Akinola Ayodeji Adeniyi |
|
21 |
The Crescent International High School |
Oyewole Adetimehin Godwin |
|
22 |
Adedokun International School |
Adeniran Micheal Oladapo |
|
23 |
African Church Grammar School (SNR) |
Adebayo Ifeoluwa Adeyemi |
|
24 |
Purpose Driven School Ijoko |
Adams Elizabeth |
|
25 |
Onigege College,Isara |
Micheal Alice Ijogo |
|
26 |
Adedokun International School, Ifo |
Akoki Aaron Mojolaoluwa |
|
27 |
Adedokun International School, Ota |
Micheal-Onu Gabriella Somtochi |
|
28 |
Salawu Abiola Comprehensive High School |
Ahmed-Junaid Aaliyah Ikeola |
|
29 |
Saint Paul College |
Akomolafe Emmanuel Smith |
|
30 |
The Christ Cornerstone High School |
Amusan Oluwafikayomi Emmanuel |
|
31 |
Victory Model College |
Akpoji Micheal Enahmeghonoh |
|
32 |
Saint Paul College |
Kendra Femi-Festus |
|
33 |
Emeritus Prof T.O Oguniesi Model Secondary |
Amos-Chidi Cherish Oluwatamilore |
|
34 |
Judah Rhema College |
Sunday Justice Ojonugwa |
|
35 |
Adeola Odutola College (Private) |
Adedapo Racheal |
|
36 |
Braford Schools |
Ikumawoyi Emmanuel |
|
37 |
Adedokun International School, Ifo |
Shoge Almubarak Eyiwunmide |
|
38 |
Braford Schools |
Jones Isaac Edidiong |
|
39 |
Saint Peters College (Senior) Olomore |
Musediq Yemioluwa Rukayat |
|
40 |
African Church Grammar School (SNR) |
Ojerinde Kehinde Micheal |
|
41 |
Isara Secondary School |
Ogunbade Olansile |
|
42 |
African Church Grammar School (SNR) |
Ojerinde Taiwo Gabriel |
|
43 |
Peartree International College, Olomore,ABK |
Oyedele Ifemibo |
|
44 |
Baptist Boys High School |
Eyiowuawi Enoch Mayowa |
|
45 |
Hope Immaculate Comprehensive High School Ijebu Igbo |
Omorilewa Oreoluwa Shalom |
|
46 |
Peartree International College, Olomore,ABK |
Balogun Esther O. |
|
47 |
Standard Bridge Comprehensive Model College Ipokia LGA |
Suuru Sarah Damilola |
|
48 |
Adedokun International School, Gasline |
Olumodeji Naomi Busayomi |
|
49 |
The Christ Cornerstone High School |
Sadiq Sumayah Aderinsola |
|
50 |
Saint Peters College (Senior) College |
Odukoya Adunola Precious |
|
51 |
Advanced Breed Comprehensive College |
Okosun Rejoice Obehi |
|
52 |
Isara Secondary School |
Fatimehin Iyanuoluwa |
|
53 |
Advanced Breed Comprehensive College |
Fadero Peace Oluwaferanmi |
|
54 |
Adeola Odutola College (Private) |
Osanyintola Oyinade Elizabeth |
|
55 |
Advanced Breed Comprehensive College |
Kunle-Ajayi Oluwasetemi John |
|
56 |
African Church Grammar School (SNR) |
Olushola Divine Glory |
|
57 |
Advanced Breed Comprehensive College |
Oguntayo Tofunmi Victoria |
|
58 |
Braford Schools |
Ojo Samuel Oluwasegun |
|
59 |
Advanced Breed Comprehensive College |
Olayinka Gloria Blessed |
|
60 |
The Christ Cornerstone High School |
Kehinde Oluwabusolami Favour |
|
61 |
Ilusin Grammar School Ilusin (Senior) |
Gbadamosi Kafilat Glory |
|
62 |
The Christ Cornerstone High School |
Mosaku Precious Atuntirireoluwa |
|
63 |
Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro |
Yusuf Ayobami Mary |
|
64 |
Standard Bridge Comprehensive Model College Ipokia LGA |
Kudeti Kazeem Babatunde |
|
65 |
Agunbiade Victory High School, Magbon |
Atoh Bolaji Abiodun |
|
66 |
Yewa Secondary School (SNR) Igbogila |
Bamgbose Oluwatobiloba Olamilekan |
|
67 |
Abeokuta Grammar School |
Nwabueze Precious Kachi |
|
68 |
Itele High School (SNR) Ijebu Itele |
Akpavie Eoma Fehintoluwa |
|
69 |
Sanni Luba College, Ijebu Ode |
Arowosola Ololade |
|
70 |
The Christ Cornerstone High School |
Asipa Francis Toluwanimi |
|
71 |
Victory Model College |
Kazeem Sofiat Dolapo |
|
72 |
Sunnarian Model College, Abigi |
Salami Rukayat Omolade |
|
73 |
Saint Paul College |
Abe Enoch Oluwanifemi |
|
74 |
Isara Secondary School |
Sotikare Oluwasegun |
|
75 |
African Church Grammar School (SNR) |
Alex Monday Emmanuel |
|
76 |
Nawair-ud-deen High School |
Adewunmi Elijah Akorede |
|
77 |
Saint Peters College (Senior) |
Oloyede Ikmat Ayomide |
|
78 |
Saint Paul College, Sagamu |
Odusanya Oluwatomisin |
|
79 |
Methodist High School (Senior) Arigbajo |
Akinbode Ayomikun Deborah |
|
80 |
Saint Paul College |
Osinowo Omotayo |
|
81 |
Standard Bridge Comprehensive Model College Ipokia LGA |
Adeniyi Lukman Olamilekan |
|
82 |
Emeritus Prof T.O Oguniesi Model Secondary |
Ekundayo Amirat Bisoye |
|
83 |
Efire Community High School, Efire |
Oluwole Esther |
|
84 |
Visionmate Comprehensive Academy |
Olutayo Ayomide |
|
85 |
Standard Bridge Comprehensive Model College Ipokia LGA |
Saanu Seseyon Emmanuel |
|
86 |
Pakoto High School, Ayede Ifo |
Okeke Cynthia |
|
87 |
Peartree International College, Olomore,ABK |
Sanusi Faidat Blessing |
|
88 |
Pacesetters College, Ayetoro |
Oyebanjo Oreoluwa Favour |
|
89 |
St Anthony's Grammar Sch (SNR)esure,ijebu |
Akinola Oluwanifemi Elizabeth |
Media & Communications Unit
Tel: +2347082713477
I Liked You Before Because You Condemned Buhari, Now I Know You Are Worse Than Him – Charly Boy Tackles Ortom
AdminVeteran Nigerian entertainer, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has reacted to the recovery of exotic vehicles allegedly belonging to the former governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom.
Naija News recalls that the asset recovery committee set up by the new Benue State governor, Hyacinth Alia, had raided an automobile shop reportedly belonging to Ortom.
Alia had accused the former governor’s administration of looting, maintaining that he “met no single car or truck in the government house”.
The committee was said to have seized some vehicles during the operation and used towing vans to pull out others, after attempts to drive them away failed.
Reacting to the development via his Twitter handle, Charly Boy lamented that he was disappointed with Ortom.
He berated Ortom for constantly condemning the government of former President Muhammadu Buhari whilst also getting involved in questionable acts.
He wrote, “See as Ortom go fall my hand.
“How come dem discover over 30 cars for ur garage, wetin you dey take am do.
“Na only u alone wan ride 30cars, una don craze be dat.
“Before, I bin like U small as u dey follow us tackle Buhari, I no know say u fk up pass
“I hope all the salaries U dey owe, say u pay before u leave.
“Kai, U no just try at all.
“APC/PDP who thief pass?
“Der Fathers.”
More...
Sanusi Weighs In On The Ecobank Vs. Otudeko Saga - Calls For Action From The Bankers’ Committee
AdminSays Dispute Was Resolved By Committee In 2015 And Urged Parties To Honour Resolution
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, has affirmed that the ruling of the Bankers’ Committee regarding the contentious issue between Ecobank Nigeria Limited and Honeywell Group over an alleged N5 billion debt still stands.
Sanusi said the Bankers’ Committee, acting as a consensus-based body, has the authority to make binding decisions for banks.
“The Bankers’ Committee by consensus, in general, makes binding rulings for banks. All the banks submit to its decisions. It acts almost like an arbitral court but no it is not a court,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of the committee’s rulings, Sanusi said that bankers themselves understand their rules and practices better than the courts, making the committee’s decisions widely respected and followed within the banking sector.
“However, this is a ruling by peers that all tend to abide by because these things go around. Bankers actually know their own rules and practices better than the courts,” he said.
The dispute between Ecobank Nigeria and Honeywell Group over the alleged N5 billion debt seems to have been resolved as early as 2015, following the declaration by the Bankers’ Committee.
According to a report from the committee’s Ethics and Professionalism sub-committee, the agreement for Honeywell to pay Ecobank N3.5 billion as a full and final settlement was deemed valid and should be honoured.
In response to a letter from Ecobank Nigeria, lawyers representing Oba Otudeko clarified that the claims made about decisions from the Supreme Court in case SC/CV/210/2021 on January 27, 2023, affirming the indebtedness of their client or Honeywell Group Plc were false.
The lawyers stated, “The letter falsely alleges that there was a decision of the Supreme Court in SC/CV/210/2021 made on 27th January 2023 ‘affirming the indebtedness’ of our clients and that the decision also ‘commanded,’ our above-stated clients to perform certain acts, neither Dr. Oba Otudeko, CFR nor Honeywell Group Plc was a party to the Supreme Court decision/proceedings and no order was made against them.”
They further clarified that the specific amount of N13,507,052,417.99 mentioned in Ecobank’s letter was not part of any court decision or judgment in Nigeria or elsewhere.
“The sum of N13,507,052,417.99 (thirteen billion, five hundred and seven million, fifty-two thousand, four hundred and seventeen naira, ninety-nine kobo) stated in Ecobank’s letter is/was not contained in the Supreme Court decision or any extant Court decision in Nigeria or elsewhere. No order of the court has also awarded same or any judgment sum (as debt owed) at all in favour of Ecobank as a liability from our clients or any of the Honeywell companies.”
The lawyers concluded that no court order has awarded such a sum as a debt owed by their clients, or any of the Honeywell companies, in favor of Ecobank.
The Bankers’ Committee, in the June 26, 2015 report, with reference number ODA/FMA/BUO/1493, said it received a petition that Ecobank was “attempting to renege on a settlement agreement” on facilities it granted to Anchorage Leisures Limited, Siloam Global Services Limited and Honeywell Flour Mills Plc.
The committee’s report, which was addressed to Ecobank’s managing director and chief executive, said “after several offers and counter offers with respect to the amount for the settlement, the parties agreed at the meeting of 22nd July 2013, involving your bank’s MD/CEO and the Honeywell Group chairman that Honeywell would pay the sum of N3.5 billion in full and final settlement of the indebtedness of the three companies. It was also agreed that Honeywell would immediately proceed to pay the sum of N500 million as a sign of faith towards the agreement.”
According to the report, Honeywell paid the agreed N500 million to Ecobank on July 23, 2013 and completed payment of the agreed N3.5 billion on January 10, 2014. Thereafter, the group requested for a letter of discharge from Ecobank.
However, Ecobank in a November 14, 2014 letter to Honeywell Group, claimed that the N3.5 billion was a partial payment and that the agreement that the sum was in full and final settlement was an “in principle understanding”.
How it all started
On July 23, 2013, Honeywell wrote to Ecobank accepting the terms for the resolution of the claim by the bank as agreed at the meeting held the day earlier and saying, “we confirm our agreement to pay the sum of N3.5billion as full and final settlement of our indebtedness to your bank. As part of the verbal agreement reached at the meeting, we shall immediately pay the sum of N500 million towards the facilities. We propose that the balance of N3 billion be paid in three equal half-yearly payments.”
That same day, Ecobank sent back a response in which the bank said, “please note that the agreement was for a full and final payment of N3.5 billion to be partly paid immediately by – N500 million on Monday, July 22, 2013, and the balance to be paid immediately thereafter before the CBN examiners leave the bank.”
The timing of the payment became a big issue and this saw both parties moving their wranglings to the court on October 16, 2015, via a suit by Ecobank before Justice Tsoho seeking to wind up Honeywell.
However, both parties began to get public attention for their dispute after Ecobank secured an ex-parte motion to restrain Honeywell and Oba Otudeko from operating their accounts in all banks and financial institutions and an order directing their respective banks to furnish Ecobank with details of their accounts in the banks.
This same bank-customer dispute was submitted to the subcommittee of ethics and professionalism of the Bankers’ Committee for adjudication and ruling was issued in favour of Honeywell, but Ecobank in a letter dated November 14, 2014, maintained that “during a recent CBN/NDIC review of the bank, the accounts were flagged and that the CBN had insisted that the amount outstanding be paid without further delay.”
On August 6, 2015, Honeywell filed a suit before Justice M. B. Idris in which it sought an interim injunction to restrain Ecobank from making any representation suggesting that it owed the bank and on August 10, 2015, the interim injunction was granted and both parties ordered by the court to maintain status quo.
Following this, Ecobank filed a preliminary objection on the basis that the Federal High court lacked jurisdiction to hear the dispute and on December 11, 2015, the court presided by Justice Idris held that the Federal High court had jurisdiction to hear the matter. Ecobank immediately appealed this decision.
On October 16, 2015, Ecobank filed two separate suits before Justice Abang. On this same day, Ecobank filed another two petitions before Justice Yunusa who on December 4, 2015, varied the ex-parte orders by granting Honeywell Flour Mills restricted access to its bank’s accounts allowing the company to take no more than N15 million weekly.
On July 13, 2018, justices of the Supreme Court made two rulings, both in favour of Honeywell.
In one, suit number SC.401/2016, which was an appeal by Honeywell against the ruling of a lower court in favour of Ecobank, the justices in the ruling read by Amiru Sanusi upheld the appeal.
In another ruling delivered by John Inyang Okoro, the Supreme Court justices reviewed an appeal brought before them by Ecobank in relation to the judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered on March 30, 2016, said inter alia, “having resolved all five issues against the appellant (Ecobank) , I hold that this appeal lacks merit and is hereby dismissed. I affirm the decision of the court of appeal delivered on 30th March 2016.”
In doing so, the Supreme Court justice said, “honestly, I have tried to understand the complaint of the appellant in this issue but it appears to be the more you look, the less you see.”
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, says contrary to insinuations, the lawmakers are not as rich as being projected to the public.
Rep. Kingsley Chinda, the Minority Leader of the House, representing the speaker, said this at an interactive session with the House press corps organised by the ad hoc committee on Media and Public Affairs, in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to him, this arm of government isn’t as rich as being projected.
“You have heard that members go home with N30 million every week or that we earn more than American lawmakers.
“And when you tell people that these are not correct, we can’t achieve success because it is coming from us, but when it comes from the media, people will believe it because it came from you,” Abbas said.
He said one of the cardinal points of the 10th Assembly was putting round peg in a round hole, adding that the parliament remained the unsung arm of government and their success depended on the media.
He described the media as partner in progress of the Nigeria project, while urging the media to reciprocate the gesture.
“If democracy must succeed, the parliament must be strengthened through the media. We are not asking you not to give information but give correct and accurate information.”
Also speaking on behalf of the minority caucus in the House, Kingsley said their role as minority was to ensure that the House stood straight by checkmating the ruling party.
“If criticisms are not constructive that is dangerous to us. Let your information not destroy us, but should right the wrong in the society.”
Rep. Khadijat Bukar-Abba, the Chairman, ad hoc Committee on Media and Public Affairs, said the House would sustain efforts to engage with everyone with a stake in the affairs of the House and the committee.
“Together, we can make the House of Reps and Committee proud in discharging her responsibilities,” she said.
On his part, Rep. Julius Ihvonbere, the Majority Leader of the House, lamented that the lawmakers were not telling their stories as they should.
He said the 10th House would strenthen those that would work on media and media related issues to put their stories out and not a recycling of the usual perspectives.
He said it was unfortunate that some constituents still believe that constituency money were given to lawmakers, adding that even his own constituency believed the narrative.
According to him, this time, there will be an effort to pay attention and define the narrative. we will engage and communicate better.
(NAN)
A young man, Abdulgafar Ayanrinde, who claimed to have dropped out of the University of Ibadan where he studied Law, has been sentenced to six years imprisonment for impersonating a legal practitioner and committing fraud.
Ayanrinde, aged 25, had been dragged before a Magistrate’s Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State, by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps in the state and slammed with a two-count charge bordering on impersonation and fraud.
He was said to have impersonated a legal practitioner and duped a Point of Sales operator.
When Ayanrinde was arrested and paraded by the corps in Osogbo recently, he had revealed that he ventured into criminal acts to spite his father whom he claimed to be a prominent Senior Advocate of Nigeria in Ibadan, Oyo State.
He had disclosed that he dropped out of the university at 200 level (Faculty of Law), owing to lack of money.
He confessed to have paraded himself as a SAN and deceived unsuspecting litigants into hiring him.
The NSCDC prosecuting counsel, T. J. Ayayi, had informed the court, upon arraignment, that Ayarinde paraded himself as a lawyer at the premises of the Osun State High Court on May 22, 2023 and also defrauded a female PoS agent of the sum of N150,000 at INEC Area, Osogbo on May 18, this year.
Ayanrinde had also admitted to having presented himself as a SAN to dupe five unsuspecting members of the public of their hard earned money.
He also confessed to stealing an iPhone worth N450,000,00.
The charge had read, “That you Ayanrinde Abdulgafar on the 22nd day of May, 2023, at the Osun State High Court, Oke-Fia, Osogbo, Osun State, in the Osogbo Magisterial District, willfully represented yourself to one Abdulsalam Adbulhafeez Abiodun that you are a legal practitioner and did pretend that you are qualified to act as a legal practitioner, representation which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(1) of the Legal Practitioners Act, Cap L11, LFN 2004 and punishable under the same section.
“That you (defendant) on the 18th day of May, 2023, at INEC Area, Osogbo, Osun State, in the Osogbo Magisterial District, with intent to defraud, did obtain the sum of N150,000. 00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) from one Adeoye Iyanu Seun on the pretence that you would transfer the said sum to her Polaris Bank Account, a pretence which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(2) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act – Cap A6 L.F.N. 2004 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”
Ayanrinde had pleaded guilty to the allegations.
He was not represented by any lawyer in court.
The prosecutor had urged the court to adjourn the matter in order for him to prepare for the presentation of facts in lieu of the defendant’s guilty-plea.
The presiding magistrate, M. A. Olatunji had adjourned for presentation of facts.
When the matter was mentioned for presentation of facts, the corps prosecutor had proved to the court that the defendant specialized in fraud, impersonation, stealing and obtaining money under false pretence.
However, Magistrate Olatunji found him guilty of the charges and convicted him accordingly.
Delivering her judgement, Olatunji sentenced Ayanrinde to three years imprisonment on first count charge and another three years on the second charge.
The magistrate further ordered the transfer of the sum of N150,000, being part of the proceeds of the crime from the convict’s bank account to one of the victims, Adeoye Iyanu Seun’s account while the Nigeria Correctional Service should provide facility and enabling environment for the academic advancement of the convict while in custody.
Reacting to the judgement in a statement issued on Wednesday by the corps Public Relations Officer, Kehinde Adeleke, the state NSCDC Commandant, Agboola Sunday called on parents and guardians to cater for their children and wards adequately.
He urged youths to embark on productive ventures that add value to their lives, rather than embarking on crimes and criminalities.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, met with the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulkarim Chukkol.
The meeting comes about a month after he suspended the chairman of the commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, who has since been detained by the Department of State Service (DSS).
No information was released on the closed-door meeting, which took inside the president’s office.
Bawa had been directed to handover the affairs of the anti-graft agency to Chukkol who is the Director of Operations in the commission.